Mark opens with a sharp look at the latest in media malpractice—the press’ increasingly absurd cover-up of its own cover-up of Joe Biden’s cognitive decline. Rather than taking responsibility for their role in downplaying the president’s condition, reporters like CNN’s Jake Tapper are now spinning a new narrative: blame it all on “Trump-ness.” Plus, Hugh Hewitt’s enabling interview with the Original Sin authors raises tough questions about accountability in journalism—and whether the truth will ever be acknowledged by the co-conspirators.

Then, a can’t-miss conversation with legendary newsman Brit Hume, Chief Political Analyst for Fox News. Mark and Brit break down the skewed priorities of major newsrooms, NBC’s embarrassing auto-pen “scoop,” and why Brit believes the Epstein files are “startlingly unimportant.”

From there, it’s all things politics: Brit on why Trump 2.0 is a very different presidency, the meteoric rise of JD Vance, and an early look at the 2028 Democratic field—can Kamala Harris or Gavin Newsom lead the Left into the future?

PLUS: Mark Halperin unveils the official name for his loyal audience.
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Mark Halperin kicks off today’s show with an in-depth analysis of Donald Trump’s decision-making process, breaking down the seven rules that guide his leadership. Mark explores how Trump’s instinct-driven choices, strategic use of chaos, and mastery of controlling the narrative have set him apart from past presidents—and allow him to effectively make choices and shape how his decisions are perceived.

Then, Mark is joined by Batya Ungar-Sargon and Eric Bolling for an in-depth discussion on the changing landscape of immigration politics. The trio unpacks the real sentiments of Americans, exploring the complexities behind issues like mass deportation and the various stances within the MAGA movement.

Plus, Michael Knowles from The Daily Wire traces JD Vance’s rapid rise within the GOP, from his Hollywood-blessed memoir to becoming one of the party’s most influential figures—perhaps even its future leader. Michael reveals to Mark the secret behind Ben Shapiro’s success, and the two try to answer a tough question: can Republicans be Swifties, too?

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s show with a hard look at the political and media fallout still unfolding as the one-year anniversary of the Trump assassination attempt draws near. In his reported monologue, Mark dissects how key Democrats and corporate media figures blamed Trump for the attempt on his own life—and how that narrative helped ignite the media credibility crisis now reaching a breaking point. And one year later, a central question remains: Who was the would-be assassin, and why do we still know almost nothing about him?

Journalist Salena Zito joins Mark to discuss her explosive new book, “Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination Attempt of Donald Trump and the Fight for America’s Heartland.” She recounts the moment the shots rang out in front of her, the chaos that followed, and how one small town became the unlikely epicenter of a national political shift.

Plus, Emily Jashinsky and Dan Turrentine on Elon Musk’s third-party playbook, the media’s quiet retreat from the Epstein story, and what America’s appetite for conspiracy theories says about where the country is headed.

Mark Halperin is off of Next Up this week, but he joined Emily Jashinsky on her new MK Media show "After Party" - which you can subscribe to and join the party. They discuss the settlement between CBS News parent company Paramount and President Trump, the real reason CBS caved and paid Trump millions, the "dirty secret" about the corporate media, the state of the BBB, and more. Plus Emily on the way the Diddy verdict intersects with the end of the MeToo Era, and why Charlize Theron may look great but isn't as cool as she thinks she is, and is in fact part of the problem that led to the failures of the libertine lifestyle that has fallen out of favor with today's culture.

Subscribe to After Party with Emily Jashinsky:

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Social: https://afterpartyemily.com/

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s show by breaking down why Democratic rising star Zohran Mamdani may have more in common with Donald Trump than meets the eye. From his underdog victory over Andrew Cuomo to his working-class message about affordability in New York City, Halperin explains how Mamdani is reshaping the political conversation—and why some Democrats are uneasy about it.

Then, Meghan McCain joins the show to share her exclusive interview with Second Lady Usha Vance. From parenting advice to personal politics, McCain reveals how she landed the rare sit-down and what the media-shy wife of the Vice President really thinks about life in the spotlight—and the MAGA movement.

Mark Halperin opens today’s show with his reported monologue breaking down the Left’s partisanship on an issue that should transcend politics: stopping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. While Democrat Senator Chris Coons praises NATO’s new funding commitments and agrees Iran must be stopped, he—like many on the Left—refuses to credit Trump’s role in those efforts. Plus, Mark explains why national unity is essential in times of war, how partisan divisions only serve America’s enemies, and how both parties are guilty parties.

Then, Politico Capitol Bureau Chief Rachael Bade joins with a behind-the-scenes look at Trump’s decision to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities. She also unpacks Speaker Johnson’s careful balancing act with Trump and how J.D. Vance is winning over the GOP.

Finally, Sage Steele sits down with Mark for a candid conversation about walking away from her dream job at ESPN, finding her voice in politics, and leading with kindness in the face of public criticism.

Mark kicks off the show with a deep dive into the four truths about Trump and Iran, and the fundamentals about his biggest foreign policy decision yet. He breaks down the underreported dynamics inside the White House, how U.S.-Israel relations are shaping global responses, why the real divide goes far beyond MAGA, and what Trump has—and hasn’t—decided. Plus, a historical parallel to JFK’s handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and why Trump’s critics may be misunderstanding both his instincts and strategy.

Then, Dan Senor, host of the “Call Me Back” podcast, joins the show to break down the U.S.–Israel relationship in the context of the Iran crisis. He and Mark explore Netanyahu’s strained history with American presidents, whether it’s already too late to reach a diplomatic resolution with Iran, and why comparisons between Bibi and figures like Churchill or Kissinger may be more complicated than they seem—especially when it comes to Trump.

Later, Democratic strategist Patti Solis Doyle weighs in on the Democratic Party’s post-2024 meltdown and why the party has yet to rebound from the election “massacre.” The former Hillary Clinton campaign manager reacts to scathing new reports about dysfunction at the DNC, offers a blunt assessment of the Democrats’ attempt to cover up Joe Biden’s cognitive decline, and explains why the party remains rudderless heading into 2026 and 2028. Plus, Mark and Patti discuss the future of the party: is anyone on the Democratic team capable of leading the party out of what she calls a “messageless” and “leaderless” spiral?

Mark Halperin kicks off today’s show with a deep dive into Trump’s foreign policy philosophy, his instinct to avoid war, and the factors influencing a potential U.S. entry into the Israel-Iran conflict. Then, Mark examines the backlash Trump is facing from some in the MAGA movement, why parts of the isolationist right oppose a war with Iran, and what that might mean for the country and his administration.

Then, legendary playwright, David Mamet, joins Mark to share his thoughts on Israel’s current position and why he believes Prime Minister Netanyahu is “bringing peace to the Middle East.” Mamet argues that Trump’s rhetoric might actually produce results—and that “being nice” isn’t a real strategy. Plus, Mamet weighs in on Hollywood, Democrats, Trump Derangement Syndrome, and more.