Drawing upon his experience as a former chief of staff on the Senate Finance Committee and as an Emmy-winning executive producer and writer of ‘The West Wing,’ Lawrence O’Donnell examines the compelling and impactful political stories of the day. Join him every weeknight.
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The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell podcast is a favorite among listeners who appreciate Lawrence's style and his ability to bring sense to the daily political mess we find ourselves in. With a Walter Cronkite-esque delivery, he provides a calm voice of reason amidst the chaos. His storytelling is masterful, and his guests are engaging and informative. For those looking for truth and intelligent perspective, this podcast delivers.
One of the best aspects of The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell podcast is Lawrence himself. His delivery is impeccable, combining intelligence, empathy, and knowledge. As a former senate aide and the son of a former police officer turned lawyer, he brings unique insight to his work. His voice is smooth and pleasant to listen to, making each episode an enjoyable experience. Furthermore, his dedication to speaking truth and calling out lies in these dangerous times is commendable.
While the podcast overall provides valuable content, there are some aspects that could be improved upon. Specifically, some listeners have expressed dissatisfaction with the inclusion of ghastly Etsy ads that disrupt the flow of the podcast. The voice actor used in these ads has been criticized for not being pleasant to listen to, resulting in a negative listening experience. It would be beneficial if these ads were reconsidered or reworked to enhance rather than detract from the podcast.
In conclusion, The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell podcast is a highly recommended source of news and analysis. Lawrence's expertise, storytelling abilities, and dedication to truth make each episode informative and thought-provoking. While there may be room for improvement regarding certain elements such as ad placement, overall it remains a must-listen for those seeking intelligent perspectives on current events in these challenging times.
Tonight on The Last Word: Texas Republicans' attempt to remove Democrats goes to the state Supreme Court. Also, the Justice Department requests for the unsealing of the grand jury exhibits and transcripts in the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. Plus, nearly two million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits. And the Supreme Court is poised to come for the Voting Rights Act. Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Heather Long, Conor Lamb, and Melissa Murray join Jonathan Capehart.
Tonight on The Last Word: Trump officials met at the White House and discussed Jeffrey Epstein. Also, The New York Times reports Donald Trump delayed a Medicare change after receiving a $5 million donation. And Trump adopts Project 2025's warped view of U.S history. Lisa Rubin, Ken Vogel, and David Blight join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats introduce a resolution opposing clemency for Ghislaine Maxwell. Also, Donald Trump sets off a congressional redistricting battle. And new reporting finds Elon Musk gave $15 million to support Trump and Republicans amid their public feud. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, and Joe Miller join Lawrence O'Donnell.
August 5, 2025, 10pm; Tonight on The Last Word: The House Oversight Committee issues subpoenas for Epstein documents. And Donald Trump defends firing a labor official after a weak jobs report. Rep. Ro Khanna, Andrew Weissmann, and Paul Krugman join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Ghislaine Maxwell is moved to a lower-security prison after meeting with the Trump Justice Department. And Texas Democrats flee the state to block a gerrymandered GOP map. Andrew Weissmann, Texas Rep. Mihaela Plesa, and Texas Rep. Erin Zwiener join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The U.S. economy adds just 73,000 jobs in July. Also, international outrage over starvation in Gaza is growing. Plus, Democrats pledge to fight Donald Trump and the GOP on gerrymandering. And the Smithsonian removes references of Trump's impeachments from an exhibit. Dan Osborn, Ben Rhodes, Colin Allred, and Garrett Graff join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: The family of Virginia Giuffre speaks out against a potential Trump pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell. Also, Donald Trump unveils a wave of new tariffs hours before the August 1 trade deadline. Plus, a new Gallup poll shows momentum moving towards Democrats. And Trump escalates a war of words with a top Russian official. Rep. Robert Garcia, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Suzan DelBene, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Jonathan Capehart.
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats eye an obscure law to force the release of the Epstein files. Also, Donald Trump pushes Texas gerrymandering to help House Republicans. Plus, the 60th anniversary of Medicare and Medicaid is marked by deep Trump-GOP cuts. And a former Navajo president launches a campaign to unseat Arizona GOP Rep. Eli Crane. Harry Litman, Heather Long, Rep. Julie Johnson, Rep. Glenn Ivey, Norm Ornstein, and Jonathan Nez join Jonathan Capehart.
Tonight on The Last Word: The House Oversight Committee rejects Ghislaine Maxwell's immunity request. Also, former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper launches his U.S. Senate bid. Plus, Trump fails to “make America affordable again.” And Democratic attorneys general sue to block Trump's SNAP data order. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara McQuade, Jennifer Rubin, Anderson Clayton, Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Washington Attorney General Nick Brown join Jonathan Capehart.
Tonight on The Last Word: Epstein co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell is granted limited immunity during meetings with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. Also, Axios reports Nevada swing state voters are turning on Donald Trump. Plus, the Trump administration backs down and releases over $5 billion in Education Department funds. And a Republican congressman is caught misrepresenting his grandfather's “legal” immigration story. Lisa Rubin, Rep. Wesley Bell, Margaret Talev, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, and Chase Woodruff join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: A Trump Justice Department lawyer meets with Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Also, Sen. Ruben Gallego calls out Donald Trump and the Justice Department for the Epstein “coverup.” And The New York Times reveals Ghislaine Maxwell's letter to Jeffrey Epstein in the birthday book. Andrew Weissmann, Christopher O'Leary, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and Barry Levine join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Bradley Edwards, an attorney for over 200 of the survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, joins Lawrence O'Donnell for an exclusive interview and reveals that he believes the Jeffrey Epstein birthday book with a letter bearing Donald Trump's name as reported first by The Wall Street Journal is in possession of the Epstein estate. Rep. Ro Khanna and Andrew Weissmann also join to react to the breaking news.
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats back the push to force a vote on releasing the Epstein files. Also, the Senate advances Emil Bove's federal judge nomination. And a recent poll finds Americans are opposed to Donald Trump's economic agenda. Rep. Ro Khanna, Mimi Rocah, Tim O'Brien, and Sen. Amy Klobuchar join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump remains silent today on the Epstein files scandal. And Harvard University argues in court that Trump's funding cuts are illegal. Rep. Daniel Goldman, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Laurence Tribe join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats call for a Congressional hearing on the Epstein files. Also, Donald Trump denies he's planning to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell. And Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro endorses Janelle Stelson for Congress. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Paul Krugman, and Janelle Stelson join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Emil Bove's judicial nomination is under intense scrutiny. Also, Donald Trump imposes a 17 percent tariff on Mexican tomatoes. And a new film, “Sovereign,” explores the rise of far right-wing political ideology. Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Greg Stanton, and Nick Offerman join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Ro Khanna offers an amendment to release the Epstein files. Also, Donald Trump is starting to lose his own voters on his tariff policy. And Democrats look to campaign on tariffs and Trump's economy. Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Mark Pocan join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Trump-Musk cuts are still wreaking havoc on the federal government. Also, Donald Trump deregulates crypto while his family profits. Plus, U.S. munitions shipments to Ukraine resume after a pause. And Benjamin Netanyahu returns from Washington, D.C. without a ceasefire deal. Brandy Zadrozny, Rep. Robin Kelly, Ken Vogel, Rep. Eugene Vindman, and Noga Tarnopolsky join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: A federal judge blocks Trump's Birthright Citizenship ban. Plus, the Emil Bove confirmation vote is set for July 17. Also, FEMA's Texas flood responded was reportedly delayed by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. And Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson says “the state of our democracy” keeps her up at night. Cody Wofsy and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump threatens John Brennan and James Comey with Justice Department investigations. Also, the Trump tariff policy is headed to a federal appeals court. And cuts to hurricane data will leave forecasters in the dark. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Lisa Rubin, and Michael Lowry join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Stocks are down as Donald Trump threatens new tariffs on allies. Also, Trump-GOP Medicaid cuts put rural Georgia hospitals at risk. And Trump turns on Vladimir Putin and calls for the end of the war in Ukraine. Jason Furman, Sen. Jon Ossoff, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump backs down again on tariffs. Also, a toy company appeals to the Supreme Court over Trump tariffs. And Texas floods kill at least 104 people. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Rick Woldenberg, and Tom Llamas join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Republicans vote for the Trump bill they criticized. Also, The New York Times reports Vladimir Putin is rebuilding his wealth as Donald Trump eases sanctions. And Rep. Hakeem Jeffries says Democrats will “press on” fighting for Americans. Rebecca Cooke, Secy. Kathleen Sebelius, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: House Republicans scramble to advance Donald Trump's budget bill. And researchers say USAID cuts could lead to 14 million deaths over the next five years. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Norm Ornstein, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Dr. Atul Gawande join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The Senate passes Donald Trump's budget bill with Medicaid and food assistance cuts. And Stanford University Professor Jack Rakove says the Trump era is a “constitutional failure.” Rep. Brendan Boyle and Jack Rakove join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Senate Republicans reject Sen. Adam Schiff's amendment to prevent families with kids under 12 from losing food assistance. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elissa Slotkin, Sen. Adam Schiff, and Norm Ornstein join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court gives Donald Trump even more power one year after the immunity ruling. Also, Trump family business interests raise ethical concerns. Plus, Trump wields tariffs to stop Canada taxes on tech giants. And a Republican lawmaker in a red state says that state won't survive the Trump budget bill. Laurence Tribe, Tim O'Brien, Rep. Chris Pappas, Mini Timmaraju, and Rep. Kelly Morrison join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: Senate Democrats slam Donald Trump for “misleading” the public on Iran. Also, NBC News reports Trump told Sen. John Thune to get him a budget bill to sign by next week. And Trump OMB Director Russell Vought is confronted with a new analysis about children who died of preventable causes after USAID cuts. Rep. Adam Smith, Brendan Duke, and Nick Kristof join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Congress expects to be briefed on the U.S. strike on Iran Thursday. Also, Democrats grill Emil Bove in a judicial confirmation hearing. And 16 House Republicans break rank and denounce Medicaid cuts. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: A father of three Marines is beaten and arrested by masked federal agents in California. Also, Democrats demand answers on delayed Iran briefings. Plus, GOP senators are split over Medicaid cuts in the budget bill. And Donald Trump is expected to meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the NATO summit. Sen. Adam Schiff, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The New York Times reports Iranian state TV is announcing a ceasefire with Israel. Sen. Mark Kelly, Amb. Wendy Sherman, Trita Parsi, and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: GOP Medicaid cuts put vulnerable children at risk. Also, JD Vance visits Los Angeles amid the outrage over ICE raids. Plus, Donald Trump bullies companies to eat the cost of Trump tariffs. And journalist John Harwood says the press has a duty to report on Trump's harm to the United States. Elena Hung, Betsey Stevenson, Rep. Nanette Barragán, Scott Lincicome, and John Harwood join Catherine Rampell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Rep. Jamie Raskin demands an investigation into the FBI's role in Sen. Padilla's detention. Plus, a new poll shows growing outrage over Trump's sweeping deportations. Also, Trump's tariffs are making life more expensive for Americans. And Nippon Steel completes its acquisition of U.S Steel. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Patrick Gaspard, Ron Insana, Lauren Hirsch, and Bridget Brink join Catherine Rampell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says he “may or may not” strike Iran. Also, Trump's collapsing new polls show his vulnerabilities. And new reporting about the devastating effects of USAID cuts in Africa. Sen. Adam Schiff and Nick Kristof join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Sen. Mike Lee deletes some posts about the Minnesota lawmaker shootings. Also, The Washington Post reports Sen. Tim Scott's 60-second video attacking the Congressional Budget Office contains nine errors. And the fight over Donald Trump's National Guard deployment in California continues in an appeals court. Norm Orstein and Lisa Rubin join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: CA Sen. Alex Padilla reacts to breaking news the Trump Administration is reversing its reversal on exempting some farm and hotel workers from ICE raids and discusses being removed and handcuffed at a Department of Homeland Security news conference. Also, Sen. Tina Smith calls GOP Sen. Mike Lee's social media post about the Minnesota shooting “brutal and cruel.” And U.S. business with Canada is disrupted by Trump tariffs. Sen. Alex Padilla, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Governor Maura Healey join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Outrage grows over the handcuffing of Senator Alex Padilla. Also, “No Kings” protests are expected in over 2,000 cities on Saturday. Plus, Iran launches retaliatory missiles into Israel. And Trump policies disrupt life on the U.S.-Canada border. M. Gessen, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, David Rothkopf, Sylvie Boudreau, and Rep. Becca Balint join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: California Governor Gavin Newsom speaks after his court victory over Donald Trump. Also, California Senator Alex Padilla is forcibly removed from a DHS news conference. And Israel launches an air strike on Iran. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Lt. General Mark Hertling, Lisa Rubin, Rep. Eric Swalwell and Richard Engel join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Protests over immigration raids pop up across the United States. Also, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struggles to clarify the Trump administration's position on Russia. And House Republicans are forced to again vote for the Medicaid cuts in of Donald Trump's budget bill. Sen. Adam Schiff, Rep. Jason Crow, and Rep. Paul Tonko join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: California Governor Gavin Newsom says Donald Trump “fanned the flames” on the streets of Los Angeles. And RFK Jr. fires all 17 members of the CDC's vaccine advisory committee. Harry Dunn, Rep. Eric Swalwell, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Trump officials are in trade talks with China. And Russia launches the biggest drone assault of the war. Jason Furman and Lt. General Mark Hertling join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats slam Donald Trump and Republicans for their budget bill's Medicaid cuts. Also, the Trump administration complies with the Supreme Court's order and returns Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. Plus, Trump blames Ukraine for Vladimir Putin's latest deadly strikes. And the motive for Trump's tariffs and trade war remains unclear. Rebecca Cooke, Ben Wikler, Barbara McQuade, Amb. Michael McFaul, and Rep. Madeleine Dean join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump is humiliated on the global stage by his feud with Elon Musk. Also, Trump likens Russia and Ukraine to “children fighting.” And The Washington Port reports $12 million in U.S. foreign aid to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS may be destroyed. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Lt. General Mark Hertling, and Dr. Atul Gawande join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump enacts a new travel ban, restricting or limiting nationals from 19 countries. Also, the Congressional Budget Office estimates 16 million people will lose their health insurance under Trump's budget plan. And Ukraine strikes more than 40 bombers inside Russia. Governor Kathy Hochul, Amb. Michael McFaul, and Lt. General Mark Hertling join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump ramps up attacks on Leonard Leo and the judges ruling against his agenda in court. Also, Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard University. And a Catholic editorial condemns a “reverse robin hood” Trump budget bill. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, E.J. Dionne, and Sister Simone Campbell join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Elon Musk's time at DOGE is marked by a series of failures. Also, the ultra-wealthy buy influence with Donald Trump. And the Trump administration disbands a task force create to find, seize, and liquidate sanctioned Russians' assets. Gabrielle Emanuel and Evan Osnos join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Conservatives slam Donald Trump's tariffs as unconstitutional. Also, tourism from nations hit by Trump's tariffs plummets. Plus, while leaving his White House role Elon Musk dodged a question about a New York Times reports on his alleged drug use on the campaign trail. And Trump pardons criminals convicted of tax and fraud crimes. Jared Bernstein, Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, and Brendan Ballou join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: A second federal court rules Donald Trump's tariffs are illegal. Also, a federal judge blocks Trump's ban on Harvard University's foreign students. And Elon Musk officially leaves the White House. Rick Woldenberg, Laurence Tribe, and Rep. Melanie Stansbury join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump's global tariffs are blocked by a federal trade court. And new corruption concerns rise as Trump profits from his office and pardons political allies. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Kenneth Vogel, and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Stocks rally after Donald Trump backs down and delays EU tariffs. Also, Trump seeks to end all federal contracts with Harvard University. Plus, Trump says Vladimir Putin is “playing with fire.” And Wisconsin voters reject Elon Musk's political influence. Robert Reich, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Timothy Snyder, and Ben Wikler join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump condemns Vladimir Putin after Russia strikes Ukraine. Also, Trump attacks judges in a Memorial Day post. Plus, Trump escalates his fight with Harvard University. The Trump trade war undercuts American battery makers. House Republicans pass a bill that would cut Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood. And Trump delays 50% tariffs on EU goods until July 9. Amb. Michael McFaul, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Norm Ornstein, Laurence Tribe, Michigan State Rep. Joe Tate, Rep. Adam Smith, Carrie Baker, and Betsey Stevenson join Lawrence O'Donnell.
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