Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams

If the first week of 2026 is any indication, President Trump and his regime has their eyes set on controlling not only the United States, but the entire western hemisphere. This week, Stacey talks about the administration's brazen move to attack Venezuela and send a special forces team in to kidnap President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. She's joined by Ricardo Zuniga, founding partner of Dinamica Americas, to talk about how the dictator came to power in Venezuela, where the opposition currently stands, and how the country's oil reserves are inextricably linked to its political fortunes. They also comb through the truths and lies of Venezuela's role in narco-trafficking, and how Trump's cabinet members and staff are leveraging foreign policy for personal and dangerous ambitions.

The killing of Renee Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis has sparked outrage and protests, but also an outright defense of the use of state violence by the Trump administration and its allies. This week, Stacey is joined by NYU Law Professor and Strict Scrutiny host Melissa Murray to talk about the fallout from Minneapolis, the legal ways citizens can fight back against ICE, and the politicization of the Justice Department and the investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.

This week, Stacey begins by offering a response to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins' ridiculous assertion that Americans could save money if only they limited their dinners to a piece of chicken, a piece of broccoli, and a corn tortilla. Then she speaks to Jelani Cobb, Dean of the Columbia Journalism School and Author of "Three or More Is A Riot" to talk about what historic parallels can teach us about activism in this moment. As protests grow in response to violent ICE encounters in Minnesota and other parts of the country, history offers insight into what red lines the government can and can't cross before neighbors stand up for each other.

The unjust murder of Alex Pretti is the latest ICE killing in the city of Minneapolis. Protestors continue to flood the streets across Minnesota as the Trump administration justifies and promotes the violence of the organization. This week, Stacey is joined by ‪@hysteriapodcast‬'s Erin Ryan to discuss the aftermath of Pretti's death, the escalation of federal actions in Minnesota, and what Democrats need to do in response. Then, Stacey and Erin turn to the March for Life rally that took place last weekend and examine how the Trump administration's handling of abortion policy is putting it at odds with members of its own pro-life base.

Federal authorities raided Fulton County, Georgia and seized hundreds of boxes of election related materials from the 2020 cycle – including proprietary voter information that the federal government should not have access to. This week, Stacey is joined by Pod Save America's Jon Favreau to discuss the aftermath of Fulton County, the Democrats averted government shutdown, the latest polling data and how this all intersects with the continued ICE raids in Minnesota.

In his first term, Donald Trump pulled out of the global Paris Climate Accords and rolled back over 100 regulations impacting the safety of our air, water, and environment at large. As we prepare for Trump's second term, Stacey Abrams speaks to Tik Root, Senior Staff Writer at Grist, about what protections and milestones are most at risk, which elements of the Inflation Reduction Act have bipartisan appeal, and how much Congress and the courts could play a role in slowing Trump's fossil fuel agenda. They also discuss actionable ways that individuals can monitor their environmental safety and climate impact within their communities and homes. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is being weaponized by Donald Trump and Project 2025 and right-wing activists. That's because DEI has been around since the start of the country, opening doors of opportunity for millions of Americans, correcting past wrongs, and, crucially, benefiting everyone. In this episode, Stacey Abrams speaks with Kenji Yoshino, director of NYU's Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and a constitutional law professor, about why we should clearly define, defend, and expand DEI. They explain who is covered, counter the misinformation about how DEI works, and advocate for DEI as a necessary tool for the future for the country.

Donald Trump has been inaugurated for a second term as President, and the "blitzkrieg" of orders, insults and rhetoric has already begun. Stacey Abrams speaks to Melissa Murray, host of Crooked's legal podcast ‪@strictscrutinypodcast‬ and constitutional law professor at NYU, about how much Trump can actually do unilaterally and why his actions–like his order about TikTok–threaten the balance of power between the branches of government. They look at the true impact of using shock and chaos to govern–like his order about renaming Denali–and why we should be concerned about the new "broligarchy" that stood behind Trump at his inauguration. Stacey and Melissa explain the executive orders that run afoul of the 14th Amendment, like the end to birthright citizenship and new government policy on gender, and together, they showcase ways that we can continue to understand what's coming so we can effectively speak out.

President Donald Trump's first 100 days are well underway, implementing ruthless and legally questionable executive orders, eviscerating American political norms, and filling government positions with loyalists. This week, Stacey Abrams speaks to Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who speaks unabashedly about why Democrats must strive to reach more Americans, how he approaches working across the aisle on issues that matter, and what we can do to fight back and fight for all Americans. Together, Stacey and Sen. Booker give concrete suggestions on how to support elected officials and organizations doing the work that matters, how to speak up about Trump's Cabinet nominations, and how even small steps like amplifying democrats through social media can help expose more people to critical information. They also answer a listener's question about how to communicate effectively with your elected representative!

Trump's immigration crackdown is in full force. Three weeks in, he's signed 10 executive orders targeting everyone from migrants attempting to cross the border to refugees seeking asylum from their war-torn countries. This week, Stacey Abrams dives deep with two expert guests. Nayna Gupta, Director of Policy at the American Immigration Council, breaks down how immigrants already in the US are being affected, the rise in ICE raids, what a humane immigration system should look like, and how to empower those at risk by knowing our rights. Then, Jeremy Konyndyk, President of Refugees International, explains why America's stance on asylum and refugees is at the core of who we are as a country and how the world sees us. He debunks viral disinformation about federal aid, discusses the importance of saving USAID and refugee resettlement programs against attack, and shines a light on how polling confirms Americans are in fact welcoming to immigrants. Together, they explain why we should harness a shared vision for our country with immigration as a vital part. Stacey also answers a listener question about how people can form citizen action groups in their local areas. 

A league of unextraordinary gentlemen has taken over the White House. This week, Stacey breaks down how Donald Trump has allowed Elon Musk and his squad of young DOGE staffers to have unprecedented access to the federal government. Wired editor Leah Feiger joins Stacey to explain how she and her team of reporters uncovered how DOGE infiltrated the Treasury department, the potential security and privacy implications, and how AI fits into the equation. Then, Stacey sits down with University of Pennsylvania law professor and Strict Scrutiny co-host Kate Shaw to tackle the question on everyone's mind: how is any of this legal? Also, be sure to listen for a special message from Stacey on how to manage our response to crisis—so we can stay informed, cut through disinformation, and fight back.

Another week, another Trump admin scheme to cripple the government—this time by targeting the very workers who keep it running, from food inspectors to mail carriers to those serving in our military. On today's episode, Stacey breaks down Trump's mass firing of probationary government employees and how these layoffs could soon ripple across entire sectors. Liz Shuler, president of the AFL-CIO, joins to break down who's being affected and why the blunt force tool Republicans are using in the name of efficiency, will backfire. Stacey and Liz talk about why unions matter more than ever in a shaky labor market and how we all need to stand up for workforce protections.

President Trump's affinity for crypto currency has emerged as another vehicle for profit and peddling influence. On today's episode, we break down the basics of crypto and how the industry infiltrated Trump's world, unpacks the ways this administration is creating a friendly environment for this unregulated market in ways that might impact our economy more broadly, and questions its ethics. Stacey is joined by Zeke Faux, investigative reporter for Bloomberg Businessweek, and Annie Lowrey, staff writer at The Atlantic, to explore the good, the bad, and the gray areas of digital currency.

Trump's speech to a joint chamber of Congress was the longest in history, clocking in at nearly 100 minutes. Instead of providing viable solutions to problems like our affordability crisis or the current trade war , he used his platform to push his ongoing dangerous narrative on immigration, crime, and transgender rights. Stacey is joined by Jen Psaki, Host of MSNBC's "Inside with Jen Psaki" and the MSNBC original podcast "The Blueprint with Jen Psaki" to recap, respond, and strategize ways that Democrats, and average citizens can prepare for the additional chaos to come and push back.

Our nation's veterans are being disproportionately impacted by the Trump administration's assault on government agencies, from cuts to the VA, to job and funding reductions across the board. Not only have Republicans turned their backs on those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, they are also doing damage to a constituency that was already underserved. Stacey is joined by Jason Kander, an Afghanistan Veteran and former Secretary of State of Missouri to talk through the needs of veterans on everything from healthcare to housing. Then Stacey speaks to Laila Ireland, a transgender Army veteran and member of SPARTA Pride, about how Trump's dehumanizing attacks on LGBTQIA+ service members degrade the effectiveness of our military and erode our core values. 

Stacey speaks to Laila Ireland, a transgender Army veteran and member of SPARTA Pride, about how Trump's dehumanizing attacks on LGBTQIA+ service members degrade the effectiveness of our military and erode our core values.  

The Trump Administration is openly defying the courts, racking up over 100 federal lawsuits due to its tyrannical actions. Trump and his allies have continuously sidestepped and ignored federal judges issuing multiple injunctions to reign in his power. From flouting a judge's order to reverse the deportation of 250 Venezuelan immigrants without due process to unlawfully detaining and attempting to deport green card holders, this administration is pushing the boundaries of executive overreach. Stacey is joined by Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward, to examine the state of our legal system and break down some of Trump's most significant legal battles. Then, Stacey sits down with Mandela Barnes, President of Power to the Polls, to discuss the upcoming Wisconsin Supreme Court race—an election that could be the most pivotal of 2025.

Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy's so-called assault on medical science is putting Americans at grave risk. Measles has resurfaced, HHS is losing tens of thousands of staff, and medical research at the National Institutes of Health is being cut. Stacey is joined by infectious disease researcher and science communicator Laurel Bristow, along with associate professor and infectious disease expert Ghady Haidar, to break down the immediate and long-term impacts of the Trump administration's dismantling of health infrastructure and skepticism of critical vaccines. They also share how we can protect ourselves and our communities from medical misinformation and disinformation.

Whether your instinct now is fight or flight, many of us are searching for the way to navigate these turbulent times. In this episode, Stacey shares her practice of stoicism: an ancient philosophy built to make us more resilient, knowledgeable and grounded in the face of adversity. She's joined by author, entrepreneur, and host of The Daily Stoic podcast, Ryan Holiday, to explore how we can apply the art of stoicism to this political moment —and use it as a tool to build our capacity and organize action. They talk about everything from lessons from past freedom fighters to smart media consumption, as well identifying the small ways we can make a difference and regain a sense of power and stability. 

Trump's unhinged, unpredictable global trade war is causing chaos and confusion. In just one week, the President announced tariffs on the entire world, then paused some, upped others, and announced exemptions for certain goods. This capriciousness has sparked fears that another economic recession may be looming. In this episode, Stacey is joined by Dean Baker, economist and cofounder of the Center for Economic Policy and Research to break down how tariffs affect the broader economy. Then, she hears from Beth Benike, founder of Busy Baby, and Richard R. Oswald, Vice President of the Missouri Farmers Union, about how these tariffs and the environment of uncertainty are already impacting their livelihoods. 

One of the Republican Party's most dangerous campaigns is their continued assault on academic freedom. Under the pretense of fighting antisemitism and dismantling "discriminatory" DEI policies, universities across the country are under threat of losing critical funding, and students are being targeted by immigration authorities. From Trump to state governors, attacks are coming from every level of government. In this episode, Stacey is joined by Wesleyan University President Michael Roth and Barnard College Professor Nara Milanich to discuss how our institutions of higher education are pivotal to shaping an informed, innovative, and engaged society, what's at stake, and what academics and their allies can do to push back. Then, she hears from student journalist and Co-Editor-in-Chief of The Michigan Daily, Zhane Yamin, on how students are weathering this storm.

In just 100 days, Donald Trump and the Republican Party have upended the post WWII international order. From pulling out of the WHO to undermining international courts, backing away from NATO to slashing foreign aid, this generation's GOP is rapidly dismantling America's role as a global leader. In this episode, Stacey looks beyond U.S. borders and sits down with Ben Rhodes—former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama and co-host of ‪@podsavetheworld‬ —to unpack this seismic shift in world affairs… and whether there's still time to stop it from becoming permanent.  

In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, we've watched Republicans erode American democracy with alarming speed. While this political moment may feel unprecedented, it isn't new. America has dealt its share of far-right movements, fascist provocateurs, and anti-democratic threats. But time and again, heroes have risen to meet those moments. In this episode, Stacey unpacks how we've fought fascism before - and won. She's joined by the host of MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism.

There is nothing more toxic to tyranny than those willing to fight back. Across the country, every day Americans are exercising their First Amendment rights and raising their voice in protest against this dangerous administration and the right-wing autocrats who lead it. Emerging leaders are standing up for their values and running for office in their local communities. In this episode, Stacey talks about real pathways to meet the moment with action with two leaders who walk the walk: Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, whose grassroots training, The Resistance Lab, teaches proven strategic tools, used by civil rights leaders of the past, to mount effective resistance; and Amanda Litman, Co-Founder of Run for Something, which helps recruit and support young progressives running for elected office. 

Project 2025 is no longer just a blueprint—it is rapidly in motion. Over the past four months, the Republicans have begun implementing its sweeping, 900+ page plan to transform America into a Christian nationalist state. We are seeing it unfold in real time: attacks on bodily autonomy, the dehumanization and targeting of immigrants, the erasure of history and DEI initiatives, and deep cuts to essential government programs. In this episode, Stacey sits down with Atlantic staff writer and author of "The Project: How Project 2025 Is Reshaping America", David A. Graham, for an in-depth conversation about the ideology behind Project 2025 and how we can prepare for what's coming next.

The U.S. birth rate is falling, and the Trump administration has a solution: Make. More. Babies. But instead of expanding support for families—through childcare, reproductive healthcare access, or paid leave—they're turning to policies touted by a set of right-wing members of a movement called pronatalism, which includes Christian nationalists and tech-industry eugenicists who see increasing the birth rate as an existential mission, for a select few. Today's pronatalists include figures like Elon Musk – a father of at least 14 children himself – who only want to encourage white, conservative Americans to have larger families; an idea that has terrifying implications for their vision of America. Stacey sits down with Dr. Karen Guzzo, director of the Carolina Population Center and professor of sociology at UNC Chapel Hill, and senior writer from New York Magazine Sarah Jones, to unpack the history of pronatalism, how the Trump administration is quietly aligning with it with a hollow policy agenda, and the kinds of proposals that can actually support American families.

Winning elections starts now, and that's only the beginning. The way we get our news has always evolved, and today we face a fractured media landscape that makes it harder to reach people consistently. The American right has often been at the forefront of navigating these waters by finding compelling messengers and putting them on new platforms that reach voters, from the rise of talk radio in the 80s to Fox News, TikTok and YouTube today. That innovation has too often led to domination of these information ecosystems, and we can see the impact in the results of the 2024 election, especially with young voters. Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is lagging behind, struggling to connect authentically with the growing number of people who get their information on social platforms. Instead of copying the right's strategies, it's time to listen to the people who actually know how to use these platforms. Stacey sits down with two standout voices shaping the future of political content online: journalist and political commentator @aaronparnas1 and Gen Z historian Kahlil Greene. They break down how they stay ahead of the curve, what makes social media truly effective for change, and why understanding people—not just platforms—is the key to being heard. 

Last week, ICE stormed through Los Angeles, raiding Home Depots, warehouses, and schools in a cruel, targeted crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Those raids sparked a wave of protests as thousands of Angelenos marched through downtown, denouncing the Trump administration's unjust actions. What began as largely peaceful demonstrations escalated after Trump defied both the California governor and LA mayor by deploying the National Guard and the Marines to the city. It was a deliberate show of force and a warning to other blue states: this is what happens when you resist. But LA didn't back down. Over the weekend, Angelenos joined millions of other demonstrators in every state for the No King's protests, while Trump held an underwhelming military parade on the streets of Washington DC. It's a stark contrast in a moment when we must continue to stand up to the onslaught anti-Democratic power grabs and strongman tactics. This week, Stacey sits down with MSNBC's senior Washington correspondent and co-host of MSNBC's the Weekend, Eugene Daniels and Immigrant Defenders Law Center (IMMDEF) attorney Yliana Johansen-Méndez to help us unpack what's happening right now and prepare for what's coming next.

Late June marks the end of the Supreme Court term—a moment when some of the most consequential decisions in American life are handed down. At stake are rulings that could reshape democracy and redefine or limit civil rights. Still pending: major cases on the future of birthright citizenship, transgender rights, the Affordable Care Act's coverage of preventive care services, and more. This week, Stacey sits down with Leah Litman, University of Michigan law professor, co-host of ‪@strictscrutinypodcast‬ and New York Times bestselling author of Lawless, to break down SCOTUS' latest decisions and preview what to expect in these last days — what they mean and why they matter. Then, Stacey is joined by journalist and TransLash Media founder, Imara Jones, for a deep dive into one ruling's direct impact on the transgender community, how it causes harm, why it's a proof of concept for the right, and how we fight back.

In the debut episode of Assembly Required, Stacey takes on one of the most intractable problems in American politics: the unequal distribution of power created by the Electoral College. Could ranked choice voting help give all Americans a more meaningful vote? Cynthia Richie Terrell, Executive Director of RepresentWomen and co-founder of FairVote, joins Stacey to make the case.

This election is in the hands of Gen Z, a cohort of young Americans that's diverse, creative, and—often—skeptical. At the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Stacey is joined by Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first member of Gen Z to be elected to Congress, and influencer Haley Lickstein, a leading voice on civic engagement among young people, to talk about how they're working to get their peers involved.

Disinformation touches all of us, and more often than we think. Stacey is joined by Esosa Osa, founder of Onyx Impact, to talk about how acute the issue is and how to stop bad information from spreading—online and even in your family's group chat.

College sports is a huge business. How can we make it more fair for the athletes themselves? Stacey is joined by WNBA forward Brianna Turner and former NFL defensive back Domonique Foxworth to talk about student athlete compensation, unionizing college teams, and the future of the NCAA.

Stacey is joined by journalist and author, Paola Ramos, and Washington Post TikTok host and producer, Joseph Ferguson, to explore how journalists and news organizations are meeting a dramatically altered landscape and the best way to navigate new media and the information maelstrom. 

If there's power in numbers, then there are arguably few groups as powerful American tenants. Stacey is joined by founding director of the KC Tenants Union, Tara Raghuveer, to highlight the vast political potential they're building through their organization in Kansas City and beyond.

In honor of Banned Books Week,Stacey is joined by two guests: Her mom and former librarian, Reverend Carolyn Abrams, and actor, director, and literacy advocate, LeVar Burton. The trio discuss the transformative power of story and strategies to combat book banning.

Stacey is joined by Mother Jones' national voting rights correspondent and author, Ari Berman, to untangle threats to voting rights ahead of November's election, what's changed since the last presidential election, and how to push back to protect access this year and beyond.

Stacey sits down with award-winning actor, producer and activist Bryan Cranston to talk about how the entertainment industry is evolving one year on since the writers' and actors' strikes, how Hollywood can sustain our thirst for content, as well as the livelihoods of the artists who make it.

Stacey sits down with artist KNA to discuss how artists are impacted by AI and other evolving technologies, how they can use them to fuel their creativity, as well as what next steps need to be taken to secure resources and protection for the arts in an increasingly digital world.

Giving birth in the United States can be dangerous – but it doesn't have to be. Stacey talks to Representative Jennifer McClellan of Virginia about the disparities in maternal health outcomes in the U.S. and policies to expand access to reproductive healthcare and affordable childcare. Then, Stacey welcomes ProPublica reporter Kavitha Surana to discuss her story on the deadly impact new state abortion bans are already having on pregnant people – and the importance of sharing these stories. 

Stacey talks with meteorologist and veteran hurricane expert, John Morales, who describes how growing up in Puerto Rico led him to his career and how important it is to talk about extreme weather effects. He explains the science of why storms are getting stronger, heatwaves are getting hotter, and droughts are becoming more frequent. Plus they discuss how your vote can help push policy makers to mitigate climate change and the most impactful actions we need to take to help our communities.

Stacey speaks with Grammy, Pulitzer, and MacArthur Genius Grant winning musician Rhiannon Giddens about the connection between politics and art. Giddens dives into the way categorization divides the music industry, the deep and multicultural history of the banjo, and how she has put her unique stamp on every genre from opera to folk music

Stacey speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson to see what history can teach us about moving forward after Trump's reelection. They discuss strategies for countering disinformation, how Democratic leaders are preparing to use state's' rights to their advantage to challenge Trump's federal overreach, and how the era following Willliam McKinley's presidency can be a guide for progressives. Then, Stacey answers questions from the audience on how to get involved in politics, and how to respond to community in this post-election environment.

Stacey talks to renowned chef, activist, and Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio about why the United States has a food insecurity crisis despite being the richest country in the world — and why this issue is especially pressing with an incoming Trump administration. They discuss what can be done to address the problem head on, including what Colicchio has learned from years of advocating for school lunches and solving for food deserts on Capitol Hill. Then, Stacey answers a listener question about what the potential appointment of Robert F. Kennedy will mean for the FDA, CDC, and America's health in general. 

Stacey talks to Rachel Sweet, who has successfully used ballot initiatives in tough states to change the rules. Most recently, she served as campaign manager for Missourians for Constitutional Freedom, the coalition that passed abortion rights via a ballot measure in Missouri during the November elections. They discuss how ballot initiatives can be a tool for positive change, even in conservative states, and how to build coalitions at the state and local level to protect and expand our rights during a second Trump administration. Then, Stacey answers a listener question about the power of leading with compassion in difficult political moments – instead of reacting with only anger. 

Stacey talks to Kate Nazemi, a local education activist and parent, and Jon Valant, director of the Brown Center on Education Policy at the Brookings Institution, about the future of public education during a second Trump Administration. They break down Project 2025's education policy prescriptions, the threats to the Department of Education, and what changes a President can and cannot make. Then, they discuss how to best get involved at the local level to make change in your community – from attending local school board meetings, to writing to your local representatives.

Stacey speaks to Dr. Céline Gounder, an infectious disease specialist, epidemiologist and editor at large for public health at KFF Health News, about the threats to public health with the incoming Trump Administration. They talk through Trump's appointees for the nation's top health and science agencies like RFK Jr, how to bring scientific thinking back to policy making, and how to differentiate between public health and individual healthcare. Then Stacey explains how to make change by "power-mapping" an issue, finding out who is responsible for the problem, who has jurisdiction over it, and who is already thinking and talking about solutions.

In the face of unbridled AI development and incoming President Trump's close advisors who happen to be big investors in AI, it's more important than ever to raise the alarm about areas of concern.