US media personality Megyn Kelly sparked intense criticism online after declaring that US service members killed in ongoing strikes on Iran died “for Iran or for Israel” and not for the United States, a statement that sparked backlash across social media.
The former Fox News anchor, now a SiriusXM host, made the remarks during a monologue on her show while discussing the escalating conflict between the United States, Iran and Israel. Her comments have since gone viral, sparking sharp criticism from netizens who accused her of insulting fallen service personnel.Kelly began her segment by acknowledging that four US service members have been killed in the ongoing military operation, which has reportedly been dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.”
She said she was praying for the troops but questioned the purpose of the mission.“The guys and gals who have to actually carry out this mission… why again? And put their lives on the line… for whom, again?” she asked.Kelly added that early polls indicated that Americans were divided on the strikes, and she admitted that she was leaning against the attacks.“My feeling is that no one should die for a foreign country. I don’t believe those four soldiers died for the United States. They died for the United States.”
“I think they died for Iran or for Israel.”
She also said, “Our government’s mission is not to look for Iran or Israel. It is to look for us,” adding that the conflict “seems to me like a clear Israeli war.” Kelly also mentioned conservative figures such as Mark Levin, Ben Shapiro, and Sen. Lindsey Graham as voices who strongly supported military action.At the same time, she said she does not believe President Donald Trump intends to drag the United States into another “forever war,” although she described him as “interested in all the details” about how long the conflict might last.
Rubio signals ‘imminent threat’
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Capitol Hill that the strikes were carried out after US intelligence indicated that Israel was preparing to attack Iran and that US forces in the region faced an imminent threat of retaliation.“There was definitely an imminent threat,” Rubio said, considering that the defensive posture after the Israeli strike would have exposed American forces to greater losses. According to officials, five American soldiers have been killed so far in combat.Rubio emphasized that the United States acted “proactively and defensively” to prevent greater losses.However, Kelly cast doubt on the administration’s claims that Iran is planning to launch pre-emptive missile strikes on US military and civilian targets. Referring to CNN contributor Scott Jennings’ comments, she said the assertion “makes no sense,” arguing that Iran was aware of the large US military presence in the region.
Internet users react
Kelly’s comments quickly sparked a firestorm of reactions online, with critics accusing her of disrespecting fallen soldiers.One user wrote: “Megyn Kelly saying that our fallen American soldiers died ‘for Israel’ is absolute evil. It is disgusting and shameful. She is dishonoring the dead. I will never forgive her for this.”“Intentionally putting American soldiers on death row with absolutely no purpose, endgame, or permission from Congress is evil,” another post said.Some users dismissed her as “unconservative,” while others defended her right to question the administration’s justifications for military action, arguing that public debate about war powers and foreign policy is legitimate.
