Joy Reid Labels Trump’s Transition to Power as the Most Violent in U.S. History

MSNBC host Joy Reid sparked controversy on Monday by claiming that Donald Trump’s transition to power following the 2024 election was "the most violent in U.S. history."

Speaking on her show The ReidOut, Reid criticized Trump and his supporters for their alleged role in the events surrounding the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots, drawing a direct line to his return to the presidency.

"You can’t peacefully transfer power to an insurrectionist simply because it took them an extra four years to finish the job," Reid stated.

She further emphasized that the violence of January 6 defined the transition, calling it a betrayal of American values and the worst transfer of power in the nation’s history.

During the segment, Reid aired a montage of scenes from the Capitol riots, reminding viewers of the chaos and destruction from that day. “This is January 6,” she said.

“Pretending that this day no longer matters is an insult to every cop injured, every terrified congressional staffer, and every Capitol worker forced to clean up the filth left behind by the Trump mob.”

Reid went on to accuse Republicans and conservative media of minimizing the seriousness of the riots. "They’ve reduced it to a ‘normal tourist occasion,’” she said sarcastically.

“It was not just a big deal—it was an insurrection. The first violent sacking of the Capitol since the War of 1812."

Reid also condemned Trump’s second impeachment for incitement of insurrection, stating that it should disqualify him from holding office again. She criticized efforts to downplay his actions and the implications of reinstalling him as president without addressing the events of January 6.

"The idea of forgetting, moving on, and quietly reinstalling the chief insurrectionist is frankly shameful," Reid said.

Blame, Reid argued, extends beyond Trump. She pointed fingers at voters and the Supreme Court for enabling his return.

"The fact that so few voters found his actions disqualifying, and the Supreme Court’s conservatives nullified the Constitution’s insurrection clause, clearing the way for his reelection—this is utterly shameful," Reid remarked.

She specifically criticized Chief Justice John Roberts for allowing what she described as a violation of democratic principles.

Reid expressed disdain for the public’s response to Trump’s return to power. “This isn’t a day to commemorate,” she said.

“Yes, we have to deal with it, because some of you voted for this or failed to vote against it. But for God’s sake, let’s at least have the decency to feel embarrassed."

Reid’s fiery commentary reflects broader tensions as Trump prepares to assume the presidency again. Her remarks highlight ongoing divisions over the events of January 6 and their implications for American democracy.