The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

A deep dive into the Pentagon raising the Iran war price tag to $29 billion and the budget fights that follow. Heated Hill questioning over defense priorities and strategy in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports on rising U.S. gas prices and political fallout. Coverage of a Florida shadow hearing where survivors spoke out and scrutiny of taxpayer-funded White House projects.

Discussion of how the Iran war and depleted munitions have weakened U.S. leverage and credibility. Analysis of trade tensions and economic fallout as the U.S. risks falling behind China in research and tourism. Coverage of a nationwide redistricting surge that confuses voters and sparks legal fights. Examination of repeated prosecutions as potential retribution against critics.

Discussion of rising gas prices and economic strain as tensions with Iran escalate. Debate over using taxpayer money to fund a proposed presidential ballroom. Analysis of partisan redistricting that threatens Black-majority districts in the South. Coverage of Pennsylvania legislation to ban whites-only private communities. Report on Russia scaling back its Victory Day events amid security concerns.

A deep look at U.S.-Iran exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz and the legal fallout from Trump-era tariffs. A scandal about an FBI leader’s conduct and reported polygraphs raises questions about standards and judgment. Reporting that won a major prize explores how foreign interests and a proposed golf course intersected with presidential business ties.

Mike Johnston, Mayor of Denver, defending the city’s decades-old assault weapons ban. Ro Khanna, California congressman pressing for public oversight and accountability around Lutnick/Epstein testimony. Cory Booker, New Jersey senator weighing in on Iran, war powers, and voting rights. They discuss Iran policy and costs, DOJ actions on local gun laws, and accountability in high-profile investigations.

Melissa Murray, law professor and constitutional scholar. Jamie Raskin, Maryland congressman and oversight lead. Sherrod Brown, Ohio progressive and recent primary winner. Jason Crow, former Army Ranger and member of intelligence and armed services committees. They debate U.S.-Iran exchanges in the Strait, questions about a paused ceasefire and project limits, war powers and congressional oversight, and legal fights over mifepristone and civil rights priorities.

Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, civil rights scholar and author, reflects on the Supreme Court ruling and her memoir. Robert Garcia, U.S. Representative and oversight leader, outlines aggressive investigations and subpoena plans. Mark Hertling, retired lieutenant general, explains military operations, command intent, and the War Powers Act. They discuss Iran legality, White House readiness for oversight, and the Voting Rights Act ruling.

Leah Greenberg, co-founder of the Indivisible Project and grassroots organizer, discusses May Day protests and how activists connect economic pain, foreign policy, and democracy. She outlines strategies for turning protests into sustained civic engagement and voter mobilization. Short, tactical, and focused on building power ahead of elections.

Jamie Raskin, constitutional scholar and congressman focused on voting rights; Ro Khanna, transparency-minded congressman active on oversight; Chris Van Hollen, senator versed in foreign policy and budgets. They debate Trump’s prioritization of a Comey prosecution over the Iran war, munitions and economic costs of the conflict, the political and legal fallout around the Comey seashell case, and calls for transparency on the Epstein note.

Sheldon Whitehouse, U.S. Senator and former prosecutor, warns about online militants and politicized prosecutions. Adam Smith, top House Armed Services Democrat, critiques rushed war planning and accountability. They discuss failures exposed in a House hearing, escalating rhetoric toward Iran, and legal risks around prosecutions. Short, sharp conversations about military decisions, threats, and legal standards.