NBC News has decided to remove former Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel as a contributor, following criticism from some of their top talent. The network shared this information in a memo sent on Tuesday.
Cesar Conde, the chairman of the NBCU News Group, acknowledged the challenging times the News Group has faced recently. In response to the valid concerns raised by many, Conde made the decision to not have Ronna McDaniel as an NBC News contributor.
Last month, McDaniel resigned from her position at the RNC and was succeeded by two new leaders, one of whom is Donald Trump’s daughter-in-law.
During an interview on “Meet the Press” on Sunday, she defended her time with the party and expressed her views on the 2020 election and the events of January 6th.
McDaniel revealed her newfound freedom to express her views after stepping down from her position as the leader of the party.
“As the RNC chair, taking one for the whole team becomes part of the job,” mentioned McDaniel, who was personally chosen by Trump in late 2016 to lead the party until he advocated for a change in leadership.
McDaniel expressed her excitement during an interview on NBC, stating, “Now, I finally have the opportunity to be more authentic and true to myself.”
During her appearance on “Meet the Press,” McDaniel faced questions about her previous remarks that cast doubt on the legitimacy of President Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 election. She had expressed these doubts without providing any evidence to support her claims. Additionally, McDaniel distanced herself from former President Trump’s endorsement of individuals who were convicted for their involvement in the events of January 6th.
During a phone call on November 17, 2020, she and Trump were recorded defending their stance and urging GOP canvassers in Michigan to refrain from signing the certification of the 2020 election results, which indicated Biden as the winner.
According to her, there was a significant public backlash against the canvassers as they deliberated on their decision. However, she clarified that despite the claims made in the recording, she merely advised them to “vote their conscience” without exerting any pressure on them.
During the news interview, moderator Kristen Welker mentioned that McDaniel’s appearance was accompanied by an additional announcement from NBC. They revealed that McDaniel would be joining them as an analyst.
Carrie Budoff Brown, an executive, hailed McDaniel as an illuminating voice in an “important moment” in a memo sent on Friday regarding her addition to NBC.
Brown, in part, wrote that as the chair of the Republican National Committee, she had a significant presence in American politics for almost eight years. He mentioned that she will contribute to our comprehensive coverage by offering insights into national politics and the future of the Republican Party, which she successfully guided through tumultuous and difficult times.
During her interview on “Meet the Press” on Sunday, McDaniel faced increasing criticism regarding her connection to Trump, her past remarks on the 2020 election, and her credibility. Notably, Chuck Todd, Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Rachel Maddow, and other commentators expressed their concerns about these issues.
During her broadcast on Monday, Rachel Maddow made an analogy to emphasize a point. She stated, “You wouldn’t hire a wiseguy or a made man like a mobster to work at a DA’s office, right?” This comparison highlights the absurdity of such a decision, implying that it would be illogical to employ someone with a dubious background in a position of authority and trust.
On Tuesday, Ari Melber, a fellow host on MSNBC, discussed the decision for Ronna McDaniel to no longer contribute to the network. He also addressed the larger controversy that arose within the organization.
Melber acknowledged the ongoing and passionate debate surrounding the initial announcement made on Friday, stating, “If you watch MSNBC, as you probably do if you’re listening to me right now, or you follow news media and politics, this has been a roiling debate.”
Conde, the chair of NBCU News Group, also addressed the criticism.
In a memo circulated on Tuesday, it was stated that the success of any organization, especially a newsroom, relies on its cohesiveness and alignment. The recent appointment, however, has raised concerns about its impact on this goal.
“We made our initial decision based on our strong dedication to providing our audiences with a broad range of perspectives and experiences, especially during these important times,” he explained. “We remain steadfast in our belief that we need to have a variety of viewpoints on our programs, and as such, we will intensify our efforts to include voices that represent various parts of the political spectrum.”
McDaniel could not be reached for comment by ABC News.
Former President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to mock Ronna McDaniel, who was recently dropped as an NBC News contributor. In his post, he sarcastically noted that she “only lasted two days.”
According to Trump, McDaniel made an effort to tell people what they wanted to hear, but she only lasted for two days.
“It leaves her in a very peculiar situation,” Trump remarked.
