Geraldo Rivera Reflects on His Break with Trump During MSNBC Interview
In a candid and emotional live interview on MSNBC with Ari Melber on Tuesday, Geraldo Rivera opened up about his recent decision to part ways with longtime friend and former President Donald Trump, endorsing Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for the upcoming 2024 election. Rivera, a former Fox News personality, expressed a mix of regret and relief, revealing that he wished he had distanced himself from Trump much sooner.
Rivera’s endorsement of Harris came after he publicly criticized Trump, labeling him a “sore loser” and condemning his ongoing efforts to undermine the legitimacy of the 2020 election. In a heartfelt social media post last week, Rivera articulated his concerns about Trump’s “menacing campaign,” which he felt could threaten the very foundations of American democracy.
During the interview, Rivera shared his internal struggle, admitting that he had hoped to remain under the radar this election cycle. However, witnessing Trump’s competitive edge in the polls compelled him to speak out. “It was something I could not abide,” Rivera stated, acknowledging the difficulty of confronting his loyalty to someone he considered a friend.
Reflecting on their friendship, Rivera noted, “He has always been very nice to me and my family, a good friend and a hangout buddy.” Yet, he recognized that this personal connection made his decision to break away even more challenging. “What is shocking to me though is that despite all that he could still be the 47th president,” he lamented.
Rivera, who participated in the final season of Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2015, admitted that he once found the idea of Trump running for president “intoxicating.” He confessed to having dismissed many criticisms aimed at Trump, only to later realize that his friend’s actions aligned with the very concerns his critics had raised. “You forgive so much, and I am so disappointed in my kind of blindness,” he said.
When Melber pressed Rivera on whether he felt contrite about his past support for Trump, Rivera hesitated, ultimately describing his feelings as more of embarrassment than contrition. “I feel, you know, you’re putting me up against my loyalty to someone who was nice, who was good to me,” he explained. “But in retrospect, I wish I had bailed on the Trump train a lot sooner before he threatened the Constitution of the United States with its utter destruction.”
As the 2024 election approaches, Rivera’s reflections serve as a reminder of the complex emotions that can accompany political affiliations, especially when personal relationships are involved. His journey from a Trump supporter to a Harris backer highlights the evolving landscape of American politics and the difficult choices individuals must make in the face of moral dilemmas.
Rivera’s heartfelt admission resonates with many who find themselves grappling with similar conflicts, as the stakes of this election continue to rise. With just weeks to go until Election Day, the political landscape remains charged, and Rivera’s story adds a personal touch to the broader narrative of loyalty, regret, and the quest for integrity in a tumultuous political climate.
