The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell Lawrence: ‘Immoral’ is Donald Trump’s brand, and his chief of staff just proved it
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Dec 17, 2025 
Nicholas Kristof, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and Ro Khanna, a U.S. Representative, join in a riveting discussion on the humanitarian impacts of USAID cuts. Kristof shares harrowing accounts of child deaths linked to reduced aid, while Ro Khanna challenges the credibility of Trump and his Chief of Staff's claims regarding Ghislaine Maxwell's prison transfer. They also delve into military actions at sea and the implications for oversight in Congress. Brace yourself for insightful debates on morality, accountability, and the consequences of political decisions.
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Chief Of Staff As Facilitator
- Susie Wiles frames her job as facilitating Donald Trump's vision rather than serving the national interest.
- That orientation helps explain a more cruel and inhumane second Trump term, Lawrence O'Donnell argues.
Enabling An 'Alcoholic' Personality
- Susie Wiles told Chris Whipple Trump has an "alcoholic's personality" and she enables it.
- Lawrence says that admission plus Wiles' facilitation mindset deepens concerns about Trump's behavior and judgment.
Policy Ignorance And Hidden Motives
- Wiles showed ignorance of basic economics by not opposing Trump's tariffs and downplayed their pain.
- She also admitted the administration's motive for striking boats was regime change, not drug interdiction.