The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Tonight on The Last Word: A federal appeals court deals a huge blow to Donald Trump on tariffs. Also, Trump is blasted for his “illegal” tactic to cut foreign aid. Plus, Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff refuses to blame Russia as the aggressor against Ukraine. And Iowa GOP Sen. Joni Ernst won’t seek reelection in 2026. Laurence Tribe, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Norm Ornstein, David Rothkopf, Iowa State Rep. Josh Turek, and Ben Wikler join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Sen. Angela Alsobrooks calls on RFK Jr. to resign. Also, former CDC Director Susan Monarez is fired after refusing to sign off on vaccine changes. Plus, Federal Reserve Gov. Lisa Cook sues Donald Trump over his effort to fire her. And a whistleblower complaint alleges DOGE copied Social Security data to an unsecured server. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, Dr. Nirav Shah, Andrew Weissmann, Gene Sperling, and Martin O’Malley join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: RFK Jr.’s anti-science policy triggers CDC resignations. Also, two children are dead and 17 people are injured in a mass shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school. Plus, a Trump-appointed federal judge excoriates the Trump Justice Department in a scathing new ruling. And an Iowa Democrat flips a long-held GOP state Senate seat. Dr. Ashish Jha, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rep. Maxwell Frost, J. Michael Luttig, and Iowa state Senator-elect Catelin Drey join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A recent poll finds 37 percent of Americans approve of Donald Trump’s economy. Also, Trump is accused of using the Justice Department to target his foes. Plus, Ohio is set to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms. And Israeli strikes on a Gaza hospital kill five journalists. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Michael Hiltzik, Rep. Emilia Sykes, and Noga Tarnopolsky join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump threatens to send troops to more Democratic-led cities. Also, a federal judge blocks the Justice Department from deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia. And the House Oversight Committee issues a subpoena for the Epstein birthday book. Radley Balko, Jason Stanley, Gene Sperling, Andrew Weissmann, Garrett Gaff, and Rep. Robert Garcia join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word, the House Oversight Committee has received 33,000 pages of the Epstein files. Plus, Trump’s Justice Department also released audio of Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche’s July interview with Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. And the FBI searches the home and office of ex-Trump aide John Bolton.

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2025

Tonight on the Last Word, Democrats move to counter Republican gerrymandering and Trump’s redistricting plot. Plus Black and Hispanic Texas voters are at risk of losing representation as that state advances a gerrymandered congressional map. And Trump sends VP Vance out to sell his increasingly unpopular economic policy and budget bill - that and more with Leah Litman, Rep. Gwen Moore, Jennifer Rubin, Andrew Weissmann and Jason Stanley.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The DOJ is set to begin releasing Epstein files to Congress on Friday. Plus a Judge calls out Trump’s DOJ’s “Diversion on the Epstien case.” And Trump has the attorney general he’s always wanted - that and more with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, and Yale Business Professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Oversight Cmte. Dem Rep. Garica says fmr. Trump AG Bill Barr says the DOJ can release the Epstein files now. Also, the Justice Department is investigating NY Atty. Gen. Letitia James, who previously prosecuted the Trump Org. Plus, Sherrod Brown is running in the Ohio special election to fill the remainder of JD Vance’s term in the Senate. And Donald Trump’s economic failures are costing Americans. Rep. Robert Garcia, Andrew Weissmann, and former Sen. Sherrod Brown join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump backs away from his demand for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Also, the House Oversight Committee questions former Attorney General Barr about the Jeffrey Epstein case. And coffee prices are up because of Trump’s tariffs. Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Robert Garcia, and Rep. Ro Khanna join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin meet as the fighting continues in Ukraine. Also, the Justice Department rescinds an order to take over the Washington, D.C. police. And Rep. Ro Khanna plans to introduce a bill to repeal tariffs on coffee. Timothy Snyder, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman (ret.), Amb. Michael McFaul, Ben Rhodes, Lisa Rubin, and Rep. Ro Khanna join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: California Gov. Gavin Newsom fights back against the Texas redistricting scheme. Also, AARP finds 96 percent of voters say social security is “important.” Plus, Donald Trump breaks his “day one” vow to lower costs as prices rise since his election win. Trump deflects again from his failed campaign promise to end the Ukraine war in 24 hours. And ethics questions are raised over Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s assets. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Sen. Ed Markey, Jared Bernstein, David Rothkopf, and Alan Rappeport join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee question the Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Prisons on Ghislaine Maxwell’s transfer. Also, Donald Trump refers to Saint Petersburg by its Soviet-era name. And The New Yorker reports the Trump family has made an estimated $3.4 billion off his presidency so far. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Amb. Wendy Sherman, and David Kirkpatrick join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump is trying to distract from the Epstein scandal. Also, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse says Trump’s Justice Department “doesn’t care about truth or law.” And Trump lashes out at criticism of his tariff chaos. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Paul Krugman join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A federal judge rejects the Justice Department’s request to unseal grand jury transcripts in Ghislaine Maxwell’s case. And the Congressional Budget Office reports Donald Trump’s tax law boosts income for the rich while leaving the poorest Americans with less. Rep. Daniel Goldman, Andrew Weissmann, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Texas Republicans’ attempt to remove Democrats goes to the state Supreme Court. Also, the Justice Department requests for the unsealing of the grand jury exhibits and transcripts in the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. Plus, nearly two million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits. And the Supreme Court is poised to come for the Voting Rights Act. Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Heather Long, Conor Lamb, and Melissa Murray join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump officials met at the White House and discussed Jeffrey Epstein. Also, The New York Times reports Donald Trump delayed a Medicare change after receiving a $5 million donation. And Trump adopts Project 2025’s warped view of U.S history. Lisa Rubin, Ken Vogel, and David Blight join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats introduce a resolution opposing clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell. Also, Donald Trump sets off a congressional redistricting battle. And new reporting finds Elon Musk gave $15 million to support Trump and Republicans amid their public feud. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, and Joe Miller join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 7 August 2025

August 5, 2025, 10pm; Tonight on The Last Word: The House Oversight Committee issues subpoenas for Epstein documents. And Donald Trump defends firing a labor official after a weak jobs report. Rep. Ro Khanna, Andrew Weissmann, and Paul Krugman join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Ghislaine Maxwell is moved to a lower-security prison after meeting with the Trump Justice Department. And Texas Democrats flee the state to block a gerrymandered GOP map. Andrew Weissmann, Texas Rep. Mihaela Plesa, and Texas Rep. Erin Zwiener join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The U.S. economy adds just 73,000 jobs in July. Also, international outrage over starvation in Gaza is growing. Plus, Democrats pledge to fight Donald Trump and the GOP on gerrymandering. And the Smithsonian removes references of Trump’s impeachments from an exhibit. Dan Osborn, Ben Rhodes, Colin Allred, and Garrett Graff join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The family of Virginia Giuffre speaks out against a potential Trump pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell. Also, Donald Trump unveils a wave of new tariffs hours before the August 1 trade deadline. Plus, a new Gallup poll shows momentum moving towards Democrats. And Trump escalates a war of words with a top Russian official. Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Suzan DelBene, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats eye an obscure law to force the release of the Epstein files. Also, Donald Trump pushes Texas gerrymandering to help House Republicans. Plus, the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid is marked by deep Trump-GOP cuts. And a former Navajo president launches a campaign to unseat Arizona GOP Rep. Eli Crane. Harry Litman, Heather Long, Rep. Julie Johnson, Rep. Glenn Ivey, Norm Ornstein, and Jonathan Nez join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The House Oversight Committee rejects Ghislaine Maxwell’s immunity request. Also, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper launches his U.S. Senate bid. Plus, Trump fails to “make America affordable again.” And Democratic attorneys general sue to block Trump’s SNAP data order. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara McQuade, Jennifer Rubin, Anderson Clayton, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown join Jonathan Capehart.

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell is granted limited immunity during meetings with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Also, Axios reports Nevada swing state voters are turning on Donald Trump. Plus, the Trump administration backs down and releases over $5 billion in Education Department funds. And a Republican congressman is caught misrepresenting his grandfather’s “legal” immigration story. Lisa Rubin, Rep. Wesley Bell, Margaret Talev, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, and Chase Woodruff join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A Trump Justice Department lawyer meets with Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Also, Sen. Ruben Gallego calls out Donald Trump and the Justice Department for the Epstein “coverup.” And The New York Times reveals Ghislaine Maxwell’s letter to Jeffrey Epstein in the birthday book. Andrew Weissmann, Christopher O’Leary, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Barry Levine join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Bradley Edwards, an attorney for over 200 of the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse, joins Lawrence O’Donnell for an exclusive interview and reveals that he believes the Jeffrey Epstein birthday book with a letter bearing Donald Trump’s name as reported first by The Wall Street Journal is in possession of the Epstein estate. Rep. Ro Khanna and Andrew Weissmann also join to react to the breaking news.

Transcribed - Published: 24 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats back the push to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files. Also, the Senate advances Emil Bove’s federal judge nomination. And a recent poll finds Americans are opposed to Donald Trump’s economic agenda. Rep. Ro Khanna, Mimi Rocah, Tim O’Brien, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump remains silent today on the Epstein files scandal. And Harvard University argues in court that Trump’s funding cuts are illegal. Rep. Daniel Goldman, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Laurence Tribe join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump sues the Wall Street Journal over the story on the alleged letter sent to Jeffrey Epstein bearing Trump’s name. Also, Oregon Senator Ron Wyden is investigating Epstein’s financial network. And the White House dodges one reporter’s question after Trump tells an imagined story about his uncle and the Unabomber. Mimi Rocah, Tim O’Brien, Matthew Goldstein, and Andrew Feinberg join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: The Wall Street Journal reports a letter bearing Donald Trump’s name was sent to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. Also, Senate Democrats demand Emil Bove explain his involvement in the Justice Department withholding Epstein files. And the House Rules Committee approves of a non-binding resolution on the Epstein files. Harry Litman, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats call for a Congressional hearing on the Epstein files. Also, Donald Trump denies he’s planning to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell. And Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro endorses Janelle Stelson for Congress. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Paul Krugman, and Janelle Stelson join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Emil Bove’s judicial nomination is under intense scrutiny. Also, Donald Trump imposes a 17 percent tariff on Mexican tomatoes. And a new film, “Sovereign,” explores the rise of far right-wing political ideology. Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Greg Stanton, and Nick Offerman join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Ro Khanna offers an amendment to release the Epstein files. Also, Donald Trump is starting to lose his own voters on his tariff policy. And Democrats look to campaign on tariffs and Trump’s economy. Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Mark Pocan join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: Trump-Musk cuts are still wreaking havoc on the federal government. Also, Donald Trump deregulates crypto while his family profits. Plus, U.S. munitions shipments to Ukraine resume after a pause. And Benjamin Netanyahu returns from Washington, D.C. without a ceasefire deal. Brandy Zadrozny, Rep. Robin Kelly, Ken Vogel, Rep. Eugene Vindman, and Noga Tarnopolsky join Ali Velshi.

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

Tonight on The Last Word: A federal judge blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship ban. Plus, the Emil Bove confirmation vote is set for July 17. Also, FEMA’s Texas flood responded was reportedly delayed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. And Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson says “the state of our democracy” keeps her up at night. Cody Wofsy and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse join Lawrence O’Donnell.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2025

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