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.
00:00
00:00

Episode's summary

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.

Chapters

Click on a chapter to go directly to that moment

Highlights

Fill the government with barbarians. You get barbaric government.

00:00:15 · The host introduces a headline by George Will to frame her critique of Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump.

Elon Musk has quietly funneled more than $276 million into Republican groups and his super PAC since the start of July

00:08:16 · The host cites a New York Times report regarding the massive scale of Elon Musk's financial involvement in the midterm elections.

All the real details were hidden from them, just like's happened in Florida, where legislators are trying to hide public records from voters so they can build more data centers.

00:17:27 · David Jolly argues that lack of transparency regarding data center development is a major issue for Florida voters.

You know, it looks like a happy birthday present for Putin.

00:25:15 · Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expresses frustration over Trump's potential energy deal with Russia.

It's just a really odd situation where you have the president of the United States and his advisors are negotiating a deal to potentially acquire a sanctioned company, you know, and the acquisition would occur because the United as the United States imposed these sanctions. And now it's going to potentially bring a financial benefit to their business partners.

00:36:27 · The speaker expresses concern over the potential conflict of interest where US-imposed sanctions could lead to an acquisition that benefits the president's business associates.

Episodes

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
2139-

Democrats see potential path to retake Senate majority

This episode examines various political developments and breaking news, beginning with controversies within the Trump administration and shifts in Texas politics. The program features interviews with Texas Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa regarding her campaign against Greg Abbott, and Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson discussing his platform for the Attorney General race. The episode also covers a report on an ICE shooting in New York City and the impact of Hurricane Isaias on the Gulf Coast and Alabama. Additionally, the discussion explores Donald Trump's legal and political actions, including investigations into various figures and allegations of corruption.

10 Oct 2026
2138-

Trump donor accuses Guilfoyle of quid pro quo

This episode examines allegations of corruption and 'pay to play' politics within the Trump administration, specifically focusing on reports regarding Kimberly Guilfoyle seeking debt repayment from a donor and Donald Trump's financial interests in cryptocurrency. The discussion also covers potential DOJ investigations into Cassidy Hutchinson and legal battles regarding press access at the White House. The episode further explores political developments including campaign coverage for gubernatorial races in Georgia and Wisconsin, featuring endorsements from Barack Obama and interviews with candidates Keisha Lance Bottoms and David Crowley. Additional segments cover the return of the USS Abraham Lincoln crew and an analysis of political rhetoric concerning American cities and military executions.

Fri, 9 Oct 2026 03:39:42 +0000