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: 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.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump's crypto dinner raises questions on ethics and access. Also, Trump confirms his attempt to deport migrants to South Sudan. Plus, Trump confronts South Africa's leader with debunked “white genocide” claims. And the Trump Justice Department announces its plan to cancel George Floyd era police reforms. Nnamdi Egwuonwu, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Barbara McQuade, Patrick Gaspard, and Toluse Olorunnipa join Jason Johnson.
Tonight on The Last Word: The Pentagon says it accepted Qatar's luxury jet. Also, a Trump bill would make the largest Medicare cuts in history. Plus, retailers warn of price increases due to Trump tariffs. And Trump-Musk cuts are keeping HIV meds from African patients. Sen. Adam Schiff, Paul Krugman, and Dr. Atul Gawande join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats say the CBO finds Trump's budget bill contains $500 billion in Medicare cuts. Also, Senate Democrats question Trump's IRS pick on ethical issues. Plus, Reuters reports $98 million in U.S. food aid is rotting in warehouses after the Trump-Musk cuts to USAID. And Jonathan Capehart discusses his new memoir, “Yet Here I Am: Lessons from A Black Man's Search for Home.” Rep. Brendan Boyle, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, Jonathan Landay, and Jonathan Capehart join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump budget plan puts health care coverage in jeopardy. Plus, Democrats press Attorney General Pam Bondi on Qatari Jet. And Trump attacks companies over tariff-linked price hikes. Rep. Daniel Goldman and Rep. Jamie Raskin join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court blocks Trump's bid to resume deportations under The Alien Enemies Act of 1798. And the GOP defies Trump, striking down a bill advancing his agenda. Rep. Gwen Moore, Rick Stengel, Prof. Larry Glickman, and Tony Ortiz join Ali Velshi
Tonight on The Last Word: The Supreme Court hears arguments for orders blocking Trump's Birthright Citizenship ban. Plus, Putin skips out on peace talks with Ukraine. And Bruce Springsteen condemns Trump in the first show of his new tour. Laurence Tribe and Lt. General Mark Hertling join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Trump arrives in Qatar after Saudi Arabia visit. Plus, Senate Democrats press Attorney General Pam Bondi on the Qatar jet gift to Trump. Also, there is growing opposition from the GOP on Trump's budget. And John Ewing makes history as Omaha's first black mayor. Ned Price, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and John Ewing Jr. join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump family seeks business deals in the Middle East. And the Congressional Budget Office reports the Trump budget could kick 13.7 million Americans off their health insurance. Eric Lipton, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The stock market jumps after Donald Trump lowered China tariffs. Also, Trump wants to accept a $400M plane from Qatar. Plus, Bill Gates continues to call out Elon Musk over with USAID cuts. And NBC News reports the Trump administration has spent at least $21M flying migrants to Guantanamo Bay. Rick Woldenberg, Ben Rhodes, Andrew Weissmann, and Courtney Kube join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Republicans scramble over cuts in Donald Trump's budget bill. Also, Vladimir Putin hosts China's Xi Jinping and North Korea generals at a military parade. Plus, an anti-democracy blogger gains influence in the Trump White House. And Pope Francis spoke forcefully for migrants' humanity. Rep. Eric Swalwell, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman (ret.), Danielle Allen, and Bishop Mark Seitz join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: Trump retreats in his trade war. Plus, Ukraine calls Putin's 3-day ceasefire a ‘farce' after reported violations. Also Bill Gates plans to wind down his foundation by 2045. And the first American-born Pope takes the name Leo XIV. Tim Snyder and Sister Simone Campbell join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The New York Times reports Donald Trump plans to announce a trade deal with the United Kingdom. Also, Trump's pick for D.C. U.S. attorney faces GOP opposition. And the GOP North Carolina Supreme Court candidate concedes after a six-month push to overturn the election. Robert Holleyman and Justice Allison Riggs join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent won't admit consumers pay Trump tariffs. Also, Donald Trump insists Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's job is safe despite the scandals. And Trump tariffs are already a top issue in 2026 Senate races. Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says kids might have “two dolls instead of 30” in response to tariffs. Also, The New York Times reports a declassified memo shows U.S. intelligence agencies rejected the Trump administration's rationale for deportations. And Trump says “I don't know” when asked if he needs to uphold the Constitution. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Businesses warn of higher costs as Donald Trump's tariffs hit. Also, The New York Times reports DOGE cuts cost upward of $135 billion. Plus, Democrats demand answers over DOGE's access to sensitive data. And voters sour on Trump's handling of the economy. Rep. Chris Deluzio, Rebecca Cooke, Max Stier, Rep. Melanie Stansbury, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump ousts Mike Waltz as national security advisor. Also, Trump nominates “Stop the Steal” organizer Ed Martin for a key prosecutor post. Plus, Trump tariffs are wreaking havoc on U.S. small businesses. And a Trump-appointed judge in Texas rules Trump's Alien Enemies Act invocation is “unlawful.” Sen. Adam Schiff and Rick Woldenberg join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The U.S. economy shrinks for the first time since the pandemic. Also, Donald Trump claims he “could” have Kilmar Abrego Garcia returned to the U.S., but his lawyers don't want him to. Plus, polls show voters are souring on Trump after a chaotic 100 days. And federal workers speak out against Trump-Musk cuts. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Andrew Weissmann, Jonathan Alter, and Jacob Soboroff join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Americans sour on Donald Trump's tariffs and his handling of the economy. Also, the Trump tariff chaos upends a Canadian election. Plus, Trump fails to deliver his promised end to Vladimir Putin's war. And Democrats look to campaign on the chaos of Trump's first 100 days in office. Catherine Rampell, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Amb. Michael McFaul, and Rep. Angie Craig join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump rages online as his poll numbers tank. Also, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation projects that Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party wins in a national election heavily influenced by Trump's tariffs and threats. And voters pack town halls protesting Trump and the GOP agenda. Robert Reich, Timothy Snyder, and Rep. Joe Neguse join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Voters share their anger at Trump's agenda at town hall events. Plus, the controversy around Defense Secy. Pete Hegseth and his alleged use of unsecured communications continues to grow. Also, HHS Secy. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is facing backlash for his comments about Americans with autism. And, the Trump administration's attacks on DEI are facing pushback.
Tonight on The Last Word: China denies Donald Trump's claims of “active” tariff talks. Also, The New York Times reports that Trump is pressuring Ukraine to accept a peace plan that sharply favors Russia. And tariffs could be a major issue in the 2025 Senate race. Catherine Rampell, Timothy Snyder, and Jordan Wood join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump's tariff uncertainty causes price spikes and layoffs. Also, Elon Musk and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly have a verbal brawl in the West Wing. Plus, a federal judge slams the Trump administration's “bad faith” in Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case. And the president of Harvard University speaks out about Trump's attack. Sen. Jon Ossoff, Jen Psaki, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The stock market is calmer after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told investors a trade war is not “sustainable.” Also, the White House says Donald Trump “strongly stands” behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Plus, three prosecutors on the Eric Adams corruption case resign rather than admit to “wrongdoing.” And Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens launches her Senate bid in Michigan. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, Andrew Weissmann, and Rep. Haley Stevens join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Stocks tumble as Donald Trump attacks Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Also, Harvard University sues the Trump administration over funding cut threats. Plus, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly shared sensitive information on Yemen strikes in a Signal chat with his wife and brother. And Pope Frances dies at 88 after a stroke. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Laurence Tribe, Sen. Mark Kelly, and Sister Simone Campbell join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump mocks Sen. Chris Van Hollen for meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Also, voters flood town halls with fears and frustrations. Plus, Trump suggests removing Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. And the North Carolina Supreme Court race remains undecided after legal challenges. Lisa Rubin, Garry Kasparov, Rep. James Clyburn, Robert Reich, and Justice Allison Riggs join Ali Velshi.
Tonight on The Last Word: Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen and Kilmar Abrego Garcia meet in El Salvador. Also, Donald Trump threatens to revoke Harvard's tax-exempt status. And Trump suggests he can fire Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Andrew Weissmann, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and Rep. Brendan Boyle join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: California sues Donald Trump, calling his tariffs “unlawful.” Also, a bipartisan bill would end any tariff not passed by Congress in 60 days. Plus, a federal judge finds probable cause to hold the Trump administration in contempt over deportation flights. And voters flood town halls and rallies fearing DOGE cuts. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Sen. Maria Cantwell, Rep. Daniel Goldman, and Rep. Melanie Stansbury join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: A judge blasts the Trump Justice Department for its refusal to return Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Also, Donald Trump escalates his fight with Harvard University. Plus, Trump blames Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the war yet again and calls Vladimir Putin's deadly Palm Sunday attack “a mistake.” And The Washington Post reports a government memo lays out the Trump administration's proposal to slash State Department and USAID budgets. Andrew Weissmann, Laurence Tribe, and Nicholas Kristof join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump Justice Department argues courts can't force Kilmar Abrego Garcia's return. Also, Donald Trump declines to say what imports might be exempt from future tariffs. And Democrats host town halls to amplify voters' concerns. Andrew Weissmann, Catherine Rampell, Rep. Greg Stanton, and fmr Rep. David Jolly join Lawrence O'Donnell.
Tonight on The Last Word: The Wall Street Journal reports Donald Trump privately acknowledged his tariffs could spark a recession. Also, a federal judge demands updates on the efforts made to return a deported Maryland man. Plus, Democrats seek to keep the momentum against the Trump agenda with the House and Senate in recess. And Trump sends a special envoy to meet with Vladimir Putin in Russia. Robert Reich, Laurence Tribe, Rep. Joe Neguse, Leah Greenberg, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi.
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