Why International Law Can’t Stop Trump

Why International Law Can’t Stop Trump

From What Next | Daily News and Analysis by Slate Podcasts

April 20, 2026 · 26 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the Trump administration's perceived immunity from international law.

From bombing fishing boats in the Caribbean, to kidnapping Nicolás Maduro, to the Iran War, the Trump administration seems to operate like it has just as much immunity from international law as John Roberts says it has domestically. They’re probably not wrong. Guest: Philippe Sands, professor of law at University College London, Want more What Next? Subscribe to Slate Plus to access ad-free listening to the whole What Next family and across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe today on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Sign up now at slate.com/whatnextplus to get access wherever you listen. Podcast production by Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People in this episode

Hosts: Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, Rob Gunther

Guest: Philippe Sands

Topics covered

  • international law
  • Trump administration
  • immunity
  • politics

Keywords

  • law
  • Nicolás Maduro
  • Iran War
  • Caribbean

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Slate Plus, Apple Podcasts

Books & works: What Next

Places: Caribbean

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