Rosie O'Donnell has declared she will stop watching MSNBC's Morning Joe due to its hosts meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Washington Examiner reported.
Following the recent U.S. presidential election, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, co-hosts of the popular news show Morning Joe on MSNBC, held a meeting with Donald Trump. This event took place at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, marking the first gathering between Trump and the hosts in seven years.
The decision by Scarborough and Brzezinski to engage with Trump sparked significant controversy and backlash. Known for their critical stance towards Trump in the past, their visit to Mar-a-Lago seemed to contradict their previous public disapproval.
Adding to the controversy, comedian Rosie O'Donnell, a vocal critic of Donald Trump, publicly denounced her commitment to watching Morning Joe. In a TikTok video, O'Donnell expressed her disbelief and disappointment, garnering over 3,300 likes and widespread support from her followers.
In the video, O’Donnell lambasted the hosts: “So Mika and Joe went down to Mar-a-Lago to kiss the ring. It’s the last time I ever watched Morning Joe. Period. End of statement. Unreal. For months, you were telling us he’s the worst thing that could happen to this country and democracy, and then you go kiss his ring? Despicable. Despicable you, both of you.”
The reaction from Joe Scarborough to the criticisms was markedly different. He remarked that the feedback from their meeting with Trump had been "very positive, very supportive." Further, he stated, “We’re all working towards a better America,” indicating a more conciliatory approach toward the forthcoming administration.
Beyond the direct backlash, the future of Morning Joe itself became a topic of discussion. Scarborough hinted at potential instability, reflecting on the broader business decisions affecting the network. “You never know what’s going to happen,” he commented, invoking a sense of uncertainty about the show’s continuation.
In addition to the personal and immediate reactions to the meeting, broader business moves were afoot. Comcast, the parent company of NBCUniversal, which owns MSNBC, announced that it would be spinning off several cable channels, including MSNBC. This happened just days after the controversial Mar-a-Lago meeting, though no direct correlation was stated.
The discussions about the future of Morning Joe came at a naturally tumultuous time, with changes within the network and reactions to the election results creating an unstable environment. Scarborough's comments have not only instigated a broader media and public backlash but also uncertain speculation about what's next for the morning news program.
As these events unfold, the public and critical reactions further commentate on the duality of media figures engaging politically. With characters as polarizing as Donald Trump, actions taken by media personalities such as Scarborough and Brzezinski provoke vigorous debate about the role and responsibilities of journalists towards their audiences.
The incident has illuminated the complexities of media relationships with political figures, especially those who are as divisive as Trump. Rosie O'Donnell's condemnation of Morning Joe reflects a broader concern about media integrity and independence in an ever-polarizing political climate.
This narrative will continue to develop as the new administration takes office and media outlets adjust strategies in response to the evolving political landscape. What is clear is that the controversy has stoked a renewed scrutiny of the boundaries between journalism and politics—a debate that seems far from over.