Jack Smith isn’t done pressing Jim Jordan for the transparency the GOP doesn’t want

In theory, the special counsel is eager to give Republicans what they're looking for. In practice, it's not that simple.

Tuesday, December 23, 2025 TODAY'S TOP MADDOWBLOG POSTS Jack Smith isn't done pressing Jim Jordan for the transparency the GOP doesn't want Jack Smith isn't done pressing Jim Jordan for the transparency the GOP doesn't want In theory, the special counsel is eager to give Republicans what they're looking for. In practice, it's not that simple. MORE Kennedy Center name change generates a new lawsuit — and a weird new defense The White House said the Kennedy Center's board "voted unanimously" to rename the Kennedy Center. One ex officio member is pushing back in court. MORE Kennedy Center name change generates a new lawsuit — and a weird new defense The White House said the Kennedy Center's board "voted unanimously" to rename the Kennedy Center. One ex officio member is pushing back in court. MORE A decade later, Trump's 'drain the swamp' vow is a punchline to a sad joke The president's political operation ramped up its fundraising in his second term — and many donors have benefited. MORE A decade later, Trump's 'drain the swamp' vow is a punchline to a sad joke The president's political operation ramped up its fundraising in his second term — and many donors have benefited. MORE Trump still eyeing Justice Department payoff: 'I hereby give myself $1 billion' The president hasn't given up on getting a massive check to pay him for the investigations into his alleged felonies. MORE Trump still eyeing Justice Department payoff: 'I hereby give myself $1 billion' The president hasn't given up on getting a massive check to pay him for the investigations into his alleged felonies. MORE MORE FROM THE MADDOWBLOG 'Don't feed the pig': For all of his unpopularity, corruption may bring Trump's downfall Economic growth increases, but the good news comes with some important fine print For the White House, 'national security' is becoming the answer to every question 'Sloppy at best': Epstein survivors angry at what redactions show are Trump DOJ's real priorities Trump names battleship class after himself, advancing his personalization crusade WHAT'S ON RACHELS' BLUESKY RADAR? Hundreds protest Trump's move to dismantle NCAR, a premier climate and weather hub (Colorado Public Radio) "One hot topic of debate at TPUSA this weekend has been the Israeli attack on the USS Liberty in 1967. If you're like most normal Americans, you've probably never heard of this event. If you are or have ever been a neo-Nazi, then this is an event you know A WHOLE LOT about." (Seth Cotlar starts a thread) Harlingen, Texas 'We abhor the cruel': Demonstrators demand better treatment for migrants in Christmas posada protest (myRGV) "What's happening to CBS is a terrible embarrassment and if execs think they can build shareholder value by avoiding journalism that might offend the Mad King they are about to learn a tough lesson. This is still America and we don't enjoy bullshit like this." (The Washington Post)   Follow Rachel Maddow on Bluesky here. WELL, NOW YOU DEFINITELY HAVE TO CATCH UP ON THE PODCAST MS NOW will broadcast Rachel Maddow's live Burn Order event in L.A. The live, sold-out event Rachel hosted in Los Angeles in connection with Rachel Maddow presents: Burn Order has been produced into a two-hour special to air on MS NOW on Monday, December 29th at 9pmET.   So if you haven't listened yet, all six episodes are now available, so catch up so you can watch the special with us! 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 MADDOWSHOW ON THREADS RACHEL MADDOW ON BLUESKY  229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER UNSUBSCRIBE | PRIVACY | CONTACT | VIEW IN BROWSER