Donald Trump makes surprise phone call to new C-SPAN primetime program

United States President Donald Trump made an unannounced phone call into C-SPAN on Monday night, the New York Post and CNBC reported. Host Mimi Geerges introduced the call by telling viewers that the network appeared to have a call from the White House, according to the New York Post. The call was made to the newly launched program Washington Journal Primetime, the New York Post and The Hill reported. [1][2][5]

During the broadcast, Trump said that he likes to watch the call-in programs because they give him an indication of where things stand, the New York Post reported. The New York Post added that Trump noted some great Republicans call into the program, while expressing doubt that Democrats are thrilled with the show. [1]

The phone call followed other unexpected post-midterm public appearances by the president, CNBC reported. The network noted that Trump had also made surprise appearances in the White House briefing room and in a ballroom. CNBC further reported that Trump held a press conference alongside Ultimate Fighting Championship president Dana White in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room on Monday, November 9, 2026. [2]

The Cable-Satellite Public Affairs Network, known as C-SPAN, was created as a nonprofit initiative funded by the cable television industry to provide unedited coverage of federal legislative proceedings [10]. The evening broadcast of Washington Journal Primetime expands on the longer-running morning show by providing additional air time for viewers across the country to share their views, the New York Post reported. [1][10]

Background laughter heard during the broadcast prompted widespread online speculation among journalists that presidential aide Natalie Harp was in the room, as FTMQ News reported earlier. TMZ and the Hindustan Times both reported that the giggling woman heard in the background became a major focus of commentary following the broadcast. [6][7][11]