PoliticsNation

On today's 'Politics Nation', host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses another torrent of news from Washington this week. Members of the U.S. House, from both parties, acknowledged the life of Charlie Kirk as the nation grapples with his legacy ahead of the far-right podcaster's funeral tomorrow. Meanwhile, Congress held high-profile hearings on public health safety and the leadership of the top domestic law enforcement agency. These hearings devolved into confrontations between FBI Director Kash Patel and lawmakers in both chambers. To make matters worse, the Senate adjourned without passing a bill to prevent a government shutdown, leaving less than ten days to do so. But the chaos in Washington is just a surface-level distraction from the underlying tension in Trump's America. The political divide feels deeper than ever. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On tonight's episode of "Politics Nation," host Reverend Al Sharpton addresses the national alert following the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This tragedy has ignited a discussion about the rising threat of political violence as federal investigators examine the incident in Utah. The administration is also advocating for crime-fighting measures in American cities, with Memphis, Tennessee, potentially being the next focus. Reverend Al Sharpton speaks with Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, about this tonight. Additionally, former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo will join the show to discuss his bid for Mayor of New York City, sharing his thoughts on reducing political tensions and his stance on the Trump agenda if elected.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses recent demonstrations from the Capitol to Chicago, where Americans are voicing their anger against a presidential administration that is overstepping its power. The Voting Rights Act—the hallmark of the civil rights movement—is in jeopardy as Republicans initiate a redistricting arms race. Louisiana is asking the Supreme Court to weaken crucial protections of the Act, risking majority-minority congressional districts at a time when Trump is targeting Democrat-led cities for federal operations. We can expect significant developments this week, with insights from two congressmen deeply involved in this issue. Additionally, with the mayoral election just two months away and Trump visiting New York City today, I will speak with Democratic nominee Zohran Mam-Dani about his campaign and his plans if federal troops are deployed.

On tonight's episode of 'Politics Nation', host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses how Chicago is preparing for a federal crackdown on immigration and crime by a president who claims to support peace and law and order but is increasingly talking about war. Less than 24 hours after signing an order to rename the Defense Department, the commander-in-chief posted on social media this afternoon, asserting that "Chicago is about to find out why it's called the Department of War." This threatening message comes as the administration already attempts to expand its policing efforts in Washington, D.C. and faces court rulings that declared the president's deployment of the National Guard to handle anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles illegal.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses with the Chicago Mayor the preparations for a possible influx of immigration agents into the city, which could begin as early as this week. Mayor Brandon Johnson is outlining his strategies this weekend to protect the rights of city residents amid a federal crackdown. The White House responded just hours ago. Across the country, community leaders are closely watching to see how President Trump will handle his politically charged confrontation with Democratic cities, most of which are led by Black mayors.

On today’s episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses the setbacks faced by the Trump administration after legal challenges to its second-term agenda. A federal appeals court ruled that Trump overstepped his authority by using emergency powers to impose tariffs. Additionally, a judge blocked fast-track deportations, a key aspect of Trump's immigration policy. Despite these issues, the White House continues operations in Democratic-run cities, with ICE planning increased immigration enforcement in Chicago. Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed how his city is preparing for the administration's threats to deploy the National Guard and other forces for a crime crackdown that many residents oppose.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses President Trump's threats to expand military deployments to cities with black mayors and significant non-white populations. The Washington Post reports that the Pentagon plans to send thousands of National Guard troops to Chicago next month, supposedly to address crime. Both Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker have rejected this operation as unnecessary. Additionally, Trump targeted Maryland's black governor, Wes Moore, threatening a similar crackdown in Baltimore. Meanwhile, Trump is using Washington, D.C., as a testing ground for his authoritarian policies. In breaking news, National Guard troops in D.C. will be armed starting this evening.

On today's episode of "Politics Nation," host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses the Trump administration's efforts to use sensational headlines to avoid accountability. The Justice Department has released new information related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, including audio and transcripts from a jailhouse interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, as well as numerous documents for congressional investigators. This new data raises more questions than answers. Meanwhile, the president threatens to enforce his crime crackdown across the nation, regardless of other cities' desires. Additionally, his former National Security Advisor is under FBI scrutiny for mishandling classified documents.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton shares breaking news about negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. President Trump is set to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Washington following a failed summit with Russian President Putin in Alaska. Axios reports that Trump plans a trilateral summit with Putin and Zelensky by August 22. He also spoke with Zelensky and EU leaders over the weekend about a possible NATO-like security guarantee. Although Trump once claimed he could end the war in 24 hours, he now suggests a ceasefire is unlikely but maintains that a peace deal is near. Additionally, federal forces and the National Guard have been mobilized in Washington, D.C., amid a redistricting battle between Republicans and Democrats. Later, we will speak with director Spike Lee about the state of Black Hollywood.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton addresses the situation in the Texas State House, which will reconvene tomorrow. However, Republicans are unlikely to vote on their redistricting map, backed by President Trump, as several Texas Democrats remain in Illinois and California in protest. Governor Greg Abbott mentioned that this stand-off could last for years, with Republicans claiming Democrats are just as guilty of redistricting manipulation. Vice President J.D. Vance even claimed Democrats have inflated census numbers by adding undocumented immigrants to blue states. In turn, Democratic governors have challenged Republicans, expressing their readiness to confront the redistricting issue while dismissing threats of federal law enforcement targeting Texas Democrats. And that is where we begin tonight.

On today’s episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses the Texas House, which adjourned in just minutes again due to over a dozen Democratic lawmakers being absent. This absence prevents Texas Republicans from achieving the quorum needed to advance a congressional redistricting map that would strengthen their majority. Republican lawmakers are calling on the federal government to intervene, specifically asking Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker to return the missing legislators and urging the Texas Supreme Court to remove them from office. This stand-off appears to have energized Democrats, who are looking for ways to resist the Trump agenda. Prominent Democratic governors are offering support to Texas legislators, with some ready to challenge Republicans on redistricting ahead of the midterms.

On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses breaking news: Texas House Democrats are announcing plans to break quorum tomorrow. Their goal is to block a Trump-backed Republican redistricting plan that could cost them as many as five congressional seats in the upcoming midterm elections. The chairs of the Democratic Caucus will hold a press conference later tonight in Chicago, hosted by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. We have an all-star lineup to break it all down, including former Obama Attorney General Eric Holder.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses how Donald Trump has treated his presidency like a golf game, bending the rules for advantage. This week, Trump fired a top economist after a disappointing jobs report and is pressuring Republican lawmakers to gerrymander voting maps ahead of the midterms to mitigate political backlash. Additionally, just days before the sixtieth anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, the John Roberts Supreme Court seems ready to undermine the Act in a case affecting two Black-majority congressional districts in Louisiana.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton discusses the breaking news: President Trump announced a deal after EU talks, amid his trip to Scotland for golf. The big question is how this impacts U.S. states and cities, which are facing economic uncertainty and social upheaval due to shifting trade policies and deportations. I'll ask Colorado Governor Jared Polis soon. Later, we explore challenges for America's mayors with the Mayor's Association President and a promising candidate for Minneapolis' next mayor. I'll also critique Trump's new executive order on homelessness, which I believe will worsen the problem.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton addresses the challenges facing the country, largely due to President Trump's actions. Currently in Scotland, Trump is on a trip that promotes his golf courses, adding millions to the $52 million taxpayers have already spent during his second term. As he tees off overseas, troubling details about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein are emerging. Despite this, the administration is attempting to divert attention. Todd Blanch, Trump's personal lawyer turned Deputy Attorney General, recently met with Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted accomplice, without the prosecutors who brought Epstein to justice. Trump hasn't ruled out a potential pardon for Maxwell. To distract from the scandal, Trump is targeting Black leaders, including former President Obama, while releasing outdated files on Martin Luther King Jr. His tariffs are in effect, his mass deportation plan is underway, another government shutdown is approaching, and the midterm elections are just a year away.

On today’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton highlights President Trump’s reminder on his Truth Social platform that we’ve reached the halfway mark of his second term, which he calls one of the "most consequential" periods in American history. While many Americans may agree, opinions vary on whether the outcomes are positive or negative. Recent polling indicates a significant decline in support for his policies, especially regarding immigration and the economy. Adding to the turmoil are escalating mass deportations, a trade war of Trump's own making, and a growing scandal related to the Epstein files. The pressing question is what the next three and a half years will bring, especially if the past six months are any indication.

On today’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton addresses the outrage from President Trump regarding ongoing questions about his administration's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, despite years of conspiracy theories from Trump and his supporters. This controversy has engaged top Justice Department officials and divided the MAGA base. Additionally, America is facing the consequences of the "big, beautiful spending bill," which includes significant tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to social safety programs. Economic inflation is rising due to Trump’s mass deportations and an escalating trade war. It appears that the summer will be a long and challenging one for both the president and the nation.

On tonight’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton addresses the growing divisions within MAGA-world in light of the release of the so-called "Epstein files." Many supporters are calling for resignations after the Justice Department announced there was no longer a rumored "client list." To calm his followers, Trump shared a heartfelt message on Truth Social, shifting focus from Attorney General Pam Bondi, who faces calls to resign. He labeled the Epstein files as the work of "radical left lunatics," and his allies blamed the controversy on the "deep state." We’ll cover the fallout from the Epstein files and look ahead to Trump's anticipated "major announcement" on Russia as he meets with NATO’s secretary general to discuss military aid to Ukraine,

On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton criticizes the president for escalating his trade war with new tariffs on Mexico and the European Union, imposing a 30 percent import tariff allegedly starting August 1st. E.U. leaders are preparing countermeasures while continuing negotiations. This situation feels repetitive for many in the U.S., as the president habitually issues tariff threats and sets deadlines. However, some of his vocal supporters are distancing themselves due to the Justice Department's refusal to release the "Epstein files," which Trump had promised. The DOJ claims the files never existed, causing a significant rift among MAGA supporters. Even some administration members are reportedly ready to expose the truth if the files are not released.

On today’s episode of Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton shares the important updates on the latest of the Texas flooding that left nearly 80 people dead including 43 adults and 28 children. California Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear join to discuss the Big Beautiful Bill that President Trump recently signed that will affect millions of Americans and the impact of their respective states. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott will join to discuss the bill having an impact on Maryland as well as the investigation on Correctional Department employee who invited ICE to a local courthouse to detain someone during a pre-trial meeting.