Skip to main content
Back to Show
PBS News Hour

Could a 'national emergency' allow Trump to build wall?

President Trump has threatened to use executive power to declare a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and obtain funds for a border wall without approval from Congress. But would such a dramatic move be legal? William Brangham asks Elizabeth Goitein of NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice how a national emergency is defined and what powers become available after one is declared.

Support Provided By
Season
July 28, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 28, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 23, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 23, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 16, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 16, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 15, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 15, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
July 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
July 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator