Full Breakdown
Megyn Kelly and JD Vance Defend Trump's Remarks to Kaitlan Collins
2/6/2026, 9:25:49 AM
Incident Overview: Trump's Comments on Collins
During a recent Oval Office interaction, President Donald Trump criticized CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins for her demeanor while questioning him about newly released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump labeled Collins as "the worst reporter" and remarked, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile,” instead of addressing her inquiries about justice for Epstein's survivors. This incident has sparked significant backlash, with many commentators labeling Trump's remarks as misogynistic.
Kelly and Vance's Defense of Trump's Remarks
In a discussion on her SiriusXM show, Megyn Kelly defended Trump's comments, referencing advice from her former boss, Roger Ailes, who had been accused of sexual harassment. Kelly stated, “Every once in a while, you have to smile. Roger Ailes used to tell us that,” suggesting that Collins should adopt a more positive demeanor. Vice President JD Vance echoed her sentiments, calling Trump "so perceptive" for pointing out Collins' lack of a smile and suggesting that journalists should not always take their roles so seriously.
Context of Ailes' Legacy and Kelly's Position
Roger Ailes, the former chairman and CEO of Fox News, resigned in 2016 following multiple allegations of sexual harassment from numerous women, including Kelly herself. Despite her past experiences with Ailes, Kelly's comments during the interview have raised eyebrows, as she appeared to align with his advice to smile, which many critics argue undermines the seriousness of the issues at hand.
Criticism and Opposition
The backlash against Trump's comments has been substantial, with various journalists and commentators condemning his language as sexist. Critics argue that such remarks contribute to a hostile environment for female reporters and diminish the gravity of their inquiries. Kelly's defense of Trump has also drawn criticism, as it seems to contradict her previous stance against Ailes' behavior.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing tensions between political figures and the media, particularly regarding gender dynamics in journalism. The exchange has ignited discussions about press freedom, the treatment of female journalists, and the appropriateness of personal attacks in political discourse. As the debate continues, it raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures in their interactions with the press.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States
- “Every once in a while, you have to smile. Roger Ailes used to tell us that. Every once in a while, you’ve got to remember to smile, show the viewers that you have a heart.” — Megyn Kelly, Journalist
- “I literally said the same thing about Kaitlan Collins a year ago on my show. She never smiles,” — Megyn Kelly, Journalist
This incident serves as a focal point for discussions about the intersection of media, gender, and politics, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards female journalists and the expectations placed upon them.
