The Rule of Law Brief

In this episode, I talk about the subtle but dangerous shift that happens when concern for someone’s well-being turns into pressure to stay silent. There’s a difference between checking in on a veteran’s mental health—a good and necessary act—and warning someone not to speak because it “might get you in trouble.” That second impulse is compliance in advance, and as Timothy Snyder reminds us in On...

On September 18th, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he was “designating Antifa as a major terrorist organization.” That’s not a thing—and it can’t be. In this episode, I explain why U.S. law only allows the State Department to designate foreign terrorist organizations, why the First Amendment prevents any attempt to create a domestic equivalent, and why Trump’s announcement is less abou...

On September 16th, the Secretary of the Air Force issued a letter telling Airmen and Guardians to avoid social media posts that unlawfully attack others based on race, religion, ethnicity, national origin—or political beliefs. On the surface, it’s legally accurate. But as Nate Charles explains, it’s also deliberately deceptive. The inclusion of “political beliefs” blurs the line, suggesting that s...

In this episode, Nate Charles breaks down the constitutional and statutory limits on presidential war powers following the U.S. strike on a second drug-smuggling ship in the Caribbean. He explains the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the 60-day clock that expires on November 2, 2025 , the scope of the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), and why that law doesn’t cover drug cartels. N...

In this episode, Nate Charles unpacks the sudden appearance of charliesmurderers.com , a site doxing people who celebrated Charlie Kirk’s death. He explains why—however distasteful—it’s legally permissible under the First Amendment, and where the limits lie. Nate also introduces the one real caveat: the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). He walks through how the DMCA can sometimes be used to...

In this teaser, Nathan M. F. Charles introduces an upcoming series of research guides from Charles International Law. These resources are designed for attorneys, immigration advocates, and anyone interested in asylum law. The series will cover: * Trauma-informed interviewing and working with highly vulnerable clients * Effective communication and rapport-building strategies * Questioning framework...

In this episode, Nate Charles takes on the House floor controversy surrounding Speaker Mike Johnson’s call for a moment of silence to honor Charlie Kirk. Nate points out that Congress has never extended such honors to pundits or activists—only to former government officials and heads of state, like Queen Elizabeth II. To make matters worse, Charlie Kirk played a pivotal role in fueling the protest...

On this anniversary of 9/11, Nate Charles reflects on the lives lost, the bravery shown, and the enduring impact of that day. He honors the first responders and the passengers of Flight 93, as well as the Americans and Afghans who paid the ultimate price in the years of conflict that followed. But this reflection also carries a hard truth: from its architects’ perspective, 9/11 succeeded. Terroris...

In this late-night reflection, I wrestle with the assassination of Charlie Kirk — not to eulogize him, but to talk about what moments like this mean for all of us as Americans. It’s okay to feel conflicted. To despise Kirk’s politics yet mourn the violence. To feel relief at his absence yet grieve for his family. To be afraid of what this moment signals for the country. Holding all of those feelin...

In this brief update, I outline the strategy we’re developing to challenge the latest wave of visa denials under Trump’s 212(f) proclamation. Families separated by this order should know two things: * Don’t panic — this will not last. The proclamation rests on incredibly weak and specious readings of the law. * We have a path forward — federal litigation is likely to be necessary, but Congress and...

In today’s Thought of the Day (August 26, 2025), Nate Charles reflects on the relentless cycle of absurd and distracting announcements coming from the Trump White House—ranging from culture-war attacks on restaurant logos to constitutionally dubious executive orders. These constant provocations aren’t random. They’re designed—intentionally or not—to overwhelm the public, exhaust resistance, and no...

In today’s Thought of the Day, I respond to a colleague who suggested my analysis isn’t politically neutral because I criticize Republicans more than Democrats. This critique misses the point of what objectivity means in a rule-of-law society. Objectivity doesn’t require giving “equal time” to both sides of the political spectrum. That’s false balance. True neutrality means applying the same legal...

In this episode, Nate Charles explores one of the most dangerous First Amendment violations: viewpoint discrimination . Unlike general restrictions on speech, viewpoint discrimination occurs when the government suppresses or punishes one side of a political debate while allowing the other to flourish. The Supreme Court has called this practice “an egregious form of content discrimination,” and for...

In this “Thought of the Day,” Nate Charles examines Donald Trump’s announcement that he will issue an executive order banning mail-in ballots and electronic voting machines. Drawing on the Elections Clause of the U.S. Constitution, Nate explains why the President has no authority to alter the time, place, or manner of elections—powers reserved to the states and Congress. The conversation explores:...

Join me as I explore the intersection of national security, law, and human rights. From my years as a Navy SEAL and federal prosecutor to my work today as an immigration and civil rights attorney, I share short, sharp insights on the issues shaping America’s future. Subscribe to get new thoughts delivered straight to your inbox and your favorite podcast app. (00:00:01): Hey guys, it's Nate Charles...

Links Cited: Charles International Law research guide on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency ArcGIS 100-mile Border Zone Map Overlay Southern Border Communities Coalition Map Bloomberg CityLap Article Featuring Maps Prepared by ESRI I break down the law at the intersection of immigration, national security, and civil liberties. Subscribe on Substack for research, analysis, and insights y...

Subscribe for more clear, fact-based insights on immigration, law, and national security. I cut through the noise, expose government propaganda, and explain the legal realities shaping our future. Stay informed—no spin, just truth. Link to Snopes Article Cited. Get full access to The Rule of Law Brief at natecharles.substack.com/subscribe

Want clear, no-nonsense analysis of immigration, constitutional law, and national security? Subscribe for sharp commentary that cuts through slogans and digs into the law itself. (00:00:01): Hey guys, it's Nate again. (00:00:03): It's August 16th and this is my thought of the day. (00:00:06): So I got a couple comments on a substack that I published recently about sanctuary cities. (00:00:12): And...

(00:00:01): Hi, everybody. (00:00:02): It's Nate Charles from Charles International Law. (00:00:04): This is my thought of the day for August 15th, 2025. (00:00:09): So as some of you know, Charles International Law represents Kimmy Baylor. (00:00:13): Kimmy Baylor was charged by the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office with several (00:00:17): counts of harassment for calling the Lebanon County...