NBC News has come under fire for repeatedly interrupting prayer events at the Republican National Convention (RNC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin — disruptions that sparked criticism from convention attendees and viewers alike.
The backfire has been fierce.
On Tuesday, NBC correspondent Vaughn Hillyard apologized on air after interrupting a silent prayer, telling host Jen Psaki, “I don’t want to interrupt it in this crowd.”
Psaki agreed, stating they wouldn’t want to again “talk over a prayer.”
A more contentious incident occurred Thursday evening when NBC’s Garrett Haake started to report during another prayer moment loudly.
It didn’t go well.
According to multiple sources, including Daily Caller White House News Correspondent Reagan Reese and internet personality Jason Howerton, several delegates told Haake to “shut up” and “shush,” stating it “wasn’t appropriate to interrupt.”
Scolded, the NBC News reporter responded like a child “who just got in trouble.”
One of the greatest things I've seen at the RNC is when NBC tried to do a live hit on the floor during a prayer.
Someone told them to shush because they were praying. The reporter started whispering like a child would who just got in trouble.
— Jason Howerton (@jason_howerton) July 19, 2024
On air, Haake could be heard whispering, “I’m being asked to be very quiet here guys,” as he continued to report on the presence of Ohio Senator and GOP Vice Presidential candidate J.D. Vance.
The repeated interruptions have raised questions about the network’s awareness of the importance of prayer and religion to the Republicans in attendance — and those Americans watching from home.
Critics argue that the incidents demonstrate a lack of respect for the Christian faith.
NBC News has not yet responded to requests for comment on the incidents.