Saturdays & Sundays with Jonathan Capehart

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Who's the Boss? Donald Trump insists he's the one running the show, not billionaire First Buddy Elon Musk, after the two nearly caused a Christmas-time government shutdown. Urgent plea. As President Biden nears the end of his term in office, we'll bring you an emotional plea for clemency for six men imprisoned for decades for a murder they say they didn't commit. One of those men and an attorney helping to make their case join me with a direct appeal. Gaetz of hell. Congress could release the ethics report on Matt Gaetz as early as tomorrow, as he talks about his dropped bid to be Attorney General and what he may do next. And Santa Clause is coming to town! Santa Larry will tell us what's on everyone's wish list this holiday season. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Crisis Averted. President Biden has signed the spending bill that will keep the lights on, for now, after Donald Trump and billionaire First Buddy Elon Musk, nearly trigger a government shutdown. Rep. Gerry Connolly, the incoming ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, joins me to talk about whether we just endured a dress rehearsal for Republican dysfunction in the next Congress. Speaking of Chaos. After the spending bill fiasco, Speaker Mike Johnson is on thin ice with his grip on the gavel in jeopardy again. But who'd want that no good terrible job? I'll discuss Johnson's fate and other calamities awaiting his thin Republican House majority with Dana Milbank, Jasmine Wright, and Kevin Baron. And a message of hope. The Right Rev. Michael Curry will lift our spirits this last holiday weekend before Christmas. All that and more on “The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Hizzoner and the Donald. In my exclusive interview with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, we talk about his search for common ground with President-elect Donald Trump, who plans to crack down on migrants and sanctuary cities like New York; whether Adams will seek a pardon for his federal fraud charges, and his plans to run for office again as a Democrat. Exit Interview: California Rep. Barbara Lee will reflect on her 25-year congressional career, the votes that made her a human rights icon, and what she plans to do next. Trump's controversial pick for Health and Human Services Secretary heads to Capitol Hill this week to meet with Senators. I’ll ask my political panel what RFK Jr's chances of confirmation look like, with new concerns brewing about his anti-vax connections. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Team of Toadies. Donald Trump brings some of his embattled cabinet picks to the Army-Navy Game as the MAGA game plan puts loyalty over quality. Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Frank Figliuzzi join me to discuss why this is so dangerous. Game Day Guest: Daniel Penny, the man acquitted in the chokehold death of a New York homeless man, attends the Army-Navy Game, at the invitation of Vice President elect JD Vance. I'll ask former New York Rep. Mondaire Jones what message this sends. And Killer Beauty: Leave aside the reaction to the good looks of accused CEO killer Luigi Mangione, we need to talk about the anger in America and easy access to guns for people to act on it, and I'll do that with Dr. Jonathan Metzl. All that and more on “The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Tyrant Toppled. Rebel forces now control Syria, after driving out its brutal leader, President Bashar al-Assad, who has reportedly fled to Russia, and President Biden ordered U.S. air strikes against ISIS targets in Syria this afternoon to prevent it from taking advantage of the power vacuum. I'll discuss what the significance of this is for the Middle East and geopolitics around the world with Jane Harmon and Senator-elect Andy Kim. They'll also react to NBC's exclusive interview with President-elect Donald Trump, including what he told Kristen Welker about U.S. participation in NATO. And Inside Man. As the Democrats try to regroup from the November elections, I'll ask outgoing DNC Chair Jaime Harrison what he thinks happened, and what the next DNC chair needs to do to strengthen the party. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Presidential picks and pardons. As President-elect Donald Trump defends his embattled choice for Defense secretary, there are growing fears that his other cabinet choices will seek revenge on his political opponents. I'll ask Rep. James Clyburn why President Biden should preemptively protect Trump's critics with blanket pardons, even though they've committed no crimes. Two presidents, one global stage. After President Biden's trip to Africa, Donald Trump takes the spotlight at the reopening of Notre Dame in Paris and meets with French and Ukrainian leaders. I'll talk to Max Boot of the Washington Post about what happened to having one President at a time. And, the new clues in the search for a gunman who killed the CEO of United Healthcare. Why the search is now expanding beyond New York. I’ll also dive into breaking news out of Syria, where rebel forces claim to have seized the key city of Homs and are posing a real threat to President Bashar Al-Assad’s grip on power. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Kash Crisis. Kash Patel, Donald Trump's pick to lead the FBI, who rails against the so-called Deep State and promises revenge against Trump's adversaries, passes the Trump loyalty test. But Senate confirmation is a whole other matter. Meghan Hays and April Ryan join me to weigh in. Tariff Threats: Trump has always been a misguided fan of tariffs with ever-changing rationales for imposing them. Now he wants to slap massive levies on goods from Canada, Mexico and China, this time to stem the flow of migrants and drugs into the U.S. The Washington Post's David Lynch explains the economic risks and how the American consumer could be the one paying the price. And the new Dem on the block: Representative-elect Derek Tran will talk about his super close, red-seat flipping victory in California, and what, if anything, he can work on with the razor-thin Republican majority in the next Congress. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Pardon power. Before he leaves office, President Biden has the constitutional authority to pardon anyone he chooses for federal crimes. Some Republicans argue that pardoning Donald Trump would "heal" the country. Biden could also pardon his own son, Hunter, although he's vowed not to. I'll ask Ankush Khardori and Kimberly Atkins Stohr who they think could and should receive presidential pardons. And, raising alarms. Health experts warn that confirming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as HHS Secretary could actually cost lives. We'll talk to Gov. Josh Green of Hawaii, a medical doctor who has first-hand experience with the consequences of RFK Jr.'s misinformation and conspiracy theories about childhood vaccinations. And the Watch List. "Wicked," "Gladiator 2" and the "Moana" sequel fueled a Black Friday box office bonanza, but what else should you be watching? Chris Witherspoon joins me with best movies and TV shows to put on your holiday watch list. All that and more on “The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': House of Pain. Republican House Speaker Johnson hasn't been able to get anything done without help from Democrats. So, expect the chaos to continue in the next Congress when he will have to contend with a razor-thin Republican majority, Donald Trump in the White House AND Marjorie Taylor Greene heading up the Government Efficiency subcommittee taking slash-and-burn advice from the DOGE duo, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. I'll preview the rough times ahead with a veteran lawmaker who's seen it all: South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn. Plus, more of my cable exclusive interview with former President Bill Clinton, who weighs in on where Democrats should go from here -- and how to win back voters. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Flooding the zone. Donald Trump announces ten new cabinet picks in a weekend onslaught, including MAGA economic guru Scott Bessent, and a key architect of Project 2025. Remember the plan to remake government Trump said he wanted nothing to do with? Yeah that guy, Russell Vought. And, in a cable exclusive, my conversation with former President Bill Clinton. He has a lot to say about Trump's return to the White House, and his mind-blowing cabinet picks. Plus, balance of power: Republicans succeeded in getting Matt Gaetz out before they were forced to vote on him in the new Congress. But the question remains: Will the Republican-led Senate next year show the same moxi to block any of the other unqualified or patently unfit nominees? I have my doubts, but my political panel of Susan Del Percio and Basil Smikle weigh in on this and a whole host of other political news this week. All that and more on “The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Chaos agent. From considering courts martial over the Afghanistan troop withdrawal to choosing unqualified folks like Pete Hegseth to lead the Defense Department and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, Donald Trump is putting American national security at risk. I'll discuss why this is all so dangerous with Helene Cooper of the New York Times and Washington Post columnist Max Boot. The Big Payback. By nominating his personal attorneys to top positions in the Justice Department, Donald Trump is moving to erase its independence from the White House. Ankush Khardori and Anthony Coley join me to talk about how this might be part of Trump's grand plan to seek revenge against his enemies. And Beyonce 101. I’ll take a deeper dive into Yale's new class on the mega-star with Daphne Brooks, the professor teaching the course. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Bipartisan criticism of Matt Gaetz, Donald Trump's pick for Attorney General, as dramatic new details emerge about the allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Rep. Glenn Ivey of the House Ethics Committee shares his thoughts about the Gaetz nomination and whether we'll ever see the committee's reportedly scathing report. Plus, Trump makes good on his promise to let RFK Jr. "go wild" on health by choosing the vaccine skeptic and conspiracy theorist to be his Secretary of Health and Human Services. I'll talk about why Kennedy is a dangerous choice to lead the $1.7T agency with someone who has actually run it: Former Obama HHS Sec. Kathleen Sebelius. And The Other Americans. The latest John Leguizamo play that offers a new window on the Latino experience. Director Ruben Santiago-Hudson talks to me about this provocative new production. All that and more on “The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Capitol control. Who will hold the majority in the next House of Representatives remains unclear, but Democrats are already gearing up for life in Trump's Washington. Rep. Nanette Barragan, Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Rep. Barbara Lee, former chair for the Congressional Black Caucus, and Rep. Marc Pocan, chair emeritus of the Congressional Progressive Caucus will take us inside how Democrats will confront a second Trump administration. Never mind? Donald Trump's MAGA allies insist he has no plans to seek revenge. Brendan Buck and Ashley Etienne will Sound Off on whether they actually believe that -- because I sure don't. And Sunday Solace. This election has many Americans feeling frustrated, angry or even afraid. Bishop Gene Robinson and Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis will offer some reflections on finding hope for the future. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Now what? As Vice President Harris and the Democrats look to the future we must first face the truth about how we got here. I'm going to get into what Donald Trump's victory tells us about our country and the road ahead with Melanie Campbell, Michael Beschloss and Maria Teresa Kumar. The silver lining: Historic wins for Democrats in the Senate, and in the House, Oregon may have its first Black member of Congress. Janelle Bynum joins me to discuss her landmark bid. Justice Delayed: Special Counsel Jack Smith hits the pause button on his Jan. 6 case against Trump. Politico's Ankush Khardori will tell us if the once and future president will ever be held accountable. And America’s Aunt, who also happens to be MY Aunt Gloria, will offer some words of wisdom in a time of trouble. All that and more on “The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': With just 48 hours to go until election day, both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are driving home their closing message. The final NBC News presidential poll shows Harris and Trump are tied, locked in a dead heat, 49% to 49%. I’ll break it all down with NBC News Senior Political Director Mark Murray. I’ll also talk to the representatives who are leading the Democratic effort to highlight the threat of Project 2025 if Donald Trump is back in the White House. Rep. Dan Goldman and Rep. Stacey Plaskett are sounding one last alarm on how the right-wing agenda would undermine our government. Plus, Emmy Award-winning actor Mandy Patinkin is working to support VP Harris in her presidential run. He and his wife, Kathryn Grody, join me to discuss their get out the vote efforts. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': We're just three days away from the most consequential election of our lifetimes, and early voting is already at a record high. More than 72 million Americans have cast their ballots, with Target Smart reporting a near-even split between Republicans and Democrats nationwide. I’ll break down final stretch strategy with national co-chair of the Harris-Walz campaign, Mitch Landrieu. Then, Trump and his allies are ramping up election fraud allegations days before the results even come in. Election lawyer Marc Elias will join me to look at what this could all mean before and after the final votes are tallied. And the final push in Texas as the race for a U-S Senate seat goes down to the wire. Democratic candidate Rep. Colin Allred joins me with his closing argument in his bid to unseat Republican incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz. All that and more in our special election coverage, on “The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': 9-Day Sprint! Vice President Kamala Harris visits voters across Philadelphia, asking them to choose her plans for economic opportunity, over Donald Trump's grievance-fueled, anti-democratic chaos. Battleground: Big Apple? Tonight Donald Trump is holding a packed rally at New York's Madison Square Garden, raising the obvious question: Why? Anne Applebaum and Ruth Ben-Ghiat join me to talk about the dark historical comparisons at play and why Americans should be very concerned about his authoritarian rhetoric. And, all eyes on Ohio. In the final stretch of his tough re-election campaign, incumbent Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown will talk about his race that could determine the balance of power in the Senate and whether anything might get done if Kamala wins the White House. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Bringing the Fire! Michelle Obama whips up the crowd at a Michigan rally, making a powerful pitch for Vice President Kamala Harris, as Democrats pump up the volume, 10 days before election day. Senior Harris-Walz campaign advisor Ian Sams lays out Kamala's closing argument strategy. Voting Access. More than 38 million Americans have already cast their ballots and 33 states are now voting in-person. But MAGA Republicans are filing a flurry of lawsuits aimed at thwarting the will of the voters to help Donald Trump. Former Attorney General Eric Holder joins me to explain how that can disrupt the election, even when they lose in court. And Deepfake Disinformation. What you should know about Russia and other bad actors using A.I. to spread lies about the election and the candidates over the next 10 days. All that and more on “The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': A big day for the Vice President. Kamala Harris marks her 60th birthday by rallying church going voters and sitting down with the Rev. Al Sharpton for an exclusive, wide-ranging interview that includes her response to the offensive language Donald Trump used to describe her. Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel join the show with their reaction. And this is not normal. From cursing about the Vice President to rambling about a golf legend's private parts, Donald Trump is not only growing more bizarre he's growing more dangerous. Former federal prosecutor, Ankush Khardori and Angelo Carusone of Media Matters discuss the implications. All that and more on “The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Early voting is underway in several states as Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump hold campaign events to rally their supporters. Rep. Robert Garcia shares what he’s been hearing on the ground from voters in Nevada. Plus, a critical race for the U.S. senate seat in Missouri is heating up. Democratic candidate Lucas Kunce joins me to talk about his campaign and how his state’s largest newspaper endorsed him and called his opponent Senator Josh Hawley, “possibly the worst sitting senator in America right now.” And, libraries vs banned books. The president and CEO of the Brooklyn Library joins me to discuss how public libraries across the nation led protests today against an unprecedented surge in book bans. All that and more on “The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart.”