Megyn Kelly's NYT Interview and WHCA Comedian Controversy Unpacked

Behind the Scenes of Megyn Kelly's New York Times Interview

Megyn Kelly recently shared insights into her major podcast episode with The New York Times titled 'The Interview,' which aired over the weekend of March 29, 2025. On her YouTube show, she delved into behind-the-scenes details of the discussion, offering her take on whether the Times treated her fairly. Kelly emphasized her commitment to authenticity and staying true to her beliefs while maintaining journalistic integrity. This conversation, as discussed on her channel, highlights her evolution from traditional media to a prominent voice in new media platforms, a shift that continues to baffle some in the corporate press.

Joined by Emily Jashinsky, host of 'Undercurrents' on UnHerd, and Eliana Johnson, editor of the Washington Free Beacon, Kelly explored why legacy media struggles to grasp the rise of independent voices like hers. They noted that the traditional press often misinterprets bias and authenticity, areas where Kelly believes she excels by remaining unapologetically herself. This segment, starting around the 5:30 mark of her video, underscores her growing influence, especially following her endorsement of President Donald J. Trump just before the November 2024 election.

White House Correspondents’ Dinner Drops Comedian Amber Ruffin

Another focal point of Kelly’s show was the decision by the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) to cancel comedian Amber Ruffin’s performance at their annual dinner. Ruffin had been slated to perform in April 2025 but was removed after making controversial statements about President Trump and his supporters. Kelly, along with Jashinsky and Johnson, criticized Ruffin’s past comments as offensive and ridiculous, pointing out the comedian’s history of inflammatory rhetoric. At roughly the 25:10 mark, Kelly highlighted the WHCA’s attempt to spin the cancellation as a move to avoid divisive politics, a justification she and her guests found unconvincing.

The discussion emphasized that Ruffin’s remarks, including calling Trump supporters 'murderers,' crossed a line that made her unsuitable for an event meant to celebrate journalism. This incident reflects broader tensions in media circles about balancing free expression with professional decorum, a theme Kelly often addresses in her critiques of mainstream outlets. The WHCA’s decision, as reported by The New York Times on March 29, 2025, was framed as an effort to keep the focus on journalism rather than political controversy, but Kelly’s panel saw it as a necessary correction.

Gavin Newsom’s Political Maneuvers Scrutinized

Kelly also turned her attention to California Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent attempts to position himself as a moderate ahead of a potential 2028 presidential run. During an interview with Bill Maher, Newsom faced tough questions about his stance on transgender issues, particularly regarding children. Around the 40:15 mark of her video, Kelly and her guests dissected Newsom’s responses, arguing that he remains out of touch with many Americans on this topic. They viewed his shift as insincere, a calculated move to broaden his appeal rather than a genuine change in perspective.

This segment of the show underscored Kelly’s focus on holding public figures accountable, especially those whose policies or statements she believes do not align with the values of everyday Americans. Jashinsky and Johnson echoed her sentiments, pointing out that Newsom’s progressive track record in California continues to define him despite his recent rhetoric. This critique aligns with Kelly’s broader narrative of challenging political elites who appear disconnected from the public they serve.

Media Dynamics and Personal Reflections

Lastly, Kelly touched on personal dynamics within the media industry, including pointed criticism from tech journalist Kara Swisher. At approximately the 15:45 mark, she shared a previously untold story about their relationship, describing Swisher’s demeanor as unkind to many in the field. This personal reflection added depth to the discussion about the competitive and often harsh nature of media interactions, a reality Kelly navigates as she builds her independent platform.

Her show, which has seen a 176 percent surge in podcast subscriptions since her Trump endorsement, as noted by The Righting president Howard Polskin, continues to resonate with audiences seeking unfiltered commentary. Through these discussions, Kelly reinforces her role as a trusted voice for those who value straightforward analysis over polished corporate narratives. Her ability to blend personal insights with sharp political commentary ensures that her platform remains a significant force in shaping public discourse.