Megyn Kelly’s trajectory through the American media landscape is a case study in evolution, resilience, and the shifting tides of political discourse. From her prominent perch at Fox News to her transformative period at NBC, and ultimately, her emergence as a leading voice in independent digital media, Kelly has consistently navigated — and often defined — critical conversations at the intersection of journalism, law, and politics. Her career, marked by high-stakes interviews, public clashes, and profound personal and professional shifts, offers a unique lens through which to understand the contemporary media ecosystem and the complex journey of a public figure adapting to its demands.
This article delves into the pivotal moments and strategic decisions that have shaped Megyn Kelly’s public persona and professional path. It chronicles her ascent within traditional broadcasting, examines the controversies that challenged her, and illuminates the deliberate pivot that led her to build a formidable presence in the independent media sphere. By meticulously tracing her career, we uncover the narrative of a journalist, attorney, and commentator who has, at various conjunctures, critically engaged with the very institutions and ideologies she once navigated.
Our exploration aims to provide an in-depth understanding of how Kelly’s experiences, particularly those involving traditional news networks, contributed to her eventual embrace of a distinct, self-directed platform. It will highlight the key incidents that not only defined her tenure at major networks but also catalyzed her move towards a more autonomous and ideologically explicit position, paving the way for her current role as a significant, albeit often polarizing, voice in conservative media.
1. **Early Career and Rise at Fox News (2004-2013)**Megyn Kelly’s journey into national broadcasting began after a successful career in law, first as an associate attorney at Bickel & Brewer LLP and then for nine years at Jones Day. Her transition to media commenced in 2003 at WJLA-TV in Washington, D.C., where she served as a general assignment reporter, covering significant national and local events including Supreme Court confirmation hearings and the 2004 presidential election. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her eventual move to a much larger platform, demonstrating an early aptitude for impactful news coverage.
In 2004, Kelly joined Fox News, quickly establishing herself by contributing legal segments to “Special Report with Brit Hume” and hosting her own segment, “Kelly’s Court,” during “Weekend Live.” Her sharp legal analyses and articulate commentary saw her frequently appear on “The O’Reilly Factor” and occasionally fill in for Greta Van Susteren on “On the Record,” primarily focusing on legal and political matters. Her versatility and incisive questioning marked her as a rising talent within the network.
A significant career milestone arrived on February 1, 2010, when Kelly launched her own two-hour afternoon program, “America Live.” The show rapidly gained traction, with viewership increasing by 20% in 2010, averaging 1,293,000 viewers, and a 4% increase in the crucial 25–54 age demographic. This success underscored her growing influence and ability to attract a substantial audience, solidifying her position as a key anchor and demonstrating her capacity to lead a daily news program. Her time on “America Live” was also characterized by her distinct approach to political coverage, setting the stage for more high-profile moments to come.
2. **The “Santa is White” Controversy (2013)**One of Megyn Kelly’s earliest widely publicized controversies unfolded in December 2013 on “The Kelly File,” her new nightly program launched that October. Discussing a Slate article that suggested the possibility of a black Santa Claus, Kelly made remarks that quickly drew national attention. She stated, “For all you kids watching at home, Santa just is white, but this person is just arguing that maybe we should also have a black Santa,” adding, “But Santa is what he is, and just so you know, we’re just debating this because someone wrote about it.”
In the same segment, Kelly also asserted that Jesus was a white man, further intensifying the debate. These comments, intended by Kelly to be “tongue-in-cheek” as she later clarified, sparked immediate and widespread criticism across various media platforms. Prominent commentators such as Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, and Rachel Maddow satirized her remarks, highlighting the cultural sensitivities surrounding race and traditional iconography.
Two days after her initial comments, Kelly addressed the backlash on air, explaining that her original statements were “tongue-in-cheek” and clarifying that the skin color of Jesus is “far from settled.” This episode, while drawing considerable scrutiny, also demonstrated Kelly’s willingness to engage directly with contentious cultural topics, a characteristic that would become a hallmark of her journalistic approach and foreshadow future high-profile confrontations. It marked an early instance of her navigating public controversy, a skill that would prove essential throughout her career.
3. **Clashes with Donald Trump During 2016 Election Cycle (2015-2016)**Megyn Kelly’s moderation of the first Republican Party presidential debate on August 6, 2015, propelled her into the national spotlight and initiated a prolonged, highly publicized conflict with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. During the debate, Kelly directly challenged Trump about his past use of derogatory language towards women, asking whether a man of his temperament should be elected president. This pointed line of questioning immediately ignited a firestorm of media and political reactions.
Trump responded to Kelly’s moderating with crude criticism, leading to a tense and often personal feud that dominated political headlines for months. Kelly firmly defended her journalistic integrity, publicly stating that she would not “apologize for doing good journalism.” The intensity of their conflict escalated to the point where Trump declined to attend a subsequent Iowa debate in January 2016 that Kelly was scheduled to moderate, illustrating the significant impact of their ongoing public disagreement.
Despite the personal nature of the attacks, Kelly continued to cover Trump critically, even meeting with him at Trump Tower in April 2016 to “clear the air” at her request. This meeting and a subsequent interview, while met with mixed reception, demonstrated her persistent engagement with the candidate. Later, a contentious on-air discussion with Newt Gingrich regarding Trump’s 2005 audio recording further solidified Kelly’s reputation for direct and often confrontational interviewing, particularly when addressing powerful political figures. This period was crucial in shaping her public image as an independent and unyielding interrogator, even within her own network.
4. **Roger Ailes Sexual Harassment Allegations and Departure from Fox News (2016-2017)**The summer of 2016 brought a seismic shift within Fox News, with allegations of sexual harassment against CEO Roger Ailes emerging. Amidst this unfolding scandal, Megyn Kelly was reported to have confirmed that she too had been subjected to Ailes’ harassment. This revelation, coming from one of the network’s most prominent stars, significantly amplified the crisis and lent considerable weight to the accusers’ claims, contributing to the broader #MeToo movement that would soon sweep across various industries.
Two days after Kelly’s alleged confirmation became public, Roger Ailes resigned from Fox News. His lawyer, Susan Estrich, publicly denied the charge, but the damage to Ailes’ reputation and his tenure at the network was irreversible. Kelly’s implicit and explicit involvement in the allegations underscored the deep-seated issues within the network’s leadership and highlighted the courage required for individuals to speak out against powerful figures, especially while still employed by the same organization.
This tumultuous period coincided with the final months of Kelly’s contract with Fox News. Rumors circulated widely about her actively considering moves to other news networks, indicating a potential desire for a change of environment following the internal turmoil. Her departure from Fox News on January 6, 2017, after the last episode of “The Kelly File” aired, marked the end of a highly successful, yet often contentious, 13-year chapter in her career. It signaled a clear break from an institution where she had risen to national prominence but also faced significant personal and professional challenges.
5. **NBC News Tenure and Departure Over “Blackface” Comments (2017-2019)**Following her exit from Fox News, Megyn Kelly embarked on a new, highly anticipated chapter at NBC News, accepting a “triple role” that included hosting a daytime talk show, a Sunday-night newsmagazine, and serving as a correspondent for major news and political events. This move, reported by The New York Times in January 2017, represented a significant investment by NBC, with Kelly reportedly earning between $15 million and $20 million annually. Her first high-profile assignment involved interviewing Russian President Vladimir Putin in June 2017, a major journalistic coup that premiered on “Sunday Night with Megyn Kelly.”
Her daytime talk show, “Megyn Kelly Today,” launched in September 2017. Despite the considerable fanfare and investment, the program struggled to find its footing and connect with the broader NBC audience, which was accustomed to a different style of morning television. The format and content often seemed at odds with the network’s established brand, leading to consistent challenges in ratings and public perception. Kelly also continued to contribute stories for “Dateline NBC,” but her newsmagazine segment saw only an initial run and was not consistently renewed.
The tenure culminated in October 2018, when Kelly faced widespread criticism for on-air remarks regarding the appropriateness of blackface as part of Halloween costumes. She recalled that “when I was a kid, that was okay as long as you were dressing up like a character,” and defended another individual’s use of skin darkening spray for a Diana Ross costume. These comments ignited a firestorm of backlash, leading Kelly to issue an internal email apologizing for the remarks later that day.
Just three days later, NBC canceled “Megyn Kelly Today,” and her employment was officially terminated in January 2019, with reports indicating she was paid the remaining $30 million on her contract. This abrupt exit from NBC further solidified her departure from traditional network broadcasting, creating a clear pathway to independent media.
6. **Transition to Independent Media with The Megyn Kelly Show (2020)**The period following her departure from NBC News marked a pivotal reorientation in Megyn Kelly’s career, as she embraced the burgeoning landscape of independent media. On September 10, 2020, she announced the launch of Devil May Care Media, her own production company, simultaneously unveiling her new podcast, “The Megyn Kelly Show.” The first episode premiered just weeks later, on September 28, 2020, signaling a decisive move away from the constraints and corporate structures of traditional news organizations.
This transition allowed Kelly an unprecedented degree of autonomy over her content and platform. Free from network directives, she was able to shape discussions and commentary entirely according to her editorial vision, a stark contrast to her previous roles at Fox News and NBC. The podcast format inherently offered a more direct and unmediated connection with her audience, fostering a different kind of engagement than broadcast television.
The strategic decision to build her own media company proved to be prescient. In July 2021, “The Megyn Kelly Show” announced a move to Sirius XM, broadcasting daily on the Triumph channel, with a video simulcast available to subscribers. This partnership provided a significant distribution boost, combining the reach of satellite radio with her growing digital presence. It underscored her commitment to developing a robust, independent media enterprise, rather than seeking another role within the established network framework, laying the foundation for considerable future growth.
7. **Explosive Growth in Independent Media (2023-2025)**Megyn Kelly’s venture into independent media has been met with remarkable success, particularly across digital platforms. By July 2023, “The Megyn Kelly Show”‘s YouTube channel had garnered an impressive 116.8 million views, a figure that notably surpassed the viewership of major legacy news outlets like NBC News (78 million) and CBS News (83 million) during the same period. This extraordinary growth underscored the power of her direct-to-consumer approach and her ability to cultivate a loyal and expanding online audience, indicating a significant shift in media consumption habits.
The momentum continued into 2025, with Kelly’s YouTube channel alone boasting over 3.2 million subscribers by January. Her podcast has also consistently ranked among the top ten in the U.S., a testament to its compelling content and effective digital strategy. Operating with a relatively small team, her show has nevertheless carved out a significant niche, positioning her as a formidable and influential figure in the digital media space, challenging the traditional dominance of mainstream news organizations.
This sustained growth is not merely a quantitative achievement but also a qualitative one, reflecting Kelly’s ability to resonate with a specific demographic seeking alternative perspectives and direct commentary. Her success demonstrates the viability of independent content creators in an increasingly fragmented media landscape. It highlights a conscious “turning on” of the traditional model, proving that significant influence and reach can be built outside the conventional corridors of power, through direct engagement and a clear, distinctive voice.
8. **Continuing Evolution of Independent Media and MK Media Launch (2025)** Following the significant growth of “The Megyn Kelly Show” across digital platforms, Megyn Kelly continued to expand her independent media footprint, solidifying her position as a multifaceted content creator. In February 2025, she unveiled “AM Update with Megyn Kelly,” a new podcast offering a daily digest of major headlines. This addition demonstrated a strategic diversification of her content, providing audiences with both in-depth discussions on her primary show and a concise summary of current events.
The launch of “AM Update” marked a clear expansion beyond her flagship podcast, showcasing her commitment to building a comprehensive media presence outside traditional networks. Unlike her primary show, which often features guest discussions and debates, “AM Update” adopted a focused, news-brief format. This differentiation allowed her to cater to varied audience preferences, from those seeking analytical deep-dives to listeners desiring quick, informed updates.
A major strategic move followed in March 2025 with the announcement of MK Media, her own podcast and video network. This venture aimed to encompass a broader range of news and entertainment, featuring an initial lineup that included “Next Up with Mark Halperin,” “The Nerve with Maureen Callahan,” and “Spot On with Link Lauren.” Overseen by longtime producer Steve Krakauer, MK Media was designed to amplify the voices of other independent creators.
The establishment of MK Media represents more than just a personal brand expansion; it signifies a conscious effort to challenge the established media ecosystem by providing an alternative platform for diverse, independent voices. By developing a network, Kelly is not only sharing her own commentary but also fostering an environment where other content creators can thrive outside the confines of legacy media institutions, further decentralizing media production and consumption.
9. **Shift to Conservative Ideology and Radicalization (2025)** Beyond the evolution of her media platforms, 2025 also brought a significant and articulate public declaration from Megyn Kelly regarding her ideological alignment. She revealed a definitive shift in her political standing, moving from what she described as “center-right” during her tenures at Fox and NBC to a decidedly conservative stance. This reorientation was not a subtle drift but an explicit ideological transformation she openly attributed to external forces.
Kelly explained that her “woke ideology completely radicalized me against them,” referring to perceived adversaries and their impact on her worldview. This statement, made on “The Megyn Kelly Show,” underscored a profound personal and professional reckoning. She expressed that the “vicious” and “complete assholes” among those promoting what she views as woke agendas inadvertently empowered her, enabling her to “see the truth about them.”
This “radicalization,” as she termed it, was presented as a positive, empowering experience that helped her understand herself and the forces she was contending with. She explicitly stated, “I wouldn’t undo it if I could because it really helped me understand who I was dealing with over there.” This candid admission highlights a deeply personal journey, where her encounters with specific ideologies solidified her conservative convictions.
Her public identification as “pretty conservative” by “today’s standards” marks a significant evolution from her earlier years as a registered independent who voted for both Democrats and Republicans. This explicit declaration of her conservative identity clarifies her editorial direction and resonates with an audience seeking voices aligned with traditional values and skeptical of contemporary progressive movements, distinguishing her commentary within the broader media landscape.
10. **Articulating Views on LGBTQ+ Issues (2023-2024)** Megyn Kelly’s independent platform has become a prominent forum for her to articulate specific viewpoints on complex social issues, particularly those concerning LGBTQ+ matters. In 2023, she detailed a significant shift in her perspective, moving from an earlier stance of supporting “preferred pronouns” to openly opposing them. This change, she explained, was rooted in concerns about their perceived connection to gender-affirming care for minors, which she believes poses risks to children’s safety.
Her critique extends beyond pronoun usage, encompassing broader discussions about women’s rights and the inclusion of transgender women in women’s spaces and sports. Kelly has voiced strong opposition to medical interventions for transgender youth, asserting that such policies and practices could be detrimental. Her position emphasizes a desire to protect what she identifies as traditional values and the distinct categories of biological sex.
Further illustrating her stance, in 2024, Kelly publicly criticized singer Taylor Swift following Swift’s endorsement of Kamala Harris, specifically citing Harris’s running mate Tim Walz’s LGBTQ policies. During an on-stage interview with Tucker Carlson, Kelly accused Swift of “alienating half her fan base” by taking a definitive side in what she described as a “hotly contested debate.” Her sharp rebuke, including the phrase “So screw you, Taylor Swift,” underscored her conviction regarding the implications of such political endorsements for children, explicitly linking them to Walz’s LGBTQ policies.
These articulations reveal Kelly’s commitment to engaging with cultural debates from a defined conservative perspective. By challenging prevailing narratives on gender identity and expression, she positions herself as a vocal advocate for particular interpretations of societal norms and parental rights, directly influencing discussions among her growing audience and reinforcing her role as a leading conservative voice.
11. **Stance on Gun Policy and School Security (2025)** In August 2025, following the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting, Megyn Kelly used “The Megyn Kelly Show” to articulate her robust stance on gun policy, demonstrating a clear conservative perspective on a perennially divisive issue. She asserted that broad gun reform measures would ultimately be ineffective in the United States, citing the widespread prevalence of firearms and the constitutional protections afforded by the Second Amendment. Her argument posits that such reforms would disproportionately affect law-abiding citizens, stating, “the bad guys are the ones who get them. You would just be disarming the law-abiding ones.”
Kelly elaborated on her view by explaining that individuals determined to commit mass violence would either procure weapons illegally or resort to alternative methods, rendering comprehensive gun control laws largely futile in preventing attacks. While largely opposing broad reform, she did express support for targeted interventions, particularly for individuals with serious mental health concerns, acknowledging, “putting red flags all over people who have serious mental health histories and trying to take their guns away, I’m with you. I’m actually more to the left on that issue than a lot of my conservative friends.”
Instead of focusing on gun control, Kelly advocated for practical, immediate measures to enhance safety, especially in vulnerable locations. She championed increased armed security in schools and adjacent institutions, arguing, “we need more good guys with guns on soft targets,” alongside significant improvements in the mental health system. This approach emphasizes deterrence and protection at specific sites rather than universal restrictions on firearm ownership.
Reflecting on her years covering mass shootings, including the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, Kelly conveyed a sense of frustration with the cycle of debates that often follow such events. She criticized media and political discussions for consistently gravitating towards gun control, believing this focus distracts from actionable solutions. Her perspective underscores a belief that while absolute safety cannot be guaranteed, fortifying schools and addressing mental health are more pragmatic steps than legislative battles over gun ownership.
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12. **Perspectives on the Israel–Hamas Conflict (2025)** Megyn Kelly has also utilized her platform to weigh in on complex international affairs, providing commentary on the Israel-Hamas conflict from a distinct perspective. In an August 2025 discussion with Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Kelly expressed her empathy for suffering children in Gaza, acknowledging that they are “starving and hurting.” However, she quickly pivoted to placing blame squarely on Hamas, asserting that the organization has actively “stolen aid and uses the suffering of children for propaganda purposes.”
This stance highlights a critical view of how the conflict is presented and perceived, particularly in media narratives. Kelly further articulated her skepticism regarding the information disseminated, describing the Palestinians as “very good manipulators of media.” She declared that she no longer trusts casualty figures released by Hamas, indicating a deep mistrust of the sources and a belief in deliberate misinformation campaigns.
Her assessment suggested that Israel, despite its efforts, was “losing the propaganda war.” This commentary reflects a common conservative viewpoint that seeks to reframe the narrative surrounding the conflict, often emphasizing the actions of militant groups like Hamas and questioning the credibility of reports that might be seen as critical of Israel. It underscores her role in offering an alternative analysis to mainstream media coverage.
By taking a firm stance and explicitly attributing blame, Kelly reinforces her commitment to a particular ideological lens when approaching geopolitical events. Her willingness to challenge widely reported figures and narratives positions her as a voice critical of what she perceives as biased or manipulated information, aligning with her broader independent media mission to offer unfiltered, conservative commentary.
13. **Endorsement of Donald Trump and Reconciled Relationship (2024-2025)** A truly remarkable shift in Megyn Kelly’s public persona and political alignment came to fruition with her explicit endorsement of Donald Trump in 2024, signaling a significant reconciliation following their tumultuous history. On November 4, 2024, the day before the presidential election, Kelly publicly endorsed Trump at a rally in Pittsburgh. This move was particularly striking given their highly publicized clashes during the 2016 campaign, when Trump had famously referred to her as “nasty” after a contentious debate exchange she moderated.
In her speech, Kelly detailed her reasons for supporting Trump, highlighting his policies on women’s rights, border security, immigration, and transgender athletes in women’s sports. She cast him as a “protector” of women, a narrative that stood in stark contrast to their previous interactions and Trump’s past criticisms of her. This endorsement marked a definitive turning point, moving past personal grievances to a shared ideological alignment on key conservative issues.
Following her rally appearance, Kelly further cemented her support by posting a selfie with Trump on X, captioned with a fervent “God bless him. Go vote for him!” This social media action, combined with her public speech, unequivocally demonstrated a complete reversal in their relationship. It showcased her willingness to set aside past conflicts for what she perceived as a greater political objective, aligning her public image even more closely with the conservative movement.
The reconciliation continued into 2025, with Kelly announcing on her show on January 17 that she would be attending Trump’s second inauguration on January 20. She also revealed plans to deliver remarks on stage at his rally the night before. These actions underscore her solidified support for Trump and her prominent role as a conservative media figure deeply integrated into the political landscape she now actively shapes.
14. **Accolades and Recognition in Independent Sphere (2025)** Megyn Kelly’s venture into independent media has not only seen explosive growth in audience numbers and platform expansion but has also garnered significant industry recognition. Her strategic pivot and sustained success were celebrated in 2025 with notable accolades that underscore her influence within the digital and conservative media landscape. These awards affirmed her impact as a leading voice outside traditional networks.
On March 10, 2025, Kelly received the IHeartRadio podcast award for Best Political podcast, a testament to the quality and resonance of “The Megyn Kelly Show.” This award from a major audio entertainment platform highlights her ability to produce compelling content that captures the attention and engagement of a broad listenership, particularly within the politically charged podcasting sphere. It signals mainstream recognition for her independent efforts.
Further solidifying her standing, Kelly’s podcast achieved an impressive ranking in May 2025, placing 3rd in “Top Right-Wing podcasts by subscribers for Q1.” This data point not only quantifies her audience loyalty but also reveals her remarkable growth within the niche. Her podcast boasted the most year-over-year percentage growth at 176%, a clear indicator of its rapidly expanding influence and appeal.
Notably, Kelly was also identified as the only female in the top 10 of this significant ranking. This achievement highlights her unique position as a leading woman in a predominantly male-dominated segment of conservative media. Her accolades in 2025 collectively affirm her successful navigation of the independent media world, demonstrating that her distinct voice and approach have effectively carved out a powerful and recognized presence, continuing to “turn on” traditional models of influence and engage a dedicated audience.
In the rapidly evolving tapestry of American media, Megyn Kelly stands as a testament to reinvention and resilience. Her journey from the polished sets of network television to the dynamic, unfiltered arena of independent digital platforms showcases not merely a personal career trajectory, but a broader narrative of media’s shifting power dynamics. Through the controversies and transformations, Kelly has consistently carved out a space for direct, often provocative, commentary, building an empire that thrives on direct engagement and a clear ideological stance. As she continues to expand MK Media and articulate her conservative principles, her influence, once confined by corporate structures, now radiates across a self-defined landscape, proving that authenticity and conviction, even when polarizing, can forge an undeniable connection with an eager and expanding audience. Her story is a compelling chapter in the ongoing evolution of how news is delivered, debated, and consumed in the 21st century.
