Former MSNBC host Joy Reid is once again drawing attention for comments about President Donald Trump, this time directing her criticism toward New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart after the rookie publicly introduced Trump at a rally.
During a recent episode of a podcast hosted by liberal commentator Jack Cocchiarella, Reid expressed frustration over Dart’s appearance at the May 22 event, where the quarterback said he was “grateful” and “honored” to introduce the president. Reid said the moment left her so disappointed that she could no longer support the Giants.
“I was really kind of repulsed as a Giants fan — former, now,” Reid said during the discussion. She argued that praising Trump was fundamentally different from showing respect for the presidency itself, claiming that Trump is not a typical American president and accusing him of seeking monarchical power.
The comments came after Dart’s appearance generated significant political and media reaction. Critics of the quarterback questioned his decision to enter the political spotlight, while supporters defended his right to publicly support a political figure without facing professional consequences.
Fired MSNBC host Joy Reid says she has always been a Giants fan, but now can’t root for the team since Jaxson Dart introduced President Trump. 0% chance she could answer basic questions on Giants fandom. pic.twitter.com/3Ag8mfFrar
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) June 1, 2026
According to reports, the controversy even reached the Giants locker room. The team reportedly held a meeting days later, during which Dart addressed teammates and explained his decision to participate in the rally. Trump later responded on Truth Social, thanking the quarterback and saying it was “great being with” him.
Reid’s criticism extended beyond Dart himself. During the podcast conversation, Cocchiarella argued that public reactions to athletes expressing political views often differ depending on race and ideology. He contrasted criticism faced by Black athletes who speak about social justice issues with the treatment of white athletes who publicly support conservative causes.
Reid agreed with that assessment, arguing that sports and politics have long been intertwined. She suggested that Black athletes have historically faced expectations regarding how they express patriotism and political views, while other athletes are often given more latitude when discussing controversial topics.
The discussion eventually shifted back to Trump, with Reid launching into broader criticism of the president and his administration. She accused Trump of seeking to elevate his own image through public displays and monuments and compared some of his ambitions to those of authoritarian leaders. Among the comparisons she made were references to North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and historical figures associated with grand national monuments and displays of power.
The remarks fit a pattern familiar to anyone who followed Reid’s years in cable news. Throughout her tenure at MSNBC, she was among Trump’s most outspoken media critics, frequently accusing him of threatening democratic norms and institutions. Even after her departure from the network in early 2025, she has continued making similar arguments through podcasts and media appearances.
For his part, Dart has shown little indication that the criticism has changed his position. The quarterback remains focused on his first NFL season while navigating the attention that comes with being both a high-profile athlete and a participant in an increasingly polarized political environment.
