Rachel Maddow Show

Is that really Rachel?

Spot checking and sometimes debunking quotes, memes and fake news stories about, or ascribed to, Rachel Maddow.

Thursday’s Mini-Report, 10.16.25

Today’s edition of quick hits.
John Bolton, former US national security adviser, during Harvard Kennedy School's John F. Kennedy Jr. forum in Cambridge, Mass., on Sept. 29, 2025.
John Bolton, former US national security adviser, during Harvard Kennedy School's John F. Kennedy Jr. forum in Cambridge, Mass., on Sept. 29, 2025.

As deadly boat strikes continue, Trump suggests evidence is unimportant

The White House insists there’s evidence to justify the president’s extrajudicial military strikes. It just doesn’t want to share that evidence with anyone.
President Donald Trump.
President Donald Trump.

Unsettling White House plans to target its opponents on the left come into sharper focus

Secretary Scott Bessent compared Charlie Kirk’s slaying to 9/11. If that weren’t quite enough, Vice President JD Vance shared a related vision.
Scott Bessent.
Scott Bessent.

Swastika displayed in Republican’s congressional office sparks investigation

The Capitol Police are investigating an American flag that was altered to include a swastika and displayed inside the office of a Republican congressman.
The US Capitol.
The US Capitol.

JD Vance doubles down, pushes ridiculous defense of racist Republican group chat

The vice president’s initial rhetoric about a disgusting GOP group chat was misguided. His follow-up remarks made matters far worse.
Vice President JD Vance.
Vice President JD Vance.

Trump acknowledges covert action in Venezuela, eyes possible military strikes

As Trump escalates matters with the South American country, he also confirmed a CIA operation — something presidents are not supposed to do.
President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.
President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela.

Price tag of Trump’s Argentina bailout set to double, creating Democratic opportunity

As the cost of the White House’s bailout package roughly doubles, the political risks for the American president appear increasingly unavoidable.
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with President of Argentina Javier Milei.
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) shakes hands with President of Argentina Javier Milei.

More MaddowBlog

3d ago

Team Trump eyes changes at the IRS that would make weaponization far easier

There were some indications that the president’s appointees were politicizing the agency in ways unseen since Watergate. The emerging picture is now worse.
 Internal Revenue Service   signage
 Internal Revenue Service   signage
3d ago

As U.S. airports reject Kristi Noem’s partisan video, key senator seeks investigation

Can the DHS secretary use taxpayer money to make a propagandistic attack ad, which airports are rejecting anyway?
Kristi Noem.
Kristi Noem.
3d ago

Trump pitches Justice Dept. and FBI leaders on a newly expanded enemies list

The president continues to lobby law enforcement officials to target his foes, brazenly and publicly, driven by a sense of grievance and entitlement.
President Trump And FBI Director Patel Hold News Conference
President Trump And FBI Director Patel Hold News Conference
4d ago

Wednesday’s Mini-Report, 10.15.25

Today’s edition of quick hits.
The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Supreme Court building in Washington, D.C.
4d ago

The Jan. 6 attack gets in the way of Republican Party talking points (again)

There have been jokes about Republicans forgetting who was president in 2020, but the GOP’s habit of forgetting about the Jan. 6 attack is far less funny.
Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol.
Pro-Trump supporters storm the U.S. Capitol.
4d ago

With a certified victory in hand, Arizona’s Grijalva demands to be seated on Capitol Hill

When it comes to seating the Democratic representative-elect, House Speaker Mike Johnson is running out of excuses — and facing a possible court fight.
Adelita Grijalva.
Adelita Grijalva.
4d ago

Republican Rep. Cory Mills hit with a restraining order from ex-girlfriend

There’s an opening in the “most controversial member of Congress” contest, and the Florida Republican appears to be in the running.
Cory Mills.
Cory Mills.

Projects

Send it to Rachel!

Many ways to let us know about special insights you have on a story we've covered or to flag a story we should know about.

Is that really Rachel?

Spot checking and sometimes debunking quotes, memes and fake news stories about, or ascribed to, Rachel Maddow.

test MSNBC News - Breaking News and News Today | Latest News
test test