Steve Benen
@stevebenen.com
Rachel Maddow Show producer, MaddowBlog author, MS NOW contributor, and author of Ministry of Truth: Democracy, Reality, and the Republicans' War on the Recent Past
RFK Jr in 2024: The administration will “ban the worst agricultural chemicals.”
Team Trump in 2025: We’re advancing a plan to approve agricultural pesticides containing “forever chemicals” as an active ingredient, despite scientists' concerns. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Team Trump in 2025: We’re advancing a plan to approve agricultural pesticides containing “forever chemicals” as an active ingredient, despite scientists' concerns. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
The administration’s approach to ‘forever chemicals’ clashes with its purported MAHA plans The administration’s approach to ‘forever chemicals’ clashes with its purported MAHA plans
The ‘Make America Healthy Again’ agenda is riddled with a series of overlapping contradictions, which are becoming even more common.
www.ms.now
November 24, 2025 at 9:10 PM
RFK Jr in 2024: The administration will “ban the worst agricultural chemicals.”
Team Trump in 2025: We’re advancing a plan to approve agricultural pesticides containing “forever chemicals” as an active ingredient, despite scientists' concerns. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Team Trump in 2025: We’re advancing a plan to approve agricultural pesticides containing “forever chemicals” as an active ingredient, despite scientists' concerns. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
As Hegseth advances an investigation into Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, remember:
- Kelly didn’t do anything wrong
- This sends an unsubtle signal to active-duty servicemembers
- With Jan 6 in mind, Team Trump shouldn’t be so casual about throwing around the word “sedition” www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
- Kelly didn’t do anything wrong
- This sends an unsubtle signal to active-duty servicemembers
- With Jan 6 in mind, Team Trump shouldn’t be so casual about throwing around the word “sedition” www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Pete Hegseth eyes investigation into Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over 'illegal orders' post Pete Hegseth eyes baseless investigation into Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly
In response to a video warning troops not to follow illegal orders, the Trump administration's hyper-aggressive response has gone from bad to worse.
www.ms.now
November 24, 2025 at 7:51 PM
As Hegseth advances an investigation into Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly, remember:
- Kelly didn’t do anything wrong
- This sends an unsubtle signal to active-duty servicemembers
- With Jan 6 in mind, Team Trump shouldn’t be so casual about throwing around the word “sedition” www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
- Kelly didn’t do anything wrong
- This sends an unsubtle signal to active-duty servicemembers
- With Jan 6 in mind, Team Trump shouldn’t be so casual about throwing around the word “sedition” www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Reposted by Steve Benen
"The unemployment rate has reached a four-year high, job openings are at a four-year low, and leading members of Trump’s own economic team have gone so far as to concede in recent weeks that parts of the U.S. economy are already in recession..."
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
The White House’s celebration of the weak job market makes no sense
Job growth in the first year of Donald Trump’s second term is on pace to be the worst since the Great Recession. So why is his team bragging?
www.ms.now
November 23, 2025 at 8:56 PM
"The unemployment rate has reached a four-year high, job openings are at a four-year low, and leading members of Trump’s own economic team have gone so far as to concede in recent weeks that parts of the U.S. economy are already in recession..."
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Except, of course, it’s *not* all he can say.
Cassidy could concede publicly that confirming Kennedy was a tragic mistake. He could call for RFK Jr's resignation. He could schedule hearings, haul the secretary to Capitol Hill, and demand the CDC’s public resources reflect the scientific cannon.
Cassidy could concede publicly that confirming Kennedy was a tragic mistake. He could call for RFK Jr's resignation. He could schedule hearings, haul the secretary to Capitol Hill, and demand the CDC’s public resources reflect the scientific cannon.
TAPPER: You were the deciding vote that allowed RFK Jr to ascend to the role of Health Secretary. Did you give him too much credit?
CASSIDY: The fact is the scientific community agrees that vaccines are safe. That's all I can say.
CASSIDY: The fact is the scientific community agrees that vaccines are safe. That's all I can say.
November 23, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Except, of course, it’s *not* all he can say.
Cassidy could concede publicly that confirming Kennedy was a tragic mistake. He could call for RFK Jr's resignation. He could schedule hearings, haul the secretary to Capitol Hill, and demand the CDC’s public resources reflect the scientific cannon.
Cassidy could concede publicly that confirming Kennedy was a tragic mistake. He could call for RFK Jr's resignation. He could schedule hearings, haul the secretary to Capitol Hill, and demand the CDC’s public resources reflect the scientific cannon.
As Trump’s offensive against Democratic veterans extends into a second day, a thought:
“I’m not threatening death, but...” is the sort of line presidents should avoid. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
“I’m not threatening death, but...” is the sort of line presidents should avoid. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
‘In the old days, it was death’: Trump rages again against Democratic military veterans
On Thursday, the president accused Democrats of “seditious behavior, punishable by DEATH!” On Friday, he kept the offensive going.
www.ms.now
November 21, 2025 at 7:17 PM
As Trump’s offensive against Democratic veterans extends into a second day, a thought:
“I’m not threatening death, but...” is the sort of line presidents should avoid. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
“I’m not threatening death, but...” is the sort of line presidents should avoid. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Team Trump Pitch #1: Americans will see great economic results in early 2025.
Team Trump Pitch #2: Americans might see great economic results in late 2025.
Team Trump Pitch #3: Americans will hopefully see great economic results in the late summer of 2026.
Can’t wait for Pitch #4.
Team Trump Pitch #2: Americans might see great economic results in late 2025.
Team Trump Pitch #3: Americans will hopefully see great economic results in the late summer of 2026.
Can’t wait for Pitch #4.
As Americans sour on Trump and the economy, the White House moves the goalposts
Team Trump said Americans would see great economic results by the end of 2025. After that fell through, they started pointing to the late summer of 2026.
www.ms.now
November 21, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Team Trump Pitch #1: Americans will see great economic results in early 2025.
Team Trump Pitch #2: Americans might see great economic results in late 2025.
Team Trump Pitch #3: Americans will hopefully see great economic results in the late summer of 2026.
Can’t wait for Pitch #4.
Team Trump Pitch #2: Americans might see great economic results in late 2025.
Team Trump Pitch #3: Americans will hopefully see great economic results in the late summer of 2026.
Can’t wait for Pitch #4.
Those who try to appease Trump invariably lose. Those who stand up and fight back tend to fare well.
It’s true when it comes to law firms; it’s true when it comes to higher ed; and as his failed case against CNN demonstrated this week, it’s true in his court fights against news organizations.
It’s true when it comes to law firms; it’s true when it comes to higher ed; and as his failed case against CNN demonstrated this week, it’s true in his court fights against news organizations.
November 21, 2025 at 1:09 AM
Those who try to appease Trump invariably lose. Those who stand up and fight back tend to fare well.
It’s true when it comes to law firms; it’s true when it comes to higher ed; and as his failed case against CNN demonstrated this week, it’s true in his court fights against news organizations.
It’s true when it comes to law firms; it’s true when it comes to higher ed; and as his failed case against CNN demonstrated this week, it’s true in his court fights against news organizations.
Reposted by Steve Benen
In related news, the claim ‘the Tooth Fairy does not actually take lost baby teeth from under pillows’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that magical beings are secretly thieving teeth in the dead of night…”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
CDC backpedals on vaccines and autism, despite earlier assurances from RFK Jr.
The CDC, under the direction of an unqualified health secretary, is now promoting claims that flunk Logic 101.
www.ms.now
November 20, 2025 at 8:43 PM
In related news, the claim ‘the Tooth Fairy does not actually take lost baby teeth from under pillows’ is not an evidence-based claim because studies have not ruled out the possibility that magical beings are secretly thieving teeth in the dead of night…”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
That an unqualified, anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist is behaving like an unqualified, anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist is painfully predictable.
But the fact remains that 52 Senate Republicans were given an opportunity to protect Americans from RFK Jr. — and they failed spectacularly.
But the fact remains that 52 Senate Republicans were given an opportunity to protect Americans from RFK Jr. — and they failed spectacularly.
CDC backpedals on vaccines and autism, despite earlier assurances from RFK Jr.
The CDC, under the direction of an unqualified health secretary, is now promoting claims that flunk Logic 101.
www.ms.now
November 20, 2025 at 9:06 PM
That an unqualified, anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist is behaving like an unqualified, anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist is painfully predictable.
But the fact remains that 52 Senate Republicans were given an opportunity to protect Americans from RFK Jr. — and they failed spectacularly.
But the fact remains that 52 Senate Republicans were given an opportunity to protect Americans from RFK Jr. — and they failed spectacularly.
Dem veterans reminded servicemembers to refuse illegal orders.
Trump responded by accusing them of “sedition,” labeling them “traitors” and suggesting that they’re subject to arrest — all before raising the possibility *of capital punishment*. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Trump responded by accusing them of “sedition,” labeling them “traitors” and suggesting that they’re subject to arrest — all before raising the possibility *of capital punishment*. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
White House targets Democratic veterans who told troops to refuse illegal orders
In theory, the Democratic video shouldn’t have been especially controversial. In practice, Team Trump’s pushback has been over the top.
www.msnbc.com
November 20, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Dem veterans reminded servicemembers to refuse illegal orders.
Trump responded by accusing them of “sedition,” labeling them “traitors” and suggesting that they’re subject to arrest — all before raising the possibility *of capital punishment*. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Trump responded by accusing them of “sedition,” labeling them “traitors” and suggesting that they’re subject to arrest — all before raising the possibility *of capital punishment*. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Republicans in several states keep trying to impose Ten Commandments displays on public school kids.
Judges keep telling them, “You can't do that.”
Take the latest case out of Texas, for example. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Judges keep telling them, “You can't do that.”
Take the latest case out of Texas, for example. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Court rejects Texas law requiring display of Ten Commandments in public schools
The Supreme Court already ruled against the Ten Commandments in classrooms. That’s why lawsuits against new Republican-imposed displays keep winning.
www.ms.now
November 19, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Republicans in several states keep trying to impose Ten Commandments displays on public school kids.
Judges keep telling them, “You can't do that.”
Take the latest case out of Texas, for example. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Judges keep telling them, “You can't do that.”
Take the latest case out of Texas, for example. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
The list of Jan. 6 criminals who ended up getting arrested again after receiving Trump pardons is long and growing.
The Andrew Johnson case out of Florida, however, is especially galling. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
The Andrew Johnson case out of Florida, however, is especially galling. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter arrested on child molestation charges, adding to pattern
Donald Trump has tried to downplay the number of accused Jan. 6 criminals who’ve ended up in legal trouble again, but the list is long and growing.
www.ms.now
November 19, 2025 at 4:44 PM
The list of Jan. 6 criminals who ended up getting arrested again after receiving Trump pardons is long and growing.
The Andrew Johnson case out of Florida, however, is especially galling. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
The Andrew Johnson case out of Florida, however, is especially galling. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared to have a specific strategy on the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
It’s amazing just how spectacularly it flopped. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
It’s amazing just how spectacularly it flopped. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Speaker Mike Johnson’s strategy on Epstein Files Transparency Act fails in spectacular fashion
As the dust settles on a tumultuous process, spare a thought for the House speaker, whose strategy flopped in multiple ways.
www.ms.now
November 19, 2025 at 2:27 PM
House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared to have a specific strategy on the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
It’s amazing just how spectacularly it flopped. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
It’s amazing just how spectacularly it flopped. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Remember in 2018, when Trump appeared alongside Putin in Helsinki and made clear that he was prioritizing a foreign authoritarian over the United States’ interests and values?
This came to mind watching Trump and Mohammed bin Salman today. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
This came to mind watching Trump and Mohammed bin Salman today. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Trump scrambles to defend Saudi crown prince in an embarrassing display
It’s occasionally tempting to think Trump has hit rock bottom, but then he finds a way to drill a hole in the bottom of the barrel and fall even lower.
www.ms.now
November 18, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Remember in 2018, when Trump appeared alongside Putin in Helsinki and made clear that he was prioritizing a foreign authoritarian over the United States’ interests and values?
This came to mind watching Trump and Mohammed bin Salman today. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
This came to mind watching Trump and Mohammed bin Salman today. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
The White House’s recent interactions with Pakistan, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia offer a case study in how foreign policy isn't supposed to work:
Foreign officials are learning how to get favorable U.S. treatment through flattery, gifts, lobbying, business deals, or some combination thereof.
Foreign officials are learning how to get favorable U.S. treatment through flattery, gifts, lobbying, business deals, or some combination thereof.
November 17, 2025 at 8:55 PM
The White House’s recent interactions with Pakistan, Switzerland, and Saudi Arabia offer a case study in how foreign policy isn't supposed to work:
Foreign officials are learning how to get favorable U.S. treatment through flattery, gifts, lobbying, business deals, or some combination thereof.
Foreign officials are learning how to get favorable U.S. treatment through flattery, gifts, lobbying, business deals, or some combination thereof.
The White House fired a sensible FEMA chief in May and replaced with an unqualified loyalist — who just resigned after six unfortunate months on the job.
It’s hardly unreasonable to wonder if the agency can survive Trump’s second term. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
It’s hardly unreasonable to wonder if the agency can survive Trump’s second term. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Trump-appointed FEMA chief resigns after six troubled months on the job
As the agency’s acting administrator exits, it’s hardly unreasonable to wonder whether FEMA can survive the president’s second term.
www.ms.now
November 17, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The White House fired a sensible FEMA chief in May and replaced with an unqualified loyalist — who just resigned after six unfortunate months on the job.
It’s hardly unreasonable to wonder if the agency can survive Trump’s second term. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
It’s hardly unreasonable to wonder if the agency can survive Trump’s second term. www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Reposted by Steve Benen
"Jeffries concluded, 'Pulte knows what he is doing is lawless... Accountability is coming. The statute of limitations is five years. Every single corrupt sycophant, including Bill Pulte, who continues to disgrace the law will have to answer for their actions'...”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Hakeem Jeffries sends a provocative shot across FHFA chief Bill Pulte’s bow
The House Democratic leader referred to Pulte as “a malignant hack” and a “corrupt sycophant” who might be held criminally liable for his recent actions.
www.ms.now
November 16, 2025 at 3:27 PM
"Jeffries concluded, 'Pulte knows what he is doing is lawless... Accountability is coming. The statute of limitations is five years. Every single corrupt sycophant, including Bill Pulte, who continues to disgrace the law will have to answer for their actions'...”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Reposted by Steve Benen
"If you’re thinking that the president just likes to say the word 'trillion' without any meaningful connection to reality, you’re not alone..."
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
When Trump talks about ‘trillions,’ does he understand what the word means?
The president keeps using the word “trillions,” but I don’t think it means what he thinks it means.
www.ms.now
November 16, 2025 at 2:53 AM
"If you’re thinking that the president just likes to say the word 'trillion' without any meaningful connection to reality, you’re not alone..."
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Reposted by Steve Benen
"'Right now, under federal statutes, President Trump can call us up as the militia,' he said
Rhodes added that he’d like to see Trump 'order us all to come together in our counties under his command'...”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Rhodes added that he’d like to see Trump 'order us all to come together in our counties under his command'...”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
With a Trump pardon in hand, Stewart Rhodes says he’s ‘rebuilding’ the Oath Keepers
After vowing to bring back his group, Rhodes added that he’d like to see the president “order us all to come together ... under his command.”
www.ms.now
November 16, 2025 at 1:45 AM
"'Right now, under federal statutes, President Trump can call us up as the militia,' he said
Rhodes added that he’d like to see Trump 'order us all to come together in our counties under his command'...”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Rhodes added that he’d like to see Trump 'order us all to come together in our counties under his command'...”
www.ms.now/rachel-maddo...
Months ago, the DOJ said there was no further need for investigations in the Epstein case. Then Trump made a ridiculous new demand — and Bondi did what she was told to do.
The debate over whether the AG is actually calling the shots at Main Justice is over. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
The debate over whether the AG is actually calling the shots at Main Justice is over. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Bondi follows Trump’s directive, taps prosecutor to examine Epstein’s Democratic ties
Months ago, law enforcement officials agreed that there was no further need for investigations in the Epstein case. Then the president made a new demand.
www.msnbc.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Months ago, the DOJ said there was no further need for investigations in the Epstein case. Then Trump made a ridiculous new demand — and Bondi did what she was told to do.
The debate over whether the AG is actually calling the shots at Main Justice is over. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
The debate over whether the AG is actually calling the shots at Main Justice is over. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Trump expects the DOJ to launch investigations into figures mentioned in the Epstein materials — but not himself.
He also wants us to see the underlying scandal as a “hoax,” except the parts related to people he doesn’t like, indifferent to the obvious contraction. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
He also wants us to see the underlying scandal as a “hoax,” except the parts related to people he doesn’t like, indifferent to the obvious contraction. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Trump eyes federal Epstein investigation that targets his foes, but not himself
The president wants the public to see the Epstein scandal as a “hoax” — except the parts related to people he doesn’t like.
www.msnbc.com
November 14, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Trump expects the DOJ to launch investigations into figures mentioned in the Epstein materials — but not himself.
He also wants us to see the underlying scandal as a “hoax,” except the parts related to people he doesn’t like, indifferent to the obvious contraction. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
He also wants us to see the underlying scandal as a “hoax,” except the parts related to people he doesn’t like, indifferent to the obvious contraction. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
JD Vance claims millions of struggling immigrants are entering the U.S. and becoming “servants.”
He also thinks they’re getting mortgages and buying up excessive amounts of real estate, driving up home prices.
It’s as if he’s not even trying to make sense anymore. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
He also thinks they’re getting mortgages and buying up excessive amounts of real estate, driving up home prices.
It’s as if he’s not even trying to make sense anymore. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Why JD Vance’s effort to blame immigrants for housing prices is a self-defeating mess
The vice president claimed low-income immigrants are entering the U.S., becoming “servants” and buying up excessive amounts of real estate. Seriously?
www.msnbc.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:31 PM
JD Vance claims millions of struggling immigrants are entering the U.S. and becoming “servants.”
He also thinks they’re getting mortgages and buying up excessive amounts of real estate, driving up home prices.
It’s as if he’s not even trying to make sense anymore. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
He also thinks they’re getting mortgages and buying up excessive amounts of real estate, driving up home prices.
It’s as if he’s not even trying to make sense anymore. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
In a healthy White House, it would be disqualifying for a radical official to acknowledge his “Nazi streak.”
In this White House, Trump personally rewarded Paul Ingrassia with a promotion. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
In this White House, Trump personally rewarded Paul Ingrassia with a promotion. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Despite ‘Nazi streak’ controversy, Ingrassia lands a news gig in the Trump administration
Paul Ingrassia's history of radicalism made him politically radioactive. The president rewarded him with a promotion anyway.
www.msnbc.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:01 PM
In a healthy White House, it would be disqualifying for a radical official to acknowledge his “Nazi streak.”
In this White House, Trump personally rewarded Paul Ingrassia with a promotion. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
In this White House, Trump personally rewarded Paul Ingrassia with a promotion. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Trump keeps using the word “trillions,” but I don't think it means what he thinks it means.
He’s recently misused the word when talking about:
- the economic impact of the shutdown
- tariff revenue
- international investments www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
He’s recently misused the word when talking about:
- the economic impact of the shutdown
- tariff revenue
- international investments www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
When Trump talks about ‘trillions,’ does he understand what the word means?
The president keeps using the word “trillions,” but I don’t think it means what he thinks it means.
www.msnbc.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:50 PM
Trump keeps using the word “trillions,” but I don't think it means what he thinks it means.
He’s recently misused the word when talking about:
- the economic impact of the shutdown
- tariff revenue
- international investments www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
He’s recently misused the word when talking about:
- the economic impact of the shutdown
- tariff revenue
- international investments www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
As Trump talks up plans to turn the White House’s Executive Office Building into a giant white blob, he seems less like a president and more like someone who found a “Sim City: White House Edition” video game and just can’t put it down. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...
Trump’s White House renovation ambitions take a weird turn
Trump too often seems less like a president and more like someone who’s stumbled upon a “Sim City: White House Edition” video game that he can’t put down.
www.msnbc.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:44 PM
As Trump talks up plans to turn the White House’s Executive Office Building into a giant white blob, he seems less like a president and more like someone who found a “Sim City: White House Edition” video game and just can’t put it down. www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddo...