MSNBC's Morning Joe cohosts, Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, have initiated a surprising reconciliation with President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

In a remarkable turn of events, the Morning Joe hosts met with Trump over the weekend to renew communications despite their previously voiced severe criticisms, Breitbart reported.

Rekindling Old Connections

The cohosts announced on their Monday show that they have reestablished contact with Trump after years of estrangement. Their meeting at Mar-a-Lago marks a pivotal moment, given their history of animosity toward Trump's political ascent.

Previously, Scarborough and Brzezinski have been vocal critics of Trump, comparing his actions and rhetoric to those of fascists and even Adolf Hitler. Such comparisons highlighted their deep-seated concerns over his influence on democratic norms.

Despite these past contentions, the dialogue has been reopened, reflecting a significant shift in their approach to Trump, who will soon return to the presidency.

Media Criticism and Performance Art

Commentator Joe Concha has weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the actions of the Morning Joe hosts are more about media theatrics than genuine political discourse. On his show, Concha remarked, "90% of what you see on networks like this is all performance art."

Concha's comments reflect a broader skepticism about the authenticity of media figures, highlighting the performative elements in their public and political interactions.

Declining public trust in media mirrors such skepticism, as Gallup's 2024 polling indicates an all-time low in confidence in the establishment media's ability to report news fully, accurately, and fairly.

A Long History of Confrontation

The history between the Morning Joe hosts and Trump extends back several years, where on-air and off-air exchanges have often been contentious. Scarborough and Brzezinski had not engaged in direct communication with Trump since a personal call following an attempt on Trump's life in March 2020, until this recent meeting.

During the 2024 election cycle, Scarborough's comparisons of Trump to Nazis and Brzezinski's description of a Trump rally as resembling a "white nationalist Nazi-type rally" exemplified their critical stance.

Scarborough has expressed regret for underestimating Trump's political influence, acknowledging a historical parallel to the underestimation of significant authoritarian figures in history.

Addressing Past Comments and Future Dialogues

At their recent meeting, Brzezinski acknowledged the need to restart communications with Trump, stating, "For those asking why we would go speak to the president-elect during such fraught times, especially between us, I guess I would ask back, why wouldn’t we?"

She also referenced a personal interaction from 2020, underscoring the complex and sometimes personal dimensions of their relationship with Trump.

This reconnection suggests a potential shift in media dynamics and a reevaluation of how political figures are engaged by prominent media personalities.

Reflections on Political Influence and Media Roles

Scarborough's reflections on the media's role in politics have sparked discussion about the responsibility of journalists in shaping public perception and political outcomes. "We made the same mistake that people made during Hitler’s rise," he commented, relating underestimations of Trump's potential to historical figures.

Brzezinski also emphasized the continuing relevance of Trump's political maneuvers and his affiliations with authoritarian figures, which she argues should remain at the forefront of journalistic scrutiny.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the role of media figures like Scarborough and Brzezinski in shaping the discourse will likely remain a topic of public and scholarly debate.