The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart - Episode Guide

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': It's decision time. Vice President Harris has secured the Democratic presidential nomination and is spending this weekend interviewing potential running mates.

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': It's all about Turnout. With just over 3 weeks until the election and polls tighter than ever, we're following the presidential candidates working for votes in battleground states tonight. President Obama rallies support for Kamala Harris with a direct appeal to Black Men. I'll ask Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist and Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis about how the campaign is shaping up in their states and how Obama's message is resonating in a presidential race that will be decided on the margins. Fit to Serve. Vice President Harris releases records showing her to be in excellent health and calls on Donald Trump to do the same, as questions grow about his mental acuity. Anthony Coley, Molly Jong-Fast and Charlie Sykes join me to discuss that and a new low from Stephen Miller. All that and more on "The Saturday 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."

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 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 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 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 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 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': 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 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 Saturday Show' with guest host Sam Stein in for Jonathan Capehart: New Year, new Congress but with the same bruising politics and gridlock, and that's just within the Republican party. The battles ahead, and whether Mike Johnson can hang on as House Speaker. We'll get some perspective from outgoing Congresswoman Susan Wild of Pennsylvania. And, the MAGA backlash against the DOGE Bros on immigration exposes a huge rift in Trump world, with right-wing critics claiming censorship by Elon Musk on X, and Vivek Ramaswamy accusing Americans of embracing "laziness" and "mediocrity." It's getting ugly. Plus: How seriously should we take Donald Trump's tough talk about taking over Greenland, controlling the Panama Canal, and making Canada a 51st state? All that and more on "The Saturday Show" with guest host Sam Stein. 

On this week's episode of "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart": President Jimmy Carter's casket traveled through his beloved home state of Georgia today, arriving at the Carter Center, where he will lie in repose until Tuesday. Jeremy Bash and presidential historian Lindsay Chervinsky join Jonathan Capehart to remember the late president's often underestimated legacy. Plus, Rep. Mike Johnson narrowly holds onto the Speaker's gavel, but not without some GOP drama. Rep. Robert Garcia of California weighs in on how president-elect Donald Trump had to jump in to help Johnson win, and the role Democrats will play in the new Congress. And, growing concerns over domestic terrorism. In the wake of two deadly incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas, all eyes are on Washington D.C. as security preparations are underway for upcoming major events including Trump's inauguration. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart."

On this week's episode of "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart": Catastrophic wildfires ravage the Los Angeles area. Rep. Judy Chu and FEMA administrator Craig Fugate join Jonathan Capehart to give updates on the efforts to contain the fires and manage the growing strain on first responders. Plus, Special Counsel Jack Smith resigns from the Justice Department ahead of Trump's inauguration. Former federal prosecutor Ankush Khardori and Anthony Coley, former adviser to AG Merrick Garland, joins Jonathan Capehart to discuss Smith's resignation and Trump's sentencing in the New York hush-money election interference case. And, Meta is rolling back its fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram. Oliver Darcy joins Jonathan Capehart to dig into how it could create more political division. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart."

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Two Presidents: President-elect Donald Trump heads to Washington to begin celebrating his Inauguration on Monday. He tells NBC News he's planning a record number of executive actions on day one, including a possible reprieve for Tik Tok. President Biden, having granted clemencies and secured a ceasefire deal in the Middle East, still has time to make some bold moves. With his time in the Oval Office drawing to a close, I have a personal thank-you  for him. Fragile Peace: The first phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is set to begin Sunday unless there is last-minute hiccup over the hostage release. Jeremy Bash is here to explain why the hardest part of the deal is yet to come. And ICE Cold: Jennifer Rubin and Ashley Etienne join me to discuss Trump's plans to carry out mass deportations quote  "very early, very quickly." All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': The Purge: President Trump fires at least a dozen Inspectors General of federal agencies, who are responsible for investigating fraud, waste and abuse. Why this stunning move is a blow against government accountability.  And, Birthright: With the stroke of a pen, President Trump attempts to wipe out an entire class of U.S. citizen. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul joins me to talk about how states are leading the charge to uphold the constitutional right to birthright citizenship.  Plus, Riot Act: Trump's pardon of hundreds of violent Jan. 6th rioters is an affront to the rule of law. Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn and former federal prosecutor Kristy Greenberg weigh in on the damage done and the consequences to come.  All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': two major stories tonight. First, NTSB investigators share new information from the flight data recorders recovered after the deadly crash of a passenger jet and military helicopter.   Aviation analyst Jeff Guzzetti unpacks the importance of the new findings. We also have breaking news on President Trump's newly imposed tariffs against Mexico, Canada and China.  Rep. Gerry Connolly and Rep. Glenn Ivey weigh in on the cost to American consumers, and the flurry of chaos during the second week of Donald Trump's presidency.  All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': The Resistance. From the courts to Congress, the growing pushback against President Trump and First Buddy Elon Musk, and the wrecking ball they're taking to the federal government. Joining me are three of the lawmakers helping to lead the charge, Rep. Sara Jacobs, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Rep. Robert Garcia. Fired Up: Trump's legally dubious buyout offer to 2M government employees is on hold for now, but their future remains in jeopardy. I'll ask Rep. Suhas Subramanyam of Virginia what he's hearing from the thousands of federal workers living in his district. And Trump's Revenge: Jennifer Rubin and Ian Sams are here to talk about Trump's retribution tour, including new reporting from about who the President is banning from intelligence briefings and federal buildings. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Purge, Slash and Burn. The Trump Administration is ramping up its mass firings of federal workers, with hundreds of thousands more living in fear that they'll be next. Two federal workers join me to describe the chaos, and why it's not just bad for the country, it's personal. Global Disorder: The Vice President and rookie Defense Secretary are upending America's leadership on the world stage and alarming European leaders over Ukraine as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the National Security Advisor and the Middle East Envoy head to Saudi Arabia to initiate negotiations toward peace between Russia and Ukraine. I'll talk about the significance of all of this with David Ignatius of the Washington Post who is in Munich. And, Day 1 Dud: Prices aren't going down as Trump promised, inflation is up, and his tariffs threaten to drive them up further. What you should know about how all this could affect America's financial future. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Pentagon Purge. In a late night social media post, President Trump fired the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation's highest ranking military officer, and other high-ranking officials, possibly making way for people more loyal to Trump than the Constitution. Chris Meagher, former Biden Defense Department official, will explain why this is alarming. New Musk Ultimatum. Hours after President Trump called on him to "get more aggressive" today, First Buddy Elon Musk issued a new directive to the federal workforce: Tell me what you did last week or you're fired. Two federal employees caught up in all this chaos join the show with their stories. And scare tactic. The top prosecutor for Washington, D.C., wants an explanation from Rep. Robert Garcia of his comments on Trump and Musk by next week. Rep. Garcia joins me to tell me how he'll respond. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart."

On this week's edition of "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart:" Diplomatic Disaster. Direct negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine are now on hold after President Trump and Vice President Vance berated the Ukrainian President in the Oval Office while defending Vladimir Putin. Rep. Gregory Meeks, ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, joins me to talk about what Trump's gangster-like tactics mean for Ukraine and America's allies in Europe. Cuomo's Comeback: I'll ask Basil Smikle and Susan Del Percio about Andrew Cuomo announcing his bid to be mayor of New York, three years after resigning in disgrace as New York's governor. Controversial marching orders: The Pentagon says it is removing all transgender service members. I'll get reaction from one of the nation's highest ranking trans military leaders. And show your work: As federal employees get a new email demanding their weekly accomplishments, I'll talk to one of the fired government workers who says cutting their jobs is costing us all. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart."

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Bully. President Trump is using the bully pulpit of the presidency to bend critics and the reluctant at home and abroad to his will. Ruth Ben-Ghiat will explain how this fits an authoritarian pattern. And Democratic Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove joins me to discuss Trump's daily threats to federal workers and agencies, and his new demand of support for Speaker Johnson's new short-term spending bill to avoid a government shutdown in 6 days. D.C.'s Dilemma: The mayor of the nation's capitol, Muriel Bowser joins me for a wide-ranging conversation, from Trump's threat of a federal takeover to why D.C.'s relationship with the President and Congress is way more fraught than any other city or state in the country. Social Insecurity. Martin O'Malley, former commissioner of the Social Security Administration, explains why he says recent cuts to the safety net for millions of seniors could collapse the program in 90 days or less. And, on Wisconsin: Another crucial race for that state's Supreme Court that could swing the ideological majority conservative. Judge Susan Crawford is running to ensure the court maintains its 4-3 liberal majortiy and explains her platform. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Where's the fire? The growing calls for stronger opposition to President Trump's extreme agenda, after Senate Democrats help pass the Republicans' continuing resolution. I'll discuss the real cost of capitulating to Republicans to keep the government open with Andrew Desiderio, of Punchbowl News, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Nancy Pelosi, Drew Hamill, and economic columnist Heather Long of the Washington Post. Vengeance is his: Trump brings his revenge tour to the Department of Justice, calling out his critics by name and even suggesting they should be jailed. I'll ask Rep. Jamie Raskin why he called Trump's speech a "desecration" of the department's values. And a run for the history books: Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist will talk to me about his bid to be the next governor of Michigan and the first Black person to hold the position, plus how he plans to flip a state that Donald Trump narrowly won. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Power to the People. As thousands pack anti-DOGE rallies and town halls, I'll talk to state leaders also leading the charge. Attorneys General Keith Ellison of Minnesota and Matthew Platkin of New Jersey will tell me what they're hearing from voters. Demanding Answers. A federal judge wants to know if  President Trump defied his orders over deportation flights. I'll ask Ankush Khardori and Mark Joseph Stern if we are headed to a constitutional crisis or already in one. And President Petty. Trump revokes security clearances for his former opponents, including Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Meghan Hays and Jasmine Wright react to that and much more. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Mounting Opposition. Thousands take to the streets across the country to protest the extreme Trump Agenda, from market-busting tariffs to devastating cuts to federal agencies and more. I'll ask former Biden advisor Mitch Landrieu if this is a defining moment for Democratic resistance. A Rough Republican week. The markets tanked. Their advantage in ruby red congressional districts was cut in half. And a Wisconsin supreme court seat didn't go their way. Political analyst Charlie Sykes and former Biden White House official Andrew Bates weigh in on whether this week was a defining moment for the GOP. Fear Factor. The Trump administration is fighting a judge's order to bring back a man mistakenly detained and sent to that notorious prison in El Salvador. Maria Hinojosa joins me to discuss how these wrongful removals are sparking fear in the immigrant community. And, on the run. Michigan state Sen. Mallory McMorrow is here to talk about her bid for a U.S. Senate seat and why she says it's time for a new generation of Democratic leadership. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Tariff Twist. The Trump administration announces new exemptions to reciprocal tariffs, including smartphones, computers and other consumer electronics, bringing U.S. tech companies back from the edge of a cliff, for now. But tariff policies still threaten other American businesses, not to mention faith in the U.S. economy. Rep. Debbie Dingell of Michigan joins me to talk about that, and the Republican spending plan that threatens the social safety net. Retribution Orders. Another stunning legal week, with the President using executive authority to target private citizens, while Supreme Court rulings leave room for the White House to defy the judicial branch. What it all means for the rule of law. And we warned y'all. While thousands of shocked Americans take to the streets to protest Trump's chaotic and harmful agenda, author Christina Greer is here to explain why Black Americans are not surprised. All that and more on "The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart."

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': The Opposition. From the court of public opinion to the judiciary itself, the pushback against President Trump's war on the rule of law is growing, including at the Supreme Court, which early this morning, blocked the Trump Administration from carrying out more deportations under the Alien Enemies Act, for now. Lee Gelernt, the ACLU's lead counsel in the case, joins me to discuss this consequential case and the response we just got from the administration. Rising Up. As anti-Trump demonstrators take to the streets across the country again, I'll ask Rep. Madeleine Dean why her packed town hall this week moved her to tears. And Never Surrender. Harvard alum and Washington Post columnist, David Ignatius, tells us how the elite university sent an important message, not just to other academic institutions, but to the entire country, when it stood up to Trump. All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart." 

On this week's episode of 'The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart': Pushing legal limits. From arresting a judge, to defying court orders to return a man mistakenly deported, to rounding up foreign students, the Trump administration's immigration policy is undermining the rule of law and endangering the right to due process for everyone. Rep. Robert Garcia and Rep. Ayanna Pressley joined me to talk about their visits with those caught in the chaos.  Hitting Home. As Americans sour on the President's chaotic economic policies, top prosecutors from 12 states are suing him over his tariffs. I asked Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford why they call the tariffs an illegal tax hike. And, the Project 2025 Presidency.  Donald Trump has tried to distance himself from the right-wing blueprint. But David Graham of The Atlantic explains how the first 100 days of the Trump Presidency are right out of this playbook, and why there are still a few big plays up his sleeve.  All that and more on "The Saturday Show with Jonathan Capehart."