MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski Scrambles to Issue Legal Disclaimer After Explosive ‘Rapist’ Claim Against Trump

On January 8, 2025, during an interview on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, guest Scott Galloway referred to President-elect Donald Trump as a “rapist.” Recognizing the potential legal implications of such a statement, co-host Mika Brzezinski promptly intervened to clarify the matter.

Brzezinski addressed the audience, stating, “President-elect Trump was tried civilly and found liable of sexual abuse, not rape, in the E. Jean Carroll case.” She emphasized the importance of accuracy in reporting, especially concerning serious allegations.

This clarification follows a recent incident involving ABC News, where host George Stephanopoulos faced legal repercussions for inaccurately stating that Trump had been found liable for rape. The network settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump for $16 million, underscoring the critical need for precise language when discussing legal matters.

Brzezinski’s swift correction highlights the media’s responsibility to uphold factual reporting standards, particularly when addressing sensitive topics such as sexual abuse allegations. Her intervention serves as a reminder of the potential legal consequences of disseminating unverified or incorrect information.