Former MSNBC host Joy Reid delivered a fiery speech Sunday at a First Amendment concert event, where she openly attacked President Donald Trump using profanity and warned that his administration is attempting to reshape American media into a propaganda machine similar to North Korea’s state-controlled press. The speech came as Trump hosted a UFC event at the White House and the nation prepared to celebrate its 250th anniversary. Reid appeared alongside actress Jane Fonda and other celebrities at “Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment,” where she unleashed harsh criticism against both the president and journalist Bari Weiss.
During her address, Reid did not hold back in her characterization of the president, referring to him as an “orange a–hole” while discussing his impact on the media landscape. She warned the crowd that threats to press freedom are not theoretical dangers on the horizon but present realities affecting journalists across the country. Her comments drew strong reactions from the audience, particularly when she mentioned Weiss, whom she described as a “zealot” who may soon control major news networks.
Reid lists high-profile media firings and arrests
The former television host outlined what she described as a coordinated attack on independent journalism by listing several recent incidents involving prominent media figures. Reid referenced the arrest of Don Lemon, the arrest of Georgia Fort, the firing of Terry Moran from ABC, and the dismissal of Scott Pelley from CBS. She attributed these changes to what she called “far-right ideologues” who have purchased media companies and handed control to Bari Weiss. The crowd responded with loud boos when Weiss’s name was mentioned, prompting Reid to comment that the journalist had “earned those boos.”
Reid characterized these developments as evidence of corporate media “on its knees,” claiming that a small group of billionaires are consolidating local stations, newspapers, and national networks. She warned that these powerful individuals aim to transform American journalism into a U.S. version of North Korea’s propaganda system. The comparison to the authoritarian regime drew applause from the audience gathered at the concert event. Reid emphasized that this consolidation represents an existential threat to independent reporting and free press in America.
Former host addresses intimidation tactics against journalists
Reid focused part of her speech on what she described as deliberate intimidation tactics employed by Trump against media professionals. She stated that the administration wants journalists and the American public to feel afraid, and that Trump specifically uses derogatory language to diminish reporters. Reid cited examples of the president calling journalists “crooked,” “stupid,” and “piggy,” and noted his behavior of screaming in the faces of women journalists. She invoked the memory of legendary broadcaster Barbara Walters, suggesting that Walters would never have tolerated such treatment and “would have eaten him alive.”
The speech included a reference to the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome,” with Reid singing the line “We are not afraid” to emphasize her message of resistance. She encouraged the audience to reject fear and intimidation, framing courage as the appropriate response to what she characterized as authoritarian behavior. Reid’s invocation of this historic protest song connected current media freedom struggles to broader movements for civil rights and social justice in American history.
Independent media presented as solution to corporate control
Reid outlined what she believes is the path forward for maintaining press freedom in America. She advocated strongly for independent media and independent voices that remain “unbossed and unafraid” of pressure from political or corporate interests. The former MSNBC host promoted her own show as an example of this independent approach and encouraged listeners to subscribe. She also urged people to follow other left-wing journalists including Don Lemon and former CNN anchor Jim Acosta, who recently compared the removal of Trump’s name from the Kennedy Center to the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- Reid urged audiences to support independent journalism platforms outside corporate control.
- She specifically promoted subscriptions to her show and programs by Don Lemon and Jim Acosta.
- The former host framed independent media as the primary defense against authoritarian information control.
- Reid called on journalists and citizens to be “louder” and “bolder” in defending press freedom.
Concert event brings together celebrities for First Amendment
The “Rise Up, Sing Out: A Concert for the First Amendment” event gathered multiple celebrities and public figures concerned about press freedom and civil liberties. Jane Fonda participated in the event, which was designed to raise awareness about what organizers view as threats to constitutional rights. The timing of the concert coincided with Trump hosting a UFC event at the White House, creating a stark contrast between the two gatherings happening simultaneously in the nation’s capital.
Reid concluded her speech with a rousing call to action, declaring “We are not shrinking, we are growing! So be louder, be bolder, rise up, sing out!” Her message emphasized resistance and growth rather than retreat in the face of what she characterized as attempts to silence independent journalism. The speech reflected broader concerns among progressive media figures about changes in media ownership and editorial direction at major news organizations. Neither CBS nor the White House provided immediate comment when contacted about Reid’s allegations regarding firings and network control.
