Megyn Kelly, a prominent figure in media who has supported President Trump, issued a warning this week regarding his proposals. According to her, he lacks the constitutional authority to dispatch federal troops to Chicago without the consent of the state’s governor.
During her SiriusXM show, she rejected Trump’s idea of sending troops to cities with high crime rates, stating, “It’s clearly not constitutionally acceptable. He can’t do that.”
“We can’t put Trump in without this governor’s invitation. I’m sorry, but he doesn’t have constitutional permission to do it,” she noted during her airing on Wednesday.
Kelly emphasized her hope that he wouldn’t proceed with such actions, expressing a desire for a society that isn’t heavily controlled by the government. She specifically named Illinois’ Democratic governor, saying that if Trump does act, it wouldn’t be legal.
Though she sympathizes with individuals living in Chicago, she insisted that legal principles must not be compromised. She expressed regret for Chicago’s residents, wishing their governor would take more effective action.
Her critical remarks represent a notable departure from her usual alignment with Trump. While she has often defended him in the past, particularly during their contentious relationship, this stance signals a potential shift.
The relationship between Trump and Kelly has been complex. Their public feud began in 2015 during a GOP debate where Kelly questioned Trump about his remarks towards women, leading to a series of harsh exchanges between them. Trump, in retaliation, took to social media, labeling her biases and elevating their conflict in the eyes of the public.
By 2016, they seemed to reach a truce after a private conversation, but the tension remained, leading to Kelly’s departure from Fox News and her establishment of her own media outlet.
In recent years, she has softened her stance, focusing more on policy rather than personal feelings. By 2023, she admitted she could separate her views on Trump from his policies, especially considering issues like immigration and women’s rights, even referring to herself as a supporter of his agenda.
In the context of the ongoing 2024 campaign, Kelly has become an outspoken advocate for Trump, attending rallies and actively promoting his anticipated return to office.
In Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., Trump has deployed National Guard and Marines due to crime-related issues. This action has led to legal disputes and significant public outcry. Recent federal rulings indicated that the use of troops in Los Angeles contravened the Posse Comitatus Act, restricting their involvement in law enforcement.
Trump has consistently threatened to send military and federal forces to cities like Chicago and Baltimore, despite vocal opposition from local leaders. Chicago, in particular, has served as a target for Republican critiques, with Trump and conservative media pointing to its crime statistics as evidence of the shortcomings of Democratic leadership.
Trump has suggested that federal forces could be sent to stabilize the city even without the request of the governor.
