The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

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.
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Episode's summary

Lawrence O'Donnell examines Donald Trump's inflammatory rhetoric regarding government leaks and his attempt to ban certain reporters from the White House, which was recently challenged by a federal judge. The episode also covers legal challenges against the government, including findings of untruthfulness by government lawyers and controversies surrounding the credentials of a White House press secretary. Additionally, the program features an interview with Democratic Whip Catherine Clark on legislative priorities and an interview with Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola. Peltola discusses the economic impact of fuel prices and international conflict on rural Alaskan communities, as well as her stance on fisheries management.

Chapters

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Highlights

leakers should be, in my and opinion, leakers should be shot.

00:01:11 · The host highlights Donald Trump's inflammatory rhetoric regarding government leaks.

you have a federal judge... basically saying that the lawyers in front of him on behalf of the government are lying.

00:15:46 · The speaker highlights the gravity of a federal judge finding government attorneys to be untruthful in court.

She seemed to be claiming that even if you haven't passed the bar and you're not licensed to practice law, you can call yourself a lawyer, but you cannot call yourself an attorney.

00:19:45 · The segment discusses the controversial distinction being made by the White House press secretary regarding her legal background.

he is a gift because he's making clear what the American people already know, that he has betrayed them, that he's running a huge personal grift

00:26:23 · Catherine Clark argues that Donald Trump's campaign rhetoric inadvertently exposes his true intentions to voters.

Everybody knows we have got to get out of this war with Iran. This is a nonsense war that we never should have been a part of to begin with.

00:40:48 · Mary Peltola expresses her opposition to the conflict with Iran and its economic consequences.

Episodes

2144-

Lawrence: Trump says leakers ‘should be shot.’ That would include his own Defense Secretary.

Lawrence O'Donnell examines Donald Trump's inflammatory rhetoric regarding government leaks and his attempt to ban certain reporters from the White House, which was recently challenged by a federal judge. The episode also covers legal challenges against the government, including findings of untruthfulness by government lawyers and controversies surrounding the credentials of a White House press secretary. Additionally, the program features an interview with Democratic Whip Catherine Clark on legislative priorities and an interview with Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola. Peltola discusses the economic impact of fuel prices and international conflict on rural Alaskan communities, as well as her stance on fisheries management.

15 Oct 2026
2143-

Lawrence: Every Trump White House press secretary has lied on their very first day at the podium

This episode provides a critical analysis of the Trump administration's communications, focusing on allegations of legal violations by White House Press Secretary Katie Zakaria and the resignation of Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle. The discussion also examines Donald Trump's shifting statements regarding a diesel fuel deal with Russia. The program further explores various gubernatorial and Senate campaigns across Michigan, Ohio, Nevada, and Texas. Key topics include election security, the economic impact of tariffs, the political implications of data center development, and legal developments regarding the protection of press credentials.

14 Oct 2026
2142-

Lawrence: Trump is getting one thing right. If Republicans lose the midterms, they will blame him.

Nicole Wallace examines Donald Trump's recent campaign activities in Ohio, focusing on his rhetoric regarding Senator Sherrod Brown and his promises of a $5,000 payout to citizens. The episode also covers the massive influx of Elon Musk's funding into the Ohio Senate race and explores the negative impacts of data center expansion in Florida and Virginia. The discussion further investigates potential conflicts of interest involving Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff regarding an oil deal with Russian interests. This includes an analysis of the potential acquisition of Lukoil's international assets and how complex financial entanglements involving the Trump family and members of the Abu Dhabi royal family may influence US-Russia peace negotiations.

13 Oct 2026
2141-

Together in Texas: Part 2

This episode features discussions from MSNOW Live in Texas regarding political strategies, focusing on Republican spending patterns and election vulnerabilities in states like Texas and Georgia. The program includes an interview with Tejano singer Bobby Pulido about his congressional run in South Texas and how he utilizes his musical career to connect with working-class voters. The episode also features Stacey Abrams discussing her strategy for long-term engagement in Georgia and addressing voter suppression tactics. Finally, Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell reflect on the importance of endurance in democracy and the journalistic responsibility to cover political truth and community struggles.

11 Oct 2026
2140-

Together in Texas: Part 1

This MSNOW live event in Texas begins with a membership announcement by Nicole Wallace, followed by Ari Melber's keynote on voting rights, the impact of Texas redistricting, and the necessity of ensuring every vote is counted. The program explores themes of political division, economic fragility, and the influence of money in politics through discussions with Stephanie Ruhle. The episode continues with an interview with Reverend Al Sharpton regarding social change, leadership, and community engagement. The event concludes with a Q&A session featuring Rachel Maddow and Jen Psaki, where Psaki reflects on activism and expresses hope in the American people's inherent resistance to authoritarianism.

11 Oct 2026