House Democrats launch Patel probe, demand he submit to alcohol abuse screening

The president’s latest nonsense is notable because of the degree to which it’s a sign of things to come.

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 TODAY'S TOP MADDOWBLOG POSTS Trump floats pitiful conspiracy theory about Virginia race ahead of midterm elections Trump floats pitiful conspiracy theory about Virginia race ahead of midterm elections The president’s latest nonsense is notable because of the degree to which it’s a sign of things to come. MORE House Democrats launch Patel probe, demand he submit to alcohol abuse screening If the beleaguered FBI director was hoping the allegations about his alleged drinking problem would be a one-day story, he has reason to be disappointed. MORE House Democrats launch Patel probe, demand he submit to alcohol abuse screening If the beleaguered FBI director was hoping the allegations about his alleged drinking problem would be a one-day story, he has reason to be disappointed. MORE As Trump’s approval rating reaches new depths, the GOP has a decision to make The president won’t be on the ballot again, but congressional Republicans will. As his support plumbs news depths, their options are limited. MORE As Trump’s approval rating reaches new depths, the GOP has a decision to make The president won’t be on the ballot again, but congressional Republicans will. As his support plumbs news depths, their options are limited. MORE RFK Jr. tries and fails to defend cuts to NIH research and preschool programs The HHS secretary tried to defend NIH cuts by pointing to the national debt. The closer one looked at his pitch, however, the worse it appeared. MORE RFK Jr. tries and fails to defend cuts to NIH research and preschool programs The HHS secretary tried to defend NIH cuts by pointing to the national debt. The closer one looked at his pitch, however, the worse it appeared. MORE MORE FROM THE MADDOWBLOG In redistricting fight, Democrats did what Republicans didn’t expect: Fight back (and win) Senate Democrats push back against DOJ resistance in Tom Homan probe Trump hopes to stifle dissent as war with Iran becomes even more unpopular Yet another resignation brings fresh shame to one of the worst Congresses ever Journalists push for ‘forceful defense of freedom of the press’ at dinner attended by Trump Hegseth takes another step backward, scraps Pentagon policy on flu vaccines HEADS UP! LIVE EVENT! Rachel Maddow in Conversation with Steven J. Ross The Secret War Against Hate: American Resistance to Antisemitism and White Supremacy Tuesday, May 5 at 8pmET at the 92nd Street Y Tickets are on sale now! WHAT'S ON RACHEL'S BLUESKY RADAR? "SCOOP: Two weeks ago, the head of the CDC delayed publication of a report showing covid vaccine cut likelihood of ER visits and hospitalizations by half. Now that report is no longer allowed to be published in CDC’s flagship scientific journal.  My latest. 1/2 2/2 The move, which has not been previously reported, has raised concerns among current + former officials that information about the vaccine’s benefits is being downplayed because they conflict with the views of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been an outspoken critic of the shots." (Lena Sun shares her Washington Post link) (Rachel threads the Kelly Willis version of "You can't take it with you" with the Paul Kelly version of "You can't take it with you")      Follow Rachel on Bluesky here. 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 INSTAGRAM RACHEL MADDOW ON BLUESKY 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER