The Weekend

Vice President JD Vance attacked California's top Democrats during a visit to Los Angeles on Friday, accusing them of encouraging violent protesters, and even misnaming California Sen. Alex Padilla, calling him “Jose." made a whirlwind visit and left behind a political firestorm. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joins The Weekend to discuss the impact of the military's presence and the ICE raids being conducted throughout the city. California Congressman Ro Khanna also joins The Weekend to talk about how lawmakers from both sides of the aisle are working to limit Trump's authority to unilaterally involve the U.S. in the Middle-East conflict between Iran and Israel.

As the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown ramps up across the country, two of the Democratic officials ICE has targeted join "The Weekend." California Senator Alex Padilla reacts to the Vice President referring to him as "Jose' Padilla" – and NYC mayoral candidate Brad Lander recounts his recent arrest during an oversight visit at a New York City immigration court.

As the Middle-East conflict continues to escalate with missile strikes between Israel and Iran, President Donald Trump weighs U.S. military action against Iran, giving himself a timeline of two weeks to come to a decision. April Ryan and Alex Ward join The Weekend to discuss factors that may weigh in to the president's final decision. Ankush Khardori also joins The Weekend to discuss a federal judge's decision to release Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil from federal custody.

It has been 10 years since Donald Trump announced his candidacy for President, but how do Americans feel today? Brand new NBC News Decision Desk polling gives insight into his current approval rating and the policies Americans care about the most. Plus, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins The Weekend to share his thoughts on the targeted political attacks in Minnesota, President Trump's policy agenda,  and the massive turnout for the nationwide “No Kings” protests.

A massive manhunt is underway in Minnesota for a murder suspect who targeted two Democratic state lawmakers and their spouses, killing two. New reports reveal the suspect had a kill list that included prominent pro-choice individuals and legislators. Minnesota Congresswoman Kelly Morrison, who was on that list, joins The Weekend to remember her friends and colleagues who were impacted by yesterday's horrible shooting.

President Donald Trump hosted a military parade on the Army's 250th anniversary, which happened to coincide with Trump's birthday, as massive crowds took to the streets to march against the Trump administration and to declare that America is no place for kings. The dramatic day also included a deadly shooting that claimed the life of a Minnesota state lawmaker and seriously injured another. Law enforcement called the shootings politically motivated. Reuters White House Correspondent Jeff Mason,  Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Steve Anderson, Retired FBI agent Rob D'Amico, former CIA director John Brennan and former U.S. Attorney in Michigan, Barbara McQuade join The Weekend to discuss the dramatic events of the last 24 hours.

Critics are accusing President Donald Trump of assaulting America's democracy after he commandeered the National Guard and deployed Marines to California amid mostly peaceful protests against immigration raids. Democratic Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a cabinet member's press conference in his state of California and handcuffed after trying to ask a question. Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Professor of History at New York University, joins The Weekend to discuss how similar actions played out in autocratic regimes throughout history.

Among the backdrop of Trump's military parade, thousands of "No Kings" protests are expected today -- two of the protest organizers slam Trump's threat of heavy force against protesters. Plus, there's growing concerns about the politicization of the U.S. military after uniformed soldiers cheered and booed in reaction to the President's political statements at a speech at Fort Bragg. Retired Army Lieutenant General Steff Twitty, Retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel Rob D'Amico, and the WSJ's Nancy Youssef join The Weekend.

After a week of military escalation in Los Angeles, President Donald Trump prepares to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the U.S Army with a parade in Washington, D.C. Americans across the nation plan to counter this celebration with a “No Kings” protest. However, Trump warns that protesters in Washington “will be met with very heavy force”.  Representative Jamie Raskin joins The Weekend to discuss the importance of the nearly 2,000 protests that are scheduled today.

Preparations are underway for Donald Trump's military parade next week. It's billed as a celebration for the army's 250th anniversary, but as the tanks roll towards the nation's capital, thousands of veterans and their families rally in protest. Plus, Elon Musk joins Trump's ever-growing list of loyal friends turned foe. Trump's former personal attorney, Michael Cohen, joins The Weekend to share his take on the fallout.

President Donald Trump applied a rarely used law to deploy the National Guard as ICE protests erupted in Los Angeles. How was he able to bypass the governor, and how can this conflict escalate? Former Trump DHS official, Miles Taylor, breaks it down. Plus, Representative LaMonica McIver joins The Weekend ahead of her court appearance for charges of allegedly assaulting an officer during an ICE oversight visit in New Jersey.

President Donald Trump ordered 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles after clashes between protestors and immigration agents. California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the move saying "it will only escalate tensions. Max Boot and Anthony Coley join The Weekend to discuss the protests and the administration's response. 

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's fallout is just the beginning. MSNBC political analyst Alexi McCammond and New York Times White House Correspondent Tyler Pager join The Weekend to look into the possible repercussions from the feud. Plus, presidents have used the autopen for decades, including Trump. But now, an investigation has been launched by Trump into former president Joe Biden's use of the pen, stating he used it to cover his “cognitive decline.” And, it's World Pride Day in Washington, DC.  As Americans join in on the celebration, the Trump administration is continuing its fight against LGBTQ+ communities. Laverne Cox joins The Weekend to share her thoughts.

President Donald Trump issued a flurry of executive actions this week, from a new travel ban to a renewed attack on President Biden. Could this be a distraction from his unpopular agenda? Additionally, a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration must restore AmeriCorps programs after DOGE slashed nearly $400M in grants. Three Democratic Attorneys General join The Weekend to discuss their recent legal win.

Elon Musk and President Donald Trump's relationship implodes publicly online in a very personal way. At the center of their dispute is President Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill," which Musk said was a "disgusting abomination." David Jolly and Yemisi Egbewole joins the Weekend to discuss what this could mean for the GOP in the midterms. Plus -- Kilmar Abrego Garcia's lawyer reacts to the federal charges filed against him.

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.

From Trump's promise of deporting millions falling short, to his sweeping tariffs not leading to economic prosperity, Trump's agenda is struggling. Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times, Peter Baker, joins The Weekend to share one area where Trump isn't struggling: cashing in on the presidency. Plus, all signs are pointing to a “blue wave.” The Democratic Party faces an uphill battle, but they are ready to push forward and win back Congress. Democratic strategist James Carville joins The Weekend to discuss Democrats' hope for the 2026 midterms.

The Trump agenda is facing pushback from all sides -- even from some Republican Senators -- on Trump's reconciliation bill and proposed budget. Rep. Brendan Boyle joins The Weekend to discuss the backlash and react to Sen. Joni Ernst's sarcastic apology for her comments on Medicaid cuts. Plus, deportation chaos. Rep. Yassamin Ansari joins The Weekend to share her recent surprise visit at an ICE detention center in Eloy, Arizona, where she described conditions as “sickening.” And the hosts showcase their spelling skills in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Scripps spelling bee

RFK Jr.'s recent “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report required tweaks from the Trump administration after experts pointed out it cited studies that did not exist. Many are wondering: Was artificial intelligence used to create the report?  Plus, a dive into the influence big tech companies have on the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace. A new report suggests that AI could slash half of entry-level white-collar jobs. Tech journalist Karen Hao joins The Weekend to discuss.

This week, Republican lawmakers held town halls where they faced jeers regarding the proposed budget cuts in the “big beautiful bill”. Representative Jasmine Crockett joins The Weekend to discuss. Plus, a look at Donald Trump's recent pardon and commutation recipients, which include popular reality TV stars, a former gang leader, and Republican politicians.

President Donald Trump continues to get a reality check from the judicial branch. Three major rulings this week halted tariffs, his attack on law firms, and the crackdown on Harvard University, but will he listen? Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joins The Weekend to discuss. Plus, Harvard's bold message to the administration during its commencement ceremony.

Elon Musk officially leaves the Trump administration, but President Trump claims Musk is not really leaving. Eugene Robinson and Sam Stein join The Weekend to look back on Musk's time and DOGE's cuts since Trump took office. Plus, economic chaos. TACO or Trump Always Chickens Out is the new mantra on Wall Street as investors navigate the economic whiplash of Trump's global tariff chaos

The city of Chicago is currently under investigation by the DOJ for its "diversity" hiring practice. Mayor Brandon Johnson joins The Weekend to discuss the investigation and how the city plans to stand up to Trump. Rep. Joe Neguse also joins the show to express concerns over President Donald Trump's dinner for investors of his Trump Meme Coin.

Federal judges have now ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of wrongfully deported migrants, but they're continuing to disregard due process. Plus, six months after the 2024 election, Democrats finally show signs of fighting back. And, our friend and colleague Jonathan Capehart's new book “Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man's Search for Home” is officially out! He recounts stories from his life and finding his voice.

On Memorial Day weekend, Donald Trump addressed graduates at West Point with a campaign-style speech that celebrated his rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and signaled plans to expand the military's involvement in immigration enforcement. Plus, an analysis of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which could add over $3 trillion to the deficit while slashing health care and food stamps. Then, Rev. Al Sharpton joins The Weekend to reflect on the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder.

Trump's ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill' passed in the House, but it's now facing an uphill battle in the Senate. Plus, Secretary of State and Acting National Security advisor Marco Rubio is facing backlash after he drastically scaled down the size of the National Security Council. Rep. Madeleine Dean of the House Foreign Affairs committee joins The Weekend to share her reaction.

President Donald Trump's ongoing battle with higher education is facing a dramatic escalation. Ankush Khardori joins The Weekend to discuss how a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to ban international students from enrolling at Harvard. Plus, no one is safe from Donald Trump weaponizing his Justice Department. The DOJ is opening investigations against Democrats and Trump's political rivals. And, Chasten Buttigieg, husband of former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, joins The Weekend to share his new children's book, “Papa's Coming Home”

President Donald Trump is under fire from critics who are accusing him of corruption after the president held a private dinner at his Golf club in Northern Virginia for crypto investors who bought into his meme coin. April Ryan and Daniel Koh join The Weekend to discuss how Trump is pushing the limits of the presidency like never seen before.

Donald Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill” seeks to slash Medicaid and SNAP benefits, but it faces an uphill battle on Capitol Hill. Ultra-conservative House Republicans blocked it from seeing the House floor on Friday, and some Senate Republicans have already warned they won't accept the “megabill” without major changes. Former Governor John Kasich joins The Weekend to discuss. Plus, Trump accepts white South Africans into the U.S. despite mass deportation efforts.  

Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing criticism for what some see as her operating like President Donald Trump's personal attorney, despite pledging to be independent and vowing to never let politics factor into her decisions during her confirmation hearing. President Trump's tariffs and budget are causing alarm for many states,, forcing The House Budget Committee to try again to pass his "Big Beautiful Bill" after right wing Republicans helped sink it on Friday. Connecticut  Gov. Ned Lamont joins The Weekend to discuss the his concerns about the bill.

Trump hoped to return from his Middle East trip to good news, but instead he got major setbacks on his agenda. MSNBC contributor Sam Stein and MSNBC political analyst Molly Jong-Fast join The Weekend to discuss Trump's Middle East trip and the lavish gift he was offered. And, they look ahead as the House Budget Committee plans to reconvene tonight after blocking Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill” earlier this week. Plus, Trump declares a war on Walmart. He warns America's largest retailer to “eat the tariffs” instead of raising their prices.

The Supreme Court extended a pause on migrants in Northern Texas under the Alien Enemies Act. President Donald Trump returned from his trip to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar after reconfiguring U.S.-Middle East policy. Former CIA Director John Brennan joins The Weekend to discuss the President's latest approach to policy in the Middel-East.

After a four-day trip to the Middle East, Donald Trump is back in Washington, D.C., and plans to accept a used $400 million plane from Qatar. However, this proposed gift is drawing objections from House Democrats. Representative Jamie Raskin joins The Weekend to discuss how Congress intends to push back. Plus, the Supreme Court continues to block some deportations as Trump tries to undermine immigration law.

Donald Trump's agenda is in peril, and it's all because of Republican infighting. Ali Vitali and Kimberly Atkins Stohr react to how the House Budget Committee rejected the president's bill, which he officially named the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Plus, a federal judge describes the Trump administration's refusal to provide info in the Abrego Garcia case as “an exercise in utter frustration.” And, New Orleans former mayor, Marc Morial, joins The Weekend to look ahead to next weekend as we mark five years since the horrific murder of George Floyd.

Democrats are sounding the alarm as Trump's tariffs are hurting Americans. Former senior adviser to President Biden, Mitch Landrieu, joins The Weekend to discuss how Democrats are ramping up their efforts to win back the working class. Plus, Trump's first major foreign trip. He plans on stopping in the Middle East to talk about a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war. MSNBC national security and intelligence analyst Marc Polymeropoulos and Ambassador Michael Carpenter join The Weekend to discuss that and the tariff war as trade talks continue between the U.S. and China.

Donald Trump's massive tariffs have targeted industries that rural states strongly depend on. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joins The Weekend to sound the alarm about its impacts on his constituents. Plus, a look ahead to the potentially historic Supreme Court arguments on birthright citizenship.

Despite passing numerous executive orders, President Donald Trump continues to play the blame game and make his cabinet members the culprits responsible for policies. And Republican infighting continues to threaten President Trump's domestic agenda as House committee members are set to consider parts of their budget bill this week. Rep. Steve Horsford joins The Weekend to discuss the latest challenges of getting the new bill passed and the GOP policies he says will screw over Americans, including proposed cuts to Medicaid.

Democrats continue their town hall tour through Republican districts. Senator Chris Murphy and Rep. Maxwell Frost join The Weekend to discuss their own recent tours, how Democrats should counter Trump's extreme agenda. Plus, their thoughts on the looming budget cuts as House Republicans scramble to get their budget bill across the finish line. And, former director of the National Economic Council, Gene Sperling and former Congressman Charlie Dent share their thoughts on Trump's chaotic economic policies and the recent trade talks with China.

Donald Trump is intensifying his legal challenges with the courts by pushing for aggressive deportation policies and reducing the size of the federal government. Although federal judges have halted some of these efforts, the moves have unsettled many in the judiciary, leading Supreme Court justices to publicly defend judicial independence and call on attorneys to uphold the rule of law. Former Attorney General Eric Holder joins The Weekend to discuss.

ICE arrested Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka outside an ICE detention center as the White House continues to ramp up the intensity of its immigration policy. Also, a new directive in the Pentagon will see 1000 out transgender service members removed from the military. Col. Bree Fram of the  U.S. Space Force joins The Weekend to discuss the impact the new order will have on those members.

As the White House continues to move forward with its agenda, several court losses are forcing the Trump administration to rethink its  strategy. The losses come as its budget proposal for 2026 is drawing some major criticism, even from Republicans. Democratic Rep. Joe Neguse joins The Weekend to discuss his take on the administration's effort to cut $163 billion in federal spending.

Donald Trump's national security shakeup is causing new chaos in his administration. Former National Security Adviser John Bolton joins The Weekend to share his thoughts as Marco Rubio takes over as the interim NSA. Plus DNC Vice Chair David Hogg joins The Weekend to give insight into the big debate in the Democratic party over the best way forward ahead of midterms.