The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Miles Taylor, former chief of staff at DHS, shares insights on the lack of accountability in Trump's second term, painting a picture of a chaotic White House led by 'man-children.' Jay Johnson discusses the legality of recent Pentagon strikes in the Caribbean, emphasizing the troubling implications for military engagement. Rep. Adelita Grijalva recounts a harrowing experience where she was pepper-sprayed by ICE during an immigration oversight attempt, revealing the aggressive tactics faced by lawmakers on the ground.

Rep. Jim Himes, a U.S. Representative and ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, shares shocking insights from a classified briefing on a naval bombing in the Caribbean. He describes deeply troubling footage showing the aftermath of the attack and disputes claims made by former officials, emphasizing no evidence of communication from the survivors. Himes calls for the public release of the video, challenging narratives around military responsibility and press access, while highlighting the urgent need for transparency in reporting.

John Finer, former Deputy National Security Advisor and co-host of The Long Game podcast, shares insights on the complex interplay between civil-military relations and legality surrounding military strikes. He discusses the implications of Secretary Pete Hegseth's controversial past statements and the emerging media landscape that has affected Pentagon transparency. Finer highlights the tensions in operational norms and the grave national security implications posed by using insecure communication platforms like Signal.

This week features Senator Mark Warner, a key figure on the Senate Intelligence Committee, who calls for accountability regarding alleged war crimes linked to Pete Hegseth. Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, shares insights on the Democratic strategy and recent election surprises, emphasizing messaging on affordability. The discussion touches on Trump's declining energy and health, raising eyebrows about his MRI results. Additionally, Abdul El-Sayed critiques the political landscape emphasizing healthcare reforms and a grassroots campaign approach.

Dive into a gripping exploration of a dark chapter in American history. The podcast reveals how a shocking executive order led to the mass internment of innocent Japanese Americans. Discover the meticulous research of Aiko Herzig-Yoshinaga, who uncovered a crucial document thought to be lost forever. Her findings not only altered the narrative of this historical decision but also impacted countless lives. Prepare to be surprised by the powerful players behind this decision and the lengths taken to erase their actions from memory.

Hakeem Jeffries, U.S. Representative and House Democratic Leader, discusses the impacts of a shooting incident in D.C. and the push for a discharge petition to extend ACA tax credits, highlighting Democratic strategies amidst GOP chaos. Former DHS Secretary Jay Johnson offers insights on law enforcement's approach to the investigation, vetting concerns, and the implications of gun violence. The conversation also covers the surprising competitiveness of the Tennessee special election, with candidate Afton Behn emphasizing grassroots efforts and accessibility to sway voters.

Glenn Kirschner, a former federal prosecutor, critiques the military's obligation to disobey unlawful orders, stressing the serious consequences of following illegal commands. He highlights the need for accountability among military leaders who misuse power. Jim Himes discusses Trump's controversial 28-point Ukraine plan, arguing it favors Putin while undermining U.S. credibility. Together, they navigate the chaos within Trump's administration and its implications for national security, offering sharp insights into the current political landscape.

Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights leader, joins political commentator Molly Jong-Fast to dissect the surprising praise Donald Trump gave to Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, despite right-wing media's demonization. They explore the implications of this meeting on Trump's political strategy and authenticity. Vaughn Hillyard reports on Marjorie Taylor Greene's unexpected resignation tied to the Epstein files, while legal reporter Lisa Rubin sheds light on the complex legal situation surrounding Ghislaine Maxwell’s case and congressional inquiries.

In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Karl, Chief Washington correspondent for ABC News, analyzes Trump's latest tantrum over a video reminding military members of their duty to refuse illegal orders. He explores Trump's history of threats and methods of distraction, highlighting the troubling impact on political discourse. Former Navy intelligence officer Maggie Goodlander stresses the constitutional responsibilities of lawmakers amid escalating violence and calls for bipartisanship to counter such threats. The conversation reveals the alarming entwinement of politics and military integrity.

Senator Amy Klobuchar, a key voice on the Senate Judiciary Committee, joins to dissect the implications of the Epstein Transparency Act signed by Trump, revealing his waning political grip. She warns that new DOJ investigations might be tactics to hide crucial files. Klobuchar highlights bipartisan efforts leading to congressional pressure for transparency and scrutinizes potential redactions in the Epstein documents. Her insights illuminate the fracturing Republican landscape, showcasing voices breaking away from Trump’s influence.