The Briefing with Jen Psaki

MS NOW

4.4 (957)
Politics
Updated Weekly

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

11h ago

Trump even fails at the little stuff, haunted by Mamdani's success

Jen Psaki looks at how Donald Trump failed at what should have been the easiest assignment of his presidency, celebrating the 250th birthday of the United States. And Trump even managed to blow up the signing ceremony for what should have been a no-brainer, bipartisan, American-helping housing bill. But it was in his unhinged tweets that it became clear what was really on his mind. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries discusses last night's primary elections, including the races in New York in which candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani defeated candidates backed by Jeffries. Jen Psaki explains the difference between the America 250 planning to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States, and "Freedom 250," which is Donald Trump's vehicle to make America's 250th birthday about himself at to his own benefit. Senator Jon Ossoff joins to discuss how self-dealing corruption has become a hallmark of Donald Trump's presidency. Senator Elizabeth Warren talks with Jen Psaki about Donald Trump's refusal to sign a bipartisan housing bill that will help Americans struggling with the high cost of living in Trump's economy. 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
1d ago

How Hegseth's reckless firing spree could backfire on Trump

Jen Psaki talks with Senator Raphael Warnock about how voters in Georgia are standing up against Republican redistricting and Donald Trump's immigrant prison camp plans as Americans are increasingly aware that the only way to stop Trump is to stand up to him. Nancy Lacore was serving as a vice admiral in the U.S. Navy when she was fired as part of former weekend cable news host Pete Hegseth's anti-diversity purge of military leadership. But now Lacore is a promising new candidate for Congress, winning the Democratic primary runoff for South Carolina's 1st Congressional District while on the air with Jen Psaki, and with control of the House in the balance, Trump may regret Hegseth's crusade. MS NOW's Ali Velshi reports from the big board as primary election returns come in. Lis Smith, former deputy campaign manager for Martin O'Malley, and Morris Katz, Morris Katz, Democratic strategist on the Mamdani and Platner campaigns, discuss the dynamics within the Democratic Party as more liberal candidates win primaries and Trump's unpopularity drives moderate Republicans into an ever-growing tent. 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
5d ago · Bonus

MS NOW Exclusive | Hope Comes Home: Inside the Obama Presidential Center - Part 2

MS NOW's Michele Norris interviews former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama about their time in the White House and opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. 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
5d ago · Bonus

MS NOW Exclusive | Hope Comes Home: Inside the Obama Presidential Center - Part 1

MS NOW's Michele Norris interviews former President Barack Obama about his time in office and the opening of his new presidential center in Chicago. 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
6d ago

Obama re-ups American values in an age of Trump depravity

Jen Psaki talks with former speech writers for President Barack Obama, Jon Favreau and Cody Keenan, about the significance of the Obama Presidential Center and how the messaging of hope and hard work contrasts with the bleak mood as Americans endure Donald Trump's corruption and mismanagement. Former President Barack Obama, in his remarks upon the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, tells the story of the origin of the now-famous quote, "The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice," from 19th-century abolitionist pastor Theodore Parker. Reggie Love, former personal assistant to President Obama, talks about the team of people who worked in the Obama adminiatration. 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
Jun 18

DISGRACED by Iran failure, Trump is tormented by Obama's superior skill

Former President Barack Obama has made permanent residence in Donald Trump's head for most of Trump's political life, and now, in the shadow of his failed war on Iran, the contrast between Trump's shortcomings and Obama's accomplishments only add to Trump's burden. Jen Psaki traces the roots of Trump's insecurity about Obama, and talks with House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. Senator Jon Ossoff lays into his new Republican opponent, Trumpy Rep. Mike Collins, and responds to Donald Trump's petty name calling with withering criticism of Trump's performance in office. Jen Psaki shares a clip of MS NOW's Michelle Norris' exclusive interview with former President Barack Obama in conjunction with the opening of his presidential library. The full interview will air as part of a two hour special on Friday, June 19 at 9pm ET on MS NOW. Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation talks with Jen Psaki about the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. 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
Jun 17

Blurting Kash Patel brings fresh embarrassment to Donald Trump

Donald Trump's sycophantic FBI director, Kash Patel, has reportedly caused a rift between the FBI and the Secret Service for impulsively posting to social media about an investigation that was still ongoing, part of a pattern of Patel being unable to restrain himself. Patel's embarrassment comes as he is newly accused of making payouts to his inner circle from a taxpayer funded slush fund. Senator Adam Schiff joins Jen Psaki to discuss. As Republican candidates wrestle over who can be Trumpier than the other, Democratic candidates are focused on the issues that matter to voters. Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia, talks with Jen Psaki about the asymmetry of the election and why it's important to have reasonable people in leadership positions in the age of Trump. Ali Velshi tracks another night of election returns. Jim Messina, former campaign manager for Barack Obama, and Tim Miller, host of the Bulwark podcast, offer analysis of what the results suggest about the shape of the electorate and the November elections. 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
Jun 13

Legal SMACKDOWN: Millions await Trump's name RIPPED from Kennedy Center

People gathered in person and online to witness the removal of Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.. The Trump administration made last-ditch efforts to delay the removal. Ultimately, the courts pushed back. Former federal prosecutor Glenn Kirshner joins Jen to discuss. Following SpaceX's debut trading on the NASDAQ, Jen Psaki breaks down why you may end up boosting Elon Musk's net worth, whether you like it or not. Jen interviews Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger to discuss her first six months as governor, redistricting efforts in her state, and more. Democratic Congressman Adriano Espaillat joins The Briefing following a fiery debate with Mamdani-backed Darializa Avila Chevalier. 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

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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.

06/15/2023

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Jen Psaki

Host
President Barack Obama

Guest
Michelle Obama

Guest
Jon Favreau

Guest
Cody Keenan

Guest
Reggie Love

Guest
Alex Tabet

Guest
James Talarico

Guest
Norman L. Eisen

Guest
John O. Brennan

Guest

4.4

out of 5

957 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
Comey & the Supreme Court

May 15

Lee Esq

As an attorney, I begged to differ with Mr. Comey. The Supreme Court has no enforceable code of ethics and is the most corrupt pro corporate in my lifetime This courts abusive use of the shadow docket makes it impossible for lower courts to follow because one paragraph rulings are useless.
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.