Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Rachel Maddow

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 18, 2025

Public opinion and media debates around Rachel Maddow—discover key moments of controversy.

Rachel Maddow is an American television news program host and a well-known liberal political commentator. She is best known for hosting "The Rachel Maddow Show," a prominent weekly television show on MSNBC. Additionally, she serves as the cable network's special event co-anchor, playing a significant role in covering major news events. Before her television career, Maddow hosted a syndicated talk radio program of the same name on Air America Radio from 2005 to 2010, establishing her presence in political commentary across different media platforms.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2003: Opposition to the Invasion of Iraq

Rachel Maddow opposed the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

2010: Speculation of Senate Run

In 2010, Republican Senator Scott Brown speculated that Rachel Maddow was going to run against him in the 2012 Senate election, a claim she repeatedly denied.

2016: Maddow suggests Trump-Russia collusion continued beyond 2016 election

In 2016, Rachel Maddow suggested that the alleged Trump-Russia collusion has continued beyond the 2016 presidential election.

March 2017: Maddow blames Russia for WikiLeaks' Vault 7 disclosure

In March 2017, Rachel Maddow blamed Russia for WikiLeaks' Vault 7 disclosure of the CIA's hacking tools, suggesting that Putin hates and wants to beat the CIA.

October 2018: Maddow Questions Trump's Business Ties to Saudi Arabia

In October 2018, following the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Rachel Maddow argued that Donald Trump's business ties to Saudi Arabia were raising some troubling questions.

December 2018: Maddow Criticizes Trump's Decision to Withdraw Troops from Syria

In December 2018, Rachel Maddow criticized President Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. troops from Syria.

September 10, 2019: Defamation Lawsuit Filed by OAN

On September 10, 2019, the One America News Network (OAN) filed a $10 million lawsuit against Rachel Maddow for describing the network as "paid Russian propaganda" on her program on July 22.

May 22, 2020: Dismissal of OAN Lawsuit

On May 22, 2020, Judge Cynthia Bashant dismissed the case filed by OAN against Rachel Maddow, finding that the contested statement was an opinion and could not be the basis for defamation.

May 2021: Maddow named as an example of reporter manipulated by private intelligence

In May 2021, former New York Times reporter Barry Meier cited Rachel Maddow as an example of how reporters can be manipulated by private intelligence sources in his book Spooked: The Trump Dossier, Black Cube, and the Rise of Private Spies.

Spooked: The Trump Dossier, Black Cube, and the Rise of Private Spies

Check it on Amazon

August 2021: Affirmation of Decision in Favor of Maddow

In August 2021, the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the decision in favor of Rachel Maddow, and required Herring to pay Maddow's attorneys' fees.