Rachel Maddow Feels Vindicated Over Russia Coverage: Putin Is ‘Trying To Destroy The United States’

Rachel Maddow addressed criticism of her intense coverage of Russian influence on U.S. politics. 

A CNN reporter asked her at a recent MSNBC event: “For years, right-wing media personalities have mocked you for focusing on Russian election meddling. What do you make of the fact that we learned this week that several right-wing influencers were revealed to have themselves been caught up in a Russian influence operation?”

“In a single news cycle this week, we saw a former Trump campaign advisor indicted federally for his financial ties to sanctioned state-run Russian media,” Maddow noted. “And we saw the Justice Department shut down dozens of websites designed to look like news outlets that were secretly run by Russia that were promoting Donald Trump and trying to turn Americans against each other.”

“And we saw very high-profile pro-Trump right-wing influencers revealed to be on the payroll – the very generous payroll – of the Russian government,” Maddow added. “And it may be a defense to say, ‘Hoax, hoax, hoax. It would help if you didn’t cover this. It’s not real.’ But it’s not a very good defense.”

“Our most determined enemy believes that their best tactic for weakening the United States is to spend hand over fist to put Trump back in the White House,” the MSNBC host claimed. 

“Putin is not a guy who is messing with our elections because he wants what’s best for us,” she declared. “He’s trying to destroy the United States or hurt us as much as he can, and he sees the best way to do that is by helping the Trump movement. And I think that deserves some self-reflection on the right.”

“Do you think that self-reflection will ever come?” the CNN reporter wondered.

“I believe that humans can change, and that redemption is possible, and that nothing is inevitable,” Maddow stated. “And so I am always hopeful.”

In October 2021, Maddow told her audience that she underwent surgery for skin cancer and urged the viewers of her show to make regular doctor’s appointments to help catch skin issues ahead of time.