At the start of a ceasefire with Iran, Trump has failed by his own standards

“Total and complete victory, 100%,” the American president said. “No question about it.” There are plenty of questions about it.

Wednesday, April 08, 2026 TODAY'S TOP MADDOWBLOG POSTS At the start of a ceasefire with Iran, Trump has failed by his own standards At the start of a ceasefire with Iran, Trump has failed by his own standards “Total and complete victory, 100%,” the American president said. “No question about it.” There are plenty of questions about it. MORE Trump DOJ rallies behind convicted informant who lied to FBI about Biden Alexander Smirnov was sent to prison for lying to the FBI. So why are Trump-aligned prosecutors trying to set him free? MORE Trump DOJ rallies behind convicted informant who lied to FBI about Biden Alexander Smirnov was sent to prison for lying to the FBI. So why are Trump-aligned prosecutors trying to set him free? MORE Critics within the Pentagon add to Pete Hegseth’s many troubles New reporting reinforces impressions that the defense secretary is working alongside officials, some of whom apparently hold him in low regard. MORE Critics within the Pentagon add to Pete Hegseth’s many troubles New reporting reinforces impressions that the defense secretary is working alongside officials, some of whom apparently hold him in low regard. MORE Latest election results give Republicans new reasons to reach for the panic button As Democrats enjoy one of their best election days of Trump’s second term, the GOP would be wise to take note as the midterms draw closer. MORE Latest election results give Republicans new reasons to reach for the panic button As Democrats enjoy one of their best election days of Trump’s second term, the GOP would be wise to take note as the midterms draw closer. MORE MORE FROM THE MADDOWBLOG Acting AG Blanche tries and fails to justify Trump’s control over the Justice Department Trump insists Iranian civilians support U.S. bombing campaign in Iran DOJ ups the ante in its pursuit of Cassidy Hutchinson over her Jan. 6 testimony Key Republican super PAC eyes 8 Senate races that will dictate control of the chamber WHAT'S ON RACHEL'S BLUESKY RADAR? "Mayor Mamdani chats with New Yorkers while walking the six miles from City Hall to Gracie Mansion, fulfilling the promise he made in his inauguration speech to “be outside” as Mayor — “because this is a government of New York, by New York, and for New York.”" (Acyn shares video)His encounter with the woman from Uganda is also very fun. Follow Rachel Maddow on Bluesky here. RACHEL RECOGNIZED Congratulations to Rachel and everyone involved in the Burn Order production and that great community event!   You can catch up on all of the episodes, as well as supplementary material, the audio of the now-Emmy award nominated community event, and even a book list at MS.NOW/BurnOrder. Was this newsletter forwarded to you? Sign up to follow it yourself or send this sign-up link to someone you know would appreciate it. NEWS TIPS? SEND IT TO RACHEL FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK RACHEL MADDOW ON BLUESKY  229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER