Full Breakdown
Megyn Kelly Critiques Trump and Hegseth Over Religious Comments
4/19/2026, 7:16:49 AM
Controversial AI Image Sparks Backlash
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly has publicly criticized President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for their recent comments regarding religion, which have drawn significant backlash. The controversy began when Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting him in a Christ-like pose, which he later claimed was intended to portray him as a doctor. Kelly condemned this explanation as disingenuous, stating, “Take it down and just say you’re sorry or don’t say you’re sorry and take it down, but don’t try to gaslight us. We can see.” Following the uproar, Trump removed the image from social media but continued to share another AI-generated picture showing him being embraced by Jesus.
Criticism of Hegseth's Religious Analogies
In addition to her remarks about Trump, Kelly also took issue with Hegseth's comments during a Pentagon briefing, where he compared journalists questioning military operations in Iran to the Pharisees, a biblical group known for opposing Jesus. Kelly expressed discomfort with Hegseth's religious references in the context of military discussions, stating, “These two things do not belong together, and I’m just really uncomfortable with it.” She emphasized that if former President Joe Biden had made similar remarks, she would have criticized him harshly.
Responses from Allies and Critics
Kelly's criticism aligns with sentiments expressed by former White House strategist Steve Bannon, who advised Hegseth to refrain from religious references during military briefings. Bannon noted that such comments detracted from the operational details being discussed, stating, “That’s all the mainstream media is covering right now.”
Broader Implications and Ongoing Tensions
The controversy has broader implications, particularly as Trump has been engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV. The pope criticized U.S. military operations in Iran and called for a peaceful resolution, prompting Trump to label the pontiff as weak on crime and foreign policy. Trump even claimed that the pope believes Iran should possess nuclear weapons, a statement that the Vatican has denied.
Official Statements & Responses
As of now, neither the White House nor the Pentagon has issued a direct response to Kelly's remarks. Trump has not addressed her criticisms regarding his explanation of the AI image. However, he has recently attacked Kelly and other conservative commentators, labeling them as "fake MAGA" for their public dissent following the escalation of military actions in Iran.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Such a f** lie,” — Megyn Kelly, Conservative Commentator
- “These two things do not belong together, and I’m just really uncomfortable with it.” — Megyn Kelly, Conservative Commentator
- “That’s all the mainstream media is covering right now,” — Steve Bannon, Former White House Strategist
The ongoing discourse surrounding Trump's actions and Hegseth's comments reflects a significant divide within conservative circles, as prominent figures like Kelly and Bannon call for a reevaluation of the intersection between religion and military operations.
