MSNBC has made the decision to preempt its popular morning show, “Morning Joe,” in order to continue airing breaking news coverage of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. The progressive news network confirmed this decision, stating that the show will resume airing on Tuesday. This move is significant as it comes during a crucial political moment, with the Republican National Convention taking place and tensions running high following the Saturday shooting at Trump’s campaign rally.
According to a source familiar with the matter, MSNBC chose to preempt “Morning Joe” to avoid any potential inappropriate comments from one of the show’s many guests that could be used to criticize the program and network. Given the breaking news nature of the story, it was deemed more appropriate to continue airing rolling breaking news coverage during this politically fraught moment. NBCUniversal News Group also stated that they will continue to cover the developing story throughout the week, alternating between NBC News, NBC News NOW, and “MSNBC Reports” to ensure continuous coverage of the situation.
In the aftermath of the assassination attempt on Trump, some of his supporters have criticized the press and liberal media commentators for their reporting on the former president’s actions and rhetoric. NBCUniversal News Group chairman Cesar Conde, MSNBC president Rashida Jones, and hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski made the decision to preempt “Morning Joe.” The decision reflects the network’s effort to navigate the sensitive nature of the news cycle and provide viewers with comprehensive coverage of the unfolding situation.
News organizations have extensively covered Trump’s plans to utilize the federal government to his advantage and seek retribution against his political adversaries during the campaign cycle. However, some Trump supporters have blamed this reporting for creating a charged atmosphere that led to the assassination attempt, while overlooking the former president’s own provocative rhetoric. MSNBC, in particular, has faced criticism from Trump’s allies, with some going so far as to target the network’s parent company, Comcast, in their attacks.
This decision by MSNBC to preempt “Morning Joe” is not the first time the network has made similar programming choices during politically charged moments. Last year, after Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, MSNBC removed three Muslim broadcasters from air following criticism of the network’s coverage by pro-Israeli groups. This move, which left some network staff feeling uneasy, highlights the challenges faced by news organizations in maintaining balance and objectivity during sensitive and volatile political events.
