IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Why Trump’s rhetoric about his gag order is difficult to believe

Donald Trump says it’d be a “great honor” to end up in jail for repeatedly violating a gag order. He doesn’t appear to mean a word of it.
Donald Trump speaks to the press with attorney Todd Blanche at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York
Donald Trump speaks to the press with attorney Todd Blanche at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York
10h ago

Some Republicans try once again to defund Jack Smith prosecutions

Last summer, Republicans pushed to defund special counsel Jack Smith's office. As Donald Trump's legal crisis intensifies, the idea has made a comeback.
jack smith law legal lawyer
jack smith law legal lawyer
10h ago

In docs case, controversial judge gives Trump the delays he needs

Roy Cohn was known for saying, “Don’t tell me what the law is, tell me who the judge is.” Watching Judge Aileen Cannon, that quote keeps coming to mind.
This image, contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump, shows boxes of records stored in a bathroom and shower in the Lake Room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents according to an indictment unsealed Friday, June 9, 2023.
This image, contained in the indictment against former President Donald Trump, shows boxes of records stored in a bathroom and shower in the Lake Room at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. Trump is facing 37 felony charges related to the mishandling of classified documents according to an indictment unsealed Friday, June 9, 2023.

Tuesday’s Mini-Report, 5.7.24

Today’s edition of quick hits.
President Joe Biden speaks during the ceremony
President Joe Biden speaks during the ceremony

Stormy Daniels, Donald Trump, and our utterly ridiculous timeline

As Stormy Daniels testifies in Donald Trump's criminal trial, it's worth pausing to appreciate the madness of the broader political circumstances.
Courtroom sketch of Stormy Daniels testifies on the witness stand as Judge Juan Merchan looks on with a photo of Donald Trump and Daniels from their first meeting is displayed on a monitor
Courtroom sketch of Stormy Daniels testifies on the witness stand as Judge Juan Merchan looks on with a photo of Donald Trump and Daniels from their first meeting is displayed on a monitor

Trump isn’t helping himself by slamming a 3.9% unemployment rate

The only way to take Donald Trump's rhetoric about jobs seriously is to ignore every piece of information and forget everything we know about his record.
Donald Trump.
Donald Trump.

Tuesday’s Campaign Round-Up, 5.7.24

Today’s installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.
Victoria Spartz talks to reporters
Victoria Spartz talks to reporters

More MaddowBlog

1d ago

Marjorie Taylor Greene hedges on vote to oust the GOP’s speaker

Marjorie Taylor Greene boasted that she would "absolutely" try to oust Speaker Mike Johnson this week. Perhaps “absolutely” was the wrong choice of words.
Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Johnson.
Marjorie Taylor Greene and Mike Johnson.
1d ago

Unlearned lessons: Trump plans to close pandemic preparedness office

Donald Trump is prepared to close White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, repeating a mistake he made six years ago.
Donald Trump displays a photo of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
Donald Trump displays a photo of the COVID-19 Coronavirus.
1d ago

New data on Social Security’s finances packs a political punch

New data on Social Security's finances offered fresh evidence: President Joe Biden is helping strengthen the system as Donald Trump threatens to weaken it.
Close-up of American social Security cards.
Close-up of American social Security cards.
1d ago

Democrat’s indictment leads to weird, new Trump conspiracy theory

Donald Trump responded to an indictment against a Democratic congressman by saying the justice system is rigged against conservatives. It's really not.
Henry Cuellar
Henry Cuellar
1d ago

GOP’s Kristi Noem falls in a hole, finds a shovel, keeps digging

The White House said Gov. Kristi Noem "should probably stop digging herself in a hole.” That's good advice that the South Dakota Republican has ignored.
Kristi Noem
Kristi Noem
2d ago

Monday’s Mini-Report, 5.6.24

Today’s edition of quick hits.
Smoke billows over Rafah
Smoke billows over Rafah
2d ago

As the 2024 race advances, Trump alienates key constituencies

If President Joe Biden is lucky, Donald Trump will keep alienating constituencies who might otherwise give the Republican ticket a second look.
Former President Donald Trump at a Michigan rally
Former President Donald Trump at a Michigan rally

Projects

News tips

Send it to Rachel!

Many ways to let us know about special insights you have on a story we've covered or to flag a story we should know about.