State of Play with Peter Alexander

Midterm Crunch Time: Trump, Affordability, Ukraine and FBI Lawsuit

Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:26:07 +0000

October 20, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander breaks down midterm crunch time as President Trump rallies in red districts, voters focus on affordability and corruption, and key Senate races tighten in Kansas, Montana, Texas, North Carolina and Florida. Guests examine Republican dissent, Ukraine negotiations and former FBI employees’ lawsuit alleging unlawful dismissals.

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Trump’s Russia Policy and 2026 Midterm Stakes

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 17:03:17 +0000

October 19, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander covers President Trump’s Russia and Ukraine policy, Latino voter reaction to immigration enforcement in Arizona, and Democrats’ midterm strategy with Madeline Dean and Andy Beshear. The key takeaway is that foreign policy, immigration, election security, and economic pressure are converging as major midterm liabilities.

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Bend School Shooting and Musk’s Midterm Money

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:54:31 +0000

October 16, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander covers the deadly Bend, Oregon school shooting, Trump’s posture toward Vladimir Putin and Ukraine with Leon Panetta, and Elon Musk’s massive midterm spending. The episode also tracks Michigan and Texas Senate dynamics, White House turmoil, and warnings about election distrust.

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Trump Execution Reversal, California DOJ Fight and 2026 Races

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 21:34:25 +0000

October 15, 2026; 11am: Peter Alexander covers President Trump canceling a planned livestream of the Fort Hood attacker’s execution, DOJ threats against California election officials, Ukraine’s concerns over Starlink and Starshield access, and the Pentagon’s move involving Stars and Stripes. The episode also examines Montana’s Senate race, AOC campaigning with Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, and Iowa voters’ frustration with both parties.

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Kimberly Guilfoyle & Katie Zacharia

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 16:27:55 +0000

October 13, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander and his panel use their depth of experience in White House briefings to review the first public appearance by new Press Secretary Katie Zacharia and her breaking news that Ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle had been asked to resign. Plus, President Trump tries to bail out struggling Republican senators as his hand-picked candidate in Texas faces more scrutiny. Also, the former Montana Democratic party chair explains why she stepped down amid frustration over a critical three-candidate race in her state.

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Feds Search Rep. Omar's Home & Democrats' Push to Midterms

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 16:57:25 +0000

October 12, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: President Trump's DOJ sent federal agents to raid the Washington, DC home of Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) early this morning. MS NOW reporters bring us the latest developments from outside Omar's home. Plus, President Trump is escalating his attacks on the free press by having the Justice Department investigate major TV networks over their decision to briefly suspend press pool coverage of him. Former U.S. attorney Preet Bharara joins Peter Alexander to discuss how damaging these attacks are to Americans' faith in the justice system. John Bolton, a former Trump White House National Security Advisor, unpacks Trump's new deal with Russia to release 300,000 tons of diesel. DNC Chairman Ken Martin sits down with Peter to talk about midterms with just three weeks until election day. Plus, Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico speaks to MS NOW amid right-wing conspiracies about his absence from the campaign trail due to the flu.

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Final March to Midterms

Fri, 9 Oct 2026 16:21:56 +0000

October 9, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander takes a look at critical debates last night in key battleground states — Maine, Michigan, and Georgia. Plus, MS NOW reporter, Marc Santia, brings us live updates from the scene of the latest shooting by ICE agents. The top Oversight Democrat, Rep. Robert Garcia, joins Peter to unpack the Trump administration's new push to oust Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, yet again. Plus, the latest installment in MS NOW's "POTUS Promise Check" series. MS NOW reporter Alex Tabet checks in with Ohio voters to see if they think President Trump has lived up to his promise to make America a manufacturing nation. An in-depth look at the First Amendment amid repeated attempts from the White House to restrict media access from its grounds. NBC News senior correspondent, Tom Costello, shares a look at his new documentary, "The First," airing on PBS. And a tribute to the hall of fame NFL coach and player, Mike Ditka, who died at the age of 86 today.

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$100,000 Amex bill and USS Lincoln returns

Thu, 8 Oct 2026 16:39:09 +0000

Oct. 8, 2026: With just 26 days until the midterms, President Trump visits Texas for the fourth time. Co-host of MS NOW's The Weeknight Symone Sanders Townsend and former Chief of Staff to VP Mike Pence join to discuss the upcoming races. Plus, Peter sits down with the Trump donor accusing Kimberly Guilfoyle of seeking $100,000 and offering access to top administration officials in return. And The Atlantic is reporting the president is weighing new strikes on Iran before the midterms. Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) joins to discuss the possibility of renewed strikes and the latest on the midterms. MS NOW, CNN and Politico are back in court today to fight the White House press ban. Plus, MS NOW Pentagon Reporter Priya Sridhar joins State of Play from the Southern California port the USS Lincoln will be returning home to today.

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Senator Thom Tillis & Dan Osborn

Wed, 7 Oct 2026 16:30:18 +0000

October 7, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander asks Senator Thom Tillis about the "big surprises" President Trump is promising in the weeks leading up to the midterm election. Plus, Dan Osborn lays out his potential path to victory as an Independent candidate running an ascending campaign in deep-red Nebraska. Also, Stephanie Ruhle tackles the big political stories less than a month from the midterms and gives us a preview of her exciting new book.

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Trump’s ‘Take out’ U.S. Cities Comments

Tue, 6 Oct 2026 17:25:04 +0000

Oct. 6, 2026: Peter Alexander discusses the President’s comments during a Nebraska campaign event last night, which have sparked outrage among lawmakers. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass weighs-in, along with a panel of political experts. Former Special Assistant to President Obama, Norm Eisen, joins Peter Alexander to talk about President Trump’s reversal, saying he will stop using taxpayer money for his own TV ads. And Trump voters in Michigan have buyer’s remorse. Their opinions take center stage in a focus group led by MS NOW Political Analyst Elise Jordan. Plus, thousands of Cornell students demand answers and accountability over the university’s handling of a rape investigation. New York Times’ Emma Goldberg brings us the latest.

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Trump’s Red-State Tour and a Terror Plot

Mon, 5 Oct 2026 16:29:02 +0000

Oct. 5, 2026: President Trump returns to his red-state tour today, campaigning in Nebraska with just one month to go until the midterms. Former Republican Ohio Governor John Kasich and MS NOW political analyst Alex Wagner join Peter to discuss the midterms and the president’s latest campaign push. Plus, the U.S. military pulls its B-1 bombers from a U.K. base following an alleged threat. Former CIA Director John Brennan sits down with Peter to discuss. The Supreme Court begins a new term today, with warnings coming from inside the court about its future. And Democrats are eyeing the Senate race in Mississippi. Democratic candidate Scott Colom joins State of Play to talk about his race against Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS). MS NOW reporter Kevin Frey talks about his exclusive interview with Michigan’s Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

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FBI’s “Patel Report” & Cornell Update

Fri, 2 Oct 2026 16:36:17 +0000

Oct. 2, 2026: Peter Alexander discusses MS NOW’s exclusively obtained “Patel Report” – an internal memo from the FBI to probe past investigations. MS NOW co-host of "The Weeknight" Michael Steele joins Peter to discuss the President’s latest approval rating just ahead of midterms. Plus, New York Attorney General Letitia James is now leading the investigation into disturbing sexual assault allegations from Cornell University. A former federal prosecutor talks about next steps and what went wrong two years ago when this alleged incident was reported. MS NOW reporter Alex Tabet brings viewers a reality check from Trump voters in Alaska after months of sticker shock. And today marks the last jobs report release before the November midterms. Economics professor Justin Wolfers joins Peter to put the latest numbers through the fact-checker. Plus, organizers call a dinner between President Trump and the top buyers of his crypto coin, the "most exclusive dinner in the world." But Trump critics are calling it corruption. Peter digs into that dinner with a newspaper editor tracking how the President has been making money while in office.

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Battleground Texas & Trump oversight

Thu, 1 Oct 2026 16:19:39 +0000

October 1, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander previews a critical campaign trip for President Trump in Texas where his hand-picked candidate Ken Paxton has been unable to separate from Democrat James Talarico in the polls. Plus, Congressman James Walkinshaw highlights Democrats' concerns with the president's actions and priorities as fellow members of the Oversight Committee make a plan of action for potential investigations. Also, a retired U.S. Army Colonel who attended a protest against the Trump Arch details the growing frustration with the project among the military community.

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Sen. Amy Klobuchar & Cornell investigation

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:12:24 +0000

September 30, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander sits down with Senator Amy Klobuchar to talk through the moment at Tuesday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that put her colleague Senator Eric Schmitt on defense. Plus, District Attorney Matthew Van Houten delivers the latest details on the renewed investigation into a 2024 rape allegation on the Cornell University campus. Also, New York Congressman Gregory Meeks, the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reacts to the Mideast flight diversion after a stunning altercation inside the plane.

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Senate hearing with former Special Counsel Jack Smith

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 16:27:39 +0000

Sept. 29, 2026: Peter Alexander and the panel react as former Special Counsel Jack Smith faces questioning from the Senate Judiciary Committee this morning.

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Midterm Messaging & China

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:09:54 +0000

Sept. 28, 2026: Ali Vitali fills in for Peter Alexander on this edition of State of Play. First, a panel of campaign strategists discuss the Republican Party’s complicated messaging after the Trump administration used taxpayer dollars to fund a six-figure campaign ad. The top Democrat on the Armed Services committee, Rep. Adam Smith, weighs-in on the President’s alleged offer to sell weapons to China and responds to the White House’s claims that Trump’s new campaign ad is a “PSA” message. Plus, new concerns this morning whether the FBI is prioritizing personal interests over protecting the American people. And the legal battle between the White House and MS NOW, CNN, and Politico is far from over. Ali Vitali is joined by a former federal prosecutor and the co-host of “The Weekend” to unpack Attorney General Todd Blanche’s comments this weekend. Also, record-high diesel prices could deliver Democrats their first Iowa Governor’s race in two decades.

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BREAKING NEWS: Trump’s voter verification system restored

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 16:30:29 +0000

Sept. 25, 2026: President Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for a multi-day summit. Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu of California reacts to Trump rolling out the red carpet for the Chinese leader. MS NOW reporters share an inside look at trying to regain access to the White House and former White House Deputy Press Secretary in President Trump's first term, Sarah Matthews, weighs in on the president’s relationship with the press. Plus, breaking news out of the Supreme Court.

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Press ban and Trump-Xi summit

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 16:49:40 +0000

Sept. 24, 2026: President Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for his first visit to Washington in more than a decade. Former CIA Director John Brennan and former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul join Peter to discuss the summit and the state of U.S.-China relations. Plus, reporters from MS NOW, CNN and Politico were turned away from the White House this morning despite a federal judge ordering the administration to restore their access. After being denied access to the White House, Laura Barrón-López was among the first journalists to regain access and joins Peter on State of Play to discuss her experience.

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Court arguments and China’s presidential arrival

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 17:06:03 +0000

Sept. 23, 2026: ‘State of Play’ takes a deep dive into the government’s arguments in the case over the ban on the free press. MS NOW legal analyst Andrew Weissmann joins Peter Alexander to discuss today's court hearing. Meanwhile, the White House is planning a lavish summit to welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping. Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper reacts. And with just 41 days until Election Day, some Republican candidates are breaking with the president. Democratic Kansas Senate candidate Adam Hamilton hopes to end a nearly 100-year losing streak. He discusses his race. Plus, a closer look at President Trump's projects in the nation's capital and how a group that assists crime victims is preparing to grapple with federal funding cuts.

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Trump UNGA address & Don Jr. inquiry

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 16:23:58 +0000

September 22, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander gets fresh reaction to President Trump's speech before the United Nations General Assembly from Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton. Plus, a Republican senator wants to know how deep Donald Trump Jr's ties are to the Russian oligarch who bankrolled his wedding weekend. Also, the free press fight sparked by the White House’s ban of journalists heads to court.

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Free press debate & Arch defense

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 16:15:44 +0000

September 21, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Luke Russert speaks with MS Now Senior Washington reporter and former White House Correspondents Association President Eugene Daniels about President Trump's latest clash with news organizations. Plus, Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA) weighs in on the President's defense of his proposed arch that will have a major impact on the surrounding area. Also, Editor at the Insider, Michael Weiss, previews this week’s U.N. General Assembly, where allies and adversaries are anxiously awaiting the President's remarks.

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Freedom of the Press

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 16:08:00 +0000

Sept. 19, 2026: The White House denied entry to reporters from MS NOW, CNN and Politico on Saturday, stripping their press credentials amid President Trump’s media ban. Peter Alexander is joined by Rachel Maddow for a special edition of State of Play examining the First Amendment implications and what this unprecedented moment means for the press and the public’s access to information.

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President Trump's plans & Midterm moves

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:15:53 +0000

Sept. 18, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Robert Kennedy, about the President's push to rename the Kennedy Center and her brother's impact on America's health. Plus, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) discusses early voting in his state and what's at stake for the country at the ballot box. Also, Elise Jordan shares what she learned from Maine voters in her new focus group.

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House GOP priorities & House Democrats' plans

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 16:34:46 +0000

September 17, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander tackles the latest drama for House Republicans and the Pentagon with MS Now's Ali Vitali and Mark Hertling. Plus, California Congressman Jared Huffman reacts to more confusion and concerns surrounding the Kennedy Center. Also, Professor Justin Wolfers breaks down the cash crunch families are facing due to persistent inflation and an ongoing war with Iran.

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White House concerns & Ashley Judd on AI

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 16:34:28 +0000

September 16, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander speaks with acclaimed actress and activist Ashley Judd on the backlash over the surge in Artificial Intelligence and how a unique bipartisan coalition is forming to spark change. Plus, Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal discusses growing bipartisan pessimism over the Iran war in Congress as the price tag reaches $38B. Also, former Congressman Cedric Richmond looks ahead to the midterms as democrats plot a closing strategy.

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AI Anxiety & Don Jr. controversy

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:13:52 +0000

September 14, 2026; 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews author Stephen Witt and Senator Angela Alsobrooks on growing national concerns over AI's accelerating growth. Plus, a new report links Donald Trump Junior and a Russian oligarch through a lavish wedding. Also, a racist social media post sparks fiery reaction among Texas lawmakers.

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Remembering 9/11 25 Years Later

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:14:19 +0000

September 11th, 2026 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander looks back on September 11th 2001 and the impact it had on the nation after 25 years with former CIA Director John Brennan, "The Briefing" host Jen Psaki, presidential historian Julian Zelizer and Jude Coke, a video producer with stunning footage from the Pentagon after the attacks.

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Sen. Fetterman and the RNC midterm convention

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:41:16 +0000

September 10th, 2026 11 a.m. ET: The RNC midterm convention in Dallas made headlines as President Trump reveals his latest promise: $5000 checks for every American adult if Republicans win the midterms. But the President wasn’t the only one making waves at the convention. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman appeared in a prerecorded video in which he promised to work with President Trump. Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA) joins Peter to react to Fetterman’s surprise appearance. With the midterms now less than eight weeks away, all eyes are on Texas as key races there heat up. Democratic Texas State Rep. Gina Hinojosa sits down with Peter to discuss her own race for Governor. Plus, a scary message from researchers within the artificial intelligence industry - AI could kill us all by the end of this decade. The CEO of Noble Mobile Andrew Yang joins ‘State of ‘Play to discuss his concerns with AI. And five Democratic state attorneys general speak exclusively to MS NOW - sharing their concerns about election security.

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Previewing Tonight’s Trumpapalooza

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 17:07:30 +0000

9/09 11 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander previews the GOP’s midterm convention in Texas this week. An event that’s supposed to rally support for the base has many Republicans privately wishing it wasn’t happening at all. Congresswoman Madeleine Dean (D-PA) talks about her plans to protest the Trump event. Also, Democratic Congressional candidate Stefany Shaheen joins Peter fresh off her primary win in New Hampshire. She discusses the race to fill her mother’s seat and what her priorities will be if she wins the election. Postal workers are pushing back on President Trump's executive ordering limiting mail-in ballots, arguing mail shouldn't be political. Jonathan Smith, President of the American Postal Workers Union, joins Peter. And another controversial no-bid contract from the White House. MS Now shares a glimpse behind the curtain of that deal.

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Midterms and the Pentagon’s secret purge

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 17:08:55 +0000

9/08 11 a.m. ET: President Trump speaks this morning during a 9/11 event honoring first responders. As gas prices climb and the president’s approval ratings hit a historic low, Republican candidates face a difficult choice this November. Do they lean into Trump’s messaging or keep their distance? MS NOW cohost of “The Weeknight” Michael Steele joins Peter to discuss Trump’s social media frenzies and the upcoming elections. Plus, New Hampshire voters head to the polls today to choose their parties’ nominees in a key Senate race. And more than 4,000 transgender service members face an uncertain future amid Trump’s ban on transgender troops. Master Sergeant Amiah Sale was just shy of hitting 20 years of service in the Army when she was dismissed because of the ban. She joins ‘State of Play’ to talk about her own experiences for the first time.

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Midterm voting & Pentagon perspectives

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:14:21 +0000

Peter Alexander interviews state Attorneys General from Colorado and Minnesota during their fight to preserve voting-by-mail for their constituents. Plus, John Bolton discusses the drama at the Defense Department and what comes next for the President. Also, Congressman Emanuel Cleaver reacts to his state supreme court tossing gerrymandered Missouri election maps.

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Kamala Harris & Nancy Pelosi remember Gloria Steinem

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 16:36:37 +0000

9/03 11 a.m. ET: “State of Play” pays tribute to women’s rights pioneer Gloria Steinem following her death at age 92. Former Vice President Kamala Harris and House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi join Peter to discuss Steinem's lasting legacy and her immeasurable impact on generations of women; With the 2026 midterm elections around the corner, a federal judge is deciding the future of Trump's restrictions on mail-in voting. Former Trump White House Attorney Ty Cobb joins Peter to discuss the ramifications of the case; Plus, two USS Lincoln sailors were involved in a brawl after the ship finally docked in Thailand following a nine-month deployment. The Washington Post's Dan Lamothe joins Peter to discuss his latest reporting on the Pentagon removing decades worth of classified documents from an internal web portal; The Wall Street Journal reports Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is quietly extending Middle East troop deployments into next year. Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) weighs in.

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Escalating Strikes on Iran & USS Lincoln One Step Closer to Home

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 16:58:26 +0000

9/02 11 a.m. ET: President Trump is escalating strikes on Iran, igniting a trade war with Canada, and defending data centers – all while members of his party are trying to bolster support for Republicans on the ballot. Republican Congressman Mike Lawler of New York speaks out against recent actions by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and shares his concerns for national security. Plus, the USS Lincoln docks in Thailand on its way home after a record-setting nine-month deployment in the Middle East. MS Now’s Priya Sridhar is there live. Plus, one of Tuesday’s big primary winners, Massachusetts Democratic candidate Daniel Koh joins Peter to discuss what Tuesday’s results mean for his party on its road to potentially regaining the majority in Washington. Mitt Romney’s former campaign adviser Kevin Madden weighs in on the Texas Senate race. And: a Trump policy decision has a devastating consequence – a stark reminder that policy affects people.

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Pentagon discord & Massachusetts primary

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 16:33:26 +0000

Peter Alexander gets analysis from a retired Army Major General and a veteran Pentagon correspondent to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll’s resignation. Plus, a check on the Massachusetts primary where the debate over generational change is in focus for Democratic voters. Also, a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia reacts to Vladimir Putin's diplomats attending the G20 finance meeting despite reservations from European allies. And a deep dive into how President Trump's past impacts America's present.

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Iran conflict & Primary preview

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 16:21:39 +0000

Peter Alexander interviews former White House National Security Communications Director John Kirby about new and concerning military escalation on both sides of the U.S.-Iran war. Plus, Massachusetts Democratic Congressional candidate Patrick Roath joins to preview his primary matchup against Congressman Stephen Lynch. Also, a deep dive into the Trump administration's new program to secure the U.S. government as an investor in the Venezuelan oil trade.

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Six Months of War With Iran

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 16:49:29 +0000

8/28 11 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander unpacks six months of the war with Iran with Democratic Congressman and veteran Jason Crow and former CIA Director John Brennan. Plus, 63 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington, thousands of people took to Washington today for a rally to defend voting rights. NAACP General Counsel Kristen Clark reflects on the erosion of the progress made in the last six decades. Peter speaks with the Premier of Nova Scotia about President Trump renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America” and the underlying trade war. And: according to a grand jury report, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration misappropriated $10 million that was set aside for children’s health care in Florida – using it to advance his political priorities instead.

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The USS Lincoln latest and flash floods

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 16:30:12 +0000

8/25 11 a.m. ET: President Trump confronts his party and legacy as the midterms approach. He reposted a list of grievances on Truth Social as he travels to Texas to boost Ken Paxton in the race for the Texas Senate seat. New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman and Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-TX) join Peter to discuss Trump and the upcoming midterms. Plus, the Navy sailor who jumped off the USS Lincoln is facing disciplinary charges. While Air Force Major Jason Watson, who called for Trump’s impeachment, is facing criminal charges. Chris Mutimer, the lawyer representing Watson, sits down with Peter to discuss the charges. More than 1,000 people are still missing after a collapsed glacier caused flash flooding along the Nepal-Tibet border. Plus, the FDA approves a new pancreatic cancer drug that has been shown to nearly double survival rates among patients.

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U.S. Troops’ Concerns and Remembering Dolly Parton

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:50:53 +0000

8/26 11 a.m. ET: A growing number of U.S. service members in Iran are looking to leave the military, citing moral conflicts. MS Now’s Priya Sridhar has that reporting. Peter Alexander remembers the music legend Dolly Parton with American documentarian Ken Burns, who interviewed Dolly in his 2019 documentary “Country Music.” Plus, Senator Darline Graham won the Republican senate runoff in South Carolina – after President Trump went all in — but it wasn’t a landslide. Peter breaks down the power of the President’s endorsement this midterm cycle with former White House Legislative Affairs Director Marc Short. Canadians speak out against President Trump’s escalating trade war. And Meta just settled a landmark social media addiction case. Massachusetts Democratic Senator Ed Markey weighs-in and discusses his upcoming Senate primary race.

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Mail-in voting and a trade war

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 16:17:46 +0000

8/25 11 a.m. ET: The Supreme Court released a ruling saying President Trump can restrict mail-in ballots through an executive order he signed earlier this year. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold (D) joins Peter to discuss the ruling and mail-in voting in her own state. Plus, Canada announces retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. after Trump's sweeping new tariffs on Canadian goods. Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen talks about the trickle down effects of tariffs on the American economy. Plus, voters head to the polls in South Carolina where Sen. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman face off in the GOP Senate primary runoff. American ranchers criticize Trump over his plan to import ground beef tariff free over the next three months. President Trump keeps making money in office. Peter looks at a June financial disclosure showing the president’s stock portfolio.

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Iran sanctions and a private meeting

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 17:17:19 +0000

8/24 11 a.m. ET: Iran’s currency falls to a record low after the U.S. announced its latest threat against Iran: an “economic D-Day.” Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta joins Peter to talk about the latest on the Iran war and more. The New York Times reports Rep. Hakeem Jeffries and the President’s son-in-law Jared Kushner met privately in NYC to discuss common ground as the midterm elections approach. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) weighs in on that meeting and the U.S.-Canada trade war. Plus, the Pentagon fired three journalists from a military news outlet over allegations of “insubordination.” One of those journalists joins Peter to discuss her experience. Thousands of people in Indiana have now gone two weeks without power after a storm hit the region.

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National Security and Trump’s vanity projects

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:21:37 +0000

8/21 11 a.m. ET: President Trump heads to South Carolina today while Vice President Vance is in Ohio, both campaigning for the upcoming midterms. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Hegseth focuses on campaigning in Iowa as the U.S. approaches six months of war. New reports coming out of the USS Lincoln reveal just how the conditions got so bad onboard as they head home. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) joins Peter to talk about his own Senate race and the war with Iran. Plus, President Trump continues his bid to leave his mark on D.C. with his latest vanity projects, even as affordability concerns persist. Democrats have a new found hope after reports show the Senate races in Texas and Iowa as toss ups. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) discusses that and more on the 2026 midterms with Peter. ICE is back in the headlines as a Virginia man says he suffered a brain injury after an encounter with agents.

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North Korean missiles and U.S. crosses $40T debt

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 16:51:38 +0000

8/20 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander speaks to two women veterans who have been outspoken about the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln and national security threats in their bid for congressional office. MS Now has exclusive reporting on President Trump’s closest aide, who was working from inside the Oval Office without a security clearance. Michael Cohen is trying to get back into President Trump’s good graces. The journalist who gave Cohen Trump’s number joins Peter on the show today. Plus: the U.S. surpasses $40 trillion dollars of debt. Jared Bernstein, former Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, discusses what this means for future generations.

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Primary fallout & Julia Curlee

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:24:41 +0000

8/19 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews David Jolly after his primary victory to hear his plan to win the Florida statehouse after more than a decade of republican superiority. Plus, an in-depth discussion with Julia Curlee, a longtime CIA officer who transitioned during her time working the highest levels of national security for multiple administrations, on how being transgender factored into her firing within the Trump administration. Also, a rough night on the debate stage for Senator Darline Graham raises questions about her political future.

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Primary day + Trump allies & adversaries

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 16:18:36 +0000

8/18 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews progressive congressional candidate Elijah Manley, who makes his pitch to Florida voters and takes on an incumbent lawmaker in his state's primary. Plus, John Bolton, former White House National Security Advisor and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, joins as tensions spike along the Korean Peninsula and the stalemate with Iran continues. Also, the legal battle between Disney-ABC and the Trump administration's FCC enters a critical new phase.

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Trump foreign policy & Primary preview

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 16:25:40 +0000

8/17 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander interviews Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member on the Armed Services Committee, about President Trump's threat to "bomb" Oman if the nation "gets in the way" of Iran negotiations. Senator Reed also discussed the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln and the U.S. relationship with South Korea. Plus, Congressman and gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds enters Tuesday's Florida primary with a key endorsement from the President while facing political headwinds in the form of weakening poll numbers on affordability for his party. Also, a former Justice Department pardon attorney discusses the impact within the agency of Attorney General Todd Blanche's refusal to pledge that the DOJ will act independently of the White House.

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The Mangione case and a look into the Blanche era of the DOJ

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 16:34:37 +0000

8/14 11 a.m. ET Luigi Mangione pleads guilty to federal stalking charges in the killing of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. MS NOW reporter Fallon Gallagher is outside the courthouse bringing live updates. Peter is joined by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to talk about the state of the democratic party, data centers and his own potential 2028 run. Plus, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee put AG Todd Blanche on notice this morning over DOJ payouts for Trump allies. Senator Adam Schiff weighs in on DOJ oversight in the new Todd Blanche era and Trump’s slush fund.

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Inside the Briefing Room, conditions aboard USS Lincoln, and Trump’s Truth Social

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 17:08:57 +0000

8/13 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander and MS Now host of “The Briefing” Jen Psaki talk about how communication between the President and the press has changed in Donald Trump’s second term. Plus, exclusive MS Now reporting reveals the shocking conditions aboard the USS Lincoln that are prompting sailors and their families to speak out. Retired U.S. Army Lt. General Mark Hertling weighs in, sharing his own experience aboard military ships. Also, President Donald Trump is being sued for his new subscription service charging $100,000 for early access to his Truth Social posts. The plaintiffs in the suit call the President’s plan “blatantly corrupt” and “unconstitutional.” Peter also speaks with Kieran Ramsey, whose organization helped with the release of former American Marine Robert Gilman, who was held by Russia for more than four years.

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Primary Takeaways & Trump’s Plane Controversy

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:36:07 +0000

8/12 11:00 a.m. ET: Peter Alexander breaks down the latest results from Tuesday’s Primary races with Connecticut’s new Democratic congressional nominee. They discuss what his win means for the Democratic establishment and November’s key midterm races. And former Defense Secretary Mark Esper joins Peter to discuss the Iranian threat that led to President Trump secretly switching planes via a catering truck. Plus, more primary takeaways: Peter is joined by South Carolina’s Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrew, who is set to face-off against the winner of the Republican runoff to fill the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s seat. Also, D.C.’s top prosecutor, Jeanine Pirro, is convening a special grand jury according to The Washington Post. The reporter with that exclusive reporting helps us break it all down, and what it could mean for President Trump's biggest targets.

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Air Force One, the DOJ’s New Memo and the Primary Races to Watch

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 16:53:16 +0000

August 11, 2026; 11am: Shuttled off in a catering truck, President Trump secretly switched planes amid Iranian threats after the NATO summit in Turkey. Peter shares his own experience on Air Force One while Washington Post reporter John Hudson and former CIA Director John Brennan discuss the details of the swap. The DOJ releases a new memo that expands the president’s executive privilege on Todd Blanche’s first day as Attorney General. Plus, voters hit the polls today as primaries are happening across six states. Former Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party Ben Wikler and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison join to talk about the races in their states. Peter breaks down the newest executive order issued by President Trump to reshape childhood vaccine schedules.

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Todd Blanche’s DOJ, the Iran latest, and a look-ahead to Wisconsin primary day

pods@versantmedia.com (PETER ALEXANDER) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 20:30:43 +0000

Ahead of Todd Blanche’s swearing in as Attorney General today, former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales addresses concerns about how Blanche will run the Justice Department and shares what he would like to see from his leadership.

Iran maintains the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the U.S. meets certain demands, as President Trump appears to be shifting his tone. In an interview with Axios, the president said quote "we are low-keying it" with Iran, while talking up economic pressure.
Former White House National Security Communications Advisor and MS NOW National Security Analyst retired Rear Admiral John Kirby, and Jamil Jaffer, former House Intelligence Committee, Senior Counsel and Executive Director of the National Security Institute, weigh in.

New York Times White House Correspondent and co-author of "Regime Change" Maggie Haberman discusses the latest updates coming out of the Trump administration, including Will Scharf being named the new White House Counsel, President Trump's relationship with the GOP, and the latest on the $400m White House ballroom project.

Tomorrow is another primary day. In Wisconsin, gubernatorial hopeful, Democratic socialist Francesca Hong, is the front runner in the primary there... up against three establishment Democrats who are mounting an all-out effort to stop her in the final hours. While in South Carolina - ten Republicans are competing in the special primary to replace late senator Lindsey Graham.

The primary elections in Michigan and Wisconsin are highlighting the divisions within the Democratic party ahead of November's midterms. Michigan's Democratic Attorney General, Dana Nessel, shares what she'd like to hear from Abdul El-Sayed after his victory in the Democratic Senate primary and explain why she won't be attending the party's nominating convention out of fear for her safety.

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Introducing State of Play with Peter Alexander

pods@versantmedia.com (PETER ALEXANDER) — Mon, 3 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Catch every episode of your favorite MS NOW shows as podcasts, including "State of Play with Peter Alexander," starting August 10th.

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