In a surprising turn of events, MSNBC hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, known for their sharp critiques of President-elect Donald Trump, traveled to Mar-a-Lago for a meeting with him. This meeting aimed to reopen lines of communication that they believe will better serve their morning show viewers.
The decision to meet with Trump, just two weeks after the contentious election, has sparked backlash from fans and critics alike. Scarborough and Brzezinski had previously expressed strong opposition to Trump, with Scarborough even likening him to Hitler in a September broadcast. Following an assassination attempt on Trump last summer, MSNBC temporarily pulled “Morning Joe” from the air.
During Monday’s show, Brzezinski described the meeting as their first encounter with Trump in seven years, noting that he appeared “cheerful” and “upbeat” despite their differing views. “What we did agree on was to restart communications,” she stated, drawing a parallel to her late father, Zbigniew Brzezinski, who often engaged with world leaders he disagreed with.
Trump confirmed the meeting in an interview with Fox News Digital, expressing appreciation for the hosts’ initiative to foster open communication. “In many ways, it’s too bad that it wasn’t done long ago,” he remarked.
However, the meeting has not been well-received by everyone. On “The View,” co-host Sunny Hostin criticized the hosts for what she perceived as “kissing the ring,” emphasizing the need for a free press that holds power accountable. Conversely, co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin acknowledged the importance of recognizing the substantial number of voters who supported Trump.
Media commentators also weighed in, with Jeff Jarvis, a retired journalism professor, calling the meeting a “disgusting show of obeisance.” Conservative figures like Buck Sexton and Greta Van Susteren echoed similar sentiments, labeling the meeting as an act of surrender.
“Morning Joe,” like many MSNBC programs, has experienced a decline in ratings following the election, a trend often observed when the opposing party loses. Scarborough addressed potential criticism by clarifying that their intention was not to defend or normalize Trump, but rather to report on him and provide insights to their audience.
In the same Fox News interview, Trump emphasized his obligation to be open with the press, warning that if he felt unfairly treated, he would reconsider that openness.
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