Megyn Kelly's endorsement of Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential election has sparked considerable discussion, particularly due to the dramatic shifts from her previous stance. Notably, during the 2016 campaign, Trump made infamous remarks about Kelly, saying she had "blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever," highlighting their fraught relationship. Yet, fast forward to November 2024, and Kelly's unwavering support for Trump has left many scratching their heads, as she participated enthusiastically at his rally right before the election, declaring him to be a protector of women.
Kelly's endorsement came as Trump achieved significant victories across key swing states, winning the popular vote and defying many pre-election predictions. On her recent podcast following Trump's election victory, she was adamant about the collapse of polling, stating, "Polling is a lie. They don't know anything." Her comments rebuked numerous polling organizations, including FiveThirtyEight, which had projected Vice President Kamala Harris as potentially victorious.
Offering her assessment on the failed predictions, Kelly noted, "Who will pay attention to these people again?" This skepticism echoed broader sentiments following Trump's successful campaign, where numerous analysts had previously dismissed his chances as overly optimistic. Although many viewed the election as almost evenly matched, Trump’s victory across battleground states shifted the narrative dramatically.
At his rally, Kelly articulated her support, saying, "He got mocked by the left for saying he would be a protector of women. He will be a protector of women!" She used this moment to reinforce Trump's positions on immigration and sports, emphasizing his commitment to "close the border" and to keeping boys out of girls' sports.
This hardline message has drawn sharp criticism from diverse quarters, particularly as Kelly has now positioned herself as an ardent ally of Trump, after years of being seen as independent and often confronting right-wing narratives. Comparatively, Kelly criticized the influence of several celebrities who rallied behind Harris, including Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lopez, asserting, "You do not have the influence you think you do. From Taylor Swift to Beyoncé to Oprah, this celebrity factor doesn't help...and I would argue, it hurts," as she dissected Harris' campaign strategy.
Kelly's abrupt turnaround and staunch advocacy of Trump have also ignited discussions about the nature of celebrity endorsement and its effectiveness within political campaigns. While Trump has seemingly welcomed these endorsements, Kelly's comments highlight the skepticism surrounding celebrity influence, especially after the election results challenged the efficacy of such endorsements for progressive candidates.
Further adding to the debate, Kelly chastised the polling community, implying on her podcast the existence of biases within forecasting as it relates to political outcomes. She singled out Nate Silver from FiveThirtyEight, criticizing his predictive models and positioning, which suggested Harris as potentially triumphing over Trump. Kelly contended, "I really do believe it was their own bias...that pushed them...to manipulate all of us."
Kelly's public endorsement not only aligns with Trump’s conservative agenda but also contrasts starkly with her past statements. This shift has drawn attention not only from supporters of Trump but also alienated some of her former allies, who regard her newfound support for him as opportunism rather than genuine belief.
Meanwhile, personal attacks have flown her way from both sides of the political spectrum, illustrating the tumultuous nature of contemporary politics, especially as it relates to the intersection of celebrity culture and political endorsement. Chris Cuomo, for example, ridiculed Kelly's statements about wanting Trump to be her protector, mockingly echoing her sentiments on air, turning her political support for Trump from serious advocacy to subject of comedic fodder.
Despite the backlash, Kelly remains undeterred, continuing to assert her belief in Trump's capability to lead effectively. She heralds his achievements and aims to portray him as the right figure to safeguard women's rights, drawing on his proposals to address border security and transgender policies pertaining to female sports.
To sum it all up, Megyn Kelly's endorsement of Donald Trump paints her as one of 2024's most intriguing and controversial figures. Her stance not only emphasizes the notable polarization existing within political endorsement realms but also stirs questions about political authenticity, media influence, and celebrity power. Her comments have stirred debate not only about the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements but also about the fragile nature of political allegiance and the consequences of past conflicts between public figures.
With the election behind us but its discussions heating up still, the path forward remains to be seen. Will she continue to advocate for Trump, or will this endorsement fade as the political climate evolves? Time will tell, but for now, Megyn Kelly has firmly placed herself back on the center stage of American politics, alongside Trump.
