The Weekend

7am: Maduro was taken by armored vehicle from Stewart Airport in Orange County, New York to be processed at a DEA field office in New York City. It comes less than 24 hours after a major U.S. military operation in Caracas, where more than 150 aircraft were deployed to neutralize Venezuelan air defenses and facilitate the capture of Maduro and his wife from their home. Laura Barron-Lopez and Missy Ryan join The Weekend to discuss the events of the last 24 hours in Venezuela. Former CIA Director John Brennan also joins The Weekend to discuss what comes next for the country after its president was captured by U.S. forces.

8am: Reaction to President Trump's military operation in Venezuela , which did not have congressional approval, has largely split along party lines.  But there are many questions about what comes next after President Trump's stunning claim that the U.S. will run the country. Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro of Texas, who serves on both the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees, joins "The Weekend" to discuss. Plus, Matthew Bartlett, Republican Strategist and Former Trump appointee to the State Department, joins "The Weekend" to share his take on where things might go from here.

9am: On this hour of "The Weekend," three members of Congress talk the latest on the president's military action in Venezuela. Including, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, Washington Representative Adam Smith, who says Secretary of State Rubio, "misled the American people" by claiming U.S. activities weren't aimed at regime change. Plus, Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. And Colorado Congressman Jason Crow – one of the Democrats who last year warned the military not to carry out illegal orders.

7am: Renee Good's killing has ignited protests around the nation and friction in the Capitol. A heated exchange caught on camera shows Democratic Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig having an intense discussion with Minnesota Republican Tom Emmer. Representative Craig joins "The Weekend" to recount the exchange and share her thoughts on the ICE operations.

8am: Trump renewed his threats to take over Greenland in a White House meeting with oil executives. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to meet with Danish officials to discuss Trump's plans next week. But those plans have been met with fierce pushback from European officials, as well as some in President Trump's own party. We have a live report from Copenhagen and then Former Ambassador to Denmark, Rufus Gifford, joins The Weekend to discuss how the president's threats are landing.

9am: Protests are expected to continue, sparked by the death of Renee Good, who was shot and killed by an ICE officer in Minneapolis on Wednesday. Plus, the federal government is facing growing frustration from Minnesota officials after the FBI took full control of the investigation into the shooting, cutting off the state's access to key evidence, scene materials and interviews. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: Several cities across the United States saw major protests following the killing of Minnesota mom Renee Good. The Trump administration continues to double down on its argument that the ICE officer acted in self-defense. The Department of Homeland Security released a 3-minute video showing the moments leading up to the incident to back their claim. Minnesota officials reject that narrative. MS NOW Political Analyst Eugene Robinson and Former FBI Special Agent Christopher O'Leary join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: The Palisades and Eaton fires claimed 31 lives, destroyed more than 16,000 structures and obliterated almost everything across nearly 80 square miles. Senior Political and National Reporter Jacob Soboroff covered the costliest wildfire event in American history last year as his own childhood home in the Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades neighborhood was destroyed. His new book "FIRESTORM: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America's New Age of Disaster" offers a deeply reported account of the catastrophe. Soboroff joins The Weekend to discuss his book and aftermath of those fires.

9am: Trump has taken his presidency to new extremes while testing the limits of executive power, forcing some of the top Republicans to stand up to the president. Republican California Congressman Kevin Kiley, who also serves on the Judiciary committee, joins "The Weekend" to discuss his party's latest moves on the War Powers Act and health care subsidies.

7am: Just days after President Trump threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, the Justice Department launched a criminal investigation against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Plus, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller falsely accused Minnesota officials of staging an "insurgency against the federal government." Michele Norris, MS NOW Senior Contributing Editor, and Ankush Khardori, Senior writer at Politico Magazine and a former federal prosecutor, join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: President Trump appears to understand that his unpopular agenda could cost Republicans the midterms. In a recent interview with Reuters, he stated, "we shouldn't even have an election." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt walked back those comments, telling reporters the president was "simply joking" and "speaking facetiously." Former Department of Homeland Security Chief of Staff Miles Taylor and New Yorker staff writer Susan Glasser join "The Weekend" to discuss.

9am: The protest comes as a bipartisan delegation of U.S. lawmakers are in Denmark this weekend, with hopes to reassure leaders of the country and Greenland of Congressional support after President Trump's threats to seize the Arctic island. Rep Sarah McBride joins The Weekend to discuss the resistance Trump's acquisition ambiton of Greenland.

7am: Tensions flared in Minneapolis with dueling protests over the weekend. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the National Guard to support local law enforcement. And new reporting reveals the Pentagon has ordered active-duty soldiers to prepare for possible deployment in Minnesota. MS NOW White House Reporter Laura Barrón-López, former federal prosecutor Paul Butler, and MS NOW contributor David Drucker join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: Tuesday marks one year since President Trump returned to office. During his inaugural address, he vowed to bring costs down, end wars, and put America first. On this episode of "The Weekend", the hosts discuss the promises made and the promises broken with former Special Counsel to President Barack Obama, Norm Eisen; former White House Deputy Press Secretary, Sarah Matthews; and Reverend Al Sharpton.

9am: This past week numerous Democrats in Congress have revealed that they are under investigation by Trump's Justice Department over their protected speech in telling military members that they can refuse illegal orders. The same DOJ has launched criminal investigations into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for speaking out against the ongoing immigration crackdown in their state. Liz Oyer and Ty Cobb join The Weekend to discuss the Trump Administration's autocratic approach to governan

7am: The news comes after massive crowds took to the streets in Minneapolis yesterday to protest ICE, despite bone-chilling temperatures with a windchill as low as 40 degrees below zero. Alex Tabet, Quinta Jurecic, Kimberly Atkins Stohr, join The Weekend to discuss the latest in the ICE activities in Minneapolis.

8am: President Trump has backed off on his threat to impose tariffs on eight European nations over his demand for Greenland. But the damage from his ongoing threats and attacks has already been done, potentially causing a major rift in the world order. Plus, as Trump insists he's making progress on the "framework" of a Greenland deal with NATO, Greenland's Prime Minister claims he doesn't know what's in it, but has asked to respect his country's sovereignty. Adrienne Elrod, former Senior Advisor and Senior Spokesperson for the Harris Campaign, Elise Labott, host of "Cosmopolitics" on Substack, and Issac Stanley-Becker, Staff Writer at The Atlantic join "The Weekend" to discuss.

9am: A striking image of a five-year-old wearing a blue-knit bunny hat went viral this week after witnesses said he was used as "bait" to lure his father from their home. The Department of Homeland Security claimed the child was detained because he was abandoned by his father, who fled the scene – but school officials have disputed the administration's account of events. Those officials, School Superintendent Zena Stenvik and School Board Chair Mary Granlund, join "The Weekend" to describe the scene and share how ICE operations are impacting their community.

7am: The shooting came three weeks after Renee Good was shot and killed by an ICE agent while in her SUV. In both cases, the Trump administration wasted no time in asserting what they claimed were the facts in the case, just hours after the incidents, before any investigation could be conducted, labeling Good and Pretti not as victims, but as assailants. David Noriega, Michele Norris, Tom Manger, join The Weekend to discuss the latest on the shooting and the victim.

8am: The Department of Homeland Security is set to investigate the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis instead of the FBI. Members of Congress are calling for action, including blocking funding to the Department of Homeland Security. Representatives Delia Ramirez and Glenn Ivey join "The Weekend" to discuss.

9am: The threat comes after federal agents shot and killed a second person in Minneapolis, three weeks after killing Rene Good. Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse and resident of the city, was shot and killed while at least five agents surrounded him on the ground. Sen. Alex Padilla joins The Weekend to discuss Democrats response to the shooting of Alex Pretti and the possible government shutdown.

7am: The Department of Homeland Security is set to investigate the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis instead of the FBI. Members of Congress are calling for action, including blocking funding to the Department of Homeland Security. Representatives Delia Ramirez and Glenn Ivey join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: New York Attorney General Letitia James is one of those leaders. She joins The Weekend for an exclusive interview to discuss the Department of Justice's attempts to get states' voter rolls, President Donald Trump's extreme immigration crackdown, and the attacks on the rule of law. She also discusses the administration's investigations into her.

9am: The Justice Department released more than 3 million additional pages of Jeffrey Epstein files as legally mandated by Congress. But Congressional Democrats were quick to disagree, pointing to the 6 million pages Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the DOJ had identified as "potentially responsive" to the law during its collection efforts. Democratic Rep. James Walkinshaw of The House Oversight Committee joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: The United States-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, set to begin today, have been delayed for unknown reasons. A new study reveals up to 325 thousand Russian soldiers are dead, and up to 140 thousand Ukrainian fighters have died since the February 2022 attack. Former U.S. Marine and Russian prisoner Trevor Reed joins "The Weekend" to discuss his new book and why he returned to Ukraine to fight on the front lines against Russia.

8am: In a Texas state senate race, Democrat Taylor Rehmet was declared the winner over Republican Leigh Wambsganss by double digits in the state's deep-red 9th district that President Trump won by 17 points in 2024. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin joins The Weekend to discuss the latest victory for Democrats and what it means for the party.

9am: Protesters are filling the streets across the country, responding to the killings of two Minneapolis residents. And instead of trying to defuse the situation, President Trump threatened protesters and instructed federal agents to be "very forceful" in their protection of federal property. Plus, the latest developments in DHS's Operation Metro Surge are now playing out in courts as a federal judge denied Minnesota's request for a preliminary injunction. In response, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison claims they will continue the legal fight to protect Minnesotans. He joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: The racist video on his social media account was posted late Thursday, the fifth day of Black History Month, and depicts the Obamas as apes -- a longtime racist trope that has deep historical roots. The post sparked backlash with Democratic and Republican lawmakers quickly condemning it. Symone Sanders Townsend and Miles Taylor join The Weekend to discuss the president's post and his refusal to admit any wrongdoing.

8am: The impact of "Operation Metro Surge" will be felt for weeks to come, especially for the courts. A group of former federal prosecutors and civil-rights attorneys have signed a letter to  Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding transparency in the Minnesota investigations. One of the lawyers who wrote that letter, former Federal Prosecutor and Chief of the Criminal Division in the Southern District of New York, Perry Carbone, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

9am: The administration first cut the funding in last october's shutdown, alleging it was to ensure it wasn't used on "unconstitutional dei principles." Now the Gateway Development Commission overseeing the project is also suing in a separate case, claiming the Department of Transportation breached several grant and loan agreements and that the suspension is politically motivated. All of this just one day after new reporting revealed the stunning quid pro quo from the president's officials to Sen. Chuck Schumer to help rename Penn Station and Dulles Airport after President Donald Tump in exchange for the federal money. Rep. Rob Menendez joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the project.

7am: Republicans are worried about a Democratic blowout in both chambers of Congress. One race they're focusing on is GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's seat in Georgia, where 21 candidates are already on the ballot. Plus, the only Senate Democrat up for re-election this year is Jon Ossoff, who delivered a fiery speech attacking the Trump administration for being out of touch. MS Now Political Analyst Eugene Robinson and Stuart Stevens, Senior adviser at the Lincoln Project, join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: This week the Labor Department said job openings in December dropped to their lowest level in five years, and layoffs surged in January to their highest level since 2009 during the Great Recession. Even members of President Trump's party are raising the alarm heading into this year's midterms. Senate Repbulicans worry backlash to Trump's handling of the economy and his aggressive deportation policies could cause a Democratic wave that sweeps both the House and Senate. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) joins The Weekend to discuss the current state of the economy. Actor Lena Waithe also joins The Weekend to discuss her new play Trinity and the Trump administration's attempt to rewrite Black history in America.

9am: Congress faces a big week in the ongoing investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein case. His accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, will testify virtually before the House Oversight Committee, but her lawyer confirmed to MS Now that she will exercise her Fifth Amendment right to stay silent. Plus, beginning on Monday, Congress will gain access to the unredacted versions of the three million Epstein files. Congresswoman Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico, who serves on the House Oversight Committee, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: President Trump's policies are unpopular here at home and also rattling allies abroad. House Speaker Emerita and Democratic Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi joins "The Weekend" from the Munich Security Conference to discuss America's standing on the global stage, concerns over possible election interference during the midterms in November, and her reaction to Minnesotans' protesting against ICE tactics.

8am: This week, the DOJ came to the defense of President Trump's former strategist Steve Bannon, seeking to undo his conviction for defying a subpoena regarding the January 6th insurrection. Plus, U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro's federal prosecutors failed to secure indictments on charges of seditious conspiracy against the six Democratic lawmakers who released a video last year urging troops to refuse illegal orders. Former Federal Prosecutors Brendan Ballou and Paul Butler join "The Weekend" to discuss the hyper-political Department of Justice.

9am: The most striking moment came when Bondi declined to apologize to the Epstein survivors for the DOJ's missteps. Jess Michaels, an Epstein survivor, joins The Weekend to discuss the moment Attorney General Bondi failed to acknowledge the survivors who were present at her hearing.

7am: On Saturday night, Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a 6-page letter to Congress writing that the DOJ acted in accordance with the Epstein files Transparency Act and had finished releasing all the files. The letter also states that the only records withheld in full were those for which such withholding is permitted under the text of the bill. Now, lawmakers are calling out the DOJ for trying to "muddy the waters" in names released. MS Now Political Contributor Jason Johnson and former Federal Prosecutor Ankush Khardori join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: The Trump Administration announced its plans reduce the number of immigration agents in Minnesota after weeks of protests, arrests, and use of force. This withdrawal comes with lingering skepticism among Minnesotans who remain dubious about the administration's announcement. Minneapolis City Council President Elliot Payne and Former Federal Public Defender Liz Oyer join "The Weekend" to discuss the lasting impacts of Operation Metro Surge.

9am: Former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff joins "The Weekend" to discuss growing concerns about the impact of AI in the workplace and the weaponization of the Justice Department under Donald Trump. Emhoff calls this week's congressional testimony by Attorney General Pam Bondi "shameful."

7am: The court struck down his far reaching global tariffs in a 6-3 decision Friday, ruling that he did not have authority under a 1977 emergency economic powers law.  Tim O'Brien and Courtenay Brown join The Weekend to discuss the latest in the SCOTUS decision and how the ruling may impact President trump's economic agenda, as well as the bottom line for U.S.

8am: Election season is here with early voting underway in Texas with special focus on the U.S. Senate primaries. On the Democratic side, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is facing off against State Representative James Talarico. And for Republicans, incumbent Senator John Cornyn is fighting to keep his seat against State Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt. The primary is set for March 3, and the results could shake up the direction of both parties come November. Matthew Bartlett, Republican Strategist and former Trump appointee to the State Department, and Shaniqua McClendon, Vice President of politics at "Crooked Media," joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

9am: After former Prince Andrew's arrest for misconduct in public office, there are growing calls for accountability here in the United States over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. This week, we got a look inside the deposition of Epstein's former billionaire benefactor, Les Wexner. The former CEO of Victoria's Secret testified behind closed doors to several Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, and Republican lawmakers did not attend. Congressman Suhas Subramanyam joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will meet with committee members on Thursday, and former President Bill Clinton will testify a day later. The depositions will take place behind closed doors, but they will be filmed and transcribed. Both have denied any wrongdoing, and Hillary Clinton has said that neither of them has links to the late sex offender. Rep. James Walkinshaw, who will be in the room for both depositions, joins The Weekend to discuss the depositions and his decision to bring Jeffrey Epstein survivor Jess Michaels as his guest to President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday.

8am: President Donald Trump's State of the Union is shaping up to be a very dramatic event before it even begins. It comes as the president has faced several setbacks, including a major Supreme Court loss after the court struck down his tariffs. Former speechwriter and special assistant to former President Joe Biden, Jeff Nussbaum, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

9am: Ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Gregory Meeks, joins "The Weekend" to discuss potential U.S. action against Iran and calls out President Trump for attempting to sidestep Congress in getting authorization for potential strikes, and calls on the president to brief lawmakers.

President Donald Trump announced the largest military intervention of his two terms in the Oval Office, saying the United States is launching sweeping attacks on the Iranian military and calling on the Iranian people to rise up and seize control of their government.

The U.S. military has launched "major combat operations" in Iran, Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social early Saturday, with the goal of stopping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and protecting American personnel and interests abroad and at home.

President Donald Trump announced the largest military intervention of his two terms in the Oval Office, saying the United States is launching sweeping attacks on the Iranian military and calling on the Iranian people to rise up and seize control of their government.

The U.S. military has launched "major combat operations" in Iran, Trump said in a video posted to Truth Social early Saturday, with the goal of stopping Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and protecting American personnel and interests abroad and at home.

7am: A massive explosion was heard in Tehran today after the Israeli military intercepted more missiles launched towards Israel this morning. Associated Press Correspondent Sam Mednick and MS NOW Political Reporter Alex Tabet join "The Weekend" to share the latest. Then, Retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling and MS NOW Political Analyst Richard Stengel join the conversation to discuss what's next. 

8 am: Cheers were heard from large crowds of Iranians in several cities following the confirmed death of Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In the U.S., Iranian-Americans took to the streets in cities like Los Angeles and Washington D.C. to celebrate the blow to the Iranian Islamic regime. While there were celebrations taking shape, there were also scenes of mourning from the leader's fiercely loyal base. Thousands of pro-government supporters gathered in Tehran to memorialize Khameni. Through the split screen of emotions, questions remain on what powerbase will emerge now that the man who ruled iran with an iron fist for nearly four decades is gone. Former CIA Director John Brennan joins The Weekend to discuss how the attacks have affected Iranians around the globe.

9am: As strikes continue between the U.S. and Iran, Democrats in Congress are calling for an immediate War Powers vote to rein in President Trump's military actions. Trump officials are slated to brief Congressional committee staff on the Iran operation. Top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Congressman Gregory Meeks, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: Meanwhile, the Israeli military said its fighter jets launched 230 munitions toward several military sites across Tehran. President Donald Trump is threatening to hit Iran again "Very Hard." He's expected to travel to Dover Air Force base to attend the dignified transfer of six U.S. service members killed in the war. NBC News is reporting that Trump has privately expressed real interest in deploying American troops on the ground inside of Iran. Former CIA Director John Brennan joins The Weekend to discus the growing uncertainty surrounding the motive for the war.

8am: It's been more than 10 years since the Obama Presidential Center was announced in Chicago, and we've got an EXCLUSIVE announcement on its progress. Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

9am: Congressional Republicans once again surrender power to the president to do as he wishes in Iran after the War Powers Resolution fails in the House and Senate. Democratic Congressman Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a Marine veteran who served four tours in the Iraq War, joins "The Weekend" to discuss. 

7am: Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia said they are continuing to fight off Iranian drone and missile attacks. The UAE says Iran has fired 16 ballistic missiles and 117 drones in new barrages. Iran's Foreign Ministry said its defensive operations against U.S. military bases in the region will continue, but the attacks should not be construed as hostility toward neighboring countries. Nancy Youssef, Meghan O'Sullivan, and Jon Finer join The Weekend to discuss the going war in the region.

8am: On this International Women's Day, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o joins "The Weekend" along with Senator Angela Alsobrooks, to discuss a critical health issue affecting millions of women worldwide.

9am: The first week of the U.S.-Iran war has been defined by contradictions as questions emerge over U.S. goals in the operation. For example, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth initially insisted this would not be a regime change war, yet President Trump is already talking about shaping Iran's future government. MS NOW international reporter Ines De La Cuetra, MS NOW political analyst Molly Jong-Fast, and former Democratic Rep. Conor Lamb of Pennsylvania, join "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad was struck by a missile according to Iraqi security forces Saturday morning, after U.S. forces bombed targets on Iran's Kharg Island, home to the primary terminal that handles that country's oil exports. Meanwhile, MS NOW has learned the military plans to send 5K troops and several additional ships to the Arabian Sea, a day after the U.S. military confirmed six U.S. service members were killed when a refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq. Defense Sec. Pete Hegseth addressed the tragedy nearly 9 minutes into his press briefing yesterday after first scolding the media. Terry Moran and Toluse Olorunnipa join The Weekend to discuss the latest with the war in Iran.

8am: As the economic pain from the war gets worse, the Trump administration says it's just short-term pain for long-term gain. This week, the stock market took another nosedive as Iran's newest leader vowed to use the Strait of Hormuz as a "tool to pressure the enemy." Plus, Gas prices have jumped an average of nearly 60 cents since the initial attack. Senator Alex Padilla joins "The Weekend" to discuss rising costs. 

9am: A bipartisan group of senators is calling for a probe into the Justice Department's redactions of the files accusing the Trump administration of violating the Epstein files transparency act and re-victimizing survivors. A bipartisan group of senators is calling for a probe into the Justice Department's redactions of the files accusing the Trump administration of violating the Epstein files Transparency Act and re-victimizing survivors. In the house, Oversight Committee chairman James Comer said this week that they are moving quickly to schedule depositions from Attorney General Pam Bondi and commerce secretary Howard Lutnick. Rep. James Walkinshaw joins The Weekend to discuss the congressional concerns of the DOJ's release of Epstein files.

7am: In an interview with NBC News, President Trump claimed that Iran was ready to negotiate a ceasefire but rejected their offer because "the terms aren't good enough." But Trump has declined to say what those terms would be. This comes as the president has called on allies to help re-open the Strait of Hormuz. White House Correspondent for NOTUS, Jasmine Wright, and senior economics reporter for Axios, Courtenay Brown, join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: A recent NBC poll shows that the war has not fractured the MAGA base all that much, with 90% of MAGA-aligned republicans approving of the strikes on Iran. However, some prominent MAGA and conservative media figures are among those crying foul the loudest over the war. When it comes to republicans who don't align with MAGA that number falls to 54 % in support of the attacks on Iran. David Drucker and Adam Serwer join The Weekend to discuss why some elected officials in the G.O.P are getting increasingly nervous about the iran war's impact on their election prospects in November. Makena Kelly also joins The Weekend to discuss the whistleblower report revealing how social security data may have been taken by a former doge employee to his new job.

9am: This weekend, the U.S. has intensified airstrikes on Iran's most important oil export terminal, Karg Island. Investors warn that additional action could plunge global oil markets into further chaos as the island exports roughly 90 percent of Iran's crude oil. U.S. Amos Hochstein, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources under President Biden, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: Overnight, Iran says its nuclear facility – the country's largest enrichment site – has been hit in an airstrike. On Friday, President Trump said he was considering winding down military presence in the region. However, MS NOW reports the administration has doubled the number of United States troops deployed to the region. Josh Lederman, fellow at the Center for International Security Studies, and Alan Eyre, Former Senior U.S. Diplomat, join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard contradicts Trump's claims about the war with Iran, including on whether Iran's nuclear program posed an imminent threat, even as the White House used that as justification. At two separate hearings this week, she said it's not her job to assess threats. John Brennan, Former Director of the CIA and MS Now Senior National Security and Intelligence Analyst, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

9am: Meanwhile – questions remain if U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi will comply with the committee's subpoena to answer questions about the investigation. House Democrats stormed out of a last-minute closed-door briefing with Bondi this week. They say they were enraged by her refusal to commit to testifying under oath. Democrats also pressed Chairman James Comer on whether he'd compel Bondi's testimony or seek to hold her in contempt, but Comer does not seem interested in that. Sen. Jeff Merkley joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the Epstein investigation.

7am: The Senate has been working through the weekend to come up with a plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security. In an attempt to speed up that process, President Trump threatened to replace TSA officers with ICE agents as soon as Monday. Eli Stokols and Eugene Robinson join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: Organizers predict next week's "No Kings" protests will be the largest in American history. One of the issues fueling the protests is Trump's draconian immigration crackdown. Chief Political and Advocacy Officer for the ACLU, one of the organizations planning "No Kings" events this upcoming Saturday, Deirdre Schifeling, and Democratic strategist and senior advisor to the Harris-Walz campaign, Adrienne Elrod, join "The Weekend" to discuss.

9am: Democratic candidate for New York's 12th Congressional District Jack Schlossberg joins The Weekend in an exclusive interview to discuss his presentation that Profile in Courage award to Minneapolis residents.

7am: Last night, the House of Representatives passed a short-term Republican proposal to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security after rejecting a deal passed unanimously by the Senate that would have funded most of DHS, except ICE. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer says the House GOP bill is dead on arrival, and amid the standoff, President Trump signed an executive order to pay TSA workers as soon as Monday. MS NOW Senior Contributing Editor Michele Norris and former DHS Chief of Staff Miles Taylor join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: The Trump administration is once again seeking a DOJ probe into one of Trump's most vocal critics, New York Attorney General Letitia James, after the administration had already failed to prosecute her multiple times. In the same week the DOJ settled a lawsuit from trump ally Michael Flynn for a reported $1.2 million, despite the fact that Flynn pleaded guilty to misleading the FBI during its investigation. Former Federal Prosecutor Brendan Ballou joins The Weekend to discuss Trump's escalated retribution campaign.

9am: Organizers said the purpose is to stand up against President Donald Trump, his administration and his increasingly authoritarian policies. This will be the third "No Kings" protest of Trump's second administration. While protests are set to begin in the U.S. Later this morning, protests overseas have already begun. Maine Gov. Janet Mills and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the protest.

7am: Yesterday, massive "No Kings" protests swept across the nation, and organizers say at least 8 million people attended more than 3,300 demonstrations, with nearly half of them held in battleground states. What does this mean for the midterms? Former Congressman Joe Walsh and the President of Media Matters, Angelo Carusone, join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: With Iran continuing to block the key Strait of Hormuz the price at the pump continues to climb closer to $4 a gallon. In fact the war has raised the price of everything from flights to fertilizer and food prices and even balloons for your kid's birthday party. Jared Bernstein joins The Weekend to discuss the financial burden the war is taking on Americans.

9am: As the U.S.-Israel war against Iran enters its fifth week, The Washington Post reports the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations. While President Trump has yet to approve the plans, it comes as the U.S. Central Command said more than 3,500 U.S. forces arrived in the Middle East on Friday. Nancy Youssef, Staff Writer at The Atlantic and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling, Retired Commander of U.S. Army Europe, join "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: The search for an American service member inside Iran enters a second day today. That missing service member is one of two crew members aboard a U.S. F-15 fighter jet shot down over southern Iran early yesterday. Iran is believed to have shot down a second plane yesterday. A U.S official told MS NOW American forces safely rescued the plane's pilot after the aircraft went down near the Strait of Hormuz. As the U.S. continues its search for the missing service member, President Trump says this incident will not affect negotiations with Iran "at all." MS NOW Reporter David Noriega joins "The Weekend" from Israel to share the latest. Then, Mark Mazzetti and former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy Mara Karlin join to discuss conflicting messages from the White House.

8am: The lawsuit comes in addition to a separate legal challenge filed by Democratic Party leadership, which also argues the President has no such authority to order his sweeping change to elections. It's the opening salvo in what could become a major legal fight after the President doubled-down this week on false claims about mail-in voting, his favorite excuse for why he lost the 2020 election. Founder for the "Fair Fight" voting rights group and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams joins The Weekend to discuss the president's latest attacks on voting.

9am: We're learning new details on what this will mean for both the future of the Department of Justice and the White House. Bondi was a loyal foot soldier and fierce defender of Trump, but clearly, that was not enough. Sources say her failed prosecutions of Trump's political opponents and the fallout from the Epstein files, played a big part in why she was ousted. The Atlantic reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick joins The Weekend to discuss what it means for the next candidate who will spearhead the DOJ and the possible purge of other Trump Administration officials. Democratic Congressional Candidate for Georgia's 14th District, Shawn Harris, also joins The Weekend to discuss the special election for the seat previously held by Marjorie Taylor Greene.

7am: Details are emerging after a U.S. servicemember was found after ejecting from a fighter jet on Friday. According to the president and new reporting, the rescue mission involved hundreds of special forces, dozens of aircrafts, and various intelligence capabilities. President Trump reacted on Truth Social and shared the servicemember "sustained injuries, but he will be just fine." MS NOW Senior National Security Reporter David Rohde, MS NOW Contributor Inzamam Rashid, and MS NOW National Security and Intelligence Analysts Christopher O'Leary, and Marc Polymeropoulos join "The Weekend" to discuss the latest.

8am: Vice President JD Vance is heading to Hungary next week in what appears to be a show of support for prime Minister Viktor Orbán -- just days before the country's election. Hungary's leader of 16 years could be in real trouble, with polling showing that center-right candidate Peter Magyar is currently leading. President Trump has already endorsed Orbán, who has faced condemnation for his authoritarian actions. Anne Applebaum joins The Weekend to discuss what Vice President JD Vance's upcoming trip to Hungary, just days before its key election, has to do with voters back here in the United States.

9am: President Trump continues to threaten Iran with "hell" if they don't agree to a deal or reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In his most recent post on Truth Social, the president dropped the f-bomb and pledged to attack power plants and bridges on Tuesday. This week, more than 100 international law experts wrote an open letter warning that U.S. strikes on Iran violate the UN charter and may be war crimes. Retired Lieutenant Colonel Dan Maurer and Retired Four-Star General Barry McCaffrey join "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: The United States and Iran are in Pakistan to work out a ceasefire deal. Vice President JD Vance, who is leading the talks, is accompanied by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Just last night, the president warned that the U.S. will open the Gulf "with or without" Iran. Sky News International Affairs Editor Dominic Waghorn joins us from the region to share the latest. Then, Former Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith and MS NOW Security Analyst and Former Rear Admiral John Kirby join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: They're offering a preview of what the '28 campaign season might look like for the Democratic hopefuls while sounding the alarm on President Trump's blatant attempts to interfere in the midterms.

9am: The rare public appearance caught many White House staffers off guard according to a White House official, including President Donald Trump. Yet, there's still no clear reason why the First Lady decided to make her statement now, or why she felt it was the time to call on Congress to hold a public hearing for Epstein's survivors, especially as her husband has repeatedly called the Epstein controversy a "Democrat hoax." Former W.H. Communications Director Stephanie Grisham joins The Weekend to discuss the First Lady's actions and her denial of any close relationship with Epstein and Maxwell.

7am: President Trump has said Iran agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz, but this morning, Iranian officials announced that restrictions in the Strait will be reimposed, warning that the passage through the waterway will remain blocked until the United States lifts its blockade on Iranian ports. Trump has said repeatedly that the blockade will continue until a peace deal is reached. MS NOW Senior National Security Reporter David Rohde, Former CIA Director John Brennan, and Axios White House Reporter Marc Caputo join "The Weekend" to discuss the latest.

8am: Palermo, who worked as the institution's first curator of Visual Arts and special programming, joins The Weekend to discuss the report and dive deeper into his claims.

9am: Prosecutors have charged Agent Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr. with two counts of second degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Morgan Jr. allegedly pointed his firearm at two civilians in their vehicle after they cut him off. The charges come as Minnesota officials are already investigating 17 incidents involving federal agents, according to Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the charges and the presence of ICE in her state.

7am: Democratic stars held events in Michigan and Georgia this weekend to build momentum for the 2028 midterms. Former Vice President Kamala Harris, Governor Whitmer, Senator Cory Booker, and Governor Andy Beshear spoke at fundraising events in Detroit. Senator Jon Ossoff took direct aim at the Trump Administration during a campaign rally in Augusta, GA. Meanwhile, reporting suggests Republicans are growing increasingly worried about the midterms amid recent polling. Representative Debbie Dingell of Michigan joins "The Weekend" to discuss. 

8am: President Trump renewed threats to Iran as he announced the U.S. will be going to Islamabad tomorrow for negotiations. The Weekend's Jackie Alemany spoke by phone with President Donald Trump on his just-announced peace talks with Iran. Over the phone, he told Alemany that the American negotiators will be U.S. Special Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, and also Vice President JD Vance will not be traveling to participate in talks. This was before two senior U.S. officials told MS Now that Vance in fact would lead the U.S. delegation.

9am: Yesterday, protesters came out to stand against what they call inhumane conditions at an immigrant detention center in Dilley, Texas - the country's only detention center for families. Plus, Minnesota officials formally charged an ICE agent with assault over his actions during "Operation Metro Surge". Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: This morning, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are heading back to Islamabad, Pakistan for another round of peace talks. Iran says it will not engage in direct talks with the United States and will instead convey its position through Pakistani officials. MS NOW Contributor Inzamam Rashid joins "The Weekend" from Dubai to discuss the latest. Then, Former Senior U.S. Diplomat Alan Eyre and Bloomberg White House Reporter Kate Sullivan join the conversation.

8am: They will consider a new congressional map that could net Republicans three to five seats in this year's midterm elections. This comes after voters in Virginia narrowly approved a new congressional map that will allow Democrats to pick up as many as four new seats. President Donald Trump started this fight last year after successfully pushing red states Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina to redraw their congressional maps to create more Republican- friendly seats. Republicans were ecstatic about those rigged maps until the Democrats fought back, secured wins, and put MAGA's hypocrisy in the spotlight. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on the redistricting war between both parties.

9am: Instead of a comedian, this year's dinner will feature mentalist Oz Pearlman, who is known for his mind-reading tricks that have made him a viral sensation. Pearlman could give us a glimpse into what is on the mind of not only the journalists in the room, but maybe President Trump himself. He joins "The Weekend" to discuss the White House Correspondents' Dinner and to show off a few of his tricks.

A suspect is now in custody following gunfire at the White House Correspondents' Dinner last night. Police say 31-year-old Cole Allen of California charged at a Secret Service checkpoint armed with multiple weapons. He was tackled by agents at the scene and was taken to a nearby hospital.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney were among the first to condemn the violence. Former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada Chrystia Freeland, who was present at the event, joined The Weekend to discuss to discuss her experience. 

Members of Congress are reacting to the shooting that unfolded at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. Representative Suhas Subramanyam joins "The Weekend" to share his experience.

7am: Demonstrators poured into the streets across the country yesterday for May Day protests, billed as "Workers over Billionaires." Organizers say more than 3,300 events took place in American cities from coast to coast, where protesters called for peace, higher wages, and better working conditions. MS NOW Contributor David Drucker and USA Today Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: In the name of disentangling race from voting, the Supreme Court has made it virtually impossible for Black voters to challenge gerrymandered congressional maps. For decades, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act acted as a guardrail, preventing Southern legislatures from carving Black voters out of political power. Within hours of that ruling, states across the South began moving to redraw their maps ahead of the midterms. President and CEO of Democracy Forward Skye Perryman and Melissa Murray join The Weekend to discuss how this will affect voting and the midterms.

9am: Trump's claim came on what was the 60-day deadline for him to gain approval from Congress to continue the war with Iran. Meanwhile, in his first Capitol Hill appearances since the start of the war, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was grilled about a host of issues, including the cost of the war, which the Pentagon put at $25B dollars over two months. Massachusetts Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton joins The Weekend to discuss Hegseth's testimony to congress and the conflict's mounting price tag.

7am: President Trump said he is reviewing Iran's latest peace plan, but has already implied the proposal will be dead on arrival. Plus, a senior foreign diplomat who's been linked to negotiations told MS NOW contributor Inzamam Rashid that officials are bracing for further conflict, saying Iran is "preparing to be attacked again." Former Senior Pentagon Official Katherine Thompson and Host of Cosmopolitics, Elise Labott, join "The Weekend" to discuss what's next.

8am: GOP super PAC "Americans for Prosperity Action" is warning the party's Senate majority is at risk -- and is calling on Republicans to focus on the cost of living in their messaging. One state where this is being tested is Ohio, which holds its primary elections on Tuesday, including in a closely watched Senate special race for the seat formerly held by JD Vance. Republican incumbent Jon Husted, who was appointed to the seat, is running unopposed for his party's nomination. The Democratic favorite is former Senator Sherrod Brown, who has long centered his political career on the working class and economic issues. Republicans seem worried that Democrats could be competitive here in November, even in a state that Trump has carried three times. Kimberly Atkins-Stohr and Jackie Kucinich join The Weekend to discuss how President Trump's low approval ratings may cause an uphill battle for Republicans in the midterms.

9am: It's been a long week of the Justice Department and Supreme Court enabling Trump's autocratic moves. From the massive blow against the Voting Rights Act, to yet another James Comey probe, the enablers' actions from this week will be felt for generations. Eric Holder, the 82nd Attorney General of the United States and now chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: As the United States waits for Iran to respond to a permanent end to the war, the two continue to exchange fire. On Friday, Central Command said U.S. military forces carried out airstrikes, hitting and disabling two Iranian-flagged oil tankers trying to break the American naval blockade. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said it intercepted drones and missiles launched by Iran. MS NOW Contributor Inzamam Rashid joins "The Weekend" from Dubai with the latest. Then, former Senior U.S. Diplomat Alan Eyre joins the conversation.

8am: Sources tell MS NOW that Patel has "ordered the polygraphing of more than two dozen former and current members of his security detail, as well as other staff." This follows a series of unflattering reports about his leadership from The Atlantic – one describing the FBI Director as drinking to excess, missing important meetings and using federal resources for personal endeavors. The other describes him traveling with a supply of personalized branded bourbon bottles that he has been handing out as gifts. The bureau denies the accuracy of both reports and it has gone as far as launching a criminal leak investigation into the journalist who wrote both pieces. Former Federal Prosecutor Paul Butler and Former DOJ Pardon Attorney Liz Oyer join The Weekend to discuss the accusations against the FBI Director and new comments from Former Special Counsel Jack Smith that the DOJ has been "corrupted."

0am: Alabama became the latest state in that fight on Friday when Republicans approved plans for new primary elections pending a court decision on whether those newly drawn GOP House districts can be used in the November midterm elections. Chaotic scenes erupted at the Alabama Statehouse as a protester was dragged from the packed House gallery by security officers. Tensions also ran high in the Tennessee state capitol this week where protesters were removed from hearings over proposed congressional maps that overwhelmingly favored Republicans. The protests did not prevent Republican lawmakers from enacting a new map that abolishes the state's only majority-Black district. Governor Bill Lee signed the new map into law the same day. Tennessee House Representative Justin J. Pearson and  Former Alabama Sen. Doug Jones join The Weekend to discuss how Republicans in their respective states are striping away Black voting power.

7am: A hantavirus-stricken cruise ship has finally arrived in Spain, where more than 140 people on board have begun what Spanish officials are calling an "unprecedented" evacuation process to get them back safely to their countries of origin. Sky News Reporter Sadiya Chowdhury joins "The Weekend" from Spain with the latest.

8am: The crowded primary is June 2nd with the top 2 candidates advancing to the general election regardless of party. Among the candidates are Democrats Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. However, after two fiery debates last week, there is still no clear frontrunner. A CBS-YOUGOV POLL, conducted in late April, shows only 7 percentage points separating the top 5 candidates. Former. Rep. Katie Porter, who is one of several Democrats running for the seat, joins The Weekend to discuss the California Governor's race.

9am: With less than six months until the midterms, Republicans are facing Trump's plummeting approval ratings and warning signs on the economy. However, GOP lawmakers privately tell MS NOW they will still stand by the president because they have ‘no choice.'  California Congressman Kevin Kiley, a former Republican, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.

7am: President Trump is back in Washington following his two day summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The visit was heavy on pageantry and flattery but appears to have accomplished little in terms of policy, with no resolution on key issues like trade, the war in Iran, or Taiwan. Lara Seligman, National Security Reporter for the Wall Street Journal, and Jennifer Welch, Former National Security Director for China and Taiwan, join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: Peters was sentenced to nine years after prosecutors proved she gave an unauthorized person access to Mesa County election equipment in the aftermath of the 2020 election, then helped spread false claims that the vote was stolen. Her case became a cause célèbre on the right, with President Trump repeatedly calling her a "political prisoner" and demanding that Colorado set her free. The move comes after months of pressure from Trump, who cast Peters as a martyr in this broader campaign to rewrite the history of the 2020 election. Colorado Sec. of State Jena Griswold joins The Weekend to discuss the governor's decision.

9am: The Supreme Court's ruling gutting the Voting Rights Act has cleared the way for a new congressional map in Alabama that would eliminate one of the state's two majority-Black districts before this year's midterms. Alabama is just one of several Republican-led Southern states that are seeking to redraw their maps in a way that would dilute Black voting power. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Black Voters Matter Founder LaTosha Brown joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on Voting Rights Act.

7am: Organizers say thousands gathered yesterday in Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, to protest gerrymandering while honoring the historic 1965 civil rights marches that made the Voting Rights Act possible. MS NOW Contributor David Drucker and Former State Representative Don Calloway join "The Weekend" to discuss.

8am: On Saturday, Americans mobilized for voting rights demonstrations across the south, including Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who was at a rally in Montgomery, Alabama. He joins "The Weekend" to share what's at stake for our democracy.

9am: ICE is moving forward with its plan to convert warehouses across the country into mass immigration detention centers despite active lawsuits from multiple states. Just this week, a Georgia town of fewer than 5,500 people sued the Department of Homeland Security to stop a facility for 10,000 detainees from opening in their backyard. Andrea Flores, a former DHS official in the Obama administration, joins "The Weekend" to discuss.