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

Attorney General Pam Bondi clashes with House Democrats over DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files during a Judiciary Committee hearing. NBC Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki dives into the latest NBC News Decision Desk polling on President Trump’s handling of immigration-related issues. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) joins Meet the Press NOW to react to DOJ’s attempt to secure an indictment again him and five other Democrats for their video urging U.S. service members to refuse illegal orders.

“Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie posts a new video saying she believes her mom is still out there as the search for her mother Nancy Guthrie enters its second week. Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) joins Meet the Press NOW as lawmakers begin to get their first opportunity to review the unredacted versions of the Epstein files. Congress faces a major time crunch to pass reforms to ICE before funding lapses for the Department of Homeland Security.

With Meet the Press pre-empted during the Winter Olympics, we’re bringing back our Common Ground Special — originally aired January 1 — featuring bipartisan conversations with lawmakers working across the aisle on issues ranging from health care to artificial intelligence. The special is part of NBC News’ Common Ground initiative, spotlighting efforts to bridge the partisan divide.

President Trump urges Congress to pass his election-related SAVE America Act days after calling for the federalization of elections. The Democratic primary for the New Jersey special election to fill the seat previously held by Gov. Mikie Sherill (D) remains too close to call. The White House takes down a racist post depicting the Obamas as apes from President Trump’s Truth Social account after receiving backlash from Republicans and Democrats.