NBC Meet the Press

Richard Engel, NBC News chief foreign correspondent, reports from the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine war. He discusses Trump's efforts to bridge gaps between Putin and Zelenskyy, emphasizing the skepticism surrounding peace talks. Former Ambassador McFaul weighs in on security guarantees for Ukraine's future. The podcast also touches on the political implications of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and the complexities of redistricting in Texas and California, revealing the tangled web of U.S. political strategy.

President Trump meets with Ukraine's President Zelenskyy and European leaders to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. The talks focus on potential peace agreements and the complicated dynamics with Russia. Discussion also includes the deployment of National Guard troops in D.C. amidst rising political tensions and the federalization debate of local police. Insights from former ambassadors offer perspectives on the evolving geopolitical landscape, raising questions about concessions and security guarantees.

Joining the discussion are Marco Rubio, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, and Chris Murphy, Democratic Senator from Connecticut. They delve into President Trump’s summit with Putin, emphasizing the challenges of negotiating peace in Ukraine. The conversation highlights the balance between sanctions and diplomacy, with a focus on security guarantees for Ukraine. They also navigate the complexities of international agreements and the impact of domestic politics on foreign policy, shedding light on the intricate web of geopolitical tensions.

Keir Simmons, NBC News Chief International Correspondent, joins Evelyn Farkas, former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Russia and Ukraine, along with Andrea Mitchell and Garrett Haake. They dive into President Trump's summit with Putin in Anchorage, analyzing the high-stakes diplomatic dynamics. The group discusses the absence of Ukraine's President Zelensky and the implications of such exclusion. They also critique Trump's unpredictable negotiation style against the backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions, emphasizing the fragile hope for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

Richard Engel, NBC News Chief International Correspondent, shares compelling updates from Kharkiv, Ukraine, while John Bolton, former U.N. Ambassador, discusses his serious concerns about President Trump's upcoming talks with President Putin. The conversation delves into the complexities of potential peace efforts in Ukraine, contrasting optimism in Moscow with skepticism in Europe. Additionally, they explore the economic implications of Trump's tariffs, rising inflation, and the increased federal presence in D.C. as the midterms approach.

Gene Wu, Texas House Democratic Caucus Chair, discusses the dramatic return of his caucus to Texas after a strategic retreat to block Republican redistricting efforts. He dives into the fierce political battle surrounding congressional maps and the ramifications of gerrymandering. Additionally, the conversation touches on the broader implications of Texas politics on national issues. The podcast also features insights from former Ambassador Richard Haas on the complexities of potential negotiations between Trump and Putin regarding Ukraine.

Joining the discussion is Erica Groshen, former Commissioner of Labor Statistics under Obama and ex-Vice President of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The conversation dives into the deployment of National Guard troops in D.C. and the political intricacies of safety and governance. Groshen shares insights on inflation trends and how tariffs impact the economy. They also discuss the importance of data integrity in a politically charged environment as well as the Democratic strategies for the upcoming midterms and how they respond to concerns about crime.

The podcast dives into President Trump's plan to deploy the National Guard in D.C. amid rising crime controversies and local officials' mixed responses. It also highlights the significance of his historic meeting with Putin in Alaska, with weighty discussions about Ukraine. Additionally, the complexities of crime rates and juvenile delinquency post-COVID are examined, alongside critiques of political redistricting and the implications for democracy. The conversation wraps with insights on the semiconductor trade and its role in national security.

Gov. JB Pritzker, the Democratic Governor of Illinois, dives into the heated Texas redistricting battles against Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican known for his foreign policy expertise. They discuss the implications of creating new congressional maps that could favor the GOP. Former Attorney General Eric Holder adds insight into the ethical dilemmas of gerrymandering and the vital need for safeguarding democracy. The conversation also touches on bipartisan achievements in governance, emphasizing the importance of community growth amidst the partisan divide.

Former President Donald Trump discusses his historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing its significance in international diplomacy. Vaughn Hilliard shares insights on the U.S.-brokered pact and its impact on geopolitical relations. Matt Bodner highlights global backlash against Prime Minister Netanyahu's controversial decision regarding Gaza City, amid humanitarian concerns. Steve Dorsey of the Red Cross raises alarming issues surrounding civilian suffering and aid challenges, creating a call for urgent action in a volatile region.