The Rachel Maddow Show

Tension rises as Trump reveals he learned about a Pentagon plan to brief Musk on secret war strategies from the media, prompting concerns about national security. The discussion highlights the turbulent intersection of Trump's presidency and media influence, with public protests against federal cuts and Musk's growing role in policy. The episode also explores critical issues surrounding Social Security, including perceived fraud and access struggles, underscoring the urgent need for transparency and accountability in government.

Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota and former teacher, joins to discuss the chaos of the Trump administration's decision to release unredacted JFK assassination documents. The mishap highlights the dangers of blind obedience to leadership devoid of competence. Walz critiques the move to close the Department of Education, warning of its dire implications for public schooling and accountability. They also delve into the fallout of closed Social Security offices and legal battles surrounding unjust deportation policies, emphasizing the need for governmental responsibility.

Rising Russian sabotage threats are making headlines, especially attacks on cargo planes in Europe. Western intelligence is increasingly alarmed, with incidents pinpointed at DHL hubs raising concerns for U.S. security. Meanwhile, the Trump-era rollback in U.S. efforts to counter these threats has added urgency to the situation. A national security correspondent discusses the implications of these developments on American safety and support for Ukraine, painting a daunting picture of geopolitical tension.

Rachel Maddow reports on yet another bad day in the courts for Donald Trump as he was made to restore jobs his top campaign donor, Elon Musk, had slashed, and was similarly made to restore USAID, another victim of Musk's DOGE, and lastly, had his anti-trans military policy rejected and was given a lesson in the language of the Declaration of Independence for good measure.

The U.S. Institute for Peace announced Monday that despite being independent of the executive branch and controlling its own building and the land it sits on, their objections to members of Elon Musk's DOGE team trespassing in their building were overridden by D.C. police. That came after an earlier confrontation in which DOGE was accompanied by the FBI. Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward, who is suing the U.S. Marshals for information on DOGE after a similar raid, joins to discuss the unprecedented nature of DOGE leveraging the threat of armed law enforcement against another part of the government.

Rachel Maddow shares the amazing, historic story of how former Senator Alan Simpson and former Representative Norm Mineta partnered on hearings into the internment of Japanese-Americans during World War II, and why Donald Trump's reported plan to invoke the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, which was used to justify Japanese internment, is raising alarm.

Rachel Maddow reads from the court transcript in which a federal judge blasts the Trump administration's defense of its firing of thousands of federal workers and orders that the jobs be restored, with some harsh words for Trump's lawyers to boot.

John Larson, a veteran Democratic Congressman from Connecticut, passionately critiques recent attempts to privatize Social Security. He discusses the backlash against Elon Musk's proposal to cut crucial customer service, citing the power of grassroots movements and public outcry in halting harmful policies. Larson highlights the importance of accountability in government and the need for politicians to engage with their constituents face-to-face. The conversation reflects on the ongoing struggle against wealthy influence over vital public services, underscoring civic action's potential.

Dive into the chaotic backdrop of Trump's administration with a lighthearted tale of his encounter with a Gorbachev impersonator. Discover the economic upheaval spurred by Trump's tariff policies and the ensuing legal battles. The podcast sheds light on the significant layoffs at the Department of Education, focusing on the adverse effects on vulnerable communities. It also illustrates the struggles constituents face in getting their voices heard, contrasting engaged representatives with those who shy away from accountability.

Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy combat pilot, discusses the increasingly precarious reliance of the U.S. on Elon Musk and his Starlink program. He highlights the economic fallout in the wake of Trump's presidency and the geopolitical implications of Musk's influence on U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Ukraine. Kelly shares insights from his recent trip to Ukraine, emphasizing the need for ongoing support and addresses the internal divisions within the Republican Party regarding these critical issues.