Elie Mystal

Justice Correspondent & Columnist

@ElieNYC

Elie Mystal is The Nation’s justice correspondent and a columnist. He is also an Alfred Knobler Fellow at the Type Media Center. He is the author of two books: the New York Times bestseller Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution and Bad Law: Ten Popular Laws That Are Ruining America, both published by The New Press. You can subscribe to his Nation newsletter “Elie v. U.S.” here.

The signing of the US Constitution in 1787, in a painting by Junius Brutus Stearns.

Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights To Everyone Else? Will America Ever Give White-Man Rights To Everyone Else?

If we want to make it another 250 years, the Constitution is going to have to do a lot more than protect individual political and civil rights.

Jun 23, 2026 / Feature / Elie Mystal

I Hope Iran Wins at the World Cup

I Hope Iran Wins at the World Cup I Hope Iran Wins at the World Cup

In this week’s Elie v. US, our Justice Correspondent explains why he’s rooting for the Iranian national soccer team. Plus: the DOJ’s scary rollback of gun regulations.

Jun 19, 2026 / Elie Mystal

The statue “Guardian or Authority of Law,” above the west front plaza of the US Supreme Court Building.

The Supreme Court Has Agreed to Protect Drug Users The Supreme Court Has Agreed to Protect Drug Users

As long as they’re packing heat.

Jun 18, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents run out of Delaney Hall Immigration Detention Center on June 7, 2026.

The Trump Administration Is Addicted to Violence The Trump Administration Is Addicted to Violence

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent warns of a potential ICE invasion of New York. Plus: The administration escalates its assault on trans rights.

Jun 12, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies before Congress.

Trump’s AG Appointee Is a Literal Sock Puppet Trump’s AG Appointee Is a Literal Sock Puppet

Todd Blanche might be the most craven attorney general yet. Thankfully, he’s also incompetent.

Jun 10, 2026 / Elie Mystal

The GOP Is Not a Political Party—It’s a Cult

The GOP Is Not a Political Party—It’s a Cult The GOP Is Not a Political Party—It’s a Cult

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent marvels at Trump’s enduring hold over the GOP mind. Plus: the dumbest CEO in the gaming industry.

May 29, 2026 / Elie Mystal

Demonstrators hold signs in support of Black voting rights outside the Supreme Court on October 15, 2025.

Jim Crow Just Suffered a Temporary Setback—in Alabama Jim Crow Just Suffered a Temporary Setback—in Alabama

A federal district court struck down the state’s new congressional map as an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

May 27, 2026 / Elie Mystal

George Washington, left, with other officers including De Kalb, Von Steuben, Pulaski, Kosciouszko, Lafayette and Muhlenberg.

The American Revolution Was a Mistake The American Revolution Was a Mistake

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent dissects Ken Burns's American Revolution documentary. Plus: the DNC’s autopsy report.

May 22, 2026 / Elie Mystal

A “Stop the Steal” protester on January 6, 2021.

Trump Just Created a White Grievance Reparations Fund Trump Just Created a White Grievance Reparations Fund

And it will be paid for with your tax dollars.

May 19, 2026 / Elie Mystal

There’s No Way to Compensate for the Loss of Black Voting Power

There’s No Way to Compensate for the Loss of Black Voting Power There’s No Way to Compensate for the Loss of Black Voting Power

In this week’s Elie v. US, our justice correspondent examines Democrats’ strategy to combat GOP gerrymanders. Plus: a look at the next major anti-trans case.

May 15, 2026 / Elie Mystal

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