It started out as just another routine, cross-promotional interview.
Donald Trump appeared on MSNBC this morning to discuss the upcoming season of NBC’s The Apprentice, which will feature out-of-work contestants. Tamron Hall — who anchors MSNBC’s 11amET and 2pmET hours — greeted Trump to start the exchange.
“Congratulations, Tamron,” Trump began. “I hear you’re getting a new show, and it’s a biggie!”
Hall, who was a judge for Trump’s Miss Universe pageant last month, laughed, “Oh, I don’t know about that!”
“It’s very impressive,” Trump continued. “You’re the opposite of the people that are on The Apprentice — you’re going up! So that’s great, congratulations.”
“You’re very kind to say that, very kind. Thank you,” said Hall, before quickly re-directing the conversation.
So to what was The Donald referring? Did he inadvertently let a cat out of a bag?
TVNewser has learned there are changes coming to the daytime lineup, beyond next month’s debut of former ABCer Martin Bashir on the network.
Chris Jansing, who returned to MSNBC in June after a two-year stint reporting from NBC News’ Los Angeles bureau is poised to anchor a newly-titled show from 10am-NoonET. Jansing, an MSNBC original, will be joined by Richard Lui, late of HLN, in the timeslot.
Contessa Brewer continues to anchor the NoonET hour. “Andrea Mitchell Reports” continues at 1pmET. Hall will anchor the 2pmET hour, which will also get a new name. And Bashir will anchor the 3pmET hour.