Megyn Kelly Calls for Trump’s Political Enemies to ‘Suffer’ in On-Air Rant

Megyn Kelly, former Fox News anchor and current SiriusXM host, has once again landed in the national spotlight for remarks many are calling inflammatory and divisive. During a recent episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Kelly asserted that Donald Trump’s political enemies “need to suffer,” a statement that quickly drew condemnation from across the political spectrum, particularly among LGBTQ+ advocates and progressive organizations .

Kelly’s comments were made during a discussion with Kmele Foster, editor-at-large at Tangle News. The conversation turned to the possibility of Democrats regaining power, with Foster questioning what might happen if they “sweep into power” in the next election. “They are thinking we’re really going to stick it to them this time,” Foster said, prompting Kelly to launch into her now widely-circulated remarks .

“I mean, we didn’t prosecute Hillary Clinton. We did not go after her. We did not lock her up. We tried to take the high road. They didn’t accept the olive branch. They tried to ruin Trump personally, Trump professionally, Trump’s presidency, and many around him,” Kelly said. She continued, “If what is required to get us back to normal, which, let’s say was 10 years ago, is more pain and suffering on both sides, then so be it” .

Kelly’s comments come at a time of heightened political division in the United States, with many LGBTQ+ individuals and allies expressing concern about the increasingly hostile rhetoric used by some media figures and politicians. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups warn that such language, especially when broadcast to millions, can contribute to an environment in which marginalized communities feel unsafe, and may embolden those who seek to undermine civil rights protections .

The Human Rights Campaign has repeatedly highlighted the connection between political discourse and real-world violence or discrimination against LGBTQ+ people, noting that “dehumanizing rhetoric from public figures can directly contribute to increases in hate crimes, bullying, and legislative attacks” . While Kelly did not reference LGBTQ+ individuals specifically in her comments, her history of controversial statements about LGBTQ+ people has led many advocates to interpret her recent remarks through that lens .

The debate over Kelly’s comments also reflects broader anxieties about the trajectory of national politics, particularly as the Trump administration’s record on LGBTQ+ rights continues to be a flashpoint. During both of his presidential terms, Donald Trump’s administration enacted multiple measures seen as harmful to LGBTQ+ people, including rolling back anti-discrimination protections, restricting transgender people’s access to healthcare, and eliminating diversity and inclusion training in federal agencies .

LGBTQ+ leaders point to these policies as evidence of the tangible harm that can result from politically motivated rhetoric and action. “Words matter, but policies matter even more,” said a spokesperson for GLAAD, the LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, in a recent statement responding to Kelly’s remarks. “When prominent figures normalize the idea of making political enemies ‘suffer,’ we all risk losing the basic tenets of democracy and human dignity” .

Media critics and social justice organizations have called on news outlets and digital platforms to take greater responsibility for the spread of incendiary rhetoric. “Megyn Kelly has a massive platform, and with that comes a responsibility not to incite harm or violence, even indirectly,” said a statement from Media Matters for America, a nonprofit watchdog group .

Some social media users and activists have called for advertisers to reconsider their association with Kelly’s show, pointing to the potential for such rhetoric to escalate tensions or inspire real-world consequences, especially for marginalized groups already facing increased threats and legislative rollbacks .

LGBTQ+ leaders have responded to Kelly’s comments by reaffirming their commitment to fighting for equality, dignity, and the safety of all marginalized people. Many see this moment as another reminder of the need for solidarity and vigilance in the face of inflammatory rhetoric and policies that threaten hard-won rights.

“As LGBTQ+ people, we know intimately what it means to be targeted by powerful voices who would see our communities suffer for political gain,” said Cathy Renna, National LGBTQ Task Force Communications Director, in a statement. “We will continue to stand up for each other, speak out against hate, and demand accountability from those who use their influence to promote division and pain” .

As the U.S. heads into another contentious election season, the debate over political rhetoric—and its consequences—shows no signs of abating. For LGBTQ+ Americans and their allies, the stakes are particularly high, given the ongoing policy battles and cultural flashpoints that define the current political climate.

Advocacy groups are urging all sides to reject calls for “suffering” as a political tool and to instead foster a discourse rooted in respect, inclusion, and human rights for all. The outcome of this struggle, many say, will have profound implications not only for LGBTQ+ people, but for the health of American democracy itself.