Alex Wagner, the former host of MSNBC’s 9 p.m. time slot Tuesday through Friday, was temporarily reassigned to a special project covering the first 100 days of the Trump administration’s second term in 2025. This shift was part of a broader programming change at MSNBC aimed at boosting viewership during this crucial period.
Wagner’s Special Assignment
Wagner’s temporary role involved traveling both within the U.S. and internationally to interview newsmakers and individuals impacted by the Trump administration’s policies. This on-the-ground reporting, dubbed “Trumpland,” aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects of these policies on various communities.
Alex Wagner reporting
Wagner’s objective was to engage in substantive conversations, moving beyond the typical cable news practice of interviewing staunch supporters of unsubstantiated claims. She sought to understand the perspectives of those affected by the policies and to explore how the political left could better respond to the challenges presented by the Trump administration.
MSNBC’s Primetime Shakeup
This temporary reassignment was prompted by Rachel Maddow’s return to a five-nights-a-week schedule for the first 100 days of Trump’s second term. Maddow, who had previously scaled back her anchoring duties to Mondays only, expanded her presence to cover this significant political event.
This programming change occurred amidst a period of declining viewership for MSNBC following the 2024 election. The network experienced a significant drop in its key demographic, attributed in part to viewer fatigue following a contentious election cycle.
Storm Reid leaving Euphoria
MSNBC experimented with various strategies to address this decline, including special programming and new formats. For example, Jen Psaki, who hosted a Sunday show, also took on a Monday night slot at 8 p.m., leaving Chris Hayes with a Tuesday-Friday schedule similar to Wagner’s previous role.
Back to Regular Programming
Both Wagner and Maddow were expected to return to their regular programming schedules after the 100-day mark, on April 30, 2025. Wagner emphasized that while this field assignment was crucial, continuous field work isn’t sustainable in the long run.
Wagner’s temporary reassignment reflects MSNBC’s efforts to adapt to changing political landscapes and viewership trends. By deploying her to the field, the network sought to provide in-depth coverage of the Trump administration’s impact and potentially revitalize audience engagement.
