Tariffs have been shaping American policy since 1792, but the legal framework behind them is anything but settled. This week, Elisa is joined by Professor Kathleen Claussen of Georgetown Law to unpack the constitutional authority for imposing tariffs, how presidents have used emergency powers to reshape trade policy, and why legal challenges continue to surface. From historical precedent to national security declarations, they explore the shifting landscape of trade law—and what young lawyers should know before stepping into the field.

Kathleen Claussen is a professor of international and economic law at Georgetown University School of Law.

References:

Taussig, F. W. The Tariff History of the United States. Nabu Press, 1914.

"Alexander Hamilton’s Final Version of the Report on the Subject of Manufactures, [5 December 1791],” Founders Online, National Archives

U.S. Constitution, Article I Section 8

Section 301, The Trade Act of 1974

Section 232, The Trade Expansion Act of 1962

The International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)

The Trading with the Enemy Act

(Part 2 of 2) This week, Elisa and Mark Mills explore the growing energy demands of digital infrastructure, and why hydrocarbons remain central to global energy forecasts. They examine the intersection of technology, defense readiness, and long-term energy strategy in an era defined by rising demand and complex supply chains.

Mark Mills is founder and executive director of the National Center for Energy Analytics. Mark joins the conversation in his individual capacity, and not on behalf of any agency or organization.

References:

• Mills, Mark P. The Cloud Revolution: How the Convergence of New Technologies Will Unleash the Next Economic Boom and a Roaring 2020s. Encounter Books, 2021.
• Huber, Peter W., and Mark P. Mills. The Bottomless Well: The Twilight of Fuel, the Virtue of Waste, and Why We Will Never Run Out of Energy. Basic Books, 2005.
• Mark Mills PragerU Videos
• E.O. 14241, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production
• “Energy and Commerce Leaders Unveil Bipartisan Draft Legislation to Sunset Section 230.” House Committee on Energy and Commerce, 11 Mar. 2024,

Behind every battery lies a complex web of minerals, mining, and global politics. In Part 1 of this two-part discussion, Elisa is joined by Mark Mills, founder and executive director of the National Center for Energy Analytics, to explore how—and why—America’s mining and processing capabilities have fallen behind. Together, they break down which minerals matter most, who controls the global supply chains, and whether the U.S. can rethink decades of regulation to catch up.

Mark Mills is founder and executive director of the National Center for Energy Analytics

References:

• Mills, Mark P. The Cloud Revolution: How the Convergence of New Technologies Will Unleash the Next Economic Boom and a Roaring 2020s. Encounter Books, 2021.
• Huber, Peter W., and Mark P. Mills. The Bottomless Well: The Twilight of Fuel, the Virtue of Waste, and Why We Will Never Run Out of Energy. Basic Books, 2005.
• Mark Mills PragerU Videos
• E.O. 14241, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production
• “Energy and Commerce Leaders Unveil Bipartisan Draft Legislation to Sunset Section 230.” House Committee on Energy and Commerce, 11 Mar. 2024,