Megyn Kelly criticized President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for using religious imagery and rhetoric in official capacities [1, 2].
The critique highlights a growing tension between conservative media figures and the administration's use of faith-based communication in government operations. Kelly's objections center on the intersection of digital misinformation and the appropriateness of religious practice within the U.S. military leadership.
Speaking on "The Megyn Kelly Show" podcast, Kelly addressed a social-media post by Trump featuring an AI-generated image of himself depicted as Jesus [1, 3]. Kelly said the image was a falsehood that misled the public [1, 5]. Regarding the post, she said, "Such a F*cking Lie!" [4]. She further urged the president to avoid such depictions, saying, "Just don’t lie" [1].
Kelly also directed her criticism toward Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The commentator said Hegseth incorporated prayer and biblical language during Pentagon press briefings concerning the conflict with Iran [2, 3]. Kelly said that using these religious elements in official defense briefings was inappropriate and served to politicize religion [1, 5].
Referring to Hegseth's conduct at the Pentagon, Kelly said, "It’s Not Appropriate" [5]. The comments suggest a divide in how conservative figures view the boundary between personal faith and the public duties of a cabinet member, specifically within the Department of Defense.
Trump and Hegseth have not issued formal responses to the podcast remarks [1, 2]. The controversy follows a series of briefings where Hegseth utilized religious rhetoric to frame the U.S. strategic approach to the Iran war [3, 4].
“"Just don’t lie"”
This clash illustrates a friction point within the conservative movement regarding the use of faith in governance. While the administration views religious rhetoric as a core part of its identity and appeal, critics like Kelly argue that AI-generated religious imagery and prayer in military briefings cross the line into misinformation and professional impropriety.
