Bill O’Reilly is aiming at two of the biggest names in conservative media. The former Fox News host recently criticized Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, arguing that both have changed their approach to Donald Trump while prioritizing audience appeal over traditional journalism.
The comments came during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, where O’Reilly weighed in on the evolution of conservative media personalities. His remarks have since sparked debate online, with critics and supporters offering very different takes on his assessment.
Bill O’Reilly criticizes Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly for what he describes as a shift away from Donald Trump
During the interview, O’Reilly argued that figures such as Carlson and Kelly are no longer functioning as journalists but instead as media personalities whose content is driven by their audiences.
According to OK! Magazine, O’Reilly suggested many conservative commentators have adjusted their editorial positions to align with President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement because it benefits their digital businesses. He also argued that today’s political commentators often prioritize engagement and profitability over objective reporting.
Carlson and Kelly have both had complicated relationships with Trump over the years. Kelly famously clashed with Trump during a 2015 Republican primary debate, while Carlson’s private messages expressing criticism of Trump later became public. Both have since built successful independent media platforms that frequently appeal to conservative audiences.
O’Reilly’s comments quickly generated backlash online, with many social media users accusing him of hypocrisy. Critics pointed out that O’Reilly himself built an opinion-driven television career at Fox News long before the current era of political podcasts and independent digital media.
Others also noted the longstanding tension between O’Reilly and Kelly. According to OK! Magazine, Kelly previously spoke publicly about the sexual harassment allegations that ultimately preceded O’Reilly’s departure from Fox News in 2017. O’Reilly has denied wrongdoing, while Fox News and O’Reilly reached settlements in multiple cases before his exit.
The discussion has also reignited a broader conversation about how political media has changed. Rather than relying on cable television, many prominent commentators now operate subscriber-funded podcasts and digital platforms, where audience engagement often plays a significant role in editorial decisions.
Whether O’Reilly’s criticism reflects concern over journalism or simply another chapter in a long-running media rivalry, one thing is clear: debates over Donald Trump’s influence on conservative media remain just as heated as ever.
TELL US – DO YOU AGREE WITH BILL O’REILLY’S CLAIM THAT POLITICAL COMMENTATORS ARE BECOMING PERSONALITIES RATHER THAN JOURNALISTS?
Originally reported by Vanshika Vasundhare Singh for Mandatory
