The Trump administration has called journalists “despicable,” even questioned the patriotism of some, as part of its vigorous response to criticism in the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly sent by immigration officials to a notorious prison in El Salvador.

The reaction of those who defended “Morning Joe” hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for meeting with President-elect Trump sounds almost quaint in the days of opinionated journalism.