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Nicolle Wallace’s Ratings Plummet After Trump’s Election Victory Amid Controversial Remarks
In a stark shift, MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace has experienced a significant decline in ratings following the election victory of President Donald Trump. Recently, Wallace attracted negative attention for her comments regarding a 13-year-old cancer survivor who was highlighted during Trump’s address to Congress.
Ratings Drop Post-Election
Wallace’s show, “Deadline White House,” reportedly averaged 1.6 million viewers from the beginning of 2024 until Election Day. However, viewership plunged by an astonishing 35% once Trump was declared the winner. The program’s ratings fell to just over one million viewers for the remainder of 2024, indicating a sharp disengagement among its predominantly liberal audience.
Decline in Key Demographics
In the crucial demographic of adults aged 25-54, “Deadline White House” saw a corresponding drop. Before the election, the show averaged 144,000 viewers in this category but suffered a 35% decline, settling at an average of 93,000 viewers thereafter. This trend highlights the challenges liberal programs face during shifts in political power.
Comparing Viewership with Competitors
As of 2025, Wallace’s program has continued to struggle, averaging just 1.1 million viewers. This represents a 25% decline compared to the same period in 2024. Conversely, competing programming on Fox News, which airs during Wallace’s 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. timeslot, has gained an impressive 3.6 million viewers this year, illustrating the widening gap in audience preference.
Falling Behind in Key Demographic Categories
In the highly sought-after demographic of 25-54-year-olds, Wallace’s viewership stands at 108,000. This figure is significantly lower compared to popular shows such as “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives” on the Food Network and BET’s “Tyler Perry’s Sistas,” reflecting a broader trend in viewer loyalty and engagement.
Controversial Comments Draw Criticism
Despite her declining ratings, Nicolle Wallace has remained in the public eye, often stirring controversy with her remarks. Following Trump’s address, which featured the story of DJ Daniel, a teenager who was declared terminally ill with brain cancer six years prior, Wallace made a troubling connection between the young boy and the January 6 Capitol riots.
During her commentary, she expressed hope that DJ would live a long and fulfilling life as a law enforcement officer. However, she ominously stated her desire for him to never have to confront Trump’s supporters in a violent context and alluded to the tragic suicides of Capitol Police officers. This connection sparked outrage and condemnation, even reaching high levels of political discourse.
A Backlash from Political Figures
Wallace’s comments did not go unnoticed. Former President Trump voiced his disdain, calling her remarks disgraceful. He further criticized Wallace, suggesting that given her comments, she should consider resigning from her position. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also criticized Wallace during a press briefing, amplifying the backlash against the MSNBC host.
Media Outcry and Social Media Reactions
The response to Wallace’s comments has been overwhelmingly negative across social media platforms. Major news outlets, including The New York Post, Newsweek, and others, have published articles condemning her remarks, which many view as inappropriate. This growing scrutiny highlights how public perceptions can shift dramatically, especially when host commentary seems to cross the line into politicization of sensitive topics.
A Shift in Viewer Engagement and Content Strategy
As Wallace’s ratings continue to decline, industry analysts anticipate that MSNBC might need to reevaluate its programming strategies. Viewers seem to crave content that resonates positively and avoids sensationalism rooted in controversy.
Understanding audience preferences in this dynamic media landscape is crucial. It underscores the importance of engaging content that unites rather than divides. For Wallace, it may necessitate a shift in focus to recover lost viewers during a pivotal time for political discourse.
Final Thoughts on Wallace’s Future
The future of Nicolle Wallace’s program and career may depend on a strategic response to the backlash she has received and the corresponding viewer decline. Adjusting her commentary approach and content could be essential in regaining trust and interest from her audience.
In a media environment where viewer loyalty can be ephemeral, Wallace’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters could determine the longevity of her platform on MSNBC.
Ratings data compiled from Nielsen Media Research.
