The Rachel Maddow Show – 2/26/25

 
The video discusses the state of U.S. politics in 2025, highlighting governmental dysfunction and controversial decisions by the Trump administration. The host begins with a satirical take on how Americans struggle to agree on universally bad things, such as the bubonic plague, and transitions into discussing a bizarre incident involving Donald Trump Jr. eating marmot in Mongolia—an act considered dangerous due to the potential transmission of bubonic plague. The story is used to highlight the Trump administration’s disregard for public health and safety regulations.
The discussion then shifts to the mass firings at the FDA, particularly within food safety departments, leading to the resignation of the head of human foods in protest. The administration replaced experienced scientists with political allies, including a hunting associate of Donald Trump Jr., raising concerns about the nation’s food safety.
Further, the video covers the Trump administration’s chaotic handling of public health crises, including the ongoing measles outbreak in Texas, which has resulted in at least one child’s death. The Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is criticized for making misleading statements about the outbreak and previously promoting anti-vaccine rhetoric.
Another major issue raised is the Trump administration’s decision to defund PEPFAR, a program that provides HIV treatment to millions globally. Protesters and legal battles ensued, with a federal judge ordering the administration to reinstate funding, but the Trump team resisted, escalating the issue to the Supreme Court.
Additionally, the video highlights concerns over the Trump administration’s dismantling of Ebola prevention efforts. Elon Musk, a major Trump donor, admitted to briefly cutting the program but falsely claimed it was reinstated without disruption. Experts, including Dr. Craig Spencer (an Ebola survivor and public health expert), refuted these claims, warning of significant risks due to weakened disease response capabilities.
The situation in Virginia is also discussed, as mass firings of federal workers disproportionately affect the state. Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin struggles to respond effectively, offering only resume help and unemployment resources instead of pushing back against Trump’s policies. His Democratic challenger, Abigail Spanberger, criticizes his inaction and vows to stand up for Virginians.
The video closes with breaking news about a legal battle over frozen foreign aid funds. The Trump administration sought Supreme Court intervention to avoid complying with a lower court’s order to restart funding. The Supreme Court temporarily blocked the order, giving the administration until Friday to justify its actions.