There is a lot to get to tonight, as almost always. The Senate has once again adjourned for the night. There are no votes scheduled for tomorrow, which means this government shutdown will continue until at least Friday. And people who are right in the middle of this thing, as I just referenced to Chris, are heading to the studio, one of them sitting at the table with me right now, to tell us what the heck is going on, what happens next, What you should all know about it. Senator Elizabeth Warren is going to join me at the table, literally in moments. She's sitting right across from me. You just can't see her right now. And she said now is the time to stand and fight. And I want to ask her what fighting looks like for Democrats in Washington right now. What does that look like? What should people who are watching right now know about that? Maryland Governor Westmore will also be here at the table a little bit later.

Today he offered a very strong rebuke to Donald Trump saying in no uncertain terms that Trump caused this shutdown.

And now people in his state are the ones dealing with it. No question. He's a state that's hugely impacted by this given all the federal workers. So lots to get to and really the perfect people to do it with. But I want to start

with what must have been a very tough day in the White House. Because typically every morning

at the White House, at least the ones I've worked in, there is a senior staff meeting in the

chief of staff's office to discuss everything from the president's schedule to the

news of the day to any tricky problems they're going to have to navigate.

I mean, those daily meetings often include the White House Communications Director, the

press secretary, cabinet members, and the heads of different agencies, depending really

on whatever issues that day are most pressing.

And judging from today's news, this morning must have been,

well, one hell of a meeting. That's because Trump's Commerce Secretary, Howard Lutnik,

apparently decided to sit down for a podcast interview with The New York Post. And in doing so,

he single-handedly breathed new life into the story that the Trump White House is desperately trying to

wish away.

Yes, that story.

Here's Howard Lutnik earlier today on what else.

Jeffrey Epstein.

That's what his MO was, you know, get a massage, get a massage.

And what happened in that massage room, I assume was on video.

This guy was the greatest blackmailer ever.

Blackmail people, that's how he had money.

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