welker, thank you. later tonight the house expected to pass the $1.9 trillion covid relief bill that so many americans are counting on it then goes to the senate which is expected to cut out the proposal for a $15 minimum wage >>> for formal president trump returning at cpac, the conservative political action conference halie jackson tells us more >> reporter: it is donald trump's party at cpac, the proof is in the golden statue the latest speakers in orlando like ted cruz, fresh off that trip to mexico during a devastating winter storm, thousands of texans without clean water and even now. >> i got to say, orlando is awesome! it is not as nice as cancun >> reporter: cruz tossing red meat to the pro-trump base >> bernie is wearing mittens. and aoc is telling us she was -- now in a sign of his grip on the party, senator mcconnell blasted trump as personally responsible for the capitol riot last month he would back him if the gop picks trump in 2024. >> the nominee of the party? absolutely >> reporter: ha

welker >> reporter: a fitting farewell to a fallen hero officer brian sicknick lying in honor at the capitol, the same building he died defending over night president biden and first lady jill biden paying their respects more tributes today. >> each day when members enter the capitol, this temple of democracy, we'll remember his sacrifice. >> reporter: with democrats blaming former president trump for inciting the attack. president biden is making his most extensive comment about the impeachment trial again endorsing it >> we have to move forward >> reporter: acknowledging mr. trump will be acquitted. >> it is probably not likely of 17 republicans >> reporter: one of mr. trump's impeachment lawyers, bruce castor on capitol hill today, a trial removing a former president is unconstitutional. >> the scenario that the democrats want the people to believe is that if donald trump was dead they can still do this. that's -- you know, that's ridiculous >> reporter: all of it as president biden met with senators with his $1.9 trillion relief package republicans say the price tag is too high b

lester >> kristen welker at the white house. thanks and we wanted to know what americans are thinking about the second trial of donald trump. morgan chesky spoke with some. >> reporter: tonight a country sharply divided over a presidential impeachment. >> trump needs to be held accountable for what he did. >> i'm 100% against any impeachment for donald trump >> reporter: we spoke to bobby mitchell in ohio, a military veteran who voted to re-elect donald trump. now worried the trial only keeps the country from uniting >> are you concerned that with this second impeachment the division in the country only grows >> absolutely. and that's where i'm at it only grows because now you have the right saying this is a private citizen, there is no point to impeach him, it's not going to work >> reporter: then there's sue ann devito in pennsylvania. a small business owner who voted for joe biden. >> you supported the first impeachment. do you support the second >> absolutely. it's important that we show our children, the country, and the wo

joining me for insight and analysis are nbc news chief white house correspondent kristen welker, democratic polster cornell belcher, susan page, washington bureau chief of "usa today," and former republican governor of north carolina, pat mccrory. welcome to sunday. it's "meet the press." >> announcer: from nbc news in washington, the longest running show in television history, this is "meet the press with chuck todd." >>> well, a good sunday morning. we are covering three big stories today. the deep freeze and power failure in texas, where millions are still in a boil water situation and the fallout over how the state's hands-off governance failed to prevent what appears to have been a preventible catastrophe. then there's the civil war inside the gop between the trump and establishment lanes, the most prominent example, the growing feud between former president trump and the republican senate leader mitch mcconnell. >>> but we're going to begin with the covid-19 pandemic. some time, likely today, the u.s. death toll will hit 500,000. it's a number that far exceeds many early estimates and

trump's lawyers calling the whole proceeding unconstitutional here's kristen welker. >> usa usa! >> reporter: tonight, house democrats unveiling their pinning the blame for the deadly capitol riot squarely on former president trump, saying mr. trump "summoned a mob to washington, exhorted them into a frenzy, and aimed them like a loaded cannon down pennsylvania avenue." that he refused to accept the will of the american people, even quoting liz cheney, one of the few house republicans who voted to impeach, who said president trump "lit the flame of this attack." in their brief democrats pointing to this fiery speech at the rally before the riot >> we love you >> and if you don't fight like hell you're not going to have a country anymore. >> reporter: but in their defense today mr. trump's legal team saying the former president was only exercising his first amendment right to express his belief that the election results were suspect and they say he did not incite violence. >> this is a very, very dangerous road to take with respect to the first amendment, putting at risk any passi

let's go to chief white house correspondent kristen welker right now. kristen, what sort of reaction are you getting to what we have seen thus far? >> well, former president trump's allies believe this has been a very strong presentation so far by the legal team. they think that this was an important reset from everything that hallie was just talking about, that first appearance by the legal team which disappointed the former president, and so now they watch and wait to see what happens in these final remaining hours. i do think, lester, it's worth taking a step back and noting that all of this is unfolding against the backdrop of a republican party that is sharply splintered right now. we know just six republican senators voted to say that, yes, these proceedings were even constitutional, so that, of course, gives us a potential indication of what we might see in a final vote. but behind the scenes there's a lot more discord. we know that there are a number of republicans who, for example, might vote to acquit former president trump but who still feel

kristen welker >> reporter: the pentagon says the strike destroys multiple facilities a t at a border control check points those groups fire rockets inside the green zone adding "president biden will act to protect american coalition personnel. the president marking the 50 million vaccine dose in the u.s. >> this is not a time to relax >> reporter: with house democrats set to pass another covid relief package tomorrow republicans blasting the $1.9 trillion price tag. >> less than 9% of this bill goes to defeating this virus less than 9% >> reporter: it comes as former president trump is about to grab headlines a the cpac conference expect to take aim at president biden for reversing his immigration policies and point to the uptake of migrants at the border. >> how is the immigration moving for forward? >> we are not looking at former president trump for advisory kristen welker, nbc, the white house. >>> th things standing of the covid relief bill that so e former many americans are counting on. u.s. l olympic gymnastics takes his own life after being charged with sexually assaults ul.

kristen welker is at the white house. >>> we are back now with the >> reporter: the president has voiced support for the trial but it could under cut for mr. biden's push democrats unveiling a 3 $3,600 child tax cr credit >>> in 60 seconds the dangerous freeze for the country and one mother's warning after her family's tragic loss >>> we are back now with the deadliest week at least 15 people killed in a series of avalanches why we are seeing so many this year, megan fitzgerald >> reporter: in the back country of utah. four skiers killed buried by an avalanche. four others survived >> this was an unmanageable avalanche. >> reporter: the terrain is so treacherous that crew had to be choppered in >> they were trained as back country skiers >> reporter: the skiers all under the age of 30. >> she lived her life to the fullest and was doing what she loved to do. >> reporter: in the past week, 15 people have been killed by avalanches the deadliest seven day period in more than a century. >> reporter: forecasters say much of the mountain is seeing a weak snow pack and more people venturing thro

. >> kristen welker tonight, thank you. >>> president biden declared today that america is back to engaging with the world, it was his first foreign policy speech, andrea mitchell tells us more. >> america can't afford to be absent in the world anywhere >> reporter: challenging vladimir putin for jailing alexei navalny >> cyber attacks and poisoning citizens are over. those days are over. >> reporter: upholding human rights against china and now myanmar. >> attempt to raise the outcome of a credible election >> reporter: and promising to rebuild a work force with career officers without white house interference >> this administration is going to empower you to do your jobs and not target or politicize you. >> reporter: after the attack on the capitol, the president is saying america can emerge better equip to unite the world and defend democracy because we have fought for it ourselves. lester >> all right, andrea, thank you. as you point out one of the biggest issues with china is human rights keir simmons now families say china government is tearing them ahead >> reporter: her brother had

welker where do we stand after today's defense by the former president's team >> reporter: the question/answer session has made clear, the senate is likely to vote to acquit former president trump. there is one big mystery left and that's mcconnell he suggested to open to conviction but had not given any clues of what he's thinking he and every senator will have to decide. >> he's being watched carefully. we heard from the president today on the trial, what he's saying >> reporter: president biden says he's anxious to see republicans "stand up," the president will monitor the proceedings from camp david. once there is a vote, once there is a vote, they'll aim back to his push. >>> let's turn back onto the cdc on reopening schools. hospitalizations down to just over 74,000. kristen dahlgren reports on the new guidelines >> reporter: the cdc says it is time to get back to school in blue and yellow where transmission is low, schools are encouraged to return in-person. in red zone where transmission rates are higher than 10%. schools are encouraged to do with some in-person learning if ther

kristen welker is at the white house, what is the president saying about all this? >> reporter: we have asked multiple times if the president has any reaction on capitol hill there is no response today. jen psaki was pressed repeatedly on the matter. she noted that president biden addressed the attack on multiple occasions. she says they won't be commenting on daily development. >> kristen, we'll let you get out of the snow. in 60 seconds, the cdc's new best guidance on mask protection we'll tell you what you need to know >>> guidance on the use of double masks the white house is considering mailing masks to many americans in a way that would target schools or vulnerable communities. erin mclaughlin has more >> reporter: tonight the cdc says double masks offering more protection against covid-19, blocking more than 90% of the virus. >> with cases hospitalizations and deaths still very high now is not the time to roll back mask requirements. >> reporter: the cdc recommending americans wear masks with nose wires and to tie knots on the ear loops of surgical masks for

kristen welker now with the latest >> reporter: tonight president biden weighing in on the trump's impeachment trial for the first time when pressed by nbc news on those newly released videos of the capitol riot >> did you see the video during the impeachment trial and what was your reaction? >> i like most americans watching the news, i think the senate has an important job to complete >> reporter: the president still did not say his predecessor should be convicted. the white house says his comment was not meant to offer a projection but explain his emotional response >> we found it deeply disturbing and how the president felt when he watched it. >> reporter: the president had been aiming to keep the focus off the trial and on his agenda today announcing his administration secured another 200 million doses of coronavirus vaccines there will be enough supply for 300 million americans but not everyone will be vaccinated by the end of summer. >> we'll be in a position where it is going to be, it is not going to be by the end of summer >> reporter: tonight is still unclear when everyone who wants

with that, here is kristen welker >> reporter: tonight house democrats voting to strip congresswoman greene after she accused promoting violence against democrats. nancy pelosi blasting republicans for not taking actions themselves >> i remain concerned of house leadership acceptance of the theorist >> reporter: she's now saying it is misinformation she no longer believes. >> i was allowed to believe things that were not true and i would talk about them and ask questions. that's absolutely what i regret >> reporter: greene who has questioned whether 9/11 was real. >> there was no evidence of the plane and the pentagon >> i also want to tell you that 9/11 absolutely happened and i do not believe it is fake >> reporter: after tau taunting survivors >> school shootings are absolutely real. one of my roommates brought guns and took the entire school for hostage. i know the fear that david hog had that day. >> i am for he100% >> i think she's a looney i do >> reporter: democrats are demanding former president trump testifying atd his trial. his lawyer tells us he won't and calling it a pu

kristen welker is at the white house. what's the president planning >> reporter: the president took a virtual tour in arizona, senior officials tell nbc news they're trying to counter program the trial. on wednesday, the president makes a trip to the pentagon. the president voiced support for the program. it could under cut mr. biden's push for his $1.9 trillion. democrats unveiled a $3,600 child tax credit republicans saying the price tag is soo high. >>> one mother's warning after her family's tragic loss >>> we are back now with the deadliest week at least 15 people killed in a series of avalanches why we are seeing so many this year, megan fitzgerald >> reporter: in the back country of utah. four skiers killed buried by an avalanche. four others survived >> this was an unmanageable avalanche. >> reporter: the terrain is so treacherous that crew had to be choppered in >> the skiers were all under the age of 30. >> she lived her life to the fullest and was doing what she loved to do. >> reporter: in the past week, 15 pe

here is kristen welker >> reporter: millions of americans still struggling with covid restrictions impacting so many businesses. dakota cortez lost his job as a waiter two months ago. >> it is not really much coming in and my bills are the exact same >> reporter: today's report the first under president biden tells the tale the nation is still down 10 million jobs before the pandemic began. the unemployment rate saw the 6.3% the president pointed to those weak numbers today to make the case for congress to pass his $1.9 trillion relief package including $1,400 direct payments to americans >> i am not cutting the size of the checks they're going to be $1,400, period >> reporter: after negotiations mr. biden making some of his strongest comments yet indicating democrats could go alone and without republicans who pushed back on the price tag. >> what republicans have proposed is either to do nothing or not enough. >> reporter: the president is other corner, larry summers, who was a top obama economic adviser warning that the biden's plan costs too much and could hurt the economy. >> is the bide

we want to bring in chief white house correspondent kristen welker. what more do you know about the thinking and the strategy behind these strikes? >> reporter: savannah, i spoke with a senior administration official overnight who said the administration wanted to send a strong message to iran. attacks like those last week against american assets will not be tolerated, as keir said. this official also stressed, this was proportionate and targeted, which basically means it was aimed at avoiding escalation. now, the biden administration, based on my conversations, tried to show it can do multiple things at once, both engage in diplomacy over the iran nuclear talks, again, they want to restart the talks, while also showing strength. when i pressed this official over whether there were more attacks were planned, this person said, look, that'd be dependent on circumstances in the region, potential response. not going to delve into strategy, but that for now, they're not tracking imminent action in the near term, savannah. >> you mentioned this dicey moment

nbc's kristen welker is at the white house. kristen, good morning. what's the president planning here >> reporter: hi, phillip, good morning to you president biden is trying to keep his key priorities on this weekend with the plans to grab all of the headlines senior administration officials tell nbc news they're trying to counter program the trial. on wednesday the president will make a trip to the pentagon. thursday it's a visit to the national institutes of health. now the president has voice support for the trial, but it could also undercut mr. biden's push for the $1.9 trillion package. others are already saying the price tag is too high. phillip. >>> there are growing concerns about the impact of new coronavirus variants the strain found in south africa is creating new challenges for the worldwide vaccine roltout after a study questioned the effectiveness of the shots >> reporter: in the race to get shots in the arms of american, a warning from south africa, which just froze its rollout of astrazeneca vaccine. >>it's an example of how think cou

joining me now, nbc chief white house correspondent and "weekend today" co-host kristen welker, nick burns, also and professor of diplomacy at the harvard kennedy school, former u.s. also to nato, and ben rhodes, former deputy national security adviser to president obama who helped negotiate the original iran deal. kristen, first to you. this was a wide-ranging speech. i was in munich in 2019 when joe biden went as a private citizen, he says as a professor, and he said america will be back. today he said america is back and i'm the president. >> reporter: andrea, you're right. this was a part of president biden's reset as it relates to reaffirming and re-establishing the united states' relationship with, alliances with some of its closest and most traditional allies. that theme was front and center in president biden's remarks. this is the direct opposite of the foreign policy of his predecessor, former president trump, who engaged in the america-first foreign policy, so president biden has been very clear and he campaigned on a promise to really reaffirm those key alliances. now, it

let's go to my friend kristen welker at the white house. kristen, president biden is under an enormous amount of pressure to get something done on covid relief. let's be honest, the clock is ticking down to march 14th. what's his goal for today's trip? >> reporter: well, his goal, steph, is exactly that, to make his public pitch for his $1.9 trillion covid relief package. he's going to be touring that plant in kalamazoo, michigan, and touting the fact that he is prompting as many as 600 million vaccine doses by the end of july so that's his target for when the vast majority of americans, he says, will be able to get vaccinated but he's going to make the case, steph, that in order to do it he needs funds from congress. that that is a critical piece of this equation. so expect that to be part of what you hear today, and of course it comes amid some pushback from democrats and republicans who say that the overall price tag, that $1.9 trillion is just too steep. it's just too high. but the administration's response to that is, look, we have put

kristen welker, at the white house. thank you. let me move to leigh ann caldwell. i want to shift gears away from the covid debate, and more of what's going on between mcconnell and mccarthy. and i guess it's this. did mitch mcconnell throw a wrench into kevin mccarthy's plans for this week? or did he provide him cover for what kevin mccarthy would like to do this week? >> reporter: that's an interesting take, chuck. i'm not totally sure. what we know is it is a dramatic contrast between what mitch mcconnell has said about the dynamics of the republican party and what kevin mccarthy has said as well. i think that mcconnell is trying to, of course, win back the majority in 2022 and he's worried about the path that house republicans continue to go down understanding that that is a threat to the senate majority for republicans moving forward. but i don't even know that all senate republicans are on the same page as mcconnell. i spoke to senator rick scott of florida who is the new chairman of the republican campaign committee, and i asked him about marjorie taylor gre

let's go to kristen welker with me now in the white house briefing room. if there was any back and forth today, it really was between former obama economic official and clinton treasury secretary larry summers and jared bernstein. where larry summers through out this idea of, hey, is this too big of a one-time relief stimulus especially if you don't get long-term bigger infrastructure like spending approved? the white house sensitive to that criticism. >> they were sensitive to that, chuck. and you could tell that jared bernstein was ready for the questions that he got on that very topic. i put that question squarely to him, is the biden administration going too big with its $1.9 billion covid relief plan. he said firmly no and went in to delve on a point by point takedown of why he believes larry summers is wrong in his criticism. at the core of the argument here that you heard from jared bernstein and hearing from biden administration officials, chuck, is that the economic crisis, the covid crisis is so deep there's a real failure just getting an announc

rasheeda jones, joi reed, kristen welker. and so many others as well. talk to me, lauren, as i say welcome. talk about the importance of putting this group together and the kind of work these women are doing. >> well, first of all, thank you so much for having me, alex. we are still in the first week of black history month. it is so great to be here. man, it was really hard to narrow it down to 28 women, 28 days of black history month. we wanted to celebrate the accomplishments of these women over the past year. you named so many great women. many of them are the first to hold their position ever. rasheeda jones, president of msnbc, first black woman to hold this position. amanda majorman, who will be a of the the super bowl. first both laureate speaking at the super bowl. it was not easy to narrow it down. >> can i imagine. each one gets an entire day of folk to us themselves, if you want to look at it that way. well deserved. in addition to what you mentioned, joy reid, the first black woman to anchor a prime ministertime cable news show. symone sande

. >> joining us now, chief white house correspondent, "weekend today" co-host, kristen welker, jeremy bash, former chief of staff to leon panetta at the pentagon and cia and the former supreme nato allied commander. kristen, first to you. there has been criticism that the congress notifications did not come till after. is the white house pushing back on that? did they inform the big eight before? what did you understand the time line to be? >> reporter: they're pushing back on that, andrea, but let me just read you specifically. this is coming from the national security council spokesperson who says this -- that the department of defense briefed congressional leadership before the action last night. the administration has been briefing the hill at the member and staff level today, and this official says there will be a full classified briefing early next week if congress wants that to happen. now, who specifically was involved in that leadership, that remains unknown at this point, andrea. we're pushing for specifics to get that. who specifically was informed about this attack. but it

nbc news chief white house correspondent and "weekend today" co-anchor kristen welker joins us. justice and homeland security security correspondent julia ainsley and yamiche alcindor. kristen, we haven't had a comprehensive reform bill proposed since 2013. is joe biden checking the box here? there's very little bipartisan support for this even among democrats. >> you're absolutely right, andrea, and in some ways this is president biden checking the box on a key campaign promise with an immigration bill that would provide a pathway to citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants. that's part of it. in terms of the realistic piece of it, you're absolutely right. for republicans this will be a nonstarter. just think about what's happening with the covid relief plan, that $1.9 trillion plan, which actually has bipartisan support, republicans think the overall price tag is just too big, and that is facing a steep hurdle. it's hard to see how a sweeping immigration reform bill would get passed. what is more realistic and what is the strategy here? administration officials not

let me bring in leah caldwell on colin, kristen welker outside the white house. leigh ann, let me start with you, what is your sense on how to minimum wage ruling plays out in the days ahead and what some democrats think should be the path forward. >> reporter: there is what happens in the short term and what happens in the long term. let's talk about the immediate future. house speaker nancy pelosi said despite the parliamentarian ruling in the senate she's going to include the minimum wage in the house bill when they vote on it today and that's to ensure that progressives vote for it because there was some threats from progressives that they wouldn't if she took it out regardless of what the senate parliamentarian did. so now let's move over to the senate where there is a lot of frustrated democrats, but in reality it actually makes the passage of the covid bill much easier. the minimum wage was the most difficult component of it where not all 50 democrats were even on board. so this makes biden's top priority right now much more easy to pass. but democrats who

>> kristen welker at nbc. >> hi, everyone. thank you. first question is, can you give us your assessment of some of the states that have begun to relax their protocols, for example, iowa among those that have reversed some of the indoor requirements in terms of masking and public social distancing. and given the number of schools across the country discussing how they are going to reopen, there is an urgency to that matter. i know that you said the cdc's guidelines for school reopenings would be coming soon. when can we expect to see that and can you give us any indication of whether you think teachers should be vaccinated before schools reopen? >> i think both of those are probably going to head for you, dr. walensky, but first one is your comment on states or local jurisdictions that may be relaxing some of the public health standards that the cdc has been recommending. >> maybe i will just start and say that, given we are still at over 100,000 cases a day, i would discourage any -- and we are still in the first 100 days, so we want ev

. >> reporter: former president trump will speak at cpac on sunday kristen welker, nbc news, the white house. >>> a former u.s. olympic gymnastics coach takes his own life after being charged with sexually assaults , swollen... painful. emerge tremfyant™ with tremfya®, adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis... ...can uncover clearer skin and improve symptoms at 16 weeks. tremfya® is also approved for adults with active psoriatic arthritis. serious allergic reactions may occur. tremfya® may increase your risk of infections and lower your ability to fight them. tell your doctor if you have an infection or symptoms or if you had a vaccine or plan to. tremfya®. emerge tremfyant™ janssen can help you explore cost support options. alright, i brought in ensure max protein... ...to give you the protein you need with less of the sugar you don't (grunting noise) i'll take that. yeeeeeah! 30 grams of protein and 1 gram of sugar drink, play, and win big in the powered by protein challenge! cold storage machines are not necessary. you can learn more of the interview by going to my

welker has those details. >> reporter: president biden weighing in on the trump impeachment trial for the first time when pressed by nbc news on the newly released i have owe of the capitol riot >> did you see the riot during the impeachment trial and what is your reaction, mr. president? >> i like other americans has watched the news i think the senate has a very important job to complete, and i think my guess is some minds may have been changed, but i don't know. >> reporter: but the president still would not say whether his predecessor should be convicted. later the white house saying his comments were not meant to offer a projection but to explain his response. >> we found news clips harrowing and deeply disturbing and that's certainly how the president felt when he watched it. >> reporter: the president has been focused keeping his aim off the trial and on his agenda. he's now secured another 200 million doses of coronavirus vaccines, saying not everyone will be vaccinated by the end of summer. >> we're going to be in a position where it's not going to be by the end of the summer

welker. >> reporter: house democrats unveiling their impeachment case, pinning the blame for the deadly capitol riots squarely on former president trump saying mr. trump, quote, summoned a mob to washington, exhorted them into a frenzy, and aimed them like a loaded cannon down pennsylvania avenue, that he refused to accept the will of the american people, even quoting liz cheneying wu of the fuss house republicans who voted to impeach who said president trump lit the flame of this attack in their brief, democratthis fih at the rally reporter: but in t defense, mr. trump's amend right to express his belief the election results were suspect and he did not incite violence. >> this is a very, very dangerous road to take with respect to the first amend, putting at risk any passionate political speaker, which is really against everything we believe in in this country. >> reporter: mr. trump's team argues it's unconstitutional to hold a trial to try to remove the former president because he holds no public office from which he can be removed. democrats are plafting that argument saying there's

here is kristen welker. >> reporter: overnight president biden offering the clearest time line yet for vaccinating americans. >> by the end of july, we'll have over 600 million doses. enough to vaccinate every single american. >> reporter: those comments at a cnn town hall in milwaukee, coming just hours after dr. fauci revealed that due to manufacturing delays, vaccines will not be available to the general public by april as he had initially told savannah last week on "today." >> if you look at the projection, i would imagine by the time we get to april, that will be what i would call for better wording open season, namely virtually everybody and anybody in any category could start to get vaccinated. >> reporter: also under scrutiny, the president's plan to reopen schools. they say the goal is days. >> that was a mistake in the commajority of schools in k through 8th grade. because they are the easiest to open, the most needed to be open in terms of the impact on children and families having to stay home. >> reporter: asked when life will return to normal, the president predicted -- >

we'll get the latest from "weekend today" co-host, white house chief correspondent kristen welker good morning. >> good morning to you we have new developments at this hour just moments ago, president biden speaking from the white house, commented on the impeachment trial of his predecessor. quote, i am anxious to see what my republican friends do quote, will they stand up? it all comes as both sides gear up for another high-stakes day on capitol hill as former president trump's lawyers are expected to make their case today. >> reporter: in their final day of arguments, house democrats warning senators that failing to convict former president trump will have dire and lasting consequences >> if you don't find this a high crime and misdemeanor today, you have set a new, terrible standard for presidential misconduct >> reporter: on thursday, newly released court documents showed that the group, the oath keepers, was plotting violent action to stop joe biden's inauguration, including bringing heavy weapons across the potomac river into washington. one member of the group saying in a text m

i am so pleased to welcome our special guest, kristen welker

we just got a note from our chief white house correspondent kristen welker. he was asked, the president was asked about the impeachment hearing yesterday, kristen said, did you see the video? the president said, i am focused on my job. i watched the news. i didn't watch the hearing live. i think the senate has an important job. i think minds could have been changed. that coming from president biden just a few moments ago. cluck. >> you know, craig, andrea, that's the thing. before this trial started, there was a lot of punditry in this crowd and the speculation that, hey, we already know this outcome. some of us wanted to tap the brakes and say what will happen when they have to live the entire day over again? we were all wondering, what would happen? that day was yesterday. i think we're all pretty rattled here. it was more intense. andreaened and i were right where we are seating now when it was happening and to think we had no idea how bad it was. that's the question. these are human beings. these aren't potted plants in the united states senate. these are

kristen welker is at the white house. leigh ann, lay it out for us, we've been having the discussion about the constitutionality argument that will be on full display this afternoon, walk us through what to expect. >> reporter: what this trial is going to look like is it's going to start today with a vote on this rules package that set the parameters of this trial and then after that there's going to be four hours of debate on this issue of constitutionality. at the end of that four hours, that's when one -- all 100 senators will vote on if this is a constitutional process or not. of course that vote is expected to pass. democrats are in the majority. then they move on tomorrow to the meat of the trial where each side, the impeachment managers and the trump defense, will get 16 hours each to argue their case. on this issue of witnesses, though, that is something that is not completely settled. there are no witnesses at this point. but the senators could vote at any moment in this trial on if they want to call in witnesses

it's really a great pleasure to have kristen welker. she is the coanchor of "we can today -- weekend today," leading the network's coverage of every aspect of the biden administration. we see her political reporting across all nbc news and msnbc platforms, including today, nbc nightly news, meet the press. she joined "weekend today" as a coanchor. i am sure you remember when she moderated the final presidential debate and did a great job. since the pandemic, she is focused on covering the government's response and she is very familiar with this terrain so we are thrilled to have kristin with us today. -- kristen with us today. kristen: thank you for that incredible introduction. i would like to thank everyone at john hopkins, the women's journey. i just want to thank everyone at johns hopkins. you are literally on the front lines of this fight. all of the doctors, nurses, really the front-line workers who are making a difference as we address this crisis as a country. so, thank you so much. i am honored. i am looking forward to what i k

let's get it started with nbc's chief white house correspondent kristen welker kristen, good morning. >> hi, savannah. good morning to you. it could be another emotional day of arguments as house impeachment managers prepare to present new details in their case against former president trump. democrats are poised to show more video from the day of the january 6th attack, as they try to prove their assertion that mr. trump incited the riot, something the former president denies we should warn you, the video presented by house managers so far is graphic, and nbc news has edited out offensive language. >> reporter: house managers unveiled a sering searin 13-minute video montage of the january 6th insurrection, presenting the harrowing events as they unfolded it transported senators back to the terrifying moments that they experienced themselves >> [ bleep ] [ bleep ]. >> reporter: linking mr. trump's remarks before the riots -- >> if you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore. >> reporter: -- with his supporters invoking his name while storming congress. >> you

let's get right to nbc's chief white house correspondent kristen welker she's on capitol hill for us this morning hi, kristen. good morning >> hi, savannah. good morning to you. president biden is aiming to counterprogram this week's impeachment trial of his predecessor, putting the focus, instead, on his push for a covid relief bill and the economy. all as washington gears up for the second impeachment trial of former president trump this week, president biden aiming to intensify his push for a $1.9 trillion covid relief package. in an interview that aired sunday, highlighting the urgency. the president was asked, is it a national emergency that nearly 20 million children have not been in the classroom for about a year >> it is a national emergency. i thinit ik time for schools to reopen safely, safely you have to have fewer people in the classroom. >> reporter: and with republicans and some democrats urgi $1,400 direct payments he's proposing more targeted based on income, biden was pressed. >> is it someone who makes up to $50,000, or someone who makes up to $75,000 >> i'm prepare