Andrea Campbell, the Massachusetts Attorney General known for her legal battles against Trump, discusses a recent appeals court ruling that dealt another blow to Trump's funding cuts. The conversation dives into the dangerous implications of Trump's actions on public services and governance. They also uncover whistleblower claims regarding corruption within the FBI and the shady political maneuvers surrounding Mayor Adams' indictment. Additionally, the episode critiques Trump's controversial statements on Gaza, highlighting the geopolitical tension in the Middle East.

Tensions rise as Elon Musk targets the Department of Education while Congressional Democrats scramble to defend it. The podcast delves into the fallout from Musk's directives, affecting federal staffing and educational programs. Proposed funding cuts threaten vulnerable children who rely on essential services. Legal battles loom over confidential investigations, exacerbated by halted USAID funding impacting farmers. Amidst it all, a call for Congressional action underscores the urgent need for accountability and support in public education.

Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney and law professor, dives into the implications of Russell Vought's Senate confirmation tied to the controversial Project 2025. She highlights concerns over the potential rise of authoritarianism and the centralization of executive power that could reshape American democracy. The discussion also addresses executive overreach and ethics within federal initiatives, emphasizing the need for public engagement in governance. Additionally, McQuade critiques recent legal rulings impacting justice and public trust.

Guests: Sen. Chris Murphy, Charlie Warzel, Ayman Mohyeldin Protests erupt all across the country as the world’s richest man continues to dismantle American government. Tonight: new reporting on what Elon Musk is doing with federal payment systems. And about the Trump's plan to takeover Gaza... Want more of Chris? Download and subscribe to his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.

Chris Van Hollen, a Democratic Senator from Maryland and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Maxwell Frost, a Democratic Congressman from Florida, dive into the controversial U.S. policy towards Gaza announced by the President. They discuss alarming implications, including claims of ethnic cleansing and the humanitarian crisis. The conversation extends to concerns over billionaire influence in government, particularly with Elon Musk's impact on U.S. aid. Legal challenges faced by FBI agents and political accountability are also hot topics in this engaging dialogue.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Independent senator from Vermont and a prominent progressive voice, delves into the chaotic fallout of a tragic plane crash that claimed 67 lives. He critiques the political blame game that ensued, highlighting the dangers of attributing disaster to diversity policies without evidence. Sanders argues about the erosion of expertise in federal agencies and warns against prioritizing loyalty over competence. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of these political strategies on democracy and public safety.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent consumer protection advocate from Massachusetts, dives into the fallout from the recent funding freeze initiated by the Trump administration. She discusses its detrimental impact on essential services like Medicaid and food assistance. Warren also critiques Robert Kennedy Jr.'s controversial testimony and the risks of political appointments compromising public health. The conversation highlights the urgent need for accountability in governance and resilient responses to federal overreach in a divided political landscape.

Rep. Jamie Raskin, a Democratic Congressman from Maryland and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, dives into Donald Trump's alarming decision to freeze federal funds. He highlights the chaos and confusion within Trump's own camp regarding the legality and implications of the order. Raskin discusses the potential long-term fallout on vital services like Medicaid, the risks of power consolidation, and the effect on civil servant protections. He emphasizes the critical need for public awareness and engagement to safeguard democracy against such unchecked executive maneuvers.

Sahil Kapur, NBC News senior national political reporter, and Jane Mayer, Chief Washington correspondent for The New Yorker, dive into the unsettling political climate surrounding Pete Hegseth's controversial nomination for the Department of Defense. They unpack Trump's alarming plan to overhaul FEMA and the potential impacts on disaster response, especially in climate-affected California. The discussion highlights the internal Republican turmoil as they navigate the pressures of Trump's influence and the implications for national security.

In this engaging discussion, Sherrilyn Ifill, a prominent civil rights lawyer and leader at Howard University, and Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democratic senator from Arizona, delve into the Trump administration's harmful effects on cancer research funding and public health. They explore the vital role of the NIH in advancing medical science and address the swift legal rebuke against Trump's unconstitutional executive order on birthright citizenship. The conversation also touches on the political tensions surrounding Trump's defense nominee, highlighting the need for accountability in leadership.