In a scathing rebuke, MSNBC morning show hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski criticized their employers at NBC News for hiring Ronna McDaniel, the former head of the Republican National Committee (RNC), as a paid contributor. The "Morning Joe" duo expressed their disappointment and called on NBC to reconsider its decision.

Brzezinski, who co-hosts the popular morning show with Scarborough, stated that they would not invite McDaniel on their program in protest. She referred to McDaniel as an "anti-democracy election denier", citing her involvement in Donald Trump's alleged fake elector scheme and pressuring election officials not to certify election results.

The hiring of McDaniel has caused an uproar at NBC News, with Scarborough expressing his frustration at not being consulted about her hiring. He criticized McDaniel's actions during the 2020 election, alleging that she actively participated in efforts to create a slate of fraudulent electors to overturn the election results.

The events of January 6, 2021, when Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol, were brought into focus by a House committee investigating the incident. Evidence presented suggested that Trump and lawyer John Eastman had contacted McDaniel to discuss the RNC's role in gathering these purportedly fake electors.

Last year, the Department of Justice indicted Trump and his allies for orchestrating the fake elector scheme. The indictment revealed that McDaniel was misled about the true intent of the scheme. However, the "Morning Joe" hosts argue that these actions make McDaniel unfit for a role as a paid contributor at NBC News.

Brzezinski argued that if NBC News wants to hire conservative Republicans, they should select individuals who have not used their positions to deny the validity of elections. She emphasized the importance of supporting democracy and expressed hope that NBC News would reconsider their decision.

According to sources, MSNBC president Rashida Jones confirmed that McDaniel would not be used as an on-air contributor. However, Politico reported that Jones was among the top-level executives who approved the deal with McDaniel, casting doubt on the network's stance.

The "Morning Joe" hosts' criticism mirrored former "Meet the Press" moderator Chuck Todd's sentiments. Todd voiced his frustration on air, stating that NBC executives owed his successor, Kristen Welker, an apology for putting her in an uncomfortable position during her interview with McDaniel.

As the controversy surrounding McDaniel's hiring continues, NBC News has not yet provided a comment on the situation. A source close to McDaniel defended her, stating that she provides a unique perspective on American politics and that her voice and views are important to voters.

The clash between NBC News and its on-air personalities underscores the tension within the network regarding the hiring of McDaniel. It remains to be seen how NBC will address the concerns raised by its hosts and whether they will reconsider McDaniel's role as a paid contributor.