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PoliticsNation

MSNBC

Rev. Al Sharpton highlights political stories and issues requiring a national platform.

Location:

New York, NY

Genres:

US News

Networks:

MSNBC

Description:

Rev. Al Sharpton highlights political stories and issues requiring a national platform.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Damage Control

7/14/2025
On tonight’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton addresses the growing divisions within MAGA-world in light of the release of the so-called "Epstein files." Many supporters are calling for resignations after the Justice Department announced there was no longer a rumored "client list." To calm his followers, Trump shared a heartfelt message on Truth Social, shifting focus from Attorney General Pam Bondi, who faces calls to resign. He labeled the Epstein files as the work of "radical left lunatics," and his allies blamed the controversy on the "deep state." We’ll cover the fallout from the Epstein files and look ahead to Trump's anticipated "major announcement" on Russia as he meets with NATO’s secretary general to discuss military aid to Ukraine,

Duration:00:41:25

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Tariffs And Trepidation

7/12/2025
On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton criticizes the president for escalating his trade war with new tariffs on Mexico and the European Union, imposing a 30 percent import tariff allegedly starting August 1st. E.U. leaders are preparing countermeasures while continuing negotiations. This situation feels repetitive for many in the U.S., as the president habitually issues tariff threats and sets deadlines. However, some of his vocal supporters are distancing themselves due to the Justice Department's refusal to release the "Epstein files," which Trump had promised. The DOJ claims the files never existed, causing a significant rift among MAGA supporters. Even some administration members are reportedly ready to expose the truth if the files are not released.

Duration:00:41:07

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Latest on TX Flooding/Political Fallout from the Big Beautiful Bill

7/7/2025
On today’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton shares the important updates on the latest of the Texas flooding that left nearly 80 people dead including 43 adults and 28 children. California Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear join to discuss the Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump recently signed that will affect millions of Americans and the impact of their respective states. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott will join to discuss the bill having an impact on Maryland as well as the investigation on Correctional Department employee who invited ICE to a local courthouse to detain someone during a pre-trial meeting.

Duration:00:45:41

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Aftermath

7/6/2025
On today’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses President Trump and other Congressional Republicans celebration of the passage of the Tax and Spending Bill this Fourth of July weekend. While it may be a win for the GOP, the Americans will be affected with more than four trillion dollars in net tax cuts over the next decade. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries will join to discuss more about the spending cuts. Twelve million Americans are likely to see their health insurance go away. Three million will watch as their SNAP benefits disappear. Many Economists warn that it could be a formula for disaster, adding more than three trillion dollars to the national debt over the next decade, which only leaves future generations to face the consequences of the political decisions leaders are making today. In the meanwhile, the administration’s mass deportation efforts will witness a historic windfall with 45 billion dollars in new funding for ICE alone.

Duration:00:39:18

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Bill In Motion

6/29/2025
On today’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses the imminent Senate vote on President Trump’s tax bill. Senate clerks have spent over half a day reading a lengthy bill at the request of Democrats. Senate GOP leaders have made compromises to win the support of holdouts after lengthy negotiations on cuts to Medicaid and other social programs. They plan to obscure the bill’s true cost, making it appear significantly cheaper than many economists predict. Now, both Republican leaders and some of the president's allies are warning that this budget could lead to a disaster, favoring the wealthiest Americans, worsening inflation, and jeopardizing the social safety net for years to come.

Duration:00:41:03

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Who's winning?

6/28/2025
On today’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton starts with the Senate in session as Republicans rush to pass the President's tax bill before July Fourth. Senate GOP leaders have negotiated with holdouts on several issues to secure the votes they need, but it remains uncertain whether these agreements will be enough to clear procedural hurdles. We know that economists have warned the bill could be a disaster for America, increasing the debt while the benefits mainly go to the country's wealthiest. This potential economic outlook looks even darker next to another major win for the President this week—a series of Supreme Court decisions that have overall granted Trump even more power, mainly by reducing the one and only check we've seen on his administration: our federal courts.

Duration:00:40:14

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The Decider

6/21/2025
On today’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses President Trump’s tough decision regarding the Iran and Israel Conflict. President Trump says he will decide whether the United States should attack Iran’s nuclear sites within the next two weeks despite our spy agencies saying Iran doesn’t have a bomb. The White House is expected to give an Intelligence briefing in the next hour. In the meanwhile, Democrats on the hill are already preparing to stop the President from starting a war without Congress, while their Republican colleagues are distracted by internal squabbles over the President’s “Big Beautiful” Budget Bill. South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn will join us to discuss the latest. Meanwhile, the country continues to watch ICE agents in Los Angeles snatching migrants off the streets, flanked by National Guard Troops that the President has deployed. A federal appeals court gave Trump a win on that matter this week. However, his ability to detain immigrants indefinitely may be in jeopardy, after a key court decision yesterday.

Duration:00:40:37

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Ongoing Manhunt

6/16/2025
On today's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton reports breaking news from Minnesota, where a search is underway for Vance Belter, the suspect in the shooting of two Democratic state lawmakers, one of whom was killed along with her husband. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison will join us to discuss the investigation. In Washington, President Trump is set to leave for the G7 Summit in Canada after a weekend of protests against him. He is also facing a pending court decision regarding his deployment of the National Guard in California amid his crackdown on migrants. We will hear from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass tonight as well. Stay tuned.

Duration:00:42:25

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LAX Protest

6/9/2025
On today's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton begins with breaking news out of Los Angeles. President Trump has deployed the California National Guard following three days of confrontations between protesters and law enforcement regarding the administration's mass deportation efforts in and around Los Angeles.

Duration:00:41:24

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In Plain Sight

5/24/2025
On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses how Donald Trump is spending the holiday weekend playing golf at one of his private clubs, celebrating the passage of his "big, beautiful" tax and spending bill by House Republicans, just in time for Memorial Day. While the bill may seem beneficial for the wealthy with its massive tax breaks, it proposes significant cuts to Medicaid, food assistance, and environmental protections, creating serious problems for many Americans as it moves to the Senate. In addition, Trump capped off the week with a $400 million luxury jet gift from a foreign government and an exclusive dinner tied to a Bitcoin scheme that has greatly enriched him and his family. Amid all this, Trump's Justice Department dropped accountability agreements with police departments this week—the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder—blatantly disregarding his legacy and impact on justice in America. So, my big question tonight is: Is criminal justice in the U.S. anymore "just" than it was five years ago? The answer will come later on "Politics Nation."

Duration:00:43:23

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Reality Check

5/18/2025
On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, The Reverend Al Sharpton discusses how, after being treated like royalty by Arab leaders during his trip to the Middle East this week, Donald Trump is returning to Washington, where the checks and balances of democracy conflict with his aspirations of ruling like a strongman. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has thrown a major obstacle in Trump's mass deportation plans, ruling that Venezuelan detainees must be given more time to present their cases in court. The Court emphasized that the constitutional right to due process must be upheld, even as this administration seeks to target Democratic lawmakers who advocate for the same rights.

Duration:00:41:01

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Under Pressure

5/14/2025
On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses President Trump's upcoming historic trip to the Middle East, but his second-term priorities are at risk. Resistance to his mass deportations is increasing, evidenced by the arrest of a democratically elected mayor. His budget bill is stuck in Congress, with members of his own party in dispute. Additionally, Trump's reputation as a dealmaker is being tested as agreements on tariffs and ceasefires remain elusive. Time is running out for him to advance his agenda before the upcoming midterm elections that could reshape his presidency.

Duration:00:40:10

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An outrageous arrest

5/11/2025
In today's episode of Politics Nation Newark, masked federal agents arrested Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka yesterday outside a migrant detention center. He was participating in a demonstration alongside several New Jersey House Democrats, calling for a tour of the facility. Tensions rose when Baraka was denied entry, resulting in clashes between ICE agents and protesters. The Trump administration defended the arrest, with border czar Tom Homan warning of further arrests for public officials who interfere with their immigration enforcement efforts. This has prompted outrage in the civil rights community, as they view it as a troubling escalation aimed at suppressing political opposition to mass deportation policies.

Duration:00:43:17

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The Next 100 Days

5/4/2025
In this episode of Politics Nation, The Reverend Al Sharpton addresses President Trump's return to Washington this week, where he encounters major challenges. Congressional Republicans are pushing a major spending bill that aligns with Trump’s priorities, including border security, energy, and tax cuts for the wealthy. This plan, which cuts funding for clean water projects and heating assistance for low-income individuals while increasing defense spending to a trillion dollars, is meeting some resistance due to its perceived disregard for pressing social needs. As Congress debates these issues, the American public and Wall Street are bracing for the economic impact of upcoming tariffs, particularly in the farming sector, which warns of a potential crisis. Meanwhile, Trump’s deportation policies are sparking conflict with the courts, as the administration threatens judges and defies court orders related to migrants' rights. All of this is taking place as we anticipate the next phases of Trump’s second term.

Duration:00:40:12

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Scorched Earth

5/3/2025
In today's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discussed the hundred-day mark of President Trump's second term. Trump marked this occasion by escalating the chaos and cruelty defining his presidency. The week started with the significant ousting of National Security Adviser Mike Waltz amid various controversies, raising questions about his successor, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is currently filling both roles. Trump then introduced a budget proposal that suggests a 23 percent cut across key areas like education, environmental protections, healthcare, and the social safety net, while requesting an additional trillion dollars for national defense and increasing border security spending, despite low crossing rates. Even Trump's allies in Congress are reportedly anxious about selling this budget to the public, as tariffs kick in and Wall Street grows concerned about a potential trade war and recession. And that's where we begin tonight.

Duration:00:39:51

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Blow Black

5/1/2025
Tonight, on an episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses how President Trump will reach the 100-day mark of his second term in office on Tuesday. His return to the presidency has been marked by a series of executive actions that have challenged the fundamental principles of our democratic system. New polling suggests many Americans are upset and anxious about the direction the Trump administration is taking America. They are also dissatisfied with the president's job performance, even on issues that were once considered Trump's strengths, like immigration and the economy. Democrats are increasingly stiffening their spines and fighting back. Last night, Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer told Politics Nation that the constitutional crisis has arrived. Right now, Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker are on the steps of Capitol Hill, holding a sit-in billed as an "urgent conversation with the American people" ahead of Congress returning to session tomorrow to debate Republicans' proposed budget plan.

Duration:00:40:09

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A Moment Of Mourning

4/27/2025
On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses the recent events surrounding Pope Francis, who was laid to rest this morning at Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. People of all faiths and those without faith worldwide paused to remember a man who dedicated his life to the principles of faith, compassion, and peace. Also, amid the solemnity of the day, there were also moments of hope, including a meeting between U.S. President Trump and Ukraine's President Zelenskyy. This meeting took place under the domes of the holiest church in the Christian world and focused on finding a path to end hostilities that have lasted three years due to Russia's war in Ukraine. This discussion came just a few months after Trump publicly berated Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Lastly, as Trump returns to Washington, it remains to be seen whether any goodwill from this meeting will carry over to a nation deeply divided by the provocative policy moves made by this White House, as we approach the hundred-day mark of President Trump’s second term.

Duration:00:43:52

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Standoffs and Confrontations

4/20/2025
On today's episode of Politics Nation, the Reverend Al Sharpton touches base as we hurtle towards day 100 of Trump 2.0. We're also starting another week and another round of judicial combat between the Trump administration and our courts. Right now, the President's attempts to deport Venezuelans have been halted by the Supreme Court as justices consider that case. Plus, while the white house continues to justify the mistaken deportation of a Maryland man -- and its refusal of a Supreme Court order to retrieve him, The case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has become a rallying cry for activists and some Democratic lawmakers, who see it as the shot in the arm the party needs right now. Also, this week is the first Earth Day of Trump's second term. As he doubles down on harvesting fossil fuels and the exploitation of our oceans, and continues to defund federal research, scientists warn of another potentially record-breaking summer heat cycle. And who pays most of the price? We'll tell you in just a bit, as we've got another "Politics Nation" summit to tackle the trump effect on our habitats and health.

Duration:00:42:05

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Laying Down the Law

4/20/2025
In tonight's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses the Trump administration's need to temporarily halt deportations of Venezuelans while the Supreme Court reviews the case. A rare ruling was issued by the high court early Saturday after backlash against the White House's strict immigration policies. Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen recently visited El Salvador to meet Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man deported due to an "administrative error." Instead of complying with the Supreme Court's order to facilitate his return, the White House provided information about Abrego-Garcia’s past, claiming it justifies his removal without due process. Concerns are rising in Washington that the administration’s defiance in the face of Supreme Court opposition could lead to a constitutional crisis. The situation underscores the growing scrutiny of the White House's immigration policies and their implications for the rule of law.

Duration:00:42:36

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Roller Coaster

4/12/2025
In today’s episode, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses the significant market volatility this week, as Trump's trade wars impact the American economy. Late last night, the administration announced exemptions for phones, computers, and chips from new tariffs, despite a recent 145 percent tariff on products from China. Some companies are imposing surcharges on imported goods, and Amazon's CEO has warned of rising prices. Meanwhile, legal battles continue over Trump’s agenda, with the Supreme Court indicating its stance on how much oversight it may impose on the president.

Duration:00:41:13