In an unexpected twist, former Fox News host Megyn Kelly has opened up about her changing perception of former President Donald Trump, despite harsh words he directed at her in the past.
Kelly's complex relationship with Trump underscores a significant shift from earlier clashes to eventual support, as the Daily Mail reports.
The discourse surrounding Kelly's relationship with Trump dates back to 2015 when she moderated a Republican primary debate. It was during this debate that Trump publicly directed derogatory remarks at Kelly, notably suggesting that she "had blood coming out of her eyes" and other places. Initially, Kelly was not a supporter of Trump, finding these comments particularly "unpleasant," as she stated on the Stephen A. Smith Show.
Despite this contentious start, Kelly's perspective evolved over time. She shared during the podcast that she "checked" her personal emotions to focus on the professional aspect of Trump as a leader. According to Kelly, Trump's decisive governing style and policy positions played pivotal roles in this transformation. She praised him for his firm stance on issues such as border security and his opposition to what she termed "gender madness."
Kelly’s respect for Trump's administration extended to his efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives from educational institutions. Her growing preference for his presidential policies ultimately led her to actively support his political endeavors once more, emphasizing her lack of "regrets" regarding this allegiance and voicing her hope for his continued success.
In the same podcast episode, Kelly also criticized the directions taken by the Catholic Church under Pope Francis's leadership concerning immigration. Kelly expressed concerns about the Church's involvement in aiding immigrants deemed to be in the United States illegally. She argued that these actions have caused complications for American citizens, voicing her dissatisfaction with the pope’s alleged leftward shift on this significant issue.
Kelly, a lifelong adherent to Catholicism, mentioned that the current trajectory of the Church's policies under Pope Francis has led some parishioners to scrutinize the purpose behind their Sunday donations. She asserted that the involvement of the Church in these matters was notable, especially amidst Pope Francis’s overall leadership.
During the same series of discussions, Kelly took the opportunity to weigh in on remarks made by former first lady Michelle Obama about marriage. Mrs. Obama suggested that difficult periods are an integral part of married life, even hinting at "a bad decade" being an accepted norm. Kelly, drawing from her personal experience, presented contrasting views on this stance.
Kelly shared insights from her own 17-year marriage, emphasizing that none of those years had been negative. Furthermore, she candidly remarked that Michelle Obama and her husband, Barack Obama, may have "married the wrong people," implying that perhaps there are different approaches to achieving a harmonious marriage.
These multiple reflections and analyses by Kelly on various high-profile issues illustrate her nuanced take on politics, religion, and personal life dynamics. Her comments have sparked conversation and debate, especially given her influential position in the media and the public sphere.
As a commentator well-versed in political affairs and social issues, Kelly has shifted from being a journalist caught in a media storm with Donald Trump into a commentator who, despite past personal grievances, now publicly aligns with some of his notable stances.
Furthermore, her critique of Pope Francis and his immigration policies reflects a broader concern among some conservatives about perceived liberal shifts within the Catholic Church. This critique underscores a more significant trend where key voices within religious institutions vocalize apprehension when traditional stances are portrayed as shifting or evolving.
Lastly, Kelly’s perspective on marriage, shared in reaction to Michelle Obama's comments, injects a personal element into her commentary by contrasting her own experiences with those of notable public figures. Her remarks resonate with individuals who value long-term relationships and look for perspectives that validate those commitments.
In sum, Kelly's public commentary touches on a wide-ranging array of topics spanning political, religious, and personal spheres, all connected by her willingness to share her evolving views candidly. As her reflections continue to unfold, they offer a deeper look into her perspective as a seasoned journalist and public figure navigating complex terrains with seasoned insights.