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Nicolle Wallace is joined by Frank Figliuzzi, Basil Smikle, Tom Winter, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Charlie Sykes, Ben Rhodes, Jacob Soboroff, Maya Wiley, Eddie Glaude, Amb. Michael McFaul, and Mini Timmaraju.
With his nomination for Defense secretary teetering on the brink, Pete Hegseth will soon learn whether his 11th-hour offensive yesterday to save his nomination has succeeded. As Republican senators — notably including combat veteran Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) — express concerns about some of Hegseth's views as well as the allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse, which he has denied, the nominee has remained resolute: “We're not going anywhere,” he told Hill reporters yesterday. But it might not entirely be his call. National correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan and Playbook co-author Rachael Bade discuss what to watch for now. Plus, President-elect Donald Trump announces another flurry of key administration officials, and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) rises in the ranks.
Late Sunday, President Joe Biden issued a “full and unconditional” pardon to his son Hunter for any crime he "has committed or may have committed" in the previous 11 years. In a statement, Biden described Hunter as the victim of "politically weaponized prosecution." The move isn't surprising, but it does mark a 180 for the president, who had repeatedly said he wouldn't issue a pardon for his son. National correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan joins Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels to discuss.
Nicolle Wallace is joined by Paul Rieckhoff, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Claire McCaskill, Ali Vitali, Tim Miller, Jacob Soboroff, Amy McGrath, Eddie Glaude, and Anthony Scaramucci.
As Trump and Harris return to the trail, NBC News correspondents Mike Memoli, Yamiche Alcindor and Vaughn Hillyard join Meet the Press NOW to discuss the fallout from the first debate. Evelyn Farkas, executive director of the McCain Institute, explains the latest developments in Ukraine, following Russia's counteroffensive attack on the Kursk region. Betsy Woodruff Swan, Navin Nayak and Ramesh Ponnuru discuss Bush-era Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' endorsement of Harris.
Today, Hunter Biden goes to trial in Los Angeles, the culmination of a six-year federal investigation that resulted in criminal charges over alleged tax evasion. Though the trial is expected to last for about two weeks, its ramifications could have real staying power: The charges are more serious than Biden's Delaware case, and the issues at hand — including foreign business dealings — have been central to Republican attacks on the president. What are the actual potential repercussions — both for Hunter Biden and for the White House? National correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan guides Playbook co-author Ryan Lizza through the situation.
Nicolle Wallace is joined by Vaughn Hillyard, Claire McCaskill, David Jolly, Katy Tur, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Jacob Soboroff, Basil Smikle, Mara Gay, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Joyce Vance, and Andrew Weissmann.
Nicolle Wallace is joined by Lisa Rubin, Andrew Weissmann, Rev. Al Sharpton, Harry Litman, Shannon Watts, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Tim Heaphy, Charlie Sykes, John Heilemann, and Paul Rieckhoff.
Student protesters at Columbia University occupy a building on campus as tensions surrounding ongoing demonstrations escalate. A New York judge finds former President Trump violated his gag order nine times. Abortion clinics in Florida are rushing to provide services as the state's six-week ban is set to take effect. Betsy Woodruff Swan, Marc Short and Faiz Shakir join the Meet the Press NOW roundtable.
Nicolle Wallace is joined by Andrew Weissmann, George Conway, Vaughn Hillyard, Erica Orden, Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Rep. Eric Swalwell, Tim Heaphy, Mini Timmaraju, Katie Couric, and Mark Levin.
Nicolle Wallace is joined by Christine Romans, Donny Deutsch, Rev. Al Sharpton, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Matthew Herman, Ian Millhiser, Charlie Sykes, Mary McCord, Eric Lipton, Michael Gold, and Alexi McCammond.
Nicolle Wallace is joined by Lisa Rubin, David Jolly, Harry Litman, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Basil Smikle, Marc Elias, Jim Messina, Donna Edwards, Matt Dowd, Denver Riggleman, and Sebastian Junger.
Top U.S. and Israeli officials held virtual meetings to try to find alternatives to military operations in Rafah. Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) reacts to the Florida Supreme Court's decision to clear the way for a six-week abortion ban and put abortion on the ballot in November. Betsy Woodruff Swan, Svante Myrick and Rick Tyler join the Meet the Press NOW roundtable.
Nicolle Wallace is joined by Carol Leonnig, Tim Miller, Tim O'Brien, Basil Smikle, Mini Timmaraju, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Mary McCord, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Marc Elias, Matthew Dowd, Ryan Nobles, Andrea Mitchell, and Sen. Claire McCaskill.
Alicia Menendez – in for Nicolle Wallace – is joined by Harry Litman, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Glenn Kirschner, Rep. Robert Garcia, Amanda Zurawski, Alexi McCammond, Ali Vitali, Mary McCord, Jason Johnson, Marc Elias, Admiral James Stavridis, Evelyn Farkas, Dr. Kavita Patel, Fernand Amandi, and – a very special guest – Nicolle joins the program with an announcement.
Alicia Menendez – in for Nicolle Wallace – is joined by Betsy Woodruff Swan, Joyce Vance, Lisa Rubin, Rep. Dan Goldman, Sahil Kapur, Charlie Sykes, Jason Johnson, Eddie Glaude, Molly Jong-Fast, Ambassador Michael McFaul, Harry Litman, and David Jolly.
Alicia Menendez – in for Nicolle Wallace – is joined by Lisa Rubin, Rev. Al Sharpton, Harry Litman, Rep. Dan Goldman, Miles Taylor, Frank Figliuzzi, Betsy Woodruff Swan, David Jolly, McKay Coppins, Simon Shuster, and Cornell Belcher.
Ali Velshi – in for Nicolle Wallace – is joined by David Ignatius, Ben Rhodes, Colin Clarke, Tim Heaphy, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Lisa Rubin, Maggie Vespa, Mara Gay, Charlie Sykes, Joy Reid, and Frank Figliuzzi.
Alicia Menendez – in for Nicolle Wallace – is joined by Neal Katyal, Mara Gay, Katie Phang, Lisa Rubin, Tim Heaphy, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Donna Edwards, David Jolly, Pete Strzok, Harry Litman, Danielle Holley, Ian Millhiser, and Sen. Debbie Stabenow.
Alicia Menendez and Ali Velshi – in for Nicolle Wallace – are joined by Courtney Kube, Ben Rhodes, General Barry McCaffrey, Tim Heaphy, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Greg Bluestein, Rev. Al Sharpton, Joshua Green, Ali Arouzi, Akbar Shahid Ahmed, Rep. Gregory Meeks, John Brennan, David Jolly, and Mary McCord.
Former Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.) is set to suspend his presidential campaign. Garrett Haake, Vaughn Hillyard, Ali Vitali and Dasha Burns report from Iowa just days away from the caucus. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) delivers his analysis on the state of President Biden's re-election campaign. Betsy Woodruff Swan, former Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.) and Ramesh Ponnuru join the Meet the Press NOW roundtable.
Symone Sanders-Townsend – in for Nicolle Wallace – is joined by Betsy Woodruff Swan, Tim Heaphy, Kim Atkins Stohr, RonNell Andersen Jones, Fatima Goss Graves, Michele Goodwin, Mini Timmaraju, Jay Gray, Eddie Glaude, Molly Jong-Fast, Miles Taylor, and Andy Kroll.
A week of new developments in impeachment, Donald Trump's D.C. case, and Hunter Biden's congressional inquiry showcased how the collision of law and politics will determine much of Republicans' and Democrats' political fortunes in 2024. POLITICO legal editor James Romoser and national correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan join to discuss the implications. Ryan Lizza is a Playbook co-author for POLITICO. James Romoser is the legal editor for POLITICO. Betsy Woodruff Swan is a national correspondent for POLITICO. Kara Tabor is a producer for POLITICO audio. Alex Keeney is a senior producer for POLITICO audio.
Guests: Rep. Jamie Raskin, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Danya Perry, Temidayo Aganga Williams, Jessica ValentiThe president's son springs the trap—and Republicans show their hand. Tonight: the impeachment push that isn't even fooling Fox News moves forward. Then, why Judge Chutkan just paused her trial proceedings in the wake of the Jack Smith Supreme Court gambit. And today's big news that the Supreme Court will take up its biggest abortion case since Dobbs.
President Joe Biden holds a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following bilateral talks. Former Rep. Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.), former Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.) and Betsy Woodruff Swan join the Meet the Press NOW roundtable. Israel pumps seawater into Hamas tunnels as the war enters its second month, according to a U.S. official. Special Counsel Jack Smith plans to use phone data in former President Donald Trump's election interference trial. Texas Supreme Court rules against the woman who was seeking a medical exception to the state's abortion ban.
Ali Velshi – in for Nicolle Wallace – is joined by Betsy Woodruff Swan, Andrew Weissmann, Lisa Rubin, Marc Hearron, Mini Timmaraju, David Jolly, Greg Bluestein, RonNell Andersen Jones, Dave Aronberg, Mara Gay, Ruth Ben-Ghiat, Sen. Chris Coons, and Nick Confessore.
The complicated life of President Joe Biden's son Hunter has been capturing the attention of the media and the public for years. But it reached a new level during summer 2023 when the younger Biden rejected a plea deal in a case related to his business dealings. As the 2024 election nears, national correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan and Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels discuss how Hunter Biden's team has been reevaluating both his legal approach and public image. Playbook co-author Eugene Daniels interviews national correspondent Betsy Woodruff Swan.
Alicia Menendez – in for Nicolle Wallace – discusses the verdict in David DePape's trial after he assaulted Nancy Pelosi's husband Paul over a year ago, an ethics report out against Rep. George Santos as he announces he will not seek a second term, a new ruling lifting the gag order against the ex-president, an update from the ground in the Middle East as Israel continues their siege of a hospital in Gaza, new GOP efforts to disenfranchise voters, breaking news out of Breonna Taylor's civil rights case as the judge declares a mistrial, and more. Joined by: Frank Figliuzzi, David Jolly, Andrew Weissmann, Rep. Robert Garcia, Fernand Amandi, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Marc Elias, Erin McLaughlin, Sen. Chris Coons, Shaquille Brewster, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Susanne Craig.
Joined by: Andrew Weissman, Tim Heaphy, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Eddie Glaude, Charlie Sykes, Donny Deutsch, Glenn Kirschner, Susanne Craig, Kim Atkins Stohr, and Ellison Barber
House Republicans hold their first impeachment hearing into President Biden as a government shutdown looms. Senator Menendez speaks with fellow Democratic lawmakers in a closed-door lunch as calls for his resignation continue. Cornell Belcher, Betsy Woodruff Swan and Lanhee Chen join the Meet the Press NOW roundtable.
Nicolle Wallace discusses new reporting that sheds light on Special Counsel Jack Smith's ongoing investigation into the plot to overturn the 2020 election, the possibility that the ex-president's allies are turning on him in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' case, a potential meeting between dictators Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, continued fallout from Senator Tommy Tuberville's military blockade, the record breaking sentence for Proud Boy leader Enrique Tarrio, a win for voting rights in Alabama, and more. Joined by: Tim Heaphy, Claire McCaskill, David Jolly, Marcus Childress, Admiral James Stavridis, Andrew Weissmann, Tamar Hallerman, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Ken Dilanian, Andrew Weissmann, Amy McGrath, and Donna Edwards.
Nicolle Wallace discusses the ex-president's surrender in Fulton County alongside his 18 co-defendants, the political impact of a presidential mugshot on the 2024 campaign, the constitutionality of letting a man who led an insurrection run for public office, President Biden's new ad targeting the GOP on abortion, and more. Joined by: Betsy Woodruff Swan, Harry Litman, John Heilemann, Charlie Sykes, Danielle Holley, Frank Figliuzzi, Mary McCord, Rev. Al Sharpton, Basil Smikle, and Errin Haines.
Nicolle Wallace discusses new reporting on Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into the ex-president, threats to jurors already popping up after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' indictment, an update on the wildfires that ravaged Hawaii as the death toll rises to 106, the FBI agent who pled guilty to working for a Russian oligarch, and more. Joined by: Charlie Sykes, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Pete Strzok, Vaughn Hillyard, Cornell Belcher, Charlie Sykes, Rep. Gerry Connolly, Frank Figliuzzi, Miles Taylor, Basil Smikle, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Dana Griffin.
Alicia Menendez - in for Nicolle Wallace - discusses escalating threats of domestic violent extremism after the FBI fatally shot a man who posted threatening messages about President Biden, the ex-president's possible First Amendment defense in his election fraud case, new reporting on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas's lavish vacations paid for by billionaires, the wildfires devastating Hawaii, and more. Joined by: Frank Figliuzzi, Charlie Sykes, Mary McCord, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Rep. Jill Tokuda, Carol Lam, Dave Aronberg, Basil Smikle, Justin Elliott, Gabe Roth, Cornell Belcher, and Matt Dowd.
Ayman Mohyeldin – in for Nicolle Wallace – discusses the latest updates in the classified documents case against the ex-president after another Mar-a-Lago employee was charged last week, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis's new comments on the timeline of her investigation into the 2020 election, GOP presidential candidates struggling to navigate the ex-president's many criminal investigations while campaigning against him, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's latest interview with the Wall Street Journal, and more. Joined by: Harry Litman, Claire McCaskill, Betsy Woodruff Swan, John Brennan, Charlie Sykes, Patricia Murphy, Andrew Weissmann, Mara Gay, Paul Rieckhoff, and Mark Joseph Stern.
Nicolle Wallace discusses Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into January 6th as we learn more officials have been interviewed, new reporting on possible charges in Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' investigation, President Biden's announcement of a national monument honoring Emmett Till as Republicans continue their attacks on teaching the country's history, his economic successes coming to fruition, the extreme heatwave baking the globe, and more.Joined by: Andrew Weissmann, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Claire McCaskill, Rev. Al Sharpton, Eddie Glaude, Mary McCord, Maya Wiley, Paul Rieckhoff, David Leonhardt, Cornell Belcher, Rep. Colin Allred, Andy Hoell, and Dr. Kavita Patel.
Nicolle Wallace discusses a newly unredacted affidavit in the classified documents case against the ex-president as his valet Walt Nauta pleads not guilty, updates on Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into the 2020 election, a jarring campaign ad from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Chief Justice John Roberts' latest reaction to criticism of the Supreme Court, and more. Joined by: Betsy Woodruff Swan, Andrew Weissmann, Brandon Van Grack, Michael Steele, Matt Dowd, Tim Heaphy, Katie Benner, David Jolly, Barbara McQuade, and Marc Elias.
Nicolle Wallace discusses an update in Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into January 6th as his team meets with Rudy Giuliani, the ex-president's latest defense in the classified documents case, new details on the attempted coup in Russia and what it means for Vladimir Putin's grip on power, GOP attacks on water breaks in Texas, and more. Joined by: Betsy Woodruff Swan, Harry Litman, Michael Steele, Ali Velshi, Helene Cooper, Jackie Alemany, Mary McCord, Rick Stengel, Mike Memoli, Katty Kay, and Rep. Colin Allred.
Guests: Marc Elias, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Harry Litman, Sabrina Siddiqui, Tim MillerTonight: the massive supreme court decision that stopped a slow-motion insurrection. Then, the evolving alibi of an indicted ex-president. New insight on just how bad are the new tapes in the Trump document case as the other Jack Smith investigation ramps up. And why Republican leaders finally acknowledging that Donald Trump is a loser is actually a big deal.
Nicolle Wallace discusses the brand new reporting that Secret Service officers have testified in Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into January 6th, updates on the coup that almost was in Russia over the weekend, the ex-president's same-old grift as reporting on his 2024 campaign reveals donations are going to his legal defenses, a lawsuit against failed gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake attempting to hold her accountable for the consequences of her election lies, and more. Joined by: Carol Leonnig, Harry Litman, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Ali Velshi, Igor Novikov, Mary McCord, Miles Taylor, Tim Miller, Basil Smikle, Stephen Richer, and Frances Haugen.
Nicolle Wallace discusses the arraignment of the ex-president in his first federal indictment. Joined by: Ari Melber, Andrew Weissmann, Anthony Coley, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Garrett Haake, Brandon Van Grack, Luke Broadwater, Joy Reid, Lisa Rubin, Neal Katyal, Jackie Alemany, and Tim Heaphy.
Nicolle Wallace discusses federal prosecutors telling Trump's lawyers that he is a target in the classified documents probe. Plus, the Supreme Court rules in favor of a voting rights law in Alabama, the House GOP cancels plans to hold the FBI Director in contempt, Ukraine mounts a counteroffensive against Russia, and more.Joined by: Harry Litman, Peter Strzok, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Mara Gay, Marc Elias, Richard Stengel, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Greg Myre, and Ret. Army Colonel Eugene Vindman.
Nicolle Wallace discusses breaking news that Special Counsel Jack Smith met with the ex-president's attorneys attempting to avert an indictment for their client in the investigation into his handling of classified documents, Smith's investigation into the Big Lie, Nikki Haley's false attacks on transgender people during her CNN town hall as the GOP continues to pass legislation restricting their rights, the increasingly anti-democratic effort to limit abortion access, and more.Joined by: Betsy Woodruff Swan, Andrew Weissmann, Peter Strzok, Basil Smikle, Kelley Robinson, Tim Heaphy, Neal Katyal, Charlie Sykes, Jackie Alemany, and Mini Timmaraju.
Nicolle Wallace discusses a new focus for Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation of the ex-president as cybersecurity specialist Chris Kreb's firing comes under scrutiny, a rocky start to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' presidential bid as he faces an expanding primary field, reporting on a recording that may prove damning in the investigation of classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago, a win for the Biden administration as a deal on the debt ceiling advances, and more. Joined by: Andrew Weissmann, Neal Katyal, Betsy Woodruff Swan, David Jolly, Kimberly Atkins Stohr, Mary McCord, David Rothkopf, Tim Miller, and Molly Jong-Fast.
Nicolle Wallace discusses newly reported details on the days leading up to the day DOJ collected documents from Mar-a-Lago that could indicate obstruction, the ex-president's financial ties to Saudi Arabia, an extraordinary sentence for Oath Keepers leader Stewart Rhodes who is the first to be convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in January 6th, the escalating attacks on reproductive freedoms as there is fallout for doctors, and more.Joined by: Peter Strzok, Harry Litman, Betsy Woodruff Swan, John Brennan, Paul Rieckhoff, Rick Stengel, Ryan Reilly, Mary McCord, Mini Timmaraju, and Cecile Richards.
Nicolle Wallace discusses brand new reporting on the direction of Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into the ex-president's handling of classified documents as his former defense attorney speaks out after resigning, the travel advisory for Florida issued by the NAACP as Governor Ron DeSantis prepares to launch his presidential campaign, E. Jean Carroll seeking further damages after the now-liable ex-president's comments during his CNN town hall, Harlan Crow's most recent interview discussing his relationship with Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and more. Joined by: Glenn Thrush, Harry Litman, Basil Smikle, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Aisha Mills, Michael McFaul, Claire McCaskill, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Brian Fallon, and Barbara McQuade.
Nicolle Wallace discusses the release of the Durham report which failed to recommend any criminal charges in their long awaited ‘investigation of the investigators,' a horrific attack on Rep. Gerry Connolly's staffers, the disturbing rise in domestic violent extremism as white supremacists march on the Capitol, Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez's re-release of their film, “The Way,” and more.Joined by: Betsy Woodruff Swan, Katie Benner, Frank Figliuzzi, Andrew Weissmann, Sahil Kapur, Cornell Belcher, Mary McCord, Donell Harvin, Charlie Sykes, Martin Sheen, and Emilio Estevez.
Guests: Jena Griswold, Harry Litman, Betsy Woodruff Swan, Katie Benner, Sarah LongwellA drive-thru rendezvous with justice. Tonight: The criminal case behind Mike Pillow's search warrant and how the election threat is only growing. Then, what we're learning about what the DOJ was looking for on Jeffrey Clark's phone. Plus, new movement in the wake of Mar-a-Lago, as the ex-president threatens against potential indictment. And 54 days to Election Day, new research on just how much abortion is animating Democrats and Independents.
Nicolle Wallace discusses the January 6th Select Committee weighing next steps in its investigation. Plus, the FBI takes the cellphone of the My Pillow CEO Mike Lindell, more MAGA Republicans win their primaries, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy makes a visit to a town recently reclaimed by Ukrainian forces, and Queen Elizabeth's coffin is brought to Westminster Hall. Joined by: Betsy Woodruff Swan, Rick Stengel, Harry Litman, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Vaughn Hillyard, Cornell Belcher, Matthew Dowd, Amanda Carpenter, Eddie Glaude, and Col. Yevgeny Vindman
Nicolle Wallace takes us inside the courtroom where lawyers from the Department of Justice and former president Donald Trump square off in a hearing on the ex-president's request to have a special master to oversee to review the documents found at Mar-a-Lago and discusses the longest sentence in the January 6th insurrection, Trump's lawyers appearing before a grand jury in the January 6th investigation, a Democrat winning the open House seat in Alaska and previewing President Biden's primetime address in Philadelphia.Joined by: Betsy Woodruff Swan, Harry Litman, John Brennan, Tom Winter, Ryan Reilly, A.B. Stoddard, Asha Rangappa, Jennifer O'Malley Dillon, Jesse Kirch and Ali Vitali.