Podcast Summary: The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell
Episode Title: Lawrence: Trump's ‘Heartlessness’ Was Outdone by Sen. Lee’s ‘Perverse’ Tweets
Host: Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC
Release Date: June 18, 2025
1. Introduction and Overview
The episode begins with Lawrence O’Donnell addressing recent political turmoil, focusing on the contrasting behaviors of former President Donald Trump and Utah Senator Mike Lee. O’Donnell emphasizes the gravity of current events, including political assassinations and the societal impact of such tragedies.
2. Donald Trump’s Actions and Media Reporting
O’Donnell criticizes mainstream media outlets for uncritically reporting Donald Trump’s movements and intentions. He highlights an instance where The New York Times claimed Trump left Canada to address a conflict between Iran and Israel without substantiated evidence.
- Notable Quote (04:00):
“Donald Trump is a pathological liar who told over 30,000 documented lies in his first presidency.” — Lawrence O'Donnell
O’Donnell asserts that Trump’s departure from Canada coincided suspiciously with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s arrival, suggesting ulterior motives behind Trump’s actions. He further accuses Trump of incompetence in handling international crises, notably the war in Ukraine.
3. Senator Mike Lee’s Controversial Tweets
The discussion shifts to Senator Mike Lee’s response to the assassination of Minnesota state legislators. O’Donnell condemns Lee’s tweets, labeling them as “perverse” and inadequate in addressing the severity of the situation.
- Notable Quote (07:15):
“Mike Lee is suffering from some very bad coverage in local Utah media. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that Mike Lee has averaged more than 100 posts a day on the platform over the last several months. 100 tweets a day is not healthy.” — Lawrence O'Donnell
O’Donnell argues that Lee’s unfounded assertions, such as labeling Marxism as a “deadly mental illness,” demonstrate a lack of understanding and empathy. He criticizes Lee for prioritizing political posturing over genuine support for victims and calls for his censure.
4. Interview with Norm Ornstein
Congressional historian Norm Ornstein joins the discussion to provide historical context on Senator Lee’s behavior. Ornstein compares Lee’s actions to past senators known for their offensive remarks, highlighting the severity and potential consequences of such behavior.
- Notable Quote (25:08):
“Mike Lee's vile tweets are not simply disgraceful and disgusting. They are more dangerous than we have yet acknowledged.” — Norm Ornstein
Ornstein expresses disappointment in the Senate’s inaction regarding Lee’s conduct, emphasizing that such behavior undermines the integrity of the legislative body and public trust.
5. Republican Budget Bill Analysis
The conversation transitions to the Republican budget bill, with O’Donnell and Ornstein dissecting its implications. They critique the bill’s provisions, particularly the tax cuts and Medicaid reductions, arguing that it disproportionately harms working-class and poor Americans while benefiting the wealthy.
- Notable Quote (32:00):
“The idea that they're spinning things to benefit Democrats is itself farcical.” — Norm Ornstein
O’Donnell highlights the bill’s negative public perception, noting a 64% unfavorable rating, and warns of the looming debt ceiling crisis that could exacerbate economic instability.
6. Legal Battle Over National Guard Deployment in California
O’Donnell addresses the legal controversy surrounding the Trump administration’s attempt to deploy the National Guard in California without gubernatorial approval. He explains the procedural aspects of the court hearing, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the federalization order.
- Notable Quote (37:25):
“There is no situation under which the President invokes this statute, and he's wrong that there's no judicial review that can be had of his invocation of the statute to deploy the National Guard.” — Lisa Rubin
The discussion underscores the constitutional challenges posed by the administration’s actions and the potential for executive overreach in utilizing military force for domestic law enforcement.
7. Closing Remarks and Last Word
In the final segment, O’Donnell references a statement by Tucker Carlson, characterizing it as propaganda aligned with Fox News’ agenda. He transitions to promoting Chris Hayes’ podcast episode, which discusses grassroots movements against autocracy, highlighting the importance of coalition-building in political activism.
- Notable Quote (43:05):
“You can try, but you're gonna find it's very hard to be more wrong than Republican Senator Tim Scott.” — Lawrence O'Donnell
8. Additional Insights
Throughout the episode, O’Donnell provides critical analysis of Republican strategies and moral standings, juxtaposing them against Democratic responses. The recurring theme centers on accountability, integrity, and the preservation of democratic norms amid escalating political tensions.
Conclusion:
In this episode, Lawrence O’Donnell delivers a robust critique of both former President Donald Trump and Senator Mike Lee, highlighting instances of misinformation, insensitivity, and potential constitutional violations. Through interviews and in-depth analysis, the podcast underscores the pressing need for ethical leadership and responsible governance in contemporary American politics.