The Weekend Primetime - Episode Guide

The Trump White House sees its first major shake-up, a federal judge rejects one of Trump's key deportation efforts, and Harvard's President pushes back against Trump's move to revoke the university's tax-exempt status.

Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi is released after being detained during his naturalization interview, the U.S. may be readying new sanctions against Russia, and President Trump may get a U.S. Army parade… on his birthday.

President Trump tells Meet the Press that the U.S. would be "okay" in the long term if there is a recession, James Carville and David Hogg's feud finally erupts in public, and a new report says Tesla has started searching for a new CEO to replace Elon Musk.

The ACLU's Lee Gelernt responds to Trump's shocking response when asked if he would uphold the Constitution. Plus, Rep. Pramila Jayapal joins to discuss the growing progressive resistance to Trump.

President Trump tells MTP's Kristen Welker that he doesn't know if he'll uphold the Constitution when it comes to immigration, the U.N. says the situation in Gaza has devolved into a "worst case scenario" and Trump tries to make the ancient papal conclave all about himself.

Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers gives his take on how the economy has fared since Trump took office, a Harvard professor on why she's suing the administration and comedian Chuck Nice talks about the Met Gala, focused this year on Black men's fashion.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka held for hours after protesting outside an ICE facility. Plus, the Art of the Yield. U.S. and Chinese officials sit down for trade talks, but is Trump already backing down? And when could we feel the economic pain from his tariff turmoil?

Two congressmembers who witnessed the dramatic arrest of Newark's mayor join to discuss what they saw inside a New Jersey ICE detention center. Plus, the commissioner of the Port of Seattle on when you could start feeling the pain of Trump's tariffs.

The Supreme Court's May surprise. President Donald Trump and his unconstitutional attempt to strip Americans of their citizenship.

Plus, what former President Joe Biden is saying about Kamala Harris losing the election.

The Trump Grift continues. The administration is preparing to accept a luxury jumbo jet from Qatar that will be used as Air Force One. Plus, the Trump Administration says it has a trade deal with China even as they keep the details in the dark.  

Donald Trump said he'd hire only the best people, but the ones he's surrounding himself with now seem increasingly unqualified. Plus, why one county in Texas might hold big clues about where the midterms are headed.

The political world is rocked by news of President Joe Biden's diagnosis of an "aggressive" form of prostate cancer. Plus, Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson discusses the case of a brain-dead, pregnant Georgia woman being kept alive because of the state's strict abortion law.

NBC News Chief Washington Correspondent Andrea Mitchell says it's "mystifying" to her that former President Biden's prostate cancer was not detected sooner. Plus, an oncology professor at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine discusses the details of Biden's diagnosis.

Former President Joe Biden diagnosed with aggressive form of prostate cancer. And President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful budget" some Republicans disagree with. Plus, DNC vice-chair David Hogg on how to solve Democrat's problems.

President Donald Trump using government powers to expand his retribution tour. Plus, why Harvard can keep its international student body, at least for now.

Donald Trump's "Buddy-in-chief" is back in the halls of power just days after suggesting he might take a step back. Plus, Kristi Noem's tortured definition of Habeas Corpus raises fresh concerns for due process.

President Trump continues to leverage his presidency, as he hosted a private event for hundreds of Trump meme coin investors this week. Critics are already labeling the event a pay-for-access scheme. Plus, the MAHA Agenda in writing. RFK Jr. releases the long awaited health report detailing what he says is causing chronic diseases.

Trump announced a new date for the European Union tariff. Plus, where the movement for accountability and racial justice stands five years after George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer.

Donald Trump has taken the "bully pulpit" literally and is using his executive power to seek retribution against his political enemies. He's called for a slew of investigations for everyone from Kamala Harris to Beyonce. Plus: The author of "Original Sin" joins to show to discuss the new book on Joe Biden that has people on both sides of the aisle talking.

Trump delays the 50% charge hits against the European Union. Plus: remembering George Floyd 5 years since his death. Attorney Ben Crump joins the show to discuss what has and hasn't changed in America. 

"The Weekend: Primetime" talks with Michael Cohen about whether he'd accept a pardon from President Trump… plus, Dr. Craig Spencer weighs in on some worrying health developments driven by RFK Junior… also, Arwa Damon dives into the chaos unfolding at a distribution site in Gaza.

The Supreme Court has allowed President Trump to revoke temporary legal status for more than 500,000 immigrants from four different countries. Plus, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins joins to discuss his Tony nominated play "Purpose."

President Donald Trump targeting steel coming into the United States. Plus, the million-dollar military parade your tax dollars will pay for. 

 Intense protests erupted coast to coast amid ICE raids, plus has the Trump–Musk feud hit the point of no return? We'll dive into their breakup and the new warning from Trump.

Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) joins to discuss the Trump Administration's immigration crackdown. Plus, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) on why he's open to a dialogue with Elon Musk after his MAGA implosion.

Tensions erupted in Los Angeles as protesters clashed with law enforcement agents over immigration raids. Plus, is it time for a new generation of U.S. leaders? 26-year old Kat Abughazaleh is one of those hoping to bring new blood to Congress as she runs for Illinois' 9th Congressional District. And award-winning actor and comedian Ramy Youseff is talking about his new movie "Mountainhead," and the potential impact from Trump's travel ban.

Minnesota officials give updates on the search for the shooting suspect as manhunt intensifies. New developments in the search for the gunman in the shootings of Minnesota lawmakers. NBC law enforcement analyst Evy Poumpouras weighs in on the investigation. Plus, analysis of President Trump's trip to Canada for the G7 summit.

Fmr. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio joins the show to talk about the rise of political violence and what's behind its move from the fringes to an inescapable reality. Plus. marking ten years of Trump since he rode down the escalator to announce his candidacy for President.

When it comes to immigration, it's down to the President versus the courts, again. Plus, the political comedy duo "The Good Liars" tell us what they are hearing in MAGA-world

As Trump weighs strikes on Iran, sidelining top advisers and watching his MAGA base fracture, Susan Del Percio breaks down the one voice Trump listens to. Plus, Danny Cevallos on the new legal showdown after Mahmoud Khalil's ICE release. And hear from Nezza, who defied the Dodgers by singing the national anthem in Spanish in protest of Trump's ICE raids.

Basil Smikle and Cameron Kasky discuss the ongoing attacks between Iran and Israel and Trump's habit of putting things off for "two weeks" at a time. Plus, the impact of Rep. James Clyburn endorsing Andrew Cuomo for NYC mayor, and the broader costs of Trump's immigration tactics and mass deportation campaign.

Trump officials are sending mixed messages to the American people about the purpose and strategy behind the U.S. entering Israel's war with Iran. Trump's bombing of key Iranian nuclear facilities triggered an emergency meeting at the United Nations Security Council, where representatives urged de-escalation. Now, U.S. officials are concerned about Iran retaliating by targeting military bases in the region. And Iranians and Israelis brace for what's next.

Rep. Jake Auchincloss discusses whether Trump's decision to attack Iran violated the constitution. Plus, Trita Parsi and Hooman Majd on Trump contradicting his administration on regime change in Iran.

Trump undercuts his own Vice President with a new social media post suggesting "regime change" in Iran would not be a bad thing. Plus, the economic impact of the U.S. joining the war and what it means for oil prices.

Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin argues that President Trump's Supreme Court victory isn't as clear-cut as it seems. Plus, former Rep. Mondaire Jones weighs in on Zohran Mamdani's stunning upset in New York and the controversy surrounding.

MSNBC's exclusive joint interview with Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil and his wife, Dr. Noor Abdalla. Khalil was released on bail after becoming a national symbol of the Trump Administration's targeting of students protesting Israel's war in Gaza.

Immigration policies leading to difficult decisions for migrants. Plus, the U.S. exploring a new nuclear with Iran. It comes amid a war of words between President Trump and Iran's Supreme Leader.

Senator Sanders blasted the GOP's "obscene" bill, claiming it's fueled by hundreds of millions spent electing Trump in exchange for tax breaks for the wealthy along with cuts to vital programs like healthcare. And Senator Maggie Hassan explains how Trump's megabill will harm constituents in her state.

New York City Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani joins to discuss his stunning electoral performance, why some top Democrats are holding out endorsing him, and the Islamophobic threats he's facing.

Republicans fall in line with whatever President Trump wants, even if what Trump wants is massively unpopular and will rip healthcare away from millions. Plus, our panel discuss the crackdown on immigration and how the Trump Administration is laughing at the outrage.  

Officials in Texas give an update on the deadly flash floods that have killed dozens and left dozens more missing. Plus, a pardoned January 6 rioter reportedly begins working for the Department of Justice.  

Democrats see a fresh line of attack after President Donald Trump passed his wildly unpopular tax and spending bill. Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz joins us to discuss how the party can capitalize.  

Democrats are hoping the massive new law from the Trump Administration will give them a messaging opportunity in the midterms. Plus, the White House pushes back hard on the claim that the National Weather Service was not properly staffed for the Texas floods.

Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales talks about the devastating floods that have hit his state of Texas, and how his own community is holding up amid the historic destruction. Plus, the Trump Department of Justice starts stripping citizenship from naturalized Americans.

How Trump's new mega law could make ICE bigger than some nations' militaries. Plus- he'll make you an offer you can't refuse. Why some are now openly comparing the Trump Administration to "The Godfather."

The FBI's criminal investigation into former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey and who ordered it. Plus, we speak to Congressman Adriano Espaillat, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, about how the new mega-law benefits ICE.

Congressman Maxwell Frost describes his "sanitized" tour of the Florida immigration detention camp dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Plus, the very rough week for Trump's cabinet members who find themselves caught between a rock and a MAGA-place.

Paola Ramos and Anthony Coley weigh in on the fallout from the Epstein files that rocked Trump's Justice Department. Plus, the Trump administration is slammed for its response to the brutal killing of a young American in the occupied West Bank.

Congressman Brendan Boyle weighs in on next week's vote in the senate -- shaping up to be a loyalty test: back Trump's push to defund public broadcasting, or risk getting cut off. And co-authors of the new book "2024" lay out what Democrats must do now to position themselves for a winning election.

President Trump offered words of support to his Deputy FBI Director amid a MAGA meltdown over the Epstein files and the anger at Attorney General Pam Bondi. Plus, how RFK Jr.'s vaccine skepticism looms large over as U.S. measles cases hits a more than 30 year high.

Former Georgia House Minority Leader and host of the "Assembly Required" podcast, Stacey Abrams, joins the show to talk about her new thriller novel, and how America is slowly descending into autocracy.

President Trump files a lawsuit against Rupert Murdoch and the Wall Street Journal over the bombshell report about Trump and Epstein. Plus, Republicans keep complaining about the laws they voted for.

President Trump is facing increasing pressure to act on the Epstein case, an issue he campaigned heavily on during the 2024 campaign season. Plus, Zohran Mamdani is still waiting for the endorsements from key democratic leaders. 

President Trump is growing frustrated with his Attorney General's handling of the Epstein files, and has directed her to release all grand jury testimony. Plus, Trump's war on children is affecting families across the country.

President Trump and Jeffrey Epstein have a decades-long relationship, as much as Trump would like to argue otherwise. Plus, the CEO of NPR joins the show to discuss what the brutal funding cuts mean for rural America.

President Trump is throwing anything against the wall to try and distract from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Plus, yet another Hegseth staffer heads for the exit as the issues at the Pentagon get worse and worse.  

Donald Trump's former personal lawyer Michael Cohen gives Trump a reporter card grade six months into his second term. Plus, Bob the Drag Queen joins the show to talk about the administration's attack on LGBTQ rights.

Barry Levine addresses speculation that Jeffrey Epstein was an intelligence asset. Plus, a new report exposes shocking treatment of detained migrants.

Trump continues to throw anything at the wall in his effort to distract the American people from the controversy that's consuming his administration. Plus, Congressman Mike Quigley on the call from Democrats to release the Epstein files.

The Trump administration's attempt to control the narrative surrounding the Epstein scandal continues to fall flat. Plus Democratic progressives continue to stay in the headlines. This time it's Minnesota State Senator Omar Fateh, who's hoping to be the next mayor of Minneapolis. He joins to show to talk about his campaign.

Emma Vigeland and Tim O'Brien weigh in on the Epstein controversy as lawmakers intensify calls to unseal the files. Plus, Texas Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher says it's time for Democrats to play by the same rules as Republicans, as the GOP moves to redraw the political map in the Lone Star state. 

Congressman Robert Garcia (D-NY) says its time to release the Epstein files as Trump tries to escape the story. Plus, Six months of "Make America Healthy Again" and RFK Jr. is pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable with the healthcare system.

Why Trump's staunchest supporters and media allies now believe Ghislaine Maxwell is central to unlocking the Epstein scandal. Also, what a majority of Americans are saying about the President's so-called "Big Ugly Law." Then comedian Gianmarco Soresi joins us to explain why he's been going after podbros.

Former Commissioner of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Erica Groshen, weighs in on Trump's firing of the labor statistics chief following a weaker-than-expected jobs report. Plus, a fiery debate from our panel on Capitol Hill's Gaza discourse, with one unexpected figure stealing the spotlight. 

Former Texas Representative and Senate Candidate Beto O'Rourke is hoping Texas Democrats take a stand and deny state GOP lawmakers the chance to potentially take away five blue seats from the state. Plus, ProPublica reporters join to discuss the sometimes violent methods ICE agents employ to carry out Trump's mass deportation agenda.

President Donald Trump is trying to use his old foe Jack Smith to try and change the subject from a story that just won't go away. Plus, the important piece of history that Trump may or may not be trying to erase from the Smithsonian.

Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher calls Texas Democrats' bold move to block Republican-led redistricting a flashpoint in the national battle over voting rights and democracy. Plus, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear weighs in on whether it's immoral for U.S. taxpayers to keep funding Israel amid famine.

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and former Congressman Colin Allred join the show to speak out about Texas Republicans' effort to redistrict as state Democrats flee to Illinois as they try to fight back. Plus, the Trump Administration struggles to defend his firing of the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics after a bad jobs report.

Texas Democrats stepping up the fight against an anti-democratic push by Republicans to redraw congressional maps in the state. Texas House Democrats have fled to Illinois to prevent a quorum in the statehouse, grinding business in Austin to a screeching halt. Congressman Greg Casar joins the show.

Sources tell NBC News that the White House is considering inviting Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join President Trump's high-stakes meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Alaska next Friday. The potential invitation follows Trump's remarks suggesting a possible territorial exchange between Russia and Ukraine -- an idea Zelenskyy has firmly rejected.

The Justice Department moved to unseal Grand Jury exhibits related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, just as the Republican-led Oversight Committee subpoenaed the DOJ for records on the investigation. But some people who are not on the list are notable Trump allies.

Trump teased a press conference tomorrow on cracking down on crimes and homelessness in the nation's capital -- even as violent crime is actually down. Meanwhile, Democrats say they're ready to fight dirty as the GOP ramps up its redistricting push.

Tonight on "The Weekend: Primetime" Donald Trump campaigned on fighting against the so-called weaponization of the Department of Justice. But, as is usually with the president, that turned out to be mere projection as the DOJ continues to escalate its campaign against people Trump considers his political enemies.

Former Ambassador Michael McFaul breaks down the implications of President Trump's meeting with Putin in Alaska, the failure to secure a ceasefire agreement ahead of Zelenskyy's upcoming Oval Office meeting, and how other countries might interpret and respond to it. Tonight on "The Weekend: Primetime" the big question stirring the pot is whether Monday's meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy will be a cringe-worthy sequel to February's fiasco. Former Ambassador 

With the Nobel Peace Prize a priority for his second term, President Donald Trump envisions ending the war in Ukraine as a major notch toward that goal. Tonight on "The Weekend: Primetime" If there's one thing Donald Trump has made abundantly clear is that he really wants the Nobel Peace Prize. Trump traveled to Anchorage for his summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine war, just as he received a unexpected Nobel endorsement from an unlikely ally. 

Tonight on "The Weekend: Primetime": Ukraine's President Zelenskyy meets with President Trump at the White House tomorrow in a high-stakes push for peace. A group of European leaders will be there too—signaling unity with Ukraine. It comes after Trump dropped his ceasefire demand following his meeting with Putin in Alaska, moving him closer to the Kremlin's vision.

Congressman Jamie Raskin, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and Congressman Robert Garcia introduced a joint resolution to block President Trump's move to take control of D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department arguing the federal takeover violates the city's right to self-govern under the D.C. Home Rule Act. 

Tonight on "The Weekend: Primetime" Tonight: The White House is continuing to escalate tensions over its attempted D.C. takeover, as MORE National Guard troops - some carrying arms -- are set to arrive in the nation's capital this week. 

Epstein, Immigration and Retribution. The Trump Administration hopes to put out the fire from the Epstein controversy while Kilmar Abrego Garcia is warned he may be deported yet again and President Trump begins his retribution tour against his loudest critics.

Democrats are claiming Republicans are stonewalling attempts to release the Epstein files, even as the Justice Department releases hours of audio from the Ghislaine Maxwell interview.

Tonight: while past presidents have gone to great lengths to avoid any appearance of political interference with the Justice Department, Trump made no such effort when questioned about the Bolton search. 

A top democrat says the search of John Bolton's home is "clearly" retribution for Bolton's criticism of the Trump Administration. Plus, the National Guard in D.C. will be armed for the first time since Trump ordered the military crackdown.

National Guard troops will be carrying weapons in the nation's capitol as Trump continues his military crackdown of big cities, as Republicans prepare to confront the Epstein controversy yet again when they come back to the Capitol after Labor Day. 

"The Weekend: Primetime" Tonight: The urgent question looming over Donald Trump's perceived enemies, who's next?

Trump's hardline agenda just hit three major roadblocks: Chicago's mayor defied his National Guard threat, a judge halted fast-track deportations, and a federal court struck down most of his global tariffs setting the stage for a possible Supreme Court clash.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order demanding that President Trump and any federal agents under his direction stand down from plans to deploy the National Guard in the city. He reaffirmed that Chicago police will remain under local control.

Trump makes a stride toward authoritarianism, as chaos engulfs the CDC and as MAGA freaks out over Taylor Swift.

A federal judge temporarily blocked the administration from deporting more than 600 Guatemalan children to their home country, several of whom have expressed fear about returning. The emergency suit was filed in the middle of the night by immigrant advocacy groups. We speak with one of the lawyers at the center of the lawsuit against the Trump administration.

On Wednesday, Congressmen Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie will hold a press conference with survivors of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Congressman Khanna today also said he and Massie are introducing a discharge petition forcing Attorney General Pam Bondi to release a broad range of Justice Department files on Epstein.

Trump's slew of tariffs ran into a legal wall this week, when a court struck down most of the taxes. Plus, a federal judge halted the administration from deporting more than 600 Guatemalan children in the dead of night to their home country, some of whom were orphans and survivors of abuse.

Federal courts have spent the week striking down major Trump-era moves, calling them "unlawful" and even "unconstitutional." From blocked deportations to illegal National Guard deployments, judges are reversing key policies left and right. And grand juries? They're refusing to indict several DOJ targets.

Trump is brushing off a terrible jobs report and claiming things will get better, but so far companies are shedding workers and not hiring - especially for people of color. Plus, a former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein joins the show to speak about her experience and her accusation that Donald Trump groped her.

Why MAGA loyalists are turning against President Trump over his response to the Jeffrey Epstein files. Congresswoman Greene told the Wall Street Journal that she and a handful of her Republican colleagues have been outspoken about the need for full transparency on Epstein.

Trump is facing significant challenges on issues that once helped secure his presidency, according to a new NBC News poll released today. The poll reveals troubling numbers, with 57% of voters disapproving of his job performance overall. But the bad news doesn't end there. His economic policies are also in deep trouble, with just 41% approving of his handling of trade and tariffs. Worse still, only 39% approve of his approach to inflation, marking a stark dip in support.

Donald Trump insists it's time to move on from scrutiny over his involvement with the Epstein files, a stance many Republicans seem willing to accept, but Democrats continue to challenge.

The investigation continues as authorities search for a motive after 22-year-old Tyler Robinson was arrested Friday accused of the deadly shooting. Officials say he left behind ammunition engraved with references to fascism, internet memes, and video games; formal charges are expected Tuesday.

A very serious question facing the Department of Justice as it investigates the deadly shooting of Trump ally Charlie Kirk. However, threats against members of Congress had already been increasing. 

Since Charlie Kirk's killing, lawmakers from both parties have canceled public events due to safety concerns. However, threats against members of Congress had already been increasing. 

Utah Governor Spencer Cox told NBC's Meet the Press that the suspect has not been cooperating with authorities, but members of the suspect's family and Robinson's roommate are fully cooperating. According to Cox, the roommate had no prior knowledge of the shooting and was "shocked" by it.

President Trump says he's the only one who can save U.S. cities from crime. 

The FBI Director drawing harsh criticism from the far‑right over his response to Charlie Kirk's assassination.

MSNBC reports that the Trump-era Department of Justice shut down an FBI investigation into Tom Homan, now the White House border czar. According to internal documents and sources familiar with the case, Homan was caught in an undercover sting last year accepting $50,000 in cash from agents posing as businessmen seeking future government contracts.

White House Border Czar Tom Homan was under investigation last year prior to joining the administration by the FBI for accepting $50,000 dollars from undercover agents after he indicated he'd help them win government contracts in Trump's administration.

 "The Weekend: Primetime" Tonight: the growing backlash against Disney for "indefinitely" suspending late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and the FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr taking a victory lap.