NBC Drops Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel as Contributor Amid Controversy In a surprising turn of events, NBC News has decided to drop Ronna McDaniel, the former chair of the Republican National Committee (RNC), as a paid contributor following significant public outcry, including criticism from within the network itself.
McDaniel’s hiring had sparked controversy within the network, with some of her new co-workers expressing concerns. During a conversation with Meet the Press moderator Kristen Welker, NBC’s chief political analyst Chuck Todd stated that there are journalists uncomfortable with McDaniel’s appointment due to past dealings with the RNC, which included gaslighting and character assassination. Similarly, Rachel Maddow criticized the decision on her show, calling it inexplicable and hoping for reconsideration.
McDaniel, a Trump ally, had previously made statements questioning the legitimacy of the 2020 election results, which have been proven false. Despite being the first woman to hold the title of RNC chair, her credibility issues led to internal backlash at NBC, ultimately resulting in her removal as a contributor.
This incident highlights the delicate balance networks face when hiring political figures, especially those with controversial backgrounds. The decision to drop McDaniel underscores the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and credibility in the media landscape.