Right-wing pundit Megyn Kelly, a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, recently admitted to overlooking some of Trump's 'darker demons' for years. However, experts in public humanities and American studies argue that the qualities she ignored were substantial and troubling.
Kelly's Podcast Remarks
During an episode of her podcast 'The Megyn Kelly Show' on Wednesday, comedian Russell Brand asked Kelly why people still 'love' Trump despite recent criticism from his own base. Kelly cited Trump's 'charming' humor and his stance against 'woke' culture, but acknowledged his moral shortcomings.
'He's not a moral man. He's obviously not the greatest husband. He's extremely petty and thin-skinned,' Kelly said, adding that these 'darker demons' are now more visible because Trump is 'like a cornered animal.'
Expert Reactions
Deepak Sarma, distinguished scholar in public humanities at Case Western Reserve University, called this 'unscrupulous willful blindness.' He stated, 'Trump's flaws were evident from the outset, and their support reflects a pattern of willful ignorance. They bear responsibility for his rise and now disavow their role in enabling and normalizing his behavior.'
Sarma emphasized that normalizing a president whose conduct falls below democratic expectations is unacceptable. 'Leaders must engage beyond their base and govern through negotiation, not grievance. Compromise is essential to democracy.'
Kari J. Winter, a professor of American studies at the University at Buffalo, noted that millions have been mystified by the support for a 'conman with a lifelong history of lies, fraud, misogyny, racism, and narcissism.' She added that Trump's behavior contradicts Christian and global religious values, yet his supporters claim divine backing.
MAGA Figures Turning on Trump
Kelly joins other MAGA figures like Tucker Carlson in publicly condemning Trump's policies, particularly the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran. Carlson recently expressed regret for misleading people, saying, 'We'll be tormented by it for a long time.' Trump responded by slamming both on Truth Social.
Sarma sees this as a sign of fracturing within the movement. 'Either they failed to recognize what was obvious, or they believe Trump has served his purpose. The latter is more plausible, given that key MAGA goals have been achieved.'
Winter views these conversions skeptically. 'Kelly and Carlson are cynical manipulators preparing for a post-Trump future. Their criticism is sparse amidst praise, and their track records suggest self-interest rather than genuine change.'
Both experts agree that while the shift is significant, it should not be dismissed or uncritically accepted. 'There is something significant about a movement beginning to fracture from within,' Sarma concluded.
