Jen Psaki: Trump’s trial isn’t the political win he’s betting on

Biden and Trump had very different weeks

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news with Jen Psaki VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news with Jen Psaki Saturday, April 20, 2024 A tale of two presidents By Jen Psaki The hush money trial of former President Donald Trump kicked off this week with several days of jury selection. We don't know yet how this proceeding will impact the presidential campaign, and I wouldn't assume the optics will tilt in Trump's favor. But if the next several weeks of the trial look anything like this first (and I suspect they will), I think Trump may be in some trouble.   On the one hand, Trump is now going to be cooped up in a Manhattan courtroom for multiple weeks, forced to sit eye-to-eye with the people who will ultimately decide his fate. He was observed seeming to nod off — or at least, close his eyes — on the first day of the trial, and describe it as "an assault" on the country outside the courtroom. Will his political base love these unhinged rants? Sure. But will everyone else? I'm skeptical.    Meanwhile, in Washington, America watched President Joe Biden leading an international coalition from the Situation Room as Iranian drones launched an ultimately unsuccessful attack on Israel. Biden also visited his hometown of Scranton, talked with steelworkers in Pittsburgh and made a campaign stop in Philadelphia, where he was endorsed by 15 members of the Kennedy family.    Over the next six weeks, the first criminal trial of a former president will consume a great deal of oxygen. But that split screen may not be the political win the Trump team is betting on.   Read more exclusive insights from Jen Psaki here. And tune into "Inside with Jen Psaki" Mondays at 8 p.m. ET, and Sundays at 12 p.m. ET on MSNBC. TRUMP TRIAL RECAP KATIE PHANG Day 4 of Trump's criminal trial in 60 seconds WATCH NOW TOP STORIES HAYES BROWN The utter weirdness of Mike Johnson's latest move can't be overstated Mike Johnson is letting his members vote how they want on Ukraine. It could cost him his job. Read more. JACKIE POWELL The disheartening reason Caitlin Clark was so uncomfortable at this WNBA press conference Columnist Gregg Doyel's mea culpa would have been more effective if he'd  addressed what his exchange with Clark says about how WNBA players have often been disregarded. Read more. SARAH POSNER Marjorie Taylor Greene is gaining enemies where she least expected it The House Speaker's allies are not pleased with efforts to oust him. Read more. GRACE BLAKELEY Boeing's failures expose a dark secret about the 'free market' Under a free-market system, corporations like Boeing are supposed to be constrained by the market mechanism. But the reality is far different. Read more.         TOP VIDEOS JOSÉ DÍAZ-BALART House votes to advance bills for Ukraine and Israel aid WATCH NOW MSNBC NYPD: Man in critical condition after setting himself on fire outside NYC courthouse WATCH NOW KATY TUR Full jury seated for Trump criminal trial and opening arguments expected for Monday WATCH NOW ALL IN Chris Hayes: Netanyahu has made Israel 'demonstrably' less safe for decades WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC In a new episode of "Prosecuting Donald Trump," MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord detail the jury selection process now that the twelve-person jury is seated in the New York criminal case against Donald Trump. Plus, Robert De Niro and Glenn Close read excerpts of District Attorney Alvin Bragg's Statement of Facts. Listen now. In a special "Why Is This Happening?" podcast series called "WITHpod 2024: The Stakes," Chris Hayes talks to experts about Joe Biden and Donald Trump's presidential records on specific policy areas in the lead-up to November. This week, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, policy director at the American Immigration Council, joins Chris to unpack immigration policies under both presidents, the state of the asylum system and more. Listen now. MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community. This weekend on MSNBC SATURDAY MSNBC's "The Weekend" at 8am ET:  Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.)… Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) MSNBC's "The Saturday Show" at 6pm ET: Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.)… Andrew Desiderio… Miles Taylor SUNDAY MSNBC's "Inside with Jen Psaki" at 12pm ET: Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.)… John Legend MSNBC's "PoliticsNation" at 5pm ET: Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.)   *Subject to change 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE