Bill Maher confronts Megyn Kelly on Trump’s dictatorial comparisons

In a lively discussion aired recently, Bill Maher and Megyn Kelly debated the implications of Donald Trump’s presidency against the backdrop of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. The conversation quickly shifted to the characterization of political figures as either democratic leaders or autocrats. Maher grouped Trump with historical dictators, raising alarms about the current political climate and asserting that the world is becoming polarized between democratic nations and authoritarian regimes. He emphasized the potential consequences of aligning with such leadership, invoking fears of repeating history. Kelly, on the other hand, strongly defended Trump. She argued that his administration was a period of relative peace, pointing out that the U.S. did not engage in new wars during his tenure. She claimed Trump successfully destabilized adversarial regimes by keeping their leaders uncertain about his actions through strategic military moves. In contrast, she viewed the current administration’s tactics as more threatening to democratic norms. The exchange culminated in a provocative discussion on the nature of fascism and political strategy, with Maher suggesting that historical comparisons are warranted when assessing current political behaviors. Kelly, however, dismissed these comparisons, indicating that Trump’s actions were not indicative of a fascist regime. Ultimately, both participants offered passionate yet opposing views on the legacy and future of American leadership, suggesting a divided public opinion on political circumstances.