Megyn Kelly thinks Trump felt 'betrayed' by her 2015 debate question as she praises POTUS’ past attacks
WASHINGTON, DC: Megyn Kelly spoke candidly about her past conflict with President Donald Trump, praising his combative nature despite being one of his targets.
In a recent interview with The New York Times, Kelly acknowledged Trump’s fierce nature, describing him as a “fighter” who relentlessly pursues opponents until he is satisfied with the outcome.
Controversial debate exchange between Donald Trump and Megyn Kelly
Megyn Kelly was at the center of one of Trump’s most infamous media battles after she questioned him during an August 2015 Republican primary debate about derogatory remarks he had made about women.
Looking back, she said she now understands why he targeted her so aggressively in response.
During the Fox News debate, Kelly directly confronted Trump about his history of making offensive comments about women, stating:
“You’ve called women you don’t like fat pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals.”
Trump quickly interrupted her, responding, “Only Rosie O’Donnell,” before dismissing the question as “political correctness.”
Trump then continued his attacks on Kelly via social media and public comments for more than a year, a feud that became one of the defining moments of the 2016 election cycle.
When asked by Times reporter Lulu Garcia-Navarro whether she believed Trump’s prolonged criticism was justified, Kelly admitted she initially felt he went too far but now has a different perspective.
“I’ve been very public about thinking he went too far. That’s how I felt at the time, and if I could go back and undo it, I would. But I have a better perspective on why it happened now,” Kelly explained.
“It was actually an important piece of his rise within the Republican Party in the primary, and it just showed people what a fighter he was,” she said, according to Mediaite.
Donald Trump’s perception of betrayal
Megyn Kelly believes Donald Trump felt "betrayed" after saw her debate question because he had previously viewed her as an ally in the media.
“And while I had nothing against him, and I wasn’t not on his team prior to that moment, as soon as they throw their hat in the political ring, when you’re a straight news journalist, it becomes somewhat adversarial,” she said, explaining her decision to challenge him publicly.
Trump’s persistent attacks on Kelly included controversial remarks suggesting she was biased against him due to her menstrual cycle, comments that drew widespread criticism at the time. However, Kelly now sees his persistence as part of his political appeal.
“The same guy who got up bloodied in Butler, Pennsylvania, was the guy who was like a dog with a bone with me, who wouldn’t let it go,” she said.
“He’s got this fighter instinct and if you cross him or if you do something he finds unjust, he will stay on you until he’s satisfied the thing’s been resolved to his satisfaction," she added.
Megyn Kelly’s shift away from corporate media and her Trump endorsement
The former Fox News anchor also used the interview to reaffirm her distance from corporate media.
She previously parted ways with NBC News in 2019 and has since focused on independent broadcasting, growing her platform on SiriusXM and YouTube.
Kelly also defended her onstage endorsement of Trump last November, citing his policies on border security and gender issues.
“I want someone who will close the border, which he has,” she said.
“I want someone who will keep boys out of my daughters’ sports, which he has,” she added.
