The Beat with Ari Melber
Ari Melber delivers the biggest political and news stories of the day, with interviews and original reporting from around the nation. An Emmy-winning journalist, attorney and former Senate staffer, Melber cuts through the spin and the noise to tell you what's really happening. Real news, every night.
Who is Natalie Harp? Trump's "Favorite" Aide
Aug 19, 2026; 6pm: MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on new results and signals emerging from the primaries, including bruising losses for Trump-endorsed candidates. Reverend Al Sharpton and Bill de Blasio, former New York City mayor join. Plus, who is Trump aide Natalie Harp? Melber breaks down her role and influence.
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Trump Hits Second-Term Low as Midterms Approach
Aug 18, 2026; 6pm: New polling from Reuters shows President Trump’s approval rating at 33 percent. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman. Plus, ABC is suing the FCC over threats to force its stations off the air. Melber breaks down the lawsuit with NPR’s David Folkenflik.
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Trump Loses At Supreme Court Again
Aug 17, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump’s latest legal setbacks with former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann. Plus, Rose Horowitch, author of The Atlantic’s “The End of Reading Is Here,” joins Melber and The New York Times’ Michelle Goldberg to discuss America’s decline in reading, and what it could mean for culture, politics, and society.
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AI Bubble About to Collapse? Exposé on MAGA Ally David Ellison's debt bomb
Aug 14, 2026; 6pm;MS NOW’s Ari Melber delivers a special report on the tech boom, deregulation and the MAGA allies reshaping AI and media. Melber draws from a New York Times investigation, “Larry Ellison Bet It All on the A.I. Boom. Will He Be the Face of an A.I. Bubble?” New York Times reporter Jim Rutenberg joined Melber later on “The Beat.”
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Bank Ties Trump's Org to Money Laundering Concern for "First Time"
Aug 13, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber is joined by former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb to discuss growing backlash to President Trump’s power grabs. Plus, Melber reports on new revelations that a major U.S. bank believed the Trump Organization was potentially linked to money laundering. NYU’s Ruth Ben-Ghiat joins for analysis.
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Trump Plows $900M Into White House Construction
Aug 12, 2026; 6pm; New reporting from The Washington Post reveals that President Trump’s White House construction projects are expected to cost nearly $1 billion, with taxpayers footing most of the bill. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Alex Wagner and CNBC’s Ron Insana for analysis. Plus, new fallout over Trump's secret plane swap.
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Trump’s Secret Flight Ruse Exposed as Corruption Fears Spread
August 11, 2026; 6pm; Evidence of President Trump’s autocratic ambitions is mounting. MS NOW’s Ari Melber examines allegations of corruption involving Trump and is joined by acclaimed novelist Gary Shteyngart and Josh Marshall, founder and editor-in-chief of Talking Points Memo. Plus, Trump upends childhood vaccine guidance with an executive order calling for major changes to vaccine recommendations for children.
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Ari: Trump WH Resurrecting Parts of Failed Jan. 6 Coup
Aug 10, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber delivers a special report on how the Trump White House is resurrecting parts of the failed Jan. 6 coup attempt. Plus, journalist Dylan Ratigan joins to discuss the Trump economy.
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Judge Halts Construction on White House Ballroom
August 7, 2026; 6pm; A new July jobs report shows the US economy losing 23-thousand jobs. Plus, a new legal setback for Trump as a federal appeals court halted above-ground construction on the White House ballroom. Jared Bernstein, Jason Johnson, Juanita Tolliver, Liz Stein, Priya Sridhar and Keith Ellison join The Beat.
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BONUS: Jon Batiste on performing and growing up in music
In this podcast extra, genre-defying music icon Jon Batiste joins MS NOW's Ari Melber to discuss growing up in a legacy musical family, overcoming stage fright, the power of failure, why he put both Lil Wayne and Kenny G on his new album, and what it means for him to “love being myself in every room.” This interview aired in 2023.
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Trump faces polling crash amid war, bad economy, midterms
Aug 6, 2026; 6pm; With less than three months before the midterms, Trump is facing a massive polling crash, rising gas prices, an unpopular war of choice, and a MAGA revolt by some of his closest MAGA allies. Molly Jong-Fast, Rick Wilson, Tim O'Brien, Will Sommer and Rick Reilly join The Beat to discuss.
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Democratic voters ready to unite ahead of November midterms
Aug 5, 2025; 6pm; Progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan formally declared victory in his Democratic Senate primary. Democratic strategists see an opportunity to retake the Senate in this year's midterms. Eugene Robinson and Adam Green join The Beat to discuss. Plus, Mary Trump on her uncle's "decline."
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Voters go to the polls amid Trump's declining popularity
Aug 4, 2026; Voters are heading to the polls tonight for primaries in five states: Kansas, Missouri, Virginia, Washington, and here in Michigan. MS NOW's Jacob Soboroff reports live from a polling site at Wayne County Community College District's Northwest Campus in Detroit. MS NOW Chief National Correspondent Chris Jansing, Detroit News reporter Craig Mauger, and MS NOW's Ali Velshi join.
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Trump's AG pick rescinds controversial "slush fund"
August 3, 2026; Melissa Murray hosts "The Beat." Donald Trump's attorney general nominee Todd Blanche issued a statement officially dropping the controversial anti-weaponization fund, teeing up a Senate Judiciary Committee vote to advance his nomination to the full Senate. Maya Wiley, David Litt, Fmr. Amb. Norm Eisen, and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks join.
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Big Oil Hits Record Profits Amid Trump's War
July 31, 2026; Legendary Democratic strategist James Carville joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber to discuss President Trump’s economy and the war in Iran. Plus, media mogul Ari Emanuel joins "The Beat" for an extended conversation on the future of media and streaming.
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Trump Hits Crisis Point as War Expands and Economy Slows
July 30, 2026, 6pm: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination has been put on hold indefinitely due to concerns from two Republican senators. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann. Plus, Killer Mike and Rev. Al Sharpton join to discuss artists speaking out against President Trump and the surge in protest music.
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GOP Senators Go After Dr. Anthony Fauci at Hearing
July 29, 2026, 6pm: Dr. Anthony Fauci pleaded the Fifth Amendment during a fiery Senate hearing on the COVID-19 pandemic. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports. Plus, Republican support for President Trump is slipping as some MAGA influencers turn against him. Melber is joined by The New York Times' Jonathan Swan.
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Jon Stewart Hits Trump for "Bombing" His Comedy Speech
July 28, 2026, 6pm: Late-night comedian Jon Stewart criticizes President Trump over his performance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by political strategist Chai Komanduri. Plus, from Bruce Springsteen to rap music, protest music is surging as artists take on President Trump. Melber is joined by Dropkick Murphys' Ken Casey and Rolling Stone's Brian Hiatt.
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Trump on Defense from Iran, Inflation, Epstein
July 27, 2026, 6pm: New polling shows President Trump is losing support over his handling of multiple issues, including the Iran war, the Epstein scandal and inflation. MS NOW's Ari Melber is joined by Jason Johnson to discuss. Plus, media mogul Byron Allen joins to discuss his journey from the youngest comedian to perform on The Tonight Show to building Allen Media Group.
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BONUS: Byron Allen & Ari Melber on MLK, Wall St. & media in the MAGA era
In this podcast extra, media mogul Byron Allen joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber to discuss his journey from the youngest comedian to perform on The Tonight Show to building Allen Media Group. This interview is a new installment of “The Summit Series with Ari Melber,” featuring discussions with leaders at the summit of their fields.
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Trump WH Fears Iran War is "Consuming" his Presidency
July 24, 2026, 6pm: 6pm: Melissa Murray reports on new Wall Street Journal reporting detailing President Trump’s fury in the Oval Office over the Iran war. Former Obama speechwriter David Litt and MS NOW political analyst Michelle Goldberg join the discussion. Plus, Murray reports on troubling new questions about whether President Trump’s Pentagon is trying to hide and distort information about the Iran war.
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Trump DOJ Withdraws Subpoenas for NYT Journalists
July 23, 2026, 6pm: President Trump’s DOJ said it will withdraw the subpoenas it issued to reporters who reported on security concerns related to the new Qatari-donated Air Force One. Melissa Murray reports and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and MS NOW's Lisa Rubin. Plus, Trump faces new backlash as the Iran war spirals, the economy sputters and the midterms loom.
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Trump AG Pick Under Pressure for Crime Fund, Epstein
July 22, 2026, 6pm: President Trump’s nominee for attorney general, current Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, faces pushback ahead of his confirmation vote. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann. Plus, veteran journalist Geraldo Rivera joins to discuss President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
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Iran War Continues with New Strikes
July 21, 2026, 6pm: MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and Rev. Al Sharpton. Plus, Melber breaks down the growing fallout over the Trump DOJ's campaign to target journalists. The New York Times' Michael Grinbaum joins.
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BONUS: Music icon Mark Ronson talks hits, DJing & collabs with Ari Melber
In this podcast extra, Oscar and Grammy-winning producer and DJ Mark Ronson joins MS NOW's Ari Melber for an extended interview about DJing in 1990s New York City, what makes a party, premiering Biggie’s “Hypnotize” and working with music legends in this installment of Mavericks with Ari Melber, a series of interviews with artists, musicians, and cultural icons, parts of which previously aired on MS NOW in 2025.
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Iran Ceasefire Crumbles as Trump Loses Plot
July 20, 2026, 6pm: MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the Iran war escalating as the conflict spreads across neighboring countries. The Atlantic's Tom Nichols joins. Plus, Brian Tyler Cohen, host of the "No Lie" podcast, joins to discuss the growing backlash to President Trump across politics, culture and sports.
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New Heat on Trump AG Pick
July 17, 2026, 6pm: Ty Cobb, who served as a White House lawyer during President Trump’s first term, joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber on "The Beat" for a wide-ranging discussion on the Trump administration and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Plus, as the midterms approach, new economic warning signs are emerging for President Trump and Republicans. Melber reports and is joined by political analysts Juanita Tolliver and Jason Johnson.
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Obama Rallies for Voting Rights After Trump's Plots
July 17, 2026, 6pm: MS NOW’s Ari Melber delivers a special report on accountability for Sen. Susan Collins. Plus, The New York Times has filed a motion to quash subpoenas the Trump DOJ sent to the paper’s reporters. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Eugene Robinson.
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Epstein Saga Haunts DOJ Confirmation Clash
July 14, 2026, 6pm: MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on President Trump's string of legal losses and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and former federal prosecutor John Flannery. Plus, Sen. Cory Booker joins on the eve of Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing for attorney general.
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Trump Loses Another Court Battle over Rule of Law
July 13, 2026, 6pm: A U.S. judge has voided Donald Trump's $1.8 billion settlement with the IRS. MS NOW's Ari Melber has the latest. Plus, Memphis Bleek joins to discuss Jay-Z's sold-out weekend at Yankee Stadium.
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BONUS: Ari and Memphis Bleek on Jay-Z's return
In this podcast extra, Memphis Bleek discusses his time on stage with Jay-Z at Yankee Stadium with MS NOW's Ari Melber.
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Trump Fires Election Officials After Losing Ballot Case
July 10, 2026, 6pm: President Trump is refusing to sign a housing bill passed by his own party's Congress. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by The New York Times' Michelle Goldberg and Mark Leibovich. Plus, growing questions surround the status of Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, who has been hospitalized for nearly a month.
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Trump WH Swamped by Iran, Epstein, Prices, Court Losses
July 9, 2026; 6pm: The war in Iran, the Epstein scandal and high prices continue to engulf the Trump White House. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Political strategist Chai Komanduri and veteran journalist Tara Palmeri. Plus, Texas Democrat James Talarico is squaring off against the state's Republican Attorney General, Ken Paxton. Melber is joined by reporter Jeremy Wallace and Obama campaign veteran Chai Komanduri.
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Oil Spikes as Trump Fails to Quell Mideast Conflict
July 8, 2026; 6pm: President Trump says the ceasefire with Iran is over amid renewed fighting in the region. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the latest developments and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and Bill De Blasio, former mayor of New York City. Plus, high prices and the Epstein scandal continue to engulf the Trump White House. Journalist and CEO Dylan Ratigan joins.
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Trump WH Exposé Rocks DC
July 7, 2026; 6pm: The New York Times' Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan join MS NOW's Ari Melber to discuss their new book, "Regime Change," which goes inside the chaos of President Trump's second term. Plus, comedian Larry David releases a brand new show that spotlights historical moments through satire.
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Receipts: Trump Profiting Off WH
July 6, 2026, 6pm: New receipts show President Trump is profiting off the White House. MS NOW's Ari Melber delivers a special report. Plus, Andrew Weissmann joins to discuss former Special Counsel Jack Smith's bombshell interview with Nicolle Wallace and President Trump's pardons.
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BONUS: Lin-Manuel Miranda on Hamilton in DC, lessons & hip hop with Ari Melber
In this podcast extra, the celebrated actor, composer, lyricist and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda talks Obama, “Hamilton,” “Warriors,” and life lessons in this extended interview with MS NOW's Ari Melber. This interview originally aired in 2024.
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Jack Smith Speaks Out In First Interview
July 2, 2026, 6pm: MS NOW’s Nicolle Wallace joins Ari Melber to discuss her exclusive interview with former Special Counsel Jack Smith.
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Trump Rakes in Billions in Office
July 1, 2026, 6pm: President Trump's annual financial disclosure reveals he made at least $2.2 billion during the first year of his second term. Plus, Trump's SCOTUS losses send shockwaves through MAGA. Sarah Matthews, who served in Trump's first term, joins.
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SCOTUS Rejects Trump's Bid to End Birthright Citizenship
June 30, 2026, 6pm: The Supreme Court issued its final decisions for cases argued this term, including rejecting President Trump’s executive bid to end birthright citizenship. Plus, new polling from The New York Times shows Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and State Rep. James Talarico tied at 47% in the U.S. Senate race. The New York Times' Michelle Goldberg joins.
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