The Rachel Maddow Show

This episode explores political strategies in key battleground states, examining Republican spending patterns and Democratic opportunities in Texas, Mississippi, and Georgia. The discussion includes an interview with Tejano singer Bobby Pulido on his transition from music to a congressional campaign in South Texas, as well as insights from Stacey Abrams on the political landscape in Georgia and the economic impacts of immigration. The program also features a deep dive with Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O'Donnell regarding political endurance, the importance of collective action, and the role of journalism. The conversation reflects on past political challenges, the impact of voter suppression, and provides advice for journalists covering community struggles and the pursuit of truth.

At a live event in Texas, MSNBC personalities explore the shifting political landscape and the challenges facing American democracy. The discussion covers the critical importance of voter counting, redistricting, and the competitive nature of upcoming congressional and Senate races. Through interviews with Stephanie Rule and Reverend Al Sharpton, the episode examines how economic frustration, systemic failures, and political division contribute to a fragile democracy. The program concludes with an audience Q&A session focusing on the influence of media, international diplomacy, and sources of hope for the country's future.

In this live event at the 92nd Street Y, Nicole Wallace interviews Hollywood agent Ari Emanuel about his new memoir, 'Roll the Calls'. The conversation explores Emanuel's business philosophy of constant communication and his approach to navigating difficult political dialogues with figures like Elon Musk and Kanye West. The discussion expands into a wide-ranging debate on political leverage, media integrity, and the influence of the Trump administration on news organizations. Emanuel also shares personal anecdotes regarding his history of standing up to bullies, his views on wealth and eccentricity, and unconventional health practices.

The episode begins with an announcement regarding the host's upcoming book, 'Department of Fate,' and a historical look at the 1984 Dublin grocery strike, where young Irish workers protested South African apartheid goods. The narrative follows their journey from local labor struggle to a self-funded trip to South Africa. The discussion then transitions to modern grassroots activism, including protests against ICE detention facilities and efforts to protect election integrity in Utah and Georgia. The episode concludes with reports on faith-based tours to defend democracy, concerns over election oversight in Georgia, and declining attendance at Trump rallies.

Security Incident at UK Airbase. FBI Leadership Changes and Political Interference. FBI Data Breach and Cybersecurity Threats. AI Regulation and US-Russia Cooperation. AI and Military Autonomy. Resistance and Protests. The Nature of Authoritarianism. Kilbury Print and the Importance of Local Press. Legal Battles for Press Freedom. Legal Battle Over White House Press Ban. Russian Disinformation and Operation Matryoshka. Interview with David Korn.

The episode begins with announcements regarding an upcoming MSNOW event in Texas and the host's television appearance, before covering protests at the Kennedy Center against administration efforts to alter the institution. The report also details a violent incident in Austin involving the shooting of a DoorDash driver by federal agents and subsequent ICE-related incidents and widespread protests across the U.S. The discussion covers growing media solidarity, including a joint legal challenge by MSNOW, CNN, and Politico against the revocation of press credentials, featuring insights from First Amendment expert Jamil Jaffer. The episode concludes with reports on ongoing protests in Austin following the shooting and ICE detention of the delivery driver.

Rachel Maddow discusses the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to block a Trump administration executive order that sought to interfere with mail-in voting via the Postal Service, featuring interviews regarding election integrity and potential political escalation. The episode also covers legal battles over election rhetoric, 'No Kings' protests in Ireland, the global fuel crisis, and reports of Russian influence involving a wedding celebration for Donald Trump Jr. A ProPublica investigation reveals that a Russian oligarch close to Vladimir Putin secretly funded expenses for Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding in the Bahamas. Additionally, the program examines a developing situation regarding Trump-appointed officials attempting to rename the Kennedy Center to secure funding.

Rachel Maddow critiques the Trump administration's recent actions, including the deportation of individuals from Afghanistan and Iran to the Central African Republic and controversial diplomatic signals at a G20 meeting. The episode also explores local resistance to federal policies across various U.S. states, ranging from protests in Louisiana to opposition to voting changes in Texas and Wyoming. Additionally, the program covers news regarding a secret underground bunker built during the Obama administration and ongoing construction controversies at the White House. The episode concludes with discussions on threats to national historic preservation laws and the impact of federal funding cuts on managing nationwide disease outbreaks.

Rachel Maddow examines a series of military and aviation incidents linked to the leadership of Pete Hegseth and Donald Trump, including GPS jamming and unauthorized use of lasers. The episode critiques the administration's handling of the war with Iran and the prioritization of presidential spectacles over military readiness. The discussion also covers political and economic tensions involving Canada and Russia, alongside an interview with journalist Karen Attia regarding her legal victory against The Washington Post. Finally, the episode explores recent election results in Sarasota County and critiques the redirection of federal commemorative funding toward presidential projects.

Rachel Maddow investigates Greenland Energy, a Texas-based company allegedly attempting unauthorized oil drilling in Greenland, connecting the move to broader themes of imperialist expansion. The episode also examines domestic political shifts, including anti-immigrant rallies in Indiana and Ohio, as well as voter rejections of Republican proposals in Kansas and Missouri. The program concludes with discussions on protecting Black political power in the South through successful voter mobilization efforts in Tennessee. Additionally, the episode covers news regarding Republican candidate replacements in North Carolina and Ohio, alongside investigations into poor conditions and contaminated water at immigration detention centers.

This episode provides live election coverage of Democratic primaries, with a deep dive into the competitive Michigan Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens. The discussion analyzes the impact of third-party candidates, super PAC tactics, and the challenges of coalition building in swing districts. The coverage also examines shifting vote counts across several key congressional districts in Michigan and Washington. Analysts explore the chaotic state of Republican primaries in Michigan's 8th district and discuss how national political issues, such as tariffs and affordability, manifest as tangible local concerns for voters.

Rachel Maddow covers breaking news including wildfires in Washington, cyberattacks on US water systems attributed to Iran, and political developments regarding Todd Blanche's confirmation. The episode also examines various Republican candidates across Texas, North Carolina, and Ohio, alongside reports of human rights concerns involving Haitian immigrants in Ohio. The program features an interview with Democratic Senate nominee James Tallarico, who discusses his campaign strategy in Texas. He focuses on opposing Ken Paxton's corruption, protecting voting rights, and implementing a politics of unity to address issues facing Black Texans and overcome political polarization.

The episode explores the concept of 'the bill coming due,' examining how political decisions by figures like Donald Trump and Elon Musk are manifesting as crises in public health, national security, and election integrity. The discussion covers the decline of foodborne illness surveillance, rising measles cases, and the mismanagement of military involvement in Iran. The episode also highlights successful grassroots activism, specifically the campaign that pressured Citizens Bank to exit credit facilities for companies running immigrant prisons. Additionally, it covers the dismissal of criminal charges against labor leader David Huerta following a violent arrest, alongside political updates regarding Republican candidates in Minnesota, Colorado, and Texas.

This episode examines a series of fatal shootings involving federal agents, beginning with the death of Juan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine and widespread protests across the U.S. responding to increasing violence during immigration enforcement operations. The report details how rising arrest numbers are accompanied by an unmistakable trail of bodies in American cities. The discussion further explores recurring political themes under the Trump administration, including legal challenges to financial schemes, investigations into agent killings, and the use of subpoenas against New York Times reporters. The episode also covers the removal of commissioners from the Election Assistance Commission and a bizarre incident involving firearms discovered in NATO summit gift bags.

O episódio aborda a crise política de Graham Plattner, cujo apoio desmorona após graves acusações de estupro, e a incerteza sobre a saúde do senador Mitch McConnell. Discute-se também as implicações geopolíticas da viagem de Donald Trump à cúpula da OTAN e seu contato secreto com Putin. A pauta explora ainda a instabilidade da OTAN sob o governo Trump, a personalização das celebrações nacionais dos EUA em torno de sua imagem e a reversão de regulamentações de armas que facilita o acesso para pessoas com doenças mentais. Por fim, aborda a intervenção de Trump na FIFA e o recuo nos planos de construção de campos de prisão no Arizona.

This episode explores the themes of resisting tyranny and the ongoing struggle for democracy. The discussion begins with an examination of how fundamental American principles are often misinterpreted in modern political discourse, alongside a look at the active role older generations play in protests regarding voting rights and redistricting. Featuring legal expert Sherilyn Ifill, the conversation delves into the erosion of civil rights through executive actions and the historical significance of the 'second founding' during Reconstruction. The episode concludes with a discussion on the responsibilities of citizenship, strategies to combat disinformation, and the importance of empathy in public service.

This episode begins with a live MSNOW event in Philadelphia, tracing the 'American experiment' through its historical contradictions—from the founding era to modern-day protests. The narrative explores how ordinary individuals have shaped pivotal moments in democracy. Following this, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro discusses the necessity of constitutional reforms and addressing executive power. He further outlines a vision for patriotism as a collective identity and addresses the Democratic Party's focus on economic relief and structural reform.

This episode examines recent legal and political developments involving Donald Trump, including a $50,000 settlement regarding a National Guard patrol incident and the Supreme Court's refusal to overturn the E. Jean Carroll defamation verdict. The discussion also covers the Trump administration's legal setbacks regarding state voter rolls and a surge in Democratic candidate recruitment. Furthermore, the episode explores a Supreme Court ruling that expands presidential power by allowing the removal of independent agency heads without cause, raising concerns about potential corruption and self-dealing. The episode concludes with insights from former FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya on regulatory independence and a report on The Onion's satirical takeover of InfoWars.

The speaker explores the themes of the audiobook 'On Courage' by Julia Engwin and Ami Feilds-Meyer, examining the nature of modern dissidence and resistance against authoritarianism. The discussion highlights how small, practical acts of witnessing and community care—ranging from documenting injustices at detention centers to providing mutual aid—can serve as powerful tools to make oppressive regimes costly and inconvenient. Furthermore, the episode delves into the mechanics of successful nonviolent resistance, such as the 3.5% rule, and assesses the current state of American democracy. Amidst rising global autocracy and the dangers of modern technological surveillance, the conversation maintains hope through the power of exposing corruption and fostering community solidarity.

This episode examines a series of recent legal and political setbacks for the Trump administration, including court rulings that dismissed subpoenas against Minnesota officials and blocked the use of Social Security data for voter roll manipulation. The host also covers the closure of the 'Alligator Alcatraz' facility and the abandonment of several warehouse prison camps, alongside ABC's decision to defend its news programming against FCC interference. The episode further explores the political decline of Donald Trump, citing incompetence and foreign policy failures regarding Iran as weakening factors. Additionally, investigative reporting reveals allegations of a religious group's influence on Tulsi Gabbard's social media presence and details DOJ misconduct involving allegations of political retribution in federal prosecutions across Illinois and Minnesota.

Este episódio explora a inauguração do Obama Presidential Center em Chicago, detalhando o impacto do centro na South Side e o seu papel como motor de desenvolvimento econômico para comunidades historicamente negligenciadas. A conversa aborda o legado da família Obama, integrando elementos de arte, ancestralidade e a importância da inclusividade no museu. A discussão aprofunda-se em temas como a redefinição de identidade e gênero na liderança, além de explorar as exposições do museu, incluindo a área 'Democracy 101'. O episódio também destaca a conexão emocional entre o público e a presidência através de uma exibição de correspondências da Casa Branca, refletindo sobre o poder da coletividade e o compromisso com a democracia.

This episode provides an inside look at the newly opened Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, exploring its unique architecture, design, and mission to serve as a community hub for democratic engagement. The tour highlights the museum's interactive exhibits, a detailed replica of the Oval Office, and the intentional use of historical artifacts to reflect American ingenuity and the President's values. The discussion further delves into how the center presents the complexities and contradictions of American history. By navigating the tension between America's founding ideals and its history of exclusion, the center aims to provide a space for understanding the nation's unfinished business and building a deeper, more resilient connection to the country.

Rachel Maddow lists the goals Donald Trump set for the war he started with Iran, from regime change to obliterating Iran's nuclear capacity, none of which have been met as Trump announces an agreement that reportedly will at least re-open the Strait of Hormuz, though apparently with some fees attached. MS NOW's Ayman Mohyeldin joins to discuss.

Donald Trump was roundly booed in New York City outside of Madison Square Garden on his way to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Trump was booed again once he was spotted inside the venue. Rachel Maddow shares footage of the booing and remarks on the way Trump has arranged to benefit financially from his other sports preoccupation, a UFC fight on the White House grounds.

Rachel Maddow and a panel of her MS NOW colleagues analyze primary election returns from New Jersey, South Dakota, Iowa, New Mexico, Montana and California, and react to breaking news of the Supreme Court granting an "emergency" request from Alabama to allow the elimination of a majority Black district, and CBS News firing Scott Pelley for speaking out against changes made to 60 Minutes by new management.

Rachel Maddow and a panel of her MS NOW colleagues analyze primary election returns in New Jersey, South Dakota, Iowa, New Mexico, Montana and California.

Amid a politically punishing backlash against Donald Trump's flagrant $1.776 billion money grab for his criminal allies, a judge is considering whether to investigation if the "IRS settlement" on which the slush fund is based began as a legitimate court case or was a fraud on the court from the beginning. Former federal prosecutor Joyce Vance talks with Rachel Maddow about the legal guidelines the judge is considering.

Former federal prosecutor Barbara McQuade talks with Rachel Maddow about her acclaimed new book, "The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government," in which she draws upon her experience prosecuting fraud and organized crime to understand how to defeat Donald Trump's style of intimidation and inflicting pain on others to dominate them and get what he wants.

A special broadcast of Rachel Maddow's recent live event at the 92nd Street Y: A conversation with Steven J. Ross, author of "The Secret War Against Hate."

Rachel Maddow looks at Donald Trump's attempt to have $1.8 billion taxpayer dollars handed to him to distribute to his friends and allies, and debunks the notion that this money-grab has anything to do with suing the IRS. Rep. Jamie Raskin, who calls Trump's scheme "nothing but a racket," joins to discuss Trump's increasingly open, shameless corruption.

As Donald Trump has tried to use the Department of Justice as his personal tool for petty revenge and political intimidation, the department's track record has been abysmal and its frequent mistakes, mortifying. Rachel Maddow takes a look at the degradation Trump has brought to a once-distinguished facet of American government.

AI – and coverage of it – is everywhere. But what is artificial intelligence, really, beyond the buzzword? Each week, in a special new miniseries - ‘The AI End Game’ - Chris Hayes is joined by preeminent experts on AI and its effects to help make sense of this revolutionary time in history.

Rachel Maddow makes the case that from the first day of his second term, Donald Trump has been engaged in "a concerted and intense targeting of Black Americans," from firings to executive orders and including his Supreme Court gutting the Voting Rights Act, which will likely largely eliminate Black congressional representation in the American South.

Julia Ainsley, senior Homeland Security correspondent for NBC News and author of the newly released, "Undue Process: The Inside Story of Trump’s Mass Deportation Program" talks with Rachel Maddow about her original reporting into how the Trump administration's series of ad libs on implementing Trump's immigration policy led to a cascade of failures that turned Trump's biggest political boon into a disaster that turned the country against him.

The Trump administration "would prefer to do things that are easy," Rachel Maddow points out. And so, by making the implementation of a nationwide immigrant prison system not at all easy, and, in fact, quite hard, Americans pushing back against Trump's plan are winning, and Trump's prisons are not opening.

Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Donald Trump's secretary of labor, is resigning in a cloud of scandal, extending a string of high-level departures from the administration. Rachel Maddow surveys the landscape of Trump's Cabinet.

Rachel Maddow highlights some striking parallels between Donald Trump and the authoritarian regime his administration is modeled on, Victor Orbán in Hungary. Maddow notes that the basis for an authoritarian's power is the sense that their continued rule is inevitable, so seeing Orbán tossed from power so handily by the voters of Hungary sends a clear and upsetting message to Trump, and an encouraging message to Trump's opponents.

Rachel Maddow looks at how Donald Trump's overall cluelessness and incompetence is made worse by Pete Hegseth's active destabilizing of the U.S. military and poor decision-making in wartime.

Rachel Maddow points out several instances of Donald Trump's Department of Homeland Security paying tens of millions of dollars more than the assessed value of warehouses the administration wants to turn into massive prison camps for immigrants.

Rachel Maddow looks at the news stories we would have trouble believing if we weren't living through them in real time, including Denmark, a U.S. ally, making preparations to defend itself and Greenland against the U.S., Donald Trump staggering around war crime-level threats against Iran, a MAGA sheriff seizing hundreds of thousands of ballots, and ICE agents being sent to airports with no real job to do.

Rachel Maddow looks at how Donald Trump's fast talk and gaslighting can't change the reality of the mess he has made in the Strait of Hormuz as allies resist his bullying and rivals and opportunists take advantage of him to enrich themselves.

In a rambling press conference full of bizarre answers to questions about the war he started against Iran, Donald Trump admitted that he is doing it "for the other parts of the world." Rachel Maddow looks at how Russia is benefitting tremendously from Trump's attack on Iran, even as it helps Iran target American interests, and how Trump has set off a global energy crisis of historic proportions.

Rachel Maddow and her MS NOW colleagues track the primary election returns in Texas and North Carolina, with Ali Velshi offering special statistical insights from the big board as one of the most closely watched elections, the Democratic Senate primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico mired in legal complications after polling place confusion in Dallas.

"They're not sending their best." Rachel Maddow reviews how the collection of unqualified culture warriors Donald Trump has put in charge of key facets of the United States national security apparatus is much worse than merely incompetent now that Trump has started a war with Iran and stoked a new level of threat against Americans and American interests.

Rachel Maddow joins MS NOW's ongoing live breaking coverage of the United States' attack on Iran.

Listen to MS NOW’s Special Coverage of President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address on February 24th, 2026.

Rachel Maddow considering the tradition associated with the State of the Union address in which one member of the president's Cabinet does not attend the event in case something happens that prevents everyone in attendance at the speech who would ordinarily be part of the presidential succession from being able to serve. But in Donald Trump's case, his Cabinet is so full of scandal and disgrace, designating a survivor seems impossible.

Rachel Maddow shares highlights from a judge's remarks in rejecting Donald Trump's power to dismantle a national monument i Philadelphia to hide the fact that George Washington owned slaves. The judge compared Trump's censorious "anti-woke" edict to the mission of the Ministry of Truth in George Orwell's 1984.

A preview of “MS NOW Presents: Clock It” – your invitation to Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels’s weekly groupchat.

Donald Trump is, of course, mentioned thousands of times in the Epstein files, as one would expect given his close relationship with notorious pedophile and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, but Trump's association with many of the names in those files did not end with Epstein's arrest, or even death. Rachel Maddow highlights some of the mentions that are oddly still enjoying impunity.