Awkward!
MSNBC’s lefty hosts and guests have been forced to disclose that the cable network’s parent company Comcast donated to President Trump’s planned White House ballroom — in the same breath they’ve been lambasting the plans, according to statements compiled by the Status newsletter.
“Here’s the issue,” MSNBC anchor Stephanie Ruhle said on her show “The 11th Hour” last week.
“Donors are paying for it. Corporations are paying for it — Comcast, our Comcast — is one of those that are underwriting it. Shouldn’t that be more concerning to the American people? Because there ain’t no company out there writing a check just for goodwill.”
Comcast is one of several Fortune 500 companies that have donated toward construction of the new $300 million ballroom as Trump ordered the White House East Wing demolished.
While Comcast CEO Brian Roberts has been criticized by Trump, the Philadelphia-based telecom giant is reportedly interested in buying Warner Bros. Discovery amid bidding talks that stand to reshape America’s media landscape. The Trump administration has been smiling on rival bidder Paramount Skydance, instead, The Post reported last week.
Frequent MSNBC guest David Frum told network host Nicolle Wallace last week: “Everyone who is giving the money, the quarter of a billion dollars to pay for this thing — with all due respect to Comcast, thank you for the hospitality — is doing so in expectation of something in return.
“They’re not doing it for the love of ballroom dancing,” the Trump-hating Atlantic writer said on “Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace.”
An MSNBC spokesperson declined to comment.
The comments came as Comcast is spinning off its cable channels into Versant. MSNBC is separating from its sister group NBC News and being rebranded as MS NOW starting next month.
Earlier this month, NBC News reporters and editorial staffers stopped appearing on MSNBC broadcasts as the cable channel began operating as an independent entity — the first time in its 30-year existence.
Trump’s $300 million plan to demolish the White House East Wing and replace it with a ballroom has sparked backlash from historians, preservationists and Democrats.
Critics argue the move destroys a key piece of national heritage and violates preservation laws.
The White House has defended the project as a modernization effort.
Meanwhile, Trump has called Roberts a “disgrace to the integrity of broadcasting,” labeling him a “lowlife” and “dopey” while referring to Comcast as “Concast.”
He has accused Roberts of overseeing what he calls a “corrupt” and “unlawful extension of the Democrat Party” through MSNBC’s programming, alleging that the network acts as a partisan propaganda outlet.
The Post has sought comment from Comcast.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: nypost.com
