A recent meeting between President-elect Donald Trump and the hosts of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, at Mar-a-Lago has sparked widespread criticism from media figures on both sides of the political divide, with some advocating for show boycotts.
The contentious meeting took place on November 15, 2024, marking the first time in seven years that the hosts had met with Trump. This came after consistent criticism of Trump during his victorious 2024 presidential campaign. The hosts received severe critique considering their prior description of Trump as a “dark, dismal fascist—and increasingly obviously fascist—person.”
Renowned journalist Glenn Greenwald issued one of the harshest criticisms, describing Scarborough and Brzezinski as “the most humiliating and pathetic people in all of the corporate media.” Greenwald suggested the hosts’ visit was driven by an attempt to “reestablish a relationship with the fascist dictator Donald Trump to get him back on their show.”
Insiders suggest that fear may have contributed to the hosts’ decision to meet with Trump. CNN reported that Scarborough and Brzezinski were “credibly concerned that they could face governmental and legal harassment from the incoming Trump administration.”
The criticism reached within their network, with MSNBC contributor Jennifer Rubin urging a boycott of “Morning Joe,” labeling the meeting “disgusting.“
Ana Navarro and Sunny Hostin, co-hosts of “The View,” also joined the critics, questioning the hosts’ journalistic ethics and suggesting the meeting was self-serving.
Scarborough defended the meeting, emphasizing that reactions on social media did not represent the wider public sentiment. He noted a significant discrepancy between online criticism and real-world feedback, highlighting numerous supportive calls from around the world endorsing their decision to meet with Trump.
Trump shared with the media that the meeting covered a broad array of topics, and that he appreciated the hosts’ interest in sustaining open dialogue. He expressed regret that such conversations had not started sooner.
The meeting had immediate repercussions for “Morning Joe,” with reports indicating a ratings decline as its liberal viewership took a break post-election. This pattern is similar to earlier years when viewers supporting the losing party temporarily tuned out.
Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly joined the critics, accusing the hosts of “dishonesty and ‘faux journalism'” following their apparent shift in attitude toward Trump. Keith Olbermann, a former MSNBC host, also expressed his disapproval of his former colleagues’ actions.
Trump, who previously targeted the hosts with derogatory nicknames such as “Crazy Mika” and “Psycho Joe,” stated he expects more meetings with media figures, including those who have shown “extreme hostility.” However, he underscored that fair treatment would be a condition for ongoing dialogue.