← Meet the Press
Meet the Press
Meet the Press NOW — May 19
00:52:59
Voters are casting their ballots in key primaries across six states as President Trump announces he is endorsing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Senate runoff. Kentucky Senate candidates Daniel Cameron (R), Charles Booker (D) and Amy McGrath (D) join Meet the Press NOW to discuss their bid to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell. The Department of Justice sets up a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund after President Trump drops his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.
Loading summary
Transcript156 lines
- [00:00]
Narrator/Advertiser
Every day on DonorsChoose.org, teachers ask for the books, supplies and learning materials their students need. Because every day teachers show up for their students. But who's going to show up for teachers? Because appreciation shouldn't stop at thank you. It means taking action. Books for the classroom, supplies for students, support teachers can count on. Show our classroom heroes the appreciation they deserve. Donate today@donorschoose.org local a text says you're on my mind. A bouquet from 1-800-FLowers says, you're my everything. Heartfelt moments belong in the real world, not just your phone. For 50 years, 1-800-Flowers has helped millions of people make memories that'll last a lifetime with gifts they'll cherish forever. Their expertly curated arrangements and gift baskets shipped nationwide with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Don't wait for the next big moment. Make it when you visit 1-800-flowers.com sxm today, that's 1-800-flowers. Com sxm.
- [01:07]
Kristen Welker
Welcome to MEET the press. Now, I'm Kristen Welker in Washington, and if it's Tuesday, it's the biggest primary day of the year so far. Voters are heading to the polls in six states today with key tests of President Trump's grip over the Republican Party. Ahead of the midterms, the president is devoting significant resources to state stamping out dissent within his own party and wielding endorsements as a cudgel, including with a surprise announcement today, a bombshell about the battle for the Texas Senate. But nowhere will the president's influence be tested more than Kentucky's 4th congressional district today, where Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who pushed for the release of the Epstein files and voted against the president's big, beautiful bill, faces Trump backed challenger Ed Gallerin today. The president repeatedly slammed Congressman Massie while speaking out outside the White House.
- [02:00]
Donald Trump
Thomas Massey is a terrible congressman. He's been a terrible congressman from day one. Dealing with him is just horrible. I don't think he's a Republican. I think he's actually, I think he's actually a Democrat. He's not a libertarian. You know, sometimes they say he's really a Democrat. He votes against us all the time. This guy Massie is terrible. Let's see what happens. It's not easy beating incumbents, but we have a great guy running against Massie. Massie's a terrible congressman. I think the worst congressman the Republican Party's ever had. That'll be, that'll be good television and we'll see what happens there.
- [02:35]
Kristen Welker
The president's effort to oust Massie comes after he successfully got his revenge against Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy, who voted to impeach the president in 2021. Cassidy lost his primary this weekend, and earlier this month, the President helped defeat five Republican state senators in Indiana who opposed his redistricting push. But the president's loyalty test could risk rubbing some Republican voters the wrong way, particularly in Massey's district. NBC's Julie Serkin spoke with three veterans from three generations about the role the President has taken in that race. Take a listen to what they said.
- [03:12]
Julie Serkin
Would you ever do something just because the president said you gotta do it?
- [03:17]
Kentucky Voter 1
No.
- [03:18]
Daniel Cameron
No.
- [03:20]
Kentucky Voter 1
That's not his job.
- [03:21]
Donald Trump
And I voted for Trump. Okay. But his biggest problem is he's all about loyalty. He's not about honor.
- [03:31]
Steve Kornacki
He's about loyalty to him and the party.
- [03:33]
Donald Trump
Exactly. Loyalty to the Constitution or the American. Exactly. So what I'm saying is the reason he hates Thomas Massie because he doesn't vote along the party lines. But Massey looked at the situation and goes, well, this is not right, and voted no. And you know what? There's two sides to every story, maybe three. But, you know, his side, her side, my side, and the truth. But Massey should win this because he's not.
- [04:10]
Kristen Welker
In today's contest, the president has endorsed 37 Republican candidates in House, Senate, and governor's races. And in a surprise announcement today ahead of next week's Texas Senate runoff, after staying on the sidelines for months, the President announced he's endorsing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn. On social media, the president painting Paxton as the more MAGA candidate, suggesting Cornyn was simply not loyal enough, a sentiment echoed by Vice President J.D. vance from the White House briefing room earlier today.
- [04:44]
Steve Kornacki
I've known John Cornyn for a long time, but unfortunately, you know, when. When it really counted, Ken Paxton was there for the country, was there for the President. And that's why he ultimately earned the President's endorsement.
- [04:58]
Kristen Welker
Joining me now to start us off on this primary day is our NBC News team. Monica Alba is at the White House for Julie Circuit is on the ground in Kentucky. Erin Gilchrist has the very latest from Georgia. And with me on set, Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki. Thanks to all of you for being here. Monica, I have to start with you at the White House. President Trump endorsing Ken Paxton. There is a big debate inside his inner circle about who he should in fact endorse. Talk to me about what your sources are saying there about the timing of this, why he did this now and
- [05:33]
Monica Alba
why Ken Paxton, Such a fascinating dynamic here, Kristen, for all of those reasons that you just laid out. But this is really a president who is the reality TV show president.
- [05:44]
Julie Serkin
Right.
- [05:44]
Monica Alba
He likes to bring a big moment. He likes to tease a big moment. That's exactly what he did today when for weeks he had been pressed on whether he was going to endorse in this primary and he had said that he wasn't sure and that he liked both candidates and that he was sort of considering all of these different factors. So to your question of why now and why today was just earlier, a few hours ago when the president said, yeah, I think I'm going to have something to say about that this afternoon, which did come as a bit of a surprise. Again, he had been indicating that this was something he was thinking about, but his own team and his own aides that had been analyzing the race thought it might be better for him not necessarily to back a candidate, but as you know very well, Kristen, that when President Trump decides that he wants to come out and do something, and in this case, that was the situation. And so he is here talking about loyalty and how he views it, even if loyalty is obviously a very important two way street. And what will be fascinating is the dynamic of Senator Cornyn, who will still be in office obviously for the next however many months, depending on what happens, but also for people like Senator Cassidy and others that the president has come out against very clearly for what he says are moments of disloyalty.
- [06:58]
Kristen Welker
Well, and Monica, I interviewed Senator Lindsey Graham this weekend. He said, look, all of this underscores that this is still the party of Trump. So that's the thinking and at least part of the messaging that's coming from President Trump and his allies. But Monica, the conventional wisdom was that Senator John Cornyn had the better shot against James Talarico. Is there concern within the party that the president could be jeopardizing a critical Senate seat and potentially his own agenda?
- [07:31]
Monica Alba
Well, the president feels incredibly emboldened, we're told, based on what he views as his successes so far on the so called revenge tour. So when the president makes a decision about somebody that he feels has been, again, in his view, someone who hasn't aligned with everything that he wants to do, this is the president's decision. He's taking a gamble on that and he feels confident in it. Senator Cornyn, for his part, and we could read you a part of his statement is saying that he was pretty disappointed by this because he feels that he has been a friend to the president, through both of his terms, voted with him more than 99% of the time and that Trump himself has consistently called him a friend in this race. Kristen?
- [08:10]
Kristen Welker
Monica, so good to have that perspective and of course, all of your reporting, starting us off on this big primary day. We really appreciate it. Monica Julie Serkin, let me go down to you in Kentucky. All eyes on this race between Congressman Massie and Ed Gallerin. President Trump endorsing picking Ed Gallerian to take on Thomas Massie. You've been talking to voters there. What is the mood on the ground on this Election Day? Julie?
- [08:38]
Julie Serkin
You know, Kristen, I don't remember another race that I've covered. We're two hours from the polls closing, and I think we still don't really have a sense as to whether Congressman Massie is going to stick this out or whether it's going to be AD Gallerian's race to lose. And it's because people here feel like they don't want to be told what to do. There's been a steady stream of voters coming into this polling location. We're in one of the more populous areas of this district in Hebron, Kentucky. I talked to one voter, for example, who told me they're not comfortable speaking on camera about it, but they're going to vote for Ed Gallerain because of the war in Iran. They filled up their tank this morning. Yes, their gas is more expensive, but they feel like it's worth it. You contrast that with a number of very enthusiastic Massey voters that I talked to outside of this polling location today. Watch what they had to say. Do you feel like all of the spending and the ads, I don't know if you've seen any of the president's posts. What did that how did you feel about that?
- [09:30]
Kentucky Voter 1
I felt a little pressured, but we tried to, like I said, tried to ignore a lot of the outside external pressure.
- [09:37]
Julie Serkin
The president keeps saying, you know, if you don't vote Massie out, you don't believe in the Republican Party or against me. Like, how do you feel about that kind of rhetoric?
- [09:45]
LifeLock Advertiser
I don't care about political parties.
- [09:47]
Kristen Welker
I care about who can better the country. And I don't think what Trump is
- [09:53]
LifeLock Advertiser
doing is bettering the country.
- [09:54]
Kristen Welker
And I don't think anyone he endorses
- [09:57]
LifeLock Advertiser
is going to either.
- [10:00]
Julie Serkin
Chris and all of those voters that you heard from, they voted for President Trump. This is a Republican area. And yet you are hearing so many people say it's not about party to them, it is about country. And that's what I think make this race so interesting.
- [10:12]
Kristen Welker
And there are headwinds, Julie, the fact that President Trump's approval rating has been dragged down by the war in Iran. What's notable is that Thomas Massie makes the point, look, he's voted with President TRUMP Over 90% of the time. Is the anticipation that Ed Gowrain would be with the President 100% of the time. Is that what it takes? Effectively,
- [10:33]
Julie Serkin
he would absolutely stick to the president like glue. It was clear in a telerally that the president held from him last night. It's very clear in his campaigning style, even from some voters that we hear heard from that are switching their vote. They voted for Massie before. They're now going to vote for Galran have said they feel like Massey's just a grandstander. But even though we're about like I said, two hours from polls closing, there's still a lot of back and forth happening. For example, President Trump just posted on X. He rarely makes posts on X. He usually prefers his own truth social. Essentially putting Massie on blast for sending a campaign text today telling people that he's endorsed by the president. It was an old endorsement and you see that back and forth happen here. Meanwhile, Massie telling me consistently, Kristen, that he feels like his voting record is being distorted.
- [11:15]
Ryan Reilly
All right.
- [11:16]
Kristen Welker
Well, I cannot imagine a more exciting race, a more exciting place to be. Julie Serkin, we're going to be talking to you throughout this evening, throughout our special coverage. Thank you for being there and for your great interviews. Really appreciate it. Aaron Gilchrist, let me head over to you in Georgia. So we're talking about the president's influence. Let's talk about what it means in Georgia. He's backed Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones in the governor's race there, but he hasn't weighed in on that crowded primary to take on Senator Jon Ossoff, which is of course the other huge race that we're watching tonight. What are voters there telling you, Republican voters, about how much the president factors into their decision making? Because you heard Julie talking to voters, some of them saying in Kentucky they don't want to be told what to do.
- [12:03]
Tom Winter
We're hearing some similar things here in Georgia as well, Kristen. And I'll tell you, it's actually really interesting as we've been talking particularly to Republican voters. And it's worth noting that there are three ballots for people to choose from when they go to vote. And here in Georgia today, a Democrat, Republican and independent vote ballot, Republican ballot voters that we've spoken to today, a number of them have told us that they did not vote in the Senate primary. They didn't know much about the candidates that were on the ballot there. You're seeing the three leaders in some of the polling that we've been watching here in Georgia on your screen right now, which I thought was really striking. I asked a few people, well, President Trump hasn't endorsed one of the contenders in the Senate primary on the Republican side. Was that a factor in how you didn't vote in that particular race? And some people said yes. Others said that it wasn't really a factor, but they simply felt like they hadn't known or learned enough about those particular candidates. I'll tell you, Kristen, as we've been following races here in Georgia throughout this year in different places, we've heard from so many people who said, will President Trump pick this guy? I don't know anything about him. You take Georgia 14, the house race, for example. People said, I don't know Clay Fuller, but President Trump endorsed him. Therefore, I'm going to vote for Clay Fuller. I do want you to hear from some of the folks that we talked to when we asked that question about President Trump's influence on them in this particular cycle. How much weight does the president's endorsement, the president's support, the president's ideas have in how you.
- [13:33]
Donald Trump
Well, it means a lot, you know, but I wouldn't, I wouldn't always go
- [13:38]
Charles Booker
with the one he picks.
- [13:39]
Kristen Welker
It's always nice to get the boss man's, you know, a, okay.
- [13:44]
Charles Booker
But, you know, I don't, I don't,
- [13:47]
Kristen Welker
I don't listen to anybody wanting to, whether it's Trump or Biden or make my own choices.
- [13:56]
Tom Winter
And so we'll be watching Kristen to see what the numbers look like at the end of the night tonight. We know more than a million people voted early in the elections here across Georgia. But I'll tell you, Kristen, on depending on where you are in the state, some ballots had more than 30 races for people to be focused on and voting on, in addition to questions that they had to answer as well.
- [14:15]
Kristen Welker
All right. Well, we're going to be checking in with you throughout the night as well. Aaron Gilchrist, thanks for bringing us that great interview. We really appreciate it. All right, Steve, let's head over to you at the big board. It is a big primary day, our biggest primary day yet. Steve, we've got a big, long, exciting night ahead of us. What are you watching for?
- [14:33]
Steve Kornacki
Yeah, we'll get started at a little more than two hours from now right here in Kentucky. In that 4th district, 6:30 eastern polls are going to close here. What are we looking for in terms of the results? Just a couple things to keep in mind. A lot of the vote in this district is going to come out of right here. These three counties. These are the Cincinnati suburbs. About half the vote's going to come out of there. Also have the Louisville suburbs. Some of the Louisville metro area, probably about a quarter of the vote is going to come out of there, and a lot of rural counties, too. This really goes all the way almost out to the West Virginia border. But what's interesting about this district is this district as it's currently constructed. Back in 2016, when Donald Trump first ran for president, he won the Kentucky primary that year. He defeated Senator Ted Cruz, but he lost this district in 2016. Those Cincinnati suburbs in particular have kind of a pronounced libertarian flair to them. It's where Senator Rand Paul is from. So if there's one district out there where a candidate like Galran, you know, who has earned Trump's ire for sort of being getting in the way on pursuit, procedural matters for House Republicans, you know, gathering, raising sort of libertarian objections there, if there's a district that might be. Might be sympathetic to that, it would probably be this one. And if Gol. If Gowran is able to win tonight, on the other hand, boy, that would really be a statement of the power of that Trump endorsement. Even in political terrain like this, that's sort of libertarian friendly. So big early numbers, I think, potentially coming out of there in another place relatively early. 7:00 clock Eastern Time, and the vote should start to come in pretty fast in Georgia. It is that Senate primary in Georgia they remember, unless somebody gets an outright majority tonight, you're looking at a runoff here between the top two. The dynamic here in the final days. Collins has been leading in most of the polling in the last week or two, as Brian Kemp, who's endorsed Dooley, has gotten more involved, more visible here. Dooley has been moving up in some of the polls, so that's sort of the dynamic at least coming into tonight.
- [16:25]
Kristen Welker
Yeah, it's one of the things we're going to be watching very closely. That former football coach, in fact, a lot of people surprised at just how involved Governor Kemp has been. Let me ask you about Democrats, because we're sort of looking at Philadelphia suburbs, some of those districts in Pennsylvania, to get a sense of where the Democrats might be strongest as they head into the fall.
- [16:47]
Steve Kornacki
Yeah, I mean, look, there's a couple aspects with the Democrats here. There's the Philadelphia suburbs. We could take you up to the seventh District. This is gonna be one of the premier battleground districts this fall. This is a district that went for Joe Biden early in 2020, went back to Trump in 2024. You're looking at sort of the Allentown here, Northampton county here. The Democratic primary tonight, you know, Bob Brooks here is endorsed, believe it or not, by both Josh Shapiro, the governor, and by Bernie Sanders. Lamont McClure has run to the left here. So this is an interesting primary with huge general election implications. And in Philadelphia itself, this is a deeply, deeply Democratic district, but a fascinating dynamic about the temperature within the base of the Democratic Party. Chris Robb here running, you know, very far to the left here. We've seen some of these candidates, far left candidates, winning Democratic primaries, going against Sharif street, probably his main opposition here, the son of a former mayor. So there's a lot of some political lineage on the line here as well.
- [17:47]
Kristen Welker
Yeah, the establishment backing Sharif street for sure. Big test for progressives. Steve Kornacki, thank you so much. We are just getting going with Steve. Really appreciate it. Steve is going to join me and Hallie Jackson tonight for our special primary coverage Tonight starting at 6:30pm Eastern streaming right here on NBC News now. You don't want to miss it. We do want to turn now to some breaking news and the latest on that deadly attack at a mosque in San Diego. With investigators now looking for a motive for the shooting which left three people dead. Police and community leaders spoke just a short time ago with an update on the investigation and more information about the victims and the two alleged gunmen, both teenagers who were found dead nearby from what authorities believe were self inflicted inflicted gunshot wounds. Authorities describing all three victims actions during the shooting as heroic. Here's some of what we heard from the San Diego police chief as he described the actions of the security guard as he engaged the gunman.
- [18:46]
Tom Winter
He immediately observed the threat to everybody at the mosque. He began to engage them with gunfire. Both suspects returned fire. You can see the security guard reach for his radio and put out the lockdown protocol. His actions without a doubt delayed, distracted and ultimately deterred these two individuals from gaining access to the greater areas of the mosque where as many as one hundred and forty kids were within 15ft of these suspects.
- [19:44]
Kristen Welker
Now officials have identified the victims which as you heard, include the security guard as well as a community leader who managed the mosque for 40 years and another community member whose wife is a teacher at the center. NBC News national law enforcement and intelligence correspondent Tom Winter joins me now. So Tom, what are investigators saying about a potential motive at this point?
- [20:05]
Kentucky Voter 1
Well, Kristen, it's becoming very clear and that's because there's some writings that have been left behind by these individuals. They clearly were targeting this mosque based on their writings which seem to hate just about everybody. And I know we'll get into that in a second. It's not clear why they chose the mosque first. There was also in some video that we're in the process of authenticating where they're firing out of their vehicle, a BMW. And it was referenced yesterday in the in the press conference that they appear to fire at maybe a local landscaper. There's also references to possible multiple locations that they were considering why they chose this mosque first. It's not clear. They clearly have written and we started reporting this yesterday within hours of the shooting. There a lot of anti Islamic sentiment in their writings they targeted there. And if it was not for Amin Abdullah, it was the security guard identified in what you just heard from the police chief there, there were 140 students. And you're looking at the students being evacuated from the school yesterday 15ft from that entryway according to the police chief. And without that security guard engaging those two, what type of death toll in horror we could be looking at today is really difficult to fathom. So that's what we know. But I think authorities have absolutely settled on a motive. These individuals are motivated by hate and they apparently just picked the mosque as their first target.
- [21:27]
Kristen Welker
It it's just horrifying to think about what could have happened as devastating as that attack was. Tom, let me follow up with you on that point. Can you give me a sense of why investigators believe this is a hate crime? Apparently there were some writings that they may have found.
- [21:43]
Kentucky Voter 1
Yeah, it's 75 pages. It's written by both the suspects, Caleb Vasquez and Kane Clark. Vasquez has the first section written in one font. Cain has a second section. I'm not going to quote from it. They are absolutely white supremacists. There's Nazi iconography in parts of it. They are believers in Brenton Tarrant. He's the individual responsible for the shooting at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 51. They believe that the white race is to be replaced. They are extremely anti Semitic. They are anti Islamic. They cannot stand really any ethnic group. They are anti Trump. They are anti the Make America Great Again movement and they're homophobic. They're also extreme misogyny which by the way is a key through line in a lot of these attacks that we've seen, a deep hatred for women where you found that in almost every major terror attack we've seen or foiled attack over the last several years. So that's definitely a trend. A lot of research is being done on that in the terrorism community and the crime community as well. Really not worth quoting from, Kristen. It's just a document filled with hate. These individuals chose the mosque for us yesterday. It's very clear from the investigation at this point.
- [23:03]
Kristen Welker
Well, it's just a devastating situation and appreciate your not reading from it. Thank you, Tom Winter. We will continue to keep a close eye on this story and keep you updated. And coming up, we will dive deeper into the key primary contest tonight and the president's influence on the midterms with three of the candidates battling for the nomination for Kentucky Senate. Plus, the president's acting attorney general is grilled on Capitol Hill by Senate Democrats amid growing backlash over the Justice Department's $1.8 billion fund for so called victims of government weaponization during the Biden administration. Stay with us. You're watching MEET THE Press. Now.
- [23:47]
Stephen Hayes
Modern enterprise is made up of a lot of moving parts and Comcast business helps you orchestrate it all. With SD WAN working at scale to keep 150 hospital locations connected and working as one. Plus SASE and Zero Trust Security protecting financial data across a bank's 2000 branches and AI powered networking that optimizes traffic across five continents. No one does business like Comcast Business.
- [24:13]
Narrator/Advertiser
Want to make your home everyone's favorite summer destination? Shop Etsy for hosting essentials like handmade outdoor furniture for your backyard guests, custom drinkware for your signature cocktails, and of course, some festive seasonal decor. No matter how big the invite list is, you'll be all set for the moments that make summer special. Celebrate summer parties with original items from small shops on Etsy. Celebrate being human.
- [24:38]
LifeLock Advertiser
You're great at protecting your data, but lots of places could still expose you to identity theft.
- [24:43]
Narrator/Advertiser
I thought it was safe.
- [24:44]
LifeLock Advertiser
If that happens, LifeLock gives you a US based restoration agent who will stick by your side from start to finish. Phone calls, filing documentation, preparing insurance claims. Your agent handles it all. In fact, we're so confident restoration is guaranteed or your money back. Isn't it nice to have someone like that on your side? Save up to 30% your first year@lifelock.com specialoffer terms apply.
- [25:11]
Kristen Welker
Welcome back. As we've mentioned, the biggest primary race of the night is Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie's fight against a Trump back primary challenger. But we're watching plenty of other races as well, including both parties picking their candidates for this seat that's been held by Kentucky Senate Republican Senator Mitch McConnell since 1985. Now, on the Republican side, President Trump endorsed Congressman Andy Barr over a McConnell protege, former state Attorney General Daniel Cameron. And joining me now is the former State Attorney General, Daniel Cameron. Thank you so much for joining me. I really appreciate it.
- [25:48]
Daniel Cameron
Kristin, thank you as well. And just one editorial edit. Andy Barr is the candidate that's backed by the McConnell machine here in Kentucky, but thank you so much for having me on.
- [25:59]
Kristen Welker
Well, thank you for being here. Well, why don't we start right there? You and Andy Barr are both, to some extent, trying to distance yourselves from Mitch McConnell. What is your strategy to win in these final hours?
- [26:15]
Daniel Cameron
Well, look, my strategy has been pretty clear from the very beginning, which is to talk about the issues that the voters care about here in the commonwealth and base it off a track record that I've had as the Attorney general, standing up for constitutional rights, helping bring in nearly $900 million to the state to fight the opioid epidemic, and standing firm for our law enforcement community. They know that when there are challenges that exist, I'm going to stand firm for them. And, and that's why I've been endorsed by over 100 law enforcement officials. I've got more Kentucky endorsements than any other candidate in this race. And I'm building a coalition that is going to allow us not only to win tonight when they tally the last vote, but also in November, which is ultimately critical to our chances for Republicans across this great country.
- [27:05]
Kristen Welker
How do you win without President Trump's support? Everyone was reminded of the weight of that over the weekend when Senator Bill Cassidy didn't make it to his runoff.
- [27:17]
Daniel Cameron
Well, what I have been encouraged by, Kristen, is the sheer amount of outpouring of support that we've seen as we wrapped up our statewide tour. I ended it in my hometown of Hardin county last night. And at every stop, people were saying, daniel, we've got your back. We know that you are the best candidate to represent change in Washington. Congressman Barr has been there 14 years, is asking for another six. I'd be a new face, someone with a young family who recognizes the importance of standing firm for the men, women and children of all 120 counties. I'm beholden to the people of this great commonwealth. I don't have the big banks and big pharma and big business that are supporting me, but who I do have supporting me are the men, women and children of these 120 counties. That's why I'm convinced that again, when the last vote is tallied, I'm going to be the Republican nominee for the United States Senate.
- [28:10]
Kristen Welker
Well, let me ask you about one of the big issues, the backdrop of every race, quite frankly, which is the economy. The number one issue for voters. New polling shows that the president is down 42 points on his handling of the cost of living. As you know, President Trump was elected on a promise to bring prices down. Do you think he broke that promise to voters?
- [28:34]
Daniel Cameron
Look, I stand with President Trump and the America first agenda. And it's one that. Let me just give you a few snapshots of Kentucky. $2.5 billion because of the Trump economic agenda, has come to the commonwealth in corn and glass. That makes the glass for the iPhone. They're manufacturing that in Mercer County. Another $2 billion has gone to the Ford plant here in Louisville, Kentucky, securing roughly 2,200 jobs in Northern Kentucky. There are countless individuals that I know of as I've traveled that 4th district who have very much said that because of no tips on tax or no tips on overtime, no tips on Social Security, they feel like they've got a better opportunity for not only themselves, but kids and grandkids to help put a little extra food on the table, pay for gas, make sure that when it comes to summer sports for their kids, they're able to pay for that as well. And by the way, no tax on tips included in that. These are signature items that a lot of folks here in the commonwealth really are grateful for. And again, I support President Trump's economic agenda and know that he has the best interest of the folks here in this commonwealth.
- [29:45]
Kristen Welker
And with the 30 seconds we have left, if you're elected, what will be your number one priority on day one? What's the first action you'll take?
- [29:52]
Daniel Cameron
Well, Kristen, you've talked about it. The fact that when it comes to setting the conditions in Washington, Washington, that's what we've got to be about in the United States Senate, setting the conditions in Washington that allow our people to thrive here at home. So that means making sure our taxes are even lower, making sure that energy dominance when it comes to Kentucky, low cost, reliable energy that it flows through the Commonwealth of Kentucky because we can lead on the technologies of the future and we can fuel those technologies as well.
- [30:19]
Kristen Welker
All right, Daniel Cameron, thank you. And all the best to you in these final hours of the race. We appreciate your joining us on Election Day.
- [30:25]
Daniel Cameron
Thank you. So much.
- [30:26]
Monica Alba
Thank you.
- [30:27]
Kristen Welker
You, too. Let's turn now to the Democratic side of this Kentucky Senate race. Multiple candidates are vying for the opportunity to try to flip this solidly Republican seat, including former State Representative Charles Booker and former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath, who lost to Senator Mitch McConnell in 2020. I will be speaking to Amy McGrath in just a moment, but first, joining me now is former State Representative Charles Booker. Thank you so much for joining me. I really appreciate it.
- [30:56]
Charles Booker
Of course. Honored to be with you.
- [30:58]
Kristen Welker
Well, it's great to have you here. Let's start with the stakes, the history. The last time Kentucky elected a Democrat to the U.S. senate was in 1992. What makes you think Democrats can flip this seat?
- [31:13]
Charles Booker
Well, this race is one of the most flippable races in the country, and it's not because of party. It's because people are hurting. Democrats, Republicans, Independents, we're all getting screwed. And we're looking for leaders who see us, who care about our humanity and have a vision to deliver for us. I've shown that over the years. I've built coalitions from the hood to the holler, and that's why I've been leading in the polls in this primary prayerfully. That's why we're going to win tonight, and it's why we're going to take this seat back for working people.
- [31:39]
Kristen Welker
Well, as you know, Amy McGrath is giving you a real run for your money. She has a strong showing right now in the polls. What makes you think you can best her tonight?
- [31:51]
Charles Booker
Well, working people are tired of a big money status quo that ignores their needs, that tells them that real change isn't possible. We're looking for leaders who see us, who come from the challenges we face and have a vision to meet our needs. I've built those coalitions and I've shown by leading with love, by building community, that we can inspire people who voted for Trump. We can inspire people who've never voted before. That's why I've been leading in the polls, and it's also why we're ready to win. These no Kings demonstrations we've seen across Kentucky, they're not just Democrats, they're lifelong Republicans. Everyone's fed up and they're standing with me because this is our moment to win.
- [32:28]
Kristen Welker
You know, you're talking about building coalitions. Let me follow you up with you on that point, because you're running on a progressive platform, including Medicare for All, universal childcare. You've been a vocal supporter of the Green New Deal. Are those winning positions in a state that President Trump won by 30 plus points.
- [32:46]
Charles Booker
Absolutely. And when you look at the map, a lot of people who voted for Donald Trump voted for Bernie Sanders. A lot of people who have stood up over the years crying out, have just been ignored. Medicare for all policies to make sure we actually end generational poverty are popular in Kentucky because we've been one of the poorest states in the country and we're sick of it. I'm a type 1 diabetic. I've had to ration my insulin. My insulin doesn't care about my party registration. We need leaders that can meet the moment, and that's what I've shown. Even saying that if you're working across the aisle, for instance, I've stood up with folks like Congressman Thomas Massie to say that if you're going to fight for Kentucky, you're going to find a partner in me. We need that now more than ever. And I'm honored to help tell the story about regular people fighting back.
- [33:29]
Kristen Welker
I do want to talk to you about the number one issue for voters, what you're talking about, quite frankly, the economy. I'm going to put up some numbers for you. Voters clearly frustrated with President Trump and Republican on the economy, but Democrats are not doing much better. Why do you think that is? And what do you think you can realistically do to turn it around?
- [33:51]
Charles Booker
Well, the fact of the matter is we need change and we need it yesterday. And what we're seeing across the country is a lot of regular voices that are calling out. You can call it affordability, call it what you want. We have been suffering. And if we can find money for endless war for Donald Trump, we can find money to make sure our children have food to eat, that we have the health care we need in the wealthiest country in the world. I'm running a campaign that is not built on excuses. It's built on the power of regular people coming together to bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice. We need real leadership, bold leadership right now. And by replacing Mitch McConnell with a fighter for regular people, we can do just that.
- [34:29]
Kristen Welker
You know, you've called for President Trump to be impeached. If you were elected to the Senate, how much of a priority would that be for you? Because I've spoken to some Democrats who say it is time move on from those types of fights.
- [34:41]
Charles Booker
Well, I speak the truth. And the truth of the matter is we need leaders who care about us, who won't sell us out, who will lift up our needs and will deliver for us. So if the president of the United States is violating the Constitution. We call that out. But my priority isn't just about tearing down the president. It's about lifting up all people. That's what this moment requires. And that's why we're inspiring so many people to get out to vote, to organize, to make democracy real. That's what we need right here at home. I'm delivering that in Kentucky, and that's why we're going to win.
- [35:14]
Kristen Welker
All right. Charles Booker, thank you so much. All the very best to you in these closing hours of the campaign. Really appreciate your joining us.
- [35:22]
Charles Booker
Of course. Thank you.
- [35:24]
Kristen Welker
And joining me now is another candidate in Kentucky's Democratic Senate primary, former Marine fighter pilot Amy McGrath. Thank you so much for being here. We really appreciate it.
- [35:34]
Amy McGrath
Of course. Great to be with you.
- [35:36]
Kristen Welker
Well, it's great to have you. I have to start with the same question I just asked your opponent. It has been more than three decades since a Kentucky Democrat was elected to the U.S. senate, and you actually lost to Mitch McConnell by almost 20 points in 2020. What makes you think this is your moment to win, to flip this Senate seat?
- [35:56]
Amy McGrath
Well, look, Kentuckians have proven that they can vote for really good candidates, no matter whether they're Republicans or Democrats. You know, we a a Democratic governor here who's won twice in an off cycle, very similar electorate to this midterm. And I think right now what we're seeing in this country and certainly here in Kentucky is dangerous and not normal. And a lot of people get that. I mean, you just had, you had some folks on your show just a little bit ago, Kentucky voters talking about the fact that it's not about party right now, it's about doing what's best for our country and for Kentucky. And the fact that they don't want yes men, they don't want just people follow the party line. And I think right now what you're seeing, when my campaign started, Kentuckians were already struggling to pay for rent and groceries and utilities and health insurance. And now, just a few short months later, many more Kentuckians have to decide whether they're going to pay for food or buy gas for their cars. So nobody in America should have to make that choice. And I think that is a big difference from six years ago. People are hurting and they're fed up.
- [37:07]
Kristen Welker
Let me ask you for specifics, because your core message has been about affordability, that you are going to make Kentucky more affordable. How specifically do you plan to do that?
- [37:18]
Amy McGrath
Yeah. So this is the question I get everywhere right Kentuckians are spending $5,000 more this year than last year. And if you pull the string on that, where does that. Where's that coming from? $2,500 of that 5,000 is directly because of these tariffs that are unilaterally by this president that these Republicans like Andy Barr are championing. Those tariffs hurt people. They hurt our bourbon industry, they hurt our farmers here. They hurt us all at the checkout line. That's half of what we're spending. So let's get rid of those. I've been saying that from day one. This is a stupid policy. It's a tax on all of us that nobody asked for and nobody wanted. And then we go on to health care, the Affordable Care act subsidies that these guys took away. Guess what? It's jacking up the price for health care for everybody. That's another fifteen hundred dollars. And then you add on this war that nobody wanted, that we shouldn't be in, and that's causing gas prices to go up, making Kentuckians spend $750 more per year. And so we tackle those things, we go where the money is, and that's how we get down prices for people.
- [38:24]
Kristen Welker
Given what you're saying about the price of gas, would you support a suspension of the federal gas tax?
- [38:32]
Amy McGrath
Of course. I think that's really important. But what's that really going to do? I mean, that's temporary, and that's not so much. What we need to do is have a Senate that actually knows something about national security and global security and will rein in this president and make sure that we end this war in Iran, open up the Strait of Hormuz again and get these prices down, I mean, we never should have been in it in the first place. And the mere fact that we don't have enough senators that understand that, that and the national security implications that we're all in right now, that's absolutely why Kentuckians need to go to the polls on this day.
- [39:08]
Kristen Welker
Your opponent, Charles Booker, who I was just talking to, has called for new leadership in the Senate. If you were to be elected, would you support Chuck Schumer as leader?
- [39:20]
Amy McGrath
I would not. And I've said that from the very beginning of my race. I do believe we need new leaders, not only in the Democratic Party, but obviously in the Republican Party as well. People are hurting. And look, you know, when I talk to Kentuckians, they're tired. They're tired of government shutdowns. They're tired of this mess and this corruption in Washington. And we absolutely need new leaders on both sides of the aisle.
- [39:44]
Kristen Welker
All right, Amy McGrath joining us on election day. Thank you. All the best to you in these final hours. I know it's a busy one, so thanks for being here.
- [39:53]
Amy McGrath
You bet.
- [39:55]
Kristen Welker
Coming up after the break, much more on tonight's elections. Plus the president's bombshell decision to endorse in the Texas Senate runoff today. The panel's next to talk about the timing and the impact. You're watching MEET THE Press now.
- [40:15]
LifeLock Advertiser
Lots of places can expose you to identity theft.
- [40:18]
Kristen Welker
Oh, no.
- [40:19]
LifeLock Advertiser
That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity, which is way more than anyone can do on their own. If we find anything suspicious, like new loans or changes to your financial accounts, we alert you right away all through text, phone, email or the LifeLock app. Get the alerts that could make all the difference. Save up to 30% your first year@lifelock.com specialoffer terms apply.
- [40:45]
Narrator/Advertiser
Stay informed with the NBC News app.
- [40:48]
Steve Kornacki
Breaking news just coming in moments ago.
- [40:50]
Narrator/Advertiser
Watch, read and listen throughout your day. And now unlock even more with a subscription. It's the best of NBC News with fewer ad interruptions, including ad free articles, podcasts, and full NBC News shows, plus deeper access and exclusive content.
- [41:06]
Kristen Welker
Let's just take a step back.
- [41:07]
Narrator/Advertiser
It's more context and clarity from the reporters you trust. Download the NBC News app now and subscribe for more.
- [41:15]
Steve Kornacki
Hey, guys, Willie Geist here reminding you to check out the Sunday Sit down podcast. On this week's episode, I get together with Grammy winning star Michael Buble to talk about their remarkable career ranging from pop hits to Christmas classics. You can get our conversation now for free wherever you download your podcasts.
- [41:39]
Kristen Welker
Welcome back to MEET the PRESS NOW on this critical midterm primary day. Joining me now is the panel, Molly Ball, veteran political reporter Arshi Siddiqui, Democratic strategist and and founder of Bellwether Government affairs. And Stephen Hayes, editor and CEO of the Dispatch and an NBC News contributor. Thank you all for being here on Election Day. Can't imagine a more exciting day. This is our biggest primary day, Molly, to date. What are you watching for in the Massey race? Gallerin certainly has momentum, particularly coming off of President Trump's win this weekend defeating Bill Cassidy. Do you think Massey can pull off a win?
- [42:18]
Molly Ball
It's certainly possible. I mean, the polls have been sort of all over the map. And, you know, I know that we pundits sound like a broken record always saying this is a test for President Trump, but once again, it is a test of President Trump's juice with that Republican base. And the Massie situation is quite unique in part because it is a much more ideological contest, even though I think the thing that really set President Trump off in this case was the Epstein files. They have been ideologically at odds on tariffs and on other matters where, you know, Massie is that sort of pure of heart libertarian, and he has been very aggressively against President Trump, whereas a lot of these other candidates, even that Trump has gone after, they have tried to sort of play both sides, try to say, oh, I like the president just fine. You know, I don't know why he's so mad at me. Massie really hasn't done that. This has been, you know, they've both really locked in on this. And so, you know, he's a really unique figure, but it's also a unique political climate for this president.
- [43:15]
Julie Serkin
Right.
- [43:15]
Molly Ball
When you see other highly ideological actors in that MAGA space who have become disillusioned with the president, even if the overall voting base hasn't. And so that's why this is such an interesting primary. And I really do think it could go either way.
- [43:29]
Kristen Welker
It is just going to be a fascinating few hours as we watch to see who actually pulls out a win here. Stephen, the fact that Kentucky is so unique. We've heard some voters who say, I'm a Republican, but I don't want to be told who to vote for. There is an independent streak that makes Kentucky unique. How do you view these final hours?
- [43:50]
Stephen Hayes
Yeah, I mean, look, this is the state that sends Rand Paul back to the Senate. Right. Shares policy views with Thomas Massie repeatedly. I do think Molly's right. What will be interesting is to see whether somebody who's unapologetically opposed to Donald Trump, probably more than just about anybody else, can make a case, can sort of stand his ground and on the strength of his incumbency, his ground. He has been there for a while. He has built an organization throughout the district that I think could help him. Whether that can withstand the overwhelming power of Donald Trump and his endorsement. I do think it's interesting that at this moment, we're talking a lot about President Trump's strength with the Republican base. That comes at a time when he is cratering with everybody. Not in the Republican base. Independence. Strongly opposed to the president. Democrats have been opposed to him forever. This is a really interesting moment because he's so strong with that Republican base, as we're seeing in other contests, but very few other people like him.
- [44:50]
Kristen Welker
Yeah. And it could just come down to the independents, the moderate Republicans in November. Arshi, I want to get your reaction to some polling. This is by the New York Times. Let me put it up. It shows Democrats with an 11 point edge on the generic ballot. But the same poll shows that more Democrats are actually dissatisfied with their own party compared to Republicans. How concerned are Democrats about that discontent with their own voters?
- [45:18]
Arshi Siddiqui
That discontent content has been around for a while and but there is an important distinction on the ground. When you look at folks voting for Democrats in their districts, it's different. They distinguish that. So you look at a lot of Democrats who did well last, last cycle. They were very laser focused on their local issues and they basically doubled down on really fighting and representing their constituents. And that was the distinction where voters felt like their person was fighting for them. But the rest of the Democrats were in disarray. So that ultimately helps Democrats.
- [45:50]
Kristen Welker
Yeah. As we watch and wait for returns to start coming in. Molly, we got a little bit of a bombshell today. I don't think we were expecting it. President Trump endorsed Ken Paxton in Texas instead of Senator John Cornyn. The incumbent. Ken Paxton has been been beset by controversy. John Cornyn's tried to make the case about that. And yet Paxton is viewed as a more MAGA candidate. And so ultimately, President Trump went in that direction. What are you hearing in terms of the reaction and fallout so far?
- [46:24]
Molly Ball
Well, the Republicans in Washington, D.C. are wailing and gnashing their teeth for sure.
- [46:28]
Ryan Reilly
Right.
- [46:28]
Molly Ball
I mean, there is no ambiguity about it. The entire Republican establishment, particularly the Senate Republican Caucus, the npr, nrsc, has already spent a bunch of money on this race. And so this is going to give them a whole lot of heartburn. We know that right after that first round of the primary, Trump came very close to endorsing Cornyn and Paxton talked him out of it. And so this is something that President Trump has been stewing over for months now. And he finally, ultimately decided to make the leap and to go basically where his base is, because that has been the problem for John Cornyn in Texas is that the MAGA base, despite all the scandals, or maybe because of all the scandals, who, who knows, they love Ken Paxton. They don't love John Cornyn. Maybe they did at one time, not anymore. And so this is going to make it a real uphill battle.
- [47:15]
Kristen Welker
You know, Steve, the polls just show Talarico does better against Ken Paxton. How big of a gamble is this? And let me just read a little bit. I mean, gnashing their teeth is absolutely right. Lisa Murkowski says She's supremely disappointed. Lindsey Graham, who just this weekend said, this is the party of Trump, said the Texas Senate race is gonna be three times more expensive. Mike Round says, I'm just disappointed.
- [47:41]
Stephen Hayes
Yeah, I mean, they should be upset. The Republicans in Washington should be upset. You know who else should be upset is Republican Senate candidates elsewhere in the country. Because money that's now gonna go to Texas is not gonna go to places like New Hampshire to go to places like Michigan. Look, I mean, Ken Paxton is a walking oppo file. It's hard. If you were to create in a lab somebody the Democrats. Democrats would want to run against, It's Ken Paxton. He has virtually every kind of scandal that you could possibly have on the personal side, on the financial side, on the governance side, that is Ken Paxton. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised, given Donald Trump's history of endorsing questionable candidates and throwing away races that Republicans could win, like he did in Georgia. We shouldn't be surprised by this. He's been looking at polls. Recent polling has showed that Ken Paxton is ahead, is pulling ahead of John Cornyn, and private polling shows that even more than the public polling. So I think the President said, this is where my base wants me to be. This is where Steve Bannon wants me to be. This is where the polls suggest this is going. I'm in.
- [48:40]
Arshi Siddiqui
And the difference here is that in Texas, it's putting Texas in play versus Louisiana and Kentucky were solid Republican seats.
- [48:47]
Kristen Welker
Well, let's talk a little bit about that, Arshi, because the Democrats have been talking about putting Texas in play for decades.
- [48:55]
Molly Ball
Absolutely.
- [48:55]
Kristen Welker
And here is this moment where. Wait a minute, could it actually be in play? Do Democrats risk being overly confident if they celebrate this moment instead of kind of focusing on the strategy?
- [49:10]
Arshi Siddiqui
I think Democrats cannot celebrate anything. They can't take anything for granted. But the point on the money is an important one. It's going to take Republican resources, pull them into Texas. And so I think it creates another seat that I'm not saying. Saying that we're going to. Democrats are going to win Texas. I'm just saying that it creates a chance where. If you were running against Cornyn, it was just much more of an uphill climb.
- [49:33]
Kristen Welker
I just want to finally get everyone's thoughts. Molly, start with you. What will you be watching for tonight, in addition to the Massey race?
- [49:40]
Molly Ball
Well, we talked a lot about Republican primaries. There are some Democratic primaries happening, including a couple in your home state of Pennsylvania that I think are going to be fascinating because, you know, in. In this time of political realignment. Both of these parties are having an identity crisis. Both the Democrats and the Republicans really struggling internally over what they should stand for. And so these races are also going to be a really interesting signpost about where the Democratic base wants to go.
- [50:04]
Kristen Welker
And guys, just very quickly, Steve, you.
- [50:06]
Stephen Hayes
Yeah, Penn's Brian McKenzie's seat, really interesting race flips back and forth again and again and again. We had a reporter up there this past week. It's going to be tight.
- [50:16]
Arshi Siddiqui
I think that it's going to be this, this whole Democratic Party infighting. I think that's actually a strong thing for Democrats in the sense that it's the bluest of blue of districts. So it doesn't really matter in the midterm race. So either way, Democrats are in a good position.
- [50:28]
Kristen Welker
All right, guys, great conversation. Exciting night. Thanks for being here. Really appreciate it. Molly, Archie and Stephen. Coming up next, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche spars with Democrats on Capitol Hill over the joke department's so called anti weaponization fund as Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune also signals his frustration with the fund. We'll explain. You're watching MEET THE PRESS now. Welcome back. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanch faced intense scrutiny today on Capitol Hill over the Justice League Department's plan to create a $1.8 billion anti weaponization fund which would compensate so called victims of government weaponization during the Biden administration. The fund was created as a result of the settlement following the president's lawsuit against his own administration alleging the IRS and Treasury Department failed to prevent a former employee from leaking his tax returns around the 2020 election. Legal analysts called that lawsuit unprecedented since the president was seeking money from an agency he also controls. On the Hill today, Senate Democrats grilled the acting attorney general over who is eligible to receive money from what Democrats say amounts to a slush fund for the president's allies.
- [51:50]
Daniel Cameron
Are there going to be rules that say that if you've assaulted a Capitol Hill police officer or committed a violent crime, you will not be eligible? Why not make that a rule?
- [52:00]
Kentucky Voter 1
I expect that. Well, because I'm not one of the commissioners setting up the rules.
- [52:05]
Daniel Cameron
Five members, aren't you, Mr. Attorney General?
- [52:07]
Ryan Reilly
Pardon me?
- [52:07]
Daniel Cameron
You're appointing four of the five members I am appointing. You can set up the rules. I would hope you would make a rule that anyone convicted of assaulting a
- [52:15]
Steve Kornacki
police officer of violent crime is simply not eligible.
- [52:18]
Kristen Welker
I just have to tell you this is corruption that has never been more blatant or more bright sped. What is happening is you write the check, Trump and his cronies catch it. American taxpayers who are already being whacked
- [52:30]
Amy McGrath
with high prices are going to foot the bill.
- [52:32]
Kentucky Voter 1
The commissioners will determine who is eligible to receive the money.
- [52:36]
Donald Trump
And who are the commissioners?
- [52:38]
Ryan Reilly
They're not named yet.
- [52:39]
Donald Trump
I would be shocked if he didn't tell you exactly who to put on. And I'd be more shocked if you did not put them on. This is a travesty of the law in the United States and the Constitution.
- [52:53]
Kristen Welker
Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune told reporters today he's not a big fan of the fund and says it will get a full vetting during the appropriations process. And joining me now to discuss this further is Ryan Reilly, who has been covering this throughout the day. Ryan, thanks so much for being here. So let's start with this fund. What were the key takeaways today and where is this money coming from?
- [53:15]
Ryan Reilly
Yeah, a lot of really big questions still remain, including who those commissioners are going to be. It's going to be taxpayer funds, but it's coming from this fund that's sort of set up for these types of agreements, just broadly speaking, for government settlements, essentially. Also, we had Vice President J.D. vance, who was pressed on this today. He actually raised an example of someone who was prosecuted on the state level. So which was surprising because Tina Peters was not a federal defendant. So that you wouldn't think that she would actually have a claim against the federal government. Her claim would be against Colorado. But nonetheless, he had a little bit of an answer here to take a listen.
- [53:49]
Steve Kornacki
We're going to evaluate these things on a case by case basis. And if we think that somebody, whatever they were accused of, if we think that somebody was unfairly prosecuted and deserves
- [54:01]
Tom Winter
just compensation, then that's what this fund
- [54:03]
Steve Kornacki
is going to exist to provide. It's just going to correct a wrong. And I think that's a good thing.
- [54:08]
Ryan Reilly
What's interesting here is that, you know, just before the actual pardons were issued by Donald Trump on his first day back in office, about a week before, Vice President Vance had made this comment that, you know, of course, people who assaulted law enforcement officers didn't deserve a pardon. And then flask cut to a week later and they were all pardoned. So now, you know, when you have these questions about will this go to will these payouts go to people who assaulted law enforcement officers that day? It's a very legitimate open question because. Just because of how this was represented in the past.
- [54:37]
Kristen Welker
Yeah, I mean, it's kind of remarkable that there's not a clear answer yet. Do you get the sense there will be. And does a judge need to ultimately approve the commission that will take a look at these individual cases?
- [54:50]
Ryan Reilly
Well, in terms of this settlement itself, in connection with this IRS lawsuit that originally Donald Trump filed for $10 billion, the judge has already closed the case. And that's essentially because even though you had Trump on one side and Trump's Justice Department on the other, they never really entered an appearance in the case, meaning there wasn't really a conflict. And because they chose not to respond to the lawsuit that way, that allowed the judge to say, well, look, listen, no one has entered an appearance here under press and I have to close this out, even though if they had entered an appearance, then there might have been a conflict. But it's unclear whether the Justice Department was really ready to advocate for the interests of taxpayers in keeping down that bill that was being shelled out on taxpayer Money.
- [55:31]
Kristen Welker
So nearly 100 House Democrats submitted what's known as a friend of the court brief, which basically accuses the president in this instance of, quote, blatant self dealing. What is it that the court will be charged with deciding here?
- [55:44]
Ryan Reilly
So I think, you know, that was in connection with this IRS case. I think we can expect outside legal challenges, perhaps in D.C. where a lot of these cases really played out. All of these January 6th cases played out. And, you know, judges heard those cases over and over again and saw overwhelming evidence of those assaults. So if someone can find standing, I think that's the big question. If someone can say that I am a party that is wronged by this matter and a judge backs them up on that, I think we'll see some
- [56:08]
Kristen Welker
litigation around this has a lot of people talking. Ryan Reilly, thanks so much for being here with your reporting. We really appreciate it. We're back tomorrow with more MEET THE PRESS now. And don't forget to tune in to our special midterm primaries coverage starting tonight at 6:30pm Eastern. Hallie Jackson, Steve Bernanke and I will be breaking down all the results as they come in. There's more ahead on NBC News. Now,
- [56:38]
LifeLock Advertiser
Lots of places can expose you to identity theft.
- [56:41]
Kristen Welker
Oh, no.
- [56:42]
LifeLock Advertiser
That's why LifeLock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second for threats to your identity, which is way more than anyone can do on their own. If we find anything suspicious, like new loans or changes to your financial accounts, we alert you right away, all through text, phone, email, email or the LifeLock app. Get the alerts that could make all the difference. Save up to 30 your first year@lifelock.com special offer terms apply.