The Rachel Maddow Show Possible war crime puts Trump's 'illegal orders' freakout in new context
22 snips
Dec 2, 2025 
Adam Smith, ranking Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, discusses the alarming implications of Donald Trump's former defense secretary's orders to eliminate survivors after an airstrike. He explains how these actions could be classified as war crimes and emphasizes the need for congressional oversight. Additionally, Nadya Tolokonnikova, co-founder of Pussy Riot, reflects on being labeled as an extremist in Russia. She draws parallels to U.S. tactics against dissent, urging solidarity among activists and cautioning against cancel culture.
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Pussy Riot Declared Extremist In Russia
- Nadya Tolokonnikova described Russia declaring Pussy Riot extremist and the risks that follow for supporters and art exhibits.
- She urged U.S. activists to avoid canceling each other and to build broader coalitions against authoritarian tactics.
Build Coalitions, Don't Cancel Allies
- Don't cancel fellow opposition groups; actively reach out and build broader coalitions across movements.
- Tolokonnikova advised dialogue and unity to withstand authoritarian pressure and exile.
Alleged Kill-Order Explains The 'Illegal Orders' Panic
- Reports say Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered a follow-on strike to kill survivors of a struck boat, which matches the Defense Department's own illegal-order example.
- That allegation explains why reminders that service members must refuse illegal orders provoked an intense White House reaction.
