Sanford V Levinson in the Media

The Texas Tribune November 24, 2025

Gov. Greg Abbott, long a defender of states’ rights, embraces Trump’s push to expand presidential power

Professor Sanford Levinson and Adjunct Professor Mimi Marziani examine how Governor Greg Abbott's historical views on states' rights may conflict with recent actions ceding power to the federal government, such as redrawing congressional districts, sending Texas National Guard members to Illinois and Oregon, and sharing voter registration data with the Justice Department.

More of: Mimi Marziani

ProPublica August 25, 2025

The Texas Redistricting Fight Has Been the Testing Ground for the Trump Administration’s Latest Legal Strategy

Professor Sanford Levinson warns about the implications of the Trump administration's strategy for redistricting that departs from constitutional norms to increase loyalty to himself.

Justia July 23, 2025

No Exit: There’s Been Talk of Secession; Could It Occur Nowadays?

Professor Sanford Levinson sees secession as impractical in today’s U.S. but argues it remains a vital topic for academic debate as it sheds light on self-determination, governance, and the meaning of democracy.

TRT Global June 26, 2025

No invasion or rebellion — Experts question legality of Trump’s troop deployment in Los Angeles

In a story about the legality of the deployment of National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles, Professor Sanford Levinson observes that the current majority in Congress is placing personal loyalty to the president above its duty to hold him accountable.

The Nation June 13, 2025

If an Authoritarian Trump Seizes More Power, Should Blue States Secede?

Professor Sanford Levinson argues that, from a legal perspective, the peaceful secession of blue states is defensible and preferable to a divided nation; however, it is politically inconceivable due to the geographically mixed, deep polarization in our society.

Miami Herald May 30, 2025

Taking money for presidential pardons? It’s likely legal — with a catch, experts say

Professor Sanford Levinson highlights the challenges of prosecuting an individual accused of bribing the president for a pardon, citing a recent Supreme Court decision that shields the president from evidentiary interrogation.

Newsweek December 30, 2024

How Will Donald Trump Change America in 2025?

Professor Sanford Levinson suggests that Donald Trump's rhetoric has spurred "normalization" of extremist ideas that will alter American political norms.

Newsweek December 3, 2024

Should U.S. Strip Presidents of Pardon Power?

Professor Sanford Levinson provides valuable historical insight into whether presidents should have the power to pardon, and offered the idea of a new constitutional convention where issues related to the political structures could be debated.

The Daily Texan November 5, 2024

Democracy is on the ballot

Professor Sanford Levinson authored an opinion piece that explores the potential threats to democracy that could accompany a second Trump term.

Lawfare October 22, 2024

Chatter: Constitutional Fragility with Sandy Levinson

Professor Sanford Levinson is interviewed on Lawfare's Chatter podcast about the Constitution's fragility and how revisions may allow it to better manage gridlock, AI, and the potential of a contested election.

The New Yorker September 24, 2024

Is It Time to Torch the Constitution?

Professor Sanford Levinson's 2006 book, “Our Undemocratic Constitution," is referenced in an opinion piece exploring the idea of a new constitutional convention.

Creators Syndicate July 3, 2024

Time to save republic from Supreme Court

Professor Sanford Levinson was quoted regarding the Supreme Court's influence over the interpretation of the Constitution.