Meet the Press Meet the Press NOW — March 17
Mar 17, 2026
Steve Kornacki, NBC News chief data analyst known for live electoral breakdowns, previews the Illinois primary map and key competitive House and Senate districts. He highlights which races to watch and how voting patterns could shift tonight. Short, clear takes on the most pivotal contests and maps to monitor.
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Trump's Abrupt Rejection Of NATO Help
- President Trump reversed course on seeking NATO help for securing the Strait of Hormuz, first saying allies would assist and then claiming the U.S. "does not need help."
- Monica Alba highlights the 24-hour swing from outreach to public rejection, and the president's repeated public denigration of NATO despite past Article 5 support.
Short Campaign Claim Versus Long-Term Iranian Capability
- Trump repeatedly framed the Iran campaign as short and on schedule, saying the U.S. could leave "in the very near future."
- Courtney warns that bombing tempo can damage capabilities but won't eliminate Iran's nuclear know-how or all military capacity.
Counterterrorism Director Resigns Over Iran War
- Joe Kent resigned from the National Counterterrorism Center, citing inability to support the war in Iran and alleging undue influence from Israel.
- Monica Alba notes Kent's controversial history (far-right ties, accusations of antisemitism) and the White House's forceful rebuttal.