Meeting with 'Morning Jo' Hosts Revealed
"No Retaliation Against Unfair Media but Three Chances Given"
President-elect of the United States Donald Trump warned that while he intends to cooperate with media outlets that were hostile to him in the past, he will retaliate if he is not treated fairly.
On the 18th (local time), in an interview with Fox News Digital, Trump said, "Having a free, fair, and open media and press is very important and essential to Make America Great Again (MAGA)."
He then shared an anecdote about meeting Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, hosts of the American broadcast MSNBC's 'Morning Joe,' at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on the 15th. During his first term, Trump had conflicts with the mainstream media. In particular, policy criticisms escalated into emotional disputes, and he hurled harsh insults at them, calling them "Crazy Joe" and "Dumb Mika."
Trump said, "I received a call from Scarborough requesting a meeting, and I agreed that it would be good if the meeting took place," adding, "The meeting was very friendly." He continued, "We discussed many things, and I was very grateful that they wanted open communication," adding, "In many ways, it is regrettable that this (communication) did not happen long ago." It has been seven years since Trump and they last met.
Regarding the meeting with his former 'arch-enemies' with whom he once exchanged harsh words, Trump said, "They congratulated me on running a 'campaign that was great and flawless enough to be remembered in history,'" and added, "The meeting ended in a very positive way." He also mentioned discussing cabinet members who have been announced or are about to be announced.
Trump said, "I expect this kind of thing to happen with other media outlets, even those that are extremely hostile," and added, "I feel an obligation to be open and accessible to the media for the sake of America and the American people." He also said, "We had a good start. I will speak openly and freely about progress going forward," adding, "This includes media relations." This is an attempt to reconcile with the mainstream media with whom he had conflicts during his first administration.
However, he warned, "If I am not treated fairly, that will be the end of it." He added, "I do not want to retaliate against those who treat me unfairly or excessively in an incomprehensible way," but said, "I want to give a second and third chance, but I do not want to give a fourth chance."
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