The Beat with Ari Melber

One company backed by MAGA billionaire Larry Ellison is on track to own Paramount, Warner Bros., CNN, HBO, and CBS, along with a vast array of media properties, if its massive new $100 billion merger goes through. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by founding partner of Puck News, Matt Belloni.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the latest developments in President Trump’s war with Iran. Guests include former Under Secretary of State Rick Stengel, CNBC senior economics reporter Steve Liesman, and legendary Democratic strategist James Carville.

In this podcast extra, hear MS NOW’s Ari Melber in conversation with Tom Hanks for an in-depth discussion about his novel, "The Making of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece", his iconic films, doing the right thing, and who he thinks should play him in a biopic. This installment is part of The Summit Series with Ari Melber, featuring conversations with leaders at the top of their fields.

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.

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 and Through Goldman Sachs." This interview is a new installment of 'The Summit Series with Ari Melber,’ featuring discussions with leaders at the summit of their fields

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.

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.

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's Ari Melber reports on escalating attacks in the Mideast and more U.S. forces heading to the region.

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.

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.

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. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

NPR reports that the DOJ “withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump.” MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports.

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.

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.

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.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new testimony from billionaire Wes Wexner in the House Epstein investigation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Trump Attorney General Pam Bondi was grilled, under oath, about the Epstein files. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann joins.

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.

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.

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.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports amid the fallout from another killing of an American by federal agents under the Trump administration’s deployment in Minnesota.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on takeaways from Jack Smith's historic testimony.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber breaks down the international chaos shaping President Trump’s first month of 2026, with new insights from his interview with former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb. Ambassador Michael McFaul joins the discussion.

MS NOW's Ari Melber delivers a special report on the first year of President Trump's second term.

In a newly released text message, President Trump cited being snubbed for the Nobel Peace Prize as part of the reason behind his unprecedented push to take Greenland. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

Trump has sent three thousand federal agents to Minneapolis and is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell ICE protests in the city. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the FBI executing a search warrant at a Washington Post reporter’s home in Virginia. This alarming escalation comes as the Trump administration targets other lawmakers with Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin confirming federal prosecutors are investigating her for a video she posted urging members of the military to resist illegal orders.

The Trump administration is probing Fed Chair Jerome Powell. MS NOW’s Ari Melber delivers a special report on the “blatant abuse of power,” coming after Powell upheld his oath to keep the Federal Reserve independent. Plus, Melber reports on how the biggest headlines made their way into the Golden Globes.

The Trump administration has launched an unusual criminal probe into an official who has clashed with Trump for years, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports. Emily Bazelon, Molly Jong-Fast, and iconic radio personality out of the Bronx, Kid Mero join.

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on new evidence in the deadly ICE shooting in Minneapolis. Plus, Melber covers Jon Stewart taking on President Trump and MAGA, and delivers a special report on music’s redeeming power in politics.

The Trump administration is blocking state officials from investigating the deadly ICE shooting of an American citizen in Minneapolis. Plus, pressure is mounting on Trump’s Justice Department over Jeffrey Epstein.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the breaking news out of Minneapolis, where a U.S. citizen was shot and killed by an ICE agent. Retired NYPD Detective Mark Claxton and Congressman Jim Himes join.

President Trump is openly vowing to seize Venezuela's oil, following the ousting of Nicholas Maduro. Plus, MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the five year anniversary of the January 6 riot that came to define President Biden's transition.

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife pleaded not guilty to charges that include narco-terrorism and drug trafficking in a federal courtroom in Manhattan. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the deepening confusion about the Trump administration’s motives, goals, and plans in Venezuela.

Artists have canceled their upcoming performances at the Kennedy Center after its board voted to rename the performing arts venue to include President Donald Trump’s name. Melissa Murray reports.

Thousands of new pages from the Epstein files have been released. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Vanity Fair's Molly Jong-Fast and Semafor's Margaret Carlson.

The Trump administration facing backlash over the heavily-redacted release of a small portion of the Epstein files, a violation of the legally mandated deadline for all documents. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Emily Bazelon, Rep. Yassamin Ansari, Andrew Weissmann and Maya Wiley.

The Department of Justice has released some of the Epstein files. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by former federal prosecutor John Flannery.

FCC chairman Brendan Carr testified to a congressional committee for the first time since ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Dylan Ratigan.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the comments from Trump's Chief of Staff Susie Wiles who is on-the-record critiquing everything from tariffs, to immigration, to prosecuting rivals. Former Trump White House veteran Sarah Matthews and Gretchen Carlson join to discuss.

December 12, 2025; 6pm; A manhunt is underway after a shooting at Brown University left two students dead and multiple injured. An antisemitic mass shooting in Sydney Australia over the weekend also left 16 dead, including one of the two suspected gunmen. Plus, fractures showing among Donald Trump's support with MAGA Republicans. And, remembering Rob and Michele Reiner, who were found dead Sunday. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Rob D'Amico, Mark Leibovich, and Margaret Carlson.

December 12, 2025; 6pm; House Democrats releasing numerous photos of Jeffrey Epstein with prominent individuals including Bill Gates, Donald Trump, Steve Bannon and Bill Clinton, ahead of the December 19 deadline for DOJ to release its Epstein files. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Molly Jong-Fast, Michelle Goldberg, and 50 Cent.

President Trump is facing backlash over ICE, the ongoing Epstein scandal and the economy. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Jen Psaki.

Americans are facing high prices. MS NOW’s Ari Melber fact-checks President Trump’s comments on prices and reports on how these prices are shaping voters’ economic priorities.

MS Now's Ari Melber reports on how high prices and economic pain are shaping voters' priorities. President Trump noticed and is responding at a rally in Pennsylvania tonight.

MS Now's Ari Melber reports on President Trump's appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors, and his latest attempt to use power to promote himself.

Trump Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing war crime allegations. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new details and video from the September strikes on an alleged drug boat in the Caribbean.

Trump defense secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire and facing allegations of having committed or overseen a war crime. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments.

Trump defense secretary Pete Hegseth is facing allegations of having committed or overseen a war crime. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports.

Trump faces a political tipping point as hundreds of DC Republicans voted to release the Epstein files and demand answers on whether his Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, committed a war crime with a boat strike in the Caribbean, MS NOW's Ari Melber reports. James Carville, Democratic Congressman Adam Smith, and Ankush Khardori join.

MS NOW’s Melissa Murray reports on an alleged war crime that is engulfing the Trump administration.

Rachel Maddow’s new podcast “Burn Order” is out now! Listen to a special preview.

Two members of the West Virginia National Guard are in critical condition after being shot near the White House. MS NOW's Michele Norris reports on the latest developments.

MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on Trump's approval ratings sinking to record second-term lows after suffering a humiliating defeat on the Epstein files. Alicia Menendez, Bill Kristol, former Watergate prosecutor Nick Akerman, and acclaimed author Walter Isaacson join.

A federal judge has dismissed the cases against James Comey and Letitia James after the judge determined the interim U.S. attorney Lindsey Halligan was unlawfully appointed. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by John Flannery.

November 21, 2025; 6pm: MS NOW's Ari Melber breaks down the Epstein emails, including newly-surfaced messages from lawyers who went on to represent Trump. Margaret Carlson, Cornell Belcher, and former Justice Department attorney Mike Romano join.

November 20, 2025; 6pm: Trump signs the Epstein files release bill, meaning the DOJ has 30 days to release the files. New reports show Trump secretly lobbied GOP senators to slow-walk the bill, MS NOW's Ari Melber reports. Joan Walsh, Chai Komanduri, Gary Shteyngart, and Patton Oswalt join.

November 19, 2025; 6pm: MS NOW’s Ari Melber hosts The Beat and reports on Congress passing legislation to force the DOJ to release its Epstein files. The legislation now awaits Trump's signature. Plus, new reporting on ties between former Trump advisor Steve Bannon and Epstein. Michelle Goldberg, Michael Hirschorn, and Andrew Weissmann join.

November 18, 2025; 6pm: A major loss for Donald Trump today, MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on how Republicans went from opposing any vote to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act to joining Democrats to back it almost unanimously, and how that weakens Trump's legislative strategy. Rick Wilson, Ayanna Pressley, Alex Wagner, and Molly Jong-Fast join.

November 17, 2025; 6pm: MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts The Beat and reports on Trump's apparent reversal of stance on the release of the Epstein files. Maya Wiley, Gretchen Carlson, and Bill Kristol join.

MSNBC's Ari Melber reports on Trump now trying to deflect the Epstein emails, calling on his Justice Department to investigate Epstein's relationship with Bill Clinton and other figures and institutions. Jason Johnson, Emily Bazelon, and Margaret Carlson join. Plus, political podcast host David Pakman.

MSNBC's Ari Melber reports on the damning Epstein emails rocking the Trump White House. Andrew Weissmann and Rep. Melanie Stansbury join.

Damning emails allege President Trump knew of Jeffrey Epstein’s conduct. MSNBC's Ari Melber reports.

MSNBC's Ari Melber reports on the affordability crisis in the US, with recent polling showing that 66% of Americans say Trump has fallen short on his campaign promise to tackle inflation and cost of living. Vanity Fair's Molly Jong-Fast and Democratic Strategist & Pollster Cornell Belcher join.

Legendary Democratic Strategist James Carville joins MSNBC’s Ari Melber on “The Beat” to discuss the Democratic surge and New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s campaign.

Polling shows that affordability and economic anxiety drove the GOP losses as millions of Americans are going to food banks unable to access their SNAP benefits, MSNBC's Ari Melber reports. New York Times' Michelle Goldberg, Emily Bazelon, and MSNBC's Jason Johnson join.

MSNBC’s Ari Melber analyzes Democrats’ 2025 election sweep and the growing ripple effects across U.S. politics.

MSNBC's Ari Melber reports on the string of Democratic wins upending politics.

New York City's Democratic nominee for mayor joins The Beat ahead of November 4th's election. Donald Trump held a "Great Gatsby" themed Halloween party, drawing backlash amid government shutdown. Barack Obama campaigns for Democratic candidates in New Jersey, Virginia. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Zoran Mamdani and Eugene Robinson.

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.

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.

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.

President Trump won’t rule out seeking a third term in 2028. MSNBC's Jason Johnson reports.

Trump ally Steve Bannon says President Trump will serve a third term, despite the 22nd amendment. MSNBC’s Jason Johnson reports and is joined by Ankush Khardori and Molly Jong-Fast.

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. Maya Wiley and Douglas Brinkley join.

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.

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.

Organizers for the nationwide "No Kings" protests estimate that over 7 million people attended over the weekend. Molly Jong-Fast and David Litt join to discus.

Another court has stopped President Trump’s bid to seize powers and put troops in the streets. Legendary Political Strategist James Carville joins to discuss.

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.

President Trump is doubling down on his weaponization of the Justice Department. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Leslie Caldwell, former head of the DOJ’s criminal division and NYU’s Melissa Murray.

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.

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Friday, June 9, and reports on Donald Trump's historic indictment in Special Counsel Jack Smith's Mar-a-Lago documents probe. Maya Wiley, Jen Psaki, Kristy Greenberg, David Kelley and Andrew Weissman join.

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts “The Beat” on Wednesday, June 7, and reports on Trump’s grand juries, Mark Meadows, and Mike Pence’s presidential bid. John Flannery and Maya Wiley join.

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts “The Beat” on Tuesday, June 6, and reports on Donald Trump’s documents probe, the 2024 election, George Santos and jail deaths in New York City. Plus, Melber delivers instant analysis to breaking news that Mark Meadows testified before a grand jury in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Trump investigations. Sam Nunberg, David Kelley and Melissa Murray join.

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts “The Beat” on Monday, June 6, and reports on Trump’s classified docs probe, artificial intelligence, and Ron DeSantis. David RothKopf and Joyce Vance join.

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts “The Beat” on Friday, June 2, and reports on Donald Trump’s criminal probes and is joined by Trump's former lawyer, Tim Parlatore. David Kelley and Eugene Robinson also join.

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts “The Beat” on Thursday, June 1, and reports on the Trump tapes. Joyce Vance, Michael Steele, David Remnick, and James Comey join.