Meet the Press Season 2017 Episode 18 April 30, 2017

On April 30, 2017, Meet the Press aired its 18th episode of the 2017 season. This episode featured a panel discussion on various political issues of the time, including healthcare reform and the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

The show began with host Chuck Todd discussing the ongoing debate over healthcare reform. He spoke with Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who played a key role in blocking the GOP's efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Todd and Collins discussed the failure of the healthcare bill, and what Congress could do next to address issues with the current system.

The episode also included a panel discussion with NBC News' Kristen Welker, Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker, and Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan. The panelists discussed a range of topics, including the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, President Trump's first 100 days in office, and the upcoming French presidential election.

The panelists debated whether President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey was an attempt to influence the investigation into Russian election interference. They also discussed the potential consequences of the investigation, with some arguing that it could lead to the impeachment of the president.

The episode also included an interview with Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey, who discussed issues facing the African-American community and his efforts to hold the Trump administration accountable. Booker also criticized the president's proposed budget, which he argued would harm lower-income Americans.

In the final segment of the show, Chuck Todd spoke with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel about the city's efforts to combat violence and improve its schools. Emanuel discussed the city's work to increase the number of police officers on the streets and create more job opportunities for residents.

Overall, the April 30, 2017 episode of Meet the Press provided a thoughtful and insightful discussion of the political issues of the day. With a mix of interviews and panel discussions, the show offered viewers a comprehensive look at the key topics shaping the nation's political landscape.