MTP NOW Nov. 18 — DOJ appoints special counsel for Trump investigations; Rep. Clyburn

The U.S. Coast Guard seizes a second oil tanker and is in “active pursuit” of a third vessel as the Trump Administration ramps up its pressure campaign against the Maduro regime in Venezuela. Frustration is growing over the Justice Department’s handling of the release of the Epstein files. A Democratic and a Republican political operative find common ground over why North Carolina should be the first state in the presidential primary calendar.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche joins after the DOJ releases thousands of pages from the Epstein files. Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.) weigh in as the U.S. escalates tensions with Venezuela. Sara Fagen, Garrett Haake, former Sec. Jeh Johnson and Tyler Pager join the roundtable.

The Justice Department begins releasing thousands of records related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-Va.), member of the House Oversight Committee, reacts to the latest tranche of Epstein files.

A person of interest has been identified by law enforcement in connection with the mass shooting at Brown University, three senior law enforcement officials briefed on the investigation tell NBC News. Trump defends his economic policies amid waning poll numbers. Dr. Peter Hotez says cuts at HHS could harm pediatric research and health care.

Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) explains his decision to join Democrats to force a vote to extend the Obamacare subsidies. Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. Kirsten Hillman discusses why she’s stepping down from her role amid trade tensions between both countries. Officials provide an update on the manhunt for the Brown University shooter.