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
August 28, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 28, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 27, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 26, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 26, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 25, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 25, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 20, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 19, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 19, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 18, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 18, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
August 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
August 13, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator