The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Tonight on The Last Word: Sen. Jon Ossoff says Donald Trump doesn’t understand America’s greatness. Also, former Attorney General Pam Bondi defends the Trump Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files. And the Trump administration can’t keep up with the exodus of lawyers. Sen. Gary Peters, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Barbara McQuade join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Former Attorney General Pam Bondi is interviewed on the Epstein files. Also, voters turn on Donald Trump at Congressional town halls. Plus, backlash grows over the explosion AI data centers. Protests erupt at a New Jersey ICE detention center. And a Russian drone reportedly injures two people in Romania. Rep. Robert Garcia, Rep. Mark Pocan, Josh Einiger, Laura Haefeli, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: A group of former federal judges asks the court to probe the “slush fund." Also, Sen. Cory Booker demands DHS shut down a NJ ICE facility. Plus, polls show a tight race for Ohio’s U.S. Senate seat. And The Wall Street Journal reports suspicious oil trades trigger an investigation. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sen. Cory Booker, Sherrod Brown, and David Uberti join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: The U.S. launched new “self-defense” strikes on Iran. Also, the majority of GOP voters oppose Donald Trump’s $1.776 billion “slush fund.” Plus, North Carolina Democrat Roy Cooper looks to flip a GOP Senate seat. And a new book marks America’s 250th anniversary in the era of Trump. Rep. Chris Deluzio, Andrew Weissmann, Roy Cooper, and Eddie Glaude join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Ken Paxton defeats Sen. John Cornyn in the Texas GOP primary runoff. Also, the U.S. strikes Iran as Donald Trump says talks are going “nicely.” And Ben Rhodes writes about the battle for American identity in his new book, “All We Say.” Ali Velshi, Texas State Rep. James Talarico, Rep. Adam Smith, and Ben Rhodes join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: GOP lawmakers speak out against Trump’s “slush fund.” Also, a former Jeffrey Epstein assistant names three new alleged abusers. Plus, Keisha Lance Bottoms wins the Democratic nomination for Georgia governor. And global concerns grow over the Ebola outbreak in Africa. Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Ro Khanna, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Nicholas Enrich join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats and some Republicans push back against Donald Trump’s ballroom and $1.776 fund. And the U.S. Senate campaign in Georgia advances to a run-off for Republicans looking to face Democrat incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff. Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Sen. Jon Ossoff join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: The Senate advances a bill to limit Donald Trump’s Iran war powers. Also, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse slams Trump’s “cop beaters' slush fund.” And the Justice Department nixes audits for Trump, his family, and his businesses. Sen. Gary Peters, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Ali Velshi, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says he called off new strikes on Iran. Also, Trump drops the IRS suit for his $1.776 billion fund to pay his allies. Plus, three are killed in a shooting at the San Diego Islamic Center. And Democrats warn of a new assault on voting rights. Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rob D’Amico, and Rep. Terri Sewell join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump leaves China with no policy breakthroughs. Also, the German Chancellor warns of the “social climate” in the United States. Plus, the Trump world thrives as U.S. prices keep rising. And Trump uses the China trip to lobby for his ballroom. Chrystia Freeland, Robert Reich, and Rep. Maxwell Frost join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: China reportedly gains an edge on the U.S. amid the Iran war. Also, Democrats warn GOP maps target minorities’ voting power. Plus, House Democrats call for Trump Cabinet member Howard Lutnick to resign after his Epstein interview is released. And House Democrats introduce anti-corruption legislation. Laura Barrón-López, Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. James Walkinshaw, and Barbara McQuade join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s war in Iran looms over the U.S.-China summit. Also, economists predicted the failures of Trump’s economy. And The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump administration is eyeing 250 pardons for July 4th. Laura Barrón-López, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Bobby Ghosh, Justin Wolfers, and Melissa Murray join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: U.S. gas prices rise 50% since the start of the Iran war. Also, primary wins in Nebraska could help Democrats in November. Plus, Epstein survivors speak out at a Florida “shadow” hearing. And Donald Trump wants Republicans to use taxpayer money for his ballroom. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Maxwell Frost, David Farenthold, and Tim O’Brien join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says he wants Venezuela to be the 51st state. Also, Trump’s war in Iran is hurting the U.S. economy. Plus, Trump’s redistricting war escalates nationwide. And Trump’s second term retribution campaign continues. Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Brendan Boyle, Norm Eisen, and Barbara McQuade join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 12 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump fixates on the ballroom as the Iran war spikes gas prices. Also, Republicans move to redraw Black-majority districts in the south. Plus, Democrats pass a bill to block whites-only communities in Pennsylvania. And Vladimir Putin scales back his “Victory Day” parade. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Melissa Murray, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: The U.S. and Iran exchange strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. Also, MS NOW reports FBI Director Kash Patel has ordered polygraphs of current and former members of his security team. And The New York Times wins a Pulitzer Prize for exposing Donald Trump profiting as president. Sen. Adam Schiff, Andrew Weissmann, and Eric Lipton join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Americans sour on Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war and the economy. Also, GOP redistricting efforts expand in southern states. Plus, Trump Cabinet member Howard Lutnick testifies to the House Oversight Committee about Jeffrey Epstein. And the Trump Justice Department sues Denver over its assault weapons ban. Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Mayor Mike Johnston join Jacob Soboroff.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump pauses the escort of ships in the Strait of Hormuz for negotiations. Also, Sherrod Brown wins the Ohio Democratic Senate primary. Plus, Rep. Raskin demands answers on Trump’s “Board of Peace” patent. And the Supreme Court restores abortion pill access, for now. Rep. Jason Crow, Sherrod Brown, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Melissa Murray join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump contradicts himself again on making a deal with Iran. Also, The Washington Post reports White House lawyers are preparing the Trump administration for a Democratic majority. And the Supreme Court guts Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in a new ruling. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (ret.), Rep. Robert Garcia, and Professor Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump's Iran war reaches Iraq and Vietnam disapproval levels. Plus, Trump threatens to raise tariffs on EU cars to 25%. Also, May Day protests reflect growing economic unrest. And Democrats fight back against Trump and GOP on voting rights.  Rep. Eugene Vindman, Robert Reich, Leah Greenberg, Rep. James Walkinshaw and Dr. Vin Gupta join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Pete Hegseth faces his second day of questioning on the Iran war. Plus, gas prices surge as Trump's war in Iran drags on. Also, the New York Times petitions the court to unseal Epstein's purported suicide note. And MS Now has new reporting on Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's pursuit of the James Comey investigation. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Nicholas Kristof, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Rep. Jamie Raskin join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump threatens Iran by posting an AI image of himself holding a gun. Plus, SCOTUS limits redrawing districts under the Voting Rights Act. And Acting AG Todd Blanche defends his James Comey indictment. Rep. Adam Smith, Eric Holder, and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: King Charles defends NATO and Ukraine in his speech to Congress. Plus, Epstein victims speak out as King Charles visits Washington. Also, James Comey is indicted by Trump's DOJ for the second time. Sen. Gary Peters, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Iran reportedly offers the U.S. a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, Republican lawmakers back Trump's White House Ballroom plans. And a new book by Nicholas Enrich details USAID's dismantling under Trump and Elon Musk. Sen. Adam Schiff, Garrett Graff, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Nicholas Enrich join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 28 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump Justice Department drops the criminal probe of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Also, the majority of voters reportedly disapprove of Donald Trump on the cost of living. Plus, right-wing leaders abroad are facing voter anger. And Trump and his administration attack the press to try to chill reporting. Rep. Adam Smith, Amb. Michael McFaul, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman (ret.), Aaron David Miller, Neil Brown, and Andrew Conte join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump considers a financial bailout for the “really rich” United Arab Emirates. Also, a Federal Reserve chair nominee is grilled on his loyalty to Trump. Plus, America’s global standing diminishes under Trump. And organizers plan may day economic action on May 1. Rep. James Walkinshaw, David Rohde, Ron Insana, Timothy Snyder, and Leah Greenberg join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump extends the Iran ceasefire and vows to continue the Iranian port blockade. Also, FBI Director Kash Patel says he’s “never been intoxicated on the job.” Plus, the Justice Department withdraws several subpoenas in the probe of former CIA Director John Brennan. And RFK Jr. is questioned about his remarks on “re-parenting” Black kids. Fmr. Secretary Ernest Moniz, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Sen. Adam Schiff, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: In a big midterms boost to Democrats, the AP projects Virginia voters approved a redistricting map ahead of the 2026 midterms. And U.S. companies are owed over $160B in tariff refunds. Gov. Abigail Spanberger, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. James Walkinshaw, and Rick Woldenberg join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump makes multiple conflicting remarks on the Iran war. And the Trump administration opens a tariff refund portal. Rep. Adam Smith and Neal Katyal join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Adam Smith says Iran has not agreed to Donald Trump’s claims. Also, Trump is grappling with potential midterm losses. Plus, Trump is checked again by the federal courts. And Pete Hegseth says members of the press are like “Pharisees” who tried to “destroy” Jesus. Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Greg Stanton, Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, Barbara McQuade, and Richard Stengel join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: RFK Jr. is slammed for his remark on "re-parenting" Black kids. Plus, Trump attacks as Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico surges in Texas. And new reporting is in on Trump's pardon of Ex-Honduran President. Michael Steele, James Talarico, and Ken Dilanian join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump is no closer to ending his “war of choice” in Iran. Also, the Trump budget boosts defense spending and cuts programs. Plus, the Trump Justice Department moves to vacate 12 Capitol rioters’ convictions. And Democrats demand more Epstein files detail from the Trump Justice Department. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Rep. Ro Khanna join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump fails to end his “war of choice” in Iran. Also, the Cook Political Report shifts three key Senate races toward Democrats. Plus, The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump promises mass staff pardons before leaving office. And a new book details USAID dismantling under Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Sen. Mark Warner, fmr. Gov. Roy Cooper, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Nicholas Enrich join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s war in Iran drags on after J.D. Vance-led talks fail. Also, a record vote ends Viktor Orbán’s long hold on power in Hungary. And a federal judge rejects Trump’s lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over an Epstein letter. Amb. Wendy Sherman, Timothy Snyder, and Tim O’Brien join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Vice President Vance is headed to Pakistan for negotiations with Iran. Also, America’s NATO allies appear fed up with Trump. Plus, a Trump-won Iowa district is among the most competitive U.S. House races. U.S. consumer confidence hits a record low as prices climb. And the San Francisco Chronicle reports an ex-staffer accuses Eric Swalwell of sexual assault. Rep. Eugene Vindman, Amb. Michael McFaul, Iowa State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, Rohit Chopra, and Mychael Schnell join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump issues new threats on Iran after the ceasefire. Also, Melania Trump denies having any knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes. Plus, the Trump Justice Department probes January 6 Committee star witness Cassidy Hutchinson. And the Strait of Hormuz ship traffic remains stalled. Rep. Ro Khanna, Andrew Weissmann, and Amos Hochstein join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2026

Trump’s removal under the 25th Amendment. Plus, Trump calls for historic defense spending and deep domestic cuts. And Democrats stack wins in Wisconsin ahead of the midterms. Rep. Madeleine Dean, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Ben Wikler join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump retreats from his threat to destroy Iran’s “whole civilization.” Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Ed Markey, Rep. Adam Smith, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, and Margaret Donovan join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump threatens civilian infrastructure in Iran. Also, Rep. Chellie Pingree says it’s “time for the 25th Amendment.” And the Trump administration is accused of violating international laws in the Iran war. Rep. Chris Deluzio, Rep. Chellie Pingree, and Todd Huntley join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Pete Hegseth fires military officials amid the Iran war. Also, Justice Department independence erodes further under Donald Trump. Plus, the U.S. economy adds 178,000 jobs in March. And Democrats look at Arizona to help flip the House. Rep. Ro Khanna, Tom Nichols, Barbara McQuade, Heather Long, and JoAnna Mendoza join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump fires Pam Bondi and Todd Blanche is appointed as acting attorney general. And House Oversight Committee members say Bondi must testify on April 14. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Andrew Weissmann, and Rep. Maxwell Frost join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump refers to the deadly war as “that little journey to Iran.” Also, the Supreme Court justices push back on the Trump birthright citizenship case. And a federal judge orders the University of Pennsylvania to provide a list of Jewish employees. Rep. Jason Crow and Professor Laurence Tribe join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump tells reporters his war in Iran will end soon. Also, federal judges rule against Trump on multiple key cases. Plus, Trump signs an executive order targeting mail-in voting. And Rep. Ro Khanna asks King Charles to meet with Epstein survivors during his U.S. visit. Rep. Adam Smith, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rep. Ro Khanna join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Massive “No Kings” protests took place across the country this weekend. Also, Epstein survivors sue the Justice Department and Google over unredacted information. Plus, at least 14 people in ICE custody have died this year. And MS NOW reports Jack Smith suspected Donald Trump kept classified documents for financial gain. Rep. Katherine Clark, Rep. Robert Garcia, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Nationwide “No Kings” protests are planned for Saturday. Also, U.S. troops are injured in an Iran strike on an airbase in Saudi Arabia. And Navy veteran Brian Nathan flips a Florida state senate seat to blue. Robert Reich, Leah Greenberg, Aaron David Miller, and Brian Nathan join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump pushes the SAVE Act to restrict voting rights. Plus, experts worry that Trump's war could wreck the global economy. And the upcoming "No Kings" protests could see the largest crowds in U.S history. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Ezra Levin join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Iran rejects Donald Trump’s peace plan to end the war. Also, a Jack Smith memo exposes Trump’s potential motive in the classified documents case. Plus, DHS funding talks intensify as airport chaos mounts. And a Democrat flips a Florida state House seat in Trump’s district. Sen. Mark Kelly, Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. James Walkinshaw, and Emily Gregory join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump claims the Iran war has been “won,” while also claiming the U.S. is “negotiating.” Also, Trump refuses to make ICE reforms to end the DHS shutdown. Plus, Minnesota sues the Trump Justice Department over evidence in the protester killings. And the deposition video of a Jeffrey Epstein accountant and lawyer is released. Sen. Gary Peters, Mary Moriarty, and Rep. Ro Khanna join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Oil prices fall after Donald Trump retreats on Iran strikes. Also, Trump sends ICE to airports amid the TSA funding fight. And the North Carolina race is key to Democrats taking the U.S. Senate. Rep. Adam Smith, Amos Hochstein, Rep. James Walkinshaw, and former Gov. Roy Cooper join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2026

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s Iran war is causing rising gas prices and fertilizer costs. Also, Trump is focused on vanity projects during the Iran war. Plus, nearly 40 million Americans are under a heat advisory on the first day of spring. And Democrats look to flip a local House seat in Trump’s Palm Beach County district. Rep. Eugene Vindman, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Michael Mann, and Emily Gregory join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2026