The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump threatens John Brennan and James Comey with Justice Department investigations. Also, the Trump tariff policy is headed to a federal appeals court. And cuts to hurricane data will leave forecasters in the dark. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Lisa Rubin, and Michael Lowry join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Stocks are down as Donald Trump threatens new tariffs on allies. Also, Trump-GOP Medicaid cuts put rural Georgia hospitals at risk. And Trump turns on Vladimir Putin and calls for the end of the war in Ukraine. Jason Furman, Sen. Jon Ossoff, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump backs down again on tariffs. Also, a toy company appeals to the Supreme Court over Trump tariffs. And Texas floods kill at least 104 people. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rick Woldenberg, and Tom Llamas join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Republicans vote for the Trump bill they criticized. Also, The New York Times reports Vladimir Putin is rebuilding his wealth as Donald Trump eases sanctions. And Rep. Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats will “press on” fighting for Americans. Rebecca Cooke, Secy. Kathleen Sebelius, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: House Republicans scramble to advance Donald Trump’s budget bill. And researchers say USAID cuts could lead to 14 million deaths over the next five years. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Norm Ornstein, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Dr. Atul Gawande join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 3 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Senate passes Donald Trump’s budget bill with Medicaid and food assistance cuts. And Stanford University Professor Jack Rakove says the Trump era is a “constitutional failure.” Rep. Brendan Boyle and Jack Rakove join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Senate Republicans reject Sen. Adam Schiff’s amendment to prevent families with kids under 12 from losing food assistance. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Sen. Adam Schiff, and Norm Ornstein join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court gives Donald Trump even more power one year after the immunity ruling. Also, Trump family business interests raise ethical concerns. Plus, Trump wields tariffs to stop Canada taxes on tech giants. And a Republican lawmaker in a red state says that state won’t survive the Trump budget bill. Laurence Tribe, Tim O’Brien, Rep. Chris Pappas, Mini Timmaraju, and Rep. Kelly Morrison join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Senate Democrats slam Donald Trump for “misleading” the public on Iran. Also, NBC News reports Trump told Sen. John Thune to get him a budget bill to sign by next week. And Trump OMB Director Russell Vought is confronted with a new analysis about children who died of preventable causes after USAID cuts. Rep. Adam Smith, Brendan Duke, and Nick Kristof join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Congress expects to be briefed on the U.S. strike on Iran Thursday. Also, Democrats grill Emil Bove in a judicial confirmation hearing. And 16 House Republicans break rank and denounce Medicaid cuts. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A father of three Marines is beaten and arrested by masked federal agents in California. Also, Democrats demand answers on delayed Iran briefings. Plus, GOP senators are split over Medicaid cuts in the budget bill. And Donald Trump is expected to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the NATO summit. Sen. Adam Schiff, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The New York Times reports Iranian state TV is announcing a ceasefire with Israel. Sen. Mark Kelly, Amb. Wendy Sherman, Trita Parsi, and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: GOP Medicaid cuts put vulnerable children at risk. Also, JD Vance visits Los Angeles amid the outrage over ICE raids. Plus, Donald Trump bullies companies to eat the cost of Trump tariffs. And journalist John Harwood says the press has a duty to report on Trump’s harm to the United States. Elena Hung, Betsey Stevenson, Rep. Nanette Barragán, Scott Lincicome, and John Harwood join Catherine Rampell.

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Jamie Raskin demands an investigation into the FBI’s role in Sen. Padilla’s detention. Plus, a new poll shows growing outrage over Trump’s sweeping deportations. Also, Trump’s tariffs are making life more expensive for Americans. And Nippon Steel completes its acquisition of U.S Steel. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Patrick Gaspard, Ron Insana, Lauren Hirsch, and Bridget Brink join Catherine Rampell.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says he “may or may not” strike Iran. Also, Trump’s collapsing new polls show his vulnerabilities. And new reporting about the devastating effects of USAID cuts in Africa. Sen. Adam Schiff and Nick Kristof join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Sen. Mike Lee deletes some posts about the Minnesota lawmaker shootings. Also, The Washington Post reports Sen. Tim Scott’s 60-second video attacking the Congressional Budget Office contains nine errors. And the fight over Donald Trump’s National Guard deployment in California continues in an appeals court. Norm Orstein and Lisa Rubin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: CA Sen. Alex Padilla reacts to breaking news the Trump Administration is reversing its reversal on exempting some farm and hotel workers from ICE raids and discusses being removed and handcuffed at a Department of Homeland Security news conference. Also, Sen. Tina Smith calls GOP Sen. Mike Lee’s social media post about the Minnesota shooting “brutal and cruel.” And U.S. business with Canada is disrupted by Trump tariffs. Sen. Alex Padilla, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Governor Maura Healey join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Outrage grows over the handcuffing of Senator Alex Padilla. Also, “No Kings” protests are expected in over 2,000 cities on Saturday. Plus, Iran launches retaliatory missiles into Israel. And Trump policies disrupt life on the U.S.-Canada border. M. Gessen, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, David Rothkopf, Sylvie Boudreau, and Rep. Becca Balint join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks after his court victory over Donald Trump. Also, California Senator Alex Padilla is forcibly removed from a DHS news conference. And Israel launches an air strike on Iran. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Lt. General Mark Hertling, Lisa Rubin, Rep. Eric Swalwell and Richard Engel join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Protests over immigration raids pop up across the United States. Also, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struggles to clarify the Trump administration’s position on Russia. And House Republicans are forced to again vote for the Medicaid cuts in of Donald Trump’s budget bill. Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Jason Crow, and Rep. Paul Tonko join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: California Governor Gavin Newsom says Donald Trump “fanned the flames” on the streets of Los Angeles. And RFK Jr. fires all 17 members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee. Harry Dunn, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump officials are in trade talks with China. And Russia launches the biggest drone assault of the war. Jason Furman and Lt. General Mark Hertling join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats slam Donald Trump and Republicans for their budget bill’s Medicaid cuts. Also, the Trump administration complies with the Supreme Court’s order and returns Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. Plus, Trump blames Ukraine for Vladimir Putin’s latest deadly strikes. And the motive for Trump’s tariffs and trade war remains unclear. Rebecca Cooke, Ben Wikler, Barbara McQuade, Amb. Michael McFaul, and Rep. Madeleine Dean join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump is humiliated on the global stage by his feud with Elon Musk. Also, Trump likens Russia and Ukraine to “children fighting.” And The Washington Port reports $12 million in U.S. foreign aid to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS may be destroyed. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Lt. General Mark Hertling, and Dr. Atul Gawande join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump enacts a new travel ban, restricting or limiting nationals from 19 countries. Also, the Congressional Budget Office estimates 16 million people will lose their health insurance under Trump’s budget plan. And Ukraine strikes more than 40 bombers inside Russia. Governor Kathy Hochul, Amb. Michael McFaul, and Lt. General Mark Hertling join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump ramps up attacks on Leonard Leo and the judges ruling against his agenda in court. Also, Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard University. And a Catholic editorial condemns a “reverse robin hood” Trump budget bill. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, E.J. Dionne, and Sister Simone Campbell join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Elon Musk’s time at DOGE is marked by a series of failures. Also, the ultra-wealthy buy influence with Donald Trump. And the Trump administration disbands a task force create to find, seize, and liquidate sanctioned Russians’ assets. Gabrielle Emanuel and Evan Osnos join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Conservatives slam Donald Trump’s tariffs as unconstitutional. Also, tourism from nations hit by Trump’s tariffs plummets. Plus, while leaving his White House role Elon Musk dodged a question about a New York Times reports on his alleged drug use on the campaign trail. And Trump pardons criminals convicted of tax and fraud crimes. Jared Bernstein, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, and Brendan Ballou join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A second federal court rules Donald Trump’s tariffs are illegal. Also, a federal judge blocks Trump’s ban on Harvard University’s foreign students. And Elon Musk officially leaves the White House. Rick Woldenberg, Laurence Tribe, and Rep. Melanie Stansbury join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s global tariffs are blocked by a federal trade court. And new corruption concerns rise as Trump profits from his office and pardons political allies. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Kenneth Vogel, and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Stocks rally after Donald Trump backs down and delays EU tariffs. Also, Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard University. Plus, Trump says Vladimir Putin is “playing with fire.” And Wisconsin voters reject Elon Musk’s political influence. Robert Reich, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Timothy Snyder, and Ben Wikler join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump condemns Vladimir Putin after Russia strikes Ukraine. Also, Trump attacks judges in a Memorial Day post. Plus, Trump escalates his fight with Harvard University. The Trump trade war undercuts American battery makers. House Republicans pass a bill that would cut Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood. And Trump delays 50% tariffs on EU goods until July 9. Amb. Michael McFaul, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Norm Ornstein, Laurence Tribe, Michigan State Rep. Joe Tate, Rep. Adam Smith, Carrie Baker, and Betsey Stevenson join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s crypto dinner raises questions on ethics and access. Also, Trump confirms his attempt to deport migrants to South Sudan. Plus, Trump confronts South Africa’s leader with debunked “white genocide” claims. And the Trump Justice Department announces its plan to cancel George Floyd era police reforms. Nnamdi Egwuonwu, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Barbara McQuade, Patrick Gaspard, and Toluse Olorunnipa join Jason Johnson.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Pentagon says it accepted Qatar’s luxury jet. Also, a Trump bill would make the largest Medicare cuts in history. Plus, retailers warn of price increases due to Trump tariffs. And Trump-Musk cuts are keeping HIV meds from African patients. Sen. Adam Schiff, Paul Krugman, and Dr. Atul Gawande join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats say the CBO finds Trump’s budget bill contains $500 billion in Medicare cuts. Also, Senate Democrats question Trump’s IRS pick on ethical issues. Plus, Reuters reports $98 million in U.S. food aid is rotting in warehouses after the Trump-Musk cuts to USAID. And Jonathan Capehart discusses his new memoir, “Yet Here I Am: Lessons from A Black Man’s Search for Home.” Rep. Brendan Boyle, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Jonathan Landay, and Jonathan Capehart join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump budget plan puts health care coverage in jeopardy. Plus, Democrats press Attorney General Pam Bondi on Qatari Jet. And Trump attacks companies over tariff-linked price hikes. Rep. Daniel Goldman and Rep. Jamie Raskin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 20 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court blocks Trump’s bid to resume deportations under The Alien Enemies Act of 1798. And the GOP defies Trump, striking down a bill advancing his agenda. Rep. Gwen Moore, Rick Stengel, Prof. Larry Glickman, and Tony Ortiz join Ali Velshi

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court hears arguments for orders blocking Trump’s Birthright Citizenship ban. Plus, Putin skips out on peace talks with Ukraine. And Bruce Springsteen condemns Trump in the first show of his new tour. Laurence Tribe and Lt. General Mark Hertling join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump arrives in Qatar after Saudi Arabia visit. Plus, Senate Democrats press Attorney General Pam Bondi on the Qatar jet gift to Trump. Also, there is growing opposition from the GOP on Trump’s budget. And John Ewing makes history as Omaha’s first black mayor. Ned Price, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and John Ewing Jr. join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

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