In a thought-provoking discussion on Megyn Kelly Live on Tour, fitness expert Jillian Michaels joined journalist Megyn Kelly to analyze the concerning appeal of far-right figure Nick Fuentes among young white men. The conversation, captured in a YouTube video published on November 27, 2025, delved into the psychological and societal factors driving this demographic toward extremist content.
The Dangerous Allure of Nick Fuentes
Megyn Kelly opened the dialogue with a stark assessment of Nick Fuentes' rhetoric. She emphasized that Fuentes regularly employs deeply offensive language, including racial slurs and hateful commentary about women and Jewish people during his "America First" livestreams. Despite this overt bigotry, Kelly noted with concern that numerous young men continue to consume his content, describing this phenomenon as "most interesting" for what it reveals about their underlying emotional state.
Jillian Michaels expressed her perspective on why some young men might be drawn to such figures. She argued that constantly labeling young boys as "bad" within mainstream discourse creates a push factor that drives them toward alternative voices. "This push makes them turn to people like Nick Fuentes, who use anger to attract them," Michaels explained, suggesting that some boys feel they are "vomiting on your woke ideology" in rejection of what they perceive as forced values.
The Impact of Societal Messaging on Young Men
Megyn Kelly elaborated on her theory about the root causes behind Fuentes' appeal. She pointed to what she described as "15-plus years" of young white boys being systematically blamed for societal problems. According to Kelly, these young men grow up internalizing messages that they are inherently problematic, creating a foundation for resentment.
Kelly identified educational environments as particularly influential in this dynamic. She claimed that during observances like Black History Month, Women's History Month, and Pride Month, some young white boys feel targeted rather than included. This perception continues into college applications, where Kelly suggested they believe their race might disadvantage them in admission processes.
The concept of "toxic masculinity" emerged as another point of contention. Kelly observed that young men receive conflicting messages—being asked to celebrate certain figures while simultaneously being told their natural masculinity is problematic. These mixed signals generate anger that figures like Nick Fuentes effectively harness to build their followings.
Mainstream Conservative Distancing
Both Kelly and Michaels were careful to distinguish Fuentes from mainstream conservative thought. Michaels noted that even politically moderate individuals find Fuentes' rhetoric frightening because he doesn't represent traditional conservative values. Kelly explicitly stated that Fuentes is "not part of the coalition," clearly separating him from established conservative movements.
Kelly contextualized Fuentes within broader political history, noting that politics has always included "fringy, weird people" who gain attention primarily through extreme statements. She characterized Fuentes specifically as "a very fringy person" whose popularity stems from saying "really crazy" things rather than representing a substantial political ideology.
Michaels expanded on the psychological consequences of persistent societal blame, warning that constant criticism could create a generation feeling both angry and isolated. This emotional state, she suggested, makes young men vulnerable to radicalization by angry voices promising validation and community.
As of the conversation's publication, Nick Fuentes had not responded to the comments made by either Megyn Kelly or Jillian Michaels. The discussion represents a growing concern about political radicalization and the psychological factors that drive young men toward extremist content creators.
