The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Tonight on The Last Word: Experts suggest that the boat strikes may be illegal under U.S. law. Also, a judge orders Trump to end the National Guard control in California. Plus, Trump hits an all-time low on economy approval according to an AP-NORC poll. Capt. Todd Huntley, Sen. Alex Padilla, Sherrod Brown, and Eric Gisler join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The GOP House Armed Service Cmte. Chair announces he's ending the probe into a Sept. 2nd boat strike. Also, Democrats probe the ties between Trump officials and immigration contractors. Plus, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell blames elevated inflation on tariffs. And a federal judge orders Donald Trump to end the National Guard’s control in California. Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Jacob Soboroff join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats demand the Pentagon release the boat strike video. Also, Donald Trump proposes a health care plan that the ACA already delivers. Plus, a federal judge rules the grand jury documents in Ghislaine Maxwell's New York case be unsealed. And a primary school teacher in Malawi shares his firsthand experience of the K.I.N.D. Fund helping students. Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Madeleine Dean, and Rep. Ro Khanna join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Affordable Care Act subsidies are set to expire at the end of the year. Also, The Washington Post reports Donald Trump pardoned dozens of accused of drug-related crimes. Plus, MS NOW reports Kash Patel’s girlfriend asked FBI security detail to drive home her allegedly drunk friend after partying. And Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene links Trump to threats against her family. Sen. Jon Ossoff, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rep. Ro Khanna join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Questions grow amid shifting stories of boat strikes. Also, health care premiums are set to spike in the new year. Plus, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says Donald Trump “has been right” on tariffs. And U.S. Foreign Service reports historically low morale. Rep. John Garamendi, Lt. Col. Rachel VanLandingham, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Betsey Stevenson, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: After a classified briefing on the Sept. 2 boat strikes on an alleged Venezuelan drug boat, Democratic Sen. Mark Warner says he believes the survivors of the first strike were “incapacitated.” And Donald Trump’s tariffs are negatively impacting U.S. businesses. Sen. Mark Warner, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: House Oversight Democrats release new Epstein material. Also, Donald Trump dismisses affordability concerns as a “con job.” Plus, Democrats call for an investigation into Pete Hegseth’s strike orders. And a K.I.N.D. scholarship student is “fighting for her freedom.” Rep. Ro Khanna, Sen. Chuck Schumer, and Rep. Adam Smith join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats are fired up after a close race in the Tennessee Special Election. And Democrats call for an investigation into Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth's strike orders. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Robert Garcia, and Sen. Adam Schiff join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Fallout grows over a report of Pete Hegseth’s alleged order to “kill everybody.” Also, Rachel Maddow’s latest podcast, “Burn Order,” explores the WWII incarceration of Japanese Americans. And Amanda Gorman takes on a new role as a UNICEF Ambassador. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rachel Maddow, and Amanda Gorman join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2025

Rachel Maddow’s new podcast “Burn Order” is out now! Listen to a special preview.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Republicans are divided on how to handle health care and affordability. Also, 21 states sue over Donald Trump’s SNAP cuts for legal immigrants. And Trump faces legal resistance. Ken Dilanian, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Nicole Santa Cruz, Sister Simone Campbell, Marc Santia, Rob D'Amico, and Skye Perryman join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The GOP is distancing from an increasingly unpopular Donald Trump. Also, the Justice Department refuses to release the files in the Tom Homan bribery probe. Plus, six Democrats tell the military not to follow unlawful orders. And USAID workers sue Elon Musk over illegal DOGE firings. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Sen. Adam Schiff, and Nick Kristof join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will resign from Congress. Also, a Fox poll finds Donald Trump’s approval on the economy hits a new low. Plus, officials ousted or fired from Trump’s Justice Department detail the damage done to DOJ. And a Democrat seeks a historic flip in a deep-red Tennessee district. Rep. Eugene Vindman, Heather Long, Emily Bazelon, and Tennessee State Rep. Aftyn Behn join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Justice Department has 29 days to release the Epstein files. Also, the U.S. unemployment rate rises to 4.4%. And Congress has a December 31 deadline to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits. Andrew Weissmann, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Sen. Tammy Baldwin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says he signed a bill to release the Epstein files. Also, the Justice Department acknowledges a full grand jury never saw the final James Comey indictment. And Boston Mayor Michelle Wu stands up to “wannabe dictators.” Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Mayor Michelle Wu join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Epstein files release bill now heads to Donald Trump. Also, Trump continues his pattern of cozying up to strongmen. And Epstein survivors demand transparency from Congress. Rep. Ro Khanna and Lisa Rubin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The House is expected to vote on releasing the Epstein files Tuesday. Also, Kash Patel’s girlfriend is reportedly receiving FBI security detail. And Democrats shift their focus to affordability amid rising inflation and Trump tariffs. Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Ken Dilanian, and Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump retreats on food tariffs amid anger across the country over high prices. Also, Vice President JD Vance’s claims on AI, robots, and wage growth raise questions. Plus, the House now plans to spike a Senate GOP payout provision. And Democrats eye a possible U.S. House pickup in Tennessee. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Justin Wolfers, Rep. Joe Neguse, and Tennessee State Rep. Aftyn Behn join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: New Jeffrey Epstein emails spark a push to release the Epstein files. Also, Rep. Jamie Raskin calls on Todd Blanche to testify over Ghislaine Maxwell reports. And Epstein emails claim Donald Trump “knew about the girls.” Andrew Weissmann, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Julie K. Brown join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump is repeatedly mentioned in newly public Epstein emails. Plus, House Speaker Mike Johnson plans a vote on Epstein next week, as the Trump White House fails to contain the crisis. Rep. Ro Khanna, Andrew Weissmann, and Barry Levine join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The House vote on the Senate’s funding bill is expected on Wednesday. Also, NBC News reports Ghislaine Maxwell’s emails say she is “happier” in minimum security prison. Plus, Trump floats the idea of $2,000 tariff rebate checks. And Trump could be forced to refund his tariffs. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Jason Furman, and Lori Mullins join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Senate votes 60-40 on a bill to end the government shutdown. Also, Donald Trump pardons several people who tried to overturn the 2020 election. And states fight back and win against Trump’s cuts to SNAP. Rep. Jamie Raskin and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 11 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump dismisses voters’ cost of living concerns. Also, the House remains out of session on day 38 of the record-setting government shutdown. Plus, the shutdown is pushing more Americans towards food insecurity. And California voters approve of a new redistricting measure. Timothy Snyder, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Sister Simone Campbell, and Erika Jones join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The government shutdown disrupts air travel as the FAA cuts flights. Also, Donald Trump oversees the worst year for U.S. layoffs since 2009. Plus, Trump loyalist Elise Stefanik plans on announcing a run for New York governor. And polls show voters are rejecting Trump’s economic policies. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Jared Bernstein, and Norm Ornstein join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court considers the legality of Donald Trump’s tariffs. Also, California approves of a new state redistricting map. And Democrats look to carry momentum into the 2026 midterms. Professor Laurence Tribe and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump claims to not know the crypto billionaire he pardoned. Also, Kash Patel lashes out over reports on his use of an FBI jet. Plus, former President Obama campaigns for Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Rep. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey. And over 800,000 New Jerseyans depend on SNAP benefits that have been cut by the Trump admin. due to the shutdown. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Sen. Andy Kim join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Jamie Raskin demands answers about Ghislaine Maxwell reportedly receiving preferential treatment in prison. Also, Republicans let Affordable Care Act subsidies lapse. Plus, Somalia’s health systems are collapsing amid cuts to USAID. And Trump backs a bailout for Argentina while cutting aid to Africa. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sherrod Brown, Stephanie Nolen, and Nick Kristof join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: MSNBC reports two federal prosecutors were placed on administrative leave at the direction of the Trump White House. Also, polls show a tightening race for New Jersey governor. Plus, the government shutdown threatens food assistance for 42 million Americans. And four Senate Republicans join Democrats to block Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada. Ken Dilanian, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Rep. Jim McGovern, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump refuses to use emergency funds for food aid during the government shutdown. Also, Senate Republicans defy Trump and join Democrats to block tariffs on Brazil. Plus, farmers and businesses suffer under illegal Trump tariffs. And 40 million Americans prepare to lose SNAP benefits. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Paul Krugman join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Congress faces a November 1 deadline to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. And Donald Trump is criticized for his relationships with autocrats. Plus, Lawrence shares some of his conversation with Rachel Maddow from the recent MSNBC Live ’25 event. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Amb. Michael McFaul join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Americans are starting to feel the impact of the ongoing government shutdown. Also, a new poll finds Democrats with a large lead in the Virginia governor’s race. Plus, ICE agents are causing chaos in southern California. And scientists revive the weather damage database cut by Donald Trump. Rep. Ro Khanna, David Noriega, Larry Sabato, Memo Torres, and Adam B. Smith join Jacob Soboroff.

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: House Democrats investigate what they call Donald Trump’s “effort to steal $230 million from American people.” Also, American farmers are hit hard by Trump’s policies. And the ACLU takes on the Trump administration’s migrant detention policies. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Skye Perryman, Toluse Oloruppina, Rep. John Garamendi, and Lee Gelernt join Jacob Soboroff.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell sit down to discuss coping with this political moment, the mechanics of presenting news, what we can learn from other tough moments in history and what civic actions, in their view, are most encouraging in this era.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The New York Times reports Donald Trump is demanding $230 million from taxpayers to pay for his past investigations. Also, an appeals court hears arguments on Trump’s authority to send the National Guard to Los Angeles. Plus, the majority of Americans say the U.S. is on the wrong track on immigration. And Trump’s presence looms large over the New Jersey governor’s race. Ezra Levin, Harry Litman, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Brent Johnson join Jacob Soboroff.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The current government shutdown intensifies new economic threats. Also, the House of Representatives is sued over Speaker Mike Johnson’s delay to swear in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva. Plus, Donald Trump and House Republicans attempt to gerrymander a path to victory. And a posthumous memoir by Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre provides new revelations. House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Rep. Greg Stanton, Anderson Clayton, and Amy Wallace join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump lashes out after “No Kings” protests draw a historic turnout. Also, the government shutdown reaches day 20, becoming the third longest in U.S. history. Plus, James Comey files a motion to dismiss the charges against him. And the House Oversight Committee releases the transcript of the Alex Acosta interview. Ezra Levin, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Joyce Vance, and Lisa Rubin join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Americans prepare to march in protest of Donald Trump's agenda on Saturday. Also, Democrats demand more information on Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell from the Justice Department. And American farmers are hurting thanks to Trump’s tariff policy. Chicago Alderman Timmy Knudsen, Sharon Jackson, Lisa Rubin, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Rep. Angie Craig join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: “No Kings” protests against Donald Trump are expected to draw a historic turnout. Also, Democrats demand Speaker Johnson swear in Arizona Rep.-elect Adelina Grijalva. Plus, Americans brace for a spike in health care premiums if ACA subsidies aren’t extended. And Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa launches her 2026 campaign for Texas governor. Timothy Snyder, Dan Kasun, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump administration dodges questions about the Tom Homan FBI probe. Also, Maine Governor Janet Mills launches a Senate bid against Susan Collins. Plus, early voting is underway in the Virginia governor’s race. And a new book, “1929,” details Wall Street’s greatest crash. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Gov. Janet Mills, Abigail Spanberger, and Andrew Ross Sorkin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Justice Department bows to Donald Trump’s demands to target his rivals. Also, Rachel Maddow discusses her new documentary, “Andrew Young: The Dirty Work.” And world leaders sign a Gaza peace agreement in Egypt. Rep. Daniel Goldman, Rachel Maddow, and Ben Rhodes join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Speaker Mike Johnson describes an upcoming anti-Trump march as a “Hate America” rally. Also, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says Donald Trump’s chaos in Chicago is pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act. Plus, Democrats demand answers from the Trump administration on Jeffrey Epstein. And a New York Times analysis breaks down the high number of Black officials fired by the Trump administration. Jason Stanley, Robert Reich, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Errin Haines join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A bipartisan Epstein discharge petition will have the 218 signatures needed once the newly elected Arizona lawmaker is sworn in. Also, Texas Rep. Greg Casar calls out Sen. John Cornyn for ignoring Texas families’ health care concerns. And Attorney General Bondi dodges questions from Democrats at a Senate hearing. Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Greg Casar, and Norm Ornstein join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: James Comey appears in federal court for his arraignment. Also, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse calls out Attorney General Pam Bondi’s “nonsense.” And Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene calls on Speaker Mike Johnson to bring Republicans back to Washington, D.C. Andrew Weissmann, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rep. Mark Pocan join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Attorney General Pam Bondi dodges Democrats’ questions on Jeffrey Epstein and Tom Homan. And Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene joins Democrats in calling to extend health care subsidies and avoid premium hikes. Sen. Adam Schiff and Sen. Ruben Gallego join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump won’t rule out pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell. Also, the Trump Justice Department struggles to find prosecutors for the James Comey trial. Plus, Trump gets defensive about health care amid Dem pressure. And Trump cuts nearly $8 billion in clean energy projects. Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rep. Suzan DelBene join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Ocasio-Cortez says Donald Trump relies on the “impression of power.” Also, the government shutdown raises huge concerns for federal workers in Virginia. Plus, U.S. adversaries look to capitalize on Trump’s chaos. And farmers and businesses struggle with the cost of Trump tariffs. Timothy Snyder, Virginia House Speaker Don Scott, Rep. Adam Smith, and Sherrod Brown join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick calls Jeffrey Epstein “the greatest blackmailer ever.” Also, early voting is underway as the government shutdown upends the Virginia governor’s race. And Donald Trump’s USAID cuts have devastating effects in Africa. Sen. Adam Schiff, Abigail Spanberger, and Nick Kristof join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s frozen federal tunnel funds hit the New Jersey race for governor. Also, Rep. Maxwell Frost says Trump and Republicans are at fault for the government shutdown. And analysts warn of a slumping economy under Trump. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Rep. Maxwell Frost, and Paul Krugman join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump rambles through a military speech as a government shutdown is looming. Also, the government is set to shut down as Democrats fight health care hikes. Plus, Senate Democrats demand the Tom Homan files from Trump officials. And Bloomberg News reports Jeffrey Epstein’s emails reveal a support network. Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Brendan Boyle, Ken Dilanian, and Rep. Ro Khanna join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump posts a racist fake video after a White House meeting with Democrats. Also, Senate Democrats press the Justice Department to release files on the border czar Tom Homan bribery investigation. Plus, The Wall Street Journal reports on new details about the Ghislaine Maxwell prison transfer after her Justice Department interview. And Oversight Democrats release a third batch of Epstein documents. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rep. Ro Khanna join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025