PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton

We anticipate a week that could be crucial for the second Trump administration. On Tuesday, voters in Wisconsin and two districts of Florida will have the opportunity to weigh in on Trump's first two months back in office by casting ballots in races that will impact the balance of the courts and Congress. Trump has dubbed Wednesday "Liberation Day," as he is expected to announce another significant round of tariffs. The President told NBC News that he "couldn't care less" if these tariffs lead to higher costs for consumers. Additionally, the controversy surrounding the Signal messaging app continues to escalate, with growing calls for investigations and accountability. This week is poised to be significant. Let’s get started.

In tonight's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton examines the White House's handling of various scandals that unfolded over the weekend. Members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees are urging the Pentagon to look into the administration's use of a messaging app for U.S. military communications. Representatives from both committees will join us for a discussion on this matter. Moreover, public frustration is rising over substantial government cuts prompted by Elon Musk and Doge, with town halls across the country expressing discontent. Republicans might encounter political fallout in the upcoming special elections. Later, we feature Josh Weil, a Florida congressional contender and public-school teacher who is running in a competitive district that was previously a stronghold for Trump. Finally, the Trump administration is targeting well-known museums that it deems "too woke." Reverend Al Sharpton will offer his perspective on this executive order in this week's segment of "Gotcha."

On this episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses President Donald Trump’s second cabinet meeting and whether billionaire Tesla CEO Elon Musk will make another appearance. Meanwhile, President Trump and his secretaries are dealing with judicial pushback on everything from his mass deportation plans to cuts for the federal workforce. Plus more signs across the country that voters fed up and ready to fight back from noisy townhalls to massive rallies.

We're two months into Trump's second term, and the administration seems to be on the fast path to a constitutional showdown with the courts. Much of the drama this week centered around the white house's attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members. Trump and his allies have repeatedly attacked the judge handling the case, with some calling for the judge's impeachment, prompting a rare rebuke from Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts. Similar stories are playing out in other hot-button cases, including Trump's transgender ban in the military and his efforts to give doge access to Americans' most sensitive social security data. One clear question is emerging across the docket: Who will emerge the victor in a battle of wills between judges appointed to uphold the law and a president who believes he is the law?

On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses President Trump's return to the White House after another weekend of golf at his Florida resort and the various challenges he faces ahead. Despite campaigning on peace, he launched airstrikes in Yemen last night, resulting in at least 31 deaths. Additionally, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration's attempt to utilize wartime authorities for the rapid deportation of migrants linked to Venezuelan gangs. Plus, an NBC News poll revealed that Trump’s approval rating was at an all-time high, although Americans expressed concerns about his economic policies. Meanwhile, Democrats are experiencing declining favorability ratings as they debate their strategy to counter the president. Lastly, the Reverend Al Sharpton discusses the issues with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who just met with Trump, and Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist, who is running to become the state’s first Black governor.

In today’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend AL discusses a tumultuous week for the second Trump administration, highlighted by the looming threat of a government shutdown. Additionally, critics argue that the Republican stopgap spending bill signed by Trump raises concerns. It fails to limit his control over federal spending. It has created a division among House Democrats, who largely stood against it, and Senate Democrats, including Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who permitted its progress. Schumer is now facing backlash for allegedly yielding to Trump. Lastly, Trump returned to Mar-a-Lago following a Republican victory and made headlines with a controversial speech at the Justice Department. The federal budget remains unresolved, and Elon Musk’s Doge Group is scaling back government services. Significant reductions to Social Security are anticipated as voter frustration grows.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, moments ago in Selma, I joined the commemorative march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to honor those who faced "Bloody Sunday" sixty years ago. Participating in this march has been one of my greatest honors as an activist. However, today’s observance lacked the joy of past years and felt like a call to action. The civil rights community is facing its greatest threat in decades from a Trump administration that is undermining Black advancement, erasing Black history, and attacking Black participation in society. Tonight, live from this historic site, I will discuss the generational threat to voting, civil, and human rights with three Black members of Congress, reflecting on the sacrifices made here in Selma 60 years ago.

On today's episode of 'Politics Nation' Nearly two months into Trump's second term, Democrats remain without a clear strategy to respond to his administration. Plus, signs of opposition emerge as lawmakers adapt differently, such as breaking ranks or compromising. This week, Texas Congressman Al Green staged a bold protest during Trump’s address to Congress, resulting in censure from some Democrats who felt he went too far. As the Democrats' resistance begins to take shape, Trump’s agenda appears to be stalling. Republicans in Congress are grappling with backlash over cuts, tariff disputes, and proposed reductions to the Education Department's budget—issues on which Trump has temporarily backtracked. Lastly, reports indicate that Trump has asserted control over Elon Musk, making it clear in a cabinet meeting that his administration is in charge, not Musk and his team.

On today’s episode of Politics Nation, we look forward to President Trump’s joint address to Congress, amid significant division following weeks of controversial actions from his administration. America's European allies are now considering independent measures for Ukraine following a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, federal workers are preparing for more chaos as Elon Musk interferes with their jobs without proper oversight. As Americans tune in on Tuesday, they will be looking for answers on how Trump’s actions will fulfill his promises to reduce inflation, create jobs, and enhance global safety. Will he provide clarity, or will it just be empty rhetoric?

On tonight’s episode of Politic Nation, America’s allies and adversaries are reacting to the notable exchange between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office. Tensions have risen regarding peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance criticized Zelensky for not adequately showing gratitude for U.S. support. Negotiations are currently on hold, and an agreement for U.S. access to Ukrainian mineral resources remains unsigned. This incident may mark a shift in U.S. policy, with Trump moving away from traditional democratic partners in Europe toward more amicable relations with authoritarian leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin. We will explore the political fallout from this meeting and provide updates on budget negotiations in Congress. Additionally, breaking news from New York City reveals that former Governor Andrew Cuomo is announcing his campaign for mayor.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, government workers received an email from President Trump's unelected efficiency expert, Elon Musk, stating: "Justify your job in five lines or resign." The Trump administration is also planning a takeover of the postal service. The head of the postal workers' union will explain the threat to this longstanding American institution. At the Pentagon, the second-ever Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the first woman to lead the Navy has been removed, along with several other high-ranking officials, accused of being "too woke." We’ll cover President Trump’s ongoing takeover of the federal government tonight. Finally, we’ll preview a new documentary addressing the mental health crisis in the Black community, featuring a young filmmaker who tackled the subject shortly after middle school.

On this episode of Politics Nation, the Rev. Al discusses how the Trump administration embraces its aggressive governing style. Just hours ago, President Trump enthused the crowd at the conservative political action conference in Washington. This right-wing event Has become a celebration of the harsher aspects of Trump 2.0. Today, our Civil Rights Summit panel will address the mass firings, deportations, and the consistent demonization of immigrants, transgender Americans, and anyone who embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion values. While these strongarm tactics may thrill the Maga supporters able to attend this political rally in D.C., they face a cooler reception throughout mainstream America. Even lawmakers in Republican districts are now receiving communications from constituents, realizing they might be unable to effectively count on this administration to deliver the government services essential for a functioning country. The key question remains: How will Americans respond to a new administration that leads with a closed fist when they expect a helping hand?

The second Trump administration is now in its fifth week, facing several significant challenges. In Washington, budget negotiations are set to start, but Elon Musk’s Doge team is significantly cutting government agencies. Republicans need unity within their divided caucus or support from outraged Democrats to avoid a government shutdown, particularly concerning social programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP. Meanwhile, Trump officials are headed to Saudi Arabia for peace talks about Russia-Ukraine, while concerns about U.S. support for Ukraine linger. European leaders are preparing for an emergency security summit in Paris after Vice President J.D. Vance's visit raised more questions regarding U.S. foreign policy. In New York, we await a federal judge's decision on the Justice Department's motion to dismiss the corruption case against Mayor Eric Adams, which led to several DOJ prosecutors' resignations.

On this episode of Politics Nation, Rev. Al Sharpton discusses how the Trump administration's decision to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams has pushed the city's political landscape to the brink and sparked a revolt within the U.S. Department of Justice. This scandal caps off another whirlwind week for the White House. President Trump publicly supported Elon Musk and his chaotic efforts to dismantle the federal government. Democratic Congresswoman Terri Sewell joins us to discuss President Trump's Doge Commission, which his billionaire associate, Elon Musk, leads. The commission continues to disrupt the federal government by cutting off payments and firing workers. Critics argue that these actions are being taken without regard for existing laws and regulations. The effects of these cuts are even being felt in heavily Republican states like Alabama. While President Trump claimed he would restore faith in God during his second term, his support for religious communities was minimal. Just weeks into his administration, he has allowed immigration raids to occur in houses of worship, cut funding for specific religious charities, and is working on a new version of his Muslim travel ban. Tonight, in honor of Black History Month, we have convened a civil rights summit on religious liberties featuring Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism, and Reverend Freeman Palmer, Conference Minister of the United Church of Christ's Central Atlantic Conference.

It's Super Bowl Sunday - with kickoff just over an hour away. President Trump will appear at the big game tonight, joined by tech mogul Elon Musk. In a pre-game interview with Fox News, Trump hinted at plans to target budget cuts in the education and defense departments, with Musk's team backing these efforts. Plus, House and Senate Republicans are struggling to meet Trump's budget demands amid looming government shutdown threats at the end of the month. Later, Sports journalist Jemele Hill also discusses the Trump effect on the NFL, which claims to uphold its off-field diversity efforts, even as its main social justice initiative has been removed.

Tonight, in Politics Nation, political and legal battles are raging over how far President Trump can go in remaking the entire government in his image. Using his billionaire tech buddy Elon Musk as muscle, Trump has targeted agencies like the Treasury and U.S. AID, trying to push out thousands of workers he doesn't like and eliminate scores of programs he disagrees with—regardless of whether he has the legal authority to do so. Trump and Musk's smash-and-grab tactics have mobilized Democrats to push back, leading to shocking scenes of elected lawmakers being locked out of vital government agencies. Even unelected henchmen from Musk's doge committee are allowed to run wild inside. We'll have the latest on all of it ahead. Plus, this week's civil rights summit zeroes in on the fight for the soul of America's schools as the Trump administration tries to terminate the Department of Education and radically transform the way we teach our children about race.

On this episode of Politics Nation, the new Trump Administration finds itself deeply embroiled in a web of conflicts, including possible trade wars with America. Rev. Al Sharpton discusses the new tariffs imposed on Mexico, Canada, and China with Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen. Meantime, the Trump administration’s purge of DEI workers at the federal level continues, but long-time civil servants are pushing back and paying for it with their jobs.

Tonight, on Politics Nation, President Donald Trump’s second week back in the White House is proving to be every bit as confrontational and divisive as the first. Trump’s tariffs for Canada, Mexico and China have gone into effect. Economists warn they could raise prices for everyday Americans. The administration has also begun a purge of FBI agents who investigated January 6th and six senior officials have already been fired. And on the 1st day of Black History Month, Rev. Al Sharpton convenes a special Civil Rights Summit where leaders in the movement including Martin Luther King III, Benjamin Crump and Judith Browne-Dianis talk about how to fight for our rights in the age of Trump 2.0.

On this episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton and the mayor of Newark, New Jersey discuss an ICE/DEA deportation raid on a local restaurant. California Democrat Rep. Brad Sherman discusses his reaction to President Trump’s recent criticism of FEMA’s response to wildfires in Los Angeles. And the President-Elect of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Jeffrey Glover, talks about how Trump’s executive order freezing the DOJ will affect the Civil Rights investigations into police departments accused of harming citizens.

The first days of President Trump's second term have already prompted lawsuits from at least a dozen Democrat-run states and cities over his Birthright citizenship order. The President and his administration have also scrapped the DEI efforts put in place by prior administrations and are now threatening federal workers in DEI roles. On this episode of Politics Nation, Colorado Rep. Joe Neguse joins to discuss the President's first week. Rev. Al Sharpton also welcomes Everett Kelly, President of The American Federation of Government Workers, to discuss federal employees' stakes.