Fact Check: Megyn Kelly's statement about wanting to see survivors of strike on alleged drug boat 'suffer' clarified

In December 2025, former Fox News host Megyn Kelly made controversial remarks on her podcast regarding a reported U.S. military strike on an alleged drug trafficking vessel. During the episode, she expressed a desire to see the survivors of the strike suffer, saying she wanted the ordeal to be prolonged. Kelly clarified that the armed forces should not commit war crimes, but her comments highlighted strong frustration over the situation.

The clip circulated widely on social media, including platforms such as X, Instagram, Reddit, and Bluesky. In the segment, Kelly discussed recent scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, following reports that the military conducted a follow-up strike that may have violated international law by targeting survivors of the initial attack. She stated her lack of sympathy for the individuals involved, referencing the dangers posed by fentanyl and other drugs reaching American youth.

The remarks came at approximately 37 minutes into the podcast episode, where she spoke with commentator Mark Halperin. Kelly emphasized that while she objected to the public examination of the strikes, she believed the drug traffickers were a direct threat to public safety.

Since September 2025, multiple U.S. strikes targeted alleged drug boats in the Caribbean. Reports indicated that after some individuals survived an initial attack, a second strike was ordered, raising concerns about legality. Several legal experts noted that targeting shipwrecked survivors may violate both peacetime and armed conflict laws. The Department of Defenses own guidelines explicitly describe orders to fire upon shipwrecked individuals as clearly illegal and requiring refusal by service members.

The incidents have led to congressional scrutiny of Hegseth's role and decision-making in authorizing the follow-up strike. Media outlets including The Washington Post and The Associated Press reported on the legal and ethical questions surrounding the military actions, highlighting the tension between national security operations and adherence to international law.

Kellys comments sparked widespread debate online about the morality of military strikes, the treatment of survivors, and the responsibilities of public figures in discussing such events.

Author: Jackson Miller