The 11th Hour with Brian Williams

This nightcap roundtable discusses the president's warning to Putin to end the war after their summit in Alaska this Friday or face “very severe consequences”, as Russian forces possibly breach Ukraine's front lines. Then, Trump ramps up military presence in D.C. and says he's looking for a long-term extension of his police takeover. California kickstarts its own redistricting effort, as Texas Democrats game out their exit strategy. Yamiche Alcindor, Tim Miller, Daniel Koh, and Pablo Torre join The 11th Hour this Wednesday night.

National guard troops and federal agents arrive in Washington D.C. as part of President Trump's anti-crime push – Attorney General Pam Bondi met with the D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser to lay out Trump's plan. The White House scrambles to make arrangements for Trump and Putin's Alaska summit set to occur this Friday. A new inflation report today has investors celebrating July's better-than-expected numbers, as inflation held steady and grocery and gasoline prices declined. Natasha Korecki, Charlie Sykes, Jeff Mason, David Gura, Ron Insana, Michael McFaul, and Jessica Knurick join The 11th Hour this Tuesday night.

A federal takeover in D.C. as the President moves to take control of the city's police force, with the plan to send in hundreds of national guard troops to fight crime. A federal judge rejected the government's request to unseal Grand Jury records in the criminal case of Ghislaine Maxwell, writing that the request could be seen as an illusion of transparency instead of actual transparency. Trump tries to manage expectations for his highly-anticipated summit with Putin, as the two leaders are expected to meet in Alaska this Friday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, David Drucker, Barbara McQuade, Bharat Ramamurti, Brendan Greeley, and David Kirkpatrick join The 11th Hour this Monday night.

This Nightcap tackles Trump's threats against courts that might try to block his trade policies. Then, the advocacy group “Democracy Forward” files a lawsuit against the Justice Department and the FBI, seeking to force them to release records about the handling of the Epstein investigation. Plus, the Texas redistricting dispute continues as Republicans escalate threats of FBI involvement to locate Democratic legislators who fled the state. Gillian Tett, Alex Wagner, Mark Joseph Stern, and David Jolly join The 11th Hour this Friday. 

Trump celebrates his sweeping new tariffs that took effect last night, which are the highest in nearly a century. Then, top White House officials held a meeting to discuss their strategy for handling the Epstein case, as the Justice Department faces a deadline tomorrow to decide whether to ask a judge to release the grand jury transcripts. Plus, a federal judge orders a two-week pause in the construction of Florida's immigration detention center. Peter Baker, Dave Weigel, Mark Leibovich, John Harwood, Max Chafkin, Joyce Vance, and John Meacham join The 11th Hour this Thursday. 

Dozens of new tariffs are set to take effect at midnight as Trump threatens a 100 percent tariff on chips and semiconductors. Then, three more victims of Epstein speak out against the Feds for their handling of the case. Plus, RFK Jr. announces that the Dept. of Health & Human Services will cut nearly $500 million in mRNA vaccine research. Sam Stein, Dan Nathan, Basil Smikle, and Dr. Vin Gupta join The 11th Hour this Wednesday.

The House Oversight Committee subpoenas the Justice Department for its ‘Epstein files' and demands testimony from several high-profile individuals, including the Clintons. Then, DOJ weighs releasing the audio and transcript from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's interview with Ghislaine Maxwell last month. Plus, Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn asks the FBI to arrest Texas Democrats who fled the state to block the GOP's redistricting plan. Jon Allen, Daniella Diaz, Jeff Mason, Ron Insana, Gillian Tett, Reed Galen, and Michael McFaul join The 11th Hour this Tuesday. 

Texas Governor Greg Abbott orders arrest warrants for Democrats who fled the state to block Republicans from redrawing the congressional map to gain seats. Then, Attorney General Pam Bondi calls for a grand jury investigation into the Obama administration over claims that it falsified data pertaining to Russia interference in the 2016 election. Plus, two of Jeffrey Epstein's victims slam the Justice Department over its handling of the ‘Epstein files,' urging that their privacy be protected. Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, David Drucker, Gene Sperling, Peter Goodman, Stuart Stevens, and Eleanor Klibanoff join The 11th Hour this Monday. 

Trump fires Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer after the July jobs report shows weaker-than-expected numbers, claiming the report was politically motivated. Then, Epstein associate and convicted sex offender Ghislaine Maxwell gets moved to a lower-security prison in Texas with no explanation and just days after meeting with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Plus, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which helps fund PBS and NPR, announces it is shutting down after Congress cut its funding. Akayla Gardner, Ron Insana, Natasha Sarin, Dave Weigel, Carol Leonnig, Jason Johnson and David Jolly join The 11th Hour this Friday. 

Trump announces new tariff rates set to take effect in a week, as we reach his August 1st deadline. Then, growing backlash over Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's comments suggesting that Trump's child savings accounts could be a "backdoor for privatizing social security." Plus, Virginia Giuffre's family sits down with NBC News and urges Trump not to pardon former Epstein associate and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. Peter Baker, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Steve Liesman, Matthew Dowd, Rohit Chopra, Max Chafkin, and Texas State Senator Roland Gutierrez join The 11th Hour this Thursday. 

Virginia Roberts Giuffre's family speaks out against Trump's assertion that he could pardon Jeffrey Epstein conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. Then, the White House announces a new trade deal with South Korea, but with few details. Plus, a Senate panel advances a bill banning congressional stock trading. Philip Bump, Jason Johnson, David Litt, and Ron Insana join The 11th Hour this Wednesday. 

Tsunami alerts issued for U.S. West coast and Japan after 8.7 magnitude earthquake near Russia. Then, Trump reveals new details on his ties with Epstein. Plus, the Senate confirms Trump's former attorney, Emil Bove, as federal appeals court judge. Vaughn Hillyard, Melanie Zanona, Jon Allen, Dan Nathan, Natasha Sarin, Senator Rand Paul, and Texas State Representative James Talarico join The 11th Hour this Tuesday. 

Mass shooting in midtown Manhattan leaves multiple dead, including the suspect and a New York City police officer. Then, longtime Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell files an appeal with the Supreme Court to overturn sex trafficking conviction. Plus, the U.S. and EU strike a tariff agreement, just days before Trump's self-imposed August 1st deadline. Marc Santia, Jim Cavanaugh, Rob D'Amico, Susan Glasser, David Drucker, Jeff Mason, Bharat Ramamurti, Brendan Greeley, and Marq Claxton join The 11th Hour this Monday. 

This Nightcap roundtable discusses Trump's struggle to shift focus away from Jeffrey Epstein. Then, Trump continues to pressure Powell to lower interest rates following yesterday's tense exchange during at the Fed HQ. Plus, comedians and show creators push back against the administration as the FCC approves Skydance's merger with Paramount. Joel Payne, Matt K. Lewis, Sami Sage, and Pablo Torre join The 11th Hour this Friday. 

New reporting breaks on Jeffrey Epstein's ties with Trump as NBC News reports that the White House is choosing silence as their best strategy amid the backlash. Then, top DOJ lawyer Todd Blanche meets with Epstein associate and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell, and schedules a second visit with her tomorrow. Plus, Trump gets fact-checked live by Fed Chair Powell during the president's visit to the Fed's headquarters. Peter Baker, Amna Nawaz, Sam Stein, Joyce Vance, Steve Liesman, John Harwood, and Matt Goldstein join The 11th Hour this Thursday.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Attorney General Pam Bondi alerted Trump in May that his name appeared in the Jeffrey Epstein files. Then, a federal judge in Florida denies the Justice Department's request to release the grand jury transcripts from their investigation into Epstein. Plus, U.S. companies may soon pass losses from Trump's tariffs onto consumers. Matthew Dowd, Evan McMorris-Santoro, Molly Jong-Fast, and Catherine Christian join The 11th Hour this Wednesday. 

The Justice Department wants a meeting with Epstein's former associate and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell amid backlash over the so-called ‘Epstein files.' Then, the President announces new trade deals on social media with few details as GM and Stellantis say their profits have taken a hit from tariffs. Plus, the administration escalates its deportation efforts. Susan Glasser, Dave Weigel, Jeff Mason, David Gura, Ron Insana, Adrian Carrasquillo, and Bill Carter join The 11th Hour this Tuesday. 

Trump tries to shift attention to the MAGA hits and away from Jeffrey Epstein as House Republicans move to avoid a vote to release all the Epstein files. Then, Texas Republicans focus on the Trump-inspired push to redraw congressional maps to help the GOP gain seats in the House. Plus, the Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls for a full review of the Fed. Luke Broadwater, Leigh Ann Caldwell, David Drucker, Ernie Tedeschi, Justin Wolfers, James Carville, and David J. Goodman join The 11th Hour this Monday. 

Trump attacked the MAGA base over calls to release the ‘Epstein files' and labeled his supporters ‘weaklings' for falling for the ‘Epstein hoax.' Then, markets are all over the place amid speculation that Trump plans to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which Trump denies. Plus, Elon Musk's highly controversial AI chatbot lands a $200 million contract with the Pentagon - even after it goes on antisemitic rants. Philip Bump, Nayyera Haq, Max Rose, and Brian Barrett join The 11th Hour this Wednesday. 

New data on inflation underscores the cost of Trump's tariffs to consumers. Then, Attorney General Pam Bondi dismisses questions about the ‘Epstein files' as Trump suggests she release what ‘she thinks is credible'. Plus, House Republicans join Democrats to keep a Trump-backed crypto bill from advancing to a vote. Natasha Sarin, Justin Wolfers, Jon Allen, Susan Glasser, Zeke Faux, and Tim Miller join The 11th Hour this Tuesday. 

Trump announces plans to send new weapons to Ukraine and threatens significant tariffs against Russia if the Kremlin doesn't agree to a peace deal within the next 50 days. Then: MAGA backlash as Trump struggles to calm his base amid outrage over the administration's handling of the ‘Epstein files.' Plus, the White House escalates attacks on Fed Chair Jerome Powell, citing the $2.5 billion renovation of the central bank's headquarters. Carol Leonnig, Luke Broadwater, Angelo Carusone, Bill Cohan, Bharat Ramamurti, Leo Cuello, and Reed Galen join The 11th Hour this Monday.

This Nightcap roundtable discusses Trump's chaotic trade policy as he posts letters with new tariff rates on social media. Then, Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino considers resigning after a confrontation over the 'Epstein files'. Ali Vitali, Fmr. Senator Doug Jones, and Mike Murphy join The 11th Hour this Friday. 

Trump threatens 35 percent tariff on Canada, as the administration fails to announce any new trade deals. Then, Trump approves the delivery of more weapons to Ukraine starting tomorrow, as Russia launches a new attack on Kyiv today. Plus, young Democratic officials launch an initiative to reshape the party's image and recruit fresh faces. Peter Baker, Daniella Diaz, Nayyera Haq, John Harwood, Rohit Chopra, Mallory McMorrow, John Della Volpe, and Aaron Reichlin-Melnick join The 11th Hour this Thursday. 

Trump sets off a new wave of tariff threats against more countries, major and minor U.S. trade partners alike. Then, the administration opens a criminal investigation into former FBI Director James Comey and former CIA Director John Brennan. Plus, new concerns over whether federal agencies can effectively handle disasters despite significant budget cuts. Allan Smith, Dan Nathan, and Isaac Arnsdorf join The 11th Hour this Wednesday. 

More than 160 people are still unaccounted for after deadly flash flooding in Texas and there are now new questions about warning systems in the area. Then, Trump says there will be ‘no extensions' on his new August 1st tariff deadline. Plus, the President announces that the U.S. will send more weapons to Ukraine -- reversing a recent decision to pause military aid. Jeff Mason, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Jon Allen, Brooke Masters, Ron Insana, Eleanor Klibanoff, and Reed Galen join The 11th Hour this Tuesday. 

The race to search for survivors following deadly flash flooding in Central Texas. Then, President Trump threatens new tariff rates, some of which target key American allies like Japan and South Korea. Plus, the Trump-Musk feud ramps up again after Elon Musk announces plan to launch his own political party. Susan Glasser, Akayla Gardner, Justin Wolfers, Max Chafkin, Mark McKinnon, Louis Amestoy, and Melinda & Melvin Harris join The 11th Hour this Monday.

House passes Trump's massive tax bill and both parties are pushing to shape public opinion. Then, the jobs report shows that U.S. job growth exceeded expectations this month. Plus, presidential historian Jon Meacham weighs in on where the country is heading on its 249th birthday. Peter Baker, Sam Stein, Basil Smikle, Ron Insana, Max Chafkin, Jon Meacham, and Emma Goldberg join The 11th Hour this Thursday. 

Republicans pressure GOP holdouts to back Trump's spending bill in House vote tonight. Then, Paramount agrees to pay $16 million to settle Trump's lawsuit over ‘60 Minutes' Kamala Harris interview. Melanie Zanona, Jon Allen, Michael Steele, and Brendan Greeley join The 11th Hour this Wednesday.   

JD Vance casts tie-breaking vote as Senate narrowly passes Trump's massive spending bill. Then, from healthcare cuts to potentially higher interest rates: what Trump's spending bill could mean for you. Plus, the jury continues deliberating after reaching partial verdict on four out of five counts in Sean Combs trial. Jeff Mason, Amna Nawaz, Dave Weigel, Natasha Sarin, David Gura, Matthew Dowd, and Charles Coleman Jr. join The 11th Hour this Tuesday. 

Changes to Trump's massive spending bill in the Senate raise red flags in the House as Republicans rush to meet July 4th deadline. Then, CBO analysis finds that Trump's spending bill will increase U.S. deficits by $3.3 trillion and cut healthcare for millions. Plus, Senate Republican Thom Tillis announces he won't be seeking re-election, shortly after Trump's attacks. Melanie Zanona, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Susan Glasser, David Drucker, Justin Wolfers, Brooke Masters, Scott Bok and Reed Galen join The 11th Hour this Monday.

This Nightcap roundtable discusses Trump's major victory as Supreme Court decides to limit the ability of judges to block his order restricting birthright citizenship nationwide. Then, both chambers of Congress receive classified briefings on the U.S. strikes on Iran. Plus, Trump ends trade talks with Canada, saying a new tariff will be announced next week. Joyce Vance, Heidi Heitikamp, Jon Ralston and Art Cullen join The 11th Hour this Friday. 

Senators get first classified briefing on Trump's strikes, as Pete Hegseth attacks the media for reporting on the intelligence community's cautious early assessments. Then, Trump's spending bill sees major setback in the Senate today. Plus, why Wall Street is freaking out -- not over trade wars and conflict with Iran, but Zohran Mamdani, the democratic-socialist who could be the next mayor of NYC. Jon Allen, Peter Baker, Mychael Schnell, Ron Insana, Bill Cohan and Mark Joseph Stern join The 11th Hour this Thursday.

Trump slams initial Defense Dept. intelligence saying U.S. strikes did little to set back Iran's nuclear program and announces a meeting with Iranian officials next week. Then, a top DOJ official and Trump ally testifies in Congress following a whistleblower's accusation that he suggested ignoring court orders in favor of carrying out the administration's deportation campaign. Plus, watchdog organization Media Matters sues the FTC, claiming its waging a “campaign of retribution” against the group on behalf of the Trump and Elon Musk. Nayyera Haq, David Gura, Stuart Stevens and David Litt join The 11th Hour this Wednesday.

Israel-Iran ceasefire holds into second day, but early U.S. intelligence finds air strikes did little to set back Iran's nuclear program. Then, a whistleblower says a top Department of Justice official suggested ignoring court orders in order to follow Trump's deportation campaign. Plus, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell testifies in Congress, defending higher interest rates. Jeff Mason, Carol Leonnig, Lieutenant General Mark Hertling, David Jolly, Barry Ritholtz, Brendan Greeley and Yaakov Katz join The 11th Hour this Tuesday.

President Trump claims Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire, just hours after Iran retaliates with strikes on a key U.S. air base in Qatar. Then, what continued hostilities would mean for the oil market. And Trump floats the idea of regime change in Tehran. Susan Glasser, Dave Weigel, General Barry McCaffrey, Justin Wolfers, Bharat Ramamurti, Caroline Modarressy-Tehrani and Heather Cox Richardson join The 11th Hour this Monday.

This Nightcap roundtable discusses the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran as Trump continues to weigh U.S. involvement. Then, a federal judge orders the Trump administration to release pro-Palestinian advocate Mahmoud Khalil. Plus, suspects were arrested today for making threats against U.S. elected officials. And, see who made this week's MVP list. Ron Insana, Eddie Glaude, Tim Miller and David Rohde join The 11th Hour this Friday. 

White House sets new two-week deadline to decide on U.S. involvement in Iran. Then, Steve Bannon visits the White House as MAGA clashes over potential U.S. military action. Plus, White House border czar says immigration raids on worksites, including farms and hotels, will continue. Melanie Zanona, Peter Baker, Nayyera Haq, Ernie Tedeschi, Justin Wolfers, Joyce Vance and Joel Payne join The 11th Hour this Thursday. 

Concerns rise over potential U.S. involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran. Then, the deep MAGA divide over a possible U.S. strike on Iran. Plus, Trump reverses his reversal on ICE raids. Tim O'Brien, Hagar Chemali, Mark McKinnon and Charlotte Howard join The 11th Hour this Wednesday. 

Sources tell NBC News that Trump is considering his options on Iran, including a potential U.S. strike. Then, oil giant executives warn of major supply disruptions and price volatility as Israel-Iran conflict intensifies. Plus, Ukraine faces its deadliest attack from Russia as the G7 is cut short. Jeff Mason, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Amna Nawaz, Dan Nathan, Max Chafkin, Julia Ioffe and Evan Osnos join The 11th Hour this Tuesday.

SUMMARY: Vance Boelter, the man accused of hunting down Minnesota lawmakers, is now in custody, facing both federal and state murder charges. Then, Trump leaves the G7 early after posting a warning to residents of Tehran to evacuate immediately. Plus, the Trump family announces that it is launching a new wireless service. Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, Jeremy Bash, David Drucker, Ron Insana and MacKenzie Sigalos join The 11th Hour this Monday.

This Nightcap roundtable discusses Trump's military parade tomorrow as thousands of protests are planned in all 50 states. Then, Iran and Israel exchange strikes as the conflict escalates in the Middle East. Plus, how the world is moving on without the U.S. And, see who made this week's MVP list. Colonel Jack Jacobs, Anthony Fisher, Steve Liesman and Pablo Torre join The 11th Hour this Friday. 

 Israel launches what it calls “preemptive strikes” on Iran. Then, Israeli Defense Minister declares nationwide state of emergency, warning that an Iranian attack may be imminent. Plus, California Senator Alex Padilla is forcibly removed from government press conference in LA. Courtney Kube, Hagar Chemali, Peter Baker, General Barry McCaffrey, Joyce Vance, Carol Leonnig, Jeremy Bash and Susan Glasser join The 11th Hour this Thursday.

A curfew is in effect for a second night in downtown LA as protests continue to spread across the country. Then, the Trump administration's handshake agreement with China appears to be a very thin “truce.” Plus, Trump's net worth has grown significantly since re-election. Morgan Chesky, Dan Nathan, Jon Allen, Basil Smikle and Max Abelson join The 11th Hour this Wednesday. 

SUMMARY: Downtown Los Angeles is under curfew as protests over the administration's ICE raids continue into a fifth day. Then, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) is indicted on federal charges following confrontation with law enforcement at New Jersey ICE facility. Plus, the U.S. and China agree to work toward easing trade tensions. Jeff Mason, Dave Weigel, Angelo Carusone, Justin Wolfers, Bill Cohan, Matthew Dowd and Dr. Vin Gupta join The 11th Hour this Tuesday.

The Trump administration mobilizes hundreds of marines in response to protests in Los Angeles over immigration raids. Then, detention facilities are stretched to maximum capacity as ICE raids continue. Plus, trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are underway. Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, David Drucker, Ankush Khardori, David Gura, Brooke Masters, Shannon Heffernan and Jon Meacham join The 11th Hour this Monday.

The Nightcap discusses Elon Musk and President Trump's continuing feud that shows no signs of slowing down. Then, the Supreme Court rules in favor of DOGE gaining access to sensitive Social Security records. Plus, Kilmar Abrego Garcia returns to the U.S. to face criminal charges after being mistakenly deported to El Salvador by the Trump administration. And see who made this week's MVP list. Michael Steele, Stephen Cloobeck, Nayyera Haq, Brian Barrett and Mark Joseph Stern all join The 11th Hour. 

Elon Musk and President Trump's public battle over the GOP megabill escalates with nasty exchanges over social media. Then, how the ongoing feud cost Tesla $152 billion dollars in market value. Plus, what this feud means for the U.S. military and national security. Peter Baker, Jessica Yellin, Max Chafkin, John Harwood, Ron Insana, Paul Rieckhoff and Gene Seroka join The 11th Hour this Thursday.

Speaker Mike Johnson runs damage control after Elon Musk blasts of Trump's megabill. Then, why there are new questions about the credibility of Trump's economic data and what that means for markets. Plus, Trump speaks with Vladimir Putin this afternoon as the Russia-Ukraine war continues. Peter Goodman, John Avlon and Philip Bump join The 11th Hour this Wednesday. 

Elon Musk and Rand Paul turn on Trump's megabill and criticize his domestic agenda. Then, a new warning as Trump's trade war escalates with new tariffs on steel and aluminum going into effect. Plus, FEMA prepares for hurricane season despite massive cuts by DOGE and a baffling claim by the agency's head. Jeff Mason, Sam Stein, Leigh Ann Caldwell, Charlotte Howard, Dan Nathan, Thomas Frank, and Matthew Miller join The 11th Hour this Tuesday. 

 While markets showed slight gains across the board, tensions between the U.S. and its trading partners -- particularly China -- continue to rise. Then, how growing U.S. debt could make a volatile bond market even more unstable and what that means for all Americans. Plus, the real-world consequences of proposed Medicaid cuts and -- how artificial intelligence could upend the job market.    Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, David Drucker, Bharat Ramamurti, Liz Hoffman, Matthew Dowd, and Gary Rivlin join The 11th Hour this Monday. 

Who are The Best People? They're the people who are the best at what they do and know how to bring out the best in others. On her new podcast, Nicolle Wallace speaks to the people who inspire her. As a mom. As an American. Or sometimes just as a super fan. In the first episode, she sits down with actor Jason Bateman. His show “Smartless,” which he co-hosts with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, is the podcast that inspired her to do her own. On this special preview, Bateman shares his journey into podcasting and reflects on the political climate that gives him endless fodder for conversation. Search “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace” to listen to the full episode and to catch new episodes every Monday. Or sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to get early access on Fridays. Signing up for Premium also includes ad-free listening and bonus content.