

The Briefing with Jen Psaki
MSNBC
Jen Psaki tackles the biggest issues of the week and features one-on-one interviews with newsmakers.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
May 15, 2025 • 42min
Polls show Americans aren't buying Trump team's ignorance ploy
Senator John Ossoff from Georgia, a key player in Appropriations and Intelligence, and New Jersey's Senator Cory Booker, known for advocating Medicaid, share compelling insights. They discuss the troubling trend of political leaders evading accountability, particularly highlighted by Trump's administration. The senators emphasize the pressing importance of Medicaid in their states, revealing the stark realities for millions dependent on it. Personal stories strengthen their call for healthcare advocacy, underscoring the broader implications for democracy and public trust.

20 snips
May 14, 2025 • 42min
Real purpose of Trump's Mideast trip comes into focus as his explanations fall apart under scrutiny
Adam Schiff, a Democratic Senator from California, pushes for an investigation into the Defense Department's potential gift to Trump, raising eyebrows about corruption. Alondra Nelson, a professor and former NSF chair, shares her resignation in protest of Trump's actions, illuminating the erosion of integrity in federal agencies. Discussions cover the financial discrepancies surrounding Trump's Middle East trip, raising alarms about his foreign business interests and the implications for U.S. diplomacy and taxpayer dollars. It's a thrilling dissection of politics and ethics.

16 snips
May 10, 2025 • 46min
'They obviously targeted me': Newark mayor describes chaotic arrest in confrontation at ICE facility
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka recounts his chaotic arrest at an ICE facility, where he was charged with federal trespassing while advocating for immigrant rights. Joined by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, they discuss the alarming aggression of ICE agents and the implications for civil rights and governance. Baraka expresses outrage at the targeting of elected officials and reflects on the disturbing state of political accountability. The conversation emphasizes the tension in current immigration policies and the importance of leadership during these tumultuous times.

32 snips
May 9, 2025 • 42min
As Trump's parade of failure marches on, his distraction trick loses potency
Letitia James, New York Attorney General, has gained national attention for her relentless legal battles against Donald Trump. In their conversation, she discusses the latest failures of Trump's nominees, revealing the chaotic nature of his political appointments. James also highlights the disconnect between Trump's optimistic claims and the harsh economic realities faced by Americans. The discussion touches on ongoing legal actions against Trump, emphasizing the critical role of state attorneys general in pursuing accountability and protecting citizen rights.

10 snips
May 8, 2025 • 42min
Trump scoffs at rising prices for families while his inner circle cashes in on foreign deals
Tim Walz, Governor of Minnesota and former U.S. Representative, and Raphael Warnock, Senior U.S. Senator from Georgia and senior pastor, discuss the troubling effects of Trump's tariffs on baby products, which have driven up prices for new families. They explore how Trump's family and associates profit from foreign deals, raising ethical concerns about political leadership. The conversation emphasizes the disconnect between the wealthy elite and everyday Americans, advocating for policies that better serve working-class families.

10 snips
May 7, 2025 • 42min
Psaki: The Trump administration fails the 3 a.m. phone call test
Pete Buttigieg, former Secretary of Transportation, offers a candid analysis of current air traffic issues and the significance of well-qualified leadership. Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland, passionately discusses political activism and the importance of social safety nets. Both guests critique the inadequacies of Trump's administration during crises, highlighting recent transportation and military missteps. They emphasize the need for a clear vision in the Democratic Party to connect with working-class voters and redefine patriotism through meaningful action.

Apr 29, 2025 • 43min
Everywhere and All at Once: A Path Forward for Democrats
Jen Psaki welcomes Governor J.B. Pritzker, who gave a speech yesterday in New Hampshire lambasting Trump, criticizing “do-nothing” Democrats and calling for mass mobilization against the growing number of unprecedented attacks the Trump administration has launched against migrants, universities, and the American economy. They discuss the administration’s stance on migrants, which hits home for Pritzker personally, as the child of Ukrainian immigrants. Jen also speaks with The Atlantic's Ashley Parker, who interviewed Trump in the run-up to his 100-day milestone. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psakihttps://bsky.app/profile/insidewithpsaki.msnbc.com

22 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 41min
How to Lose a Country in 100 Days: Trump's Weak Poll Numbers
Join U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, a key figure in Trump's impeachment trial, as he delves into the tumultuous first 100 days of Trump's presidency. Schiff discusses alarming low approval ratings across crucial issues, including the economy and immigration. The conversation shifts to the implications of controversial judicial appointments and the pitfalls of recent policy proposals aimed at incentivizing childbirth. They also dissect the challenges women face in the workforce, emphasizing the necessity for bipartisan solutions to support families.

Apr 22, 2025 • 42min
Oops! He Did It Again: Secretary Hegseth on the Defensive over Second Signal Chat
Jen Psaki delves into the storm brewing at the Pentagon, amid a wave of firings new revelations that embattled Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared sensitive information on another signal chat. Veteran journalist Bob Woodward reflects on Hegseth's apparent incompetency, as well as the increasingly reckless actions of an unaccountable president. Later, 25-year-old vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, David Hogg, joins to discuss his controversial new initiative to oust some Democratic incumbents, as well as the criticism he's received from fellow democrats like James Carville. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psakihttps://bsky.app/profile/insidewithpsaki.msnbc.com

Apr 21, 2025 • 41min
Fight or Flight: Why It Pays to Stand Up to Trump
As Trump stokes fear to leverage his power, Jen Psaki weighs the cost of obeying his demands against the reward of resisting. Congressman Jamie Raskin joins the show to help to break down the ways in which the courts, lawmakers and the American people are standing up to Trump. Later, Jen welcomes former Russian chess champion Garry Kasparov to reflect on the ways that Americans can prevent the country from backsliding into dictatorship. Jen also delves into RFK Jr.’s first press conference as HHS Secretary amid the deadly measles outbreak, in which Kennedy promoted claims about autism. Dr. Ashish Jha joins to discuss how the scientific community views Kennedy's agenda, and the damage it's doing to public health. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psakihttps://bsky.app/profile/insidewithpsaki.msnbc.com