The Rachel Maddow Show

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.

An unveiling of a shocking chapter in American history takes center stage. Discover the executive order that led to the wrongful internment of Japanese Americans, driven by key historical figures. Hear about Aiko Herzig-Yoshinaga's relentless quest in the National Archives, where she uncovers a document once deemed destroyed. This revelation holds the potential to reshape our understanding of governmental actions. Prepare for an enlightening journey into a hidden past that demands to be remembered.

Senator Mark Kelly, a retired U.S. Navy captain and former NASA astronaut, shares his insights on the absurdity of threats from Trump and Pete Hegseth for his video calling out illegal orders. He emphasizes the importance of protecting military integrity against a president who disregards the Constitution. Kelly reflects on personal risks, including his past experiences with Gabby Giffords' shooting, while advocating for service members to refuse unlawful orders. The discussion also touches on bizarre antics from Bolsonaro, raising questions about Trump's awareness.

Explore the harrowing decisions that led to the unjust incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Discover the key figures behind the executive order and the military's tragic implementation of this dark chapter. Listen to personal stories of families torn apart and the chaos of their forced removals. Uncover the shocking attempts to obliterate accountability as original reports were destroyed. The series offers a poignant reflection on this historical injustice and its implications for today's society.

Jacob Soboroff, Senior National Correspondent for MSNOW, shares firsthand accounts from community training events in Charlotte, North Carolina, where residents learned to counter ICE operations. He highlights how local tactics and solidarity are empowering citizens to resist federal immigration actions. Additionally, the discussion shifts to Newport, Oregon, where alarm bells were raised over a potential ICE facility at the airport, leading to massive community protests and calls for transparency from local officials.

Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator from Vermont and a prominent progressive leader, joins to share his frustrations with the Senate's recent vote to end the shutdown, criticizing how it undermines the Democratic momentum built from recent election victories. He emphasizes the need for accountability within the party and advocates for primary challenges against establishment candidates. Additionally, he highlights the potential negative implications of the shutdown deal on healthcare, including rising premiums and Medicaid cuts.

Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Carol Leonnig joins to explore the unraveling of Trump's popularity amidst shocking poll results. They dissect the classified documents investigation, exposing the tension between Trump and the DOJ. Leonnig shares inside details about grand jury testimony that seemed to crumble under scrutiny. Additionally, the discussion highlights the brave community activism in Evanston, Illinois, where locals are rallying against ICE operations while promoting unity and support for struggling families.

Julia Angwin, an investigative reporter specializing in privacy and surveillance, discusses the alarming rise of advanced spyware used by ICE, emphasizing its potential impact on both immigrants and American protesters. Marc Elias, a prominent elections lawyer, shares insights on the legal challenges facing Trump as he attempts to weaponize the Justice Department amid rising unpopularity. Together, they highlight the crucial need for public awareness and vigilance against government overreach and the importance of protecting voting rights in the current political climate.

Two prominent voices in journalism dive deep into the state of U.S. democracy, sharing their personal anecdotes and insights. They discuss the importance of careful news presentation, the significance of individual voices, and the rejection of sensationalist formats. A lively Q&A explores advocacy for LGBTQ rights, civic responsibility in education, and strategies for effective nonviolent protest. Through historical comparisons, they emphasize civic actions that can inspire hope in turbulent times.

Erica Chenoweth, a renowned political scientist from the Harvard Kennedy School, dives into the momentum of the No Kings protests sweeping across the U.S. She discusses the critical elements that drive the success of anti-authoritarian movements, introducing her famous 3.5% rule. The conversation highlights impressive turnout across diverse states, underscoring how public demonstrations translate into political influence. Chenoweth also shares insights on historical parallels and the impact of peaceful protests on electoral outcomes, making this a thought-provoking discussion on civic engagement.