Former Fox News host Megyn Kelly has hit out at Gavin Newsom after the California governor mocked Ron DeSantis on social media.
On Sunday, the Florida governor announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential primaries, throwing support behind former friend and rival Donald Trump in November’s general election.
After the news broke, Newsom took to X, formerly Twitter, to poke fun at DeSantis, whom he faced in a brutal Fox News debate in December.
Ivan Apfel/Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Sharing a link to an NBC news article about the Republican’s exit, Newsom wrote: “Fire sale on all Ron DeSantis merch today!” The post received over 5.7 million views in less than 24 hours and caught the attention of conservative commentator Kelly.
The former Fox News host slammed Newsom’s takedown of DeSantis, writing: “What a jerk. No class.” Newsweek reached out to Megyn Kelly, Ron DeSantis and Gavin Newsom for comment on Monday via email.
Kelly’s response to Newsom received over 450,000 views and divided X users. Many mocked her criticism of Newsom while supporting Trump, who has ridiculed DeSantis on several occasions. “You back Trump, the most vile man in politics,” wrote Chris Nelson.
“[Trump] tried to disenfranchise millions of Americans’ votes by stealing the election. And you support the guy! But when a Dem does a lil election bantz too much? FOR SHAME,” posted Pisco.
Peter Stavros agreed, writing: “A line like this is the norm every day with him.”
“Oh yeah, the guy you fawn over has so much class!” commented Chris D. Jackson, who shared a clip of Trump mocking a reporter with a disability during a campaign stop in 2015.
Octavio Jones/Getty Images News
However, others backed Kelly and criticized Newsom, calling his post “Below the belt.”
“Exactly what I’d expect from him,” posted Jebra Faushay.
“Maturity level of a high school freshman,” wrote @7Gmac7.
“Karma will have its final say,” commented Mark Pechman.
Newsom appeared on Real Time With Bill Maher on Friday, where he discussed his ongoing feud with DeSantis. The 56-year-old said his decision to debate the Florida governor on Fox News was motivated by GOP cancel culture.
“I just thought there was a little timidity in our party, and I thought we needed to call this stuff out,” Newson said. “These guys have been on a banning binge across this country.”
Jerod Harris/Getty Images Entertainment
In recent years, a number of businesses promoting “woke” causes—such as transgender and LGBTQ+ rights or vaccination—have faced conservative boycotts including Bud Light, Target and Burger King.
DeSantis has also been embroiled in a public legal battle with Disney since April 2022, after the 45-year-old removed the entertainment giant’s self-governing rights in Florida.
Walt Disney World Resort was granted special tax status in 1967, allowing the company to manage its own utilities and public services. However, DeSantis stripped Disney of this ability after it criticized Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill—legislature to prevent the teaching of gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues in schools.
DeSantis dubbed the company “Woke Disney,” calling the special tax status “corporate welfare.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.