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

This episode examines Donald Trump's political strategies, including his 'pretend convention' in Texas and the massive spending of a new super PAC targeting key Senate battlegrounds. The discussion also features interviews with Alaska's Mary Peltola on the economic impact of fuel prices in remote communities, and Senator Mark Kelly on the economic struggles facing Americans. Additionally, the episode covers upcoming Senate races in New Hampshire and Missouri, alongside legal analysis from Andrew Weissman regarding potential federal violations involving cash gifts from Donald Trump to White House employees.

Chapters

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Highlights

It is as crazy as you would be expect a convention conceived by Donald Trump to be.

00:01:59 · The host characterizes the nature of the political event being discussed.

Remote, remote communities like Shungnak outside of Kotzebue, they're going to be paying $26.82 a gallon throughout the entire winter until their spring barge comes.

00:16:12 · Mary Peltola highlights the extreme economic disparity in fuel costs within Alaska.

Trump's Political operations behind a mysterious new super PAC that began reserving at least $49 million in advertisements to aid Republicans in half a dozen key battleground races.

00:31:17 · The narrator reports on significant new spending by a Trump-linked group targeting key Senate battlegrounds.

Big tax cuts for billionaires, peanuts for the rest of America.

00:35:07 · Senator Mark Kelly describes the economic disparity resulting from a system that favors wealthy donors.

the Trump cash gifts to those women, quote, may violate Section 209 of Title 18 of the U.S. Code, a federal criminal statute that prohibits supplementing the salaries of government employees.

00:38:58 · A former White House ethics attorney explains the potential illegality of the president providing large cash gifts to staff.

Episodes

2117-

Lawrence: Republicans boycott Trump’s pretend convention as Democratic campaigns find new strength

This episode examines Donald Trump's political strategies, including his 'pretend convention' in Texas and the massive spending of a new super PAC targeting key Senate battlegrounds. The discussion also features interviews with Alaska's Mary Peltola on the economic impact of fuel prices in remote communities, and Senator Mark Kelly on the economic struggles facing Americans. Additionally, the episode covers upcoming Senate races in New Hampshire and Missouri, alongside legal analysis from Andrew Weissman regarding potential federal violations involving cash gifts from Donald Trump to White House employees.

10 Sep 2026
2116-

Lawrence: What are Donald Trump's deranged social media posts if not evidence of insanity?

This episode provides updates on the New Hampshire primary races, noting projected victories for Democratic and Republican Senate candidates alongside unexpected surges in Democratic voter turnout. The program also critiques Donald Trump's recent social media activity and his unsupported claims regarding his presence at Ground Zero during 9/11. The discussion features interviews with Senator Peter Welch on the economic impact of trade wars on Vermont, Kansas Senate candidate Adam Hamilton regarding threats to Bombardier and allegations against Senator Roger Marshall, and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty regarding legal proceedings involving an ICE agent.

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 04:16:46 +0000
2115-

Trump’s Iran war drags on with 60 days until midterms (Pt. 2)

This episode examines the preservation of democracy through a federal judge's ruling to block Postal Service interference with mail-in ballots and explores themes of civic engagement. The discussion covers the dangers of political autocracy, the impact of economic threats on global trade, and how inflation affects the American middle class. The program also features an analysis of recent jobs reports with economist Heather Long and a look at speculative fiction through Kurt Anderson's novel 'The Breakup.' Finally, biographer Kai Bird discusses the influential legal legacy of Roy Cohn and his impact on Donald Trump's political persona.

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 02:14:27 +0000
2114-

Trump’s Iran war drags on with 60 days until midterms (Pt. 1)

In this episode of The Last Word, Jonathan Capehart examines the ongoing conflict with Iran and criticizes Donald Trump's minimization of the war and its economic impact on fuel prices. Featuring an interview with Congresswoman Madeline Dean, the discussion highlights concerns over erratic foreign policy and potential regional escalation. The episode also covers legal battles over mail-in voting restrictions and the economic instability caused by trade threats against Canada. Additionally, economist Robert Reich discusses the implications of unpredictable trade policies, while historian David Blight addresses political attacks on the Smithsonian Institution aimed at controlling historical narratives.

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 02:12:09 +0000
2113-

Iran war at a stalemate as Trump claims U.S. is winning

This episode examines the discrepancies between the Trump administration's claims regarding the conflict in Iran and actual data concerning munitions and oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz. Featuring an interview with Rear Admiral John Kirby, the discussion addresses military transparency and critiques of 'wokeism' in the armed forces. The program also covers significant political developments, including legal challenges to mail-in voting, concerns over DOJ interference, and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford's insights on data centers and trade war impacts. The episode concludes with an investigation into Leon Black's ties to Jeffrey Epstein and a tribute to the legacy of feminist icon Gloria Steinem.

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 03:46:58 +0000