The Beat with Ari Melber

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)

The U.S. is preparing for a new round of peace talks in Pakistan. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and is joined by Max Boot, a senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations.

President Trump lashes out, issuing new threats toward Iran despite the current ceasefire. Plus, Melania Trump makes a rare public statement, denying any association with Jeffrey Epstein or knowledge of his crimes. And, hear MS NOW's Ari Melber's special report on Jay-Z’s legendary career.

In this podcast extra, news anchor and music journalist Ari Melber delivers a special report on Jay-Z’s life & career, drawing on the rapper’s dense lyrics, his classic albums “Reasonable Doubt” and “The Blueprint,” and original reporting on the history, culture and politics informing how those albums resonate today — amid their anniversaries and the Yankee Stadium shows. From New York’s poverty and crime in the 1990s to today’s promises of a better future by tech and business elites, the report probes the rigged stakes and double standards facing working people and hip hop. Melber has reported extensively on hip hop on his program, “The Beat,” including a 2022 breakdown of a Jay Z verse that the rapper released as “Hov Did.”

Ambassador Dennis Ross, a leading expert on Middle East affairs, joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber to break down the latest developments in the Iran war.

President Trump posted on his social media site that he will suspend his threatened attacks on Iran for two weeks. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments.

President Trump attempts to make his case for an unpopular war in Iran amid a global energy crisis and ongoing economic strain. MS NOW’s Ari Melber is joined by Democratic strategist James Carville to break down the political implications.

In this podcast extra, listen to MS NOW’s Ari Melber’s extended interview with Snoop Dogg, who reflects on his career, life, goals, music, and politics. Snoop discusses his creative ventures with Def Jam, which grew out of his discussions with Lucian Grainge; advising newer artists like Benny the Butcher; music projects including “The Algorithm” and collaborating with Ice Cube, E40 and Too $hort in Mount Westmore; and his reflections on his history and relationships, including Snoop’s live reactions to classic videos from the archive dating back to the early 1990s. (Originally aired 2022)

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war, and is joined by retired four-star Army General Barry McCaffrey and Ambassador Dennis Ross.

President Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after just 14 months leading the DOJ. MS NOW’s Melissa Murray reports, joined by The New York Times’ Molly Jong-Fast and former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins MS NOW’s Melissa Murray on "The Beat" to discuss President Trump’s war in Iran, escalating clashes over ICE and more.

The Supreme Court will hear arguments on President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann.

MS NOW's Ayman Mohyeldin reports on the impact of the massive "No Kings" protests. The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of "Indivisible" join.

In this podcast extra, Ari Melber and Dylan Ratigan break down the Iran war and “rigged” Wall Street, while Molly Jong-Fast fact-checks Donald Trump’s biggest campaign promises. These new interviews are a Beat bonus from our podcast series “The B-Side.” Real talk and Ari’s extended conversations off air.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the eve of the nationwide “No Kings” protests, with more than 3,000 demonstrators expected across the country. Political Strategist Chai Komanduri joins.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump’s plummeting approval ratings amid the Iran war and rising gas prices, and is joined by legendary political strategist James Carville.

Congress is searching for answers as questions mount surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s death in jail. It follows a bombshell report revealing that "bags" of documents were shredded and thrown away at the jail just days after Epstein died. The Miami Herald’s Julie K. Brown, the journalist who broke the story, joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber.

A bombshell report from The Miami Herald reveals that "bags" of documents were shredded and thrown away at the New York jail where Epstein died just days after it happened. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

Confusion is swirling around Donald Trump’s war in Iran, now entering its fourth week, as Trump backs off a potentially illegal threat to “obliterate” civilian power plants. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

In this podcast extra, legendary hip-hop artist, actor and businessman 50 Cent joins MSNBC’s Ari Melber to discuss his new television broadcast deal with Fox and the 2024 election. Plus, 50 Cent celebrates 20 years of “Get Rich or Die Tryin,” and reflects on making music alongside Eminem and Dr. Dre.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on President Trump's attempted power grabs and is joined by Ty Cobb, former White House attorney during the first Trump administration.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on new testimony from Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime lawyer before the House Oversight Committee. Nancy Erika Smith, renowned civil rights attorney, joins to discuss.

President Trump’s DOJ is being pressed for hiding more Epstein documents. Top House Oversight lawmakers met with embattled Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche over hiding files and alleged abuse of redactions. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports, joined by New York Times Magazine writer Emily Bazelon.