Rep. Jasmine Crockett Weighs In On Joy Reid’s MSNBC Exit

“If this was supposed to be a warning shot not to get out of line…then I don’t think that I align with MSNBC anymore if that’s where they’re going,” Crockett told The Kicker.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) called MSNBC’s move to terminate Joy-Ann Reid, “questionable and concerning.”

“I don’t want watered down news,” Crockett told The Kicker.

“If this was supposed to be a warning shot not to get out of line. Not to come with that full fire, then I don’t think that I align with MSNBC anymore if that’s where they’re going,” Crockett told The Kicker.

The Democratic lawmaker erred on the side of caution and stated, that although she does not know what actually happened behind closed doors, she wants to wait and “hear” from MSNBC regarding the matter.

The decision to cancel Reid’s show, “The ReidOut,” comes amid a broader restructuring under the leadership of MSNBC’s new president, Rebecca Kutler.

Last week Kutler sent a memo to the network’s staff expressing gratitude for Reid's contributions.

"Joy Reid is leaving the network, and we thank her for her countless contributions over the years,” read an excerpt from the memo.

Reid, who has been with MSNBC since 2014, has been a prominent voice on the network due to her discussions on race, culture, and social justice. Her departure follows the recent accolade of receiving the 2025 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding News Series.

Reflecting on her tenure, Reid conveyed appreciation for her team and the impact of "The ReidOut," emphasizing the show's role in addressing critical societal issues.

“I just want to say thank you to everyone who has reached out with kindness and encouragement, both personally and in these social media streets,” Reid wrote on Bluesky.

“So very proud of The Reidout team, who are truly family, and all of our supporters & friends,” she added.

Crockett told The Kicker “This is not Joy’s loss…It is our loss.”

“Joy is the ultimate talent when it comes to journalism,” said Crockett. “I am hurt for our community because she really took her job seriously…she reported on the truth.”

“Right now it seems like the truth-tellers are the ones that are always under attack,” added Crockett.

In the interim, the 7 p.m. time slot will feature rotating anchors. Starting in April, a new ensemble news program will take over the hour, co-hosted by Symone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. Additionally, former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki will assume the 9 p.m. slot from Tuesday to Friday, replacing Alex Wagner, who will continue as a senior political analyst.

These changes are part of a comprehensive overhaul at MSNBC, which includes extending Ali Velshi's weekend program to three hours and canceling shows like "José Díaz-Balart Reports" and "The Katie Phang Show."

Crockett told The Kicker, it appears that journalists “of color” are being targeted and that MSNBC’s actions may be systemic.

“I am still going to give MSNBC an opportunity to explain, but right now I’m a little perturbed and so hurt,” said Crockett.

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