The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Drawing upon his experience as a former chief of staff on the Senate Finance Committee and as an Emmy-winning executive producer and writer of ‘The West Wing,’ Lawrence O’Donnell examines the compelling and impactful political stories of the day. Join him every weeknight.

Lawrence on the rules that will make the first debate of 2024 ‘absurdly unrealistic’

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.

06-27
45:01

Biden & Trump to debate for first time in four years

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.

06-26
43:36

Democrats attack GOP abortion bans marking two years since Roe was overturned

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.

06-25
44:19

More SCOTUS delay on Trump Jan. 6 immunity ruling

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.

06-22
44:16

Lawrence: It’s time to thank Dr. Fauci for saving millions upon millions of lives

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.”

06-21
45:29

Lawrence: Donald Trump is proposing the ‘worst economic policy in U.S. history’

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.

06-20
45:43

Lawrence: Trumpism means ‘never having to say you're sorry for being stupid’

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.

06-19
46:10

Lawrence: Biden warns voters Trump could appoint 2 new Supreme Court Justices

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.

06-18
41:39

SCOTUS rejects ban on gun device used in Vegas massacre

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.

06-15
45:43

Lawrence: Fawning Republicans craving time with Trump welcome him back to Cap Hill

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.

06-14
45:41

Lawrence: No Republican businessmen are ever going to thank Biden for enriching them.

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.

06-13
45:31

GOP conspiracies run wild after Hunter Biden verdict

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.

06-12
44:54

Lawrence: Alito tapes prove justice isn't telling the truth about flag controversy

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.

06-11
42:11

BONUS: Season 2 of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Ultra”

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.

06-10
07:01

Lawrence: Trump didn’t understand D-Day’s ‘bravery and devotion to duty.’

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.

06-07
44:35

Lawrence: Trump is losing his guns

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.

06-06
44:38

Lawrence: Republicans' pledge of allegiance is a lie. Their allegiance is to Trump.

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.

06-05
45:05

Lawrence: Alvin Bragg taught Sunday school while Trump lied to Fox

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.

06-04
42:35

Trump Found Guilty on All 34 Felony Charges

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. 

06-01
49:24

Jury begins deliberating in Trump hush money trial

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.

05-30
45:19

T Bowers

I heard opening comments from the physician as nothing more than "respectfully TONED" accusatory comments. They were not the idiotic variety of B6 but the undercurrent was accusatory. Continued CLOWN hearings R simply a waste of time & tax payer funds. Repubs have proven over & over that they R exceedingly SLOW on the uptake. they seem 2 believe they will FINALLY get what they WANT if they have18 hearings on the same subject w/o any results!! PATHETIC!!

06-04 Reply

Ed Potter

Thank you, Lawrence. I was puzzled by several things about Trump's payment and repayment scheme. If Cohen and Weisselberg came up with the plan, why did he retaliate by prosecuting Cohen? Is this what led to the search of Cohen's office? How did the press find out about Stormy Daniels? Adam Weissman's explanation regarding the $130,000 line item explains a lot! But for his offices scrupulous examination of those books it might have remained hidden.

05-15 Reply

Dianna Baldwin

SCOTUS appears to favor Trump. Recent behaviors seem to intend to support his ability to be elected President. What does the deciding majority of SCOTUS have to gain during a Trump/Putin administration? What would be the role of a court in a dictatorship? Trump has forced us to create laws related to a President's behavior where general decency has previously made them unnecessay.

04-26 Reply

ID21816987

I love Lawrence presentations. He has command of English language and he is just the only one who dares to call Trump and co what they really are. As for me, Trump is a BINO( Billionaire In Name Only)

03-22 Reply

Vinnie Krieger

When SCUTUS considers these questions, simply change Trump's name for Biden and see how they will look at it.

02-29 Reply

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