The cost of Trump's bullying of Ukraine

Plus, SCOTUS blocks some of Trump's deportations |

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Saturday, May. 17, 2025 THE LATEST Trump's White House accidentally admitted the truth about its tax plan By James Downie Trump's White House accidentally admitted the truth about its tax plan By James Downie The word "transparency" certainly does not describe President Donald Trump's second administration. Whereas during his first term, for example, transcriptions of all of his remarks were published, a HuffPost analysis found that less than a quarter of his speeches, press conferences and media availabilities have been transcribed for posterity four months into his second term.   Which makes it all the more remarkable that earlier this week the White House published evidence that the president's "big, beautiful bill" hikes taxes on the poor to cut taxes for the rich.   On a page entitled "ICYMI: 'Average earners' tax bills would fall under House tax package, forecasters say,'" the White House includes a link with the text "Click here to see the official analysis from the Joint Committee on Taxation." The Joint Committee on Taxation is a nonpartisan committee that, among other duties, produces distribution tables breaking down how different income levels will be impacted by new tax laws.   As Aaron Fritschner, chief of staff to Democratic Rep. Don Beyer, pointed out, the JCT report that the White House itself touted includes a rather unflattering data point about its tax plan — at least regarding some of the most vulnerable taxpayers.   This is a preview of James Downie's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES NICHOLAS GROSSMAN The farce of Trump's Russia-Ukraine peace talks America's current leaders place the onus for peace on Ukraine, blaming the victim for the war. Read more.  REV. NONTOMBI NAOMI TUTU My family experienced apartheid. I know Afrikaners aren't refugees. If the Episcopal Church had agreed to resettle South African Boers, then it would have elevated a lie that will affect refugee resettlement for years to come. Read more.  ALLISON DETZEL Georgia hospital keeps brain-dead pregnant woman alive due to abortion ban "Every day that goes by, it's more cost, more trauma, more questions," Adriana Smith's mother told a local NBC News affiliate. Read more.  ZEESHAN ALEEM Trump's DHS is considering making immigration into a twisted reality TV show A show in which immigrant contestants vie for U.S. citizenship would be a natural extension of Trump's cruel gamification of social life. Read more.   TOP VIDEOS DEADLINE WHITE HOUSE Supreme Court blocks some deportations under the Alien Enemies Act WATCH NOW THE WEEKNIGHT Rep. Haley Stevens: House GOP tax bill was 'one big power grab' WATCH NOW KATY TUR Former FBI Director Comey under investigation for post seen as potential threat to Trump's life WATCH NOW CHRIS JANSING REPORTS 'Haven't received a pay increase for six years': BLET union president speaks out amid NJ Transit strike WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC Tomorrow, join Chris Jansing for special coverage of Pope Leo's first public Mass. Tune in tomorrow at 3:45am Eastern on MSNBC. Tomorrow, MSNBC Films presents the fourth episode of "David Frost Versus." The six-part documentary series explores the legacy of legendary host David Frost through his iconic interviews with guests from Muhammad Ali to Elton John, examining key political and cultural moments of the 20th century that still resonate today. The next episode of "David Frost Versus," featuring President Richard Nixon, airs tomorrow at 9pm Eastern on MSNBC.   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 "Velshi" at 10am ET: Rep. Don Bacon (R-Nebr.)... Anne Applebaum… Stacey Abrams MSNBC's "PoliticsNation" at 5pm ET: Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.)... Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.)... Bishop of N.Y. Matthew Heyd SUNDAY MSNBC's "The Weekend" at 7am ET: Gov. Ned Lamont (D-Conn.)... Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.)... Jocelyn Benson MSNBC's "The Weekend: Primetime" at 6pm ET: Rep. Vicente Gonzalez (D-Texas)... DNC Vice Chair David Hogg *Subject to change Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE