The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Tonight on The Last Word: Pennsylvania leads the U.S. in political ad spending. Also, former national security leaders endorse Vice President Harris. Plus, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg urges Judge Juan Merchan to reject Donald Trump’s bid to toss his conviction. And gun safety group March for Our Lives makes a historic endorsement. Sen. Bob Casey, Amb. Susan Rice, Andrew Weissmann, and David Hogg join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: President Biden relies on history to frame the existential election in a historic speech from the Oval Office about his decision to leave the campaign. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Ron Klain join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Vice President Kamala Harris pledges to unite the Democratic Party. Also, New York’s Democratic delegates vote to support Harris. Plus, Harris holds her first presidential campaign rally in Wisconsin. And the Harris candidacy reshapes key Senate race strategies. Rep. Joyce Beatty, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Ben Wikler, and Sen. Gary Peters join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Vice President Harris begins an historic presidential campaign. And NBC News reports the majority of pledged Democratic delegates endorse Harris on her first full day as a candidate. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Angela Alsobrooks, Zerlina Maxwell, and Simon Rosenberg join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump pivots to lies and attacks after calling for unity in his RNC speech. Also, the Biden campaign focuses on trying to flip North Carolina. Plus, Jack Smith appeals Judge Cannon’s dismissal of the Trump classified documents case. And Trump continues to call American cities “horrible.” Stuart Stevens, Jennifer Rubin, Anderson Clayton, Andrew Weissmann, Joyce Vance, and Mayor Cavalier Johnson join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 20 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: President Biden reacts to calls for him to leave the race. Also, Donald Trump wants his New York conviction tossed after the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling. Plus, Biden oversees an historic stretch of low unemployment. And Trump hosts Hungary Prime Minister Viktor Orbán at Mar-a-Lago again. Lavora Barnes, Adam Klasfeld, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Jared Bernstein, and Adm. James Stavridis join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 13 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: President Biden defends his record and answers campaign questions. And Biden attacks Donald Trump’s links to Vladimir Putin after the NATO Summit. Timothy Snyder and Jen Psaki join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: The stock market again closes at an all-time high under President Biden. Also, the AFL-CIO reaffirms its endorsement of Biden. Plus, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez files impeachment articles against Justices Thomas and Alito. And Democrats are defending the North Carolina governorship in a tight race. Rep. Katie Porter, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump holds a Florida campaign rally after golfing for over a week. Also, President Biden announces new air defenses for Ukraine. And Vice President Harris says Trump wants to turn U.S. democracy into a dictatorship. Rep. Maxwell Frost and Adm. John Kirby join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 10 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: President Biden meets with the Congressional Black Caucus. Also, the stock market again closes at an all-time high under Biden. Plus, the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling impacts Donald Trump’s classified documents case. And left-wing and moderate candidates win in France, Iran, and the UK. Rep. Joyce Beatty, Quentin Fulks, Andrew Weissmann, and Roger Cohen join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: The Biden-Harris campaign responds to the debate fallout. Also, the Trump hush money case sentencing is delayed to September 18. And William Hogeland discusses his book, “The Hamilton Scheme: An Epic Tale of Money and Power in the American Founding.” Quentin Fulks and Barbara McQuade also join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 4 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: President Biden says the Supreme Court’s immunity ruling sets a dangerous precedent. Laurence Tribe, Melissa Murray, Andrew Weissmann, and Neal Katyal join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: President Biden gives a fiery speech in North Carolina after the debate. And the Supreme Court overturns a 40-year precedent regulating the power of federal agencies. John Heilemann, Stuart Stevens, Zerlina Maxwell, and Neal Katyal join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 29 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Biden-Trump debate rules include muted mics and no staff interaction with candidates. Also, GOP justices issue a rule weakening anti-corruption law. Plus, Trump’s Florida residency could complicate his VP choice. And Democrats push to codify rights amid fears that the Supreme Court could target contraception and same-sex marriage. Rep. James Clyburn, Andrew Weissman, Ben Ginsberg, and Sen. Tammy Baldwin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: The Biden campaign emphasizes its abortion stance ahead of the election. Also, a bankruptcy trustee discloses the plan to shut down Infowars and liquidate Alex Jones’ assets. Plus, Judge Cannon considers Donald Trump’s motion to toss evidence. And CEOs and economists reject Trump’s economic policies. Michael Tyler, Rep. Maxwell Frost, Adam Klasfeld, Joyce Vance, and Jeffrey Sonnenfeld join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Abortion-rights group pledge to spend $100M to restore federal protections for reproductive rights. Also, Vice President Harris says a Donald Trump win means a nationwide abortion ban. And Trump tries again to dismiss the classified documents case. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Angela Alsobrooks, Andrew Weissmann, Adam Klasfeld, and Joyce Vance join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump vows to pardon January 6 criminals. Also, Monday marks two years since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Plus, the U.S. economy added 272K jobs in May. And Eugene Vindman wins the primary for a U.S. House seat in Virginia. Tom Nichols, Jennifer Rubin, Sen. Tina Smith, Jared Bernstein, and Eugene Vindman join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Dr. Anthony Fauci joins Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss his new book, “On Call: A Doctor's Journey in Public Service.”

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Economists warn Donald Trump’s tariffs would hurt families. Also, several Texas cities move to restrict interstate travel for abortions. Plus, ostracized Vladimir Putin is forced to seek an alliance with North Korea. And Democrats fight to keep control of the Senate in November. Robert Reich, Rep. Colin Allred, Richard Stengel, and Ira Shapiro join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 20 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: More undisclosed trips are revealed between Justice Clarence Thomas and GOP megadonor Harlan Crow. Also, Ohio’s Senate race is one of the most expensive in 2024. Plus, a new Biden policy shields undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens from deportation. And Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester officially files for a Delaware Senate run. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Sen. Sherrod Brown, Rep. Robert Garcia, and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 19 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: President Biden warns the Supreme Court is on the ballot in November. Also, Senate Democrats hold a hearing on the impact of women forced to flee Republican abortion bans. And Biden makes gains in polls post-Trump felony conviction. Andrew Weissmann, Lauren Miller, and Simon Rosenberg join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats seek to put the Supreme Court on the ballot in November. Also, Donald Trump maintains his grip on the GOP despite recent incoherent campaign speeches. Plus, a bankruptcy judge orders Alex Jones to liquidate his personal assets to pay his $1.5 billion legal debt. And Trump-style Republicanism seeps into state politics. Rep. Jamie Raskin, fmr. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Tom Nichols, Jennifer Rubin, Elizabeth Williamson, and Heather Williams join Ayman Mohyeldin.

Transcribed - Published: 15 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump visits Capitol Hill for the first time since January 6. Also, the Supreme Court immunity ruling delay helps Trump. Plus, the House votes to hold Attorney General Garland in contempt. And Trump reportedly calls Milwaukee “a horrible city” ahead of the Republican convention there. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Andrew Weissmann, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Rep. Gwen Moore join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: The stock market again closes at an all-time high under President Biden. Also, Senate Republicans block a Supreme Court ethics bill. Plus, Senate Democrats hold a hearing on the impact of women forced to flee Republican abortion bans. And Biden renews the call for an assault weapons ban. Gov. Wes Moore, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and David Hogg join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 13 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump continues to attack DOJ officials. Also, Justice Alito attacks media in a new secret recording. Plus, recent Nevada polls show strong support for abortion access. And President Biden is slightly favored in a new 2024 forecast. Neal Katyal, Rep. James Clyburn, Kelley Robinson, Sen. Jacky Rosen, Ben Wikler, and Sandy Rindy join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump attends a virtual probation interview ahead of his July 11 sentencing in the hush money case. Also, the new season of Rachel Maddow’s podcast, “Ultra,” reveals the history of the ultra-right’s reach into American politics. And jury deliberations in Hunter Biden’s gun trial resume Tuesday. Andrew Weissmann and Rachel Maddow join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

As a bonus for listeners, we’re sharing a special preview of the second season of the award-winning original series, “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra.” In the chart-topping second season, Rachel Maddow returns to uncover the shocking history of the ultra-right’s reach into American politics. Listen to the entire first episode now, and follow the show to get the whole series: https://link.chtbl.com/rmpust_fdlw. You can also subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access to every episode the Friday before it drops, and ad-free listening to all episodes of Ultra seasons one and two.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: President Biden links WWII and the Ukraine war in a D-Day address. Also, a judge orders Steve Bannon to report to prison on July 1. Plus, Florida Sen. Rick Scott lies about the Senate’s contraception bill. And Democrats are defending the North Carolina governorship in a tight race. Timothy Snyder, Glenn Kirschner, fmr Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, and North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg opposes Donald Trump’s request to lift the gag order in the hush money case. Also, Justice Alito refuses to recuse from January 6 cases over the flag scandals. Plus, Senate Republicans block a bill protecting contraception access. And President Biden is in France to give a D-Day anniversary speech. Adam Klasfeld, Andrew Weissmann, Susan Sullivan, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, and Simon Rosenberg join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Attorney General Merrick Garland testifies to the House Judiciary Committee. Also, NBC News projects Sen. Jon Tester will face Republican Tim Sheehy in the U.S. Senate race in Montana. And NBC News projects Democrat Rep. Andy Kim wins the New Jersey Senate primary. Andrew Weissmann, Neal Katyal, Rep. Adam Schiff, Sen. Jon Tester, and Rep. Andy Kim join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 5 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump faces sentencing on July 11 for 34 felony counts. Also, the Supreme Court has yet to rule on Trump’s immunity claim. And Dr. Fauci testifies in a hearing about the origins of Covid. Andrew Weissmann, Lisa Rubin, Adam Klasfeld, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rep. Raul Ruiz join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: A newly convicted Donald Trump rants against the American judicial system. The Biden campaign condemns these “dangerous” attacks on the justice system, saying “We saw that no one is above the law.” Adam Klasfeld, Andrew Weissmann, and Lisa Rubin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 1 June 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Judge Merchan delivers jury instructions in Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Also, the classified documents case judge denies Jack Smith’s motion to stop Trump’s attacks on law enforcement. Plus, President Biden and Vice President Harris court Black voters in Philadelphia. And Biden performs stronger in polls among likely voters. Andrew Weissmann, Adam Klasfeld, Bradley Moss, Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, Pennsylvania Rep. Joanna McClinton, and Simon Rosenberg join Katie Phang.

Transcribed - Published: 30 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Closing arguments conclude in Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Andrew Weissmann, Adam Klasfeld, and Lisa Rubin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Jack Smith urges Judge Cannon to modify the conditions of Donald Trump’s release in the classified documents case after his attacks on the FBI. Also, dozens are killed in the Rafah camp after an Israeli airstrike. Plus, President Biden honors U.S. troops as Trump attacks E. Jean Carroll and judges in a Memorial Day message. Vladimir Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine is now in its third year. Louisiana becomes the first state to classify abortion pills as controlled dangerous substances. A new book by Eddie Glaude, Jr. explores how ordinary Americans can help achieve a more perfect democracy. And Texas’ first openly LBGTQ+ state senator is running for reelection. Joyce Vance, Bradley Moss, Allie Raffa, Kelley Robinson, Rep. Barbara Lee, Amb. Michael McFaul, Glenn Kirschner, Ryan Reilly, Kaitlyn Joshua, Mini Timmaraju, Raf Sanchez, Eddie Glaude, and Texas Sen. Molly Cook join Katie Phang.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Chief Justice Roberts is urged to act amid new scandals. Also, Donald Trump lies about the FBI search in a new fundraising email. Plus, Democrats call for new Supreme Court ethics rules. And Rep. Jim McGovern is ruled out of order on the House floor for listing Trump’s legal cases. Laurence Tribe, Andrew Weissmann, and Jamelle Bouie join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: New details in the Trump classified documents case are revealed in unsealed court records. Also, GOP Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoes a bill on birth control access. Plus, The New York Times reports Justice Samuel Alito displayed two flags used by January 6 supporters. And Sen. Ted Cruz tries to court Democrats in a bid to win his reelection. Andrew Weissmann, Bradley Moss, Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rep. Colin Allred join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s defense rests its case after calling two witnesses. Andrew Weissmann, Adam Klasfeld, and Lisa Rubin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: The prosecution rests its case in Donald Trump’s criminal trial. Andrew Weissmann, Lisa Rubin, and Adam Klasfeld join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: A GOP-led House Oversight Committee hearing descends into chaos. Also, Donald Trump continues to spread lies about his criminal cases. Plus, Democrats call on Justice Alito to recuse himself from January 6 cases. And the Dow closes above 40,000 for the first time in history. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Stuart Stevens, Joyce Vance, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Robert Reich join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 18 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Michael Cohen testifies for a third day in Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Adam Klasfeld, Andrew Weissmann, and Lisa Rubin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: President Biden and Donald Trump agree to debate in June and September. Also, Maryland Democrats back Angela Alsobrooks in the Senate race. Plus, Sen. Jon Tester vies for a fourth term in Montana. And Luke Russert discusses his book, “Look For Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself.” Andrew Weissmann, Simon Rosenberg, Angela Alsobrooks, and Sen. Jon Tester also join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Michael Cohen testifies for a second day in Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Andrew Weissmann, Adam Klasfeld, and Tim O’Brien join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Michael Cohen testifies in Donald Trump’s hush money trial. Andrew Weissmann, Adam Klasfeld, and Lisa Rubin join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: NBC News reports Michael Cohen will testify in Donald Trump’s criminal trial on Monday. Also, Trump’s agenda for a second term threatens democracy. Plus, a State Department report finds Israel likely violated international law in Gaza. And Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene fails to remove Speaker Johnson. Adam Klasfeld, Katie Phang, Timothy Snyder, Nick Kristof, and Rep. Jasmine Crockett join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 11 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump is denied a mistrial after the Stormy Daniels testimony. Andrew Weissmann, Adam Klasfeld, and Lisa Rubin join Lawrence.

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Abortion rights are front and center in the Biden campaign. Also, a Trump-picked judge indefinitely delays the Trump classified documents trial. Plus, Donald Trump stokes anti-immigrant fears with recent comments. And Ali Velshi discusses his new memoir, “Small Acts of Courage.” Michael Tyler, Glenn Kirschner, Bradley Moss, and Rep. Colin Allred also join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump loses his bid for mistrial after testimony from Stormy Daniels where she details their alleged 2006 sexual encounter. Plus, NYC Mayor Eric Adams says that authorities will “be ready” if Trump is ordered to jail. Lisa Rubin, Andrew Weissmann, and Adam Klasfeld join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Judge Merchan reprimands Trump over 10 gag order violations. Plus, Jen Psaki joins Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss working in the White House post-Trump. Adam Klasfeld, Andrew Weissmann, and Neal Katyal also join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2024

Tonight on The Last Word: Ex-Trump aide Hope Hicks testifies at the hush money trial. Lisa Rubin, Adam Klasfeld, Andrew Weissmann, and Jonathan Alter join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 4 May 2024