

The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell
Lawrence O'Donnell, MS NOW
Drawing upon his experience as a former chief of staff on the Senate Finance Committee and as an Emmy-winning executive producer and writer of ‘The West Wing,’ Lawrence O’Donnell examines the compelling and impactful political stories of the day. Join him every weeknight.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 24, 2025 • 42min
Lawrence: Trump was flying with Epstein around the time FBI got its first tip about Epstein
Robert Garcia, a U.S. Representative and member of the House Oversight Committee, pushes for transparency regarding the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files. David Enrich, a New York Times investigative reporter, reveals alarming details about Trump’s connections to Epstein, including multiple flights together. Adam Smith, another U.S. Representative, critiques military operations amidst concerns of oversight and legality. The discussion culminates in a call for accountability and deeper investigations into both Epstein’s network and recent military actions.

Dec 23, 2025 • 41min
Lawrence on Trump DOJ failing to release all Epstein files: Trump can pardon anyone in a cover-up
Jena-Lisa Jones and Marina Lacerda, both survivors of Jeffrey Epstein, candidly share their traumatic experiences and the urgent need for transparency in the released files. Lawyer Bradley Edwards discusses the significant gaps in these disclosures and the implications of DOJ handling. The guests express their emotional reactions to the initial documents and the risk of unredacted names harming survivors. A passionate conversation unfolds about the potential for future accountability, including the chilling possibility of pardons.

Dec 20, 2025 • 42min
Trump DOJ releases heavily redacted Epstein files
Jamie Raskin, U.S. Congressman and legal expert, dives into the controversial release of heavily redacted Epstein files by the Trump DOJ. He discusses critical concerns over victim protection and the lack of transparency. Raskin criticizes delays in disclosing information, highlighting calls for legal action against the DOJ. He also examines Jack Smith’s strong case against Trump and the political ramifications. Plus, insights into GOP divisions and Trump's economic messaging during his North Carolina rally add to the dynamic conversation.

9 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 42min
Lawrence: Trump seemed ‘angry at the truth’ as he read a ‘teleprompter full of lies’
Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic leader of the House, passionately criticizes Trump's recent speech and clarifies misconceptions about healthcare policies. Daniel Goldman, a former federal prosecutor, dissects Jack Smith's testimony, emphasizing the evidence against Trump and warning of potential Republican resistance to its release. Senator Amy Klobuchar challenges FCC Chair Brendan Carr for his political maneuvers, advocating for genuine consumer protection. Jim Himes raises serious concerns about a controversial military strike, suggesting it could be deemed a war crime, pushing for transparency.

11 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 41min
Lawrence: ‘Immoral’ is Donald Trump’s brand, and his chief of staff just proved it
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.

Dec 16, 2025 • 43min
Velshi: Trump doesn't have a plan for you if you’re struggling to afford basics
Brendan Boyle, a U.S. Representative and budget committee member, discusses the alarming impacts of health care cuts on constituents in Pennsylvania, revealing projected premium hikes. Economist Jared Bernstein analyzes troubling job data, inflation, and how expiring ACA subsidies could send costs soaring. The duo highlights the disconnect between Trump's claims and the struggles of everyday Americans, while local responses to federal policies showcase a growing resistance to Trump's influence.

Dec 12, 2025 • 42min
Lawrence on Hegseth strikes: Legal experts say nothing in U.S. law allows for use of deadly force
In this engaging discussion, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla highlights the recent federal ruling declaring Trump's deployment of the National Guard in California unlawful. He shares his personal encounter while questioning the deployment. Former Senator Sherrod Brown emphasizes the importance of affordability in economic policy, criticizing decisions shaped by special interests. Together, they explore the implications of these issues on upcoming elections, especially in light of recent polling that reveals a distressing drop in public approval for the economy.

Dec 11, 2025 • 43min
Lawrence: Trump tries Epstein-style cover-up of second boat strike video
Rep. Adam Smith, a prominent Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, discusses the pressing need to release the controversial second boat strike video involving Trump. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and outlines potential investigations into military operations. Smith also dives into the Democrats' approach to tracking Trump officials' connections with immigration contractors. In a broader context, the narrative critiques Trump's tactics to divert attention from scandalous issues, drawing parallels to past cover-ups.

Dec 10, 2025 • 43min
Lawrence: Pardoning history’s biggest drug dealers proves Trump doesn’t care about drug trafficking
Join Sen. Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and U.S. Senator focused on national security, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a vocal advocate for transparency in Congress, as they dive into pressing political issues. They discuss the implications of Trump's pardons on drug trafficking, emphasizing accountability and transparency in governance. Kelly demands the Pentagon release a controversial video, while Khanna argues that unsealing grand jury materials from the Epstein case is essential for justice. Their insights reveal how political actions resonate with the public and impact survivors.

Dec 9, 2025 • 39min
Lawrence: If Trump hasn’t called you a ‘terrible reporter’ then you’re not doing your job
Senator Jon Ossoff from Georgia discusses the looming expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies and the impact on his constituents. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse critiques Trump's controversial pardons for drug traffickers, suggesting potential corruption behind them. Representative Ro Khanna emphasizes the bipartisan push to release Epstein files, praising Marjorie Taylor Greene's courage. The trio engages in a deep dive into ethics, healthcare policy, and the urgency of government transparency.


