David Muir and Donald Trump share a complicated and long-standing history, filled with highs and lows. From the early days of Trump’s presidential campaign in 2016 to their tense relationship today, Muir’s position as one of ABC’s top anchors has placed him at the center of many of Trump’s media interactions.
As the first presidential debate of 2024 approaches, their history is once again in the spotlight.
The Relationship Between Trump and Muir
Their connection began during the 2016 election campaign, when Trump was running against Hillary Clinton. Muir’s reputation as a trusted journalist made him an attractive choice for interviews, even though Trump had his doubts about ABC.
Initially, Trump rejected an interview with ABC during Labor Day in 2016. However, when Hillary Clinton agreed to speak with Muir, Trump quickly changed his stance. A Trump adviser, Kellyanne Conway, recalled how the former president said, “If it’s David Muir, I want to do it.”
Trump’s respect for Muir’s work is clear, especially since Muir’s show, ABC World News Tonight, has dominated ratings for nearly a decade.
According to ABC News staff, Trump admires Muir because of his success in the industry. In fact, Muir landed the first TV interview with Trump after his election victory, and again in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump’s Compliments and Criticisms of ABC
Despite their past interviews, Trump has not been shy about criticizing ABC. In a recent press conference, he called ABC the “nastiest” network, even stating that the network was worse than NBC. His words suggest a deep-seated frustration with the network, yet his relationship with Muir remains positive.
Trump has also taken aim at the network’s other personalities, like George Stephanopoulos, and even filed lawsuits against the network for defamation in the past.
Interestingly, Trump has had a long-standing personal relationship with some of the figures at ABC, including his connections to Disney executives. Trump recently implied that Kamala Harris’ relationship with ABC was due to her friendship with Dana Walden, a senior Disney executive.
The Upcoming Debate
As the 2024 presidential debate approaches, both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are preparing for a showdown. Trump’s campaign has promised some surprises during the debate, with the former president expected to focus on topics like illegal immigration and the US-Mexico border.
Harris, on the other hand, has been practicing with a Trump impersonator to sharpen her debate skills. Both candidates are bracing for a heated exchange, and the debate is expected to be a major moment in the race.
Muir and fellow anchor Linsey Davis will host the debate on ABC, despite Trump’s harsh comments about the network. This further complicates their relationship, but it also shows how media personalities like Muir continue to play a central role in political discourse.
Conclusion
The relationship between David Muir and Donald Trump is a fascinating example of how media and politics intertwine. Despite Trump’s critical remarks about ABC, Muir’s credibility and success have earned him respect from the former president.
As they prepare for the 2024 presidential debate, their history will undoubtedly shape how the event unfolds. Both men are prepared for a tense, dramatic encounter, and it’s clear that their long history will continue to influence the political landscape.
FAQs
- What is the history between David Muir and Donald Trump?
Muir and Trump have interacted for years, from interviews during the 2016 election to Trump’s praise for Muir’s dominance in the ratings. They also share a tense relationship with ABC.
- Why does Trump praise David Muir?
Trump respects Muir due to his success in ratings, with Muir’s show, ABC World News Tonight, being the most-watched newscast for nearly a decade.
- What did Trump say about ABC before the 2024 debate?
Trump called ABC the “nastiest” network and criticized their coverage, even claiming the network was worse than NBC.
- What topics will Trump focus on during the 2024 debate?
Trump is expected to focus on issues like illegal immigration, the US-Mexico border, and the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, criticizing policies under President Biden.
- How is Kamala Harris preparing for the debate?
Harris is practicing with a Trump impersonator to prepare for the upcoming debate, aiming to sharpen her debating skills for the showdown.
