The Beat with Ari Melber

New reporting from The Washington Post reveals that President Trump’s White House construction projects are expected to cost nearly $1 billion, with taxpayers footing most of the bill. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Alex Wagner and CNBC’s Ron Insana for analysis.

Evidence of President Trump’s autocratic ambitions is mounting. MS NOW’s Ari Melber examines allegations of corruption involving Trump and is joined by acclaimed novelist Gary Shteyngart and Josh Marshall, founder and editor-in-chief of Talking Points Memo.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber delivers a special report on how the Trump White House is resurrecting parts of the failed Jan. 6 coup attempt.

August 7, 2026; 6pm; A new July jobs report shows the US economy losing 23-thousand jobs. Plus, a new legal setback for Trump as a federal appeals court halted above-ground construction on the White House ballroom. Jared Bernstein, Jason Johnson, Juanita Tolliver, Liz Stein, Priya Sridhar and Keith Ellison join The Beat.

In this podcast extra, genre-defying music icon Jon Batiste joins MS NOW's Ari Melber to discuss growing up in a legacy musical family, overcoming stage fright, the power of failure, why he put both Lil Wayne and Kenny G on his new album, and what it means for him to “love being myself in every room.” This interview aired in 2023.

Aug 6, 2026; 6pm; With less than three months before the midterms, Trump is facing a massive polling crash, rising gas prices, an unpopular war of choice, and a MAGA revolt by some of his closest MAGA allies. Molly Jong-Fast, Rick Wilson, Tim O'Brien, Will Sommer and Rick Reilly join The Beat to discuss.

Aug 5, 2025; 6pm; Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan formally declared victory in his Democratic Senate primary. Democratic strategists see an opportunity to retake the Senate in this year's midterms. Eugene Robinson and Adam Green join The Beat to discuss. Plus, Mary Trump on her uncle's "decline."

Aug 4, 2026; Voters are heading to the polls tonight for primaries in five states: Kansas, Missouri, Virginia, Washington, and here in Michigan. MS NOW's Jacob Soboroff reports live from a polling site at Wayne County Community College District's Northwest Campus in Detroit. MS NOW Chief National Correspondent Chris Jansing, Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger, and MS NOW's Ali Velshi join.

August 3, 2026; Melissa Murray hosts "The Beat." Donald Trump's attorney general nominee Todd Blanche issued a statement officially dropping the controversial anti-weaponization fund, teeing up a Senate Judiciary Committee vote to advance his nomination to the full Senate. Maya Wiley, David Litt, Fmr. Amb. Norm Eisen, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks join.

Legendary Democratic strategist James Carville joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber to discuss President Trump’s economy and the war in Iran.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination has been put on hold indefinitely due to concerns from two Republican senators. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann.

Dr. Anthony Fauci pleaded the Fifth Amendment during a fiery Senate hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports.

Late-night comedian Jon Stewart criticizes President Trump over his performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by political strategist Chai Komanduri.

New polling shows President Trump is losing support over his handling of multiple issues, including the Iran war, the Epstein scandal and inflation. MS NOW's Ari Melber is joined by Jason Johnson to discuss.

In this podcast extra, media mogul Byron Allen joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber to discuss his journey from the youngest comedian to perform on The Tonight Show to building Allen Media Group. This interview is a new installment of “The Summit Series with Ari Melber,” featuring discussions with leaders at the summit of their fields.

Melissa Murray reports on new Wall Street Journal reporting detailing President Trump’s fury in the Oval Office over the Iran war. Former Obama speechwriter David Litt and MS NOW political analyst Michelle Goldberg join the discussion. Plus, Murray reports on troubling new questions about whether President Trump’s Pentagon is trying to hide and distort information about the Iran war.

President Trump’s DOJ said it will withdraw the subpoenas it issued to reporters who reported on security concerns related to the new Qatari-donated Air Force One. Melissa Murray reports and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and MS NOW's Lisa Rubin.

President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, current Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, faces pushback ahead of his confirmation vote. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and Rev. Al Sharpton.

In this podcast extra, Oscar and Grammy-winning producer and DJ Mark Ronson joins MS NOW's Ari Melber for an extended interview about DJing in 1990s New York City, what makes a party, premiering Biggie’s “Hypnotize” and working with music legends in this installment of Mavericks with Ari Melber, a series of interviews with artists, musicians, and cultural icons, parts of which previously aired on MS NOW in 2025.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the Iran war escalating as the conflict spreads across neighboring countries. The Atlantic's Tom Nichols joins.

Ty Cobb, who served as a White House lawyer during President Trump’s first term, joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber on "The Beat" for a wide-ranging discussion on the Trump administration and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber delivers a special report on accountability for Sen. Susan Collins. Plus, The New York Times has filed a motion to quash subpoenas the Trump DOJ sent to the paper’s reporters. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Eugene Robinson.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on President Trump's string of legal losses and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and former federal prosecutor John Flannery.

A U.S. judge has voided Donald Trump's $1.8 billion settlement with the IRS. MS NOW's Ari Melber has the latest.

In this podcast extra, Memphis Bleek discusses his time on stage with Jay-Z at Yankee Stadium with MS NOW's Ari Melber.

President Trump is refusing to sign a housing bill passed by his own party's Congress. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by The New York Times' Michelle Goldberg and Mark Leibovich.

The war in Iran, the Epstein scandal and high prices continue to engulf the Trump White House. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Political strategist Chai Komanduri and veteran journalist Tara Palmeri.

President Trump says the ceasefire with Iran is over amid renewed fighting in the region. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and Bill De Blasio, former mayor of New York City.

The New York Times' Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan join MS NOW's Ari Melber to discuss their new book, "Regime Change," which goes inside the chaos of President Trump's second term.

New receipts show President Trump is profiting off the White House. MS NOW's Ari Melber delivers a special report.

In this podcast extra, the celebrated actor, composer, lyricist and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda talks Obama, “Hamilton,” “Warriors,” and life lessons in this extended interview with MS NOW's Ari Melber. This interview originally aired in 2024.

MS NOW’s Nicolle Wallace joins Ari Melber to discuss her exclusive interview with former Special Counsel Jack Smith.

President Trump's annual financial disclosure reveals he made at least $2.2 billion during the first year of his second term. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

The Supreme Court issued its final decisions for cases argued this term, including rejecting President Trump’s executive bid to end birthright citizenship. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

MS NOW'S Ari Melber delivers a special report on President Trump's mixed day at SCOTUS. Plus, CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin joins to discuss AI and the economy.

BONUS: Listen to Ari Melber's 2024 interview with retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, who discusses the reversal of Roe v. Wade, attacks on judges, and his views on law and a series of consequential issues.

A federal judge has ordered the Trump DOJ to release more Epstein files in response to a legal filing alleging the department failed to comply with the Epstein Act. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by The New York Times' David Enrich and veteran journalist Tara Palmeri.

A federal judge has blocked President Trump’s executive order restricting mail voting. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments and is joined by Columbia Journalism School Dean Jelani Cobb and The New York Times’ Michelle Goldberg.

In a stunning rebuke, the Senate votes to block President Trump’s war with Iran unless Congress authorizes it. MS NOW's Ari Melber is joined by Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock to discuss.

President Trump is threatening to sue ABC News again over its coverage of his multi-million dollar renovation of the Reflecting Pool. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by esteemed veteran journalist Marty Baron, former executive editor for The Washington Post.

President Trump eyes a deal with Iran that appears to echo aspects of the Obama-era agreement he once scrapped. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments. Plus, Melber remembers legendary music executive Clive Davis, who passed away today at the age of 94.

In this podcast extra, hear Ari Melber's conversations with New York rapper Lexa Gates and Knicks legend Bill Bradley. Melber talks with Gates about what it really means to be a New Yorker and sits down with Bradley to discuss the Knicks' historic championship run and what the victory means for New York.

MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports on renewed fears that the president is asserting an expansive vision of presidential power. Semafor's Margaret Carlson and longtime journalist Tara Palmeri join.

MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton reports on growing bipartisan outrage over President Trump’s Iran deal. Richard Stengel, former Obama State Department official, and political analyst Basil Smikle join.

President Trump is facing heat from Democrats and Republicans over his deal with Iran to end the war. MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong Fast and Political Analyst Jason Johnson.

In this podcast extra, New York hip hop legends Fabolous, Maino, Jim Jones, Dave East join Ari Melber for a wide-ranging discussion about their new podcast "Let's Rap About It," the historic New York Knicks run, and the generational impact of hip hop.

President Trump's ballroom, which he claimed would be paid for by private donations, has already cost taxpayers roughly $300 million. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the bombshell report from The Washington Post and is joined by political analyst Michelle Goldberg and Dean of the Columbia Journalism School Jelani Cobb.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump’s tentative agreement with Iran to end the war, with many details still not public. Foreign policy expert David Rothkopf and retired four-star Army General Barry McCaffrey join the conversation.

Antitrust regulators at the Department of Justice have approved Paramount’s $110 billion deal to acquire Warner Bros. after an eight-month investigation. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber breaks down reports of “chaos” engulfing the Trump White House, from the war in Iran and the Epstein scandal to spiking inflation.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on a bombshell report from The New York Times detailing how the Epstein scandal caused an internal "freakout" at the White House. The New York Times' Michelle Goldberg and Veteran Journalist Vicky Ward join.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on tough news for the Trump DOJ as a top Jeffrey Epstein employee testifies. Renowned civil rights attorney Nancy Erika Smith and veteran journalist Tara Palmeri join.

In this podcast extra, hip-hop icons The LOX join music enthusiast Ari Melber to discuss New York rap, their famous Versuz battle, music podcasts, culture and the new mayor quoting Jadakiss in this extended interview. (Portions of the interview aired on "The Beat with Ari Melber.")

President Trump formally nominates his former personal lawyer, Todd Blanche, to serve as attorney general. Plus, new lies from Trump about the war in Iran. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments and is joined by Howard Dean, former Vermont governor and former DNC chair.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the Trump DOJ's bizarre "Statue of Liberty" scandal. The New York Times' Emily Bazelon and MS NOW's Juanita Tolliver join.

MS NOW has confirmed President Trump plans to nominate Acting AG Todd Blanche to be Attorney General. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Jason Johnson, politics professor at Morgan State University.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on escalating confusion over the status of President Trump's $1.8 billion slush fund. Former SDNY Chief David Kelley joins to discuss.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on growing fears within the GOP that President Trump is damaging the party with scandals and blunders. Legendary Democratic Strategist James Carville joins.

MS NOW reports that the Trump administration is planning to abandon its highly controversial $1.8 billion “slush fund.” MS NOW’s Melissa Murray reports and is joined by former SDNY civil prosecutor Maya Wiley and The New York Times’ Molly Jong-Fast.

BONUS: In this podcast extra, Ari Melber reports on President Trump's slush fund and speaks with Andrew Weissmann about legal ways to stop the unprecedented plot, plus some lighter conversation on law, vocabulary, and his new book. Maya Wiley joins for a separate conversation on Democracy and the significance of “No Kings” protests These new interviews are a Beat bonus from our podcast series “The B-Side.” Real talk and Ari’s extended conversations off air.

The Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation tied to writer E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual abuse and won her civil case. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by renowned civil rights attorney Nancy Erika Smith and Sarah Matthews, who served in the first Trump administration.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on how his victory is fueling GOP fears within the party. Rev. Al Sharpton and longtime Texas-based political strategist Mark McKinnon join.

President Trump is facing rising prices and plummeting approval numbers. The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and Michelle Goldberg join MS NOW’s Ari Melber to discuss. Plus, they break down Stephen Colbert’s final show.

Buzz is growing around Andy Beshear as a potential 2028 dark-horse candidate. MS NOW’s Ari Melber sat down with Beshear at an event hosted by Common Good for a wide-ranging conversation on how Democrats can take on MAGA, the future of the party, and the road to 2028.

Tonight on The Beat: GOP lawmakers speak out against Donald Trump’s “slush fund.” Also, the Trump Justice Department indicts former Cuban President Raúl Castro. Plus, Trump uses billions of taxpayer money for projects. Plus, data centers are linked to environmental issues. And the Ebola response in Africa is hindered by USAID cuts. Rep. Madeleine Dean, Barbara McQuade, Lisandro Perez, Tim O’Brien, Maily Kocinski, and Dr. Vin Gupta join Antonia Hylton.

Ty Cobb, who served as a White House lawyer during Trump’s first term, joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber on “The Beat” for a wide-ranging discussion. Plus, Capitol Police officers who defended the Capitol on Jan. 6 are suing the Trump administration. Ari Melber is joined by former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn.

MS NOW's Ari Melber delivers a special report and breaks down President Trump's "thug fund."

MS NOW’s Ari Melber is joined by political strategist Chai Komanduri to discuss the one GOP House primary that is expected to be a litmus test for President Trump’s power over the Republican Party.

President Trump's DOJ announced a nearly $1.8 billion compensation fund to pay off people who claim they were victimized by the Biden DOJ. It comes as Trump withdrew his unprecedented $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, an agency he oversees. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Michael Steele and Joyce Vance.

In this podcast extra, rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross shares his business mindset, timeless hustling, and outlook of his new book, "Renaissance of a Boss: Notes from a Creative Reawakening," in this extended interview with Ari Melber. Ross weighs in on Drake's new project and several figures in hip hop. Melber also asks Ross about his "Marathon" lyrics regarding modern protests and BLM video activism -- including critiques about chasing "trends" in the movement.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new ethics filings that reveal President Trump's stock trades. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Ty Cobb, former White House attorney during the first Trump administration.

Reverend Al Sharpton joins MS NOW's Ari Melber to discuss President Trump's economy, inflation, and rising gas prices.

The Department of Justice has subpoenaed Wall Street Journal reporters over Iran coverage. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Marty Baron, former executive editor for The Washington Post.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the clash over President Donald Trump’s DOJ making a second bid to build a case against former FBI Director James Comey. Plus, Nicolle Wallace joins to discuss her recent interview with Comey, marking his first interview since being indicted for a second time.

Award-winning actor Jeff Goldblum talks to MS NOW’s Ari Melber in this candid, sprawling and sometimes goofy conversation, as the two discuss Goldblum’s work with directors such as Steven Spielberg and Wes Anderson, his many iconic roles, what he loves about jazz, and having his “weirdness” affirmed. This interview aired in 2022.

Donald Trump was confronted about whether he is dangerously pre-occupied with vanity projects and self-glorification at a time of war. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Chai Komanduri, Michelle Goldberg, Joyce Vance and Eugene Robinson.

Donald Trump is calling for the prosecution of Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. Also, a handwritten note purportedly written by Jeffrey Epstein in jail shortly before his death has been unsealed by court order after nearly 7 years, raising new questions about his death. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Rev. Al Sharpton, Maya Wiley, Benjamin Weiser and Paul Mecurio.

Congress grilled Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on the Epstein files, in which he is named over 200 times. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Nancy Erika Smith, Emily Bazelon, Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Jason Johnson.

Donald Trump is struggling to contain the fallout from the war he started in Iran, with reports undercutting his claims about Iran's nuclear timeline. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Mike Barnicle, Molly Jong-Fast, Andrew Weissmann and Fab Five Freddy.

Six months from the midterms, the sputtering economy and an unpopular war are dragging down Donald Trump. MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton reports and is joined by Jelani Cobb, E.J. Dionne, Maya Wiley, Kristen Clarke and Jenn Budd.

President Trump’s war in Iran is facing historic disapproval. MS NOW’s Ayman Mohyeldin reports and is joined by Molly Jong-Fast and Jared Bernstein.

The Atlantic reports that Trump allies say he's "begun thinking about himself less as a peer of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln," and more as an addition to the trifecta of "great men," Alexander the Great, Julius Cesar and Napoleon Bonaparte. MS NOW's Ayman Mohyeldin reports and is joined by The Atlantic's Ashley Parker.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee, marking his first hearing since the Iran war began. MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports and is joined by Admiral John Kirby.

The Trump Justice Department has charged former FBI Director James Comey again, following the dismissal of his first indictment. MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton reports, and is joined by Hofstra University’s James Sample and former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance.

MS NOW's Antonia Hylton reports on President Trump's attacks on the media following the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Molly Jong-Fast and Robert D'Amico join.

BONUS: Acclaimed author and professor Francis Fukuyama discusses his seminal works “Trust” and “The End of History” and how they apply today, and to an era of mounting distrust and conspiracy theories in the new Trump era, in this extended conversation with MS NOW's Ari Melber. Fukuyama also analyzes Elon Musk’s “oligarch” politics, and shares his passions beyond academia - woodworking and drone building.

The DOJ has closed its probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, clearing the way for Trump's new pick, Kevin Warsh, to lead the bank. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on how the Iran war and economic fallout are under-cutting President Trump's support on the right.

In a striking admission, longtime Trump loyalist Tucker Carlson is apologizing for helping elect Donald Trump. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Will Sommer, senior reporter at The Bulwark.

President Trump’s loss of support is becoming visible even on the far right, with Tucker Carlson going further than his past criticism and now apologizing for helping elect Trump. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Alex Wagner and political strategist Morris Katz.

One of President Trump’s “Big Lie” lawyers has been tapped for his revenge push at the DOJ. MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton reports on the latest. Plus, Bill Nye joins to react to stunning new footage of Earth, and Hylton reports on viral video of former President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

In this podcast extra, listen to Jay McInerney on The Beat, plus a special digital conversation with Ari Melber in Times Square, where he discusses his new book and his social life in New York City. Plus, revisit McInerney’s past appearances on The Beat.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and its impact on the economy. Political Strategist Chai Komanduri and Fordham University's Christina Greer join.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump's escalating influence at the Department of Justice, the latest developments in the Iran war, and growing questions surrounding Trump’s mental acuity. Former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb joins the discussion. Plus, author Jay McInerney joins to discuss his new book, "See You on the Other Side."

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on mounting challenges facing President Trump, from the Iran war to growing backlash within his MAGA base. Reverend Al Sharpton and The New York Times’ Michelle Goldberg join.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the fallout over President Trump's feud with the Pope, and his post depicting himself as Jesus.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new fractures in President Trump's MAGA base as he feuds with the Pope. Semafor's Margaret Carlson joins.

BONUS: Top Republicans are attacking what they call “woke” politics, and even passing laws designed to “stop” a supposed woke agenda. The singer who first brought that concept to the culture, in “Master Teacher,” Erykah Badu, reflects on social justice, culture and “woke politics” today – one of several topics the four-time Grammy winner tackles in this extended discussion with MSNBC anchor and music obsessive Ari Melber. Badu discusses her singing, deep links to hip hop, personal evolution, spirituality and approach to the music industry and business in general, including her new cannabis line with “Cookies.” She also reacts to earlier moments and videos from her career, and engages with an “assessment” of her work that an artificial intelligence chat bot generated by drawing on public writings about her music and its message. This in-depth discussion is the newest installment of “Mavericks with Ari Melber,” a series of interviews with artists, musicians and cultural icons (Aired in 2023)