Megyn Kelly recalls Roger Ailes' advice to defend Trump’s remark on Kaitlan Collins' smile

WASHINGTON, DC: Megyn Kelly referenced advice she received from her former boss while defending President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins.

Kelly made the remarks about what former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes told her during an interview with Vice President JD Vance on her podcast.

The two were discussing Trump’s controversial comments to Collins which critics have labelled sexist.

Megyn Kelly defends Trump telling Kaitlan Collins she ‘never smiles’

During the Oval Office event on Tuesday, February 3, Collins asked Trump whether he had a message for victims referenced in the latest tranche of Epstein-related documents. 

As the CNN reporter continued pressing for a response, Trump criticized her tone and demeanor.

“You are the worst reporter,” Trump said during the exchange. He added that Collins “never smiles,” saying he had known her for years and could not recall seeing her do so. Trump also accused Collins of not being truthful and criticized CNN’s ratings.

Some journalists and media commentators described Trump’s remarks as misogynist.

Kelly said she did not view Trump’s comment as sexist and noted that she herself had made similar observations about Collins in the past.

“I laugh because I saw online everybody was calling him sexist for saying that, and I literally said the same thing about Kaitlan Collins a year ago on my show,” Kelly said. “She never smiles.”

Kelly went on to reference advice she said she received from Ailes during her time at Fox News.

“Every once in a while, you have to smile,” Kelly said. “Roger Ailes used to tell us that. Every once in a while, you’ve got to remember to smile, show the viewers that you have a heart.”

JD Vance shares take on Trump-Collins interaction

Vance agreed with Kelly’s assessment, adding that journalists should allow themselves to enjoy their work more.

Vance also said he viewed the Trump-Collins interaction differently.

“I have, like, a decent relationship with Kaitlan Collins, which is unusual given that she’s from CNN,” Vance said. 

“But the president — she’s asking a question — the president says, why don’t you ever smile?”

Vance described the comment as “perceptive,” suggesting that journalists could approach their work with less hostility, even when asking difficult questions. 

He added that taking the job too seriously all the time could be unhealthy.