Fox News Channel unleashed its anchors on Tuesday to fight back against Donald Trump’s renewed criticisms of star anchor Megyn Kelly.
“He is totally out of bounds reigniting that fight,” Fox & Friends host Brian Kilmeade said on Tuesday’s show.”I don’t know if he expects to get ratings out of that, or poll numbers, but he’s not going to be successful. “You can not, you should not, keep going after her.”
Kilmeade also called Trump “totally out of control” (probably a comment that won’t help keep Trump as a regular phone guest on the morning show).
Sean Hannity, Geraldo Rivera, Bret Baier, Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino took to Twitter to directly and indirectly tell Trump to cool it with the Kelly attacks.
My friend @realDonaldTrump has captured the imagination of many. Focus on Hillary, Putin, border, jobs, Iran China & leave @megynkelly alone
– Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) August 25, 2015
Wish pal @realDonaldTrump would cool feud with @megynkelly Point is made boss. Now world needs you to use bully pulpit to address big issues
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) August 25, 2015
It’s been 19 days since the debate- @realDonaldTrump has made his feelings clear. But THIS needs to stop http://t.co/8BmVPZTGdp #let-it-go
— Bret Baier (@BretBaier) August 25, 2015
Easy, Mr. Trump. http://t.co/NhSd8KqeH4
— Bill Hemmer (@BillHemmer) August 25, 2015
The intelligence, class & grace of @megynkelly shined last night after her week’s vacation with her family. I’ll be on #kellyfile Wed night.
— Dana Perino (@DanaPerino) August 25, 2015
Trump live-tweeted during “The Kelly File” on Monday night, criticizing the Fox star, who had just returned from vacation. He also retweeted tweets that called her a “bimbo.”
.@megynkelly must have had a terrible vacation, she is really off her game. Was afraid to confront Dr. Cornel West. No clue on immigration!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2015
I liked The Kelly File much better without @megynkelly. Perhaps she could take another eleven day unscheduled vacation!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2015
“@bigpaulfla: @realDonaldTrump She has come back looking like Nancy Grace”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2015
“@mstanish53: @realDonaldTrump @megynkelly The bimbo back in town . I hope not for long .”
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 25, 2015
The Trump–Fox News feud begun after Trump went off on Kelly following the network’s GOP presidential debate, calling her questions unfair and suggesting she was menstruating during the debate.
The anchors’ breaking their silence is the first of what’s likely to be a strong, coordinates response from Fox News and network chairman Roger Ailes.
The network hasn’t yet formally made a statement on Trump’s renewed attacks on Kelly.