The Rachel Maddow Show Trump learns Politics 101: Do unpopular things, become unpopular, lose political power
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Dec 16, 2025 
In this insightful discussion, Dr. Debra Houry, a former senior CDC official and California's new senior medical adviser, sheds light on the notable shift in public health authority as states respond to federal leadership failures. She reveals how expert guidance is being prioritized amidst Trump’s controversial appointments. Houry emphasizes the urgent need for competent public health strategies to fill dangerous gaps. The conversation also touches on the chaos within the FBI, unveiling how political loyalty is undermining essential institutions.
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Community Rescues Worker From ICE Raid
- Local Minnesotans physically blocked ICE agents from detaining construction workers in subzero weather, keeping one man alive with blankets and care.
- The crowd's spontaneous intervention forced ICE to leave and the rescued worker was hospitalized but expected to be okay.
States Filling Federal Public Health Vacuum
- The Trump administration's removal of CDC experts has prompted Democratic-led states to build parallel public health leadership.
- California is hiring former federal public health officials to fill the vacuum and offer evidence-based guidance.
Build Regional Public Health Partnerships
- Partner regionally with states like California to maintain data exchange, pandemic readiness, and lab capacity when federal leadership falters.
- Use science and evidence, not ideology, to drive public health decisions and clinical guidance.