Matthew Dowd Fired from MSNBC
Former political analyst Matthew Dowd has parted ways with MSNBC after making controversial remarks regarding Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk. During a live broadcast, Dowd suggested that Kirk’s “hateful” rhetoric contributed to his assassination.
Rebecca Kutler, president of MSNBC, issued a statement via the network’s PR X account, which has a modest following of 20,000, where she described Dowd’s comments as “inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable.” Following this, the network confirmed that he was “no longer with” MSNBC.
“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable. We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise.”
In the on-air discussion about Kirk, Dowd was prompted by anchor Katy Tur to consider what environments could lead to such violent events. He implied that there was a connection between Kirk’s statements and political violence, essentially suggesting that Kirk bore some responsibility for his situation.
“He’s been one of the most divisive, especially divisive younger figures in this, who is constantly sort of pushing this sort of hate speech or sort of aimed at certain groups,” he remarked. “And I always go back to, hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions.”
“I think that is the environment we are in,” he continued. “You can’t stop with these sort of awful thoughts you have, and then saying these awful words, and not expect awful actions to take place. And that’s the unfortunate environment we are in.”
During the segment, Dowd even joked that the shooter “could have been a supporter shooting in celebration,” which may have added to the backlash.
After the incident, Dowd issued an apology via MSNBC.
“My thoughts & prayers are with the family and friends of Charlie Kirk,” he stated. “On an earlier appearance on MSNBC I was asked a question on the environment we are in. I apologize for my tone and words. Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind.”
