If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the clips. It's the classic Hollywood versus New Media showdown. On one side, you have Robert De Niro, a legendary actor who has traded his "tough guy" movie personas for a real-life role as one of the most vocal critics of the American right. On the other, you have Megyn Kelly, the sharp-tongued independent broadcaster who has built an empire out of dismantling what she sees as celebrity elitism.
But what actually sparked the recent firestorm?
It wasn't just one comment. It was a series of escalating jabs that peaked during the 2024 election cycle, particularly surrounding De Niro’s appearances at the Gotham Awards and a certain chaotic press conference in Lower Manhattan. People are searching for "Robert De Niro Megyn Kelly" because it represents more than just a celebrity feud. It’s a microcosm of the cultural divide in 2026.
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The Courthouse Clash that Started it All
Back in May 2024, Robert De Niro did something that left most political strategists scratching their heads. He showed up outside the Manhattan courthouse during Donald Trump’s "hush money" trial. He wasn't there to film a scene. He was there as a surrogate for the Biden-Harris campaign, flanked by two former Capitol Police officers from the January 6th riots.
Megyn Kelly didn't hold back.
On The Megyn Kelly Show, she tore into the optics of the event. She called it a tactical disaster. Kelly argued that seeing a wealthy Hollywood actor—someone she believes is out of touch with everyday Americans—screaming at protesters while standing next to "partisan" officers was exactly the kind of thing that helps Trump rather than hurts him.
"De Niro couldn't get Trump defeated in 2016... but somehow he can do the job now?" she questioned. It was a fair point, honestly. If a celebrity’s influence couldn’t move the needle ten years ago, why would it work now when the country is even more polarized?
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Why Robert De Niro and Megyn Kelly Keep Clashing
To understand the friction, you have to look at their history. Kelly actually claims she was one of the first to give De Niro’s political rants a platform back when she was in primetime at Fox News. She notes that his shift from "reclusive actor" to "political activist" started right under her nose.
De Niro, for his part, seems fueled by a genuine, visceral disdain for the MAGA movement. He has used words like "clown," "monster," and "total chaos" to describe the political landscape. When Kelly analyzes these speeches, she doesn't just disagree with his politics; she attacks his delivery. She often describes him as "angry" and "hyperbolic."
The "TDS" Argument
Kelly frequently uses the term "Trump Derangement Syndrome" (TDS) when discussing De Niro. This is a common trope in independent media, but Kelly applies it with surgical precision. She argues that De Niro is so blinded by his personal hatred for one man that he can no longer see how his actions appear to the average voter in Pennsylvania or Michigan.
Is she right? Well, that depends on who you ask.
- The Pro-De Niro View: Supporters say he’s a patriot using his massive platform to sound the alarm on what he sees as a threat to democracy. They see his passion as a virtue.
- The Kelly View: Critics see a man whose wealth has insulated him from the consequences of the policies he supports. They see his public outbursts as embarrassing.
The Gotham Awards Teleprompter Incident
One of the weirdest moments in this saga happened at the Gotham Awards. De Niro was on stage to present an award for Killers of the Flower Moon. He started reading his speech and realized—live on stage—that the beginning of it had been censored or edited by the organizers.
He was furious. He pulled out his phone and read the original version anyway.
Megyn Kelly’s reaction was swift and predictably cold. She mocked the idea that an actor was being "silenced" while standing on a stage with a microphone in front of the world's media. To Kelly, this was the height of celebrity "main character syndrome." She basically told him to get over himself.
The back-and-forth illustrates a massive shift in how we consume news. We used to care what movie stars thought. Now, we watch independent commentators like Kelly to tell us why we shouldn't care what movie stars think.
The Reality of Celebrity Influence in 2026
The data is kinda mixed on whether these celebrity endorsements actually do anything. According to various polls and media studies, most voters find celebrity political advice either irrelevant or actively annoying. When Robert De Niro gets into a war of words with a media personality like Megyn Kelly, it usually ends up being "red meat" for both sides.
Kelly gets the clips for her YouTube channel and SiriusXM show.
De Niro gets the satisfaction of knowing he didn't stay silent.
Neither side actually changes any minds.
Key Takeaways from the Feud
If you’re trying to navigate this landscape, here’s what you actually need to know:
- Optics Matter: De Niro’s choice to protest at a courthouse was seen by many—not just Kelly—as a strategic blunder that looked more like a circus than a serious political move.
- Media Evolution: Megyn Kelly represents the "New Media" guard. She doesn't need a network. She has a direct line to millions of people who are skeptical of Hollywood.
- The Emotional Gap: Much of the conflict is based on tone. De Niro uses emotional, apocalyptic language. Kelly uses a detached, analytical, and often mocking tone. They are speaking two different languages.
What You Should Do Next
Instead of just watching the 30-second clips that go viral, try to watch the full context of these interactions. If you hear a quote from De Niro that sounds "insane," go find the 5 minutes of footage before and after it. Likewise, if you see a headline about Kelly "destroying" an actor, check the full segment on her show to see her actual argument.
The most important thing? Don't let celebrity feuds dictate your own political stance. Whether you love The Godfather or you're a loyal listener of the Megyn Kelly Show, the actual issues—inflation, healthcare, and foreign policy—are far more important than two wealthy people arguing on the internet.
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Take a look at the actual transcripts of De Niro's speeches and compare them to the critiques. You'll likely find that the truth sits somewhere in the middle: a passionate man who cares deeply but perhaps lacks the tactical finesse for the modern political arena.