The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Lawrence O'Donnell, MS NOW

2085 - Trump threatens to commit potential war crimes on Iran
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.
2085 - Trump threatens to commit potential war crimes on Iran
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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.

Episode's summary

This episode examines the escalating tensions in the conflict with Iran, focusing on Donald Trump's threats to strike Iranian civilian infrastructure and the potential for war crimes. Senator Gary Peters discusses the administration's lack of a coherent strategy and calls for accountability regarding international law violations. The program also covers significant domestic political developments, including Congressman Brendan Boyle's critique of Republican budget policies and Jim Jordan's criminal referral of Special Counsel Jack Smith. Additionally, the episode explores the impact of election denialism on Arizona's Republican primaries and examines upcoming congressional challenges in Florida.

Chapters

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Highlights

Politico points out bombing civilian infrastructure like power plants is generally recognized internationally as a war crime.

00:02:04 · The narrator highlights the legal implications of President Trump's threats to strike Iranian power plants and bridges.

the problem, as you listed here, is that we have basically a new president that has no strategic idea as to how to actually win this war, to end this war.

00:09:31 · Senator Gary Peters critiques the administration's lack of a clear military and political strategy in Iran.

Republicans have absolutely no credibility whatsoever when it comes to the question of fiscal responsibility.

00:21:01 · Congressman Brendan Boyle criticizes Republicans for increasing the national debt despite their rhetoric regarding deficit reduction.

It is meant to harass Jack Smith. It is meant to please their Fox News viewership.

00:28:31 · Congressman Jamie Raskin argues that the referral against Jack Smith is a political distraction rather than a legitimate legal pursuit.

Republican voters chose nominees in powerful statewide offices who have questioned, challenged, or outright refused to accept the results of the 2020 presidential election.

00:33:24 · The reporter highlights a concerning trend in Arizona's recent Republican primary results.

Episodes

2085-

Trump threatens to commit potential war crimes on Iran

This episode examines the escalating tensions in the conflict with Iran, focusing on Donald Trump's threats to strike Iranian civilian infrastructure and the potential for war crimes. Senator Gary Peters discusses the administration's lack of a coherent strategy and calls for accountability regarding international law violations. The program also covers significant domestic political developments, including Congressman Brendan Boyle's critique of Republican budget policies and Jim Jordan's criminal referral of Special Counsel Jack Smith. Additionally, the episode explores the impact of election denialism on Arizona's Republican primaries and examines upcoming congressional challenges in Florida.

23 Jul 2026
2084-

Combative Hegseth faces tough questions from senators

This episode examines a contentious Senate hearing regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's $1.5 trillion defense budget request and the ongoing war in Iran, featuring intense questioning from Senators Ossoff and Peters and criticism from Congresswoman Madeline Dean. The program also covers various US election developments, including the Arizona gubernatorial primary and Pennsylvania's 8th District race. Additionally, the episode explores Donald Trump's efforts to reshape Washington D.C.'s landmarks and the legal battles over the Kennedy Center. The discussion concludes with concerns regarding Todd Blanche's confirmation as Attorney General and the potential use of an 'anti-weaponization fund' as a taxpayer-funded slush fund.

22 Jul 2026
2083-

'Operation epic failure': Trump & Hegseth blasted by Rep. Jeffries as Iran war death toll climbs

Este episódio analisa as consequências da guerra entre os EUA e o Irã, abordando o aumento de baixas americanas, a estratégia de retaliação militar e os impactos econômicos globais. O debate inclui críticas à gestão de Donald Trump e as tensões geopolíticas no Estreito de Ormuz. A discussão também explora investigações sobre o uso de força letal por agentes da ICE nos EUA e os desafios da independência das investigações federais. Por fim, aborda as implicações das investigações paralelas entre estados e o governo federal, além das acusações contra Elon Musk por tentativa de influência ilegal em eleições no Wisconsin.

21 Jul 2026
2082-

Trump’s poll numbers plummet on economy and his war in Iran

This episode examines the shifting political landscape leading up to the 2026 midterms, focusing on Donald Trump's low approval ratings and the resulting efforts to restrict voting access in North Carolina. The discussion features Bishop William J. Barber and Anderson Clayton addressing voter suppression tactics and the necessity of mobilization. The program also explores threats to election integrity, including Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar's defense of election security and concerns regarding executive overreach. Additionally, the episode covers investigations into an ICE officer's background following a fatal shooting in Maine and examines evidence debunking claims of vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

18 Jul 2026
2081-

Lawrence: Trump’s ‘demented’ speech showed how ready he is to interfere in the election

Lawrence O'Donnell and Congressman Jim Himes critique Donald Trump's recent speech, characterizing it as an attempt to use misinformation regarding the SAVE Act and foreign interference to delegitimize upcoming election results. The discussion features insights from Senators Jim Himes, Alyssa Slotkin, and John Ossoff on threats to election integrity, including potential use of federal agents to seize ballots. The episode also covers Senator Ossoff's focus on maintaining Senate checks and balances through victory in Georgia, the implications of Todd Blanche's meeting with Epstein survivors, and legal analyst Andrew Weissman's concerns regarding political posturing and threats to the Department of Justice.

17 Jul 2026