Viewers of MSNBC are in for some exciting news: The beloved host is back. For the first 100 days of Trump’s second presidency, “The Rachel Maddow Show” will revert to its full schedule, airing five nights a week.

In an exclusive chat with YSL News, Maddow reveals her revamped schedule and her plans for addressing Trump’s new term: “We’re already seeing the tumultuous nature of the Trump news cycle even in this transition period,” she notes. Reflecting on her experiences during his first term, she stresses the necessity of being “ready to adapt” and focusing on his actions rather than just his words, or what the “chaos might be concealing.”

Since April 2022, Maddow’s show has only been broadcast on Mondays (9 PM EST/PST), with “Alex Wagner Tonight” taking over on other weekdays since August. Wagner will now travel nationwide to deliver segments titled “Trumpland: The First 100 Days,” which will air throughout the network until May 1, when regular scheduling is anticipated to resume.

Maddow indicated that this change originated from MSNBC’s president, Rashida Jones, who noted that Wagner “has been eager to engage and report on how Trump’s actions will affect people from a grassroots level.” It’s also important to mention that MSNBC’s prime-time audience has fallen by 58% since the election, a sharper decline than typical for post-election viewership dips, with Maddow’s Monday audience bringing in 2.3 million viewers in 2024 compared to Wagner’s 1.3 million.

While Maddow has completed four podcasts, published a new book, and produced a documentary while maintaining her weekly program, she’s excited for a “very intense news cycle” anticipated at the beginning of Trump’s second term. She believes that due to Trump’s “disorderly” return to office, avoiding the news would be impractical.

(This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity).

Answer: One crucial lesson from Trump’s first term was the significance of focusing on actions rather than words. Trump adeptly redirects media attention by regularly making provocative and shocking statements, complicating the news cycle’s ability to overlook him.

It’s crucial to report on his comments to some extent, especially given his position as the U.S. President; however, one needs to acknowledge that the chaos frequently obscures more vital actions that might carry heavier consequences. For example, while it might be alarming to hear Trump threaten Canada, far greater implications arise when millions fear separation from their families. Not every critical event originates from a podium.

Moreover, we’ve learned the importance of remaining flexible. Changes are commonplace, and the unpredictable nature of Trump’s news cycle is already becoming apparent even in this transitional period. The erratic nature of news is unlike what one would expect from a more organized administration. Therefore, we are preparing for anything, which informs our decision for this 100-day shift.

Post-election ratings typically drop for cable news, but is there an element of exhaustion concerning Trump news? Is it understandable, unhealthy, or both?

As you’ve mentioned, we often see this trend following elections. Regardless of the victor, many feel the need to step back and let other parts of their lives regain the attention that news and politics used to consume. This reaction is completely reasonable. It’s important to keep in mind that while lapses of focus are common, a significant number of people will likely recommit to staying informed. Many understand that ignoring an issue doesn’t make it disappear. Some might find themselves disengaging from the news, thinking that if they overlook it, it won’t affect them. Yet, it’s clear that Trump’s tumultuous transition signals that his second term will have substantial repercussions for many Americans, highlighting the need to stay informed.

Given that social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram have decided to relax their controls on misleading information, how has this affected the media’s responsibility to fact-check?

We are now witnessing social media platforms announcing they will reduce moderation to curb the spread of deliberate disinformation. For news organizations dedicated to truth, this brings about challenging decisions regarding how to correct and address inaccuracies in statements made by authoritative figures, including the president and various officials. Our mission is to maintain journalistic integrity centered on truthfulness. We must uphold our commitment to fact-based reporting and ensure it is accessible so that audiences can trust us, which includes being transparent about our sources and rectifying mistakes when necessary.

With Trump labeling the press as the enemy and media facing extraordinary challenges due to the decline of traditional television, how do you cope with these pressures? Are you worried about journalism’s future?

I have significant concerns about the overall future of journalism. Throughout my time in the cable news field, it often feels like it could be “the last year.” Ultimately, I assume it will come to an end, but as long as we continue, our obligation is clear: Stick to the truth, remain fearless, tell accurate stories, and assist the audience in understanding the world around them. I intend to keep pursuing that mission, and I know MSNBC shares that commitment. Even though we confront major business and political pressures that pose threats to democracy, many Americans value the importance of a free press. We don’t need a media landscape controlled by the government as in authoritarian regimes; we need an independent and even adversarial press for a healthy democracy. This understanding prevails among those in the field, and we will keep striving for success while addressing the needs of our audience. This new 100-day vision makes sense, and I feel invigorated and passionate about it.

Is there a chance that your schedule could extend beyond those 100 days, or is that a set period?

That timeline is indeed fixed. When Rashida discussed this plan with me, we agreed upon that schedule. Alex is also on board with it. The 9 PM slot is a demanding position, and with Alex’s ambition for on-the-ground reporting across the country and perhaps internationally, handling this transitional phase aligns well for us. However, on April 30, we will return to our prior schedule.