Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Rachel Maddow

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

Rachel Maddow is an American television news program host and liberal political commentator, most known for hosting 'The Rachel Maddow Show' on MSNBC. She is also the cable network's special event co-anchor. Earlier in her career, she hosted a syndicated talk radio program of the same name on Air America Radio from 2005 to 2010. Maddow is a prominent voice in American political commentary, often associated with liberal viewpoints.

Sections (4)

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

2002: Months-long campaign in 2002

In 2002, months-long campaign directed at the highest levels of government to get us to agree to a war based on something that did not happen the way they said it happened.

2003: Maddow Opposed 2003 Invasion of Iraq

In 2003, Rachel Maddow opposed the invasion of Iraq.

2003: Months-long campaign in 2003

In 2003, months-long campaign directed at the highest levels of government to get us to agree to a war based on something that did not happen the way they said it happened.

2008: No Formal Support of any Presidential Candidate

During the 2008 presidential election, Rachel Maddow did not formally support any candidate. Concerning Barack Obama's candidacy, Maddow said: "I have never and still don't think of myself as an Obama supporter, either professionally or actually."

2010: Speculation of Maddow Running for Senate

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

February 2013: Maddow's Comments on the 2003 Invasion of Iraq

In February 2013, Rachel Maddow reflected on the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

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

In 2016, Rachel Maddow suggested that the alleged Trump-Russia collusion continued beyond the 2016 presidential election, raising concerns about foreign interference.

March 2017: Maddow blames Russia for WikiLeaks' Vault 7 disclosure of CIA's hacking tools

In March 2017, Rachel Maddow blamed Russia for WikiLeaks' Vault 7 disclosure of the CIA's hacking tools, suggesting that Putin aimed to undermine the CIA's cyber war and spying capabilities.

October 2018: Maddow questions Trump's Saudi business ties after Khashoggi murder

Following the October 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi, Rachel Maddow argued that Donald Trump's business ties to Saudi Arabia were raising 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: OAN Sues Maddow for "Paid Russian Propaganda" Comment

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

May 22, 2020: Dismissal of OAN Lawsuit Against Maddow

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

May 2021: Maddow named in book about private intelligence sources

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

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

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August 2021: Affirmation of Decision in Favor of Maddow in OAN Lawsuit

In August 2021, the United States Court of Appeal for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the decision in favor of Rachel Maddow after Herring's appeal, in the lawsuit filed by OAN. The court also affirmed the ruling that Herring must pay Maddow's attorneys' fees.