The Briefing with Jen Psaki

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Courting Disaster: Trump Attempts to Erode the Separation of Powers Mar 23, 2025

Show notes

Jen Psaki breaks down Donald Trump's unprecedented assault on the judicial branch of government, explaining how the administration's defiant attitude toward the court breaks with that of former presidents who were dealt tough rulings in the past. Representative Jamie Raskin joins to discuss the implications of their defiance, and the danger the administration poses to due process under the law. Next, Jen is joined by the chair of the Progressive Caucus in the House, Representative Greg Casar, who was with Bernie Sanders and AOC on their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. They discuss the massive turnout at these rallies and how hearing from angry voters directly could shake up the party. Jen also reflects on Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s handling of the GOP's government funding bill, and the implications for Democrats if they don't find a strategy moving forward. New York Times correspondents Annie Karni and Luke Broadwater later join Jen to talk about their new book “Mad House” and the evolution of Congressional dysfunction, as well their thoughts on what’s happening in Democratic leadership. Finally Jen discusses Elon Musk’s growing Tesla problem, and the scuttled plan to brief him on U.S. plan in case of war with China.

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So much for loyalty: Red states ‘devastated’ by Trump cuts Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Jen Psaki is joined by former Senator Jon Tester and former Mayor of New Orleans Mitch Landrieu to discuss the devastating effects of Trump’s government funding bill, which has slashed funding and staffing for both FEMA and NOAA, and the impact on red states suffering from recent tornado damage. NBC News Justice Reporter Ryan Reilly gives his reaction to what he witnessed in the courtroom earlier today after Trump defied a judges ban to deport Venezuelan migrants without due process. As Republicans continue to hide and avoid their frustrated constituents, Senator Reuban Gallego talks to Jen about his experience as one of many Democrats who have held their own town halls in red districts around the country and how that could affect the next election for Democrats. After Minority leader Chuck Schumer helped Republicans pass their funding bill last week in fear of government closure, Democrats are After Minority Leader Chuck Schumer helped Republicans pass their funding bill last week to avoid a government shutdown, frustration is growing among Democrats with the party's senior leadership and many are calling for new, unrelenting voices in Washington. And in his first national interview, rising Democratic star and Texas attorney Christian Menefee, talks to Jen about his congressional campaign.

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The Reviews Are In: Democrats Want a Fight Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

In the wake of Senator Chuck Schumer's decision to advance a Republican Government funding bill, guest host Michael Steele delves into new poll numbers that may come as a wakeup call to complicit Democrats in Congress. Tim Miller and Molly Jong Fast join to discuss the fallout over Schumer's approach and why Democratic voters want the party the fight back harder against Trump's drastic actions. As Republicans cower and hide from angry constituents, Congressman Mark Pocan of Wisconsin joins to discuss how Democrats can capitalize on voter discontent. Meanwhile, MSNBC Legal Analyst reacts to Trump's decision to invoke an antiquated wartime power to deport migrants without due process, and whether he'll defy the courts in the process. And with a trade war looming, Washington Post columnist Catherine Rampell joins to discuss Trump's erratic trade policy, and why Wall Street seemed to underestimate their impact.

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Court Jesters: Trump Pits Allies Against Each Other Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

Guest host Michael Steele outlines the ways in which Donald Trump sees himself as a king, and what it means for the country. He is joined by incoming MSNBC Senior Washington Correspondent Eugene Daniels and Former Representative Joe Walsh to discuss the clashes between un-elected co-president Elon Musk and Trump's top officials. Next, Michael is joined by Former Air Force Intelligence Officer Denver Riggleman and Retired USMC Lt. Colonel Amy McGrath to react to Trump signaling that a minerals deal with Ukraine won't be enough to restore US aid and intel sharing. Then, Michael is joined by former Social Security Administration Commissioner Martin O'Malley to discuss his concerns about DOGE's meddling in social security, which may put payments at risk. Later, Michael breaks down the recent MAGA vitriol directed at conservative Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett for simply looking at the president the wrong way. Former U.S. Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal joins the show to discuss Trump's relationship with the Supreme Court ahead of some consequential upcoming rulings. Finally, Michael shares a preview from the latest episode of Jen's podcast, "The Blueprint with Jen Psaki," where she sat down for a fascinating conversation with DNC Chair Ken Martin.

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Speak for Yourself: Trump Set to Address Congress, Gaslight America Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Jen Psaki explains that while Trump will offer his own version of how the country is doing tomorrow in his address to a joint session of Congress, it's important to trust what you've been seeing with your own eyes. She is joined by Dan Pfeiffer and Ben Rhodes to preview what to expect from Trump's speech as he continues to cozy up to Russia and gut the federal government. Next, Jen is joined by Chrystia Freeland, who's in the running to be the next liberal leader and Prime Minister of Canada, to discuss her plans to push back against Trump's tariffs. Then, Jen is joined by Representative Ilhan Omar to discuss why she and other Democrats are bringing fired federal workers as their guests to tomorrow's joint session to highlight the devastating impact of Trump's mass firings. Later, Jen brings out the receipts to show how DOGE is actually creating more problems than it's solving. Finally, Jen is joined by Stephanie Ruhle to discuss Trump's plans to build a U.S. crypto reserve and how his allies stand to benefit from this.

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Horror Show: Trump and Vance Exploit Zelenskyy's Desperation in Oval Office Shakedown Mar 02, 2025

Show notes

Jen Psaki delves into the fiasco that transpired in the Oval Office on Friday, revealing an ominous sign that foreshadowed the spectacle of Donald Trump and JD Vance teaming up before the cameras to belittle and denigrate President Zelenskyy of Ukraine. She's joined by David Remnick of The New Yorker and Michael McFaul, the former US Ambassador to Russia, to discuss the administration's attempt exploit Zelenskyy on false pretenses in a confrontation that had all the hallmarks of an ambush. Next, Jen shows how the principles that Secretary Marco Rubio once claimed to believe as a Senator offer a clear rebuttal to the administration's current posture toward Russia. She's joined by Senator Mark Kelly, who reacts to the GOP's stunning about face on Ukraine just hours after meeting personally with President Zelenskyy. Finally, Jen delves into the ways Elon Musk is fleecing the Federal Government while claiming to be fighting "waste."

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Reply All: Trump Administration Faces Pushback Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

Jen Psaki outlines the recent pushback against Donald Trump and Elon Musk from world leaders and even some of his own appointees. She is joined by Julia Ioffe of Puck News and Representative Eugene Vindman to discuss Trump's continued embrace of Putin as he pushes false claims that Ukraine started the war with Russia. Next, Jen is joined by NBC News Justice Correspondent Ken Dilanian and conservative attorney George Conway to discuss the implications of Trump appointing MAGA podcaster Dan Bongino as deputy FBI director. Then, Rep. Andy Kim joins Jen to discuss the national security concerns posed by Elon Musk's plan to use AI to assess responses by federal workers told to justify their jobs. Later, Jen is joined by Lieutenant General Mark Hertling to discuss Trump's purge of top generals and lawyers in the military, and what it reveals about his intentions. Finally, Jen shares a clip of her interview with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker from the newest episode of her podcast "The Blueprint with Jen Psaki".

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Red Scare: Trump Embraces Putin to Justify His Own Dictatorial Impulses Feb 23, 2025

Show notes

Jen Psaki explains why Donald Trump's embrace of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is an attempt to justify his own behavior and why we should expect people across the country to continue to push back. Former National Security Advisor Susan Rice joins Jen to discuss the concerning implications of Trump turning his back on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Next, Jen is joined by Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich to discuss the chaos caused by Elon Musk emailing a request for federal workers to justify their work or resign while department heads urge their employees not to respond. Then, Jen breaks down NYC Mayor Eric Adams's decade-long ties to Turkey as the saga of his corruption case continues. Former Manhattan DA Cy Vance joins the show to react to the latest in the Adams case, including a federal judge's ruling to adjourn the trial rather than dismiss the case outright. Jen is also joined by attorney Omar Gonzalez-Pagan, as well as a student activist, Niro, and her mother Manija - who are pushing back against Trump's executive order targeting the trans community. Finally, Jen shares a preview of her conversation with longtime journalist Jemele Hill which drops tomorrow in a new episode of her podcast "The Blueprint with Jen Psaki".

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Misfires: Arbitrary Firings Jeopardize Nukes and Airlines Feb 18, 2025

Show notes

Jen Psaki sounds the alarm on Donald Trump and Elon Musk's latest round of firings that put the safety of everything from air travel to our nuclear warheads at risk. She is joined by David Spero, president of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists Union, to discuss Trump and Musk's firing of FAA workers amid internal turmoil and growing concerns about flight safety. Next, Jen is joined by Norm Eisen, lawyer and co-founder of The Contrarian, to discuss the concerning implications of Musk's latest attempts to access sensitive information at the IRS and the Social Security Administration. Then, Jen is joined by DNC Vice Chair David Hogg and Faiz Shakir, More Perfect Union executive director, to discuss protests across the country against Trump and Musk, and how that energy can be translated into real change. Later, Jen outlines a historical parallel to the mounting pressure New York Governor Kathy Hochul is facing to remove NYC Mayor Eric Adams from office. She is joined by New York Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado to discuss his view on whether Hochul should remove Adams and what that process might look like. Finally, Jen shares another moment from her recent conversation with Rahm Emanuel who had an interesting take on the kind of candidates Democrats should be fielding - as part of her new podcast "The Blueprint with Jen Psaki".

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