MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell unleashed a blistering critique of the White House press corps, accusing them of enabling Donald Trump’s manipulation of the news cycle and ignoring justice for Jeffrey Epstein’s victims. “We are watching the worst president in history manipulate the worst WH press corps in history every day,” O’Donnell declared, adding, “Most of the WH press corps does not care” about Epstein’s victims.

Framing the fight for the Epstein records as a test of journalistic courage, O’Donnell vowed, “No matter what unhinged scheme they concocted, it won’t change the subject or bury the truth… we won’t let them.” But will the media rise to meet his challenge — or continue to protect the powerful? Full story 👇👇👇

O’Donnell’s Scathing Critique of Corporate Media
MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell delivered an unflinching rebuke of the White House press corps this week, accusing them of enabling Donald Trump’s manipulation of the news cycle. Speaking in a tone reminiscent of Rachel Maddow’s signature monologues, O’Donnell declared, “We are watching the worst president in history manipulate the worst WH press corps in history every day.” His comments targeted not just the administration, but the corporate media structure that, he argued, too often protects power rather than challenges it.

“Most of the WH Press Corps Does Not Care” About Victims
O’Donnell’s criticism zeroed in on what he views as the media’s moral failure in covering the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. “Most of the WH press corps does not care” about Epstein’s victims, he charged, suggesting that the human cost of the story has been sidelined in favor of political theater and click-driven headlines. By minimizing or ignoring key developments, he argued, journalists are allowing a major abuse-of-power scandal to fade from public consciousness.

The Fight for Epstein Records Intensifies
His remarks came as Democracy Forward, a progressive legal advocacy group, filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice and the FBI. The suit seeks to compel the agencies to release all records tied to their Epstein investigation. Advocates say the public has a right to know how federal authorities handled the case, particularly in light of Epstein’s connections to powerful political, business, and cultural figures. The push for disclosure is part of a larger campaign to ensure accountability and prevent the suppression of sensitive information.

Concerns Over a White House Meeting on Epstein
O’Donnell also underscored concerns about reports of a White House meeting allegedly tied to the Epstein controversy. According to earlier accounts, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, Trump ally Kash Patel, and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance gathered Wednesday night to discuss the scandal. Critics fear such a meeting signals a coordinated effort to manage—or outright bury—politically damaging revelations rather than to pursue justice for victims.

“We Won’t Let Them” — Defiance in the Face of Secrecy
The MSNBC host dismissed the idea that political scheming could fully suppress the Epstein story. “No matter what unhinged scheme they concocted, it won’t change the subject or bury the truth. Not one bit. Because we won’t let them,” O’Donnell said. His language framed the controversy not simply as a news event, but as a high-stakes battle between truth-seekers and those attempting to manipulate the narrative.

A Decade of Relentless Opposition to Trump
O’Donnell made clear that his comments were part of a long-standing position. “I will never give Trump an inch. I will never sanewash a story, kiss his ring, or give him the benefit of the doubt. Ever,” he said, adding that in over ten years of covering and opposing Trump, he has never softened his stance. This history of opposition has shaped O’Donnell’s on-air persona as a fierce critic of the former president’s policies, tactics, and rhetoric.

Corporate Media’s Structural Problem
Part of O’Donnell’s ire was directed at the system in which he operates. While acknowledging that MSNBC is itself a corporate media outlet, he suggested that the problem lies in how large news organizations prioritize access, advertising revenue, and entertainment value over hard-hitting accountability journalism. The result, he warned, is a press corps that can be manipulated into chasing sensational but shallow angles while ignoring stories that demand persistence and depth.

The Stakes of the Epstein Investigation
For O’Donnell, the Epstein scandal is a litmus test for the press’s integrity. The case involves high-profile names across political and social lines, meaning any genuine investigation risks discomforting elites in both parties. By shying away from the most uncomfortable questions, the media effectively shields powerful figures from scrutiny—a dynamic O’Donnell sees as a betrayal of journalism’s core mission.

A Call for Journalistic Courage
In his segment, O’Donnell called for more “brave folks” in the press willing to risk access and prestige in order to pursue the truth. “We need more brave folks speaking out like this,” he said, suggesting that journalists who challenge power directly are essential to preserving democratic accountability. The implied challenge to his own industry was clear: speak truth to power, even if it means angering those who control the invitations to press briefings and exclusive interviews.

Public Pressure as a Counterweight
O’Donnell framed his remarks not just as media criticism but as a rallying cry for the public. His appeal for “all hands on deck” underscored the belief that an engaged, skeptical audience can push journalists to prioritize substance over spectacle. He argued that audience demand for deeper coverage could counteract corporate incentives to keep things light, fast, and market-friendly.

Political Context: The Trump Factor
Trump’s unique relationship with the press—often antagonistic, yet mutually beneficial in terms of ratings—has long complicated coverage. O’Donnell’s warning about the press “failing before our eyes” suggests he believes journalists have not fully learned the lessons of the last eight years, especially regarding how Trump exploits media attention to his advantage. In his view, avoiding hard questions about cases like Epstein’s only strengthens the former president’s ability to shape the conversation on his own terms.

Why O’Donnell’s Comments Resonated
The segment struck a chord among his audience, particularly those frustrated with the perceived softness of mainstream political coverage. For some viewers, his willingness to criticize not only Trump but also the press corps that covers him reinforced his credibility as an independent voice within a corporate network. For others, it was a reminder that even journalists within large media institutions can push back against their own industry’s failings.

The Road Ahead for the Epstein Files
Whether the Democracy Forward lawsuit succeeds in prying loose the Epstein records remains uncertain. The DOJ and FBI have historically resisted broad disclosures, citing privacy, ongoing investigations, or national security. Still, the legal pressure—combined with sustained media attention—could keep the story alive long enough to force a breakthrough. O’Donnell’s vow to “never give Trump an inch” suggests he sees the Epstein case as one of the few issues capable of cutting through the noise in an increasingly fragmented media environment.

The Bigger Picture
Ultimately, O’Donnell’s critique is about more than one president, one press corps, or one scandal. It’s about the fundamental question of whether American journalism can still serve as a genuine check on power in an era dominated by corporate consolidation, partisan silos, and political spectacle. By drawing a straight line between the failures of the press and the impunity of powerful figures, he has positioned himself as both insider and critic—a precarious stance that could invite as much resistance from his peers as from his political targets.

Conclusion: A Challenge to the Media and the Public
Lawrence O’Donnell’s monologue was a shot across the bow of both the political establishment and the media that covers it. By accusing the White House press corps of failing in its duty and calling for relentless pursuit of truth in the Epstein case, he issued a challenge: stop being complicit, start being courageous. Whether that challenge is met will depend on the willingness of journalists to risk comfort for accountability—and the willingness of the public to demand nothing less.