🔍 What’s Sparked the Rumors?

Reports of an internal “power struggle” originate from insiders claiming that recent layoffs—hitting several of Maddow’s staff and prime-time colleagues—have created tension between Maddow, MSNBC leadership, and NBC execs(theguardian.com).

Several staff and talent were reportedly let go via a leaked “kill list,” caught in a printer gaffe at 30 Rock—an embarrassing misstep that heightened drama behind the scenes(nypost.com).

🎙️ Maddow’s On-Air Response

Maddow publicly slammed NBC executives for the decision, criticizing the axing of Joy Reid and other shows targeting non-white hosts as “a bad mistake” and “indefensible”(en.wikipedia.org).
She also voiced strong support for her staff and Joy Reid, expressing deep concern over “the way it was all being handled”(reddit.com).

🧩 Is She Under Formal Internal Review?

No credible report confirms that Maddow is officially under internal review or being targeted for dismissal.
However, fallout from her on-air critique—particularly around diversity decisions—has reportedly worsened fallout between her and network management(politico.com).
Executives are now reportedly “reassessing talent strategies” and may see Maddow’s pushback as both strategic leverage and internal challenge.

💼 The Bigger Context: Comcast’s Spin-Off

MSNBC is undergoing massive transformation as Comcast prepares a spin-off (“SpinCo”) for its cable channels—including MSNBC—with nearly 100 layoffs and restructuring in play(politico.com).

This high-stakes environment has forced tough decisions on talent alignment—leaving Maddow’s standing part of a far larger corporate recalibration.

🗣️ Insider Buzz

A source told Politico that staff are feeling like they’re “flying a plane as it’s being built.” Leaders like Rebecca Kutler and Brian Lazarus are refocusing the network’s mission, shifting tone and staffing to adapt to the new landscape(politico.com).

At the same time, Maddow remains central to MSNBC’s identity—her monologues still generate strong ratings and loyalty among viewers.

🧭 What Comes Next?

Possible outcomes include:

Negotiation or public positioning: Maddow may receive more control or editorial protection as a trade-off.
Talent realignment: Her producer team was mostly kept intact; this suggests that leadership still values her platform.
Ongoing tension: As SpinCo forms and leadership firm up, internal clashes over talent strategy likely continue.

✅ Bottom Line

No formal review of Rachel Maddow has been confirmed, but the atmosphere is tense.
Her on-air criticism has ignited a visible rift with network execs at a time of dramatic restructuring.
In the weeks ahead, how Comcast aligns MSNBC’s future—including Maddow’s role—will reveal whether this was a temporary clash or a deeper power struggle.

Would you like a timeline of the MSNBC shake‑up, a summary for social media, or a video explainer script on Rachel’s standing?

nypost.com
the-sun.com
people.com
nypost.com
theguardian.com