Matthew Dowd says MSNBC caved in to ‘right-wing media mob’ in firing him over Charlie Kirk commentary

OREM, UTAH: After MSNBC fired him, political pundit Matthew Dowd blasted the network for giving in to a “right-wing media mob.”

Dowd faced backlash for remarks linking Charlie Kirk’s shooting to the divisive rhetoric the conservative icon himself promoted.

“Hateful thoughts lead to hateful words, which then lead to hateful actions,” Dowd said. “You can’t stop with awful thoughts, then say awful words, and not expect awful actions to occur. That’s the unfortunate environment we are in.”

Matthew Dowd defends remarks after MSNBC firing

After being fired, Dowd defended himself in a detailed Substack post and announced plans to continue speaking on independent platforms like Substack.

“This past Wednesday I was asked to come on to talk about a range of topics, and as I was about to go on air, breaking news happened of gunshots at a Kirk event in Utah,” he explained.

Dowd clarified, “Keep in mind, when the anchor asked me to comment on the ‘national environment,’ the only thing known was shots were fired. There was no report yet that Kirk was the target or had suffered death.”

He emphasized the importance of facts: “I said we needed to get the facts because we have no idea what this could be. It could easily have been someone firing a gun in the air to celebrate the event. Remember, Kirk is a diehard advocate of the Second Amendment.”

Dowd described Kirk as “a very divisive and polarizing figure” and added, “We are in a toxic time in America, unlike any other democracy, where we have divisiveness combined with near unlimited access to guns.”

He blamed a “right-wing media mob” for stirring outrage across platforms, prompting MSNBC’s response. “Even though most at MSNBC knew my words were being misconstrued, the timing forgotten, and I apologized for any miscommunication, I was terminated by the end of the day.”

Dowd pledged to continue using his voice on Substack to “advocate for finding ways to unite our country around a common-sense vision of ideals and values.”

MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler issues apology

MSNBC president Rebecca Kutler issued an apology, condemning Dowd’s remarks. On the network’s X account, she wrote, “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.”

Dowd also apologized on his BlueSky account, stating, “I apologize for my tone and words. I in no way intended to blame Kirk for this horrendous death. Let us all come together and condemn violence of any kind."

Social media reacts to Matthew Dowd’s accusations

Matthew Dowd’s accusations against MSNBC quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions across social media platforms. Supporters and critics alike took to the internet to share their views on the controversy.

One user defended Dowd, writing, “I support you . Your words were so innocuous, I did not even take note. It is not defending murder, when you remark on very public knowledge about the opinions of people involved.” Another commenter wrote, “Matthew is guilty of nothing but saying the quiet part out loud.”

Some questioned MSNBC’s decision to terminate Dowd at all. “Matthew Dowd spoke the truth - isn’t that what we need more of in journalism today. Why should that result in termination of employment,” one person asked.

Others were far less sympathetic. One critic wrote, “You will find another outlet to share your unwanted perspective and opinions.” Another mocked, “You expect me to be sorry for you? LOL.” A different user joked, “Misspoken, misconstrued, misdemeanor…blah, blah, blah. Guess what, buddy? You’re cancelled.”

On Facebook, one user challenged Dowd’s framing of the situation, “Stop justifying- you basically said he brought this on himself with his hateful speech or it’s his own fault or he only has himself to blame (not anymore) It’s the fault of the shooter who thought violence and death was an acceptable solution and response to words he heard.”

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online