Megyn Kelly, a registered Independent with right-leaning views, has strongly criticized former President Donald Trump, accusing him of "ruining" the Republican Party due to his alleged greed and association with "grifters." Her comments came in the wake of midterm election results where Democrats secured control of the House and Senate.
Kelly stated that the election results indicate a public sentiment that the "Trump show" has run its course. "We're over the antics, the grift, the making money off of the backs of the American people who just wanted you to help them," she remarked.
She characterized Trump's presidency as a "missed opportunity," lamenting that he surrounded himself with individuals focused on personal financial gain rather than public service. Kelly urged the Republican Party to retain the core "MAGA ideals," which she acknowledged Trump brought to public attention, but to discard the negative aspects. She emphasized the need for a new, "charismatic, honest, ethical leader" and asserted that relying on Trump's endorsement is no longer a viable strategy for the party.
Kelly pointed to Vice President JD Vance's public statements blaming the Iran War, a conflict championed by Trump, as a factor in the Democratic victories. Vance, in an X post, suggested that those who supported the war should take responsibility for its impact on the election outcomes. He questioned whether losing the Senate for six years was a worthwhile cost.
Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., appeared to echo some of Vance's sentiments, responding to Vance's post with a series of ellipses.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also voiced criticism of Trump following the election. DeSantis described the results as a "close to an extinction-level event for Republicans in many parts of the country," specifically highlighting Democratic gains in Texas Senate and gubernatorial races. He warned that the loss of Texas as a Republican stronghold could impact national viability for the next decade.
DeSantis had previously criticized the administration's handling of the Iran War, stating that it had driven up gas prices and "gaslighted" voters who could not acknowledge the connection. He called the war a "big drag" on the party, suggesting that a quicker resolution, similar to the Venezuela operation, might have mitigated the issue.