Chavez-DeRemer’s controversies intensify, putting her future at the Labor Department in doubt

Trump’s pardons for Jan. 6 rioters were already indefensible. As many of them run into fresh trouble with the law, the move continues to look even worse.

Thursday, April 16, 2026 TODAY'S TOP MADDOWBLOG POSTS Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter to plead guilty in child sexual abuse case, adding to pattern Pardoned Jan. 6 rioter to plead guilty in child sexual abuse case, adding to pattern Trump’s pardons for Jan. 6 rioters were already indefensible. As many of them run into fresh trouble with the law, the move continues to look even worse. MORE Chavez-DeRemer’s controversies intensify, putting her future at the Labor Department in doubt The labor secretary was already facing calls to resign. The new allegations likely make her political standing even shakier. MORE Chavez-DeRemer’s controversies intensify, putting her future at the Labor Department in doubt The labor secretary was already facing calls to resign. The new allegations likely make her political standing even shakier. MORE Tuberville steps on GOP message, concedes ‘we ain’t done anything in the majority’ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer seized on the Alabamian’s comments, noting that this was “the only time I’ve ever agreed with” the Republican senator. MORE Tuberville steps on GOP message, concedes ‘we ain’t done anything in the majority’ Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer seized on the Alabamian’s comments, noting that this was “the only time I’ve ever agreed with” the Republican senator. MORE Pressed on controversial FEMA official, Trump asks, ‘What does teleport mean?’ The president finally commented on Gregg Phillips and his highly unusual claims about his experiences. The FEMA official’s job appears to be in doubt. MORE Pressed on controversial FEMA official, Trump asks, ‘What does teleport mean?’ The president finally commented on Gregg Phillips and his highly unusual claims about his experiences. The FEMA official’s job appears to be in doubt. MORE MORE FROM THE MADDOWBLOG Trump avoided punishments for his post-2020 abuses, but many of his lawyers did not Trump denies involvement in Orbán’s failed re-election bid, despite his involvement Acting Attorney General Blanche tries and fails to justify DOJ’s personnel purge For Team Trump, ‘national security’ becomes the answer to every question Tulsi Gabbard impresses her audience of one with another indefensible abuse As Swalwell exits Congress in disgrace, Republicans concoct weird new conspiracy theory WHAT'S ON RACHEL'S BLUESKY RADAR? "The Trump administration cut the agency deeply last year, leaving some forecasting offices short-staffed... “You’re missing data from the Four Corners region, the northern Plains, part of the central Plains, and that’s where the storms were developing,” he said..." ... "The unexpected tornadoes in Kansas followed a similar, much-scrutinized event in Michigan last month, when a tornado watch was not issued for southern Michigan and four people died. Weather service offices did issue warnings when tornadoes were imminent, however. Democratic Sens. Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin of Michigan sent a letter asking National Weather Service Director Ken Graham why a watch was not issued, whether short staffing played a role and how the agency planned to improve tornado alerts. An NWS spokesperson said the agency had briefed staff in both Senators’ offices and that a written response was in process." 'We are missing data': NWS weather balloon changes scrutinized as tornados hit Midwest — For much of Monday, the agency didn't anticipate a tornado threat for Kansas City — then five hit that evening. Did a change in weather balloon launches leave forecasters in the dark? (NBC News) 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 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