EXCLUSIVE: Mehdi Hasan and Joy Reid Drop Bombshells at Zeteo’s Anniversary Event—Did They Just Expose the Truth About Trump’s Media Influence and the Israel-Palestine Conflict?

In what can only be described as an electrifying night at Washington, DC’s legendary Howard Theatre, Mehdi Hasan, editor-in-chief of Zeteo, sat down with former MSNBC host Joy Reid for a conversation that has everyone talking. The event wasn’t just a celebration of the first anniversary of Zeteo—it was a revelation. With the packed room hanging on every word, Hasan and Reid didn’t just discuss the usual talking points—they exposed uncomfortable truths about the media, politics, and some of the most contentious global issues of our time.

As the evening unfolded, the pair delved into subjects that have dominated the news cycle for years. But it wasn’t just a political chat—it was a behind-the-scenes look at how these issues are shaped and manipulated by those in power. The audience was treated to a no-holds-barred analysis that had everyone questioning the status quo and the narratives they’ve been fed.

Trump’s Media Takeover: The Hidden Influence

One of the most striking moments of the evening came when Mehdi Hasan and Joy Reid discussed the massive shadow Donald Trump has cast over the media landscape. Both Hasan and Reid have seen firsthand the way Trump’s media dominance has skewed narratives and shaped the political discourse in the United States. But what the audience didn’t expect was just how far this influence extends beyond the obvious.

“Trump didn’t just change the way people view politics,” Hasan said. “He fundamentally altered how media operates, not just in America, but globally. The man has a grip on the narrative that few have ever managed, and it’s reshaping journalism in a way that makes it harder for truth to break through.”

Reid echoed Hasan’s sentiments, adding, “Journalism used to be about telling the story, not shaping the story to fit a particular narrative. Trump turned that on its head. He understands how the media works—and he uses it like a weapon.”

The implications of their discussion were clear: Trump’s influence isn’t just confined to his political career; it has seeped into the very structure of how information is consumed. The media, once thought to be an objective observer, now finds itself embroiled in a power struggle that has compromised its integrity.

The duo wasn’t shy in pointing fingers at mainstream outlets, accusing them of falling into Trump’s trap. “They’re complicit,” Hasan stated, to which Reid added, “If the media continues to play into his hands, we’re going to keep losing the battle for truth.”

Journalistic Challenges: Are We Losing the Fight for Objectivity?

As the night wore on, the conversation shifted to the mounting challenges facing journalists, particularly in the US and UK. With both Hasan and Reid having deep roots in the field of journalism, the discussion revealed the painful reality of the media industry today: objectivity is on the brink of collapse.

“The media landscape is changing rapidly,” Hasan remarked. “What was once seen as a tool for objective truth has become a battleground for ideology. In both the US and the UK, journalists are increasingly being forced to choose sides. And when that happens, truth is the first casualty.”

Reid added that the pressure to cater to specific political audiences has led many journalists to compromise their values. “I’ve seen colleagues twist themselves into pretzels to make a story fit the narrative their network wants,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking, because what we’re left with is not journalism—it’s propaganda.”

Their insights sent shockwaves through the audience, leaving many to wonder if the days of independent, unbiased journalism are truly over. Is the media simply playing catch-up in a game where the rules are constantly changing? And if so, what does that mean for the future of informed democracy?

The Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Complicated Conversation

The evening didn’t shy away from one of the most complex and divisive issues of our time: the Israel-Palestine conflict. In a rare, candid conversation, Hasan and Reid shared their personal reflections on the situation, but they also explored the media’s role in perpetuating biased narratives.

“We can’t ignore the fact that the media has played a massive role in how the Israel-Palestine conflict is presented to the public,” Hasan stated. “There’s a lot of misinformation on both sides, but especially when it comes to how the West views the situation. The framing of the conflict has been manipulated to suit political agendas, and the truth is often sacrificed in the process.”

Reid, who has spent years covering the Middle East, reflected on how media outlets—especially in the West—tend to be heavily influenced by political allegiances. “We see time and time again that coverage of the Israel-Palestine conflict is filtered through a political lens. The media picks sides—whether it’s intentionally or not—and it creates a dangerous binary that doesn’t reflect the complexity of the issue.”

Their comments struck a chord with the audience, many of whom admitted to feeling frustrated by the lack of nuanced, in-depth coverage of the conflict. As Hasan and Reid pointed out, until the media can offer a more balanced and objective view of the situation, the chances for any meaningful progress on the issue remain slim.

What’s Next for the Media?

With the anniversary event drawing to a close, it was clear that the evening’s conversation wasn’t just about celebrating Zeteo’s first year—it was about setting the stage for a new era in journalism. Hasan and Reid’s insights were a call to arms for journalists everywhere to return to the roots of their craft: telling the truth, no matter the cost.

“I think the future of journalism is going to look very different,” Hasan mused. “But whether it’s for the better or worse depends on whether we can regain the trust of the public and return to the principles that make journalism essential.”

For Reid, the answer is clear: “It’s time to put the people—the truth—above the politics.”

Conclusion: A Night to Remember, and a Call for Change

As the night came to a close, the audience was left with more questions than answers. Mehdi Hasan and Joy Reid had pulled no punches in their discussion, and the event proved to be a watershed moment in the ongoing conversation about the media’s role in shaping our world.

But while the evening was filled with insight, it also posed a haunting question: Can the media recover from the stranglehold of political influence? Can objectivity and truth survive in a world increasingly driven by ideologies and sensationalism?

One thing was clear: the conversation isn’t over. And as long as figures like Hasan and Reid are in the game, it’s a conversation that will continue to challenge the media—and the public—to demand more.

What’s your take on the conversation? Is the media irreparably broken, or is there hope for change? Let us know in the comments below!