Jennifer Psaki

Shows

Episodes

  1. King Charles schools Trump on democracy in speech to Congress about checks and balances

    APR 29

    King Charles schools Trump on democracy in speech to Congress about checks and balances

    Jen Psaki shares part of King Charles' speech to Congress in which he explains the importance of checks and balances in a functioning democracy to the very people who have abdicated their responsibility to be a check on Donald Trump.  Senator Mark Kelly joins to discuss Donald Trump's misguided reaction to the security breach over the weekend, and also shares his thoughts on a report that JD Vance is concerned that Donald Trump's war on Iran is expending too much of the U.S. weapons stockpile and not achieving the level of success Donald Trump is boasting about. Jen Psaki shows Donald Trump making the same joke about how much older he is than Melania as the joke Trump and Melania claim is so offensive that Kimmel should be removed from his job.   Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reportedly wants a job in the Trump administration when his term as governor ends. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost explains to Jen Psaki that DeSantis knows Trump well enough to know that the best way to get in Trump's good graces is to show fealty to him, so he has joined the game other Republican governors are playing to rig their states' congressional districts to favor Trump. Frost points out that DeSantis' map is illegal, but also, DeSantis is not making a good faith effort to draw a real congressional district map. 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.

    41 min
  2. Trump’s Wartime Messaging Disaster (feat. Jen Psaki)

    MAR 22

    Trump’s Wartime Messaging Disaster (feat. Jen Psaki)

    Jen Psaki, Joe Biden's former White House Press Secretary and host of MS NOW's The Briefing with Jen Psaki, talks to Dan about the ways the Trump administration is trying — and failing — to sell its war with Iran to the American people. The two discuss the White House's meme-forward messaging campaign, MAGA media's break with the president over the war, and how Trump's cell phone interview habit is shaping media coverage. Then, Dan and Jen discuss how a series of contentious Senate primaries are reshaping the Democratic Party and whether "f**k Trump" is a strong enough message heading into the midterms. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

    1h 13m
  3. Most Americans think Trump is NOT mentally fit for office, Fox News poll says

    APR 25

    Most Americans think Trump is NOT mentally fit for office, Fox News poll says

    With a new Fox News poll showing that most American think Donald Trump does not have the mental soundness to serve effectively as president, Jen Psaki looks at the trouble Trump is having even staying awake, and his bad habit of making poor decisions based on the incorrect assumption that everyone will give him what he wants. White Donald Trump's Justice Department wages a bizarre political prosecution of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Trump seems to be confusing that attack with other political attacks the DOJ has carried out on his behalf. Rep. Dan Goldman talks with Jen Psaki about the DOJ's "insane" case and Trump's weird belief that it will lead to wiping his 2020 election loss "off the books." Former Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr, and former special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley talk with Jen about the chances for success of the latest round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Former Rep. Elaine Luria talks with Jen about running for Congress in a newly created district in Virginia. 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.

    42 min
  4. Trump's sons are fooling no one cashing in on Trump's war

    APR 24

    Trump's sons are fooling no one cashing in on Trump's war

    Jen Psaki looks at the conflicts of interest behind the business deals Donald Trump's sons (and son-in-law) have made with companies that are making millions of dollars from government contracts and the demands of Trump's war on Iran. Rep. Jamie Raskin talks with Jen Psaki about holding Trump's family members accountable. Adm. John Kirby (ret.), former Pentagon press secretary, talks with Jen Psaki about what Donald Trump is communicating between the lines while he acts like he feels no pressure and is in no particular hurry to get the U.S. out of his war with Iran. Senator Amy Klobuchar joins to discuss how Donald Trump's Iran war is affecting her constituents, and the huge amount of money Republicans want to budget for ICE despite the disaster Trump's anti-immigrant campaign has been. 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.

    42 min
  5. Trump's corruption becomes a campaign issue as GOP Congress flunks on accountability

    APR 23

    Trump's corruption becomes a campaign issue as GOP Congress flunks on accountability

    As Donald Trump becomes ever more brazenly corrupt, finding ways to use his power over the federal government to enrich himself and his cronies, Americans are realizing the "checks and balances" they learned about in school are not happening because the Republicans controlling both chambers of Congress are doing everything in their power to make sure nothing gets in Trump's way. The result is that giving Congress the ability to hold Donald Trump accountable has become a campaign issue for Democrats. Jen Psaki explains. Senator Jon Ossoff joins to discuss the importance of Democrats flipping the Senate to ensure accountability for Donald Trump. Senator Cory Booker talks with Jen Psaki about how Donald Trump's incompetence has created a situation in which he needs skilled, qualified staff to clean up his messes, but is now suffering the consequences of not having hired based on those skills in the first place.  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.

    42 min
  6. Trump clobbered by avalanche of bad news capped by critical loss in Virginia

    APR 22

    Trump clobbered by avalanche of bad news capped by critical loss in Virginia

    Virginia voters agreed to a redistricting plan that could increase the number of Democratic members of the House after this year's midterm elections, helping to balance the rigging Donald Trump tried to push Republican states to do. Jen Psaki points out that the bad news for Trump in Virginia comes in the context of bad news from Iran, bad news on gas prices, bad news on consumer prices, bad news on his tariff plan and more that has Trump on a disastrous political trajectory. Donald Trump's determination to corrupt the Fed was a key issue in a confirmation hearing before the Senate Banking Committee for Trump's pick to lead the Fed, Kevin Warsh. But as Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses with Jen Psaki, anyone who hoped Warsh would demonstrate some courage and independence to defy Trump in order to make the right decisions for the economy were disappointed to find Warsh too afraid to even name any way he differs with Trump. Senator Tim Kaine joins Jen to discuss the successful Virginia redistricting vote as well as Donald Trump failing miserably in a battle of wits with Iran. 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.

    42 min
  7. Paranoid freak-out, excessive drinking: Report describes erratic Kash Patel leading FBI

    APR 18

    Paranoid freak-out, excessive drinking: Report describes erratic Kash Patel leading FBI

    Sarah Fitzpatrick, staff writer for The Atlantic, talks with Jen Psaki about her new reporting about a bizarre freak-out by FBI director Kash Patel when he thought being unable to log into his work computer meant he'd been fired by Donald Trump, and episodes of excessive drinking that alarmed his FBI colleagues. Rep. Greg Casar discusses Congressional Democrats taking a new interest Jared Kushner's potential conflicts of interest while he negotiates with Iran on behalf of the United States. Jen Psaki looks at examples of behavior by Donald Trump that would have had right-wing politicians and commentators apoplectic with outrage if President Obama had done the same, and the shameless hypocrisy of critics of President Obama's deal-making with Iran who have been silent about what Donald Trump is reportedly considering. Mary Moriarty, county attorney of Hennepin County, Minnesota, talks about her pursuit of criminal charges against an ICE agent who drew his weapon on two civillians. And Martin Barron, former executive editor of the Washington Post, talks with Jen Psaki about the challenges faced by the media in covering Donald Trump. 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.

    41 min
  8. The writing is on the wall: Trump lashes out in desperation as support drains away

    APR 17

    The writing is on the wall: Trump lashes out in desperation as support drains away

    Jen Psaki looks at the political signs, from special elections to fundraising totals, that Donald Trump's political favor is fading fast and he has buried himself in messes he doesn't know how to fix. Jim Messina, former campaign manager for Barack Obama, talks with Jen about the strategy Democrats should be pursuing to maximize their advantage while Donald Trump's unpopularity weighs down Republican candidates. Rep. Pat Ryan and Rep. Chris Deluzio talk with Jen Psaki about Donald Trump's mismanagement of his war of choice in Iran and the bizarre distraction of Pete Hegseth's obnoxiousness. New Jersey Congresswoman-elect Analilia Mejia joins Jen to discuss the political winds that helped her win her special election. 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.

    41 min
  9. Iran takes Donald Trump down a peg with costly lesson in compromise

    APR 16

    Iran takes Donald Trump down a peg with costly lesson in compromise

    Jen Psaki looks at the complicated financial entanglements Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and fellow real estate developer Steve Witkoff have in the Middle East where the interests of the United States may diverge from those of countries like Saudi Arabia which wields significant financial influence over the two top U.S. negotiators assign to resolve Trump's war with Iran. Donald Trump is learning the hard way that Iran is not interested in unconditional surrender, which is forcing Trump to accept that the only way he's getting out of his disastrous war with Iran is to find a compromise. Former national security advisory Jake Sullivan discusses with Jen Psaki. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear talks with Jen Psaki about the yawning gap between the actual teachings of Jesus Christ and the Christian values they inform, and the selfish, violent cruelty with which Donald Trump conducts himself and his administration.  Harry Dunn, former Capitol Hill police officer, and Glenn Kirschner, former federal prosecutor, join with Jen to discuss the Trump administration's desire to clear the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers of their January 6 charges, and the remarkable number of pardoned January 6 insurrectionists who have been charged with yet more crimes. 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.

    41 min
  10. Trump becomes a parody of himself as he runs out of answers and his base erodes

    APR 15

    Trump becomes a parody of himself as he runs out of answers and his base erodes

    Jen Psaki looks at how Donald Trump and his team of apologists have run out of answers and excuses for high consumer prices and high gas prices in particular, and the burden that is putting on other Republicans. And then, as if he hadn't lost enough support for his anti-immigrant campaign of terror, starting an unnecessary war, and causing a huge spike in gas prices, Trump compared himself to Jesus. Donald Trump's sharing of an image depicting himself as Jesus Christ healing the sick has turned a spotlight on Trump's general immorality and made a mockery of his Christian supporters. Senator Reverand Raphael Warnock joins to discuss with Jen Psaki. Senator Adam Schiff joins to discuss Donald Trump floundering on Iran and to share his reaction to the allegations of sexual misconduct against Eric Swalwell. 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.

    42 min
  11. Melania Trump stages bizarre announcement denying links to Jeffrey Epstein despite evidence

    APR 10

    Melania Trump stages bizarre announcement denying links to Jeffrey Epstein despite evidence

    Jen Psaki wonders at the motivation of First Lady Melania Trump to make a sudden, surprise speech denying any past relationship with notorious sex trafficking pedophile and Donald Trump's long-time friend, Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. The first lady even went so far as to make denials that are directly contradicted by evidence in the public domain. Why? And why now? Rep. Robert Garcia joins to discuss the strangeness of Melania Trump's sudden interest in the plight of Epstein's victims. Former Secretary of State John Kerry talks with Jen Psaki about the mistakes Donald Trump is making in his approach to Iran, and the "massive credibility gap" the United States has to overcome if it wants to be taken seriously by Iran in future negotiations after the way Trump has conducted things so far. And Jen Psaki exposes Donald Trump's staggering hypocrisy in accepting foreign-made steel for his White House ballroom project after making the promotion of American steel a basic part of his domestic politics. 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.

    42 min
  12. Iran outmaneuvers Trump; cuts deal that leaves U.S. worse off than pre-war

    APR 8

    Iran outmaneuvers Trump; cuts deal that leaves U.S. worse off than pre-war

    Donald Trump managed to avoid having to follow through on his ghastly threat to commit genocide in the war he started with Iran by agreeing to a tentative deal that opens the Strait of Hormuz, albeit with costs and conditions. Senator Mark Kelly joins Jen Psaki to discuss how profoundly Trump has messed up with his war of choice against Iran. Donald Trump was able to head off his own foolhardy threat of apocalypse with a temporary deal that leaves the United States worse off than when he started his war of choice against Iran, but the deal comes too late for the growing number of critics, including among his own supporters, who want to see him removed from office. Maryland Governor Wes Moore joins Jen Psaki to discuss. David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, joins to discuss new insights into how Donald Trump decided to go to war against Iran.   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.

    41 min
  13. SWALWELL/GONZALES RESIGNATION; JEN PSAKI; LEON PANETTA

    APR 16

    SWALWELL/GONZALES RESIGNATION; JEN PSAKI; LEON PANETTA

    Stephen A. dives into the political shockwaves surrounding the resignations of Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales amid sexual assault allegations. Former White House Press Secretary and MS NOW host of The Briefing, Jen Psaki, joins to reflect on her time inside the Biden White House, the stakes of the midterm election, and the ongoing battles over voting rights. Former Defense Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta offers insight into the Iran war, the complexities of the U.S.–Israel alliance, and a path to ending the conflict. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 39m
  14. 'Complete catastrophe': Trump faces widespread consequences for Iran blunder

    APR 9

    'Complete catastrophe': Trump faces widespread consequences for Iran blunder

    Jen Psaki looks at the discrepancy between Iran's view of the ceasefire agreement with the U.S. and Israel, and the Trump administration's boasts, as well as how much the agreement illustrates that many of Trump's goals for the war remain unfulfilled. Journalist Bob Woodward shares his insights about Donald Trump and his administration Jen Psaki helps Donald Trump's press secretary Karoline Leavitt answer some of the tough questions about the Iran ceasefire deal from today's White House briefing, and Rep. Jim Himes, ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, talks about the consequences of Trump war on Iran for America's interests around the world. Shawn Harris, former Democratic congressional candidate for Georgia’s 14th District, joins to talk about his significant overperformance in an extremely red district and where he's taking his campaign next. 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.

    41 min
  15. Trump struck dumb as realities of war make a mockery of his bluster

    APR 4

    Trump struck dumb as realities of war make a mockery of his bluster

    Donald Trump has put a lot of energy into boasting about U.S. military dominance over Iran, including eliminating Iran's ability to shoot down planes. As is the case with so much of Trump's talk, reality has shown him to be ill-informed, lying, or both. Donald Trump's fixation on the sensational aspects of warfare and his shallow understanding of setting goals are keeping his mission in Iran directionless and confusing. Veteran Pentagon journalist Barbara Starr, David Noriega, MS NOW national reporter and Lt. Col. Amy McGrath discuss. Rep. Seth Moulton joins to discuss how Donald Trump's griftiness is wroking in overdrive now that he has started a war with Iran.   Rep. Madeleine Dean explains why JD Vance is a poor choice for "fraud czar." And David Miliband, president & CEO of the International Rescue Committee, explains why Donald Trump's war on Iran could result in a major disruption of the world's food supply. 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.

    42 min
  16. Trump goes off the deep end after judge halts his ballroom pet project

    APR 1

    Trump goes off the deep end after judge halts his ballroom pet project

    Donald Trump is so enamored of his White House ballroom pet project that he talks about it every chance he gets, regardless of the setting. Sometimes it seems like he wishes Americans would be as distracted by it as he is. But now a judge has put a halt to the project, reminding Trump that he is a steward of the White House, not the owner, and requiring him to get approval from Congress first. Donald Trump has no idea how to fix the mess he has made with his attack on Iran, and now it seems he may not even try and may instead dump the challenge of re-opening the Strait of Hormuz on them. At the same time, several European allies are not allowing the U.S. to use their facilities or even cross their airspace in connection with Trump's war. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (ret.), former commanding general of the U.S. Army, Europe, and Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia discuss. Donald Trump was aleady unpopular with Americans before he started his random war with Iran, and now with the cost of living made even more difficult with soaring gas prices, Trump's approval is cratering. Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Democratic candidate for Senate, joins to discuss. Rep. Eric Swall joins to discuss pushing back on Trump's bullying, and the effort to hold Trump accountable for January 6 even as Trump has pardoned all of his faithful rioters from that day. 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.

    42 min
  17. Artemis II Splashdown ...Plus, Hapless Vance heads to Pakistan saddled with Trump's Iran folly

    APR 11

    Artemis II Splashdown ...Plus, Hapless Vance heads to Pakistan saddled with Trump's Iran folly

    Former NASA astronauts Jim Bagian and Dr. Mae Carol Jemison are joined by Ali Velshi,  Moses Small and Josh Einiger to talk with Jen Psaki about the concusion of the Artemis II mission as the astronauts emerge from their Orion spacecraft. With the global economy in upheaval and his domestic approval dropping like a rock, Donald Trump is sending his number 2, JD Vance to Pakistan to try to make a deal with the Iranians that allows Trump to get out of the war he started with Iran with as few embarrassing concessions as possible. Adm. John Kirby (ret.), former Pentagon press secretary, and Robert Malley, former special envoy for Iran, talk with Jen Psaki about the challenges Vance will face. 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.

    51 min
  18. Psaki: Tariffs are a tool of Trump's corruption at taxpayers' expense

    FEB 21

    Psaki: Tariffs are a tool of Trump's corruption at taxpayers' expense

    Jen Psaki points to examples of Donald Trump manipulating tariffs against other countries for reasons that have nothing to do with economics and everything to do with his own personal enrichment or petty grievances. And while Trump abuses his power in order to serve himself, American taxpayers foot the bill by paying for the consequences of Trump's tariffs. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker discusses how Americans can get their money back after footing the bill for Donald Trump's unconstitutional tariffs. Jen Psaki looks at the role tariffs have played in Donald Trump's quest to acquire and assert power, and points out a familiar pattern in Trump's behavior at a press conference after the Supreme Court rules his tariff scheme is yet another violation of the Constitution.  Senator Elizabeth Warren talks with Jen Psaki about what comes next now that the Supreme Court has pulled the plug on Trump's tariff scheme. 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.

    41 min
  19. Judge hands Hegseth huge defeat on media restrictions as Trump continues to wing it on Iran

    MAR 21

    Judge hands Hegseth huge defeat on media restrictions as Trump continues to wing it on Iran

    Jen Psaki shares breaking news that a judge has ruled against Pete Hegseth's effort to restrict the press at the Pentagon from trying to obtain information that isn't explicitly authorized, even if it isn't classified, and talks about the importance of an free news media, particularly in a time of war and with a president who is "lying every time he speaks or is completely out of touch with reality." As Donald Trump keeps the U.S. military engaged in Iran without a clear goal, new crises, like the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, means further engagement. Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor, and Robert Malley, former special envoy for Iran, talk with Jen Psaki about how Iran's asymmetric strategy and the global economy at stake could give Trump much more than he bargained for in Iran. And Anna Gomez, commissioner with the FCC talks with Jen about why the deal to merge Nexstar and Tegna is a bad idea.   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.

    43 min
  20. Noem-zilla: Diva behavior and infidelity rumors cap disastrous week for Trump's DHS secretary

    FEB 14

    Noem-zilla: Diva behavior and infidelity rumors cap disastrous week for Trump's DHS secretary

    Jen Psaki rounds up a remarkable list of failures and bad news suffered by Donald Trump's secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, and shares highlights of eye-popping new reporting from the Wall Street Journal about how Noem has led her department into chaos with tyrannical behavior, wasted money, rumors of infidelity, and bizarre drama over a lost blanket that resulted in the firing and re-hiring of a Coast Guard pilot. Rep. Eric Swalwell joins to discuss the mess at the Department of Homeland Security and Democrats withholding their votes from any funding unless ICE agrees to new standards. Former federal prosecutors Glenn Kirschner and J.P. Cooney talk with Jen Psaki about Donald Trump's weaponization of the Justice Department and how Trump uses flawed indictments and doomed prosecutions to harass his enemies with the justice system even if they haven't done anything that warrants prosecution. As the Epstein files are causing scandal and disgrace around the world, associates of Jeffrey Epstein in Donald Trump's orbit are not dealing with any consequences. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam talks about next steps in Congress for the Epstein investigation. Donald Trump's intention to manipulate the coming midterm elections is no longer merely speculation, but local election administrators now have their guard up. Stephen Richer, former Maricopa County recorder talks with Jen Psaki about a low-energy Kristi Noem event in Arizona, and how states can prepare for Trump's intrusion. 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.

    42 min
Jennifer Psaki on Apple