Former MSNBC host Joy Reid revealed that she will no longer be a fan of the New York Giants after quarterback Jaxson Dart introduced President Donald Trump at a rally for New York Rep. Mike Lawler
21:03 ET, 02 Jun 2026
Jaxson Dart has drawn heavy criticism for introducing Donald Trump at a rally
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Jaxson Dart has drawn heavy criticism for introducing Donald Trump at a rally(Image: Getty Images)
Former MSNBC host Joy Reid is renouncing her New York Giants fandom after quarterback Jaxson Dart introduced President Donald Trump at an event.
Last month, Dart faced significant criticism for joining Trump at a rally for New York Rep. Mike Lawler held at Rockland Community College in Suffern, New York. The star signal-caller later addressed his appearance during a five-minute statement in which he affirmed his respect for the presidency, regardless of political party.
"Look, Big Blue Nation, it's a pleasure to be here. I've got to start this off with a 'Go Big Blue.' I'd love if you all would follow with me," Dart declared on stage before leading attendees in a chant.
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"What an honor, what a privilege it is to be here. And without further ado, I'm grateful, I'm honored, I'm pleasured to introduce the 45th and 47th president of the United States of America, President Donald J. Trump."
While stopping by On Sunday with Jack Cocchiarella, Reid branded Dart an “idiot” for stating that he was “pleasured” to meet Trump.
"I’m pleasured to meet, like what does that even mean?" she said. "First of all, he’s an idiot. OK, but what do you mean ‘you’re pleasured to meet the president?’ Like, is English your first language? What are you saying?"
In light of Dart’s appearance alongside Trump, Reid revealed that she no longer considered herself a fan of the Giants. "I was, you know, really kind of repulsed as a Giants fan — former now — because the reality is Donald Trump is not a normal president," she added.
Joy Reid renounced her Giants fandom after Jaxson Dart introduced Donald Trump on stage
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Joy Reid renounced her Giants fandom after Dart introduced Trump on stage(Image: Getty Images)
"Donald Trump is not an American president. Donald Trump is a wannabe king. And we’re in the 250th anniversary of our divorce from the king of England. And Donald Trump is trying to be a king."
Dart seemingly viewed the opportunity to introduce Trump differently than Reid, insisting that he simply viewed it as a “unique” chance to meet the leader of the United States. The 23-year-old went on to explain that members of his family served in the military, with his great-grandfather also functioning as the Treasury secretary.
“Obviously, this was a unique opportunity, being asked and given the opportunity to introduce the President of the United States,” Dart told reporters.
“My thinking was pretty simple in the fact, I’ve always loved this country.”
Discussing the fierce wave of backlash directed his way, Dart said: “I also understand in this world, politics can be a sensitive matter, a sensitive topic.
“I also understand that I’m the quarterback of the New York Giants and that involves a lot of responsibility — it’s under a limelight, under a microscope.”
With speculation mounting about potential divisions within the Giants' locker room, Dart spoke about the situation during a private team gathering. According to ESPN, several players, including Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Jameis Winston, participated in the discussion.
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“I can honestly say that I love every single one of my brothers, my teammates on this team, regardless of politics, regardless of religious beliefs, regardless of anything that may be different between us,” Dart concluded.