The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Rob Reiner, actor, director, and activist known for his influential work and commitment to free expression, joins to discuss the impact of media on democracy. He reflects on Norman Lear's legacy and emphasizes the importance of solidarity in protecting the First Amendment. The conversation also dives into Trump's amusing UN escalator mishap, dissecting his thin-skinned reactions and the ensuing rage cycle. Additionally, Reiner highlights the media's role in resisting corporate consolidation, echoing his call for a united front against threats to free speech.

Annie Farmer, an Epstein abuse survivor and advocate, shares her powerful call for transparency in the investigations surrounding Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting the challenges survivors face. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine delves into the concerning forced resignation of a U.S. attorney, emphasizing the importance of independent federal prosecutors. Ezra Levin, co-founder of Indivisible, discusses organizing peaceful protests against government overreach and mobilizing grassroots actions to safeguard free speech. Their insights reveal rising tensions and unexpected pushback within political landscapes.

Jen Psaki dives into the influence of corporate powers on media, highlighting how Donald Trump openly shapes narratives. She discusses the unexpected suspension of Jimmy Kimmel and the threats behind it. Stacey Abrams shares strategies for civic engagement against authoritarianism, while Garry Kasparov draws alarming parallels between Putin's Russia and the current political climate. The urgency for transparency and accountability in media and government is passionately emphasized throughout.

This discussion features J.B. Pritzker, the Illinois Governor, who addresses the pressures faced by media outlets like ABC under the Trump administration. He emphasizes the need for public pushback against intimidation tactics, warning about the risks of authoritarianism. Preet Bharara, a former U.S. Attorney, provides legal insights on the implications of corporate capitulation. Dan Goldman highlights the coordinated efforts to silence dissent within media and institutions, advocating for active protection of the First Amendment.

Tim Walz, the former Democratic vice presidential candidate and current Minnesota Governor, joins to discuss his re-election bid and harshly critiques Donald Trump's responses to recent shootings, including the tragic case of Melissa Hortman. He emphasizes the need for empathy in political discourse amidst rising gun violence and the controversial deployment of the National Guard. The conversation also touches on the troubling redirection of FBI resources away from critical investigations, highlighting serious implications for community safety and national security.

Jen Psaki looks back at past examples of political violence in the United States and how political leaders addressed the country with calls for unity and cooler heads, with examples from John Boehner to Utah Governor Spender Cox, who spoke this morning at a press conference announcing that the suspect in the shooting of Charlie Kirk is in custody. Senator Tina Smith discusses the dire state of politics in the U.S.While the suspect in the Kirk shooting is in custody, Kash Patel's poor performance leading the FBI did not go unnoticed. Andrew Weissmann joins to explain how the FBI is supposed to work in normal times under normal leadership.Donald Trump has named Memphis as the next target of his military policing plan. Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson expresses his vehement opposition to what Trump intends to do.NATO suffered significant alarm when Russia sent drones into Poland in what is widely seen as a test of NATO readiness. Donald Trump seemed more inclined to excuse Vladimir Putin than to rally with allies, Jen Psaki explains.And a CDC panel assembled by Trump HHS secretary and vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy will decide whether they endorse the new booster, which will determine whether residents of as many as 16 states are able to access the vaccine this season.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the manhunt continues for the person who shot and killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Alicia Menendez talks with Vaughn Hillyard, MSNBC senior White House correspondent, Ken Dilanian, MSNBC justice and intelligence correspondent, and Marc Santia, MSNBC investigative correspondent, about progress in the investigation so far.Senator Amy Klobuchar talks with Alicia Menendez about how the increase in political violence and threats toward political figures has legislators not only looking for increased security but also for a way to alter the tone of political discourse in the United States.Utah officials hold a press conference in which they release new video and enhanced photos in an appeal to the public for help finding the person who shot adn killed Charlie Kirk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Senior White House Correspondent Vaughn Hillyard, who has covered Charlie Kirk's ascent in conservative politics, joins Jen Psaki to provide insight into Charlie Kirk’s rise and influence within the MAGA ranks and young conservatives. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump and his Republican acolytes defy credulity with their bizarre denial that Trump's page in Jeffrey Epstein's birthday book is somehow a 22-year-old forgery, but as Jen Psaki points out, that isn't the only unbelievable story Trump is trying to push to escape a reality that makes him look really bad. In the latest edition of "Jen's Version," Jen Psaki addresses questions asked at the White House press briefing, including what Donald Trump meant by "if a man has a little fight with the wife they say this is crime," as he complained about the crime getting in the way of his claim that Washington D.C. doesn't have any more crime.Texas State Rep. James Talarico, fresh from declaring his candidacy to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate, talks with Jen Psaki about the role of "love thy neighbor" religion in his politics, and the fight he wants to help bring to bear against Donald Trump's Republicans. Senator Adam Schiff joins to talk about Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, and Wes Moore discusses his decision to run for reelection as Maryland's governor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker candidly addresses the looming threat of federal intervention in Chicago, particularly concerning Trump’s potential use of ICE and National Guard troops. He discusses the local government’s action plans and urges residents to stay informed and involved. The conversation highlights the growing unrest around transparency issues and the implications of Trump's economic policies on everyday lives. Additionally, insights into the political landscape reveal the challenges posed by bipartisan efforts and the ongoing debates over consumer protections.