The Beat with Ari Melber

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on escalating confusion over the status of President Trump's $1.8 billion slush fund. Former SDNY Chief David Kelley joins to discuss.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2026

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on growing fears within the GOP that President Trump is damaging the party with scandals and blunders. Legendary Democratic Strategist James Carville joins.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

MS NOW reports that the Trump administration is planning to abandon its highly controversial $1.8 billion “slush fund.” MS NOW’s Melissa Murray reports and is joined by former SDNY civil prosecutor Maya Wiley and The New York Times’ Molly Jong-Fast.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

BONUS: In this podcast extra, Ari Melber reports on President Trump's slush fund and speaks with Andrew Weissmann about legal ways to stop the unprecedented plot, plus some lighter conversation on law, vocabulary, and his new book. Maya Wiley joins for a separate conversation on Democracy and the significance of “No Kings” protests These new interviews are a Beat bonus from our podcast series “The B-Side.” Real talk and Ari’s extended conversations off air.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2026

The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation tied to writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual abuse and won her civil case. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by renowned civil rights attorney Nancy Erika Smith and Sarah Matthews, who served in the first Trump administration.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2026

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on how his victory is fueling GOP fears within the party. Rev. Al Sharpton and longtime Texas-based political strategist Mark McKinnon join.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2026

President Trump is facing rising prices and plummeting approval numbers. The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and Michelle Goldberg join MS NOW’s Ari Melber to discuss. Plus, they break down Stephen Colbert’s final show.

Transcribed - Published: 26 May 2026

Buzz is growing around Andy Beshear as a potential 2028 dark-horse candidate. MS NOW’s Ari Melber sat down with Beshear at an event hosted by Common Good for a wide-ranging conversation on how Democrats can take on MAGA, the future of the party, and the road to 2028.

Transcribed - Published: 25 May 2026

Tonight on The Beat: GOP lawmakers speak out against Donald Trump’s “slush fund.” Also, the Trump Justice Department indicts former Cuban President Raúl Castro. Plus, Trump uses billions of taxpayer money for projects. Plus, data centers are linked to environmental issues. And the Ebola response in Africa is hindered by USAID cuts. Rep. Madeleine Dean, Barbara McQuade, Lisandro Perez, Tim O’Brien, Maily Kocinski, and Dr. Vin Gupta join Antonia Hylton.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

Ty Cobb, who served as a White House lawyer during Trump’s first term, joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber on “The Beat” for a wide-ranging discussion. Plus, Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 are suing the Trump administration. Ari Melber is joined by former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

MS NOW's Ari Melber delivers a special report and breaks down President Trump's "thug fund."

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

MS NOW’s Ari Melber is joined by political strategist Chai Komanduri to discuss the one GOP House primary that is expected to be a litmus test for President Trump’s power over the Republican Party.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

President Trump's DOJ announced a nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund to pay off people who claim they were victimized by the Biden DOJ. It comes as Trump withdrew his unprecedented $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, an agency he oversees. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Michael Steele and Joyce Vance.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

In this podcast extra, rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross shares his business mindset, timeless hustling, and outlook of his new book, "Renaissance of a Boss: Notes from a Creative Reawakening," in this extended interview with Ari Melber. Ross weighs in on Drake's new project and several figures in hip hop. Melber also asks Ross about his "Marathon" lyrics regarding modern protests and BLM video activism -- including critiques about chasing "trends" in the movement.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2026

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new ethics filings that reveal President Trump's stock trades. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Ty Cobb, former White House attorney during the first Trump administration.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2026

Reverend Al Sharpton joins MS NOW's Ari Melber to discuss President Trump's economy, inflation, and rising gas prices.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

The Department of Justice has subpoenaed Wall Street Journal reporters over Iran coverage. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Marty Baron, former executive editor for The Washington Post.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the clash over President Donald Trump’s DOJ making a second bid to build a case against former FBI Director James Comey. Plus, Nicolle Wallace joins to discuss her recent interview with Comey, marking his first interview since being indicted for a second time.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

Award-winning actor Jeff Goldblum talks to MS NOW’s Ari Melber in this candid, sprawling and sometimes goofy conversation, as the two discuss Goldblum’s work with directors such as Steven Spielberg and Wes Anderson, his many iconic roles, what he loves about jazz, and having his “weirdness” affirmed. This interview aired in 2022.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2026

Donald Trump was confronted about whether he is dangerously pre-occupied with vanity projects and self-glorification at a time of war. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Chai Komanduri, Michelle Goldberg, Joyce Vance and Eugene Robinson.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2026

Donald Trump is calling for the prosecution of Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. Also, a handwritten note purportedly written by Jeffrey Epstein in jail shortly before his death has been unsealed by court order after nearly 7 years, raising new questions about his death. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Rev. Al Sharpton, Maya Wiley, Benjamin Weiser and Paul Mecurio.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

Congress grilled Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on the Epstein files, in which he is named over 200 times. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Nancy Erika Smith, Emily Bazelon, Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Jason Johnson.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2026

Donald Trump is struggling to contain the fallout from the war he started in Iran, with reports undercutting his claims about Iran's nuclear timeline. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Mike Barnicle, Molly Jong-Fast, Andrew Weissmann and Fab Five Freddy.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2026

Six months from the midterms, the sputtering economy and an unpopular war are dragging down Donald Trump. MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton reports and is joined by Jelani Cobb, E.J. Dionne, Maya Wiley, Kristen Clarke and Jenn Budd.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

President Trump’s war in Iran is facing historic disapproval. MS NOW’s Ayman Mohyeldin reports and is joined by Molly Jong-Fast and Jared Bernstein.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

The Atlantic reports that Trump allies say he's "begun thinking about himself less as a peer of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln," and more as an addition to the trifecta of "great men," Alexander the Great, Julius Cesar and Napoleon Bonaparte. MS NOW's Ayman Mohyeldin reports and is joined by The Atlantic's Ashley Parker.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2026

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee, marking his first hearing since the Iran war began. MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports and is joined by Admiral John Kirby.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

The Trump Justice Department has charged former FBI Director James Comey again, following the dismissal of his first indictment. MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton reports, and is joined by Hofstra University’s James Sample and former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026

MS NOW's Antonia Hylton reports on President Trump's attacks on the media following the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Molly Jong-Fast and Robert D'Amico join.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

BONUS: Acclaimed author and professor Francis Fukuyama discusses his seminal works “Trust” and “The End of History” and how they apply today, and to an era of mounting distrust and conspiracy theories in the new Trump era, in this extended conversation with MS NOW's Ari Melber. Fukuyama also analyzes Elon Musk’s “oligarch” politics, and shares his passions beyond academia - woodworking and drone building.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

The DOJ has closed its probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, clearing the way for Trump's new pick, Kevin Warsh, to lead the bank. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

Transcribed - Published: 27 April 2026

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on how the Iran war and economic fallout are under-cutting President Trump's support on the right.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2026

In a striking admission, longtime Trump loyalist Tucker Carlson is apologizing for helping elect Donald Trump. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Will Sommer, senior reporter at The Bulwark.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2026

President Trump’s loss of support is becoming visible even on the far right, with Tucker Carlson going further than his past criticism and now apologizing for helping elect Trump. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Alex Wagner and political strategist Morris Katz.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

One of President Trump’s “Big Lie” lawyers has been tapped for his revenge push at the DOJ. MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton reports on the latest. Plus, Bill Nye joins to react to stunning new footage of Earth, and Hylton reports on viral video of former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

In this podcast extra, listen to Jay McInerney on The Beat, plus a special digital conversation with Ari Melber in Times Square, where he discusses his new book and his social life in New York City. Plus, revisit McInerney’s past appearances on The Beat.

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2026

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and its impact on the economy. Political Strategist Chai Komanduri and Fordham University's Christina Greer join.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump's escalating influence at the Department of Justice, the latest developments in the Iran war, and growing questions surrounding Trump’s mental acuity. Former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb joins the discussion. Plus, author Jay McInerney joins to discuss his new book, "See You on the Other Side."

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on mounting challenges facing President Trump, from the Iran war to growing backlash within his MAGA base. Reverend Al Sharpton and The New York Times’ Michelle Goldberg join.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2026

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the fallout over President Trump's feud with the Pope, and his post depicting himself as Jesus.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2026

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new fractures in President Trump's MAGA base as he feuds with the Pope. Semafor's Margaret Carlson joins.

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2026

BONUS: Top Republicans are attacking what they call “woke” politics, and even passing laws designed to “stop” a supposed woke agenda. The singer who first brought that concept to the culture, in “Master Teacher,” Erykah Badu, reflects on social justice, culture and “woke politics” today – one of several topics the four-time Grammy winner tackles in this extended discussion with MSNBC anchor and music obsessive Ari Melber. Badu discusses her singing, deep links to hip hop, personal evolution, spirituality and approach to the music industry and business in general, including her new cannabis line with “Cookies.” She also reacts to earlier moments and videos from her career, and engages with an “assessment” of her work that an artificial intelligence chat bot generated by drawing on public writings about her music and its message. This in-depth discussion is the newest installment of “Mavericks with Ari Melber,” a series of interviews with artists, musicians and cultural icons (Aired in 2023)

Transcribed - Published: 13 April 2026

The U.S. is preparing for a new round of peace talks in Pakistan. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and is joined by Max Boot, a senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

President Trump lashes out, issuing new threats toward Iran despite the current ceasefire. Plus, Melania Trump makes a rare public statement, denying any association with Jeffrey Epstein or knowledge of his crimes. And, hear MS NOW's Ari Melber's special report on Jay-Z’s legendary career.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2026

In this podcast extra, news anchor and music journalist Ari Melber delivers a special report on Jay-Z’s life & career, drawing on the rapper’s dense lyrics, his classic albums “Reasonable Doubt” and “The Blueprint,” and original reporting on the history, culture and politics informing how those albums resonate today — amid their anniversaries and the Yankee Stadium shows. From New York’s poverty and crime in the 1990s to today’s promises of a better future by tech and business elites, the report probes the rigged stakes and double standards facing working people and hip hop. Melber has reported extensively on hip hop on his program, “The Beat,” including a 2022 breakdown of a Jay Z verse that the rapper released as “Hov Did.”

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2026

Ambassador Dennis Ross, a leading expert on Middle East affairs, joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber to break down the latest developments in the Iran war.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

President Trump posted on his social media site that he will suspend his threatened attacks on Iran for two weeks. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2026

President Trump attempts to make his case for an unpopular war in Iran amid a global energy crisis and ongoing economic strain. MS NOW’s Ari Melber is joined by Democratic strategist James Carville to break down the political implications.

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2026

In this podcast extra, listen to MS NOW’s Ari Melber’s extended interview with Snoop Dogg, who reflects on his career, life, goals, music, and politics. Snoop discusses his creative ventures with Def Jam, which grew out of his discussions with Lucian Grainge; advising newer artists like Benny the Butcher; music projects including “The Algorithm” and collaborating with Ice Cube, E40 and Too $hort in Mount Westmore; and his reflections on his history and relationships, including Snoop’s live reactions to classic videos from the archive dating back to the early 1990s. (Originally aired 2022)

Transcribed - Published: 6 April 2026

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war, and is joined by retired four-star Army General Barry McCaffrey and Ambassador Dennis Ross.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2026