MSNBC’s Morning Joe veered off its usual political commentary Thursday morning to address something far more personal—and alarming: their own uncertain future at the network.

In a moment that caught even the most seasoned media watchers off guard, hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski acknowledged explosive reports suggesting that parent company Comcast is preparing to spin off NBCUniversal’s cable news division, including MSNBC. The move, which could potentially shake up the entire structure of mainstream cable news, had both hosts openly joking—but not entirely convincingly—about their job security.

“I mean, I could be completely wrong—we could all be fired a year from now,” Scarborough said.
“Or tomorrow,” Brzezinski quickly added, her laugh more anxious than amused.

Comcast’s Potential Breakup Plan Rocks Cable News

The unexpected commentary came just hours after The Wall Street Journal reported that Comcast is preparing to spin off its NBCUniversal-owned cable networks, including MSNBC, CNBC, USA Network, Oxygen, E!, Syfy, and the Golf Channel. According to sources familiar with the matter, the company will make the announcement next Wednesday.

“Comcast is expected to announce that it is moving forward with a plan to spin off its NBCUniversal cable TV networks,” WSJ’s Amol Sharma reported. “The move acknowledges that the company may be better off without a portfolio once considered a crown jewel.”

The affected networks generated approximately $7 billion in revenue in the 12 months ending September 30. However, Comcast executives reportedly view the cable bundle as a declining asset in a rapidly evolving media landscape dominated by streaming services.

‘Morning Joe’ Hosts Caught in the Crossfire

The news comes at a particularly vulnerable moment for Morning Joe, one of MSNBC’s flagship programs and a longtime lightning rod for political controversy. Scarborough and Brzezinski attempted to keep the mood light on-air, but their offhand remarks revealed more tension than they might have intended.

“Drudge [Report] had us melting down,” Scarborough said with a chuckle. “News melts down! Cable collapse! But look, we get it—we’re in the middle of this, too.”

Some media analysts believe the couple’s public response was an attempt to get ahead of the narrative, while others see it as an act of thinly veiled panic.

“When your own hosts start joking about being unemployed, it’s not just ‘banter’ anymore,” tweeted veteran media analyst Rebekah Stein. “It’s a red flag.”

A Surprise Meeting With Trump Adds Fuel to Speculation

In another unexpected twist, Scarborough and Brzezinski revealed that they recently met with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago for a private 90-minute conversation.

The hosts, who were once close to Trump before turning sharply critical during his presidency, described the meeting as an attempt to “reopen lines of communication.”

“We talked about abortion, mass deportation, and even political retribution,” Scarborough said, adding that the conversation was surprisingly cordial.
“After five years of silence, we felt it was time to speak directly—not just about Trump, but with him,” Brzezinski explained.

The pair confirmed that this was their first meeting with Trump since 2016, aside from a brief personal phone call Scarborough made after the recent attempt on Trump’s life in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“He was cheerful. He seemed genuinely interested in common ground—even with his critics,” Brzezinski said.

Trump Confirms: ‘They Called Me’

Trump, in a statement to Fox News, confirmed the meeting and appeared surprisingly magnanimous.

“Joe Scarborough requested the meeting, and I thought it was a good idea,” Trump said. “We talked openly, and I appreciated that. Too bad it didn’t happen earlier.”

He also emphasized the need for a “free, fair, and open media”, even when it includes voices critical of his policies.

“To Make America Great Again, we need open lines of communication—even with the press that treated me horribly,” Trump added.

Whether the meeting signals a political reset or simply a professional courtesy remains unclear. What is clear, however, is that both Trump and Morning Joe are trying to reposition themselves in a media ecosystem facing unprecedented disruption.

A New Era for MSNBC?

The looming Comcast spin-off could trigger a domino effect throughout cable news. Without the financial protection of a media giant, MSNBC may need to streamline operations, cut costs, or rebrand entirely—all of which could put long-running programs like Morning Joe on the chopping block.

Insiders say the mood inside 30 Rock has grown increasingly anxious.

“Nobody knows what the future holds,” one anonymous MSNBC staffer said. “It feels like musical chairs, and nobody wants to be left standing.”

While some believe the network could benefit from newfound independence, others worry that a spin-off would leave MSNBC vulnerable to private equity takeovers or political influence.

“Spinning off MSNBC without a clear strategic partner is like sending it into the jungle without a map,” warned former NBC executive Allison Marks.

Bracing for Change

For Scarborough and Brzezinski, the uncertainty is palpable. Once considered untouchable in the progressive cable sphere, they now find themselves navigating a volatile mix of corporate restructuring, political realignment, and shifting viewer loyalties.

“I’ve seen this business eat people alive,” Scarborough said during the broadcast. “You think you’re safe—then poof.”

While it’s unclear whether the couple’s jobs are truly at risk, one thing is certain: Morning Joe is no longer just reporting the news—it’s living it.