The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Drawing upon his experience as a former chief of staff on the Senate Finance Committee and as an Emmy-winning executive producer and writer of ‘The West Wing,’ Lawrence O’Donnell examines the compelling and impactful political stories of the day. Join him every weeknight.
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Episode's summary

This episode examines Donald Trump's perceived loss of political influence and control, detailing clandestine security operations involving decoy aircraft due to Iranian threats. The discussion covers the escalating tensions with Iran, including new diplomatic demands and the potential impact on the Strait of Hormuz. The program also features critiques from Maggie Goodlander and Andrew Weissman regarding the weaponization of the Department of Justice and federal prosecutions. Additionally, the episode explores a recent court ruling on White House property rights and an interview with Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti regarding opposition to data center developments in Pennsylvania.

Chapters

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Highlights

Donald Trump has lost control and he knows he has lost control.

00:00:15 · The speaker introduces the central theme of the segment regarding Trump's lack of authority.

An Iranian assassination threat against President Donald Trump prompted an extraordinary operation last month in which he flew secretly from Turkey on an alternate military aircraft.

00:03:12 · This reveals new reporting regarding a secret mission to protect the president from security threats.

Donald Trump has achieved nothing, and Iran is now closer to achieving something it has never had before, control of the Strait of Hormuz, while Donald Trump controls nothing.

00:19:46 · The speaker evaluates the outcome of Trump's foreign policy efforts regarding the waterway.

This is a playbook that is about silencing, about trying to intimidate and trying to derail people who are simply doing their jobs.

00:25:37 · Goodlander discusses the perceived strategy of using the Justice Department to target political opponents and journalists.

It is a two to one decision. It starts there by noting that it is a piece of public property, the White House. It is owned by the people, is controlled by Congress, not by the president, any president.

00:34:06 · Andrew Weissman explains the legal basis for the court's decision regarding the control of the White House.

Episodes

2096-

Lawrence: Donald Trump has lost control – even his choice of airplane

This episode examines Donald Trump's perceived loss of political influence and control, detailing clandestine security operations involving decoy aircraft due to Iranian threats. The discussion covers the escalating tensions with Iran, including new diplomatic demands and the potential impact on the Strait of Hormuz. The program also features critiques from Maggie Goodlander and Andrew Weissman regarding the weaponization of the Department of Justice and federal prosecutions. Additionally, the episode explores a recent court ruling on White House property rights and an interview with Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti regarding opposition to data center developments in Pennsylvania.

11 Aug 2026
2095-

‘YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO BREATHE’: Exasperated voters bash Trump who claims they aren’t mad at him

This episode examines shifting political landscapes and legal challenges across the United States. The discussion covers economic dissatisfaction among voters, Trump's reaction to polling, and key battleground races in Georgia, Iowa, Tennessee, and South Carolina. The program also explores significant legal developments, including a ruling against Donald Trump's White House construction project, concerns regarding the independence of the Justice Department under Todd Blanche, and allegations of fraud within Elon Musk's DOGE initiative.

Sat, 8 Aug 2026 03:34:48 +0000
2094-

Democrats see midterm momentum as Trump approval tanks

This episode examines the shifting political landscape as Election Day approaches, noting declining approval ratings for Donald Trump and rising momentum for Democrats. Through interviews with candidates like Josh Turek in Iowa and Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, the discussion highlights voter dissatisfaction driven by economic struggles, healthcare issues, and political corruption. The program also covers international developments, including negotiations between Oman and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and domestic legal tensions involving a contempt vote for Dr. Anthony Fauci. The episode concludes by analyzing how rising living costs are shifting public opinion and the potential weaponization of the Justice Department.

Fri, 7 Aug 2026 03:27:45 +0000
2093-

Lawrence: The mystery of what Trump’s agents were doing in Michigan may make sense on Election Day

This episode covers reports of unidentified federal officials monitoring polling places in Michigan, featuring an interview with Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson on election integrity and her gubernatorial campaign. The discussion also includes California Attorney General Rob Bonta on legal challenges to Trump's tariffs and antitrust issues, alongside news regarding tensions between Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth over munitions shortages. Additionally, retired Lieutenant General Mark Hertling discusses the depletion of critical U.S. missile systems due to high demand in regional conflicts. The episode concludes with historian David Blight discussing political attacks on the Smithsonian Institution and the broader implications for historical integrity and democratic culture.

Thu, 6 Aug 2026 04:08:30 +0000
2092-

Lawrence: Caving to Trump, Tillis & Cornyn prove once a senator, always a senator

This episode examines the intersection of political ethics and legal developments, beginning with the political surrender of Senators Cornyn and Tillis regarding Todd Blanche's confirmation and the growing trend of former senators transitioning into lobbying. The discussion further explores allegations of unethical 'slush funds' and tax amnesties involving the Trump family. The episode also covers significant legal and military concerns, including the absence of DOJ involvement in Florida litigation and potential prosecutorial misconduct. Additionally, Admiral John Kirby discusses the instability of U.S. policy toward Iran and the toll of long deployments on naval personnel, followed by an interview with Dr. Amy Acton regarding healthcare costs and medical debt in the Ohio gubernatorial race.

Tue, 4 Aug 2026 03:43:59 +0000