Jen Psaki explains why the news of President Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter should not distract you from the people who pose actual threats to our country's national security - like Donald Trump's top cabinet picks. Among them, Pete Hegseth was the subject of a jaw-dropping exposé in the New Yorker, revealing that he was often intoxicated on the job in his early career. Gregg Nunziata and Noah Bookbinder join Jen to discuss the importance of thorough FBI background checks in the confirmation process, from their experience as counsels to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Next, Senator Alex Padilla joins the show to discuss his concerns about Trump's picks for top administration roles and the importance of "restoring norms" to protect our democracy. Jen is also joined by Former Romney Campaign Advisor Kevin Madden and NBC Capitol Hill Correspondent Ali Vitali to discuss what behind-the-scenes considerations might look like on Capitol Hill as Trump's cabinet picks meet with Senators. Later, following Trump's nomination of Charles Kushner to serve as Ambassador to France, Jen breaks down Kushner's "loathsome" criminal history and why it should be disqualifying. Finally, Jen is joined by Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chairman Ken Martin to discuss why he decided to join the race for DNC chair. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki examines Kash Patel's background and role in MAGA-world, which has been almost entirely defined by his blind loyalty to Donald Trump. Elaina Plott Calabro, staff writer for The Atlantic, joins Jen to discuss her reporting on Patel, including his long history of spreading lies and the danger he poses if confirmed as FBI director. Next, Jen is joined by legal expert Andrew Weissmann and national security analyst Frank Figliuzzi to discuss the implications of Patel's promise to dismantle the so-called "deep state." Jen is also joined by Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, to discuss his bid for DNC chair, including his plans to unite the party and meet voters where they are. Later, Jen shares some thoughts on The New York Times' recent reporting that Pete Hegseth's own mother accused her son of mistreating women for years, Finally, Jen is joined by Jacob Soboroff to discuss "Separated", a documentary film based on his book examining Trump's family separation policy. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki reacts to the news that Donald Trump has officially evaded accountability for his misconduct, after Special Counsel Jack Smith formally moved to dismiss the two Federal cases against him. Jen is joined by Senator-elect Adam Schiff to discuss how we arrived at this moment and the many ways those cases could have played out differently over the last 4 years. Jen is then joined by Melanie Zanona, Brendan Buck and Mark Leibovich to discuss how Trump's cabinet nominees might be considered for confirmation without undergoing FBI background checks, and the possibility that some Senate Republicans might join with Democrats to demand them. Jen also reflects on the implications of Trump's apparent decision to avoid transparency when it comes to his transition fund, which -- as of now -- can raise unlimited money without disclosing the names of donors, including from foreign nationals. Finally, Jen talks to Congressman and Veteran Pat Ryan of New York about Pete Hegseth's right-wing ideology and what it would mean for the Department of Defense if he is confirmed. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki outlines the lessons to be learned from Matt Gaetz's short-lived ride as Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, including why the media is more important than ever in the cabinet vetting process with an incoming administration that is reportedly forgoing FBI background checks. Jen is joined by Representative Jamie Raskin to discuss Trump naming Pam Bondi as his new nominee for attorney general and the crucial questions she should be asked as the public gets to know her. Next, Jen is joined by investigative reporter Michael Isikoff to discuss his new reporting on Tulsi Gabbard's 2017 trip to Syria that he says was essentially a "propaganda coup" for Bashar al-Assad's regime. Later, Former White House Counsel Bob Bauer joins Jen to offer perspective on the importance of thoroughly vetting nominees and why a lax investigative process could put America's security at risk. Finally, Jen breaks down the sexual assault allegations against Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth as the GOP rushes to his defense, and the concerning example that sets for survivors in our country. Jen is joined by Representative Mike Sherrill to react to Hegseth's view that women shouldn't be allowed to serve in combat roles and why these comments should be disqualifying. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki explains why it's important to stay engaged and demand answers in the face of the increasingly salacious scandals plaguing Donald Trump's cabinet picks. Bob Woodward joins Jen to discuss Trump's loyalist cabinet picks and how their inexperience is part of his plan to "sabotage" our system of government. Next, Jen is joined by Senator-Elect Andy Kim to discuss how he plans to approach the cabinet confirmation process, his frustrations with "performative politics", and how democrats can better connect with voters. Then, Representative Abigail Spanberger joins the show to explain why she believes Trump-nominated Tulsi Gabbard would be "catastrophic" to our national security if she is confirmed as director of national intelligence. Later, Jen sounds the alarm on the massive conflict of interest that lies in tech billionaire Elon Musk's new role as "buddy in chief" to Trump. Jen also sits down with Jacob Soboroff to discuss the new MSNBC film "Separated", which is based on his best-selling book about Trump's state-sponsored family separation policy. Finally, Jen in light of Pete Hegseth's comments that women shouldn't be allowed to serve in combat roles, Jen spotlights an outstanding female Air Force pilot. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki breaks down Donald Trump's choice of partial loyalists to fill his cabinet and how their lack of experience could impact our everyday lives. Senator-Elect Elissa Slotkin joins Jen to discuss the concerns about Trump's nominees, and the issues in their background that might reveal their true character. Next, Jen is joined by Andrew Weissmann to discuss the importance of transparency in the confirmation process in light of Speaker Mike Johnson's push to suppress a House Ethics Committee report on alleged sexual misconduct by Matt Gaetz, Trump's pick to lead the DOJ. Later, Jen is joined by former CIA Director John Brennan to discuss Trump's nomination of former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence and why her questionable pro-Russian comments raise serious concerns for national security. Former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius also joins Jen to react to Trump's nomination of anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, outlining the danger he poses to our country's health system. Finally, Jen offers democrats a reminder not to fall prey to right-wing propaganda, following the GOP's amplification of bad-faith attacks on the transgender community amid the election. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki breaks down Donald Trump's staffing picks and what they reveal about his dark vision for a second term. Jen is joined by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to discuss her plans to combat Trump's policies, including protecting reproductive rights and women's healthcare. Next, civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill joins the show to analyze the legalities of Trump's plan to end birthright citizenship. Jen is also joined by Rep. Dan Goldman to discuss how Trump and his allies might pursue his perceived enemies. Later, Jen talks about Trump's recent call with Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin denies even took place, and how it fits into a pattern of deception about his relationship with Russia. Jen also sits down with Rep.-Elect Kelly Morrison to discuss her recent victory and how she plans to continue the fight for reproductive rights as the only pro-choice OB-GYN in Congress. Finally, Jen closes the show with some thoughts on the rising stars in the democratic party that could potentially lead the party in 2028. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Following Donald Trump's victory, Jen Psaki explains why Democrats in search of answers aren't going to find a single, clear-cut explanation. Rather, they should stop diagnosing, and start listening. Jen is joined by Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow and Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones to discuss why Democrats must meet voters where there are and how they plan to fight back against Trump. Former Acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Katyal joins Jen to share his perspective on the extent to which our system's guardrails can prevent Trump from acting out his worst impulses in a second term. Later, Jen is joined by Representative Katie Porter of California to talk about how Democrats can improve their messaging on the economy after American voters wholly rejected their pitch, as well as her potential future plans to run for governor. Jen is also joined by Oklahoma State Representative Monroe Nichols to discuss his historic victory as the first black mayor-elect of Tulsa and how his campaign broke through in an overwhelmingly red state. Finally, Jen reflects on the importance of peaceful transfers of power in our democracy as President Biden promises a smooth transition and peaceful transfer of power. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki outlines Democrats' cautious optimism as Kamala Harris closes out her campaign on a high note, as well as what election day might mean for the women voters who may propel her to victory. Lawrence O'Donnell joins Jen to discuss the state of the race as the campaigns come to an end, including recent polling and what to watch for as the vote come in. Next, Senator Cory Booker joins the show to discuss his conversations with hopeful swing-state voters and the recent increase in Black male voters' support for Harris. Later, Michael Steele, Lis Smith, and Jon Favreau join Jen to discuss the two candidates' very different closing messages, as well as the enthusiasm gap as Harris draws massive crowds at her rallies while Trump struggles to fill venues. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

With only two days left in the craziest and most consequential campaign season most of us can remember, Jen Psaki breaks down the implications of a shocking new poll that shows Kamala Harris leading Trump in Iowa by 3 points. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joins to talk about Harris' advantage with female voters, the possibility of turning Iowa blue and the disturbing nature of Trump's closing message. Later, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joins Jen to react to Trump's violent rhetoric about shooting the media, and the historic role that women may play in putting Harris over the top. Former Director of Cybersecurity Chris Krebs talks to Jen about sounding the alarm on election security after US intelligence officials discovered two cases of misinformation circulated on the web by Russia. Finally former Obama campaign manager Jim Messina reacts to latest polling and the biggest challenge that faces the Harris campaign in these final moments before the election. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Eight days out from the election, Jen Psaki explains how Donald Trump's dark Madison Square Garden rally reveals his team's belief that a closing message of racism and hate is effective, while Kamala Harris and her team of all-star surrogates continue to call him out. Jen is joined by a panel of reporters and political analysts including George Conway, Eugene Daniels, and Philippe Reines to discuss the stark difference between the candidates as they compete to seal the deal. Next, Jen is joined by Michael Tyler, communications director for the Harris-Walz campaign, to discuss Trump and his allies' disturbingly racist rhetoric at his MSG rally and the contrast it provides for voters as Kamala Harris' concludes her campaign focused on unity and hope. Jen is also joined by Senator Elizabeth Warren to react to Kamala Harris' closing ad highlighting her economic plan to support working class families. Later, "Pod Save America" Co-Host Tommy Vietor joins the show to discuss Michelle and Barack Obama's extremely effective surrogacy for Kamala Harris as they campaign for her across swing states. Jen also talks with elections lawyer Marc Elias to discuss ballot boxes being set on fire in Oregon and Washington state, amid growing threats against election officials across the country. Finally, Jen reflects on President Joe Biden casting his early ballot today for Kamala Harris and the literal vote of confidence it symbolizes in his chosen successor. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump close out their campaigns, Jen Psaki outlines their starkly different closing messages and why voters shouldn't be freaking out over the extremely tight race. Harris Campaign Chair Jen O'Malley Dillon joins the show to discuss the state of the race, including the encouraging early voting numbers that have the Harris team feeling confident and why the campaign believes that John Kelly's 'fascist' label is an effective message with voters. Next, The Daily Show's Jordan Klepper joins Jen to reflect on his recent conversations with fervent Trump supporters for his new special - explaining how many MAGA voters have made Trump a part of their identity. Later, Jen shares footage from her travels to Michigan where she recently joined Emily's List staffers to door knock and talk with swing-state voters. Finally, Jen is joined by Former Obama Campaign Manager Jim Messina to ask him three big questions about the state of the presidential race - nine days out from election day. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki explains what Donald Trump really means when he talks about “the enemy within” - and why we should take him at his word. Representative Adam Schiff joins Jen to discuss Trump and his enablers' increasingly hateful rhetoric, including threats against the Congressman himself, and the danger it poses to our democracy. Next, Jen is joined by a panel of reporters and analysts, including Molly Jong-Fast, Cornell Belcher, and Ali Vitali, to react to Kamala Harris' event with Liz Cheney, discussing the campaign's efforts at winning over key voting blocs, including undecided voters and white women. Later, Jen explains why Trump's "11th Hour" event with supposed faith leaders is just another vector of misinformation and far-fight fanaticism posing as Christianity. Finally, elections lawyer Marc Elias joins Jen to discuss Elon Musk's likely-illegal registered voter lottery and the status of election lawsuits in battleground states. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki breaks down the state of the race 16 days out from the election - as Kamala Harris displays her willingness to do the hard work while Donald Trump refuses to be tested in any real way. Jen sits down with Governor Gavin Newsom to discuss Trump's increasingly unhinged behavior amidst his cancellation of multiple interviews, Kamala Harris' 'outstanding' Fox News interview, and the 'concerning' relationship between Elon Musk and Trump. Next, Jen is joined by Ian Sams, senior adviser for the Harris-Walz campaign, to discuss the importance of calling out Trump's 'really weird' comments on the campaign trail, including his latest remark about a part of Arnold Palmer's anatomy. Sams also talks about why the Harris campaign has been so effective at getting under Trump's skin. Later, Jen breaks down Trump allies' attempts to revive lies about Dominion Voting machines and why MAGA-world would be wise to remember that lies do indeed have consequences. Finally, Former Obama Campaign Manager Jim Messina joins the show to answer three big questions about the state of the presidential race - the first in a series of interviews leading up to election day. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki is joined by Stacey Abrams to discuss Kamala Harris' increasingly powerful attacks on Donald Trump about "the enemy within." Next, Jen reflects on Harris' speech in Erie, Pennsylvania where the Vice President played clips of Trump's own words. Jen explains why we should believe Trump when he says what he is going to do in a potential second term. Former Rep. Joe Walsh and political columnist Dana Milbank join the show to discuss the state of the race and the urgency that Harris faces to show voters just how dangerous Trump is. Later, Jen explains how Trump and his allies' lies are causing real harm in communities across America - from Springfield, Ohio to Rutherford County, North Carolina. Jen is also joined by Chris Wallace to discuss his new book "Countdown 1960" focused on the presidential race between JFK and Richard Nixon, and the key lesson it holds for peaceful transfers of power and maintaining democracy. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen Psaki breaks down the state of the extremely close presidential race, which is tied despite Donald Trump's torrent of lies and increasingly anti-democratic rhetoric. Veteran political strategist James Carville joins to discuss how Harris can take a more aggressive approach, urging Americans to believe General Mark Milley's warning that the ex-president is "fascist to his core" as Trump calls for militarizing the US election. Next, Jen is joined by former acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Katyal to discuss how Trump and his allies may attempt to defraud voters again in 2024, as well as JD Vance's latest refusal acknowledge the fact of Trump's loss in 2020 and his bogus claim that the transfer of power in 2020 was "peaceful." Senator Mark Kelly also joins to share his reaction to General Milley's warning and discuss recent polling in his home state state of Arizona. Jen debunks Trump's claims that he is a champion of the first amendment, explaining how he and his allies only appreciate free speech when it benefits them. Finally, Jen is joined by Senator Tammy Baldwin to discuss the state of her tight Senate race in Wisconsin as well as VP Harris' handling of hurricane relief disinformation. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Election Day is around the corner and Vice President Kamala Harris could become the first woman, first Black woman, and first South-Asian to sit in the Oval Office. In light of this moment, we’re resharing our 2020 series “Kamala: Next in Line,” from MSNBC and Wondery. Hosted by Joy Reid, "Next In Line" is an intimate and immersive look into what drives Harris, what her critics say about her, and how she arrived at this historic moment. This is a special program for our MSNBC Premium subscribers. Listen to an excerpt from the first episode here. And to download the full series, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. You’ll find the series in the How to Win feed. Plus, as a subscriber, you’ll get all MSNBC original podcasts ad-free, along with bonus exciting content from Prosecuting Donald Trump, Rachel Maddow, and more. Thanks for listening and subscribing!

As Trump exploits hurricane victims for political gain, Jen breaks down how his lies have wreaked havoc on the communities and institutions that make America strong. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas joins Jen to discuss Trump's dangerous rhetoric falsehoods, which force the rest of country to pick up the pieces rather than join in a common cause. Next, Congressman Dan Goldman joins to address why Republican leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson still choose to reject reality and refuse to acknowledge that Trump lost the 2020 election. Jen also addresses Vice President Harris's recent media blitz, geared toward new media platforms over legacy outlets. Sarah Matthews, Jerusalem Demsas and Jonathan Martin discuss Harris's strategy, as well her appearance on 60 Minutes. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

After a high-stakes week that included a Vice Presidential debate, a dire warning from Liz Cheney and the unsealing of new evidence in the Special Counsel's case against Donald Trump, Jen Psaki breaks down why election denialism is not just a 2020 problem, but a 2024 problem too. Jen is joined by Officer Harry Dunn and Michael Cohen, Trump’s former lawyer, to discuss how Trump and his allies will try to steal the 2024 election, should he lose. Legal experts Neal Katyal and Andrew Weissmann talk about the Special Counsel's explosive new filing, which reveals Trump's abdication of duty on January 6th, among other things. Next, Jen explains how Trump is exploiting the victims of Hurricane Helene to demonize migrants, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins to discuss efforts to push back against MAGA-amplified falsehoods. Finally, Jen is joined by Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes and Oakland University student Marcus Johnson, whose keen understanding of civics made him the breakout star of a focus group on the Vice Presidential debate. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki

Jen is joined by a roundtable of guests, George Conway, Ashley Parker, Eugene Daniels, and Adrienne Elrod to discuss how Donald Trump is increasingly resorting to baseless smears of Kamala Harris, as well as blatant lies about relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Later, fellow MSNBC anchor Joy Reid joins to talk about the racist dog whistle Trump is using when he talks about the vote in cities like Detroit, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. And in anticipation of tomorrow’s vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz, Jen talks to Tim Ryan, the last person to share the debate stage with Vance, about the tactics Vance might use to gaslight viewers. Check out our social pages below: https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsaki https://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsaki https://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki