Nicole Malliotakis, U.S. Representative for Staten Island and parts of South Brooklyn, dives into the controversial sanctuary city laws in New York. She discusses their implications on public safety, highlighting specific crimes tied to these policies. Malliotakis calls for better cooperation with ICE and critiques the current administration's approach to violent offenders. The conversation also touches on the economic effects of tariffs and the need for a balanced strategy in immigration and budgetary governance.

Ruth Marcus, an opinion columnist for The Washington Post, delves into the implications of Trump's nominees, especially Russell Vogt, who could significantly impact the EPA. She discusses the increasing presidential power over federal agencies and the potential threats to civil service jobs. The conversation highlights the tension between Congress and the presidency, particularly regarding confirmation power and the authority to withhold funds, raising concerns about democracy's future in the face of aggressive tactics.

Jessica Orozco Guttlein, Senior VP of Policy and Communications at the Hispanic Federation, and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez delve into the pressing need for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ecuadorians facing deportation. They explore TPS's significance amid rising violence in Ecuador, emphasizing the economic and cultural contributions of Ecuadorian immigrants in the U.S. The discussion also highlights the urgent advocacy efforts and the broader implications for U.S. immigration policy, particularly in urban environments.

In this discussion, Erica Meltzer, national editor at Chalkbeat, sheds light on President-elect Trump's education priorities. She analyzes Linda McMahon's unorthodox appointment as education secretary, noting concerns over her lack of formal educational background. The conversation delves into potential shifts in federal education policy, including the dismantling of the Department of Education and budget cuts affecting low-income schools. Meltzer also highlights the rising momentum for school vouchers and the apprehensions surrounding adult education funding.

Daniel Klaidman, an investigative reporter for CBS News and author, delves into the world of political megadonors fueling Donald Trump's campaign. He discusses the staggering $20 billion expected to flow into the 2024 elections and the growing reliance on super PACs. Klaidman unpacks what drives these wealthy individuals, from self-interest to ideological passions. He also profiles influential figures like Elon Musk and Ken Griffin, examining how their contributions shape political agendas and the complex dynamics of dark money in today’s politics.

Zach Coleman, a Politico reporter specializing in climate and energy, shares eye-opening insights from COP29 in Azerbaijan. He discusses the implications of President Trump's election on climate policies, highlighting his choice of an oil executive for energy secretary. The conversation delves into the unique atmosphere of COP29, the challenges of global participation, and the significant financial dynamics between developed and developing nations. Coleman also compares emissions between the U.S. and China, shedding light on the urgent need for green energy investments.

With Republicans about to take control of the White House and both houses of Congress, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries  weighs in on the Democrats' path forward.On Today's Show:House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D NY-8th, Brooklyn) talks about next steps, and how that relates to his new book, The ABCs of Democracy (Grand Central Publishing, 2024), based on a floor speech he gave last year.  

With Trump's transition underway, the key national political news has been how he is staffing up his upcoming administration.On Today's Show:Annie Karni, congressional correspondent for The New York Times, talks about the various people President-elect Donald Trump has chosen for top positions and how Republican leadership is responding to his picks.

As Democrats search for the reasons Americans rejected the party in this past election, some have pointed to a culture of racism and misogyny.On Today's Show:Debbie Walsh, director of the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), talks about Harris's loss from her perspective as a scholar of women in politics while Nadira Goffe, associate culture writer at Slate, discusses the reason she sees as the elephant in the room -- Americans were not in favor of having a Black woman as president. 

As the president elect begins to staff his upcoming administration, a opposition member of Congress weighs in on the Democrats' agenda, and the White House's.On Today's Show:U.S. Representative Adriano Espaillat (D, NY-13) talks about how he plans to resist Trump's plans for "mass deportation," and shares other priorities of Democrats in Congress, especially as they are facing the next Trump term, and the potential that Republicans will hold on to the House majority.