The Beat with Ari Melber

Legal Experts Questioning New Trump DOJ Move on Epstein Material

August 8, 2025; 6pm: The Trump White House is skewered on the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. In a new filing this afternoon, the DOJ is pushing forward on requests to unseal grand jury material. MSNBC’s Jason Johnson reports on new details on Trump’s desperate attempt to quell political blowback over Epstein. Plus, some former FBI agents are warning that Trump’s retribution tour is escalating and damaging the agency.

New Questions About Trump WH's Epstein Meetings

August 7, 2025; 6pm: NBC News has confirmed top Trump officials huddled to strategize about Jeffrey Epstein, directly contradicting Vice President JD Vance’s vehement claims that no such meeting was in the works. MSNBC’s Ari Melber reports it’s a clear sign of how rattled Trump officials are. Plus, rapper Gashi and economist Justin Wolfers join for the latest Fallback installment. 

Epstein Scandal Rocks Trump White House

August 6, 2025; 6pm: The Trump White House is scrambling to quell the Epstein uproar, and is reportedly holding a high-level meeting tonight at the vice president’s residence in the U.S. Naval Observatory. JD Vance denies there is a meeting to strategize on Epstein. MSNBC's Ari Melber also reports on the largest MAGA revolt of Trump’s second term. Plus, Oscar-winning director James Cameron makes his Beat debut to discuss his new film, Ghosts of Hiroshima. For more, watch our latest special reports on YouTube at msnbc.com/ariTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. 

Trump Panic Over Epstein Boils Over

MSNBC’s Ari Melber hosts “The Beat” on Monday, August 4, and reports on brand new letters from Epstein victims, federal officials confirming they’ve launched an investigation into Jack Smith, over 50 Texas Democrats leaving their home state to derail a MAGA power grab and new fallout over Trump’s abuse of government power. Michelle Goldberg, Ken Casey and Andrew Weissmann join.

Trump Swamped by Epstein and New Jobs Slump

MSNBC's Ari Melber hosts "The Beat" on Friday, August 1, and reports on President Trump's trade war entering a new phase and his firing of the Commissioner of Labor Statistics after the latest report fell far short of expectations. Melber also covers Kamala Harris' first major interview since the election and renewed scrutiny over Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, hip hop duo Clipse join the show, along with Bill Kristol, Margaret Carlson and Paul Krugman.