EXCLUSIVE: RACHEL MADDOW TURNS ON STEVE KORNACKI — “MSNBC MADE YOU A STAR. TRAITOR.”
KORNACKI INKS NEW NBC DEAL, DITCHES MSNBC AS NETWORK SPINOFF LOOMS — AND HIS FORMER COLLEAGUES ARE FUMING
The king of the khakis is making moves — and not everyone’s cheering.
Steve Kornacki, the beloved numbers nerd of election night fame, has signed a shiny new deal with NBC News and Sports, officially leaving his post at MSNBC just as the network faces an uncertain future.
And sources tell #ShuterScoop that Rachel Maddow is not happy.
“MSNBC made you a star. And this is how you repay them?” a source close to Maddow said, claiming the primetime anchor feels blindsided and betrayed by Kornacki’s quiet exit.
Kornacki, long considered a loyal MSNBC mainstay, will now pivot to a new hybrid role focusing on NBC News’ Meet the Press and election coverage — plus expanded duties with NBC Sports, where he’s become a fan-favorite during NFL playoff season and the Kentucky Derby.
“Steve’s Timing Couldn’t Be Worse”
MSNBC is currently being spun off from Comcast, and insiders say the transition has rattled top talent — making Kornacki’s departure feel like a desertion.
“Rachel took it personally,” another insider added. “They’ve shared countless live election nights, built chemistry on-air. Now he’s jumping ship when the network needs stability.”
Maddow, who has been a defining face of MSNBC for more than a decade, had no idea Kornacki’s shift was imminent — learning about it just as NBC released its official announcement.
“She’s not mad at Steve for wanting to grow,” the insider clarified. “She’s mad he didn’t say a word.”
As MSNBC prepares for a rebrand and battles declining cable viewership, Kornacki’s departure is seen as a symbolic blow — and a real one to morale.
Still, NBC execs are betting big on Steve.
“He’s a unicorn — equally brilliant in politics and sports,” said one top network source. “But make no mistake, he’s NBC’s now.”
#KornackiCrossesOver #RachelVsSteve #MSNBCTraitor #ShuterScoop