PoliticsNation

On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses how, on the first night of Black History Month, America faces a new challenge in protecting civil rights. 

Across the nation, we are seeing scenes reminiscent of the 1960s as thousands join mass demonstrations and sit-ins in response to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. 

In Georgia, our democracy is at risk after the FBI seized ballots and voter data from the 2020 election, raising concerns for the upcoming midterm elections. Recent special election results indicate that Trump and the Republicans may face significant backlash from voters worried about the country's direction. 

On today's episode of 'Politics Nation', host Rev. Al Sharpton delivers a forceful rebuke of a racist video shared this week by President Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. Rev. Sharpton condemns the post as vile, dehumanizing, and beneath the office of the presidency, noting that even members of Trump's own party were compelled to denounce it. 

The episode examines the broader implications of the incident, particularly as it occurred during the opening days of Black History Month and amid ongoing efforts by the administration to diminish the contributions of African Americans. Rev. Sharpton also raises alarms about the resurgence of racist tropes alongside rhetoric about "nationalizing" elections in cities with large Black populations, calling the moment increasingly ominous. 

Joining the Reverend for the discussion are Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Senator Tina Smith, and Brennan Center President Michael Waldman, who weigh in on accountability, democratic norms, and the stakes for the country moving forward — including why the ultimate response to racist conduct must come at the ballot box this November.

Tonight, on 'Politics Nation', Reverend Al Sharpton opens the show just hours before Super Bowl 60 kicks off in San Francisco. While the big game looms, President Trump's ongoing culture wars threaten to overshadow the festivities, with Bay Area officials raising concerns about potential ICE activity near the stadium. Conservatives remain fired up over the politics surrounding the halftime show and the Winter Olympics abroad, as the U.S. political climate heats up with the midterm elections now less than nine months away. 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul joins the program to discuss her re-election campaign, ICE enforcement in New York, and her recent announcement of a running mate, along with a major endorsement from the state's progressive mayor. Also joining are Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat. The panel will tackle Trump's racist post targeting the Obamas, the Epstein files, DHS funding, Bad Bunny, and more.