

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

9 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 42min
Lawrence: Trump is living in fear tonight of just how bad election night will be for him next year
Laurence Tribe, a prominent Constitutional law scholar from Harvard, and Brendan Boyle, a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania, join the discussion. They delve into how recent election results signal a potential shift favoring Democrats, interpreting it as a referendum on Trump. Tribe emphasizes the limits of presidential power regarding tariffs, while Boyle highlights how a Democratic House could oversee the administration more effectively. They also explore the implications of California's new redistricting map and its potential to reshape the House landscape.

Nov 4, 2025 • 42min
Lawrence: You are not alone tonight if you disapprove of Donald Trump's presidency
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump claims to not know the crypto billionaire he pardoned. Also, Kash Patel lashes out over reports on his use of an FBI jet. Plus, former President Obama campaigns for Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Rep. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey. And over 800,000 New Jerseyans depend on SNAP benefits that have been cut by the Trump admin. due to the shutdown. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Sen. Andy Kim join Lawrence O’Donnell.
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8 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 43min
Lawrence: Trump is using the government shutdown to shut down the Epstein files
Jamie Raskin, a top Democrat and U.S. Representative from Maryland, discusses the contentious investigation into Ghislaine Maxwell's alleged preferential prison treatment and the impact of the current government shutdown on the release of Epstein files. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nick Kristof analyzes the implications of USAID cuts, highlighting their detrimental effects on global health, particularly in Somalia, and questions the prioritization of foreign aid for Argentina over life-saving assistance elsewhere.

8 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 42min
Lawrence: Trump’s impossible third term is a desperate diversion from his cruelties
Ken Dilanian, MSNBC Justice correspondent, shares shocking updates on the Justice Department's decision to remove prosecutors over January 6 language. Rep. Mikie Sherrill discusses her campaign for New Jersey governor, emphasizing affordability and the critical Gateway Tunnel project. Rep. Jim McGovern provides insights on the dysfunction in the House of Representatives and strongly criticizes the Senate's decision to block crucial SNAP funding, highlighting the dire consequences for millions facing food insecurity.

Oct 29, 2025 • 43min
Lawrence: Trump and GOP effectively taking food from Americans as shutdown cuts to food stamps loom
Hakeem Jeffries, House Democratic Leader from New York, discusses the looming government shutdown and its dire implications for SNAP funding, accusing the administration of weaponizing hunger against families. Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, explores the economic fallout of potential SNAP cuts and critiques Trump's tariff policies. Both guests emphasize the bipartisan history of food assistance and the detrimental effects of current GOP strategies, especially on rural communities that rely heavily on these benefits.

Oct 28, 2025 • 39min
Trump destroys White House East Wing for ballroom
Tonight on The Last Word: Congress faces a November 1 deadline to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. And Donald Trump is criticized for his relationships with autocrats. Plus, Lawrence shares some of his conversation with Rachel Maddow from the recent MSNBC Live ’25 event. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Amb. Michael McFaul join Lawrence O’Donnell.
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Oct 25, 2025 • 42min
Trump base mad after Trump uses taxpayer money to help MAGA pal in Argentina
In this discussion, MSNBC correspondent David Noriega brings keen insights from Buenos Aires about the U.S. government’s controversial $20 billion aid package to Argentina, revealing its political motivations. He elaborates on how Trump's policies, particularly tariffs, disrupt global agriculture markets, impacting American farmers. Additionally, the podcast dives into the effects of the ongoing government shutdown on healthcare and food assistance, highlighting the pressing ramifications for everyday Americans.

Oct 24, 2025 • 41min
Democracy Forward to probe reported Trump demand for $230M
Tonight on The Last Word: House Democrats investigate what they call Donald Trump’s “effort to steal $230 million from American people.” Also, American farmers are hit hard by Trump’s policies. And the ACLU takes on the Trump administration’s migrant detention policies. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Skye Perryman, Toluse Oloruppina, Rep. John Garamendi, and Lee Gelernt join Jacob Soboroff.
To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 23, 2025 • 49min
MSLIVE ’25: The State of U.S. Democracy with Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell
We’re thrilled to share one of the most anticipated conversations from our recent MSNBCLIVE ‘25 event in New York City. Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell sit down to discuss coping with this political moment, the mechanics of presenting news, what we can learn from other tough moments in history and what civic actions, in their view, are most encouraging in this era.
To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oct 23, 2025 • 43min
Historic preservation group warns Trump ballroom will ‘overwhelm’ White House
Tonight on The Last Word: The New York Times reports Donald Trump is demanding $230 million from taxpayers to pay for his past investigations. Also, an appeals court hears arguments on Trump’s authority to send the National Guard to Los Angeles. Plus, the majority of Americans say the U.S. is on the wrong track on immigration. And Trump’s presence looms large over the New Jersey governor’s race. Ezra Levin, Harry Litman, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Brent Johnson join Jacob Soboroff.
To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


