In a twist few saw coming, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, co-hosts of MSNBC’s Morning Joe and longtime critics of Donald Trump, shocked viewers by revealing they recently met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate. After spending years vilifying him on-air, the pair appear to be rethinking their approach following Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris in this month’s election.
Trump didn’t just squeak by—he won both the Electoral College and the popular vote, leaving Scarborough, Brzezinski, and their left-leaning audience reeling. Their unexpected meeting with Trump marks the first time the trio has spoken face-to-face in seven years, signaling a potential shift in the media landscape.
A Candid Admission
Mika Brzezinski opened Monday’s show with an admission that surprised many.
“For nearly 80 million Americans, election denialism, public trials, and January 6th were not as important as the issues that moved them to send Donald Trump back to the White House with their vote,” Brzezinski said. “Joe and I realize it’s time to do something different, and that starts with not only talking about Donald Trump but also talking with him.”
Joe Scarborough elaborated, saying the discussion with Trump touched on hot-button issues like abortion, immigration, and media bias. While the hosts stressed they remain critical of Trump, they acknowledged the need to restart communications.
A Meeting of Opposites
Despite their history of harsh criticism—Scarborough once compared Trump to Hitler—the tone of the meeting reportedly stayed civil. Trump, for his part, seemed upbeat and open to finding common ground, according to Brzezinski.
“He seemed interested in finding common ground with Democrats on some of the most divisive issues,” she said.
In an interview with Fox News, Trump claimed the duo congratulated him on running “a great and flawless campaign, one for the history books.” While he expressed a willingness to engage with the press, Trump also warned, “If not treated fairly, however, that will end.”
Why the Sudden Shift?
This unprecedented meeting raises questions: Are Scarborough and Brzezinski trying to salvage their relevance in a media landscape increasingly skeptical of anti-Trump rhetoric? Or have they genuinely reconsidered their approach after Trump’s landslide victory?
Their years of relentless criticism clearly didn’t sway voters, who overwhelmingly rejected the mainstream media’s narrative. Trump’s win demonstrated that many Americans are fed up with partisan attacks and are more concerned with real issues like the economy and national security.
For Scarborough and Brzezinski, the writing may be on the wall. Continuing their one-sided tirades risks alienating viewers who are tired of hearing the same talking points. Their willingness to meet with Trump could be a signal that they’re adapting to this new reality—or simply trying to stay afloat.
The Media Reckoning
Trump’s historic win isn’t just a political victory; it’s a direct rebuke of the media establishment that has spent years vilifying him. Scarborough and Brzezinski’s decision to meet with Trump might be the first crack in the armor of a media class that’s been resistant to change.
While it’s unlikely that Scarborough and Brzezinski will become full-blown Trump supporters, their actions suggest a recognition that they can no longer afford to ignore or misrepresent him. For Trump and his supporters, it’s a sweet victory to see prominent Never Trumpers come to him on his terms.
One thing is clear: the media’s relationship with Trump—and with the American people—is shifting. Whether this is the start of a broader trend or a one-off event remains to be seen. But for now, it’s undeniably satisfying to see the same people who spent years attacking Trump forced to acknowledge his undeniable political prowess.