Trump Reveals What Really Happened During His Meeting with ‘Morning Joe’ Hosts
Speculation is growing among supporters, critics, and political analysts about how Donald Trump’s approach during a second presidential term would differ from his first.
A notable and potentially surprising change, particularly for those familiar with Trump’s history of clashing with the media?
The former president and soon-to-be 47th president of the United States appears to be showing a considerably softer side toward some of his past media adversaries, including MSNBC's “Morning Joe” co-hosts, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.
On Monday, both Trump and the “Morning Joe” hosts commented on a meeting over the weekend, signaling a possible thaw in their previously icy relationship.
Scarborough and Brzezinski described the encounter as positive, emphasizing that it served as a much-needed step toward reconciliation:
Joe and Mika went to Mar a Lago to talk with Trump over the weekend. First face-to-face meeting in seven years. "We didn't see eye-to-eye on a lot of issues and we told him so," @JoeNBC says. "What we did agree on – was to restart communications," @morningmika says. pic.twitter.com/lyWZWK4CwX
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 18, 2024
However, they emphasized that the meeting should not be seen as an attempt to “normalize” Trump:
Here's part two of @Morning_Joe's prepared remarks about the Trump meeting. "Don't be mistaken. We are not here to defend or normalize Donald Trump," @JoeNBC says. "We are here to report on him" and provide insights in "these deeply unsettling times." pic.twitter.com/DTplzTSKhs
— Brian Stelter (@brianstelter) November 18, 2024
While Trump’s supporters might find it unexpected given the pair’s past comments, the president-elect shared a similar sentiment. According to a report from Fox News on Monday, Trump said, “I received a call from Joe Scarborough requesting a meeting for him and Mika, and I agreed that it would be a good thing if such meeting took place.”
Trump also revealed that the meeting occurred on Friday morning at Mar-a-Lago.
Though he kept details of their discussion vague, Trump said, “Many things were discussed, and I very much appreciated the fact that they wanted to have open communication.”
He characterized the atmosphere as “extremely cordial.”
Trump further reflected that it was unfortunate this sort of dialogue hadn’t happened earlier, stating, “In many ways, it’s too bad that it wasn’t done long ago.”
The president-elect indicated that he plans to engage with other prominent media figures, including “even those that have been extremely hostile.”
Acknowledging the significance of maintaining a more cooperative relationship with the press, Trump said he has “an obligation to the American public, and to our country itself, to be open and available to the press.”
He even noted the vital role of the media, claiming, “media is very important to the long-term success of the United States of America.”
However, Trump issued a firm caveat regarding this media outreach, warning, “If not treated fairly, however, that will end.”