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.
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Episodes

Trump's Iran War Threatens Global Economy

March 6 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Jason Johnson sits down with economist Justin Wolfers and award-winning author Juanita Tolliver to break down President Trump’s sputtering economy. Plus, Congressman Seth Moulton to discuss the latest on the Iran war. 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....

Mar 07, 202641 minEp. 2603066

BONUS POD: Ari Talks Trump Tariffs, Fed, Bubble with Goldman Sachs' Lloyd Blankfein

In this podcast extra, longtime Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein discusses current U.S. policy, inequality, AI, the current risk of a "bubble," criticism of Wall St. and Goldman Sachs, Pres. Trump's trade war and Federal Reserve meddling, and Blankfein's career, in this wide-ranging discussion. Blankfein also outlines how to assess risk, a functioning market, investor discipline, what money is good for and if any amount is "too much" for one person - and his new book, "Streetwise: Getting to an...

Mar 06, 202652 minEp. 2603066

Trump Fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

March 5, 2026; 6pm; Kristi Noem has been ousted as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Ty Cobb, who served as a White House lawyer during Trump's first term. 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....

Mar 06, 202631 minEp. 2603056

AG Bondi Hit with Epstein Subpoena

March 4, 2026; 6pm; Former DNC Chair Howard Dean joins MS NOW's Ari Melber on "The Beat" to discuss the latest political developments, including the Iran war, President Trump’s approval rating and the start of the 2026 midterm elections. Plus, the House Oversight Committee has voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, with five Republicans voting yes. Melber reports on the escalating pressure on President Trump’s DOJ over its handling of the Epstein files. To listen to this show and other MS...

Mar 05, 202642 minEp. 2603046

2026 Midterms Begin Amid Iran War, Economic Woes, Epstein Scandal

March 3, 2026; 6pm; The 2026 midterms kick off tonight with primaries in three states, unfolding at a critical moment in the Trump presidency. MS NOW's Ari Melber breaks down the political stakes, from the president’s controversial war with Iran and widespread frustration over the economy to the Epstein scandal looming over the administration. MS NOW Senior Contributing Editor Michele Norris and Reverend Al Sharpton join. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS N...

Mar 04, 202641 minEp. 2603036

Strikes Escalate Across Mideast

March 2, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on escalating attacks in the Mideast and more U.S. forces heading to the region. Plus, Donald Trump's war with Iran now creating a rift with his base and to his own campaign promises. 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....

Mar 03, 202641 minEp. 2603026

BONUS B-Side Pod: Epstein a Mystery, Not a Conspiracy; Trump FASTER than Putin: Ari x Bazelon, Shteyngart in Pod Chat

The legal and journalistic scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein's horrific crimes was slow and late - Ari & NYT's Emily Bazelon discuss that problem, dynamics behind the scenes, and how the main story was never a "conspiracy theory." Then Russian-American novelist Gary Shteyngart tackles parallels between Putin and Trump. These NEW interviews are a Beat bonus from our new podcast series "The B-Side": Real talk and Ari's extended conversations off air. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts with...

Mar 02, 202628 minEp. 2602026

Hillary Clinton Testifies Before House Committee on Epstein

February 26, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s closed-door deposition on Jeffrey Epstein before the House Oversight Committee. Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Eugene Robinson and veteran journalist Gretchen Carlson join. Plus, the Trump-allied billionaire owners of Paramount have won the bid for Warner Brothers Discovery, beating out Netflix. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts...

Feb 27, 202640 minEp. 260226

Epstein Bombshells Rock Elites from White House to England

February 25, 2026; 6pm; President Trump is facing heat over an Epstein cover-up, as NPR reports that the DOJ “withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump.” MS NOW reports that three of those files involve accusations against Trump, who has denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. Emily Bazelon, legal writer with The New York Times Magazine, and Nancy Erika Smith, renowned civil rights attorney join MS NOW's Ari Melber. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, s...

Feb 26, 202641 minEp. 2602256

Trump to Address Nation Amid Sinking Job Approval

February 24, 2026; 6pm; NPR reports that the DOJ “withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump.” MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports. Plus, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear join ahead of President Trump's State of the Union. 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....

Feb 25, 202641 minEp. 2602246

Trump sinks in polls ahead of State of the Union

February 23, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber examines President Trump’s plummeting approval rating in a special "Beat" report. The latest Washington Post–ABC–Ipsos poll shows 60% of Americans disapprove of the president ahead of the State of the Union address. Another poll from Economist/YouGov finds Trump’s support among independent voters has dropped to a new low across both terms in office. Political strategist Chai Komanduri joins. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sig...

Feb 24, 202640 minEp. 2602236

SCOTUS Rejects Trump Tariffs

February 20, 2026; 6pm; In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump cannot unilaterally impose tariffs. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal. 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....

Feb 21, 202642 minEp. 25111481

Former Prince Andrew Arrested After Epstein Files Revelations

February 19, 2026; 6pm; British authorities have arrested former Prince Andrew and are investigating him on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has faced public accusations of sexual misconduct from Epstein survivors. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports. Plus, economist Paul Krugman joins to discuss billionaire influence in America. 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.co...

Feb 20, 202641 minEp. 25111480

Billionaire Les Wexner Testifies About Epstein Ties

February 18, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new testimony from billionaire Les Wexner in the House Epstein investigation. Plus, Ty Cobb, who served as a White House lawyer during Trump’s first term, joins "The Beat" for a wide-ranging discussion. 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 advertisin...

Feb 19, 202641 minEp. 2602186

State Probe Begins Into Epstein’s New Mexico Ranch

February 17, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on new accountability surrounding the Epstein files, as billionaire Les Wexner is set to testify before Congress about his decades-long ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, The Trump administration allegedly tried to block Texas Dem James Talarico from appearing on Stephen Colbert’s show. CBS, now owned by the MAGA-allied Ellison family, is facing scrutiny over efforts to censor the interview from airing. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports. To listen to thi...

Feb 18, 202641 minEp. 2602176

Lawmakers Say New DOJ Filing Suggests Epstein “Cover-Up”

February 16, 2026; 6pm; MSNOW’s Ari Melber reports on the Trump DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files, as lawmakers criticize the department over a lack of transparency. Former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann and The New York Times' Michelle Goldberg join. Plus, Melber is joined by progressive host Brian Tyler Cohen to discuss his recent interview with former President Barack Obama. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted ...

Feb 17, 202642 minEp. 2602166

Trump WH Vet Sees Impeachment for Trump & Bondi Amid "Bribe," Epstein & 'Illegal' Revenge cases

February 13, 2026; 6pm; MSNOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump’s unlawful targeting of his critics and the deepening fallout from the Epstein files. Former Trump White House attorney Ty Cobb joins. Plus, Melber reports on on a new Wall Street Journal story detailing the “constant chaos” inside Donald Trump’s Homeland Security Department under Chief Kristi Noem. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an ...

Feb 14, 202641 minEp. 2602136

New Epstein Video Appears to Show "Hidden Cam" Footage

February 12, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new evidence from the Epstein files, including what appears to be a hidden camera from inside his Palm Beach office. Plus, Melber reports on President Trump's broader efforts to crack down on dissent and is joined by acclaimed novelist Gary Shteyngart. 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 ...

Feb 13, 202642 minEp. 2602126

Congress Spars with Bondi Over Epstein Files

February 11, 2026; 6pm; Trump Attorney General Pam Bondi was grilled, under oath, about the Epstein files. Plus, new signs of pushback against Trump's attempted power grabs as a federal grand jury in DC refuses to indict six Democrats on charges of seditious conspiracy. Senior Advisor for President Trump's 2024 campaign, Bryan Lanza, joins MS NOW's Ari Melber. 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 ...

Feb 12, 202642 minEp. 2602116

Top Trump Official Admits to Visiting Epstein Island

February 10, 2026; 6pm; The Epstein scandal is rocking the Trump White House again, and this time featuring the notorious Epstein Island, where Trump's commerce chief visited, a confession he made today after years of lying. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports. Former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann joins. 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 col...

Feb 11, 202642 minEp. 2602106

Maxwell Pleads the Fifth To Congress

February 9, 2026; 6pm; Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s convicted associate, invoked the Fifth Amendment during a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee. Julie K. Brown, investigative journalist with the Miami Herald, joins. Plus, Melber reports on Bad Bunny's historic Super Bowl performance. 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 o...

Feb 10, 202642 minEp. 2602096

Trump Ramps up Attacks on Elections

February 6, 2026; 6pm; Former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber on "The Beat" to discuss his concerns about Trump’s cognitive fitness. The White House has defended Trump’s health, and Trump has recently dismissed Cobb as a disgruntled former staffer whom he says he fired. Plus, Fox vet Gretchen Carlson joins MS NOW's Ari Melber to discuss the newest Epstein files. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Host...

Feb 07, 202642 minEp. 2602066

Epstein Files Special Report

February 5, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the DOJ’s final batch of Epstein files and what they reveal about government failures. Former federal prosecutor John Flannery joins the discussion. Plus, Melber reports on the new fallout after Jeff Bezos slashed a third of The Washington Post’s staff. 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 ...

Feb 06, 202642 minEp. 2602056

Trump Admin Retreats on ICE Agenda

February 4, 2026; 6pm; President Trump is pulling ICE and federal agents from Minneapolis. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by political strategist Chai Komanduri and Aru Shiney-Ajay, director of the Sunrise Movement in Minneapolis. Plus, Melber reports on how the DOJ’s final release of Epstein files reveals his close ties to powerful business elites. 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 ...

Feb 05, 202641 minEp. 2602046

Trump Admits Unconstitutional Desire to Seize Election Powers

February 3, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump’s escalating abuse of power, including attacks on constitutional guardrails that protect elections, free speech, and the right to protest. Plus, Melber delivers the latest details from the Justice Department’s final release of the Epstein files. Former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann joins. 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...

Feb 04, 202642 minEp. 2602036

DOJ Releases Two Hour Epstein Interview with Steve Bannon

February 2, 2026; 6pm; The Department of Justice has released their final tranche of three-million files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Included in the files are about two hours of never before seen interview footage of Epstein, conducted by Steve Bannon. Melissa Murray reports. Plus, more on the growing pushback to trump's immigration crackdown. 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....

Feb 03, 202642 minEp. 2602026

Trump DOJ Indicts Don Lemon Over MN Reporting

January 30, 2026; 6pm; The Department of Justice has indicted Don Lemon over his coverage of an anti-ICE protest at a church in Minnesota. Hear Lemon speak out following his release. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports. Plus, the DOJ releases its largest and “final” batch of Epstein files. Melber reports and is joined by journalist Tara Palmeri. 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.adswiz...

Feb 03, 202646 minEp. 2601306

Political Violence Escalates Amid Trump's Crackdown

January 28, 2026; 6pm; The FBI is now taking the lead in the criminal investigation into the spray attack on Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports. Plus, a special report on new updates from the government's delayed efforts to release the Epstein files. Grammy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. also joins to preview this year's ceremony. 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.adsw...

Jan 29, 202641 minEp. 2601286

Federal Agents Under Scrutiny After Pretti Killing

January 26, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the fallout from another killing of an American by federal agents amid the Trump administration’s deployment in Minnesota, as new scrutiny grows over the tactics being used. Retired NYPD Detective Marq Claxton joins to discuss. 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 pers...

Jan 27, 202641 minEp. 2601269

Jack Smith Testifies About Case Against Trump

January 22 , 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on takeaways from Jack Smith's historic testimony. 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.

Jan 23, 202641 minEp. 2601226
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