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The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

US News

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...

Location:

New York, NY

Genres:

US News

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Lawrence: Trump knows he's losing his 'slush fund' and his ballroom

5/21/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: GOP lawmakers speak out against Trump’s “slush fund.” Also, a former Jeffrey Epstein assistant names three new alleged abusers. Plus, Keisha Lance Bottoms wins the Democratic nomination for Georgia governor. And global concerns grow over the Ebola outbreak in Africa. Sen. Alex Padilla, Rep. Ro Khanna, Keisha Lance Bottoms, and Nicholas Enrich join Lawrence O’Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:47

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Lawrence: Trump says he's too busy to explain his Iran war. A Democrat did it in five minutes.

5/20/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats and some Republicans push back against Donald Trump’s ballroom and $1.776 fund. And the U.S. Senate campaign in Georgia advances to a run-off for Republicans looking to face Democrat incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff. Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Sen. Jon Ossoff join Lawrence O’Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:47

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Lawrence: Trump's the first president in history to say he's 'too busy' to explain a war he's waging

5/19/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: The Senate advances a bill to limit Donald Trump’s Iran war powers. Also, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse slams Trump’s “cop beaters' slush fund.” And the Justice Department nixes audits for Trump, his family, and his businesses. Sen. Gary Peters, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, Ali Velshi, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O’Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:43:19

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Lawrence: Today Trump said, 'I don't want to be stupid.' Too late, Donald. Too late.

5/18/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says he called off new strikes on Iran. Also, Trump drops the IRS suit for his $1.776 billion fund to pay his allies. Plus, three are killed in a shooting at the San Diego Islamic Center. And Democrats warn of a new assault on voting rights. Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Ro Khanna, Rob D’Amico, and Rep. Terri Sewell join Lawrence O’Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:41:28

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Trump leaves China with no clarity on Iran or Taiwan

5/15/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump leaves China with no policy breakthroughs. Also, the German Chancellor warns of the “social climate” in the United States. Plus, the Trump world thrives as U.S. prices keep rising. And Trump uses the China trip to lobby for his ballroom. Chrystia Freeland, Robert Reich, and Rep. Maxwell Frost join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:40

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'An embarrassment' & 'flat-out disaster': Cory Booker torches Trump over China summit

5/14/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: China reportedly gains an edge on the U.S. amid the Iran war. Also, Democrats warn GOP maps target minorities’ voting power. Plus, House Democrats call for Trump Cabinet member Howard Lutnick to resign after his Epstein interview is released. And House Democrats introduce anti-corruption legislation. Laura Barrón-López, Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. James Walkinshaw, and Barbara McQuade join Jonathan Capehart. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:24

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Trump arrives for meeting with China's President Xi Jinping

5/13/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump’s war in Iran looms over the U.S.-China summit. Also, economists predicted the failures of Trump’s economy. And The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump administration is eyeing 250 pardons for July 4th. Laura Barrón-López, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Bobby Ghosh, Justin Wolfers, and Melissa Murray join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:09

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Hegseth grilled on the Hill as Pentagon’s Iran war estimate grows to $29B

5/12/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: U.S. gas prices rise 50% since the start of the Iran war. Also, primary wins in Nebraska could help Democrats in November. Plus, Epstein survivors speak out at a Florida “shadow” hearing. And Donald Trump wants Republicans to use taxpayer money for his ballroom. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Maxwell Frost, David Farenthold, and Tim O’Brien join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:04

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Velshi: Trump about to face down adversary China, 'weakened, overextended' and stuck in his Iran war

5/11/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump says he wants Venezuela to be the 51st state. Also, Trump’s war in Iran is hurting the U.S. economy. Plus, Trump’s redistricting war escalates nationwide. And Trump’s second term retribution campaign continues. Rep. Adam Smith, Rep. Brendan Boyle, Norm Eisen, and Barbara McQuade join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:41:28

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GOP seek $1 billion from taxpayers for Trump’s ballroom

5/8/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump fixates on the ballroom as the Iran war spikes gas prices. Also, Republicans move to redraw Black-majority districts in the south. Plus, Democrats pass a bill to block whites-only communities in Pennsylvania. And Vladimir Putin scales back his “Victory Day” parade. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Melissa Murray, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:44

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69 days of Trump’s war and no deal has been reached

5/7/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: The U.S. and Iran exchange strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. Also, MS NOW reports FBI Director Kash Patel has ordered polygraphs of current and former members of his security team. And The New York Times wins a Pulitzer Prize for exposing Donald Trump profiting as president. Sen. Adam Schiff, Andrew Weissmann, and Eric Lipton join Lawrence O’Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:43:11

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Trump threatens Iran as he tries to wind down the costly war he claims he ‘won’

5/6/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Americans sour on Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war and the economy. Also, GOP redistricting efforts expand in southern states. Plus, Trump Cabinet member Howard Lutnick testifies to the House Oversight Committee about Jeffrey Epstein. And the Trump Justice Department sues Denver over its assault weapons ban. Sen. Cory Booker, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Mayor Mike Johnston join Jacob Soboroff. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:02

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Hegseth: Ceasefire ’not over’ as U.S., Iran exchange fire in Strait

5/5/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump pauses the escort of ships in the Strait of Hormuz for negotiations. Also, Sherrod Brown wins the Ohio Democratic Senate primary. Plus, Rep. Raskin demands answers on Trump’s “Board of Peace” patent. And the Supreme Court restores abortion pill access, for now. Rep. Jason Crow, Sherrod Brown, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Melissa Murray join Jonathan Capehart. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:48

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Lawrence: Even Donald Trump seems to know that his war in Iran is now illegal

5/4/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump contradicts himself again on making a deal with Iran. Also, The Washington Post reports White House lawyers are preparing the Trump administration for a Democratic majority. And the Supreme Court guts Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act in a new ruling. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (ret.), Rep. Robert Garcia, and Professor Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw join Lawrence O’Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:39:53

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Trump, Hegseth’s ‘cavalier attitude’ towards U.S. deaths in Iran is ‘unacceptable,’ says Vindman

5/1/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Trump's Iran war reaches Iraq and Vietnam disapproval levels. Plus, Trump threatens to raise tariffs on EU cars to 25%. Also, May Day protests reflect growing economic unrest. And Democrats fight back against Trump and GOP on voting rights. Rep. Eugene Vindman, Robert Reich, Leah Greenberg, Rep. James Walkinshaw and Dr. Vin Gupta join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:23

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Lawrence: Donald Trump cares more about prosecuting James Comey than his own war in Iran

4/30/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Pete Hegseth faces his second day of questioning on the Iran war. Plus, gas prices surge as Trump's war in Iran drags on. Also, the New York Times petitions the court to unseal Epstein's purported suicide note. And MS Now has new reporting on Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's pursuit of the James Comey investigation. Sen. Chris Van Hollen, Nicholas Kristof, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Rep. Jamie Raskin join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:41

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Lawrence: The first six Americans killed in Trump's war died because Hegseth left them defenseless

4/29/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump threatens Iran by posting an AI image of himself holding a gun. Plus, SCOTUS limits redrawing districts under the Voting Rights Act. And Acting AG Todd Blanche defends his James Comey indictment. Rep. Adam Smith, Eric Holder, and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:50

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Lawrence: America revolted against George III's ‘madness.' King Charles found the madness in America

4/28/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: King Charles defends NATO and Ukraine in his speech to Congress. Plus, Epstein victims speak out as King Charles visits Washington. Also, James Comey is indicted by Trump's DOJ for the second time. Sen. Gary Peters, Rep. Ro Khanna, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:42:47

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Lawrence: Trump is now the first U.S. president in history to complain publicly of 'too much work!'

4/27/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: Iran reportedly offers the U.S. a deal to open the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, Republican lawmakers back Trump's White House Ballroom plans. And a new book by Nicholas Enrich details USAID's dismantling under Trump and Elon Musk. Sen. Adam Schiff, Garrett Graff, Rep. Brendan Boyle, and Nicholas Enrich join Lawrence O'Donnell. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:37:22

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Trump sending Witkoff & Kushner to Pakistan for Iran talks

4/24/2026
Tonight on The Last Word: The Trump Justice Department drops the criminal probe of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Also, the majority of voters reportedly disapprove of Donald Trump on the cost of living. Plus, right-wing leaders abroad are facing voter anger. And Trump and his administration attack the press to try to chill reporting. Rep. Adam Smith, Amb. Michael McFaul, Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman (ret.), Aaron David Miller, Neil Brown, and Andrew Conte join Ali Velshi. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:43:36