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 Shutdown" Sparks Outrage as Food Aid, Air Travel Take Hit

October 31, 2025; 6pm: Food assistance is on the brink of expiration as the government shutdown hits one month. A federal judge in Rhode Island Ruling ordered the Trump administration to fund the SNAP program for November, despite their vows to let that funding expire. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Juanita Tolliver. 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 fo...

Oct 31, 202541 minEp. 2510316

DC National Guard Deployment Extended into 2026

October 30, 2025; 6pm: The Pentagon orders the National Guard to establish "quick reaction" forces in every state for civil unrest, meaning as many as 500 soldiers will receive non-lethal crowd control training, MSNBC's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Reverend Al Sharpton and Staff Sergeant Demi Palecek. Plus, the apparent backroom deal struck between the Trump family and the high-profile crypto giant Binance. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premi...

Oct 31, 202541 minEp. 2510306

Trump Escalates Threats on Domestic Force

October 28, 2025; 6pm: Trump is planning to replace some regional ICE leaders with Border Patrol officials for a more "aggressive" crackdown, MSNBC Ari Melber reports. John Flannery and Chai Komanduri join to discuss Trump's expanding presidential power. Plus, Trump and republicans are refusing to tap an existing SNAP contingency fund as 42 million people are bracing for food stamp benefits to run dry. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple ...

Oct 28, 202542 minEp. 2510286

Trump Says He Would 'Love To' Run Again in 2028

October 27, 2025; 6pm: President Trump won’t rule out seeking a third term in 2028. Plus, The Wall Street Journal reports President Trump fast-tracked the demolition of the East Wing by firing three Biden-appointed members of a 12-person planning committee, “installing his own panel of loyalists, including senior White House officials, giving Republicans control of a little-known body that has outsize influence over the historic White House complex.” To listen to this show and other MS podcasts ...

Oct 28, 202541 minEp. 2510276

Trump ally Bannon reveals Trump third term plan

October 24, 2025; 6pm: Trump ally Steve Bannon says President Trump will serve a third term, despite the 22nd amendment. Plus, MSNBC's Jason Johnson reports on President Trump's major expansion in his controversial, and potentially illegal, military campaign in Latin America. Congressman Adam Smith 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 c...

Oct 24, 202542 minEp. 2510238

Trump’s WH Demolition, DOJ Demands & Crypto Pardon Outrage Rock Admin

October 23, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC’s Jason Johnson breaks down President Trump’s East Wing demolition, Trump’s $230 million demand from the DOJ, and Trump’s pardon of crypto billionaire Changpeng Zhao. Plus, former special counsel Jack Smith, who indicted Trump twice, is pushing to testify publicly. 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 an...

Oct 24, 202542 minEp. 2510236

Trump Hits New Low With Cash Plot Amid WH Destruction

October 22, 2025; 6pm: President Trump is demanding that his own DOJ pay him $230 million, citing his own conduct that led to past federal investigations, according to The New York Times. Plus, MSNBC's Ari Melber reports on the White House's plan to demolish the East Wing. 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 collection...

Oct 23, 202541 minEp. 2510226

NYT: Trump Plotting to Take $230M in Taxpayer Funds

October 21, 2025; 6pm: President Trump is demanding that his own DOJ pay him $230 million, citing his own conduct that led to past federal investigations, according to The New York Times. MSNBC's Ari Melber reports and is joined by House Democratic Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Plus, astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson 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 ...

Oct 21, 202541 minEp. 2510216

"No Kings" Organizers Estimate 7 Million Protestors Against Trump

October 20, 2025; 6pm: Organizers for the nationwide "No Kings" protests estimate that over 7 million people attended over the weekend. Plus, James Comey files motions to dismiss the criminal case against him. Melissa Murray reports and is joined by Molly Jong-Fast, David Litt, Maya Wiley and Rep. Brendan Boyle. 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 abou...

Oct 21, 202541 minEp. 2510206

Trump Loses Bid to Put Troops in Chicago

October 17, 2025; 6pm: Another court has stopped President Trump’s bid to seize powers and put troops in the streets. Plus, more than two thousand “No Kings” protests are scheduled for this weekend. MSNBC's Ari Melber reports and is joined by legendary political strategist James Carville. 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...

Oct 17, 202541 minEp. 2510176

Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton Indicted

October 16, 2025; 6pm: Trump's former National Security Adviser John Bolton has been indicted by a grand jury for allegedly mishandling classified documents. MSNBC's Ari Melber reports and is joined by former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann and former federal prosecutor John Flannery to discuss. Plus, the latest on the Trump Administration's plot to "overhaul" the IRS to target opponents. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts....

Oct 16, 202542 minEp. 2510166

Trump's ICE Tactics Draw Backlash: Ari Melber's Legal Report on Agents Causing Danger

October 15, 2025; 6pm: President Trump is doubling down on his weaponization of the Justice Department. Plus, some Democrats are calling on top Senate Democrat Chuck Schumer to step aside. Former Congressman Joe Crowley and Amanda Litman, co-founder and president of “Run for Something,” join MSNBC's Ari Melber on "The Beat" to debate. 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.c...

Oct 16, 202541 minEp. 2510156

DOJ Vet Jack Smith Recounts Prosecuting Trump for First Time

October 14, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on former DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith, the prosecutor who brought two criminal indictments against Donald Trump. Smith made a rare public appearance alongside former FBI general counsel Andrew Weissmann, who joins to discuss. Plus, financial journalist and best-selling author Andrew Ross Sorkin joins to discuss latest stock market fears. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hos...

Oct 15, 202542 minEp. 2510146

Trump Wields Government Power to Target Foes, Pressure Dissent

October 13, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on how President Trump is wielding government power to prosecute rivals, while cracking down on dissent with federal agents on U.S. streets. Plus, The Wall Street Journal reports on Ghislaine Maxwell’s time at a Texas minimum-security prison, noting she “appeared to receive unusually favorable treatment at times, sparking resentment from other inmates.” Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna joins. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without a...

Oct 14, 202542 minEp. 2510136

Trump DOJ preps John Bolton case after indicting two Trump foes

October 10, 2025; 6pm: Donald Trump's retribution campaign escalates as he bears down on yet another perceived enemy, Trump’s former national security adviser John Bolton. The news comes one day after Trump's DOJ indicted NY Attorney General Letitia James. MSNBC's Ari Melber reports. Plus, Justice Department Reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Sadie Gurman 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 Ads...

Oct 10, 202542 minEp. 251010

Trump Legal Vet Cobb on Trump DOJ Charges

October 9, 2025; 6pm: The Trump Justice Department has indicted New York Attorney General Leticia James, the top law enforcement official in New York. It follows the DOJ’s controversial indictment of Trump critic James Comey. Plus, Ty Cobb, former White House attorney during President Trump’s first term, joins MSNBC’s Ari Melber on The Beat. 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.ad...

Oct 10, 202541 minEp. 2510096

FBI Vet Comey in Court For Charges Trump Demanded

October 8, 2025; 6pm: Former FBI Director James Comey pleaded not guilty to charges of lying to Congress in 2020. MSNBC's Ari Melber reports and is joined by former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann. Plus, former federal prosecutor John Flannery joins to discuss President Trump's use of federal troops. 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 c...

Oct 08, 202541 minEp. 2510086

Attorney General Bondi Testifies Before Senate in First Hearing Since Comey Indictment

October 7, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on Pam Bondi's first testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee as Attorney General and is joined by Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and the New Yorker Magazine's Jelani Cobb. Plus, Melber delivers a special report on political violence. 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...

Oct 07, 202541 minEp. 2510076

Blue States Check Trump Amid Legal Firestorm Over Troop Deployments

October 6, 2025, 6pm: President Trump is escalating the use of the military in cities across the country. Plus, MSNBC's Ari Melber reports on how Taylor Swifts album "The Life of a Showgirl" is rippling through politics and culture. Reverend Al Sharpton and Vanity Fair's Molly Jong-Fast 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 pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and...

Oct 06, 202542 minEp. 2510066

Taylor Swift Returns After Dunking on Trump's 'Hate'

October 3, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump’s escalating power grabs and is joined by former SDNY prosecutor Maya Wiley and NYU's Ruth Ben Ghiat. Plus, Melber delivers an analysis of Taylor Swift's new album "The Life of a Showgirl." 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...

Oct 04, 202541 minEp. 2510036

Leader Jeffries on Government Shutdown

October 2, 2025; 6pm: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins MSNBC's Melissa Murray to discuss the ongoing government shutdown. Plus, new revelations are undercutting the Trump administration's claims about the Epstein files. 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....

Oct 02, 202541 minEp. 2510026

Troops Enter More Cities As Trump Suggests Some Citizens Are ‘Enemies’

October 1 2025; 6pm: On day one of the government shutdown, President Donald Trump is exerting presidential pressure, targeting blue states in what Democrats claim is an abuse of power. MSNBC’s Melissa Murray reports, and is joined by The New York Times’ Michelle Goldberg, Vanity Fair’s Molly Jong-Fast and Congressman Brendan Boyle. 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...

Oct 02, 202541 minEp. 2510016

Trump Tells Military The U.S. Is "Under Invasion From Within"

September 30, 2025; 6pm: President Trump delivered an unprecedented and disturbing call to arms in front of the nation’s top military leaders, urging them to attack “the enemy within” and use America’s cities as “training grounds for the armed forces.” MSNBC's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Paul Rieckhoff, founder and CEO of Independent Veterans of America. Plus, veteran news anchor Don Lemon joins Melber for an extended conversation on President Trump’s free speech crackdown and big tech’s...

Sep 30, 202542 minEp. 2509306

Oregon Sues Trump Admin. Over Deployment of National Guard

September 29, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump using his executive authority to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, amid escalating ICE clashes in Democratic-led cities. Plus, Melber delivers a special report on the playbook and peril for multinational companies balancing free expression and autocratic pressure around the world. The New York Times’ Emily Bazelon and Fordham University's Christina Greer join. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts witho...

Sep 30, 202542 minEp. 2509296

Fmr FBI Director James Comey Indicted on Two Counts

September 26, 2025; 6pm: Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury, just days after President Trump publicly called for it. MSNBC’s Ari Melber breaks down the legal implications with expert guests, including former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissmann and Leslie Caldwell, former head of the DOJ’s Criminal Division. 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 pc...

Sep 27, 202542 minEp. 2509266

James Comey Indicted by Trump DOJ

September 25, 2025; 6pm: The Trump justice department has indicted former FBI Director James Comey. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments. 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.

Sep 26, 202545 minEp. 2509247

Kimmel Returns to Late Night After Trump's Failed Crackdown

September 24, 2025; 6pm: Jimmy Kimmel triumphantly returned to his show after staring down a government effort to censor him. His opening monologue racked up over 15 million views on YouTube in less than a day. Meanwhile, The Washington Post reports that President Trump's DOJ will seek to indict former FBI Director James Comey. MSNBC's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by S...

Sep 24, 202540 minEp. 2509246

Kimmel Returns to TV

September 23, 2025; 6pm: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is returning to the airwaves. Meanwhile, President Trump has appointed one of his personal lawyers, Lindsey Halligan, to a top DOJ post, where she is now leading investigations into his political opponents. MSNBC’s Jason Johnson reports and is joined by a panel of experts, including David Litt, former speechwriter for President Obama, and Tara Setmayer, co-founder and CEO of The Seneca Project. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts wit...

Sep 23, 202542 minEp. 2509236

Disney Picks Free Speech Over Caving to Trump, Reversing After Revolt

September 22, 2025; 6pm: In a major reversal, Disney is bringing back Jimmy Kimmel after a massive backlash. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports on the corporate shift, and ongoing First Amendment issues, as the Trump administration admits its likely unlawful efforts to use government power to censor criticism. Plus, President Donald Trump is directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to go after his political opponents. Political Strategist Chai Komanduri and former DNC Chair Howard Dean join. To listen to th...

Sep 22, 202541 minEp. 2509226

Late Night Hosts Skewer Trump over Free Speech Attacks

September 19, 2025; 6pm: President Trump is using his government power against comics, critics and reporters. MSNBC’s Ari Melber, a First Amendment attorney, breaks down Trump’s censorship. Plus, music producer Timbaland joins Melber for an extended interview about his iconic collaborations with Justin Timberlake, Jay-Z and Missy Elliott, his experimentation with AI in music, and lessons he has learned across his wide ranging career. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign...

Sep 19, 202541 minEp. 2509196
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