The ratings challenges extend beyond Psaki. MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace, who airs Deadline: White House from 4 to 6 PM EST, faced criticism after comments about 13-year-old DJ Daniel, an honorary Secret Service agent appointed by former President Trump, sparked controversy. Wallace’s remarks touched on law enforcement and the January 6 insurrection, drawing backlash from Trump and allies.
Wallace’s audience has steadily declined since Trump’s 2024 election victory. While the show averaged 1.6 million viewers early in the year, it lost roughly 35% of its viewers after Election Day, averaging around one million viewers daily in November and December. Her 25-54 demographic has shrunk to just 93,000 viewers, down from 144,000 before the election, leaving her trailing not only news programs but also entertainment shows like Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives and BET’s Tyler Perry’s Sistas.
These struggles highlight a broader trend of disengagement among MSNBC’s liberal audience, posing challenges for the network in retaining key demographics and attracting advertisers. Psaki’s faltering debut and Wallace’s ongoing ratings decline underscore the difficulties faced by high-profile hosts in maintaining relevance and viewership in a competitive cable news landscape.
