In a striking critique from within conservative media circles, prominent commentator and former Fox News host Megyn Kelly has voiced strong reservations about the Trump administration's military action in Venezuela, while launching a blistering attack on her former network's coverage of the event.
A Call for Caution Amidst Cheerleading
Speaking on her own programme, The Megyn Kelly Show, on Monday, Kelly made it clear that her stance remains pro-Trump and supportive of the military. However, she expressed deep unease with what she predicted would have been the expected editorial line had she still been at Fox News. "I would have known that I was supposed to cheerlead it," Kelly stated, before revealing her reaction to the network's broadcast. "I turned on Fox News yesterday, and I’m sorry, but it was like watching Russian propaganda. There was nothing skeptical. It was all rah-rah cheerleading."
Kelly urged for a more measured approach, highlighting the complex history of US foreign interventions. "There are serious reasons to just exercise a note of caution before we just get on the rah-rah train," she advised, pointing to past engagements in Iraq and Libya which she described as ending in a "quagmire" and failing "nine times out of ten." She framed her skepticism as a lesson learned from experience, stating, "I have seen what happens when you cheerlead unabashedly US intervention in foreign countries."
Broader Critique of Fox and 'Neocon' Celebrations
Kelly expanded her criticism to Fox News's historical posture on military matters, admitting she has "been embarrassed" in the past by being part of what she termed "green light territory" for approving overseas US involvement. She questioned the efficacy of such strategies, arguing, "We’re not great at going into these foreign countries, decapitating them at the leadership level, and then saying, either we’re going to steer the country to a better place, or it’s going to steer itself."
Her concerns were further amplified by President Donald Trump's suggestion of potential "boots on the ground" in Venezuela. Kelly framed this worry from a parental perspective, saying, "I speak for a lot of moms and dads... I’m staying in yellow territory until we know more, and I will not be joining the Fox News cheerleading brigade this time. I’ve been burned too many times."
Kelly also took aim at high-profile supporters of the operation, specifically Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican who praised the mission alongside Trump on Air Force One on Sunday. "The fact that Lindsey Graham is standing next to him is enough for me to know I don’t want it. I’m concerned," she said. "All of the neocons have been celebrating this whole thing... and that alone gives me pause. When Lindsey Graham is cheering, I’m not." To underscore her skeptical viewpoint, Kelly hosted anti-war journalist Aaron Maté for her discussion segment.
Trump's Vision for Venezuela's Future
Later on Monday evening, President Trump outlined his vision for the aftermath of the operation, suggesting the US would need to "nurse" Venezuela back to health. He indicated that oil companies would play a central role in rebuilding the country's shattered energy infrastructure, a project he claimed could be done within an 18-month timeline but would cost "a lot of money." Trump notably added that American taxpayers could ultimately help foot the bill, as oil companies might receive assistance for the reconstruction work.
This development adds a significant economic dimension to the military action, raising questions about long-term commitments and financial liabilities for the United States in its involvement in Venezuela.
