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Every episode
The Briefing with Jen Psaki
30 episodes
Trump's cartoonish devotion to gold backfires in ballroom argument
Ep 202608149 · Aug 15, 2026 · 42 min
Donald Trump is trying to get around restrictions on the construction of his White House ballroom by arguing that the facility is a military necessity. But as Jen Psaki points out, it's hard to argue the national security purpose of covering everything in gold. Jen Psaki looks at how Donald Trump's incompetence and mismanagement of his war on Iran has not only wasted physical military resources but has been injurious to service members as well, to the point where family members are having to spe…
Psaki calls out Karoline Leavitt for failing to serve the American people as Trump's press secretary
Ep 202608139 · Aug 14, 2026 · 41 min
Jen Psaki criticizes the priorities of outgoing Donald Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt for avoiding good faith engagement with real reporters' questions while elevating Trump sycophants. Senator Mark Kelly talks with Jen Psaki about Donald Trump making extreme and expensive demands for changes to aircraft carriers without having any idea what he's actually talking about. Jen Psaki shares reporting from the New York Times about hundreds of millions of dollars worth of planes purchased by t…
‘Unconscionable’: Trump uses press and his own staff as decoys amid Iran threat
Ep 202608120 · Aug 13, 2026 · 43 min
Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and former White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby joins MS NOW’s Jen Psaki to discuss Donald Trump’s claims that the United States has “complete control” over the Strait of Hormuz and new reporting for The Washington Post that the CIA questioned the credibility of Israeli intelligence about an Iranian threat to Trump that ultimately led to Trump’s secret flight out of Turkey last month. MS NOW’s Jen Psaki talks to MS NOW Senior Medical Anal…
Psaki on what national narratives are missing about primary elections so far
Ep 202608129 · Aug 13, 2026 · 41 min
Jen Psaki sets the record straight on extraordinary Democratic enthusiasm in this year's midterm elections, as evidenced by exceptional turnout in the primaries so far, and points out that despite the media's obsession with intra-party competition, Democrats are actually very unified with candidates in even the most contentious primaries supporting each other once the contest is over. And meanwhile, Donald Trump's distortion of the Republican Party is producing seriously flawed candidates. Senat…
Midterm primaries pit the establishment against outsiders
Ep 202608119 · Aug 12, 2026 · 42 min
Jen Psaki and a panel of her MS NOW colleagues watch the primary election returns in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Connecticut and discuss the intra-party dynamics this primary season. 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.
Trump abandons ship: GOP left to sink under the burden of a profoundly unpopular president
Ep 202608079 · Aug 8, 2026 · 42 min
Donald Trump appears to be distancing himself from his own Republican Party, perhaps hoping to avoid association with expected midterm losses, despite being responsible for the unpopularity Republicans are suffering for their association with him. Ben Wikler, former DNC chair, joins to discuss. How did a long-standing plan by the Department of the Interior to refurbish the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool turn into the mess that would become Donald Trump's highest profile public humiliation (so…
Blame game clown show: Trump looks for Iran fiasco scapegoats
Ep 202608069 · Aug 7, 2026 · 42 min
Donald Trump and his former cable news weekend co-host defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, are reportedly fighting over who is to blame for wasting U.S. military resources and depleting the U.S. weapons stockpile on Trump's inexplicable war on Iran. Hegseth reportedly blamed his deputy. Rep. Pat Ryan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, joins to discuss Trump's foolhardy prosecution of the war. Donald Trump's brazen corruption is so much a part of his political identity that it has beco…
With nothing to run on, Republicans return to low road 'gutter' politics
Ep 202608059 · Aug 6, 2026 · 43 min
Donald Trump's disastrous time in office has left campaigning Republicans with very little to boast about to constituents back home. What they are left with instead is their familiar playbook of culture war scare tactics and divisive distortions to try to scare voters into supporting them. Senator Ted Cruz wasted no time to resort to absurd smears when asked about Democratic Senate candidate from Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed. One of Donald Trump's endorsed Republican candidates lost the primary elec…
Trump HUMILIATED by stunning admission as pool case collapses
Ep 202607319 · Aug 1, 2026 · 43 min
Despite Donald Trump's endless talking about the vandalism he said was done to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Poll, U.S. attorney and former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro was forced to drop the Justice Department's case against former Olympian David Hearn and admit that the problem with the pool's liner was the fault of the contactor Donald Trump selected. The Wall Street Journal reports that after receiving a gift of a massive ring covered in diamonds and other jewels, Donald Trump made an excep…
Trump weakness at dealmaking leaves him stuck in Iran folly
Ep 202607309 · Jul 31, 2026 · 43 min
Even as Americans are dealing with the fallout of Elon Musk's devastating cuts to the federal government when Donald Trump let him run amok, with new terrible consequences still coming to light on a regular basis, Musk is reportedly planning on trying to use his vast wealth to influence the midterm elections in favor of Republicans. Polls suggest his involvement may do Republicans more harm than good. Alex Isenstadt, senior political reporter for Axios, Norm Eisen, founder of Democracy Defenders…
Devastating poll shows Trump's base crumbling
Ep 202607299 · Jul 30, 2026 · 42 min
White voters without a college education have been a core component of Donald Trump's base and key to putting him in the White House. But a new poll from CNN shows that group now disapproves of Trump more than approves by 8 percentage points. One insight in the poll is that Americans by a wide margin thing Trump is focused on the wrong priorities. Jen Psaki takes a closer look. Jen Psaki reports on the postponement of a Senate committee vote on the nomination of Donald Trump's former criminal de…
'Donald Trump is gonna hate it': Mobile Epstein files museum hits the road
Ep 202607289 · Jul 29, 2026 · 42 min
A mobile version of the Epstein files reading room in New York City, with millions of printed pages of notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein's records, is set to go on tour, in part to highlight the mishandling of the files by Trump lawyer and attorney general nominee, Todd Blanche. Miles Taylor, former DHS chief of staff under Donald Trump, joins Jen Psaki to discuss the project. Senator John Cornyn was primaried out of his job by a candidate endorsed by Donald Trump, leaving him in the position…
The Briefing with Jen Psaki special coverage of the White House Correspondents' Dinner
Ep 202607249 · Jul 25, 2026 · 1 hr 59 min
Jen Pskai anchors special coverage of the White House Correspondents' Dinner and talks with a panel of guests about the relationship between Donald Trump and the media. Jen Psaki reviews The first stretch of Donald Trump's meandering address to attendees of the White House Correspondents' Dinner and talks with Terry Moran, former senior national correspondent for ABC News, and Eugene Daniels, MS NOW's senior Washington correspondent, about the state of the political media and what is motivating…
Trump caves to pushback again; another humiliation in court
Ep 202607239 · Jul 24, 2026 · 41 min
Jen Psaki points out that it wouldn't be unreasonable for someone to hear the news that Trump suffered another "subpoena fail" and ask, which one? Most recently, Trump has tried to bully the New York Times after he was embarrassed by reports that his new Qatari jet was not properly outfitted. But as everyone by now has learned, pushback works, and the Times pushed back and Trump is left looking foolish again. Marty Baron, former executive editor of The Washington Post You may have anticipated th…
INSTANT REACTION: Why Trump allies' criminal referral of Jack Smith 'doesn't pass the laugh test'
Ep 202607229 · Jul 23, 2026 · 41 min
Jen Psaki reports breaking news that Jim Jordan, chair of the House Judiciary Committee has referred former special counsel Jack Smith to the Justice Department for criminal prosecution. Ken Dilanian, MS NOW justice and intel correspondent, joins to explain why the accusation against Smith "doesn't pass the laugh test." Jen Psaki shows that Donald Trump's spin on his stalled war with Iran is not convincing Americans that it was a good idea, with anecdotes, interviews and polls showing that even…
Sexting accusations, scandalous behavior not disqualifying for Republicans in the Trump era
Ep 202607219 · Jul 22, 2026 · 41 min
Jen Psaki runs through a litany of Republican candidates this election cycle whose gross behavior, from being sexually inappropriate to allegations of domestic violence have not been meaningful enough to the party to force them out of the race the way Democrats have done with compromised candidate. Jim Messina, former Obama campaign manager, and Democratic strategist Chuck Rocha join to discuss what counts as Republican principles in the age of Trump. Jim Messina, former campaign manager for Bar…
Trump's spin machine fails to hide the ugly truth about war with Iran
Ep 202607209 · Jul 21, 2026 · 41 min
Senator Mark Kelly talks with Jen Psaki about Donald Trump's deeply unpopular war against Iran and the effort the Trump administration is putting into covering up and spinning the truth even though the war and its effects are apparent to any American paying attention. Terry Moran, former ABC News anchor, talks with Jen about Donald Trump's war on the media and a new low in his intimidation tactics. Donald Trump's evasion and inaction on accountability for ICE abuses, including shooting Americans…
Trump's dud election speech BACKFIRES; document dump contradicts his complaint
Ep 202607179 · Jul 18, 2026 · 41 min
Jen Psaki looks at how Donald Trump's big speech on election security did not get much media attention, even from his most supporting outlets. And the documents he dramatically unveiled were either not new, had already been debunked, or completely contradicted the threat narrative he was trying to stoke. And of course, while some documents contradicted his conspiracy theories about China, others affirmed that he was supported by Russia. Gabriel Sterling, special projects manager at the Georgia S…
'CHERRY PICKED': Former officials knock Trump's document dump
Ep 202607169 · Jul 17, 2026 · 49 min
Jen Psaki talks with Michael Feinberg, former assistant special agent in charge with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Ken Dilanian, MS NOW justice and intelligence correspondent, and her fellow MS NOW host Chris Hayes about the facts and context behind Donald Trump's criticisms of U.S. election security. David Rohde, MS NOW senior national security reporter, talks with Jen Psaki about the former federal officials he is in contact with who recognize many of the documents Donald Trump is relea…
Trump nominees struggle to avoid saying true things that would upset Trump
Ep 202607159 · Jul 16, 2026 · 41 min
Jen Psaki shows the inherent conflict of trying to stay in Donald Trump's good graces while also showing a panel of Senators that your are honest and forthright and will act in the interest of the American people. Jay Claton, Trump's nominee to be Director of National Intelligence, and Todd Blanche, Trump's criminal defense attorney and nominee for Attorney General, both struggled through awkward Senate confirmation hearings in which the things they couldn't say spoke volumes about how (and who)…
Republicans despair as tanking Trump takes them down with him
Ep 202607149 · Jul 15, 2026 · 41 min
Senator Jon Ossoff revealed to reporters that his Republican colleagues are privately blaming Donald Trump for setting them up for disastrous results in this year's midterm elections. Jen Psaki looks at the unpopular failures, from the war on Iran to ICE agents run amok that are contributing to this political dynamic. Senator Ossoff joins Jen to talk about Donald Trump's efforts to undermine Americans' faith in the U.S. voting system. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg talks with Jen…
Jen Psaki in conversation with actor and author Billy Eichner
Jul 13, 2026 · 1 hr 14 min
Jen Psaki talks with actor, producer, writer Billy Eichner, host of the acclaimed "Billy on the Street," about how humor can sustain us during difficult times, and Eichner’s new audio book, “Billy on Billy: An Audio Memoir.” 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.
Trump suffers the consequences of poor staffing choices
Ep 202607109 · Jul 11, 2026 · 41 min
Jen Psaki looks at why Donald Trump is likely regretting staffing his administration based on culture war credibility rather than competence as FBI director Kash Patel's antics appear to have reached critical mass, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is spending energy being upset about beards while being unable to end the war with Iran, and Vice President JD Vance is buying himself a multi-million dollar estate in the midst of a political season in which "affordability" is the biggest theme. Rob Fla…
Trump gets rude awakening on the reality of the limits of his power
Ep 202607099 · Jul 10, 2026 · 42 min
Maggie Haberman, White House correspondent for the New York Times and co-author of "Regime Change," shares some of the inside perspective she has gleaned from her reporting, including Donald Trump's fixation on his own power and how the war he started with Iran has shown him the limits of that power. As a new Washington Post report finds Donald Trump's vanity projects consuming an ever-increasing amount of his attention even as crises at home and abroad would seem to require more of a president'…
Trump makes a fool of himself with mental stumbles at NATO meeting
Ep 202607089 · Jul 9, 2026 · 42 min
Jen Psaki rounds up what has been a terrible day for Donald Trump, with a string of court losses and a humiliating collection of mental lapses while speaking in public at the NATO gathering in Turkey. Jen Psaki reports on the collapse of Graham Platner's campaign for senator from Maine after another sexual assault allegation became too much for his campaign to bear. Molly Jong-Fast, host of the Fast Politics podcast, joins to discuss Platner's attitude and the considerations the state Democratic…
Texas GOP Senate candidate Paxton has been voting illegally, report suggests
Ep 202607079 · Jul 8, 2026 · 41 min
Texas Attorney General and Republican candidate for Senate, Ken Paxton's marriage fell apart two years ago when his wife accused him of having an affair and she moved out of the house they shared. According to new reporting from the Texas Tribune and ProPublica, the address of that house is still on Paxton's voting registration even though he hasn't lived there for years and does not appear to be going back. Zach Despart, Texas Tribune investigative reporter, talks with Jen Psaki about why Paxto…
We the People America 250: Country at a Crossroads - Part 2
Jul 4, 2026 · 44 min
A special celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, and Ali Velshi from MS NOW’s live community event in Philadelphia. In this hour, Rachel Maddow interviews civil rights legal stalwart Sherrilyn Ifill, and the panel takes questions from the live audience. 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…
We the People America 250: Country at a Crossroads - Part 1
Jul 4, 2026 · 42 min
A special celebration of America’s 250th anniversary with Rachel Maddow, Jen Psaki, and Ali Velshi from MS NOW’s live community event in Philadelphia. In this hour Ali Velshi presents his acclaimed retracing of 250 years of American history. And Jen Psaki interviews Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro. 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 colle…
How Trump played his followers for 'SUCKERS' and grabbed big bucks for himself
Ep 202607038 · Jul 4, 2026 · 42 min
Eric Lipton, New York Times investigative reporter, talks with Jen Psaki about the unprecedented amounts of money Donald Trump and his family is making while he is in office, and Trump's shamelessness about the conflicts of interest earning huge windfalls for his sons. Joyce Vance and Janai Nelson discuss how far the Supreme Court has strayed from the Constitution and American principles. Rep. Chris Pappas discusses his race for Senate in New Hampshire and the possibility of Democrats achieving…
U.S. intelligence community freaks out as Trump leads by conspiracy theory
Ep 202607037 · Jul 4, 2026 · 41 min
Vaughn Hillyard, Eugene Daniels, and Scott MacFarlane talk with Jen Psaki about Donald Trump appointing a hatchet man to run amok in the U.S. intelligence community, making cuts based on “deep state” paranoid conspiracy theories. Rep. Ro Khanna joins the discuss the rise of progressive politics within the Democratic Party. Liz Oyer, former Justice Department pardon attorney, discusses Donald Trump's reported plans to issue a mass pardon of 250 people, and the dubious choices he makes in who rece…
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