MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace is facing backlash after suggesting a pro-Trump arsonist may have set fire to a South Carolina judge’s home—despite officials confirming there was “no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set.” The Nicolle Wallace arson claim aired just hours after law enforcement publicly ruled out foul play.
“And with little details known at this time, law enforcement has been asked to provide extra security after the incident,” Wallace said, linking the fire to supposed “criticism directly from the Trump administration.” She added that Judge Diane Goodstein “reportedly faced death threats after a high-profile ruling against the Trump administration.”
Wallace then invited former Biden administration official Mary McCord, who advanced the unfounded theory, saying, “It’s looking like arson.” McCord speculated further: “If it turns out that this was motivated because of a judicial ruling that went against the Trump administration, this will be another escalation… in what we’re seeing when it comes to political violence.”
Wallace offered no correction or clarification, even though State Law Enforcement Division chief Mark Keel had already announced, “There is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set.”
The Saturday blaze destroyed Goodstein’s Edisto Island home and injured three residents. The judge had recently blocked the South Carolina Election Commission from sharing voter data with the U.S. Department of Justice.
The episode adds to a growing pattern of MSNBC personalities advancing unverified claims against conservatives before facts emerge—echoing previous false narratives surrounding alleged right-wing violence.
