Meet the Press NOW — December 18

President Trump and FCC Chair Brendan Carr voice their approval of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension after the late-night host made comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Texas State Rep. James Talarico (D) discusses his Senate bid and why recent acts of political violence should be a “wake-up call” for the country. Dr. Paul Offit reacts to the fallout of the CDC leadership shake-up as a key advisory panel meets to weigh vaccine recommendations. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Physician Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) says Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is bringing a “healthy disruption” to public health agencies, as former CDC Director Susan Monarez speaks out after her ouster. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, who resigned as CDC vaccine chief in protest, voices his concerns on future vaccine data. NBC News Business and Data Correspondent Brian Cheung reports on the Federal Reserve's decision to slash interest rates for the first time in nine months. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Prosecutors charge the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk with seven counts, including aggravated murder. Rep. Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss the Trump administration’s recent strike on an alleged Venezuelan drug smuggling boat and the proposal by House Republicans to keep the government funded through November 21st. Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris (D) reacts to the Trump administration’s decision to deploy National Guard troops to Memphis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New details emerge about Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin as investigators continue to search for a motive. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss the current political environment in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death and Democrats’ strategy to avoid a government shutdown. The Trump administration says it reached a framework deal with China that would prevent TikTok from shutting down in the U.S. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox, Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and former Sec. Pete Buttigieg react to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Kimberly Atkins Stohr, Peter Baker, Sara Fagen and Jeffrey Goldberg join the roundtable.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The suspect in Charlie Kirk’s assassination has been arrested and is in custody. Criminologist Casey Jordan analyzes the suspect’s profile. President Trump says National Guard troops will be deployed to Memphis. Retired General Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied commander, discusses the latest in Ukraine’s war with Russia as Trump downplays the Russian drone incursion in Poland. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Orem, Utah, Mayor David Young describes how his city is handling the ongoing investigation for the gunman who shot and killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) calls on his colleagues to “do better” in the wake of Kirk’s death. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Conservative political activist Charlie Kirk has died after being shot at an event he was hosting at Utah Valley University, President Trump says. NBC's Tom Winter, Kelly O'Donnell, Melanie Zanona and two eye witnesses join Meet the Press NOW following the shooting.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The White House continues to grapple with the fallout of the newly released images from the so-called Epstein birthday book and the latest jobs revision. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss Democrats’ strategy ahead of the government funding battle. Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) explains how Republicans will try to avoid a potential government shutdown and the latest redistricting efforts in Indiana. NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki examines the latest polling regarding the New York City mayoral race. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee release a photo of the alleged message President Trump wrote to Jeffrey Epstein for a birthday book. NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki explains the latest NBC News Decision Desk poll numbers that shows President Trump underwater. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss government funding and the ongoing redistricting efforts in Missouri.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.