Donald Trump: Inside three of his most unforgettable feuds

TRUMP'S TRANSFORMATION OVER THE YEARS

Donald Trump is no stranger to the limelight, and his tenure as a businessman, reality TV star, and US President has been filled with headline-grabbing drama.

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Among the hallmarks of his public life are his high-profile feuds with media personalities and Hollywood celebrities. Whether he’s sparring with journalists over tough questions, clashing with late-night comedians or fellow Republicans over policy disagreements, Trump’s confrontations often reflect his combative and unfiltered style.

From his feud with Fox News host Megyn Kelly during the 2015 GOP debate to his ongoing war of words with comedian Jimmy Kimmel, and his sharp exchanges with Arnold Schwarzenegger over ratings and politics, Trump’s celebrity feuds provide a glimpse into his personality and relationships. Let’s delve into these fiery disputes and the controversies that fueled them.

Trump’s ongoing clash with Jimmy Kimmel

Donald Trump’s feud with Jimmy Kimmel has spanned years, often unfolding on late-night television and social media, and it is still ongoing. According to Newsweek, Kimmel began targeting Trump during his 2016 campaign, using his platform to poke fun at the then-presidential candidate. Trump, not one to shy away from conflict, fired back on social media, branding Kimmel as 'terrible' and accusing him of hosting 'the worst Oscars ever' after the 2024 Academy Awards.

Kimmel, however, has relished the opportunity to mock Trump publicly. During the Oscars, he read aloud one of Trump’s Truth Social posts, saying,

Thank you for watching... isn’t it past your jail time?

More recently, Kimmel also compared Trump to the Emperor from Star Wars, describing him as “old, evil, and keeps coming back with no reasonable explanation.'

While the feud is often comedic, Kimmel has not hesitated to share serious concerns about Trump’s influence. After the 2024 election, in which Trump defeated Kamala Harris, Kimmel expressed his dismay, saying:

We had the choice between a prosecutor and a criminal, and we chose the criminal.

His remarks, highlighted by Deadline, struck a more somber tone, with Kimmel admitting that he struggled to see himself enduring another Trump presidency.

Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Donald Trump

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Donald Trump’s feud has its roots in both politics and television. The two were once on friendly terms—Trump even donated to Schwarzenegger’s gubernatorial campaign in California. However, their relationship soured after Schwarzenegger replaced Trump as the host of The Celebrity Apprentice.

Trump did not take kindly to Schwarzenegger taking over and mocked his ratings. During a National Prayer Breakfast in 2017, Trump said:

When I ran for president, I had to leave the show.

That’s when I knew for sure I was doing it. And they hired a big, big movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take my place, and we know how that turned out. The ratings went right down the tubes. It’s been a total disaster.

A few months later, Schwarzenegger announced he was leaving the show and described Trump’s ongoing involvement with the show as 'baggage'. He said, in a statement, as quoted by People:

I loved every second of working with NBC and Mark Burnett. Everyone — from the celebrities to the crew to the marketing department — was a straight 10, and I would absolutely work with all of them again on a show that doesn’t have this baggage.

Their clash isn't just limited to the TV industry, Schwarzenegger has been vocal about his political disagreements with Trump. He criticized Trump’s environmental policies, including his support for coal, calling it a move 'back to the Stone Age.' Schwarzenegger has also condemned Trump’s rhetoric and leadership style, particularly after the January 6 Capitol riots. He described the attack as 'un-American' and called Trump a 'failed leader.'

The feud reached new heights during the 2024 election when Schwarzenegger endorsed Kamala Harris for president. In a statement shared by The Guardian, Schwarzenegger wrote, 'I will always be an American before I am a Republican.' He criticized Trump’s divisive leadership, warning that another term would mean 'four more years of bulls**t.'

Donald Trump and Megyn Kelly’s infamous feud

The feud between Donald Trump and Megyn Kelly was ignited during the first Republican presidential debate in 2015. Kelly, then a Fox News anchor, asked Trump about past derogatory remarks he had made about women. Quoting him directly, she asked:

You’ve called women you don’t like fat pigs, dogs, slobs, and disgusting animals.

As reported by People, Trump responded aggressively after the debate. Speaking to CNN, he made his infamous comment, saying:

You could see there was blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her wherever.

The remark was widely interpreted as sexist, sparking backlash from critics and media outlets alike. Trump later clarified to ABC News that he was referring to Kelly’s nose, not menstruation, though the damage to his reputation had already been done.

Despite the uproar, Kelly maintained her composure, stating:

I certainly will not apologize for doing good journalism.

However, the feud escalated as Trump continued to criticize Kelly publicly and boycotted a Fox debate she moderated.

As reported by ABC News, Kelly later described the situation as surreal, noting, 'I became the story. You never want to be the story when you’re a newsperson.' Their feud simmered down temporarily in 2016 when Kelly interviewed Trump in a one-on-one setting. In the interview, Trump expressed his disapproval of Kelly’s debate question but acknowledged, 'I don’t really blame you... but from my standpoint, I don’t have to like it.'

Years later, the feud has taken an unexpected turn. During the 2024 presidential election campaign, Kelly lent her support to Trump during a Pittsburgh event. Speaking on stage, she defended him against controversies, saying, 'He will be a protector of women and it’s why I’m voting for him.'

As per AP News, Trump, seemed visibly pleased as Kelly made her remarks. The moment marked a huge shift in their relationship, with Kelly posting a selfie with Trump on X and captioning it:

God bless him. Go vote for him!

An incredible night in Pittsburgh with President Trump. God bless him. Go vote for him! LFG America! pic.twitter.com/CngF3fEWz4
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) November 5, 2024