Joy Reid Hits Byron Donalds With Brutal Reality Check Over Jim Crow Remarks

MSNBC host Joy Reid wasnt having it with Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) claim that critics are twisting his words on Thursday after his remarks that Black American families were together during the Jim Crow era of legal segregation.

[Theyre] saying I was being nostalgic or saying that Jim Crow was good for Black people, thats all political spin, its a lie, its gaslighting and thats truly unfortunate, said Donalds, who made the comments Tuesday at an event for former President Donald Trump s 2024 campaign.

Reid would go on to hit the Florida Republican, who is reportedly on Trumps vice presidential shortlist, with a challenge to his claims.

You started out talking about your family, talking about your mom, talking about being raised and you on your own brought up Jim Crow, Reid noted of his remarks at the outreach event for Black voters in Philadelphia.

In fact, you said Jim Crow three times for emphasis. It wasnt the media or the Democrats or gaslighters who brought up Jim Crow. It was you. You brought up Jim Crow.

Donalds comments sparked criticism from Black congressional leaders, including Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), the chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, who called on the Republican to apologize for misrepresenting one of the darkest chapters in our history for his own political gain.

Reid later asked Donalds to pinpoint a specific period during Jim Crow that hed consider being a good time or a golden era for Black families.

Joy, I never said that. And see, this is where the gaslighting comes in , he said.

No, no, Im gonna read what you said. No, no, no, hold on. Stop. Stop. No. Thats not what you said. Lets play what you said. Play what he said, Reid interjected before the two continued to spar.

You can check out more of Reids fiery interview with Donalds below.