Megyn Kelly’s Relentless Critique: Why She Calls David Muir “So Unprofessional”

Megyn Kelly, the outspoken former Fox News host turned SiriusXM podcaster, has never shied away from controversy. Her latest target? ABC News anchor David Muir, whom she has branded “so unprofessional” in a series of scathing attacks. From his alleged red-carpet arrogance to a wardrobe gaffe during a wildfire broadcast, Kelly has painted Muir as a vain, ego-driven figure more concerned with image than journalism. This feud, simmering for years, has erupted into a public spectacle, fueled by Kelly’s biting commentary and Muir’s silence. What drives Kelly’s harsh words, and why does this clash resonate so deeply? Let’s explore the incidents, the history, and the broader implications of this high-profile media rivalry.

The Spark: Kelly’s Accusations of Unprofessionalism

Kelly’s most recent salvo came in early 2025, when she criticized Muir’s conduct during his coverage of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. Reporting from Pacific Palisades for World News Tonight, Muir wore a bright yellow, flame-retardant jacket branded with the ABC logo. As he turned to gesture at the rubble behind him, viewers spotted wooden clothespins cinching the jacket’s back, presumably to create a more fitted look. Kelly seized on this moment, calling it a display of “abject vanity” on her podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show. “He is so unprofessional,” she declared, accusing Muir of “playing dress-up” as a fireman while “people are dying.” She argued that true journalists, like Anderson Cooper or Steve Harrigan, prioritize the story over their appearance, unlike Muir, whom she labeled an “actor” obsessed with his waistline.

This wasn’t Kelly’s first attack. In May 2024, she made headlines by alleging Muir disrupted the Time 100 Gala’s red carpet in Manhattan. According to Kelly, Muir bypassed a long line of A-list attendees waiting for their photo-op, prompting gasps from the crowd expecting a bigger star like Tom Cruise. “It was an absurdity by him. Honestly, he should have been embarrassed,” she said on her podcast, framing the incident as emblematic of Muir’s ego. The lack of a public response from Muir or ABC only amplified Kelly’s narrative, with her claiming his actions were a “humiliating” power play.

A Deeper Feud: The Presidential Debate Fallout

Kelly’s criticisms extend beyond Muir’s personal conduct to his professional integrity. A significant point of contention was Muir’s role as a moderator in the September 2024 presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Alongside co-moderator Linsey Davis, Muir faced backlash for fact-checking Trump’s claims in real time while appearing to let Harris’s statements go unchallenged. Kelly called this a “disgrace,” arguing Muir’s bias was evident when he countered Trump’s sarcastic remarks about the 2020 election with, “I didn’t detect the sarcasm.” “You’re supposed to be the objective news anchor,” Kelly fumed, suggesting Muir’s opinions overshadowed his duty as a journalist. She later claimed his ratings dropped 12% post-debate, dubbing it a “freefall” and proof of public distrust.

This incident crystallized Kelly’s broader critique: Muir, in her view, prioritizes image and agenda over impartiality. She pointed to ABC’s heavy promotion of Muir—“you would think he was Jesus”—as evidence of a manufactured persona that crumbled under scrutiny. “He’s in love with his own face, waistline, and opinion,” she said, tying his alleged vanity to his journalistic lapses. The debate controversy, coupled with the wildfire and gala incidents, painted Muir as a figure whose professionalism Kelly deems lacking, a sentiment echoed by some conservative voices on social media.

Contextualizing the Clash

To understand Kelly’s relentless attacks, it’s crucial to examine both figures’ careers and the media landscape. Muir, 51, has anchored World News Tonight since 2014, earning praise as a steady hand during crises like hurricanes and pandemics. His rise at ABC, however, sparked internal tensions, notably with George Stephanopoulos, who reportedly clashed with Muir over leadership roles. Muir’s designation as the network’s lead for breaking news and political coverage, coupled with his 2024 Time 100 recognition, cemented his status as ABC’s face, but also made him a target for critics like Kelly.

Kelly, 54, built her career at Fox News before stints at NBC and her current role as a SiriusXM host. Known for her confrontational style, she has targeted figures across the spectrum, from Joe Biden to Chrissy Teigen, earning a loyal following among conservatives. Her critiques of Muir align with her broader narrative of calling out perceived media bias, particularly among liberal-leaning networks like ABC. The wildfire jacket incident, for instance, resonated with social media users who mocked Muir as “pathetic” and “narcissistic,” amplifying Kelly’s claims. Yet, some defended Muir, noting that clothespins are a common broadcasting practice to secure ill-fitting gear or microphones, suggesting Kelly’s outrage was overblown.

The Wildfire Gaffe: Vanity or Misunderstanding?

The wildfire incident is central to Kelly’s “unprofessional” charge. Muir’s jacket, provided by ABC, was designed for safety in a high-risk environment, but the clothespins sparked speculation. Kelly and others, like X user Jack Osbourne, interpreted them as a vain attempt to look “svelte” amid a tragedy, with one firefighter on X noting that tight gear undermines safety protocols. ABC insiders, however, told media outlets that Muir was “solely focused” on the story, and some X users suggested the pins were for microphone stability, a standard practice. Former ABC anchors T.J. Holmes and Amy Robach also defended Muir, proposing a producer might have applied the pins without his input. Despite these defenses, the optics fueled Kelly’s narrative, with ABC sources reportedly “embarrassed and horrified” by the gaffe.

Kelly’s framing of Muir as a “fake fireman” tapped into a broader critique of broadcast journalism’s theatricality. She contrasted Muir with reporters who endure danger without fussing over appearance, arguing his actions trivialized the crisis. Yet, the incident’s virality—fueled by X posts and Kelly’s podcast—suggests it resonated more as a cultural jab than a substantive critique, highlighting the media’s role in amplifying minor missteps.

The Gala Incident: Ego or Exaggeration?

The Time 100 Gala accusation further illustrates Kelly’s focus on Muir’s character. Her vivid recounting—expecting a “truly A-list” star only to see Muir—cast him as entitled, disrupting an event for personal gain. However, a source close to the gala told media that two red-carpet entrances existed: one for photos and one for TV interviews, with Muir directed to the photo line by organizers. This suggests Kelly’s story may have exaggerated the incident, framing a logistical decision as a power grab. Muir’s lack of response allowed Kelly’s narrative to dominate, reinforcing her “unprofessional” label.

Why Kelly Persists

Kelly’s ongoing attacks stem from both personal and ideological roots. Professionally, she positions herself as a truth-teller, unafraid to challenge media elites. Her critiques of Muir align with her conservative audience’s distrust of mainstream outlets, particularly after the 2024 debate. Personally, Kelly’s history of overcoming adversity—detailed in her memoir Settle for More—fuels her take-no-prisoners style, even if it risks alienating peers. Her claim that Muir “ended his career” for half the country during the debate reflects her belief that his actions betray journalistic ideals, a charge she ties to his alleged vanity.

Muir, by contrast, maintains a low-profile approach, rarely engaging with critics. This silence, while strategic, allows Kelly’s accusations to gain traction, particularly among those predisposed to view him as a liberal figurehead. The feud also reflects broader media dynamics: Kelly’s outsider status versus Muir’s establishment role, and the tension between sensationalism and restraint in modern journalism.

The Broader Implications

This feud underscores the challenges facing broadcast news in a polarized era. Muir’s role as a trusted anchor is tested by accusations of bias and vanity, amplified by figures like Kelly who thrive on controversy. The wildfire and gala incidents, while minor, highlight how optics can overshadow substance, with social media turning gaffes into scandals. For Kelly, targeting Muir bolsters her brand as a media watchdog, but risks trivializing serious critiques with personal jabs. For Muir, the attacks test his resilience as ABC’s flagship anchor, especially as ratings reportedly dipped post-debate.

As of June 2025, the feud shows no signs of cooling. Kelly’s platform ensures her voice carries, while Muir’s focus on reporting—covering crises like the 2024 wildfires—aims to let his work speak for itself. Yet, in a media landscape where perception often trumps reality, Kelly’s “unprofessional” label lingers, fueling debates about journalism’s role and the cost of public scrutiny.

Conclusion

Megyn Kelly’s relentless critique of David Muir as “so unprofessional” encapsulates a clash of personalities, ideologies, and media cultures. From the clothespin gaffe to the gala disruption, Kelly has seized on moments to paint Muir as vain and biased, leveraging her platform to challenge his credibility. While some defend Muir’s actions as practical or misconstrued, the public nature of Kelly’s attacks—amplified by social media—has made this feud a cultural touchstone. As Muir navigates his role at ABC and Kelly continues her provocations, their rivalry reflects deeper questions about authenticity, professionalism, and the fragile trust in news. For now, Kelly’s harsh words keep the spotlight on Muir, ensuring this saga remains a topic of heated discussion.