Lisa Desjardins
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I'm a Correspondent, PBS NewsHour. Happy, grateful nerd. Remains a faithful Chester Arthur fan. On BlueSky as lisad.bsky.social
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Articles by Lisa Desjardins
Ukraine resumes strikes on energy targets, saying Russia never stopped its attacks
The tense alliance between Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and President Trump is nearing a new low point. After days of bitter back-and-forth between the two leaders, Ukraine has resumed strikes on Russian energy targets. Trump had demanded an "energy ceasefire" this past Sunday between the two. Russia never stopped its attacks. Lisa Desjardins reports. Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors.
Can Democrats win the Senate? Here are some pathways
Politics Oct 14, 2026 12:40 PM EDT Unforeseen a year ago, Democrats' now have a real chance at taking the majority in the U.S. Senate. (Gamblers in some betting markets now see it as likely, even.) What are the potential paths for Democrats to take over the Senate — or for Republicans to block them and hold on? The math The current Senate has 53 Republican members. The Democratic caucus is made up of 47 Senators, or 45 Democrats and two independents (Sens.
In 'Blockers,' Michael Lewis highlights government workers who resisted DOGE
Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Geoff Bennett: New reports out today show Elon Musk has donated more than a quarter-billion dollars to support Republicans in the midterm elections since July. And that brings his total political contributions this election cycle to more than $365 million, making him by far the largest known donor and one of the biggest political contributors in modern U.S. history.
In 'Blockers,' Michael Lewis highlights government workers who resisted DOGE
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Elon Musk has donated more than $365 million to support Republicans in the midterm elections. Musk's influence on the federal government is the focus of "Blockers," a new book by Michael Lewis. Lisa Desjardins sat down with Lewis to discuss Musk's time leading DOGE and the federal workers who found themselves in its crosshairs.
In 'Blockers,' Michael Lewis highlights government workers who resisted DOGE
Russia 10 hours ago He’s Desperate, Stupid, Weak, and Desperate The Bulwark - Jonathan V. Last • 10h Trump panics over diesel and begs Putin for help.
Democrats are betting on pastors and ministers in the midterms
Fusing faith and politics is almost a no-brainer for many Republicans hoping to hold public office. But this election cycle, 12 pastors, seminarians and former clergy ran as Democrats, with about half securing nominations. Lisa Desjardins discussed more with NPR religion correspondent Jason Derose, who recently spent time on the campaign trail with several of these candidates.
Who's spending big, and where, in most expensive election cycle ever
Spending for this year's midterms is accelerating as we get closer to Election Day. Political correspondent Lisa Desjardins makes sense of the billions spent to influence who controls Congress next year.
Karl Rove and David Axelrod give their midterm predictions
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Karl Rove is known for his hardball politics promoting the GOP. But in the past two weeks, he announced that this year he is voting for a Democrat. Lisa Desjardins sat down with Rove and another architect of modern politics, Democrat David Axelrod. Their conversation covered election security, whether Rove will vote for Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton and their midterm predictions. Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Oct 01, 2026
New poll reveals how Trump's low approval might affect midterms
With voting for the midterm elections already underway, President Trump is asking voters to pretend he's on the ballot. A new PBS News/NPR/Marist poll finds that people are, but that could be bad news for the president. We found Democratic congressional candidates hold a significant lead over Republicans. Lisa Desjardins has the insights from that poll.
Harris joins El-Sayed on campaign trail as Democrats focus on Michigan Senate race
With 42 days until Election Day, the race to control Congress is now in high gear. In Michigan, one of Democrats’ biggest names made their first major campaign stop of the cycle. Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed at a roundtable in Detroit focused on Black maternal health. Lisa Desjardins discussed the Michigan race with strategist Joel Payne.
Congress passes new sanctions on Russia and countries using Russian energy
Sep 17, 2026 6:40 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio A bill to impose sweeping new sanctions on Russia, and on countries using Russian energy, is now on its way to President Trump after the House overwhelmingly passed it Wednesday night. Congress also took action this week on data centers, college sports and the Iran war. Capitol Hill correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports.
Where things stand in the battle for control of the Senate
Sep 16, 2026 6:32 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio There are more than a dozen competitive Senate races this year, according to the Cook Political Report. These 12 seats will likely determine the future of the Senate, and Republicans are on defense in the majority of them. Lisa Desjardins navigates the political map with Jessica Taylor of The Cook Political Report.
North Carolina Senate race emerges as Dems best chance to flip GOP seat
Sep 16, 2026 6:35 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The 2026 primary season is officially over after voters in Delaware cast their ballots on Tuesday. With just seven weeks left until Election Day, Lisa Desjardins takes a look at the Democratic Party's chance to take control of the Senate and discusses the North Carolina Senate race with Colin Campbell of public media station WUNC.
Missouri's election maps in chaos after conflicting rulings
With less than two months until Election Day, the fights over congressional maps are still raging. Republicans are not seeing as much gain as they may have liked from redistricting. In the last day, dueling and conflicting legal rulings have thrown Missouri’s maps into limbo. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports.
Missouri's election maps in chaos after conflicting rulings
U.S. Politics 9 hours ago Missouri redistricting fight heads back to Supreme Court NBC News - By Lawrence Hurley • 9h A group seeking to prevent a new Republican-drawn congressional map from going into effect for this fall’s elections has asked the justices to block a federal court ruling.
Trump's trade war with Canada looms over key Congressional races
President Trump’s tariff policies are shaping key races for control of Congress this fall. Geoff Bennett discussed the impact on the midterms with congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins.
8 questions GOP lawmakers face as the House returns
Politics Sep 2, 2026 10:32 AM EDT The House of Representatives returned to the U.S. Capitol this week for the first time since July. Lawmakers entered the building Monday night, fresh from summer recess. (The Senate, whose recess started later, is not scheduled to return until Sept. 14.) The chamber had one major task this week: pass a bill to keep government funded into December.
After long break, House returns to a changing political landscape
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The House has returned to Washington after a nearly two-month absence, and lawmakers came back to a changing political landscape. Since they left town in mid-July, President Trump has escalated or ignited controversies on a host of issues, from Iran to the Great Lakes. Now, lawmakers must confront those fights while also facing a looming deadline to fund the government. Lisa Desjardins reports.
How data centers became a major issue in the midterms
Aug 26, 2026 6:40 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio While there are many issues dividing voters this midterm season, one seems to be uniting them: opposition to AI data centers. Candidates who've taken notice are racing to shape policy around these centers, which could be a defining issue in some races. Lisa Desjardins discussed what it might mean for the midterms with Clara Ence Morse of The Washington Post.
Why primary polls appear to be so inaccurate this year
Results in some high-profile races this primary season have differed greatly from public opinion polls. In the Michigan Senate Democratic primary, progressive Abdul El-Sayed had double-digit leads in polling but won over Haley Stevens by just one point. Lisa Desjardins and Courtney Kennedy of Ipsos discussed the recent results that were at odds with polling.
What the Florida and Alaska primary results mean for November
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio An upset win by a progressive candidate leads a host of headlines from Tuesday's primaries. In the Senate primary, Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon trounced more moderate Democrat Alex Vindman, even though he spent far more money. In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola was the top vote-getter in the non-partisan Senate primary. Lisa Desjardins reports.
How did U.S. debt hit $40 trillion? Here's what to know
Total public debt hit $40 trillion Wednesday, faster than expected. There is a lot to unpack about the national debt, which is easily misunderstood. Here's a starter guide to what's happening with the national debt right now. What exactly does $40 trillion represent? There are many ways to measure the national debt. This $40 trillion figure represents the total debt of the United States government. Also known as the "gross debt" (bonus as a double entendre).
National debt nears $40 trillion: How we got here and why it matters
The national debt is expected to hit a record high as soon as this week, crossing a major threshold of $40 trillion. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins explains why that milestone is a warning sign for many economists.
National debt nears $40 trillion: How we got here and why it matters
World News 7 hours ago German companies slash US investments Semafor - — Brendan Ruberry • 7h German companies cut their US investments to a three-year low in the first half of 2026, Reuters reported, as firms limited their exposure to … Jeanie Buss 8 hours ago Lakers governor Jeanie Buss says siblings cannot sell family’s stake to Bob Iger, Joshua Kushner CNBC - Alex Sherman • 8h Los Angeles Lakers governor Jeanie Buss is opposing the potential sale of her family's stake in the NBA team,...
The effectiveness and cost of the National Guard deployment in D.C.
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio It has now been one year since President Trump declared a “crime emergency” in the nation’s capital and deployed thousands of members of the National Guard to its streets. Questions continue to mount over the mission’s cost, its legality and its effectiveness in fighting crime. Lisa Desjardins discussed more with Richard Hahn of the Niskanen Center's Criminal Justice Department.
Blanche on track for narrow Senate confirmation as attorney general
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio At the U.S. Capitol, it was a wild day of decision and indecision. The Senate passed the toughest sanctions bill on Russia yet and is also now on track to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general. But a slew of other high-priority items are still tangled, largely due to Republican divide. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports.
Senate faces long to-do list and little time before recess
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The Senate is just days away from taking its month-long August recess, but Congress is also rapidly running out of time to avoid a government shutdown this fall and handle a host of other items. Lawmakers are scrambling to take action on everything from funding the Iran war to regulating cryptocurrency. Lisa Desjardins reports on the developments on Capitol Hill.
4 questions about the high-stakes Michigan Democratic primary
For two days last week, I lived inside the hottest political race in the country — the Michigan U.S. Senate Democratic primary between the more centrist congresswoman Haley Stevens and progressive former public health director Abdul El-Sayed. Producer Sam Weber and I flew into Detroit with some questions. How do these candidates stack up in real life? What actually matters to Michigan? Will this divide be a problem for Democrats in November? Does this race say anything about the future?
Contentious Michigan Senate primary divides Democrats over direction of party
Aug 3, 2026 6:25 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio In Michigan, Democrats will make a decision about the shape of their party. The contentious Senate primary is a match between different wings and candidates with very different styles. Lisa Desjardins traveled to Michigan and reports on the contest between Rep. Haley Stevens and Abdul El-Sayed.
Sen. Moreno calls on ex-son-in-law Rep. Miller to resign amid domestic abuse allegations
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Ohio’s senior Senator is calling for an Ohio congressman, who is also his former son-in-law, to drop his re-election bid and resign from office. Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno called GOP Rep. Max Miller "a danger to my daughter." Allegations and messy divorce proceedings swirled around Miller and Moreno’s daughter, Emily. Lisa Desjardins reports.
Missouri couple murdered in Guatemala after husband was deported
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio A Missouri couple who had illegally immigrated to the United States was killed in Guatemala after the husband was deported and the wife self-deported. Now two communities in two countries are reeling and searching for answers. Lisa Desjardins discussed more with Brian Munoz of St. Louis Public Radio, who broke this story.
Missouri couple murdered in Guatemala after husband was deported
1 day ago Nixon Giovanni Paz, deported by ICE last year, and his wife, who self-depor Nixon Giovanni Paz, deported by ICE last year was bound and shot dead alongside his wife in Guatemala. ICE deported a married couple back to Guatemala who had sought safety in the US. Their bodies have been found tied up and …
Senate faces packed, complicated agenda as midterms loom
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio On Capitol Hill, time is starting to run short for Congress as the midterm elections loom. The House is on summer recess, but the Senate is in Washington trying to handle a packed, complicated agenda. That includes a first vote on President Trump’s pick as the Director of National Intelligence. Lisa Desjardins reports.
Vote on U.S. aid to Israel exposes sharp divide in Congress
Jul 16, 2026 6:35 PM EDT Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Israel’s war in Gaza and its joint military operation with the U.S. against Iran are fueling deep divisions on Capitol Hill, especially among Democrats. Wednesday, more than half of House Democrats voted to end U.S. military funding for Israel. A separate provision aimed at strengthening U.S.-Israel cooperation is also exposing sharp differences. Lisa Desjardins reports.
Supreme Court justices make case for more security funding
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett testified before Congress as the nation’s highest court looks to increase security funding in the wake of threats. It’s the first time Supreme Court justices have appeared before Congress since 2019. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports.
Lindsey Graham's impact and influence on American politics
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham died Saturday of an aortic dissection and cardiovascular disease. The Republican served more than 30 years in Congress, becoming one of the nation's most prominent voices on foreign policy and later one of President Trump's top allies. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins has more on Graham’s life and impact. Watch Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Jul 13, 2026
A look at the new regulations and incentives in the housing bill set to become law
A sweeping new housing bill is set to become law, even without the president's signature. The measure passed Congress with bipartisan support, but President Trump refused to sign it in protest of the GOP Senate’s failure to approve his election legislation, known as the SAVE Act. Barring a last-minute veto, the bill will usher in new housing regulations and incentives. Lisa Desjardins reports.
What we know about Mitch McConnell's health and hospitalization
There are questions surrounding the health of Sen. Mitch McConnell after the Kentucky Republican's hospitalization on June 14. Lisa Desjardins reports on what we know.
What we know about Mitch McConnell's health and hospitalization
Kristi Noem 7 hours ago Kristi Noem is divorcing her husband after ‘bimbofication’ scandal, her mom reveals The Independent - Katie Hawkinson • 7h Former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is divorcing her husband following allegations he engaged in a “bimbofication” fetish online, her … Politics 13 hours ago Trump says he won't sign bipartisan housing affordability bill PBS News - Associated Press • 13h WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has chosen not to sign a sweeping housing...
What happens next in Maine and the battle for Senate control
After a twisty-turny month in Maine politics, the uncertain fate of the Senate race — and perhaps the Senate itself — may be written in the weeks to come. Democratic nominee and oyster farmer Graham Platner says he is withdrawing from the race after months of navigating scandals about his past. That includes a rape allegation from a woman who told Politico that Platner sexually assaulted her in 2021 while he was intoxicated. Platner denies the allegation as inaccurate.
Progressives notch more primary victories in potential bellwether for midterms
Progressive challengers scored upsets against Democratic establishment names up and down the ballot in Colorado. It's part of a mounting trend in some races across the country. To discuss where the Democratic Party stands ahead of the midterms, Lisa Desjardins spoke with Mo Elleithee, a former DNC communications director who now leads the Georgetown Institute of Politics and Public Service.
New Jersey Rep. Tom Kean returns to Congress after mysterious absence
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The mystery behind a New Jersey congressman’s months-long absence is solved. GOP Rep. Tom Kean spoke on the floor, saying he owed his constituents, colleagues and the American people an explanation. But he did not answer questions from the press, and it's unclear why he chose to keep constituents in the dark. Lisa Desjardins reports on Kean and the other big questions looming over Capitol Hill.
Surveillance program set to expire as Congress rejects FISA extension
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio President Trump announced his plans to nominate Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence. The choice comes as lawmakers refused to extend a key surveillance tool over stalled privacy concerns and questions about the qualifications of the interim intelligence chief. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports.
Takeaways from Tuesday's primaries and what they mean for November
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Voters in four states went to the polls on Tuesday to choose their party's candidates. The biggest event was in Maine, where Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner had made scandalous headlines in the past weeks. But in South Carolina, Nevada, and North Dakota, results for governor and congressional races are also coming in. Lisa Desjardins reports.
Former election official fact-checks Trump's claims of election fraud in California
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Ripple effects and strong opinions are still flowing out of Trump’s interview on NBC’s Meet the Press over the weekend. Among the points of contention are Trump’s baseless claims about the 2020 election results and the security of current elections. Lisa Desjardins speaks with Tammy Patrick at the National Association of Election Administrators to sort fact from fiction.
Trump's limits are tested after some Republicans push back
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio The Senate is in the midst of voting on $72 billion of funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as the Department of Homeland Security. The package has been held up for months with amendment votes expected to run well into the night. But it’s still unclear whether Republican leaders will ultimately be able to wrangle enough votes to pass the measure. Lisa Desjardins has the latest.
Trump's limits are tested after some Republicans push back
4 hours ago Kristi Noem, the former head of the Department of Homeland Security and current U.S. envoy for the Shield of the Americas, is facing a new Hatch Act complaint over her use of a government jet for a political trip, as well as her use of government social media accounts for self-promotion. The Hatch …
Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr.'s absence raises broader questions about Congress
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Primary voters in New Jersey on Tuesday finalized the race for one of the nation’s most competitive seats, and one of the most unusual, because the incumbent Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. has not been seen on the campaign trail or Capitol Hill for months. His absence brings broader questions for Congress. Lisa Desjardins reports.
Justice Department scraps Trump's 'anti-weaponization fund' after pushback from Congress
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio Acting Attorney General Blanche told lawmakers Tuesday that the Justice Department is scrapping plans to create a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund.” It’s a setback for Trump, after Republican senators made clear they did not have the votes to advance a Homeland Security funding bill unless the White House either scaled back or eliminated the fund. Lisa Desjardins has more.
Palestinian woman detained for a year after protesting war in Gaza describes experience
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Audio In 2024, massive pro-Palestinian protests swept college campuses across the country, including at Columbia University. As the Trump administration intensified its immigration enforcement efforts, several non-citizen student protesters were taken into ICE detention. Leqaa Kordia was one of them and remained detained for more than. Lisa Desjardins spoke with her about her experience.
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