The Briefing with Jen Psaki

Jen Psaki explains why the news of President Joe Biden pardoning his son Hunter should not distract you from the people who pose actual threats to our country's national security - like Donald Trump's top cabinet picks. Among them, Pete Hegseth was the subject of a jaw-dropping exposé in the New Yorker, revealing that he was often intoxicated on the job in his early career. Gregg Nunziata and Noah Bookbinder join Jen to discuss the importance of thorough FBI background checks in the confirmation process, from their experience as counsels to the Senate Judiciary Committee. Next, Senator Alex Padilla joins the show to discuss his concerns about Trump's picks for top administration roles and the importance of "restoring norms" to protect our democracy. Jen is also joined by Former Romney Campaign Advisor Kevin Madden and NBC Capitol Hill Correspondent Ali Vitali to discuss what behind-the-scenes considerations might look like on Capitol Hill as Trump's cabinet picks meet with Senators. Later, following Trump's nomination of Charles Kushner to serve as Ambassador to France, Jen breaks down Kushner's "loathsome" criminal history and why it should be disqualifying. Finally, Jen is joined by Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party Chairman Ken Martin to discuss why he decided to join the race for DNC chair. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Psaki examines Kash Patel's background and role in MAGA-world, which has been almost entirely defined by his blind loyalty to Donald Trump. Elaina Plott Calabro, staff writer for The Atlantic, joins Jen to discuss her reporting on Patel, including his long history of spreading lies and the danger he poses if confirmed as FBI director. Next, Jen is joined by legal expert Andrew Weissmann and national security analyst Frank Figliuzzi to discuss the implications of Patel's promise to dismantle the so-called "deep state." Jen is also joined by Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, to discuss his bid for DNC chair, including his plans to unite the party and meet voters where they are. Later, Jen shares some thoughts on The New York Times' recent reporting that Pete Hegseth's own mother accused her son of mistreating women for years, Finally, Jen is joined by Jacob Soboroff to discuss "Separated", a documentary film based on his book examining Trump's family separation policy. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Psaki reacts to the news that Donald Trump has officially evaded accountability for his misconduct, after Special Counsel Jack Smith formally moved to dismiss the two Federal cases against him. Jen is joined by Senator-elect Adam Schiff to discuss how we arrived at this moment and the many ways those cases could have played out differently over the last 4 years. Jen is then joined by Melanie Zanona, Brendan Buck and Mark Leibovich to discuss how Trump's cabinet nominees might be considered for confirmation without undergoing FBI background checks, and the possibility that some Senate Republicans might join with Democrats to demand them. Jen also reflects on the implications of Trump's apparent decision to avoid transparency when it comes to his transition fund, which -- as of now -- can raise unlimited money without disclosing the names of donors, including from foreign nationals. Finally, Jen talks to Congressman and Veteran Pat Ryan of New York about Pete Hegseth's right-wing ideology and what it would mean for the Department of Defense if he is confirmed. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Psaki outlines the lessons to be learned from Matt Gaetz's short-lived ride as Donald Trump's pick for attorney general, including why the media is more important than ever in the cabinet vetting process with an incoming administration that is reportedly forgoing FBI background checks. Jen is joined by Representative Jamie Raskin to discuss Trump naming Pam Bondi as his new nominee for attorney general and the crucial questions she should be asked as the public gets to know her. Next, Jen is joined by investigative reporter Michael Isikoff to discuss his new reporting on Tulsi Gabbard's 2017 trip to Syria that he says was essentially a "propaganda coup" for Bashar al-Assad's regime. Later, Former White House Counsel Bob Bauer joins Jen to offer perspective on the importance of thoroughly vetting nominees and why a lax investigative process could put America's security at risk. Finally, Jen breaks down the sexual assault allegations against Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth as the GOP rushes to his defense, and the concerning example that sets for survivors in our country. Jen is joined by Representative Mike Sherrill to react to Hegseth's view that women shouldn't be allowed to serve in combat roles and why these comments should be disqualifying.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Psaki explains why it's important to stay engaged and demand answers in the face of the increasingly salacious scandals plaguing Donald Trump's cabinet picks. Bob Woodward joins Jen to discuss Trump's loyalist cabinet picks and how their inexperience is part of his plan to "sabotage" our system of government. Next, Jen is joined by Senator-Elect Andy Kim to discuss how he plans to approach the cabinet confirmation process, his frustrations with "performative politics", and how democrats can better connect with voters. Then, Representative Abigail Spanberger joins the show to explain why she believes Trump-nominated Tulsi Gabbard would be "catastrophic" to our national security if she is confirmed as director of national intelligence. Later, Jen sounds the alarm on the massive conflict of interest that lies in tech billionaire Elon Musk's new role as "buddy in chief" to Trump. Jen also sits down with Jacob Soboroff to discuss the new MSNBC film "Separated", which is based on his best-selling book about Trump's state-sponsored family separation policy. Finally, Jen in light of Pete Hegseth's comments that women shouldn't be allowed to serve in combat roles, Jen spotlights an outstanding female Air Force pilot.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Psaki breaks down Donald Trump's choice of partial loyalists to fill his cabinet and how their lack of experience could impact our everyday lives. Senator-Elect Elissa Slotkin joins Jen to discuss the concerns about Trump's nominees, and the issues in their background that might reveal their true character. Next, Jen is joined by Andrew Weissmann to discuss the importance of transparency in the confirmation process in light of Speaker Mike Johnson's push to suppress a House Ethics Committee report on alleged sexual misconduct by Matt Gaetz, Trump's pick to lead the DOJ. Later, Jen is joined by former CIA Director John Brennan to discuss Trump's nomination of former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard to be the Director of National Intelligence and why her questionable pro-Russian comments raise serious concerns for national security. Former HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius also joins Jen to react to Trump's nomination of anti-vaxxer Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services, outlining the danger he poses to our country's health system. Finally, Jen offers democrats a reminder not to fall prey to right-wing propaganda, following the GOP's amplification of bad-faith attacks on the transgender community amid the election.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Psaki breaks down Donald Trump's staffing picks and what they reveal about his dark vision for a second term. Jen is joined by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to discuss her plans to combat Trump's policies, including protecting reproductive rights and women's healthcare. Next, civil rights attorney Sherrilyn Ifill joins the show to analyze the legalities of Trump's plan to end birthright citizenship. Jen is also joined by Rep. Dan Goldman to discuss how Trump and his allies might pursue his perceived enemies. Later, Jen talks about Trump's recent call with Vladimir Putin, which the Kremlin denies even took place, and how it fits into a pattern of deception about his relationship with Russia. Jen also sits down with Rep.-Elect Kelly Morrison to discuss her recent victory and how she plans to continue the fight for reproductive rights as the only pro-choice OB-GYN in Congress. Finally, Jen closes the show with some thoughts on the rising stars in the democratic party that could potentially lead the party in 2028.Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Following Donald Trump's victory, Jen Psaki explains why Democrats in search of answers aren't going to find a single, clear-cut explanation. Rather, they should stop diagnosing, and start listening. Jen is joined by Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow and Tennessee State Representative Justin Jones to discuss why Democrats must meet voters where there are and how they plan to fight back against Trump. Former Acting U.S. Solicitor General Neal Katyal joins Jen to share his perspective on the extent to which our system's guardrails can prevent Trump from acting out his worst impulses in a second term. Later, Jen is joined by Representative Katie Porter of California to talk about how Democrats can improve their messaging on the economy after American voters wholly rejected their pitch, as well as her potential future plans to run for governor. Jen is also joined by Oklahoma State Representative Monroe Nichols to discuss his historic victory as the first black mayor-elect of Tulsa and how his campaign broke through in an overwhelmingly red state. Finally, Jen reflects on the importance of peaceful transfers of power in our democracy as President Biden promises a smooth transition and peaceful transfer of power. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jen Psaki outlines Democrats' cautious optimism as Kamala Harris closes out her campaign on a high note, as well as what election day might mean for the women voters who may propel her to victory. Lawrence O'Donnell joins Jen to discuss the state of the race as the campaigns come to an end, including recent polling and what to watch for as the vote come in. Next, Senator Cory Booker joins the show to discuss his conversations with hopeful swing-state voters and the recent increase in Black male voters' support for Harris. Later, Michael Steele, Lis Smith, and Jon Favreau join Jen to discuss the two candidates' very different closing messages, as well as the enthusiasm gap as Harris draws massive crowds at her rallies while Trump struggles to fill venues. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With only two days left in the craziest and most consequential campaign season most of us can remember, Jen Psaki breaks down the implications of a shocking new poll that shows Kamala Harris leading Trump in Iowa by 3 points. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joins to talk about Harris' advantage with female voters, the possibility of turning Iowa blue and the disturbing nature of Trump's closing message. Later, House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi joins Jen to react to Trump's violent rhetoric about shooting the media, and the historic role that women may play in putting Harris over the top. Former Director of Cybersecurity Chris Krebs talks to Jen about sounding the alarm on election security after US intelligence officials discovered two cases of misinformation circulated on the web by Russia. Finally former Obama campaign manager Jim Messina reacts to latest polling and the biggest challenge that faces the Harris campaign in these final moments before the election. Check out our social pages below:https://twitter.com/InsideWithPsakihttps://www.instagram.com/InsideWithPsaki/https://www.tiktok.com/@insidewithpsakihttps://www.msnbc.com/jen-psaki To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.