MS NOW · Running

State of Play with Peter Alexander

2026

Next: S1 E42, Episode 42 · 2026-10-05

State of Play focuses on authoritative and original reporting, thoughtful conversations, and in-depth analysis of the biggest political and national stories shaping the day,

Cast

Peter Alexander Host

Season 1

E1 Episode 1 2026-08-10 · 60 min 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.

E2 Episode 2 2026-08-11 · 60 min 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.

E3 Episode 3 2026-08-12 · 60 min 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.

E4 Episode 4 2026-08-13 · 60 min 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.

E5 Episode 5 2026-08-14 · 60 min 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.

E6 Episode 6 2026-08-17 · 60 min 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.

E7 Episode 7 2026-08-18 · 60 min 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.

E8 Episode 8 2026-08-19 · 60 min 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.

E9 Episode 9 2026-08-20 · 60 min 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.

E10 Episode 10 2026-08-21 · 60 min 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.

E11 Episode 11 2026-08-24 · 60 min 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.

E12 Episode 12 2026-08-25 · 60 min 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.

E13 Episode 13 2026-08-26 · 60 min 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.

E14 Episode 14 2026-08-27 · 60 min 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.

E15 Episode 15 2026-08-28 · 60 min 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.

E16 Episode 16 2026-08-31 · 60 min 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.

E17 Episode 17 2026-09-01 · 60 min 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.

E18 Episode 18 2026-09-02 · 60 min 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.

E19 Episode 19 2026-09-03 · 60 min "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.

E20 Episode 20 2026-09-04 · 60 min 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.

E21 Episode 21 2026-09-07 · 180 min

E22 Episode 22 2026-09-08 · 60 min 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.

E23 Episode 23 2026-09-09 · 60 min 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.

E24 Episode 24 2026-09-10 · 60 min 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.

E25 Episode 25 2026-09-11 · 60 min 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.

E26 Episode 26 2026-09-14 · 60 min 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.

E27 Episode 27 2026-09-15 · 60 min

E28 Episode 28 2026-09-16 · 60 min 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.

E29 Episode 29 2026-09-17 · 60 min 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.

E30 Episode 30 2026-09-18 · 60 min 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.

E31 Episode 31 2026-09-19 · 60 min 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.

E32 Episode 32 2026-09-21 · 60 min 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.

E33 Episode 33 2026-09-22 · 60 min 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.

E34 Episode 34 2026-09-23 · 60 min ‘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.

E35 Episode 35 2026-09-24 · 90 min 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.

E36 Episode 36 2026-09-25 · 180 min

E37 Episode 37 2026-09-28 · 60 min

E38 Episode 38 2026-09-29 · 60 min

E39 Episode 39 2026-09-30 · 60 min

E40 Episode 40 2026-10-01 · 60 min

E41 Episode 41 2026-10-02 · 60 min

E42 Episode 42 2026-10-05 · 60 min

E43 Episode 43 2026-10-06 · 60 min

E44 Episode 44 2026-10-07 · 60 min

E45 Episode 45 2026-10-08 · 60 min

E46 Episode 46 2026-10-09 · 60 min

E47 Episode 47 2026-10-12 · 60 min

E48 Episode 48 2026-10-13 · 60 min

E49 Episode 49 2026-10-14 · 60 min

E50 Episode 50 2026-10-15 · 60 min

E51 Episode 51 2026-10-16 · 60 min

E52 Episode 52 2026-10-19 · 60 min

E53 Episode 53 2026-10-20 · 60 min

E54 Episode 54 2026-10-21 · 60 min

E55 Episode 55 2026-10-22 · 60 min

E56 Episode 56 2026-10-23 · 60 min

E57 Episode 57 2026-10-26 · 60 min

E58 Episode 58 2026-10-27 · 60 min

E59 Episode 59 2026-10-28 · 60 min

E60 Episode 60 2026-10-29 · 60 min

E61 Episode 61 2026-10-30 · 60 min

E62 Episode 62 2026-11-02 · 60 min

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