Former Fox News Star Megyn Kelly Denounces Network as “Propaganda Machine”

In a scathing critique, former Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly has lambasted her former employer, accusing the network of transforming from a news organization into what she calls a “propaganda machine” that prioritizes cheerleading over journalism.

During the April 9 episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show,” the veteran broadcaster drew on her 14-year tenure at the network to deliver a pointed assessment of Fox News’ current approach to reporting. “I’m exposing what viewers refuse to see — how the network morphed from news into a propaganda machine designed purely to cheerlead wars, worship Trump, and feed you manufactured rage instead of facts,” Kelly stated.

Kelly’s comments reflect growing discord within conservative media circles, particularly regarding coverage of military interventions and the Trump administration. The podcaster characterized Fox News as “insufferable right now,” suggesting its anchors have abandoned journalistic skepticism in favor of uncritical support for military actions and presidential policies.

“If I were a Fox News anchor right now, I’d know exactly what to do: cheerlead,” Kelly said. “It’s all about rah, rah, rah, go military, that’s what’s patriotic, praise the president, support the trips, support the war, day in, day out.”

In contrast to what she perceives as Fox’s unquestioning approach, Kelly advocated for a more measured “yellow light” perspective, encouraging her audience to exercise critical thinking before supporting foreign interventions that might lead to military entanglements similar to recent tensions with Iran.

This isn’t Kelly’s first public criticism of her former employer. In January, she compared Fox News’ coverage of U.S. military operations in Venezuela to “Russian propaganda,” specifically regarding reporting on the capture of Nicolás Maduro. She singled out prominent Fox personalities Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, and Jesse Watters for what she characterized as their unwavering support of the administration’s military decisions.

Kelly’s professional journey has been marked by significant transitions. After leaving Fox News in January 2017, she joined NBC News to host “Megyn Kelly Today.” However, her tenure there was short-lived; NBC canceled her show in October 2018 following controversial comments she made defending blackface in Halloween costumes. Since then, she has established herself as an independent media voice through her podcast.

While maintaining her position as a critic of the Democratic Party, Kelly has increasingly distanced herself from uncritical support of former President Donald Trump. She recently accused the Trump administration of misleading the public regarding U.S. casualties in Iran and described the president as “weak” and “gullible.”

Following Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric toward Iran, Kelly expressed her frustration in stark terms: “I am sick of this s—,” she remarked, asking, “Can’t he just behave like a normal human?” Her comments, along with criticisms from other former Trump allies like Alex Jones and Candace Owens, prompted a lengthy rebuke from the former president on Truth Social, where he labeled his critics “low IQ losers” and “nutjobs.”

Kelly’s evolving stance illustrates the complex and shifting landscape of conservative media, where traditional allegiances are being tested by differing approaches to journalism, political loyalty, and America’s role in international conflicts. Her critique also highlights broader questions about media objectivity and the role of news organizations in political discourse during a highly polarized era.

As the 2024 presidential campaign intensifies, Kelly’s independent perspective represents an increasingly rare voice willing to challenge orthodoxy across the political spectrum, drawing on her extensive experience in mainstream media to offer what she positions as a more nuanced alternative to partisan broadcasting.