MSNBC's flagship show "Morning Joe" is ending the year with fewer viewers.
The show, hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, has seen a 35% drop in total viewership, now averaging 720,000. Among viewers aged 25-54, the drop is even steeper at 37%, according to Nielsen Media Research.
Viewership declined further after Scarborough and Brzezinski revealed a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago. Since the Nov. 18 broadcast, total viewers fell 17%, with a larger drop in the key demographic.
The meeting was the first in seven years between the co-hosts and Trump. Brzezinski said it was about reopening communication. Scarborough added, "We didn’t see eye to eye on a lot of issues, and we told him so."
Scarborough explained they discussed topics like abortion, deportation, and Trump's threats against media outlets. "For those asking why we would speak to the president-elect, I’d ask, why wouldn’t we?" Brzezinski said, defending their decision.
The meeting sparked outrage among liberal viewers, many of whom vowed to boycott the show. Even MSNBC contributor Jennifer Rubin criticized the co-hosts, fueling backlash on social media.
Scarborough and Brzezinski defended their actions, rejecting claims they were fearful of Trump. "You can ask anyone—fearful isn’t a word associated with me," Scarborough said.
Scarborough pointed out that major outlets like The New York Times and Washington Post also engage in off-the-record talks with presidents. "The only difference? We were transparent," he said.
He dismissed criticism from media peers, calling it hypocritical. "This is what reporters do. It’s their job," Scarborough emphasized, highlighting their commitment to openness about the meeting.
Brzezinski and Scarborough remain unapologetic, defending their choice to engage with the president-elect, despite the backlash.