The Briefing with Jen Psaki

MS NOW

4.4 (964)
Politics
Updated Weekly

Jen Psaki tackles the biggest issues of the week and features one-on-one interviews with newsmakers.

2h ago

Trump nominees struggle to avoid saying true things that would upset Trump

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) they'll serve if they're confirmed. Senator Adam Schiff talks with Jen Psaki about why Donald Trump's former criminal defense attorney has not been convincing in confirmation hearings to be attorney general that he is not still in service to Donald Trump and can perform in the role of leader of the Justice Department in a way that serves the American people. MS NOW's David Rohde and former CIA Director John Brennan talk with Jen about expectations for Donald Trump's Thursday address to the nation and the election conspiracy theories that still consume his thoughts. Devon Murphy-Anderson, executive director of the Maine Democratic Party, discusses the party's plans for replacing Graham Platner on the ballot in the race against Susan Collins for Senate, and how the recent deadly ICE shooting in Maine has added fuel to already motivated Democratic voters. 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.
1d ago

Republicans despair as tanking Trump takes them down with him

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 Psaki about why the post-Trump era will not only be a time of repairing the damage Donald Trump inflicted on the United States, but also an opportunity to build the country back in new, better ways. Brian Tyler Cohen, joins to discuss his new book, "The Day After: How to wield power in a post-Trump world." 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.
2d ago · Bonus

Jen Psaki in conversation with actor and author Billy Eichner

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.
5d ago

Trump suffers the consequences of poor staffing choices

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 Flaherty, former deputy campaign manager for Kamala Harris, and Democratic pollster Molly Murphy discuss the dynamics of the coming midterms. Jen Psaki rounds up the many ways that Donald Trump is using whatever lever of power he can find to undermine the integrity of elections in the United States, most recently by firing everyone on the Election Assistance Commission. Marc Elias, founder of Democracy Docket explains what Trump is trying to pull. Donald Trump appears to be trying to distract from his failure to keep his promise to lower gas prices by celebrating the opening of a small chain of discount gas stations. And while everyone appreciates cheaper gas when they can get it, no one trusts that whoever is behind this stunt doesn't have an ulterior motive that ties to another Trump grift. Rep. Christian Menefee joins to discuss the fight to get answers after ICE shot and killed a man in Houston. 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.
6d ago

Trump gets rude awakening on the reality of the limits of his power

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's attention, passengers at the Palm Beach Airport did not seem to have their appreciation for Trump improved at all by the airport now being named after him. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes talks with Jen Psaki about what it means for the upcoming midterm election and U.S. elections broadly that Donald Trump has fired the last members of the bipartisan Election Assistance Committee, an important resource for elections administration. Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens, talks with Jen Psaki about the family of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo seeking justice for his killing at the hands of ICE. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows joins to discuss her run for the Democratic nomination to run for Senate in the wake of the implosion of Graham Platner's campaign. 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.
Jul 9

Trump makes a fool of himself with mental stumbles at NATO meeting

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 Party is going to have to make in replacing him. Miles Taylor, former chief of staff for the Department of Homeland Security, joins to discuss using the withholding of federal counterrorism money to manipulate states into giving him their voter rolls. 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.
Jul 8

Texas GOP Senate candidate Paxton has been voting illegally, report suggests

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 Paxton may have committed voter fraud, and why that would be an especially rich irony. Graham Platner's time as Maine Democrats' candidate for Senate appears to be about to end, with another brutal round of reports of sexual impropriety. But Platner has been underperforming as a candidate anyway, so replacing him may be to Democrats' advantage if they can pick a good candidate. But how do they choose a new candidate in the short time they have, and straddle the requirements of mainstream Democratic politics while incorporating the renegade, grassroots spirit that has become a hallmark for a party in transition. Jim Messina, campaign manager for former President Barack Obama, and Amy Walter, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report with Amy Walter, talk with Jen Psaki about how the Democratic Party should navigate a potential Platner exit. Rep. Debbie Dingell joins to discuss the contentious Democratic primary in Michigan. 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.
Jul 4 · Bonus

We the People America 250: Country at a Crossroads - Part 2

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 of personal data for advertising.

See All (413)

Trailer

Introducing: Inside with Jen Psaki

Jen Psaki draws on her 20 years with a seat at the table – from the campaign bus to the Oval Office – to tackle the most pressing issues of the week, interview the biggest names in politics, and pull back the curtain on the lives of the people shaping every aspect of American life. 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.

The Rachel Maddow Show airs Mondays at 9pm ET on MS NOW and drops shortly thereafter in this feed.

4.4 (34459)

News
Join Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, and Willie Geist, for in-depth and informed discussions that help drive the day's political conversation. Top newsmakers, Washington insiders, journalists, and cultural influencers, come together on Morning Joe for unparalleled insight and analysis around the day's biggest stories.

3.9 (7988)

News
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.

4.5 (6219)

News
Drawing on years of experience as communications chief for President George W. Bush and senior advisor for the McCain-Palin campaign, Nicolle Wallace provides political insight and clarity on where the decision-makers stand on complex issues. Join her for analysis and discussion with the key newsmakers every weekday.

4.5 (6299)

Politics
The biggest news and political stories of the day with a commitment to in-depth reporting that consistently seeks to hold our leaders accountable.

4.5 (5212)

Politics
Who are The Best People? They’re the most magnetic and engaging people in the room; the ones who know how to get that extra something out of every collaboration, connection, and endeavor. These people are the best at what they do and know how to bring out the best in others. Now, in an era of social and political upheaval, The Best People share lessons that we can all use. Listen as Nicolle Wallace seeks varied perspectives on how to keep reaching for truth, decency, and connection.

4.5 (3346)

Society & Culture

View Subscription FAQs

Jen Psaki

Host
Rob Flaherty

Guest
Molly Murphy

Guest
Marc Elias

Guest
Christian Menefee

Guest
Maggie Haberman

Guest
Adrian Fontes

Guest
Juan Proaño

Guest
Zach Despart

Guest
Jim Messina

Guest

4.4

out of 5

964 Ratings

Counter factual

11/08/2025

Gordie Seattle

What happens if Trump is convicted of war crimes for his extrajudicial killings?
Mondavi interview..disappointed!

May 29

Jelly Car LMAO

Ilistened to today’s interview with Mondavi,and was struck not one mention of the Jewish voters, and their fear of his radicalism regarding Israel. No. mention of his not going to the Israel parade, either. I am so sad,as I usually likeJen..but, herlack of full picture discussion with Mondavi makes me very uncertain about her.so very disappointed.It would have been great for her to talk about Jewish New Yorkers, and theirambivalences about Mondavi or anger. Of the anti Israel commentshe and his wife have made..why didshe not addressthem?WHY isn’t he attending the Israel parade? Did he attend anyArab honored parades? Is not the Mayor supposed to be impartial, his full interest ALL NYCers? What are there 3million Jewish people residing in NYC?Jen, if you could be so blindon the ramifications of Mondavi for such a big poetion of NYCity electorate,what elsedo you polish over.sincerely,this is a bridge too far for me, a used to be Jen fan
Thank you

Apr 30

Demi698

I so look forward to hearing from you each morning. Thank you for your thoughtful insight, well-researched stories & just being the excellent you. Stay safe and well. ps-We are celebrating May Day tomorrow in rural & agricultural SE Washington State with gas prices now over $5 gal and diesel prices at $6.99 gal. The cost of fertilizer is also rising rapidly. Neither of these are helping our many farming communities.
Sound is from the previous episode

Apr 9

WKathrynBB

The sound in this episode is entirely from the April 7 program, but it was re-published as the April 8 episode