Controversy Surrounds ‘Morning Joe’ Hosts Meeting with President-elect Trump

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, co-hosts of the MSNBC show «Morning Joe,» revealed that they met with President-elect Donald Trump on Friday to discuss various issues. This meeting, which was announced on their show Monday, has provoked significant discussion and criticism, particularly from Erik Wemple, a media critic at the Washington Post.

Wemple criticized the meeting as «a remarkable spectacle» and urged Democrats to boycott «Morning Joe.» He argued that the show’s audience, which includes some of Trump’s most vocal critics, might find the meeting troubling. In his article, Wemple suggested «Five reasons Democrats should turn off ‘Morning Joe,’» questioning the value of the morning show to its viewers.

During their Monday broadcast, Scarborough and Brzezinski explained their decision, emphasizing a change in their approach towards President-elect Trump. «That starts with not only talking about Donald Trump but also talking with him,» Scarborough stated. They met with Trump for over an hour at Mar-a-Lago, which Scarborough described as a step towards engaging with the incoming administration.

In another part of his critique, Wemple reflected on historical moments where, he claims, media figures missed opportunities to adequately challenge Trump, referencing his early presidential primary campaign in 2015. «Perhaps the best one, though, came in the early months of his presidential primary campaign,» he stated.

Critics like Wemple have voiced concerns about the perceived friendliness between «Morning Joe» co-hosts and Trump. The media columnist pointed out that Scarborough has in the past been seen «yukking it up» with Trump, suggesting a familiarity that might not sit well with some viewers.

Furthermore, Wemple called attention to the reaction of Brzezinski and Scarborough to Special Counsel Robert Hurr‘s report on President Biden, which described Biden as «a well-meaning, elderly man with a poor memory.» Scarborough dismissed the claims as «garbage,» labeling the report’s conclusions as «politically charged».

Criticism notwithstanding, Scarborough and Brzezinski appear committed to taking a more engaging stance with Trump, even in the face of potential backlash from viewers who have historically aligned with their critical portrayal of the President-elect.