Rachel Maddow shocked as Trump admin works to free Russian spy

MSNBC's Rachel Maddow expressed shock Monday over reporting that the Trump administration is attempting to free Alexander Smirnov, a Russian spy accused of spreading false information about President Joe Biden to the FBI.

A court filing revealed Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche is leading efforts to secure Smirnov's release from prison.

Maddow questioned why Trump continues helping Russia even as the country provides intelligence to Iran to target American soldiers during the ongoing Iran conflict. She noted the administration appears unable to restrain itself from assisting adversaries despite declaring war on Iran.

Maddow also cited additional reporting that the Trump administration relaxed sanctions on Russian oil amid near-record energy prices. She expressed bewilderment that the effort to free a Russian spy spreading disinformation isn't considered a major scandal, asking, "Is it that hard to see what this is?"

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