This pardon request is Trump's first test

And Trump launches effort to block 'imminent' release of Jack Smith's report on dismissed cases

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Tuesday, Jan. 07, 2025 THE LATEST A notorious Jan. 6 defendant's pardon request could expose Trump's big lie By Paul Waldman As millions of Americans greet the beginning of the second Trump presidency with dread or even panic, one group of people is filled with hope that their lives will be transformed for the better. Many of the insurrectionists who stormed the Capitol four years ago and are still serving time for their crimes believe that Donald Trump will deliver them to freedom. After all, what kind of country would this be if you can wind up in prison for nothing more than trying to overthrow the government?   That hope for deliverance is no doubt being felt by most if not all of the more than 1,500 insurrectionists who have been charged with crimes in connection with the events of January 6, over 1,250 of whom have pled guilty or been convicted at trial. And perhaps no one is putting more stock in a Trump pardon than Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys who helped plan and coordinate the insurrection.   This is a preview of Paul Waldman's latest article. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES MICHELE NORRIS The stunning dignity of Kamala Harris Harris presided over Monday's certification ceremony just two days after Black voting rights icon Fannie Lou Hamer posthumously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Read more. LISA RUBIN Why the road to Trump's sentencing could be a wild ride That Judge Juan Merchan has scheduled a Jan. 10 sentencing — and with no expected punishment — doesn't mean this story is over. Read more. KEITH REED There's a double standard for Black NFL coaches. Jerod Mayo's firing shows it. More than a third of Black NFL head coaches have been fired after a single season, one of them twice. Read more. DR. JALAL BAIG A bombshell alcohol warning caught some Americans by surprise — but not oncologists The surgeon general's warning about alcohol was long overdue. Read more. MEET THE FRESHMEN MSNBC Daily presents "Meet the Freshmen," a new series featuring six of Congress' newest faces — three Republicans and three Democrats. This diverse set of profiles explores their backstories, policies, home districts and where they fit in this historic political moment. Read our first installment on Rep. Brandon Gill below. JARED HOLT How Brandon Gill went from clickbait to Congress         TOP VIDEOS THE LAST WORD Trump launches effort to block 'imminent' release of Jack Smith's report WATCH NOW RACHEL MADDOW Maddow: Trump's anti-immigrant agenda ensures confrontation from day one  WATCH NOW WAY TOO EARLY Former President Jimmy Carter to lie in state at U.S. Capitol WATCH NOW THE LAST WORD Lawrence: Harris was the personification of the return of the peaceful transfer of power WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC As President-elect Donald Trump's White House agenda takes shape, follow along with a new MSNBC newsletter, "Trump's First 100 Days." You'll receive weekly updates and expert insight on the key issues and figures defining this second term, all sent straight to your inbox. Sign up now.  MSNBC legal analysts Andrew Weissmann and Mary McCord are ushering in a new era of judicial watch with their podcast, 'Main Justice,' formerly known as 'Prosecuting Donald Trump.' Each week, they draw on their experience working within the Department of Justice to break down Trump's second term, and safeguard against assaults on our laws, our Constitution, and our Democracy. Listen to the first episode now, and subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening and bonus content.   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.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE