Friday night’s episode of The 11th Hour on MSNBC took an unexpected turn when a guest’s awkward comment during a discussion about President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) for Attorney General derailed the segment. The uncomfortable moment left the panel visibly stunned and forced host Stephanie Ruhle to cut to a commercial break earlier than planned.
The controversy began on Wednesday when Trump announced Gaetz as his pick to lead the Department of Justice. The decision was immediately polarizing, with supporters praising Gaetz as a bold choice and critics expressing deep concern.
In his announcement, Trump lauded Gaetz as a “deeply gifted and tenacious attorney,” emphasizing his confidence in Gaetz’s ability to implement sweeping reforms. “[Gaetz will] end weaponized government, protect our borders, dismantle criminal organizations, and restore Americans’ badly shattered faith in the Justice Department,” Trump said.
He added that Gaetz would “root out systemic corruption at the DOJ” and “return the Department to its true mission of fighting crime and upholding our democracy and Constitution.”
While the announcement thrilled Trump’s base, it sent shockwaves through the broader political landscape. Critics immediately questioned Gaetz’s qualifications and raised concerns about the confirmation process, given his controversial past and his combative style in Congress.
The topic was a centerpiece of The 11th Hour, where a panel of commentators, including former Rep. Max Rose (D-NY) and Newsweek editor-at-large Tom Rogers, dissected the nomination. Rose dismissed the move as a strategic play, predicting that Gaetz would use the nomination to position himself for a gubernatorial bid in Florida once Governor Ron DeSantis’s term ends.
“He’ll never get a vote,” Rose declared. “They’ll have to discard this race, and he’s gonna spend the next two years running for governor, saying, ‘The deep state establishment prevented me from winning.’ And that’s the quintessential MAGA campaign for governor.”
Rogers agreed with Rose’s assessment but inadvertently took the conversation in an awkward direction with his commentary.
“I do agree. He will probably have to pull out,” Rogers said, pausing before quickly realizing his misstep. “Excuse me, that’s a bad choice of words.”
The comment drew audible reactions from the panel, with some members visibly cringing or covering their faces. Ruhle, initially attempting to maintain her composure, appeared visibly taken aback.
Rogers tried to clarify, repeating his prediction that Gaetz’s nomination would falter before reaching a Senate hearing. “He will have to pull out before there’s a hearing, I think. This is really not gonna be something that goes over well.”
Despite Rogers’s attempt to refocus, the damage had been done. The segment’s momentum had ground to a halt, and the panel struggled to regain its footing.
Ruhle, known for her sharp wit and quick thinking, couldn’t resist commenting on the situation. “I just threw up in my mouth, and we have to go to commercial,” she said, cutting the discussion short and signaling an early break in the broadcast.
“He will probably have to pull out.” Poor choice of words by guest Tom Rogers about Matt Gaetz sends Stephanie Ruhle spinning. (Video: MSNBC) pic.twitter.com/4aLfTxaPh3
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) November 16, 2024
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with viewers sharing clips of the awkward exchange. Reactions ranged from amused to critical, with many praising Ruhle for handling the situation with humor and professionalism.
This latest episode highlights the ongoing controversies surrounding Trump’s cabinet picks and the challenges facing his administration as it prepares to take office. Gaetz’s nomination, in particular, underscores Trump’s commitment to appointing loyalists who share his vision for dismantling what he sees as entrenched bureaucracies.
However, the road ahead is likely to be fraught with obstacles. Critics argue that Gaetz’s controversial reputation and lack of judicial experience make him an ill-suited choice for Attorney General. Additionally, the nomination is expected to face significant resistance in the Senate, where Democrats and some moderate Republicans may push back.
For now, Gaetz and his allies remain focused on advancing Trump’s agenda. Whether his nomination ultimately succeeds or fails, it’s clear that the move has already sparked fierce debate and set the stage for a contentious start to Trump’s second term.
As for MSNBC, the network will undoubtedly continue to cover the unfolding drama, though Friday’s segment serves as a reminder that even seasoned commentators can have an off moment. For viewers, it was a memorable—if cringe-worthy—example of live television at its most unpredictable.
