The Briefing with Jen Psaki - podcast cover

The Briefing with Jen Psaki

MS NOW, Jen Psakiwww.ms.now
Jen Psaki tackles the biggest issues of the week and features one-on-one interviews with newsmakers.
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Episodes

Musk melts down over budget bill; Republicans in turmoil over their own bill

Jen Psaki reports on the tantrum Elon Musk is throwing over the Republican budget as his business interests are not well represented, and Republican support for their own bill seems to be splintering as details emerge about what the bill contains. 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....

Jun 05, 202542 minEp. 250604

Trump's 'best people' are not doing very well; bad time to cut career public servants

Jen Psaki looks at a startling number of Trump Cabinet members whose lack of fitness for the jobs they serve is glaringly apparent, all while career public servants who make the government work regardless of the competence of the people in charge are struggling to adjust to crippling DOGE cuts and burdensome new red tape. 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 inform...

Jun 04, 202542 minEp. 250603

Musk tenure ends awkwardly with report of drug use

After ranting endlessly about Hunter Biden's drug use and addition issues, Donald Trump and his cohort were oddly quiet about a New York Times report on Elon Musk abusing of drugs. 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....

May 31, 202541 minEp. 250530

Trumpworld shocked: Governing is hard!

Donald Trump and his cast of supporting characters are learning the hard way that actually governing is much more difficult than shooting hot takes from the hip and spinning up conspiracy theories about how the world works. Jen Psaki reviews the struggle Trumpworld is having with real world governing. 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 colle...

May 30, 202542 minEp. 250529

Federal trade court blocks Trump's sweeping tariffs; says they exceed his authority

A three-judge panel on the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that Donald Trump lacks the authority to enact his sweeping tariffs under the emergency powers law. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes who co-led the lawsuit against Trump's tariffs discusses the ruling and next steps with 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 collec...

May 29, 202541 minEp. 250528

Rogue pardon spree exposes Trump's political games and actual indifference to crimes

Jen Psaki pairs Donald Trump's political rhetoric about crimes like fraud against his abusive use of the presidency's pardon power to absolve criminals convicted of those very same crimes. 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....

May 28, 202541 minEp. 250527

Trump cashes in on crypto side-hustle as rich-get-richer budget comes into focus

Jen Psaki reports on how Donald Trump still used the trappings of the presidency during his "personal time" at a dinner for big-money purchasers of his cryptocurrency, and shares dramatic new visuals of how much the new Republican budget bill benefits wealthy Americans over the poor. 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 p...

May 24, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 250523

Backlash: Republicans head home to face constituent wrath over rich-get-richer budget bill

The Republican budget bill still has a lot of time and processing to undergo before it heads to Donald Trump's desk for his signature. And now Republicans face their worst fear and biggest obstacle, their own constituents, who are quickly finding out what their elected representatives have voted for and aren't going to be happy about it. Jen Psaki shows that there is still time for American voters to make themselves heard in the budget process. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts withou...

May 23, 202541 minEp. 250522

Failed idea features prominently in Republican bill despite red state regret

Georgia and Arkansas have both tried to implement work requirements for Medicaid, with both producing disastrous results. Now Republicans in Congress want to impose those work requirements on a national level and seem oblivious to the idea's previous failure and the regret expressed by fellow Republicans for their role in it. 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 in...

May 22, 202541 minEp. 250521

'I did not waver': Rep. McIver speaks out on federal charges after ICE center confrontation

Rep. LaMonica McIver talks with Jen Psaki about what really happened at the ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey, where she and other members of Congress arrived for an inspection and were met with a confrontation that resulted in federal charges against McIver and a corresponding false narrative being spun up by the Trump administration. 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...

May 21, 202541 minEp. 250520

'Big, brutal setback': How GOP infighting sent Donald Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' off the rails

The budget bill Donald Trump was hoping to come home to following his trip to the Middle East has not come to fruition and the longer it takes to work out, the more skittish Republicans will be about attaching their name to a bill that is so full of unpopular policies with an election on the horizon. 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 collec...

May 17, 202533 minEp. 250516

Trump's power grab scheme exposed; Supreme Court birthright citizenship case focuses on court powers

The focus on nationwide injunctions in the birthright citizenship case before the Supreme Court shows that what is at stake is less about whether people born in the U.S. are citizens and more about whether a circuit court can put a hold on a new rule for the entire country, or whether Donald Trump can assert his will in different regions of the U.S. if he finds friendly judges willing to indulge him, even if he is blocked in other parts of the country. Jen Psaki reports. To listen to this show a...

May 16, 202542 minEp. 250515

Polls show Americans aren't buying Trump team's ignorance ploy

Jen Psaki shares examples of Republicans, from Donald Trump to House Speaker Mike Johnson to members of Trump's Cabinet avoiding questions and claiming not to be familiar with major national news stories and other data directly related to their areas of responsibility. And while the ignorance tactic may help them avoid answering questions, new polls show Americans already understand what's really going on. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Ap...

May 15, 202542 minEp. 250514

Real purpose of Trump's Mideast trip comes into focus as his explanations fall apart under scrutiny

Jen Psaki takes a closer look at Donald Trump's specious explanations and dubious promises as he heads on a trip through the Middle East where his personal business interests seem more relevant than the business of the United States. 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....

May 14, 202542 minEp. 250513

'They obviously targeted me': Newark mayor describes chaotic arrest in confrontation at ICE facility

Newark, New Jersey Mayor Ras Baraka talks with Jen Psaki following his release from being held in a Homeland Security cell after being arrested and charged with federal trespassing in a chaotic confrontation that included members of Congress outside an ICE facility. "This is disturbing what they think they have the ability to do." 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 f...

May 10, 202546 minEp. 250509

As Trump's parade of failure marches on, his distraction trick loses potency

Jen Psaki reports on the failure of yet another Donald Trump nominee, Ed Martin, Trump's nominee to be D.C. U.S. attorney, and looks at the broader pattern of Trump trying to make publicity stunt distractions when he's on a losing streak. 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....

May 09, 202542 minEp. 250508

Trump scoffs at rising prices for families while his inner circle cashes in on foreign deals

Jen Psaki takes a closer look at how Elon Musk is benefitting from the understanding that doing business with Musk's companies is a way to curry favor with the United States government. And while Trump's trade war makes basic necessities more expensive for new American families, Trump's own family (and business associates) are cashing in on their proximity to the president of the United States as they make deals abroad. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW...

May 08, 202542 minEp. 250507

Psaki: The Trump administration fails the 3 a.m. phone call test

Jen Psaki looks at how concerns about inexperienced and unqualified members of Donald Trump's cabinet are coming to fruition as crises develop in national air traffic as well as national security and Trump's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, are struggling to meet the demands of their positions. 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.ads...

May 07, 202542 minEp. 250506

Everywhere and All at Once: A Path Forward for Democrats

Jen Psaki welcomes Governor J.B. Pritzker, who gave a speech yesterday in New Hampshire lambasting Trump, criticizing “do-nothing” Democrats and calling for mass mobilization against the growing number of unprecedented attacks the Trump administration has launched against migrants, universities, and the American economy. They discuss the administration’s stance on migrants, which hits home for Pritzker personally, as the child of Ukrainian immigrants. Jen also speaks with The Atlantic's Ashley P...

Apr 29, 202543 minEp. 250428

How to Lose a Country in 100 Days: Trump's Weak Poll Numbers

Jen Psaki reflects on the tumultuous and chaotic first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency, as the country faces so many crises of his own making. Senator Adam Schiff returns to discuss the recent polling showing low approval ratings on nearly every issue, from the economy to the Kilmar Abrego Garcia case. They later discuss the Acting US Attorney for Washington DC, Ed Martin, who is awaiting senate confirmation and what Democrats like Schiff are doing to slow the process down. Representative ...

Apr 27, 202541 minEp. 250427

Oops! He Did It Again: Secretary Hegseth on the Defensive over Second Signal Chat

Jen Psaki delves into the storm brewing at the Pentagon, amid a wave of firings new revelations that embattled Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared sensitive information on another signal chat. Veteran journalist Bob Woodward reflects on Hegseth's apparent incompetency, as well as the increasingly reckless actions of an unaccountable president. Later, 25-year-old vice chair of the Democratic National Committee, David Hogg, joins to discuss his controversial new initiative to oust some Democrati...

Apr 22, 202542 minEp. 250421

Fight or Flight: Why It Pays to Stand Up to Trump

As Trump stokes fear to leverage his power, Jen Psaki weighs the cost of obeying his demands against the reward of resisting. Congressman Jamie Raskin joins the show to help to break down the ways in which the courts, lawmakers and the American people are standing up to Trump. Later, Jen welcomes former Russian chess champion Garry Kasparov to reflect on the ways that Americans can prevent the country from backsliding into dictatorship. Jen also delves into RFK Jr.’s first press conference as HH...

Apr 21, 202541 minEp. 250420

Trump's Selective Hearing: The Impact and the Outrage

Jen Psaki breaks down the dangerous impact of Trump's actions on tariffs and immigration, explaining that while more people are outraged by the economic damage of tariffs, it's also important to pay attention to Kilmar Abrego Garcia's wrongful deportation and its implications. Jen is joined by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss the turmoil Trump has caused on both fronts, including the unamerican prospect of deporting American citizens to foreign countries. Legal analyst Preet Bharara ...

Apr 15, 202542 minEp. 250414

Cost-Benefit Analysis: Trump Enriches Billionaires, Bleeds Consumers Amid Tariff Reversal

Jen Psaki breaks down the disparate impact of Donald Trump's on-again, off-again tariffs, revealing how the wealthy capitalized on the president's stock tip hours before he announced a big reversal on his tariffs this week. Kentucky's Governor Andy Beshear joins to discuss the real world implications of Trump's unpredictable and inconsistent economic policies, which are set to blow a "huge hole" in family budgets. Next, Jen is joined by Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico and former White House...

Apr 14, 202541 minEp. 250413

This is Fine: Trump Golfs as Economy Burns

Amid the ongoing economic fallout of Trump's tariffs, Jen Psaki is joined by Senator Elizabeth Warren to discuss the profound impact on American families, as well as Congress's ability to revoke the president's authority. They also discuss how widespread outrage over Trump's agenda has mobilized thousands to take to the streets in protest. Later, fired former pardon attorney Elizabeth Oyer and Rep. Jamie Raskin join to discuss the DOJ's intimidation tactics aimed at silencing Oyer before she tes...

Apr 08, 202541 minEp. 250407

Life of the Party: New Hope For Democrats After a Good Week

Jen Psaki breaks down a hopeful week for Democrats, which included hundreds of thousands of Americans in both red and blue districts pouring into the streets to protest Donald Trump, Cory Booker’s record breaking 25 hour speech, and a win for liberal judge in the Wisconsin’s Supreme Court race against the heavily-funded MAGA favorite. Jen also explains why Trump’s tariff debacle is more than just a “little disturbance,” forecasting the rising costs all Americans will now face. Michigan governor ...

Apr 06, 202542 minEp. 250406

Signal & Noise: Trump Talks Third Term Amid Texting Scandal

Jen Psaki breaks down the calculation behind Donald Trump’s recent talk of an unconstitutional third term, which is just one of the many shiny objects he’s dangled before the press corps to distract from the scandal of Signalgate. Congressman Dan Goldman joins Jen to discuss why Trump’s musings about holding onto the White House beyond 2028 warrant our attention. Later Representative Jason Crow, a veteran and outspoken critic of Mike Waltz and Pete Hegseth’s careless security breach puts our mil...

Apr 01, 202541 minEp. 250331

Bad Signal: Can Secretary Hegseth be Trusted at the Pentagon?

Amid the fallout from the Trump’s administration’s self-induced security breach, Jen Psaki breaks down why the looming questions about Pete Hegseth’s judgement and character have only grown in the last week. Senator Amy Klobuchar addresses Hegseth’s competence and reacts to the latest in the Signalgate scandal, and Representative Pat Ryan joins to discuss the various ways the administration has attempted to spin their wrongdoing. Journalist Kara Swisher joins Jen to discuss Elon Musk’s aggressiv...

Mar 30, 202542 minEp. 250330

Mixed Signal: Top Trump Officials Responsible for Major Security Breach

Jen Psaki speaks to Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, about how he was mistakenly included on a group chat of high-ranking Trump officials discussing secret war plans. Goldberg reflects on being a firsthand witness such an unprecedented leak and reacts to the backlash from Secretary Pete Hegseth. Later, Senator Adam Schiff gives insight into how Congress is reacting to Goldberg’s revelation and how both Republicans and Democrats are ready to hold the administration accountable. ...

Mar 25, 202542 minEp. 250324

Courting Disaster: Trump Attempts to Erode the Separation of Powers

Jen Psaki breaks down Donald Trump's unprecedented assault on the judicial branch of government, explaining how the administration's defiant attitude toward the court breaks with that of former presidents who were dealt tough rulings in the past. Representative Jamie Raskin joins to discuss the implications of their defiance, and the danger the administration poses to due process under the law. Next, Jen is joined by the chair of the Progressive Caucus in the House, Representative Greg Casar, wh...

Mar 23, 202542 minEp. 250323
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