The Beat with Ari Melber - podcast cover

The Beat with Ari Melber

Ari Melber, MS NOWwww.ms.now
Ari Melber delivers the biggest political and news stories of the day, with interviews and original reporting from around the nation. An Emmy-winning journalist, attorney and former Senate staffer, Melber cuts through the spin and the noise to tell you what's really happening. Real news, every night.
Last refreshed:
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Alarm and Pushback as Trump Presses Autocratic Agenda

August 28, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on the growing crisis at the CDC and the risks to public health. At the same time, outrage mounts after ICE agents detained firefighters while they were battling wildfires. GOP lawmakers also face heated backlash at voter town halls. And later, rapper 2 Chainz and actor Omar Epps join Melber for a wide-ranging conversation. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast,...

Aug 28, 202541 minEp. 2508286

Dem Gov. Moore on Trump's D.C. Takeover

August 27, 2025; 6pm: Donald Trump's autocratic takeover of Washington D.C. is sparking national outrage, as he threatens to deploy the National Guard to other cities run by Democrats, including Baltimore. Maryland Governor Wes Moore joins MSNBC's Ari Melber to discuss. Plus, Nobel Prize winning economist and writer joins to discuss Trump's economy. 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. Se...

Aug 27, 202541 minEp. 2508276

DOJ Releases Ghislaine Maxwell Interviews

August 22, 2025; 6pm: The Justice Department has released transcripts and audio of an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, the imprisoned former associate of Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell says she never saw President Trump engage in inappropriate behavior and denies the existence of a "client list." MSNBC's Antonia Hylton reports, and is joined by renowned civil rights attorney Nancy Erika Smith, New York Times Magazine legal writer Emily Bazelon and others to break it down. To listen to this show and o...

Aug 22, 202541 minEp. 2508226

Dems Strike Back In California

August 21, 2025; 6pm: Democrats are punching back against what they call a Trump-fueled "power grab" to undermine American Democracy, as many experts warn that Trump, who has already tried to over-throw an election, is trying to game the system. Plus, MSNBC's Ari Melber reports on the Trump DOJ's deadline to start sharing the Epstein files with Congress. The NYT's Michelle Goldberg, California Assembly Member Buffy Wicks and other expert guests join to discuss the latest developments. To listen ...

Aug 21, 202541 minEp. 2508216

CA Vows to Fight TX "Power Grab"

August 20, 2025; 6pm: Texas Democrats are condemning what they call President Trump’s “power grab” to give Republicans more seats in Congress. Meanwhile, California Democrats are vowing to wipe out GOP gains in Texas with their own new congressional map. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on the growing backlash to what critics call Trump’s assault on Democracy, and is joined by MSNBC’s Jason Johnson, NYU's Melissa Murray and more to discuss. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sig...

Aug 20, 202541 minEp. 2508206

Special Report on Trump’s Epstein Missteps and Secrecy

August 19, 2025; 6pm: The Epstein crisis continues to engulf President Trump and his administration. MSNBC’s Ari Melber delivers a special report tracing the path of crimes, investigations, corruption, insider deals and the suspicious death of Jeffrey Epstein while in Trump administration custody. Drawing on government reports, original sources and legal developments across local and federal cases, Melber examines Trump and Epstein’s ties, broken vows and Trump’s secretive responses. Former fede...

Aug 19, 202541 minEp. 2508196

After Putin Summit, Trump Meets with Zelenskyy

August 18, 2025; 6pm: President Donald Trump met at the White House with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss possible paths to ending the war in Ukraine. Both leaders said the next step would be a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Afterwards, leaders of France, the U.K., and other nations joined for a larger session, emphasizing the need to stand united behind Ukraine. John Sipher, a former CIA officer who served in Moscow, joins to discuss what’s ahead. Plus, MSNBC’s Ar...

Aug 18, 202541 minEp. 2508186

Trump and Putin Meet in Alaska

August 15, 2025; 6pm : President Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, for a summit aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. MSNBC’s Ari Melber is joined by NBC Chief Washington and Foreign Affairs Correspondent Andrea Mitchell, former Biden White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki and others to discuss what’s at stake. 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 ...

Aug 15, 202551 minEp. 2508156

Trump Approval Sinks Amid Epstein Scandal and Guard Deployment

August 14, 2025; 6pm: Disturbing new reports emerge in the Epstein scandal, protests erupt over Trump’s so-called DC takeover and California Governor Gavin Newsom launches a fiery attack electrifying Democrats. MSNBC's Ari Melber is joined by longtime journalist Don Lemon for a conversation on politics and culture, and Chance the Rapper discusses his new album. 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...

Aug 14, 202542 minEp. 2508146

Trump Eyes Extended Takeover of DC Police

August 13, 2025; 6pm: President Trump has federalized the DC police, deploying the National Guard along with other federal agencies under the false pretense of fighting crime in the city. MSNBC’s Jason Johnson reports on what "The Atlantic" is calling "the President’s police state." Plus, BBC News Special Correspondent Katy Kay joins to discuss what to expect from Trump’s upcoming meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS...

Aug 13, 202541 minEp. 2508136

DC Residents Protest Trump Takeover

August 12, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC's Jason Johnson reports on a stunning new report from The Washington Post about Pentagon plans to create a "domestic civil disturbance quick reaction force" in cities facing protests and other unrest. Plus, critics are warning President Trump is crossing a red line as he taps a MAGA loyalist for the top job at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Justin Wolfers, Rick Wilson, Joyce Vance and others join "The Beat" to break it all down. To listen to this show and other MS po...

Aug 12, 202542 minEp. 2508126

In Scathing Ruling, Judge Denies Trump DOJ in Epstein Case

August 11, 2025; 6pm: A judge is accusing President Trump’s DOJ of trying to mislead the public with an “illusion” of transparency regarding the Epstein files. Meanwhile, residents of the nation’s capital are pushing back against President Trump’s attempted power grab as he announces federal takeover of the DC police and deployment of National Guard troops. MSNBC’s Jason Johnson is joined by Molly Jong-Fast, Asha Rangappa and others to discuss how this will play out. To listen to this show and o...

Aug 11, 202541 minEp. 2508116

Legal Experts Questioning New Trump DOJ Move on Epstein Material

August 8, 2025; 6pm: The Trump White House is skewered on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In a new filing this afternoon, the DOJ is pushing forward on requests to unseal grand jury material. MSNBC’s Jason Johnson reports on new details on Trump’s desperate attempt to quell political blowback over Epstein. Plus, some former FBI agents are warning that Trump’s retribution tour is escalating and damaging the agency. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium ...

Aug 08, 202541 minEp. 2508086

New Questions About Trump WH's Epstein Meetings

August 7, 2025; 6pm: NBC News has confirmed top Trump officials huddled to strategize about Jeffrey Epstein, directly contradicting Vice President JD Vance’s vehement claims that no such meeting was in the works. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports it’s a clear sign of how rattled Trump officials are. Plus, rapper Gashi and economist Justin Wolfers join for the latest Fallback installment. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Si...

Aug 08, 202540 minEp. 2508076

Epstein Scandal Rocks Trump White House

August 6, 2025; 6pm: The Trump White House is scrambling to quell the Epstein uproar, and is reportedly holding a high-level meeting tonight at the vice president’s residence in the U.S. Naval Observatory. JD Vance denies there is a meeting to strategize on Epstein. MSNBC's Ari Melber also reports on the largest MAGA revolt of Trump’s second term. Plus, Oscar-winning director James Cameron makes his Beat debut to discuss his new film, Ghosts of Hiroshima. For more, watch our latest special repor...

Aug 06, 202541 minEp. 2508066

Trump Panic Over Epstein Boils Over

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts “The Beat” on Monday, August 4, and reports on brand new letters from Epstein victims, federal officials confirming they’ve launched an investigation into Jack Smith, over 50 Texas Democrats leaving their home state to derail a MAGA power grab and new fallout over Trump’s abuse of government power. Michelle Goldberg, Ken Casey and Andrew Weissmann join. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simpl...

Aug 05, 202541 minEp. 250804

Trump Swamped by Epstein and New Jobs Slump

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Friday, August 1, and reports on President Trump's trade war entering a new phase and his firing of the Commissioner of Labor Statistics after the latest report fell far short of expectations. Melber also covers Kamala Harris' first major interview since the election and renewed scrutiny over Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, hip hop duo Clipse join the show, along with Bill Kristol, Margaret Carlson and Paul Krugman. To listen to this show and other M...

Aug 02, 202540 minEp. 250801

Epstein Victim Family: Survivors Deserve Answers

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Thursday, July 31, and reports on the escalating Epstein uproar and mounting pressure on President Trump as the families of victims demand answers. Melber also reports on Trump’s self-imposed trade deadline that hits at midnight on the East Coast. Jason Johnson, Joan Walsh, Andrew Ross Sorkin and Jacob Soboroff join. 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 compa...

Jul 31, 202541 minEp. 250731

New Signs Epstein Uproar Is Damaging Trump With Base

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Wednesday, July 30, and reports on the Epstein scandal spiraling out of President Trump's control, increasing backlash to Trump's power grabs and Trump's escalating attacks on free speech. Gary Shteyngart, Geraldo Rivera and Asha Rangappa join. 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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and u...

Jul 30, 202542 minEp. 250730

Trump Bombarded With Epstein Questions

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Tuesday, July 29, and reports on President Trump's agenda being smothered by the torrent of Epstein developments, a bombshell out of Trump's Justice Department and Trump's battle with the free press. Andrew Bakaj, James Carville, Molly Jong-Fast and Julie K. Brown join. 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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information ...

Jul 29, 202542 minEp. 250729

Trump Steams as Epstein Uproar Dominates WH, Media and MAGA

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Monday, July 28, with reporting on the all-consuming Jeffrey Epstein scandal engulfing the Trump administration, a New York Times report on Hegseth clashing with top generals, growing turmoil inside Trump’s Justice Department and a major media merger raising alarms among free speech experts. Anna Gomez, Ankush Khardori, Mark Leibovich and Michelle Goldberg join. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Po...

Jul 29, 202541 minEp. 250728

Storm of Revelations As Epstein Uproar Engulfs Trump

MSNBC's Antonia Hylton hosts "The Beat" on Friday, July 25, and reports on the Jeffrey Epstein whirlwind around Donald Trump, major developments in Trump’s power grab, and campus outrage nationwide as the Trump administration revs up its deportation agenda targeting student activists. Mahmoud Khalil, Frank Kendall, David Litt, Asha Rangappa and Tara Setmayer join. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsW...

Jul 25, 202542 minEp. 250725

BONUS: Ari talks to Pusha T & Malice about Clipse, Pharrell & truth in hip hop

In this podcast extra, Rappers Pusha T and Malice join MSNBC’s Ari Melber for an extended interview, and open about reuniting as Clipse after 15 years, losing their parents, stepping inside the Obama White House, and how working with Pharrell and Kendrick Lamar shaped their ever-sharpening lyrical edge. Plus, listen to Melber's 2022 interview with Pharrell. 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 com...

Jul 25, 202535 minEp. 250725

Epstein Uproar Engulfs Trump White House

MSNBC's Antonia Hylton joins "The Beat" on Thursday, July 24, and reports on the political crisis surrounding Jeffrey Epstein and its impact on President Trump and the administration. Hylton also covers protestors taking to the streets in Texas over state efforts for redistricting, and the unlikely source speaking out against those bending the knee to Donald Trump. Texas State Representative James Talarico, Michelle Norris, Barry Levine, Congresswoman Summer Lee, Joyce Vance and Norm Eisen join....

Jul 24, 202542 minEp. 250724

WSJ: DOJ Told Trump His Name Is In Epstein Files

MSNBC's Antonia Hylton hosts "The Beat" on Wednesday, July 23, and reports on The Wall Street Journal's bombshell report that the “Justice Department told Trump in May that his name is" in the Epstein files. Hylton also covers Stephen Colbert calling out Trump and Trump's budget that allocates over $37 billion per year to ICE. Michael Cohen joins the show, along with Brad Onishi, Rev. Al Sharpton, Emily Bazelon, and Catherine Christian. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, s...

Jul 23, 202542 minEp. 250723

Trump Files Libel Lawsuit Over New WSJ Report

MSNBC's Antonia Hylton hosts "The Beat" on Friday, July 18, and reports on multiple breaking news developments on Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, including Donald Trump filing a libel suit against the Wall Street Journal over its new Epstein reporting, and Trump's DOJ filing a motion to unseal grand jury testimony about Epstein. Kristy Greenberg, Lisa Rubin, Jelani Cobb, Will Sommer, Steve Inskeep and Pastor Darrell Scott join. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up ...

Jul 18, 202541 minEp. 250718

Trump Fails to Stem MAGA Fury Over Epstein

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Tuesday, July 15, and reports on the MAGA meltdown and crisis of confidence among Donald Trump's base over the Epstein files and the economy. Plus, U-God and Jason Johnson join for the latest "Fallback" installment. Justin Wolfers, Maya Wiley and Molly Jong-Fast also join. 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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for informati...

Jul 18, 202541 minEp. 250715

New Heat on Trump as MAGA 'Rebellion' Intensifies

MSNBC's Melissa Murray hosts "The Beat" on Thursday, July 17, and reports on the Epstein scandal that is consuming the Trump administration, federal budget cuts and how President Trump's budget could impact women's healthcare. Rachel Leidig, Alexis McGill Johnson, Rep. Madeline Dean, Margaret Carlson, Aisha Mills and Berit Berger join. 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 https://pcm....

Jul 17, 202541 minEp. 250717

Trump Berates MAGA Over Epstein Files

MSNBC's Antonia Hylton hosts The Beat on Wednesday, July 16, and reports on the growing MAGA reckoning over the Epstein files, President Trump’s public scolding of his base, his abuse of power and major shakeups at the Department of Health and Human Services. Sen. Ed Markey, Rep. LaMonica McIver, Brandy Zadrozny, Christina Greer and Sen. Markey join. 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. S...

Jul 17, 202540 minEp. 250716

MAGA Revolts Over Trump Handling of Epstein Files

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts The Beat on Monday, July 14, and reports on the MAGA revolt over President Trump’s handling of the Epstein files and the impact of ICE raids on American citizens. Melber also reports on the devastating floods in Texas. Stacey Abrams, N.O.R.E., Emily Bazelon and Michael Grynbaum join. 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 https://pcm.adswizz.com for information ...

Jul 15, 202541 minEp. 250714
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android