The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump family seeks business deals in the Middle East. And the Congressional Budget Office reports the Trump budget could kick 13.7 million Americans off their health insurance. Eric Lipton, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The stock market jumps after Donald Trump lowered China tariffs. Also, Trump wants to accept a $400M plane from Qatar. Plus, Bill Gates continues to call out Elon Musk over with USAID cuts. And NBC News reports the Trump administration has spent at least $21M flying migrants to Guantanamo Bay. Rick Woldenberg, Ben Rhodes, Andrew Weissmann, and Courtney Kube join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Republicans scramble over cuts in Donald Trump’s budget bill. Also, Vladimir Putin hosts China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea generals at a military parade. Plus, an anti-democracy blogger gains influence in the Trump White House. And Pope Francis spoke forcefully for migrants’ humanity. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman (ret.), Danielle Allen, and Bishop Mark Seitz join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump retreats in his trade war. Plus, Ukraine calls Putin’s 3-day ceasefire a ‘farce’ after reported violations. Also Bill Gates plans to wind down his foundation by 2045. And the first American-born Pope takes the name Leo XIV. Tim Snyder and Sister Simone Campbell join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The New York Times reports Donald Trump plans to announce a trade deal with the United Kingdom. Also, Trump’s pick for D.C. U.S. attorney faces GOP opposition. And the GOP North Carolina Supreme Court candidate concedes after a six-month push to overturn the election. Robert Holleyman and Justice Allison Riggs join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent won’t admit consumers pay Trump tariffs. Also, Donald Trump insists Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s job is safe despite the scandals. And Trump tariffs are already a top issue in 2026 Senate races. Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says kids might have “two dolls instead of 30” in response to tariffs. Also, The New York Times reports a declassified memo shows U.S. intelligence agencies rejected the Trump administration’s rationale for deportations. And Trump says “I don’t know” when asked if he needs to uphold the Constitution. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Businesses warn of higher costs as Donald Trump’s tariffs hit. Also, The New York Times reports DOGE cuts cost upward of $135 billion. Plus, Democrats demand answers over DOGE’s access to sensitive data. And voters sour on Trump’s handling of the economy. Rep. Chris Deluzio, Rebecca Cooke, Max Stier, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump ousts Mike Waltz as national security advisor. Also, Trump nominates “Stop the Steal” organizer Ed Martin for a key prosecutor post. Plus, Trump tariffs are wreaking havoc on U.S. small businesses. And a Trump-appointed judge in Texas rules Trump’s Alien Enemies Act invocation is “unlawful.” Sen. Adam Schiff and Rick Woldenberg join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The U.S. economy shrinks for the first time since the pandemic. Also, Donald Trump claims he “could” have Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to the U.S., but his lawyers don’t want him to. Plus, polls show voters are souring on Trump after a chaotic 100 days. And federal workers speak out against Trump-Musk cuts. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Andrew Weissmann, Jonathan Alter, and Jacob Soboroff join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Americans sour on Donald Trump’s tariffs and his handling of the economy. Also, the Trump tariff chaos upends a Canadian election. Plus, Trump fails to deliver his promised end to Vladimir Putin’s war. And Democrats look to campaign on the chaos of Trump’s first 100 days in office. Catherine Rampell, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Amb. Michael McFaul, and Rep. Angie Craig join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump rages online as his poll numbers tank. Also, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation projects that Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party wins in a national election heavily influenced by Trump’s tariffs and threats. And voters pack town halls protesting Trump and the GOP agenda. Robert Reich, Timothy Snyder, and Rep. Joe Neguse join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Voters share their anger at Trump's agenda at town hall events. Plus, the controversy around Defense Secy. Pete Hegseth and his alleged use of unsecured communications continues to grow. Also, HHS Secy. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is facing backlash for his comments about Americans with autism. And, the Trump administration's attacks on DEI are facing pushback.

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: China denies Donald Trump’s claims of “active” tariff talks. Also, The New York Times reports that Trump is pressuring Ukraine to accept a peace plan that sharply favors Russia. And tariffs could be a major issue in the 2025 Senate race. Catherine Rampell, Timothy Snyder, and Jordan Wood join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s tariff uncertainty causes price spikes and layoffs. Also, Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly have a verbal brawl in the West Wing. Plus, a federal judge slams the Trump administration’s “bad faith” in Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s case. And the president of Harvard University speaks out about Trump’s attack. Sen. Jon Ossoff, Jen Psaki, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The stock market is calmer after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told investors a trade war is not “sustainable.” Also, the White House says Donald Trump “strongly stands” behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Plus, three prosecutors on the Eric Adams corruption case resign rather than admit to “wrongdoing.” And Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens launches her Senate bid in Michigan. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Andrew Weissmann, and Rep. Haley Stevens join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Stocks tumble as Donald Trump attacks Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Also, Harvard University sues the Trump administration over funding cut threats. Plus, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly shared sensitive information on Yemen strikes in a Signal chat with his wife and brother. And Pope Frances dies at 88 after a stroke. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Laurence Tribe, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Sister Simone Campbell join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump mocks Sen. Chris Van Hollen for meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Also, voters flood town halls with fears and frustrations. Plus, Trump suggests removing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. And the North Carolina Supreme Court race remains undecided after legal challenges. Lisa Rubin, Garry Kasparov, Rep. James Clyburn, Robert Reich, and Justice Allison Riggs join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen and Kilmar Abrego Garcia meet in El Salvador. Also, Donald Trump threatens to revoke Harvard’s tax-exempt status. And Trump suggests he can fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Andrew Weissmann, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: California sues Donald Trump, calling his tariffs “unlawful.” Also, a bipartisan bill would end any tariff not passed by Congress in 60 days. Plus, a federal judge finds probable cause to hold the Trump administration in contempt over deportation flights. And voters flood town halls and rallies fearing DOGE cuts. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Daniel Goldman, and Rep. Melanie Stansbury join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A judge blasts the Trump Justice Department for its refusal to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Also, Donald Trump escalates his fight with Harvard University. Plus, Trump blames Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the war yet again and calls Vladimir Putin’s deadly Palm Sunday attack “a mistake.” And The Washington Post reports a government memo lays out the Trump administration’s proposal to slash State Department and USAID budgets. Andrew Weissmann, Laurence Tribe, and Nicholas Kristof join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump Justice Department argues courts can’t force Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s return. Also, Donald Trump declines to say what imports might be exempt from future tariffs. And Democrats host town halls to amplify voters’ concerns. Andrew Weissmann, Catherine Rampell, Rep. Greg Stanton, and fmr Rep. David Jolly join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Wall Street Journal reports Donald Trump privately acknowledged his tariffs could spark a recession. Also, a federal judge demands updates on the efforts made to return a deported Maryland man. Plus, Democrats seek to keep the momentum against the Trump agenda with the House and Senate in recess. And Trump sends a special envoy to meet with Vladimir Putin in Russia. Robert Reich, Laurence Tribe, Rep. Joe Neguse, Leah Greenberg, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court orders the Trump administration to “facilitate” the return of a mistakenly deported Maryland man. Also, Democrats demand an inquiry around the timing of the Trump tariff pause. Plus, seven GOP senators defy MAGA and back a bill to curb Trump tariff powers. And Donald Trump wants the Justice Department to investigate two first-term officials who criticized him. Andrew Weissmann, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Sen. Maria Cantwell join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: House Republicans cancel Wednesday night’s budget vote. Also, Trump’s tariff pause comes after markets lose trillions. Plus, House Democrats launch an inquiry of Trump aides’ Signal use. And GOP senators up in 2026 face Trump tariff backlash. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Jason Furman, Rep. Stephen Lynch, and fmr. Rep. Wiley Nickel join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Seven GOP senators back a bill to curb Trump tariff power. Also, the Trump administration targets hundreds of federal buildings for a potential sale. And a Trump-appointed judge orders the White House to lift the Associated Press ban. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Jason Furman, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Elon Musk speaks out against Trump tariffs. Also, fired Justice Department attorneys speak out against the Trump administration. Plus, “Hands Off” protests demand action against the Trump agenda. And the Supreme Court pauses the deadline to return a man mistakenly deported to El Salvador. Catherine Rampell, Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Maxwell Frost, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump tariffs drive the stock market down 2,200 points. Also, Senate GOP and Democrats introduce a bill to limit Trump tariffs. Plus, Donald Trump fires the head of the NSA after meeting with 9/11 conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer. And former President Obama speaks about the Trump 2.0 era. Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Sen. Mark Warner join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Consumers and businesses brace for the impact of Trump tariffs. Also, a federal judge considers holding Trump officials in contempt. And Rep. Chris Pappas launches his U.S. Senate campaign in New Hampshire. Rep. Gabe Amo, Michele Norris, Rep. James Clyburn, Adam Klasfeld, and Rep. Chris Pappas join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Four GOP senators vote against Donald Trump’s Canada tariffs. Also, Sen. Cory Booker’s 25-hour Senate speech gave Democrats a voice of resistance against the Trump administration. Plus, Michigan Democrat Mallory McMorrow enters the U.S. Senate race. And the Trump-Musk cuts to USAID intensifies the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, MI State Sen. Mallory McMorrow, and Declan Walsh join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: NBC News projects Susan Crawford wins the Wisconsin Supreme Court seat, beating Trump-Musk candidate Brad Schimel. And Sen. Cory Booker makes history with a 25-hour Senate speech. Shaq Brewster, House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, and Ben Wikler join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Sen. Cory Booker is “disrupting business as usual” with a marathon Senate speech. Also, Vladimir Putin escalates the war in Ukraine. Plus, The Wall Street Journal reports Mike Waltz had other national security Signal chats. And Kentucky Democrats eye retiring Mitch McConnell’s Senate seat. Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Melissa Murray, David Rothkopf, Rep. Marilyn Strickland, and Col. Pam Stevenson join Symone Sanders.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Social Security recipients worry Elon Musk’s changes could affect the payout of benefits. Also, federal courts block Trump executive orders targeting law firms. Plus, toxic masculinity is rampant online in the age of Trump. And the USAID cuts endanger global tuberculosis programs. Leah Feiger, Rep. Robert Garcia, Elie Mystal, Chloe Combi, and Maria Smilios join Jason Johnson.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats call for Pete Hegseth to resign over the Signal leak. Also, the race for the House seat vacated by Mike Waltz is closer than expected. Plus, Elon Musk is pouring millions into the Wisconsin Supreme Court race. And Republicans are scrambling as Democrats win special elections. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara McQuade, Josh Weil, Ben Wikler, Pennsylvania State Sen.-elect James Malone, and Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton join Symone Sanders.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The leaked attack plans detail exact times and weapons used. Also, Republicans begin to voice concerns over the intel leak. And Democrats demand answers from the Trump team over the leak. Ned Price, Mark Zaid, Sen. Adam Schiff, and Rep. Mikie Sherrill join Jen Psaki.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A massive Trump team leak rattles the intelligence community. Also, voters voice their concerns about Elon Musk’s Social Security cuts. And Democrats slam Trump-Musk cuts impacting American farmers and low-income families. Sen. Mark Kelly, Rep. Adam Smith, Mark Zaid, Tim Miller, Sen. Ed Markey, and Rep. Angie Craig join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump national security officials accidentally leak military plans to a journalist over an unclassified chat app. Also, Democrats hold town halls in GOP districts. Plus, the Trump administration refuses to answer a federal judge’s questions about obeying a court order and invokes the state secrets privilege. And Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff says Vladimir Putin is not a “bad guy.” Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Jen Psaki, Rep. Chris Pappas, Rep. Ro Khanna, Joyce Vance, and Timothy Snyder join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats hold town halls in swing districts. Also, voters pack “empty chair” town halls to voice their anger when GOP Congress members skip out. Plus, Donald Trump escalates his fight with the federal courts. And USAID cuts cause more disease and starvation in Africa. Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Dave Min, Wisconsin Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski, Ezra Levin, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Nicholas Kristof join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Voters are fired up at town halls across the country. Also, a federal judge says details on Donald Trump’s deportation flights are “woefully insufficient.” Plus, the stock market falls again amid economic woes. And Democratic attorneys general sue over the gutting of the Department of Education. Nnamdi Egwuonwu, Rep. Kelly Morrison, Rebecca Cooke, Barbara McQuade, Mark Zandi, and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats call on Donald Trump to reinstate the fired FTC commissioners. Also, GOP lawmakers are confronted about Trump and Musk cuts. Plus, The Wall Street Journal reports Trump is struggling to see Vladimir Putin for the aggressor he is. And Trump ramps up attacks on journalists during his second term. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Andrea Salinas, Mikhail Zygar, and David Enrich join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A federal judge rules the dismantling of USAID likely violated the Constitution. Also, early voting begins in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election. Plus, Donald Trump fails to convince Vladimir Putin to accept a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. And frustrated voters confront GOP lawmakers at town halls. Judge J. Michael Luttig, Judge Susan Crawford, Ben Rhodes, and Rep. Emilia Sykes join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s trade war creates global unease and market chaos. Also, Trump gives a politicized speech inside the Justice Department’s Great Hall. Plus, Vladimir Putin launches new strikes despite ongoing peace negotiations. And Republicans are advised to avoid in-person town halls. Sen. Peter Welch, Andrew Weissmann, Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman (ret.), and Jane Kleeb join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A federal judge halts the Trump-Musk mass federal firings. Also, The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump family held talks to buy a stake in Binance following the crypto exchange’s guilty plea. Plus, Vladimir Putin casts doubt on the ceasefire deal with Ukraine. And Democrats win big in an important special election in Minnesota. Sen. Tina Smith, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Rebecca Ballhaus, Ben Rhodes, and Minnesota State House Rep.-elect David Gottfried join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The New York Times reports ICE returned all migrants from Guantánamo Bay to stateside facilities. Also, Vladimir Putin attacks Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s hometown and still hasn’t accepted the U.S.-proposed ceasefire deal. And Republicans remain silent on Donald Trump’s antisemitic attack on Sen. Schumer. Rep. Sara Jacobs and Timothy Snyder join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump backs down from his latest tariff threat on Canadian metal. Also, Elon Musk won’t say Social Security won’t be interrupted. Plus, Ukraine agrees to the United States’ proposal of a 30-day ceasefire. And The New York Times reports tuberculosis is resurgent as Trump’s USAID cuts disrupt treatment globally. Catherine Rampell, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Dr. Atul Gawande join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Ontario imposes a 25% tax increase on electricity exports to the U.S. in response to Donald Trump’s trade war. Also, Elon Musk attacks Sen. Mark Kelly’s visit to Ukraine. Plus, a federal judge partially blocks Trump from defunding USAID. And The New York Times reports a Justice Department official was fired after opposing restoring Mel Gibson’s gun rights. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Sen. Adam Schiff, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The New York Times reports Elon Musk berated Cabinet secretaries for not firing enough civil service workers. Also, Democrats fiercely criticize Donald Trump for caving to Vladimir Putin. Plus, Trump’s Treasury Secretary downplays the stock market drop. And Elon Musk is spending millions to try and flip the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Kurt Andersen, Rep. Adam Smith, Robert Reich, and Ben Wikler join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump retreats on Mexico and Canada tariffs again. Also, Trump is criticized globally for turning on Ukraine. Plus, a federal judge rules Trump’s firing of a labor board member is illegal. And Democrats hear testimony on the dangers of GOP Medicaid cuts. Amb. Bob Rae, Sen. Jon Ossoff, and Rep. Robin Kelly join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court rejects Donald Trump’s bid to stiff USAID contractors. Also, Elon Musk’s DOGE layoffs are causing chaos for federal workers. And American farmers brace for harm from Trump’s tariffs. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, and Michele Norris join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump orders a pause on military aid to Ukraine. Also, The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board says Trump is taking “the dumbest tariff plunge.” Plus, a USAID memo says the Trump aid cuts will threaten lives on a “massive scale.” And a top FBI official is forced out over Trump January 6 cases. Sen. Mark Kelly, Sen. Gary Peters, fmr. Amb. Samantha Power, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025