The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell - Season 12 / Year 2025

The NOLA terrorist attack shows the stakes for the incoming administration's picks. Also, the Judicial Conference denies Democrats' request to refer Justice Thomas to the Justice Department for ethics violations. Plus, it is unclear if Mike Johnson has the votes to remain Speaker. And President Biden awards 20 outstanding Americans with the Presidential Citizens Medal. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Eric Swalwell join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Democrats show a united front as the new Congress begins. Also, warring MAGA factions expose a schism in Donald Trump's GOP. Plus, a special election will determine control of the Virginia Senate. And in a historic first, two Black women are serving in the U.S. Senate together for the first time. Rep. Robert Garcia, Barbara McQuade, Jason Johnson, Virginia Delegate Kannan Srinivasan, JJ Singh, and Amb. Carol Moseley Braun join Symone Sanders.

Donald Trump's lawyers try to stop the release of Jack Smith's report. Also, a New York judge denies Trump's bid to delay his sentencing on Friday. And former Capitol police condemn Trump's January 6 pardon pledge. Sen. Adam Schiff, Andrew Weissmann, fmr. Officer Harry Dunn, and fmr. Sgt. Aquilino Gonell join Lawrence O'Donnell.

A state of emergency is declared in California for the Pacific Palisades fire. Also, Donald Trump is expected to appear virtually at his Friday sentencing. Plus, Judge Cannon halts the release of Jack Smith's Trump report. And Trump pledges to pardon January 6 rioters. Jacob Soboroff, Andrew Weissmann, and Timothy Heaphy join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Multiple out-of-control fires burn across Los Angeles. And Donald Trump reportedly speaks with Justice Alito amid the New York sentencing fight. Gadi Schwartz, Brent Pascua, and Laurence Tribe join Lawrence O'Donnell.

The Pacific Palisades fire torches over 27 square miles. Also, the Supreme Court denies Donald Trump's request to halt his sentencing.  Plus, officials are fighting a new fire in the West Hills area of Los Angeles. And an appeals court allows the release of Jack Smith's January 6 report. Brent Pascua, Morgan Chesky, Andrew Weissmann, and Robert Kovacik join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Donald Trump becomes a convicted felon days before inauguration. Also, Trump tries to block the release of Jack Smith's report. And the Biden administration imposes new sanctions on Russia. Ellison Barber, Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Chief Brent Pascua, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi.

President Biden delivers his final foreign policy address. Also, Trump nominee RFK Jr. must have two confirmation hearings. Plus, the Justice Department releases its final report on the Hunter Biden probes. And the death toll rises to 24 in the LA fires as high winds return to the region. Fmr. Amb. Wendy Sherman, Sen. Ron Wyden, Andrew Weissmann, and Chief Brent Pascua join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Pete Hegseth is grilled on his misconduct allegations in his confirmation hearing. And Jack Smith's report of Donald Trump's January 6 case is made public. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Mark Kelly, Neal Katyal, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O'Donnell.

President Biden delivers his farewell address to the nation. Also, Israel and Hamas reach a ceasefire-hostage deal. Plus, Trump attorney general pick Pam Bondi defends Kash Patel but claims she won't pursue a DOJ "enemies list." And Bondi leaves the door open for blanket January 6 pardons. EJ Dionne, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Sen. Adam Schiff join Lawrence O'Donnell.

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell joins Pres. Joe Biden in the Oval Office to discuss the Israel-Hamas cease-fire agreement, the Biden presidency, his warning about an oligarchy taking shape in America, and much more.

Key nominees refuse to say if they'll stand up to Donald Trump. Also, Israel's cabinet approves the Gaza ceasefire deal. Plus, billionaires cozy up to Trump ahead of his second term. And Minnesota Democrats sue over GOP House control. Jennifer Rubin, David Graham, Noga Tarnopolsky, Bishop William Barber, and Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman join Ali Velshi.

Donald Trump pardons people who attacked police on January 6. Also, Trump signs a slew of executive orders after his inauguration. And former President Biden reflects on his presidency during an Oval Office tour. Andrew Weissmann, Eugene Robinson, and Norm Ornstein join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Some Republicans condemn Donald Trump's January 6 rioter pardons. Also, The Washington Post details Tulsi Gabbard's 2017 trip to Syria to meet with then-dictator Bashar al-Assad. And former Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards dies at 67. Ryan J. Reilly, Andrew Weissmann, Rep. Jim Himes, and Sen. Jeff Merkley join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Donald Trump faces condemnation for his blanket January 6 pardons. Also, Pete Hegseth faces more allegations of abuse. Plus, Trump's OMB pick refuses to answer whether he will follow spending laws. And the media struggles to cover the Trump presidency. Ryan J. Reilly, Sen. Adam Schiff, Sen. Mark Kelly, Norm Ornstein, and John Harwood join Lawrence O'Donnell.

GOP Sens. Murkowski and Collins oppose Pete Hegseth's nomination. Also, a judge blocks the Trump order ending birthright citizenship. Plus, Donald Trump repeats the lie that Americans won't pay tariffs. And Hulu's "Say Nothing" chronicles the troubles in Northern Ireland. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Neal Katyal, and Patrick Radden Keefe join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Vice President Vance breaks the tie to confirm Pete Hegseth as defense secretary. Also, states are fighting Donald Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship. Plus, Trump lied about ending the Ukraine-Russia war on "day one." And billionaires and CEOs try to curry favor with Trump. Tom Nichols, Jennifer Rubin, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, Amb. Michael McFaul, and Robert Reich join Ali Velshi.

Donald Trump violates the law in his mass purge of inspectors general. Also, the Justice Department fires the officials involved in Jack Smith's Trump probes. Plus, Democrats condemn Trump firing inspectors general. And a new book, "The Sirens' Call," tackles the world's most endangered resource – attention. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Brendan Ballou, Andrew Weissmann, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Chris Hayes join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Caroline Kennedy urges senators to reject RFK Jr.'s nomination. And a federal judge blocks Donald Trump's plan to pause federal aid spending. Norm Ornstein, EJ Dionne, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Rep. Jim Himes join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Families mourn the victims of the D.C. plane crash. Also, NBC News reports two black boxes were recovered on the regional jet. Plus, DNI pick Tulsi Gabbard refuses to condemn Edward Snowden. And Democratic senators grill Trump FBI pick Kash Patel. Capt. Sully Sullenberger, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Sen. Mark Warner, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O'Donnell.

A second federal judge blocks Donald Trump's funding freeze. Also, Trump's Justice Department fires dozens of prosecutors of January 6 cases. And Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation is in jeopardy after a testy hearing. Rep. Eugene Vindman, David Rhode, Joyce Vance, and Tom Nichols join Ali Velshi.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent grants Elon Musk unprecedented access to sensitive data. Also, Donald Trump releases water in California, but floods areas unaffected by wildfires. Plus, prominent attorneys warn the Trump Justice Department against publicly releasing the names of purged officials. Norm Ornstein, E.J. Dionne, Sen. Adam Schiff, Frank Figliuzzi, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Democrats sound the alarm on Elon Musk's unprecedented access. Plus, FBI agents sue to stop the reveal of January 6 investigators. And Trump's freeze on foreign aid is wasting food and medicine. House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Christopher Mattei, Andrew Weissmann, and Rick Stengel join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Donald Trump's Treasury Department is being sued over access granted to Elon Musk. Also, Senate Democrats speak out against OMB nominee Russell Vought. Plus, Democrats slam Trump and Musk efforts to dismantle government agencies. And Trump and Musk spread lies about USAID funding. Norm Eisen, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Sen. Raphael Warnock, and Jeremy Konyndyk join Lawrence O'Donnell.

A North Carolina Republican candidate tries to subvert the vote after losing the State Supreme Court's election. Also, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin backs Donald Trump's purge of federal workers. Plus, WIRED reports inexperienced young men in Elon Musk's DOGE team gain access to sensitive data. And Donald Trump faces outrage over Treasury access given to Musk. Justice Allison Riggs, fmr. Rep. Abigail Spanberger, Vittoria Elliott, Tom Nichols, and Jennifer Rubin join Ali Velshi.

19 states sue Donald Trump over Elon Musk's Treasury access. Also, Vladimir Putin is capitalizing on Trump's national security chaos. Plus, federal courts are blocking parts of Trump's extreme agenda. And a Democrat flips an Iowa State Senate seat in a district Trump won by 21 points. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Amb. Michael McFaul, Joyce Vance, and Iowa State Sen.-elect Mike Zimmer join Ali Velshi.

The Trump DOJ drops charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, House Democrats introduce a bill to block Elon Musk's treasury access. Also, Donald Trump and Elon Musk spread lies about USAID funding. Rep. Daniel Goldman, Andrew Weissmann, Rep. Haley Stevens, and Dr. Atul Gawande join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Trump fires the USAID Inspector General after a critical report. Plus, concerns grow that the Trump administration won't comply with the courts. Also, Fmr. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announces her run for governor of New Mexico. Nicholas Kristof, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, David Super, also join Lawrence O'Donnell.

U.S. inflation worsens with rising grocery and gas prices. Plus, Senate Democrats push GOP on Trump's economic agenda. Also, the Trump-Musk USAID freeze puts HIV treatment in Africa at risk. Rep. Melanie Stansbury, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Declan Walsh join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Six prosecutors resign after refusing to drop charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, a former USAID official speaks out against the Trump-Musk funding freeze. Also, the GOP advances a budget plan that calls for healthcare cuts. And Elon Musk meets with India's Prime Minister in Washington D.C. Andrew Weissmann, Sarah Charles, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Norm Ornstein join Lawrence O'Donnell.

A DOJ lawyer eviscerates Donald Trump in their resignation letter. Plus, a new lawsuit against Elon Musk claims that his role and DOGE are unconstitutional. Also, U.S. Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth says returning Ukraine to its 2014 borders is "unrealistic." And Democrats win big in special election after Trump attack. Andrew Weissmann, Rep. Jamie Raskin, William Tong, William Taylor, and Ken Jenkins join Ali Velshi.

Musk's DOGE team targets the Social Security and IRS systems. Plus, the White House claims in a court filing that Elon Musk is not the administrator of DOGE. Also, a former USAID officials speaks out against the Trump-Musk funding freeze. And Lawrence O'Donnell discusses the legacy of SNL's Executive Producer Lorne Michaels with Susan Morrison, author of the new book ‘Lorne.' Sen. Amy Klobuchar, E.J. Dionne, and Anne Linn also join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Resignations mount at the Justice Department under Trump. Plus, Democrats demand answers on Elon Musk's access into Social Security. And Trump and Putin officials meet without a Ukrainian envoy. Andrew Weissmann, Sen. Ron Wyden, and Timothy Snyder join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Democrats demand answers on Elon Musk's access into government agencies. Plus, Donald Trump lies calling Ukraine's Zelenskyy a ‘dictator.' And Donald Trump endorses a GOP plan that could cut Medicaid. Adam Klasfeld, Andrew Weissmann, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Norm Ornstein join Lawrence O'Donnell.

The Senate GOP confirms Kash Patel to be FBI director.  Plus, the Trump administration fires thousands of IRS workers. Also, NY Governor Kathy Hochul vows to stop the ‘Trump revenge tour.' And an appeals court rejects Trump's bid to reinstate his Birthright Citizenship order. Sen. Adam Schiff, Sen. Edward Markey, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Donald Trump abruptly fires Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman CQ Brown. Plus, Kash Patel is sworn in as Trump's new FBI director. Also, Trump attacks Zelenskyy while praising his talks with Putin. And PA State Rep. Mandy Steele warns against Trump's medical research cuts. Jennifer Rubin, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, and Michael McFaul also join Ali Velshi.

The U.S. sides with Vladimir Putin and votes against the UN resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Also, Donald Trump fires 6,700 IRS employees during tax season. Plus, a federal judge appoints outside counsel in the New York City Mayor Eric Adams corruption case. And a right-wing podcaster is tapped as the next FBI deputy director. Timothy Snyder, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O'Donnell.

House Republicans narrowly adopt Donald Trump's budget resolution with deep Medicaid cuts. And the Trump-Musk cuts to USAID threaten the world's most vulnerable people. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Del. Stacey Plaskett, and Erin Boyd join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Donald Trump and Elon Musk's lies go unchecked in the first Cabinet meeting. Also, Democrats grill Trump's solicitor general nominee. Plus, Chief Justice John Roberts blocks a ruling ordering the Trump administration to pay USAID contracts by midnight on Thursday. And Musk lies about USAID funding cuts in the Cabinet room. Robert Reich, Sen. Adam Schiff, Andrew Weissmann, and Jeremy Konyndyk join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Five former defense secretaries protest the firing of generals. Also, Donald Trump is forced to confront reality on camera. Plus, Elon Musk urges Republicans to impeach the judges blocking Trump. And Jonathan Capehart writes about a "powerful Black history moment." Sen. Ruben Gallego, Andrew Feinberg, Rep. Daniel Goldman, and Jonathan Capehart join Lawrence O'Donnell.

Donald Trump and JD Vance berate an American ally in the Oval Office. Also, a top Trump U.S. attorney demotes January 6 prosecutors. Plus, House Democrats back a lawsuit against Trump's efforts to dismantle the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. And NBC News reports House GOP leadership are urging lawmakers to avoid town halls. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Laurence Tribe, Rep. Joe Neguse, and Rep. Madeleine Dean join Jonathan Capehart.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trump-Musk cuts are creating chaos inside the federal government. Also, Donald Trump invokes the Alien Enemies Act for the fourth time in history. Plus, Democrats issue a warning over possible GOP Medicaid cuts. The Black Lives Matter Plaza is removed amid Trump funding cut threats. And Tulsi Gabbard says Trump and Putin are "very good friends." David Fahrenthold, Barbara McQuade, Rep. Paul Tonko, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Jonathan Capehart.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.