The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Sherrod Brown, a former U.S. Senator and Ohio Senate candidate, dives into the harsh realities facing farmers due to Trump's tariffs. He sheds light on the soybean market's collapse and farmers' frustration with federal bailouts. Brown emphasizes the need for stability and open markets, contrasting with the chaos of current U.S. trade policies. He also critiques the government's impact on Ohio workers, revealing the broader economic fallout of the standoff and tariffs. Tune in for valuable insights into the intertwining challenges of trade and political crises.

Abigail Spanberger, former U.S. Representative and Democratic nominee for Virginia governor, dives deep into the repercussions of the federal government shutdown on Virginia's economy and voters. She discusses how the shutdown disrupts the livelihoods of federal workers and stresses the importance of protecting jobs. Spanberger also emphasizes the need for responsible governance amidst political pressures, aiming to prioritize the needs of Virginians while opposing detrimental federal actions.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and New Jersey gubernatorial candidate, dives into the serious implications of Trump's freeze on Gateway Tunnel funds and her campaign priorities. Rep. Maxwell Frost, the youngest Congress member, passionately discusses why he believes the current government shutdown is the Republicans' fault. Economic expert Paul Krugman warns about the adverse effects of tariffs and prolonged shutdowns on the economy, emphasizing the burden on consumers and farmers. Together, they dissect critical national issues with urgency.

Joining the conversation is Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a U.S. Senator from Rhode Island known for his incisive legal commentary. He discusses the implications of Trump’s recent inflammatory social media posts and their impact on political discourse. Whitehouse dives into the chaos surrounding government negotiations and the harmful effects of a potential shutdown on healthcare. He also addresses the controversial Homan bribery investigation, emphasizing the necessity for accountability amidst political turmoil and the troubling priorities showcased in Trump’s actions.

Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Jamie Raskin decries Donald Trump’s “unprecedented campaign of vengeance” in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Also, Trump uses the Comey indictment to distract from scandals. Plus, Trump changes his words, but not U.S. policy on Ukraine. And Trump’s attack on free speech backfires. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Rep. Eugene Vindman, and Michael Grynbaum join Ali Velshi. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor and MSNBC legal analyst, shares his insights on the historic indictment of James Comey by the Trump DOJ. He discusses the unique legal implications and critiques the politicization of the process. The conversation highlights Comey's bold challenge for a trial, Trump's deleted social media influence on the jury, and the unusual legal landscape surrounding the case. Weissmann also addresses prosecutorial strategies and the potential impact of public statements on the trial's outcome.

Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader, dives into the challenges of negotiating with Trump, advocating for healthcare cuts cancellation. Ken Dilanian uncovers the Justice Department's stance on James Comey and discusses undercover recordings involving Tom Homan. Former Governor Roy Cooper highlights FEMA's responses to Hurricane Helene, critiquing GOP Senate candidate Michael Whatley's handling of recovery efforts. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of protecting health care and strategies for winning the Senate in the face of rising costs.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a prominent U.S. Senator and member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, dives into the urgent need for transparency regarding the FBI's investigation into Tom Homan. She highlights the bipartisan implications of this oversight, calling for the release of crucial files. The discussion also touches on Donald Trump's evolving stance on Ukraine, with expert analysis on what this could mean for U.S. policy. Tune in for insights into accountability and the ongoing legal challenges facing Trump.

Rachel Maddow, renowned television host and political commentator, joins for an insightful discussion about her recent interview with Kamala Harris. She reveals Harris's reflections on her 2024 decisions and her thoughts on institutional critique from Maddow's new book. The conversation also touches on key campaign strategies and the tactical challenges Harris faces. Additionally, Maddow teases a documentary on Andrew Young, while exploring ongoing investigations into high-profile figures like Alex Acosta and Tom Homan, uncovering layers of political intrigue.

U.S. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Oversight and Intelligence Committees, dives into the fallout from the Alex Acosta deposition regarding the Epstein case. He highlights Democrats' concerns about Acosta's evasiveness and the quest for more transparency. The discussion also touches on the Trump administration's chilling impact on free speech, alongside a troubling decline in public trust in health agencies. Krishnamoorthi provides insights into the split among moderate Democrats about the emerging candidacy of Zohran Mamdani.