Lisa Rubin, MSNBC legal correspondent, brings her expertise on Donald Trump's complex legal battles, including recent rulings on his criminal sentencing. The discussion also highlights the unsettling collaboration between Big Tech billionaires and Trump, drawing historical parallels to past political alignments. Additionally, the podcast covers the ongoing turmoil in North Carolina over election integrity, exacerbating public trust issues in democracy, and addresses the humanitarian crisis from raging wildfires in Southern California.

Dive into the chaotic aftermath of the GOP's recent leadership shake-up. Discover the challenges Mike Johnson faces while navigating Trump's lingering influence. The podcast explores Trump's upcoming legal battles and their potential impact on the Republican party. Dynamic discussions include the divided factions within the GOP and the urgent need for Democrats to counter wealthy elites influencing politics. Delve into the significance of judicial independence and the importance of public engagement for political accountability.

Sen. Sherrod Brown, a dedicated Democrat from Ohio, shares insights on how his party plans to navigate a potential second Trump term. He discusses the urgency of focusing on bipartisanship and advocating for worker rights. The conversation also dives into the shifting identity of the Democratic Party and the need to reconnect with the working class. Additionally, Brown addresses the challenges of misinformation and its impact on public perception during crises. His perspectives shed light on the broader implications of ongoing political turmoil.

In this enlightening discussion, Paul Krugman, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, and Stacey Abrams, a prominent voting rights activist and author, dive into the MAGA movement's internal conflicts over immigration. They highlight how Elon Musk's views on skilled immigration clash with traditional Trump loyalists, revealing a rift in the GOP. The conversation further reflects on Jimmy Carter’s admirable humanitarian legacy and the political challenges he faced, contrasting his integrity with modern political figures. They also touch on rising security concerns for high-profile athletes.

Guests: Sam Stein, Brendan Buck, Asawin Suebsaeng, Brandy Zadrozny, Doug Bock Clark, Tyler Aquilina, Donna Edwards, Charlie Dent, Tim Miller, Wajahat Ali, April Ryan, Molly Jong=Fast, Dean Obeidallah  Tonight: The plan for Trump’s incoming administration. And RFK Jr. and what his potential confirmation to the Department of Health and Human Services may mean for the bird flu outbreak. Then, how North Carolina Republicans plan to undermine elected Democrats. Plus, how the NFL and Beyoncé are changing the streaming landscape. Also tonight, House Republicans prepare to elect their next speaker and how Elon Musk may get involved. And, Trump’s tech bros spar with MAGA loyalists online over immigration. Then, the threat to journalism abroad and in Trump’s second term. Plus, a few good things that happened this year.  Want more of Chris? Download and subscribe to his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.

Guests: Sahil Kapur, Rep. Summer Lee, Faiz Shakir, Nancy Goodman, Melanie Zanona, Donna EdwardsDemocrats bail out Republicans before a shutdown. Tonight: how Elon Musk imposed his will on the Republican Party. And how the world's richest man killed cancer funding for kids. And from his troubled transition to failure in the House, Donald Trump's weakened state as he returns to office. Want more of Chris? Download and subscribe to his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.

Guests: Melanie Zanona, Rep. Dan Goldman, Matt Fuller, Jamelle Bouie, Matt DussElon Musk assumes control of the MAGA House. Tonight: the Republican mess that could shut down the federal government. Plus, Jamelle Bouie on the difference between "determined" opposition and what Democrats are doing now. And amid all that media coverage and campaign hysterics about record crime, the actual truth about America's falling crime rate. Want more of Chris? Download and subscribe to his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.

Guests: Melanie Zanona, Brendan Buck, Sherrilyn Ifill, Cecilia Muñoz, Jelani CobbTrump chaos and dysfunction is back, baby. Tonight: co-president Elon kills the Republican plan to fund the government and brings us closer to a shutdown as the House Speaker loses control of his caucus. Then, Trump escalates his threats of show trials for his political foes. And what the Great Drone Debate reveals about public trust. Want more of Chris? Download and subscribe to his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.

Guests: Ari Melber, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sam Adler-Bell, Lisa RubinTrump's latest attempt to intimidate the media with lawsuits. And how the former Republican candidate Governor of North Carolina just jeopardized his own case. Then, Senator Elizabeth Warren on Trump's new MAGA agenda with the same old Republican priorities. Plus, murder as an act of terrorism charges filed in the murder of an insurance CEO as new polling reveals a shocking amount of support for the killing.   Want more of Chris? Download and subscribe to his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.

Guests: Rohit Chopra, Brandy Zadrozny, Faiz Shakir, David Milliband Bombshell reporting on the Trump transition and the deregulation craze. Tonight: new alarm over the man Donald Trump picked to protect American health and the growing concern over the broad MAGA push for deregulation. And as the Fox News cabinet keeps filling out, why is the future president sending his future daughter-in-law to another continent?  Want more of Chris? Download and subscribe to his podcast, “Why Is This Happening? The Chris Hayes podcast” wherever you get your podcasts.