Rachel Maddow blasts Trump for indirectly aiding Russia amid Iran war: 'He just can't stop'

Rachel Maddow claimed Russia is gaining from rising oil prices amid the Iran war
PUBLISHED MAR 19, 2026
Rachel Maddow called out Donald Trump over his softer approach toward Russia (Getty Images, @huffpost/Youtube)
Rachel Maddow called out Donald Trump over his softer approach toward Russia (Getty Images, @huffpost/Youtube)

WASHINGTON, DC: MS NOW host Rachel Maddow said President Donald Trump seems unable to stop helping geopolitical foe Russia. 

She argued that during the US conflict with Iran, Trump has repeatedly acted in ways that benefit Russia. Maddow shared a video and explained that Russia is earning a lot of money as oil prices rise during the conflict.

Maddow added that the United States has relaxed certain oil sanctions imposed on Russia, thereby allowing an increased volume of oil sales. The TV host proposed that this suggests that Trump is not merely exhibiting leniency towards a longstanding adversary, but may indeed be engaging in a friendly approach towards Russia.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One, Sunday, March 15, 2026, en route from West Palm Beach, Fla. to Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One, Sunday, March 15, 2026, en route from West Palm Beach, Fla. to Joint Base Andrews, Maryland (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Rachel Maddow slams Trump for indirectly helping Russia

'The Rachel Maddow Show' host pointed to a possible US-Russia link and raised concerns over actions that appear to favor Moscow. She explained that rising oil prices are generating large profits for the Kremlin and helping its economy recover. “Maybe our president just can’t stop himself from acting to help Russia,” Maddow said.

“Even when Russia is acting to kill Americans. Maybe he just can’t stop himself. It just feels so good. He can’t stop.” She also said Russia is not only benefiting financially from the US conflict with Iran. Maddow noted reports that Russia is working with Iran, including possible military support that could put US troops and facilities in the Middle East at risk, as per The Huffpost.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - AUGUST 15:U.S. President Donald Trump (R) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (L) hold a meeting at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska. The two leaders are meeting for peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Donald Trump (R) and Vladimir Putin (L) meet at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson on August 15, 2025, during peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

She said the administration has eased some sanctions on Russia, even as tensions remain high. She also pointed to a legal case. 

According to reports, the US Justice Department has tried to reverse the conviction of a man linked by the FBI to Russian intelligence. The man had pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about false claims involving Joe Biden. Maddow said these actions suggest a pattern where decisions appear to benefit Russia during a time of conflict.

Trump eases Russia oil sanctions amid Iran conflict



The Trump administration has eased some sanctions on Russian oil sales during the conflict with Iran. The move allows countries to buy Russian oil that had been stuck at sea due to earlier restrictions. Several shipments had remained unsold on tankers.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision is temporary and aimed at limiting economic disruption during the conflict. The policy will remain in place for one month. The Kremlin welcomed the step. However, pro-Ukraine groups raised concerns, saying it could boost Russia’s revenue during wartime.

RELATED TOPICS US STRIKES IRAN

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