The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Former prosecutor Andrew Weissmann delves into the DOJ's failure to release Epstein documents fully, raising the specter of criminal prosecution for noncompliance. Investigative journalist Julie K. Brown criticizes the lack of new material in the release, much of which is already public. Survivors Skye and Amanda Roberts share their frustration with the Justice Department and their commitment to seeking accountability. Discussions on the implications of the DOJ's actions and the relationship between Trump and Epstein add further intrigue to unsettling truths.

Catherine Rampell, an economics columnist at The Bulwark, dives into Trump's inaccuracies on inflation and tariffs, revealing their real-world economic impacts. Vaughn Hillyard, a senior White House correspondent, analyzes the chaotic messaging behind Trump's speech, while Mark Kelly, Arizona's U.S. Senator and former astronaut, critiques the address as defensive, mocking its math. Chris Whipple, an investigative journalist, shares insights from his Vanity Fair piece about Susie Wiles, highlighting her influence on Trump’s messaging and the political risks involved.

Dan Pfeiffer, former White House communications director and co-host of Pod Save America, joins U.S. Representative Adam Smith to discuss startling revelations about Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles. They highlight her misjudgments in media engagements showing a chaotic White House. Smith dives into the legality of recent U.S. military actions near Venezuela, questioning their motivations and implications for war powers. They also touch on looming healthcare threats as political pressure mounts, emphasizing the urgent need for voter mobilization.

Abbe Lowell, a prominent criminal defense attorney, sheds light on the failed third indictment attempt against New York AG Letitia James, revealing the political motivations behind the DOJ's actions. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries discusses Trump's unpopularity and strategic implications for the midterms, including GOP struggles in redistricting. U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock addresses the looming health care crisis and proposes solutions for affordability, emphasizing the urgent need for effective federal incentives.

Rachel Maddow, an investigative journalist and host, dives into her new podcast, "Burn Order", discussing the historical treatment of Japanese Americans during WWII and the lessons it holds for today's immigrant discourse. She critiques Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric as a tool for gaining power, compares past and present resistance, and warns against potential aggression towards Venezuela driven by oil interests. Joining the conversation, Senator Jon Ossoff shares insights on recent Democratic wins, health care policies, and the critical stakes surrounding ACA subsidies.

In this engaging discussion, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shares insights on how Trump's tariff policies have negatively impacted farmers and the economy, highlighting the gap between Trump's boasts and reality. Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor, delves into how Trump's influence is reshaping the media landscape, revealing concerns over potential oligopolistic control. Together, they dissect the ongoing challenges Trump faces, from economic gaslighting to provocative international actions, making for a thought-provoking conversation.

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.