Eugene Daniels is making a major career move, stepping into a full-time role at MSNBC as a senior Washington correspondent and co-host of The Weekend. The White House Correspondents’ Association president and Politico Playbook journalist is leaving Politico to take on this expanded role—at a time when MSNBC is undergoing one of its most dramatic shake-ups in years.
Daniels confirmed the news on Morning Joe, where he’s been a regular contributor since 2021. Now, he’s officially joining the network’s weekend lineup, co-hosting The Weekend alongside Jonathan Capehart. Meanwhile, Symone Sanders-Townsend, Alicia Menendez, and Michael Steele—the show’s current hosts—are shifting to MSNBC’s prime-time lineup at 7 p.m., replacing Joy Reid’s former slot. Another morning co-host for The Weekend is still to be named.
Daniels’ promotion is part of a larger restructuring at MSNBC, but the news comes as the network faces intense backlash over its abrupt firing of Joy Reid.
After four years hosting The ReidOut, Reid was unexpectedly ousted from the network, sparking widespread criticism from viewers and industry insiders alike. As one of the most prominent Black women in cable news, her dismissal raised serious questions about MSNBC’s commitment to diverse voices—especially heading into an election year where race, democracy, and media representation are at the forefront.
While MSNBC has remained tight-lipped about the reasoning behind her departure, many speculate that Reid’s outspoken nature and focus on racial and social justice issues made her a target. Supporters have taken to social media to call out the network for what they see as a calculated shift away from progressive Black voices—especially as MSNBC prepares to break away from NBC News and establish itself as an independent entity under Comcast.
As MSNBC navigates these internal and external challenges, Daniels’ appointment signals a renewed focus on political coverage and analysis. His hire is the first major correspondent addition under MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler, who is leading the network’s transition into a standalone brand.
Beyond his new role, Daniels remains the president of the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA)—a post he’ll hold until his term ends this summer. He’s already been in the headlines recently, challenging the White House’s controversial decision to take control of the press pool, a move that has raised concerns about journalistic independence and transparency.
While Daniels’ promotion is a significant step for the network, MSNBC is still facing tough questions about its direction. The decision to fire Reid while elevating other personalities has fueled speculation about a shift in MSNBC’s editorial stance, especially with a high-stakes election season ahead.
Meanwhile, Daniels steps into The Weekend at a time when the network is restructuring both its weekend and prime-time programming. Capehart, who previously hosted his own weekend evening show, is transitioning to mornings. Katie Phang and Ayman Mohyeldin’s programs will be ending, with Mohyeldin expected to take on a new evening edition of The Weekend and Phang remaining as a legal analyst.
For Daniels, this new role marks a major milestone in his journalism career—but for MSNBC, it’s just the beginning of a highly scrutinized transformation. With Reid’s departure still stirring controversy, the network’s next steps will be watched closely—not just by viewers, but by the entire industry.