Megyn Kelly and Mark Halperin Discuss Trump's Influence at Time 100 Gala

Insights from the Time 100 Gala with Megyn Kelly

Megyn Kelly, a prominent conservative voice, recently shared her experiences from the Time 100 Gala on her YouTube show, joined by political analyst Mark Halperin, host of 'Next Up with Mark Halperin.' The event, which honors the most influential people of the year, left Kelly with a distinct impression of being one of the few conservatives in attendance. She described the gala as a gathering dominated by a liberal elite, calling out the 'scam' of the 'influential' list. Kelly specifically mentioned her encounters on the red carpet with celebrities like Blake Lively and George Clooney, expressing frustration at what she perceives as an undeserved celebration of certain figures.

During the discussion, around the 5:30 mark, Kelly elaborated on the self-congratulatory nature of the event, particularly among journalists. She pointed out the upcoming White House Correspondents’ Dinner, noting a diminishing value of such events under President Donald J. Trump’s administration. Her commentary highlighted a perceived hypocrisy in media coverage, where Trump faces harsher scrutiny compared to previous leaders.

Mark Halperin on Trump's Political Power

Mark Halperin brought a historical perspective to the conversation, reflecting on his early recognition of Trump as a political force as far back as 2011. At approximately the 15:45 point in the video, Halperin recalled his accurate prediction of Trump’s potential to win the 2016 election—a forecast that was met with mockery from his colleagues at MSNBC. He described the condescending backlash he endured, underscoring his belief in Trump’s enduring influence. Halperin also introduced the concept of Trump’s 'Board of Directors,' an informal group of advisors and influencers who shape his political strategy, emphasizing their significant role in his ongoing success.

Halperin further praised Vice President JD Vance, describing him as a massively powerful figure in the administration around the 22:10 mark. He highlighted Vance’s impact on policy and public perception, aligning with the administration’s goals. This discussion reinforced the strength of Trump’s inner circle and their commitment to advancing key issues like border security, which continues to resonate strongly with supporters.

Polling Trends and Democratic Challenges

The conversation shifted to current political dynamics, with both Kelly and Halperin addressing recent polling declines for both Trump and the Democrats. At about the 30:20 segment, Halperin analyzed why Democrats are losing ground with both moderates and progressives. He pointed to a disconnect in messaging and policy priorities as key factors. Despite some dips in Trump’s numbers, Halperin emphasized the unwavering support for his border policies, which remain a cornerstone of his appeal.

Looking ahead, Halperin speculated on potential Democratic candidates for 2028, though he noted their current struggles to connect with a broad base. This portion of the discussion, around the 38:50 mark, underscored a broader theme of media complicity in covering up issues like Joe Biden’s cognitive decline. Kelly chimed in with criticism of figures like Elizabeth Warren for offering weak defenses of Biden’s mental acuity, pointing to a perceived collusion between media and Democratic leaders.

Media Dynamics and Conservative Perspectives

Kelly and Halperin also tackled the broader media landscape, with Kelly expressing disdain for the smugness of journalists at events like the Time 100 Gala. She argued that such gatherings often serve as echo chambers, far removed from the concerns of everyday Americans. Halperin added context by discussing his own experiences with media bias, particularly during his time at MSNBC, where his insights on Trump were dismissed.

The episode, posted on April 25, 2025, offers a window into the conservative critique of elite cultural events and political reporting. Kelly’s firsthand account of the gala, combined with Halperin’s political analysis, paints a picture of a divided landscape where Trump’s influence remains a powerful force. Their dialogue serves as a reminder of the administration’s focus on core issues that resonate with many Americans, particularly around security and governance.

As Halperin prepares to launch his new MK Media show, this conversation sets the stage for deeper explorations of these themes. For now, Kelly’s platform continues to provide a space for unfiltered conservative perspectives, challenging the narratives often presented at high-profile events like the Time 100 Gala.