Donald Trump may have gone too far with Fox News, far enough for powerful Chairman Roger Ailes to demand an apology from the Republican frontrunner for his endless attack on Fox reporter Megyn Kelly.
Trump, sticking to his guns, maintains he does not think Kelly is a ‘quality’ journalist deserving of a station such as Fox News.
Ailes said in a statement that Trump should apologize for his attacking tweets, issued late Monday night, aimed at Kelly.
Ailes said, “Donald Trump’s surprise and unprovoked attack on Megyn Kelly during her show last night is as unacceptable as it is disturbing. Megyn Kelly represents the very best of American journalism and all of us at Fox News Channel reject the crude and irresponsible attempts to suggest otherwise.”
Trump immediately responded saying he did not think Kelly was a ‘quality journalist’ based on her tough questioning of his record during the first Republican Presidential debate.
Trump said, “I totally disagree with the FOX statement. I do not think Megyn Kelly is a quality journalist. I think her questioning of me, despite all of the polls saying I won the debate, was very unfair.”
Ailes proceeded to shower Kelly with praise for her professional handling of the situation despite Trump’s unwarranted remarks. He reiterated his stand that Trump should apologize to the news anchor.
Trump flared Twitter on Monday night with several tweets aimed at Kelly, who had just returned from a vacation. One of his tweets said he “liked The Kelly File much better without @megynkelly. Perhaps she could take another eleven day unscheduled vacation!”
Another tweet described Kelly as being “really off her game” while another even called her a “bimbo.”
Fox presenters came on to Kelly’s defense soon afterwards. Host Bret Baier, who hosted the GOP debate alongside Kelly tweeted, “It’s been 19 days since the debate – @realDonaldTrump has made his feelings clear. But THIS needs to stop #letitgo.”
Sean Hannity, who had one of the very first interviews with the Republican frontrunner after the debate tweeted, “My friend @realdonaldtrump has captured the imagination of many. Focus on Hillary, Putin, border, jobs, Iran China & leave @megynkelly alone.”
Trump’s beef with Kelly began after the presidential debate when Kelly questioned Trump on his previous remarks against women. Later, Trump blasted Kelly on an interview with CNN’s Don Lennon saying, “You could see there was blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her — wherever.”
Trump rarely apologizes and it appears unlikely in this case he well, despite Ailes being a highly influential GOP member. He remains the GOP frontrunner, continuing to dominate polls despite his loose tongue.
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