Donald Trump has reignited his long-standing feud with former Fox News host Megyn Kelly, labeling her the “biggest loser” of the recent Republican presidential debate. Trump’s remarks came in response to Kelly’s critical comments about his mental sharpness, following the fourth GOP debate in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which Trump did not attend.
The debate, co-moderated by Kelly, Elizabeth Vargas of NewsNation, and Eliana Johnson from the Washington Free Beacon, saw a significant drop in viewership, attracting just over 4 million viewers, a 47% decrease from the third debate in Miami. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump disparaged the debate as “history’s lowest rated ‘presidential debate'” and specifically targeted Kelly, questioning her abilities and implying a decline in her career.
Trump’s critique of Kelly followed her recent interview with Glenn Beck, where she expressed concerns about Trump’s mental agility. “There’s no question that Trump has lost a step or multiple steps,” Kelly stated, citing instances of Trump confusing names and locations. She attributed these lapses to his age, noting, “This is what happens when you’re 77 years old.”
This latest exchange marks a renewed clash between Trump and Kelly, who have had a tumultuous relationship since the 2015 GOP presidential debate. During that debate, Kelly confronted Trump about his derogatory remarks towards women, leading to a controversial retort from Trump about Kelly’s demeanor and a subsequent claim that he was referring to her nose.
Despite their public reconciliation months later, this new round of exchanges suggests the truce may have been short-lived. Trump’s Truth Social post also included jibes at other Republican figures, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, while declaring biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy the debate winner for his favorable view of Trump.
Requests for comments from both Kelly and Trump regarding this latest development were made by The Post.