In an unexpected and explosive turn of events, Megyn Kelly’s recent comments about David Muir have left the nation stunned and buzzing with questions. The former Fox News anchor, known for her bold commentary and fearlessness, didn’t hold back when she targeted ABC News’ star anchor, David Muir, in a series of scathing critiques that have ignited a media firestorm.

From accusing him of blatant vanity during on-location reporting to slamming his moderation of high-stakes political debates, Kelly has painted Muir as more of a performer than a journalist. But what’s really fueling this feud? Is it personal animosity, professional rivalry, or a deeper clash of ideologies in an increasingly polarized media landscape? As social media erupts and viewers take sides, this unexpected clash between two major TV personalities has America talking—and wondering if the gloves are truly off.

The tension between Kelly and Muir isn’t entirely new, but it reached a boiling point in early 2025, following Muir’s coverage of devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. On January 9, 2025, Kelly took to her podcast, “The Megyn Kelly Show,” to rip into Muir for what she called his “abject vanity” while reporting from the scene. Muir, the polished anchor of ABC’s “World News Tonight,” appeared on location wearing what Kelly described as a “fake fireman’s jacket,” complete with a clothespin cinched at the back to make it fit more snugly. “This is not dress up time,” Kelly fumed, mocking Muir’s apparent focus on appearance amid a tragedy where “people are dying.” She went on to label him an “actor” rather than a newsman, suggesting his priorities were skewed toward aesthetics over substance. The clip went viral, amassing millions of views on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users debated whether Kelly’s jab was fair criticism or unnecessary pettiness.

This wasn’t Kelly’s first swipe at Muir’s style. Just months earlier, in July 2025, during coverage of severe flooding in Texas, Kelly zeroed in on another “vanity moment.” Muir was seen adjusting his t-shirt under a jacket, prompting Kelly to quip, “That’s not how t-shirts work.” On her show, she replayed the footage, laughing as she dissected what she saw as Muir’s obsession with looking perfect on camera. “It’s like he’s playing a role in a movie,” she said, contrasting it with the raw realities faced by first responders and victims. Critics of Kelly accused her of jealousy, pointing out her own history as a high-profile anchor at Fox News and NBC, where image played a key role. But her supporters hailed it as a much-needed call-out of the “Hollywood-ization” of news, where anchors prioritize glamour over grit.

Digging deeper, the roots of this clash trace back to September 2024, during the highly anticipated presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, moderated by Muir and his ABC colleague Linsey Davis. Kelly, a vocal Trump supporter and frequent critic of mainstream media bias, unleashed a torrent of criticism post-debate. She accused Muir and Davis of unfairly fact-checking Trump in real-time while letting Harris’ statements slide unchallenged. “It was a three-on-one ambush,” Kelly declared on her podcast, calling Muir’s performance “embarrassing” and suggesting he was trying to “cover up” his bias in subsequent broadcasts. This episode amplified existing tensions, as Kelly positioned herself as a defender of “fair journalism” against what she views as the liberal slant of networks like ABC.

Adding fuel to the fire was a personal anecdote Kelly shared about an encounter at the TIME 100 event in May 2025. On her show, she recounted a red carpet moment where Muir allegedly behaved “inappropriately,” though details were vague—leading to widespread speculation. “It was f*cking David Muir,” Kelly exclaimed in a clip that spread like wildfire on YouTube shorts, hinting at awkward flirtation or overstepping boundaries. While Muir has not publicly responded, the implication was clear: Kelly saw him as arrogant and out of touch, further personalizing their professional rift. Fans dissected the story online, with some calling it a #MeToo moment in media, while others dismissed it as Kelly stirring drama for ratings.

Behind the scenes, this feud reflects broader shifts in the news industry. Kelly, who left Fox News in 2017 amid controversies including her clashes with Trump, has reinvented herself as an independent voice through her SiriusXM podcast and YouTube channel. With millions of listeners, she thrives on unfiltered takes that challenge the establishment. Muir, on the other hand, represents the epitome of network news success: As the face of ABC’s flagship evening broadcast, he’s won multiple Emmys and consistently tops ratings charts with his calm, authoritative delivery. But in an era of declining trust in media, Kelly’s attacks resonate with audiences skeptical of “corporate news” figures like Muir, whom she accuses of being too polished and partisan.

The public reaction has been electric. Conservative outlets have amplified Kelly’s comments, portraying her as a truth-teller exposing liberal media hypocrisy. Liberal commentators, meanwhile, defend Muir as a dedicated journalist whose on-the-ground reporting saves lives by informing the public during crises. Social media threads overflow with memes: One popular image shows Muir in his fireman’s jacket with a caption reading, “David Muir: Vanity Fair Edition,” while another depicts Kelly as a WWE wrestler “taking down” the competition. Celebrities have weighed in too—comedian Jon Stewart joked on his podcast that “Kelly vs. Muir is the feud we didn’t know we needed,” drawing parallels to historic media rivalries like Cronkite vs. the networks of old.

What’s behind the tension? At its core, it’s a battle of styles and ideologies. Kelly embodies the brash, opinionated era of cable news, unafraid to call out what she sees as fakery. Muir, with his meticulously groomed image and measured tone, symbolizes the traditional anchor archetype—reliable but, to critics like Kelly, bland and biased. Personal egos likely play a role; both have risen to stardom in cutthroat environments, and Kelly’s history of public spats (with figures like Trump and Jane Fonda) suggests she’s no stranger to confrontation. Some speculate professional jealousy: As Muir’s “World News Tonight” dominates evening ratings, Kelly’s independent platform, while successful, lacks the institutional backing she once had.

As the dust settles, neither has backed down. Kelly continues to reference Muir in episodes, keeping the feud alive for her audience. Muir, true to form, maintains silence, focusing on his reporting—from international conflicts to domestic disasters. But in today’s media ecosystem, where personalities drive viewership, this clash could boost both their profiles. Kelly gains clicks from controversy; Muir solidifies his image as the unflappable pro above the fray.

America is hooked, debating not just the personalities but the state of journalism itself. Is Kelly a whistleblower or a bully? Is Muir a vanity project or a vital voice? The unexpected clash has peeled back layers of the TV news world, revealing tensions that simmer beneath the surface. As viewers tune in for more, one thing’s certain: In the battle between Megyn Kelly and David Muir, the real winner might be the spectacle.