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
September 25, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 25, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 24, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 23, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 23, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 22, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 21, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 18, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 18, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
56:45
September 17, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 16, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 16, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 15, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 15, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 14, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 11, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 11, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
September 10, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
57:46
September 10, 2026 - PBS News Hour full episode
Active loading indicator