It's Complicated

It's Complicated

Join former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti and former FBI Special Agent and Yale Law School lecturer Asha Rangappa as they break down for Legal AF the biggest legal and political stories with sharp insight, real experience, and an unapologetic pro-democracy perspective. No spin, no both-sides nonsense — just the facts, the law, and what it all means for our democracy.

Episodes

December 5, 2025 50 mins
After a bombshell report that the U.S. military targeted and killed shipwrecked survivors of a Venezuelan boat strike, Congressional lawmakers from both sides of the aisle announced they’d be investigating the potentially illegal act. Asha and Renato speak with NYU law professor Ryan Goodman to find out if the Trump administration committed a war crime and who could be held accountable. Plus, they cover the latest developments in a...
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Several Democratic lawmakers recently released a video reminding members of the U.S. military that they can refuse illegal orders. An angry President Trump called the lawmakers traitors and accused them of sedition on Truth Social. After Trump’s post, the Pentagon announced it’s looking into allegations of “misconduct” by one of the lawmakers, Sen. Mark Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot, and the FBI appears to be investigating the ...
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It’s been a doozy of a week in the James Comey case, with a federal magistrate judge saying that “government misconduct may have tainted the grand jury proceeding.” On this episode of It’s Complicated, Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa analyze the litany of shocking mistakes made by newbie prosecutor Lindsay Halligan and point out Comey’s best chance for having the indictment dismissed. Then, they discuss President Trump’s rare def...
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An Illinois federal judge says immigration agents’ use of force during Chicago protests “shocks the conscience” and has moved to rein them in, issuing a preliminary injunction that limits their use of tear gas and pepper balls. But the Trump administration is appealing, accusing the judge of overreach. Asha and Renato unpack the “separation of powers” principle and discuss the limits on judges’ ability to make the executive branch ...
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The Jim Comey case is intensifying, from motions to dismiss to a missing transcript. Asha and Renato unpack the latest developments - including how Pam Bondi’s retroactive appointment of prosecutor Lindsey Halligan could upend the case - and that of Letitia James. The Supreme Court justices also seem very skeptical of Trump’s tariff arguments. Could this unravel one of his signature policies? Don’t miss it! Asha Substack: https:...
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The NBA is reeling after an FBI probe led to the high-profile arrests of Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier and exposed a widening gambling scandal inside the league. Asha and Renato break down the charges - from game-fixing to insider bets - and what it means for the future of sports betting and league integrity. Plus, Trump’s openly talking about a third term - what the Constitution actually says and how fragile our guardrails mi...
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The Supreme Court seems poised to gut the Voting Rights Act - a move that could cement Republican power and green-light racial gerrymanders for decades. Rick Hasen joins Asha and Renato to unpack what’s at stake in Louisiana v. Callais and what it means for democracy. Plus, breaking down the unprecedented Espionage Act indictment of John Bolton. Don't miss it! Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/ Subscribe to our podc...
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Leticia James has been indicted - the latest target in Trump’s use of the Justice Department against his adversaries. Asha and Renato break down the indictment and what it means for anyone who dares to take Trump on. Then, a look at NSPM-7, Trump’s sweeping memo so vaguely written it could label almost anyone - protester, journalist, or donor - as a “domestic terrorist.” Tune in! Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Sub...
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A judge in Oregon has blocked Trump sending the National Guard for now, but in Illinois, federal troops are already on the ground - over the governor’s objections. Asha and Renato dig into Trump’s escalating use of the Guard in Democratic cities and whether the courts can rein him in. Plus, another strike on a boat off Venezuela - no congressional approval, dubious legal basis and growing fears Trump is pushing the US toward war. D...
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Trump is openly pushing to use American cities as “training grounds” for the military and targeting “the enemy within.” Ret. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Asha and Renato to break down the unprecedented meeting with top military brass - and what it means for the country and democracy. Plus, the stunning indictment of former FBI Director Jim Comey, a dramatic escalation in Trump’s campaign to weaponize the Justice Department against ...
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Trump's pressure on the Justice Department may be coming to fruition with an impending indictment against former FBI Director Jim Comey - while his border czar Tom Homan is facing bribery allegations that the department quietly shut down. Asha and Renato dig into the growing concerns over DOJ independence and the corruption probes vanishing inside the administration. Plus, the $100,000 H-1B visa fee that sent tech firms and immigra...
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Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension is an ominous sign of how far Trump and his allies are willing to push the limits of government power - and how corporations are giving in. But when does state pressure cross the line into unconstitutional censorship? Asha and Renato dig into when the government can be found to coerce private organizations and what it all means for free speech. Plus, an in-depth look at the charges for the man suspected of...
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SCOTUS gives the green light for roving ICE patrols to stop people based on race and ethnicity - what does this mean for civil liberties and the Fourth Amendment? Asha and Renato unpack the decision - and why the Court is increasingly relying on the "shadow docket" to hand the Trump administration win after win without scrutiny. Plus, the tariff case that could expand Trump's power over the economy and sideline Congress with billio...
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Trump is turning to the Texas National Guard to send troops to Chicago - but why Texas? Asha and Renato dig into why state control might give him a way around federal limits and what could happen if Illinois pushes back. And a US strike on alleged cartel ships in Venezuela - what does it mean for how Trump can use his war powers against anyone he deems a ‘threat?’ Tune in, you won't want to miss it!Cruise: https://www.travelstore.c...
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Can Trump actually fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook? It’s something no president has ever tried before – Asha and Renato break down why it’s such a big deal and likely headed to the Supreme Court. Plus, the FBI raid on John Bolton raises serious questions: Is Trump's DOJ crossing the line by targeting political opponents? Tune in and find out!Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.c...
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Can the Trump DOJ make a criminal case against Adam Schiff and Letitia James? And can he really do this in other cities across the country? Asha and Renato dig in and explore potential charges and defenses. Also, Gavin Newsom is hitting back against Trump on social media.  How can other Democrats do the same. Tune in to get the whole story! Cruise with us: https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/ Ash...
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Is Trump's federal law enforcement and military takeover of D.C. legal? And can he really do this in other cities across the country? Asha and Renato do a deep dive with a special guest to look at what to expect. Also, big surprise (not) -- a judge denies the release of grand jury transcripts in Ghislaine Maxwell's case and the judge calls out the Trump administration's shenanigans. Tune in to get the whole story! Cruise with u...
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Can Trump distract his base from his involvement in the Epstein files scandal? Asha and Renato discuss the Ghislane Maxwell interview and the “Russia hoax” distraction. Plus, why Trump wants the FBI to arrest Texas legislators. Stay tuned to the end for another big announcement for It's Complicated! Virtual Meet and Greet Aug 13th: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=ulj-YG6M8kS_691M0FALjfmFfLYa_OpBnph9e1Co8ftUQjl...
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Could Ghislaine Maxwell get a Get Out of Jail Free card? She might -- from Trump or even the Supreme Court. Asha and Renato discuss the various legal escape routes Maxwell may try to use to avoid serving her full sentence. Plus, why Trump is taking on Rupert Murdoch in court. Stay tuned to the end for a big announcement for It's Complicated! Cruise Info: https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/ Asha...
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Can Trump get away with keeping the Epstein files away from the public? Asha and Renato are both skeptical. And they both dive into Trump’s attempt to bypass the Senate to keep Alina Habba as the U.S. Attorney in New Jersey. Can he keep her there indefinitely without Senate confirmation? Tune in and find out! Contact Asha & Renato: https://asharangappa.com/contact-form/ Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com Subscr...
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