Liputan6.com, Jakarta Matthew Dowd, a prominent political analyst, was officially fired from MSNBC in mid-September 2025.
This dismissal followed a series of controversial comments he made live on air regarding the shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
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Dowd's remarks, deemed inappropriate and insensitive, sparked a strong reaction from the station's management.
MSNBC's decision to terminate Matthew Dowd's partnership came after MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler publicly condemned his comments.
Kutler stated that Dowd's remarks during coverage of the shooting were "inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable."
The controversy not only led to Matthew Dowd's firing but also prompted an apology from Dowd himself.
He emphasized that he had no intention of blaming the victim for the tragic incident.
Matthew Dowd's Comment Controversy and Firing from MSNBC
The primary trigger for Matthew Dowd's dismissal from MSNBC was his controversial comments during live coverage of the Charlie Kirk shooting.
Around September 10-11, 2025, Dowd made statements deemed to have crossed the line between journalistic ethics and public sensitivity.
The comments came while he was a guest on "Katy Tur Reports," discussing the environment in which such shootings can occur.
Dowd suggested that Kirk's frequent "hateful" or "bad-mouthed" rhetoric may have contributed to the violence that claimed his life.
He specifically called Kirk "one of the most divisive young figures" who "constantly promotes hate speech or is directed at specific groups."
In an interview on MSNBC about the shooting, Dowd said, in part: "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."
Dowd even speculated that the shooter may have been a supporter who fired his gun in celebration, which later drew criticism.
Rebecca Kutler, President of MSNBC, asserted that there is "no place for violence in America, political or otherwise," and called Dowd's remarks "inappropriate, insensitive, and unacceptable."
Later that evening, Matthew Dowd was officially dismissed from his position as a political analyst at MSNBC.
MSNBC's Response and Matthew Dowd's Apology
In response to the widespread controversy, MSNBC immediately took decisive action.
MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler, in an official statement on social media, emphasized that Matthew Dowd's comments did not reflect the station's values.
“During our breaking news coverage of the shooting of Charlie Kirk, Matthew Dowd made comments that were inappropriate, insensitive and unacceptable," the statement said.
"We apologize for his statements, as has he. There is no place for violence in America, political or otherwise."
Kutler also issued a public apology on behalf of MSNBC for Dowd's remarks.
Shortly after his firing, Matthew Dowd also apologized for his comments in a statement on Bluesky, writing that his "thoughts & prayers are w/ the family and friends of Charlie Kirk."
"On an earlier appearance on MSNBC I was asked a question on the environment we are in. I apologize for my tone and words," he wrote.
"Let me be clear, I in no way intended for my comments to blame Kirk for this horrendous attack."
Matthew Dowd's Background as a Political Analyst
Matthew John Dowd, born on May 29, 1961, is widely known as a political pundit and consultant in the United States.
Before joining MSNBC, Dowd had a long track record in politics and media.
He served as chief strategist for the Bush-Cheney presidential campaign in 2004, a role that cemented his reputation in national politics.
Matthew Dowd's experience extends beyond political campaigns. He also served as a political analyst for ABC News before moving to MSNBC.
Throughout his career, Dowd was known for providing incisive analysis of current political issues, making him a prominent voice in public debate.
Despite his strong roots in the Republican Party, Dowd later distanced himself from the party.
His dissatisfaction with George W. Bush's handling of the Iraq War was a key factor in his shift in political views.