PoliticsNation - Season 12 / Year 2026

On today's episode of 'Politics Nation', Reverend Al Sharpton discusses preparing to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., feeling hopeful yet weary. He observes that in cities across the country, civil rights are being challenged by the Trump administration's crackdowns, with the Twin Cities currently representing the forefront of this conflict. 

The Washington Post reports that the president is contemplating sending up to 1,500 soldiers, according to anonymous defense officials. Minnesota has also placed its National Guard on standby following clashes in downtown Minneapolis over the weekend involving right-wing and anti-ICE protesters. 

Meanwhile, the Trump administration refuses to investigate the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent. Additionally, the president is set to speak at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where representatives from EU countries—recently hit with tariffs over Greenland—will be present as Trump demands Denmark cede the territory to the U.S.

On today's episode, Reverend Al Sharpton reports breaking news following a tense weekend in Minneapolis after the killing of 37-year-old VA nurse Alex Pretti by Border Patrol agents on Saturday. Administration officials continue to blame Pretti for the deadly encounter, as Minnesota lawmakers announced their next legal moves earlier today. Joining the discussion are Minnesota Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and Steve Simon, the Minnesota Secretary of State.

On tonight's Politics Nation, Reverend Al Sharpton and the House Democratic Leader discuss the ongoing government shutdown, tough House spending bill negotiations, frustration over heavily redacted Epstein files, and continued Minnesota protests after a judge allowed DHS operations to proceed. 

On tonight's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton discusses how, on the first night of Black History Month, America faces a new challenge in protecting civil rights. 

Across the nation, we are seeing scenes reminiscent of the 1960s as thousands join mass demonstrations and sit-ins in response to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. 

In Georgia, our democracy is at risk after the FBI seized ballots and voter data from the 2020 election, raising concerns for the upcoming midterm elections. Recent special election results indicate that Trump and the Republicans may face significant backlash from voters worried about the country's direction. 

On today's episode of 'Politics Nation', host Rev. Al Sharpton delivers a forceful rebuke of a racist video shared this week by President Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. Rev. Sharpton condemns the post as vile, dehumanizing, and beneath the office of the presidency, noting that even members of Trump's own party were compelled to denounce it. 

The episode examines the broader implications of the incident, particularly as it occurred during the opening days of Black History Month and amid ongoing efforts by the administration to diminish the contributions of African Americans. Rev. Sharpton also raises alarms about the resurgence of racist tropes alongside rhetoric about "nationalizing" elections in cities with large Black populations, calling the moment increasingly ominous. 

Joining the Reverend for the discussion are Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Senator Tina Smith, and Brennan Center President Michael Waldman, who weigh in on accountability, democratic norms, and the stakes for the country moving forward — including why the ultimate response to racist conduct must come at the ballot box this November.

Tonight, on 'Politics Nation', Reverend Al Sharpton opens the show just hours before Super Bowl 60 kicks off in San Francisco. While the big game looms, President Trump's ongoing culture wars threaten to overshadow the festivities, with Bay Area officials raising concerns about potential ICE activity near the stadium. Conservatives remain fired up over the politics surrounding the halftime show and the Winter Olympics abroad, as the U.S. political climate heats up with the midterm elections now less than nine months away. 

New York Governor Kathy Hochul joins the program to discuss her re-election campaign, ICE enforcement in New York, and her recent announcement of a running mate, along with a major endorsement from the state's progressive mayor. Also joining are Congressional Black Caucus Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat. The panel will tackle Trump's racist post targeting the Obamas, the Epstein files, DHS funding, Bad Bunny, and more.

On today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton covers the ongoing stalemate between the White House and Congressional Democrats over Homeland Security funding, which has resulted in a partial government shutdown. The impasse continues as the President and Republicans resist Democratic demands for ICE and Border Patrol reforms. 

Meanwhile, President Trump is also facing dissent within his own party regarding the release of the Epstein files. The latest controversy centers on a six-page Justice Department letter to congressional leaders, justifying redactions and listing every high-profile name in the files. The release is drawing criticism from Republicans who argue that too much information has been withheld and that there is no context for how the names appeared in the documents.

Today's episode of Politics Nation, host Reverend Al Sharpton addresses the fact that the nation once again finds itself in the midst of a partial government shutdown—the second in just over a year since Donald Trump took office.

This time, the gridlock centers on a single department, as Democrats continue to push for basic reforms to Homeland Security following public outrage over ICE's violent tactics in Minnesota and other locations.

However, the president and his Republican allies in Congress have, so far, shown no interest in pressuring DHS to scale back its actions. 

With Congress out of Washington for the coming week as leadership negotiates a deal, thousands of federal workers under the DHS are expected to report to work without pay, once again.

Tonight's episode of Politics Nation opens with a tribute to Reverend Jesse Jackson, highlighting his legacy of cooperation and humanity. Later in the show, Reverend Al Sharpton addresses current tensions, including the president's criticism of Supreme Court justices, threats of military action against Iran, and the ongoing government shutdown over immigration policy. The looming midterm election, shaped by these controversies, is also discussed, with the House's top Democrat joining the show for further analysis.

Rev. Al Sharpton discusses the live and legacy of his late mentor, Rev. Jesse Jackson following his public funeral service in Chicago.

On this episode of Politics Nation, Rev. Al Sharpton discusses the growing death toll of the war with Iran as well as voting rights and the American economy.

Rev. Al Sharpton discusses President Trump's war with Iran and the financial impacts on Black Americans.