MSNBC’s Chris Matthews is facing widespread backlash after remarks made during a live broadcast, where he asked, “Who’s going to take a shot” at President Donald Trump.

The comments, made in the context of discussing political opposition to Trump, immediately drew sharp criticism across social media.

During the broadcast, Matthews framed Trump as an unstoppable force, criticizing both Democrats and the media for failing to challenge him effectively.

“He’s the big boss at home and the big boss overseas, and nobody stands in his way,” Matthews said.

He went on to compare confronting Trump to facing a firing squad, saying:

“And I watch the Democrats and the media too. It’s very hard to take on a firing squad.”

He then escalated his rhetoric, suggesting that political opponents needed to “shoot back” at Trump from all directions.

“A lot of bullets coming your way, all aiming at you, and you’ve got to shoot back in all directions at the same time.”

Matthews then questioned why no Democratic leader was willing to speak in the same way, saying:

“Why can’t a Democratic leader stand up and say what I just said?”

Later in the segment, Matthews continued his attack on Trump’s leadership, claiming:

“This guy’s taking down the Congress. He’s taking down the rights of the American people. He’s the Big Boss overseas and back here. The Big Boss. Listen to him. Do what he says. Nobody’s saying that.”

However, it was his next statement that set off the most concern.

“I keep waiting,” Matthews added. “Who’s going to stand up? Who’s going to take a shot back at this guy?”

The phrase “take a shot” immediately raised alarms on social media, with many pointing out the dangerous implications of using such language when addressing a politically divided audience.

NEW: MSNBC’s Chris Matthews fires up the incendiary Trump rhetoric:

“Who is going to stand up? Who is going to take a shot back at this guy?”

Here legacy media goes again:

“Trump came in this time, the second time with a machine gun and he fired so many shots. He said, first… pic.twitter.com/XA5ndEI9UM

— Western Lensman (@WesternLensman) February 18, 2025

Matthews’ comments quickly spread online, drawing heavy criticism.

Many users condemned MSNBC, arguing that irresponsible rhetoric like this could be interpreted literally by those with extreme anti-Trump sentiments.

MSNBC has not issued a statement on the controversy, and Matthews has not clarified his remarks since they aired.

This is not the first time Matthews has faced criticism for his language, and his latest remarks have only intensified calls for networks to tone down extreme rhetoric in an already heated political climate.

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