Former President Donald Trump’s recent meeting with MSNBC “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski at Mar-a-Lago has ignited intense criticism from media figures across the political spectrum, with some calling for boycotts of the show.
The controversial November 15, 2024, meeting, which marked the first time in seven years the hosts had met with Trump, came after they had repeatedly criticized him during his successful 2024 presidential campaign. The pair faced particularly harsh criticism given their previous characterization of Trump as a “dark, dismal fascist—and increasingly obviously fascist—person.”
Journalist Glenn Greenwald delivered one of the most scathing rebukes, calling Scarborough and Brzezinski “the most humiliating and pathetic people in all of the corporate media.” Greenwald suggested their visit was motivated by a desire to “reestablish a relationship with the fascist dictator Donald Trump to get him back on their show.”
Sources close to the situation revealed that fear may have influenced 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 backlash extended to their own network, with MSNBC contributor Jennifer Rubin encouraging a boycott of “Morning Joe,” calling the meeting “disgusting. “
“The View” co-hosts Ana Navarro and Sunny Hostin joined the chorus of critics, questioning the pair’s journalistic integrity and suggesting the meeting was opportunistic.
Scarborough defended the meeting by emphasizing that reactions on social media did not reflect the broader public response. He noted a stark difference between online criticism and the real-world feedback he and Brzezinski received, describing an outpouring of positive, supportive phone calls from individuals worldwide who approved of their decision to meet with Trump.
Trump shared with the media that the meeting covered a wide range of topics, and that he valued the hosts’ interest in maintaining open communication. He remarked that it was unfortunate this kind of dialogue hadn’t been initiated much earlier.
The meeting has had immediate consequences for “Morning Joe,” with reports indicating a drop in ratings as its liberal audience has taken a break following the election. This pattern mirrors previous years when viewers who supported the losing party temporarily tuned out.
Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly joined the criticism, accusing the pair of “dishonesty and ‘faux journalism'” following their apparent change in stance toward Trump. Keith Olbermann, a former MSNBC host, also expressed his disapproval of his former colleagues’ actions.
Trump, who previously attacked the hosts with derogatory nicknames like “Crazy Mika” and “Psycho Joe,” indicated he expects to have more meetings with media figures, including those who have been “extremely hostile.” However, he emphasized that fair treatment would be a prerequisite for continued communication.