The Weekend

Who are The Best People? They’re the people who are the best at what they do and know how to bring out the best in others. On her new podcast, Nicolle Wallace speaks to the people who inspire her. As a mom. As an American. Or sometimes just as a super fan. In the first episode, she sits down with actor Jason Bateman. His show “Smartless,” which he co-hosts with Will Arnett and Sean Hayes, is the podcast that inspired her to do her own. On this special preview, Bateman shares his journey into podcasting and reflects on the political climate that gives him endless fodder for conversation. Search “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace” to listen to the full episode and to catch new episodes every Monday. Or sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts to get early access on Fridays. Signing up for Premium also includes ad-free listening and bonus content.

From Trump’s promise of deporting millions falling short, to his sweeping tariffs not leading to economic prosperity, Trump’s agenda is struggling. Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times, Peter Baker, joins The Weekend to share one area where Trump isn’t struggling: cashing in on the presidency. Plus, all signs are pointing to a “blue wave.” The Democratic Party faces an uphill battle, but they are ready to push forward and win back Congress. Democratic strategist James Carville joins The Weekend to discuss Democrats' hope for the 2026 midterms.

The Trump agenda is facing pushback from all sides -- even from some Republican Senators -- on Trump’s reconciliation bill and proposed budget. Rep. Brendan Boyle joins The Weekend to discuss the backlash and react to Sen. Joni Ernst's sarcastic apology for her comments on Medicaid cuts. Plus, deportation chaos. Rep. Yassamin Ansari joins The Weekend to share her recent surprise visit at an ICE detention center in Eloy, Arizona, where she described conditions as “sickening.” And the hosts showcase their spelling skills in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Scripps spelling bee

RFK Jr.’s recent “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) report required tweaks from the Trump administration after experts pointed out it cited studies that did not exist. Many are wondering: Was artificial intelligence used to create the report? Plus, a dive into the influence big tech companies have on the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace. A new report suggests that AI could slash half of entry-level white-collar jobs. Tech journalist Karen Hao joins The Weekend to discuss.

This week, Republican lawmakers held town halls where they faced jeers regarding the proposed budget cuts in the “big beautiful bill”. Representative Jasmine Crockett joins The Weekend to discuss. Plus, a look at Donald Trump’s recent pardon and commutation recipients, which include popular reality TV stars, a former gang leader, and Republican politicians.

President Donald Trump continues to get a reality check from the judicial branch. Three major rulings this week halted tariffs, his attack on law firms, and the crackdown on Harvard University, but will he listen? Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joins The Weekend to discuss. Plus, Harvard’s bold message to the administration during its commencement ceremony.

Elon Musk officially leaves the Trump administration, but President Trump claims Musk is not really leaving. Eugene Robinson and Sam Stein join The Weekend to look back on Musk’s time and DOGE’s cuts since Trump took office. Plus, economic chaos. TACO or Trump Always Chickens Out is the new mantra on Wall Street as investors navigate the economic whiplash of Trump’s global tariff chaos

The city of Chicago is currently under investigation by the DOJ for its "diversity" hiring practice. Mayor Brandon Johnson joins The Weekend to discuss the investigation and how the city plans to stand up to Trump. Rep. Joe Neguse also joins the show to express concerns over President Donald Trump's dinner for investors of his Trump Meme Coin.

Federal judges have now ordered the Trump administration to facilitate the return of wrongfully deported migrants, but they’re continuing to disregard due process. Plus, six months after the 2024 election, Democrats finally show signs of fighting back. And, our friend and colleague Jonathan Capehart’s new book “Yet Here I Am: Lessons from a Black Man’s Search for Home” is officially out! He recounts stories from his life and finding his voice.

On Memorial Day weekend, Donald Trump addressed graduates at West Point with a campaign-style speech that celebrated his rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and signaled plans to expand the military’s involvement in immigration enforcement. Plus, an analysis of the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which could add over $3 trillion to the deficit while slashing health care and food stamps. Then, Rev. Al Sharpton joins The Weekend to reflect on the fifth anniversary of George Floyd’s murder.

Trump’s ‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ passed in the House, but it’s now facing an uphill battle in the Senate. Plus, Secretary of State and Acting National Security advisor Marco Rubio is facing backlash after he drastically scaled down the size of the National Security Council. Rep. Madeleine Dean of the House Foreign Affairs committee joins The Weekend to share her reaction.

President Donald Trump’s ongoing battle with higher education is facing a dramatic escalation. Ankush Khardori joins The Weekend to discuss how a federal judge blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to ban international students from enrolling at Harvard. Plus, no one is safe from Donald Trump weaponizing his Justice Department. The DOJ is opening investigations against Democrats and Trump’s political rivals. And, Chasten Buttigieg, husband of former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, joins The Weekend to share his new children’s book, “Papa's Coming Home”

President Donald Trump is under fire from critics who are accusing him of corruption after the president held a private dinner at his Golf club in Northern Virginia for crypto investors who bought into his meme coin. April Ryan and Daniel Koh join The Weekend to discuss how Trump is pushing the limits of the presidency like never seen before.

Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” seeks to slash Medicaid and SNAP benefits, but it faces an uphill battle on Capitol Hill. Ultra-conservative House Republicans blocked it from seeing the House floor on Friday, and some Senate Republicans have already warned they won’t accept the “megabill” without major changes. Former Governor John Kasich joins The Weekend to discuss. Plus, Trump accepts white South Africans into the U.S. despite mass deportation efforts.

Attorney General Pam Bondi is facing criticism for what some see as her operating like President Donald Trump's personal attorney, despite pledging to be independent and vowing to never let politics factor into her decisions during her confirmation hearing. President Trump's tariffs and budget are causing alarm for many states,, forcing The House Budget Committee to try again to pass his "Big Beautiful Bill" after right wing Republicans helped sink it on Friday. Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont joins The Weekend to discuss the his concerns about the bill.

Trump hoped to return from his Middle East trip to good news, but instead he got major setbacks on his agenda. MSNBC contributor Sam Stein and MSNBC political analyst Molly Jong-Fast join The Weekend to discuss Trump’s Middle East trip and the lavish gift he was offered. And, they look ahead as the House Budget Committee plans to reconvene tonight after blocking Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” earlier this week. Plus, Trump declares a war on Walmart. He warns America’s largest retailer to “eat the tariffs” instead of raising their prices.

The Supreme Court extended a pause on migrants in Northern Texas under the Alien Enemies Act. President Donald Trump returned from his trip to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar after reconfiguring U.S.-Middle East policy. Former CIA Director John Brennan joins The Weekend to discuss the President's latest approach to policy in the Middel-East.

After a four-day trip to the Middle East, Donald Trump is back in Washington, D.C., and plans to accept a used $400 million plane from Qatar. However, this proposed gift is drawing objections from House Democrats. Representative Jamie Raskin joins The Weekend to discuss how Congress intends to push back. Plus, the Supreme Court continues to block some deportations as Trump tries to undermine immigration law.

Donald Trump’s agenda is in peril, and it’s all because of Republican infighting. Ali Vitali and Kimberly Atkins Stohr react to how the House Budget Committee rejected the president’s bill, which he officially named the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Plus, a federal judge describes the Trump administration’s refusal to provide info in the Abrego Garcia case as “an exercise in utter frustration.” And, New Orleans former mayor, Marc Morial, joins The Weekend to look ahead to next weekend as we mark five years since the horrific murder of George Floyd.

Democrats are sounding the alarm as Trump’s tariffs are hurting Americans. Former senior adviser to President Biden, Mitch Landrieu, joins The Weekend to discuss how Democrats are ramping up their efforts to win back the working class. Plus, Trump’s first major foreign trip. He plans on stopping in the Middle East to talk about a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war. MSNBC national security and intelligence analyst Marc Polymeropoulos and Ambassador Michael Carpenter join The Weekend to discuss that and the tariff war as trade talks continue between the U.S. and China.