The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell Lawrence: When asked, Trump refused to honor fallen U.S. troops in his war
Mar 17, 2026
Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senator from Rhode Island and member of the Senate Judiciary and Finance Committees, discusses judicial independence and legal process. He explores threats to judges and why courts must block politicized prosecutions. He also analyzes a key ruling on subpoenas and concerns about protections for the judiciary.
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Fundraising Using Dignified Transfer Photo
- O'Donnell reports Trump used a dignified transfer photo in a fundraising email, exploiting the war dead.
- He notes this mirrors a prior exploit and argues Congress should rebuke such behavior.
False Claims About Democratic Presidents
- O'Donnell documents Trump's false claim he spoke to former Democratic presidents who supported his war.
- He argues such public hallucinations and contradictory statements may justify invoking the 25th Amendment on mental-health grounds.
Trump's Outreach Helps Russia And Iran
- Trump publicly shifted from saying the U.S. needed no help to asking foreign countries to assist in his war and to reopen oil markets.
- O'Donnell notes Russia and Iran benefit, with Iran allowing some tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.