The Briefing with Jen Psaki

MS NOW

4.4 (897)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

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

14H AGO

TV performers leading attack on Iran focus more on image than strategy

Jen Psaki looks at press conferences by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, as well as media appearances by Donald Trump and finds that the former TV show hosts are not living up to the seriousness of the positions they hold and are more fixated on creating a successful image for their war on Iran than they are on the details and strategy that would help secure actual success. Barbara Starr, former CNN Pentagon correspondent, and Brig. Gen. Steven M. Anderson (Ret.) join to discuss how Donald Trump's and Pete Hegseth's attitudes about using the U.S. military is reshaping American military culture. Fiona Hill, a former senior director on the National Security Council, talks with Jen Psaki about the many challenges associated with an attack on Iran that experts in the foreign policy community knew and understood well before Donald Trump decided to jump in with both feet and struggle with those very same, known challenges, and how Trump's one-at-a-time style of dealing with other countries leaves him ill equipped to deal with a complex world with overlapping interests. Bobby Pulido, Democratic congressional candidate and acclaimed Tejano music star, talks with Jen Psaki about the political atmosphere in Texas and using political judo moves on his opponent's attacks. 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
1D AGO

Reality calls Trump's bluff as reassurances on Iran effects fall flat

Donald Trump has trained his acolytes in politics and media to echo his reassuring buzz phrases about weathering the short term effects of his war on Iran on the energy markets and global economy, but catchy slogans aren't changing the facts of the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the sudden energy crisis that everyone in the world can see happening in front of their own eyes. James Talarico is already running against one of two very flawed Republican opponents to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate, in a race that could determine control of the Senate. But Donald Trump's steadily sinking popularity and politically disastrous policies from his anti-immigrant cruelty to his senseless war on Iran and the economic fallout that Americans are already feeling, have given voters even more reason to consider making this the election that turns Texas blue. Talarico talks with Jen Psaki about the unnecessary challenges Americans are dealing with as a result of Donald Trump's mismanagement of the White House. After two attacks in one day that appear to be related to Donald Trump's war on Iran, former CIA director John Brennan talks with Jen Psaki about the domestic national security threats that come with picking a fight with Iran. And with Donald Trump pushing for the passage of an election bill, House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries talks with Jen about Democratic plans to push back on Trump's effort to manipulate elections, as well as his war on 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
2D AGO

'AMATEUR HOUR': Trump looks foolish before the world with self-evident poor planning in Iran

As Donald Trump continues to offer contradictory answers and explanations, his war on Iran is running into some foreseeable problems that were among the reasons attacking Iran was ill-advised in the first place. Ben Rhodes, former deputy national security advisor, and Michael McFaul, former U.S. ambassador to Russia, talk with Jen Psaki about the deadly, expensive mess Donald Trump and his defense secretary, former weekend cable news host Pete Hegseth, are making. Jen Psaki points out Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's dismaying preoccupation with his personal image while signs of the mismanagement of Donald Trump's war on Iran multiply, including new reporting that the U.S. was likely responsible for hitting an Iranian school full of children with a missile. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, a member of the House Oversight Committee, talks with Jen about hearing the testimony of Jeffrey Epstein's accountant, which somehow produced more questions than answers. And Rep. Chris Deluzio joins the show to discuss how U.S. military veterans are reacting to Donald Trump's second term military adventurism and the degree to which his actions contradict what he campaigned on. 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
3D AGO

Mixed messages on Iran expose Trump making it up as he goes

Jen Psaki points out the weird and wild inconsistencies in the messaging and explanations from the Trump administration about the war of choice Donald Trump started with Iran, why they did it, what they call it, what they're trying to accomplish and how they're going to keep the world economy from crashing while they do it. Jen Psaki pins down the various excuses and evasions from the Trump administration as new reporting points to evidence that suggests the United States is responsible for bombing a school in Iran, killing 175. Senator Adam Schiff talks with Jen about holding the Trump administration accountable. Donald Trump's endorsement of Republican Clay Fuller in a special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene in Congress was not meaningful enough to voters in Georgia to clinch the win for Fuller. Instead, Democratic candidate Shawn Harris, a retired Army brigadier general and cattle rancher, not only forced a runoff but got a higher proportion of the overall vote in a crowded field. Harris talked with Jen Psaki about how he interprets his success so far and his strategy heading to the April 7 runoff. 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
MAR 7

Psaki: Trump flunks wartime president test with disturbing, flippant attitude

Jen Psaki looks at Donald Trump's oddly casual answers to questions about the hardships his war on Iran is imposing on Americans, as well as Defense secretary Pete Hegseth's embarrassing chest pounding and the juvenile propaganda being released on government social media accounts, and questions whether Trump understands or is even capable of being a wartime president. Barbara Starr, former CNN Pentagon correspondent, and Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton (Ret.), talk with Jen about the Trump administration's bizarre treatment of war. Kristi Noem's job as secretary of homeland security may be over, but accountability for her time in office did not simply going away when she was fired. Not only is she facing investigations in states where ICE ran amok on her watch, but massive, taxpayer-funded promotional media contracts she arranged are still the subject of intense inquiry on both sides of the aisle. Rep. Joe Neguse, whose tenacious questioning of Kristi Noem in a House Judiciary Committee hearing almost certainly contributed to her eventually being fired by Donald Trump, talks with Jen Psaki about what comes next in holding Noem accountable for her transgressions while in office. And Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joins to talk with Jen about the release of yet more Jeffrey Epstein documents, including ones that mention Donald Trump, and the bigger picture of what Epstein was involved in. 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
MAR 6

Noem commits deadly sin of suggesting Trump's accountability and is promptly fired

Now-former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem managed to keep her job despite a constant stream of scandals and outrages, but as soon as she suggested that Donald Trump, as president of the United States, and therefore her boss, knew about the corruption highlighted in Congressional hearings, that was too much for Trump to tolerate. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz talks with Jen Psaki about all of the reasons former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem should have been fired from her job before Donald Trump finally reached his limit today, and why Noem should get used to spending more time in Minnesota because, as Walz says, "We're going to want some answers" about the ICE abuses that happened in his state under Noem's command. Senator Markwayne Mullin was already a character of dubious competence based on his conduct in hearings and media interviews, but as Donald Trump's choice to replace Kristi Noem to lead the Department of Homeland Security at a time when ICE is out of control and the U.S. is at war with Iran, expectations for improvements at DHS are low. Rep. Pay Ryan, Rep. Jake Auchincloss, Rep. Seth Moulton, and Rep. Maggie Goodlander, all veterans of U.S. military service, discuss with Jen Psaki. And in the midst of an already chaotic news day, even more Jeffrey Epstein documents were relased. Lisa Rubin joins to explain the new material. 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
MAR 5

'What the hell is going on?': Trump admin unable to explain attack on Iran

Jen Psaki shares a dizzying collection of contradictions and nonsense from the Trump administration and its allies trying to explain the reason for attacking Iran, the goals of doing so, or even whether it's ok to call it a war. Senator Mark Kelly joins to discuss the incompetence of the Trump administration's handling of Iran and other national security issues compromised by Trump's poor choices. James Talarico won the Democratic nomination for Senate in Texas in a primary with remarkable turnout, a talented campaigner with a unique ability to speak to voters of faith, and with an opponent who is now emphasizing party unity. On the Republican side, and already acrimonious primary will be tied up in a nasty runoff election for weeks to come, leaving the eventual winner inevitably battered. And all of this takes place in the context of Donald Trump being wildly unpopular and finding new ways to upset American voters almost daily. Former Congressman Beto O'Rourke talks with Jen Psaki about why this year's midterm election holds promise to be the one that finally begins to turn Texas blue. 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
MAR 4

MS NOW's special 'We The People' primary coverage of elections in Texas and North Carolina

Rachel Maddow and her MS NOW colleagues track the primary election returns in Texas and North Carolina, with Ali Velshi offering special statistical insights from the big board as one of the most closely watched elections, the Democratic Senate primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico mired in legal complications after polling place confusion in Dallas. The panel and special guests offer analysis of what the early voting patterns suggest about Donald Trump's political strength, the tone of public opinion in the United States and what it all could mean for the midterm elections later this year. 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.

1h 39m

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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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HISTORY

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Jen Psaki

Host
James Talarico

Guest
John O. Brennan

Guest
Hakeem Jeffries

Guest
Ben Rhodes

Guest
Michael McFaul

Guest
Suhas Subramanyam

Guest
Chris Deluzio

Guest
Adam Schiff

Guest
Shawn Harris

Guest

4.4

out of 5

897 Ratings

Trumps old tricks are still working

12/11/2025

Lee Esq

Listen to Washington Journal on C-SPAN from 7 AM to 10 PM every day. His supporters believed prices are way down and they’re thrilled with everything he’s done. Tariffs are working nasty deportation are fabulous, etc..
Thank you

Feb 26

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.
For or against new war MSNOW??

Feb 20

Almost-deaf

I cannot find in any of ALL MSNOW podcast a voice saying if they are ok with a new war or not, a clear opinion. How many podcast MSNOW has? A LOT! And yet, I’m still trying to find one person that says “hey! Let’s not start wars!” We are not being attacked, and yet you seem fine with it. Really sad and deeply spineless, about any subject, a bunch of people just reading from a teleprompters with stuff that somebody else wrote. Sad and BORING.
One entity is responsible for our current woes

Feb 19

B02@

SCOTUS. They are in league with the GOP and the One Percent. If they followed the constitution, none of this BS would be happening. Remember they kept trump out of prison with their ruling that he is above the law, and apparently he can pass that property on to anyone who he needs to accomplish the destruction of our democracy.