Former Homeland Security official and national security expert Juliette Kayyem joins veteran journalist Warren Olney for a timely conversation on security, democratic stability, and the growing challenges facing the United States.

This episode of America at a Crossroads examines domestic instability, political violence, crisis response, and the future of public trust in democratic institutions. Drawing on decades of experience in homeland security, journalism, and public policy, Kayyem and Olney discuss what resilience looks like in an increasingly uncertain era.

This week on America at a Crossroads, presidential historian Tim Naftali joins Madeleine Brand for a timely conversation on democratic resilience, political polarization, and the institutions shaping America’s future.

Topics include:
• Historical parallels to today’s political climate
• The role of the presidency and democratic institutions
• Extremism, accountability, and constitutional limits
• Whether American democracy is built to withstand this moment

Recorded live on May 6, 2026.

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In this conversation from the America at a Crossroads series, CNN Senior Legal Analyst and former federal prosecutor Elie Honig joins Larry Mantle (AirTalk, NPR) to break down the evolving legal landscape in the United States.

With deep experience in federal and state prosecution, Honig examines how recent legal battles, shifting precedents, and questions of executive power are reshaping the rule of law—and what it means for the future of American democracy.

The discussion explores key questions including:

• How are legal norms and precedents changing in today’s environment?
• What are the implications of expanding or challenged executive power?
• How should the public interpret major legal developments and rulings?

Offering clear, accessible analysis, Honig provides insight into the forces redefining the American legal system and the potential paths forward.

Speakers

Elie Honig – CNN Senior Legal Analyst and former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. He prosecuted organized crime and public corruption cases and later served as Director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is the bestselling author of Hatchet Man and Untouchable.

Larry Mantle – Host of AirTalk on NPR-member station KPCC 89.3 FM. Mantle has led one of Southern California’s longest-running public affairs programs since 1985.

Event Details
America at a Crossroads
April 29, 2026
Hosted by Jews United for Democracy and Justice