Former White House press secretary Jen Psaki sparks controversy with candid remarks about MSNBC's approach to covering Donald Trump.

According to Daily Mail, Psaki acknowledged during The Grill Room podcast that MSNBC's audience anticipates unfavorable coverage of the former president, stating that when they discuss Trump, "it's typically not going to be positive."

In her conversation with Puck's media reporter Dylan Byers, Psaki elaborated on the network's editorial direction. She explained that while MSNBC covers various topics including Democrats and future leaders, their Trump coverage maintains a consistently critical tone. The former Biden administration official emphasized that this approach aligns with viewer expectations.

MSNBC programming undergoes major changes

Psaki's comments come amid significant changes at MSNBC under new president Rebecca Kutler's leadership. The network recently announced Psaki will anchor the 9pm slot Tuesday through Friday, replacing Alex Wagner.

Meanwhile, Rachel Maddow will continue hosting on Mondays at 9 pm following the first 100 days of the Trump Administration.

Kutler's restructuring efforts have led to several high-profile departures. Joy Reid's show The ReidOut has been canceled after running since 2020. Other hosts including Katie Phang, Jonathan Capehart and Ayman Mohyeldin have also lost their current timeslots.

The new MSNBC president officially took the helm on February 12 after serving in an interim capacity following Rashida Jones' exit. Her tenure has already brought notable changes to the network's operations and programming strategy.

Network faces financial pressures amid viewer decline

MSNBC has encountered significant financial challenges as viewership numbers continue to drop. Contributors now reportedly cover their own transportation costs to the DC studios and handle their own makeup applications.

Psaki shared insights about the network's internal dynamics, stating:

I have not experienced this like, 'You have to move to the center, you have to have Republicans on, you have to be more moderate.' Every show kind of has a North Star but the vibe is, kind of, under the same umbrella.

The network currently averages less than 600,000 total day viewers and under 60,000 in the key demographic. These disappointing numbers come as MSNBC prepares to separate from parent company NBCUniversal later this year.

Looking ahead at MSNBC transformation

The current restructuring at MSNBC reflects broader changes in cable news media landscape. Psaki's new primetime role represents a significant programming shift, while also highlighting the network's continued focus on political coverage.

The former White House press secretary's frank discussion about MSNBC's Trump coverage provides insight into the network's editorial approach.

As MSNBC navigates declining viewership and prepares for independence from NBCUniversal, these programming decisions and coverage choices will likely play a crucial role in determining its future direction.