Fox News host Megyn Kelly hinted recently that her days may be numbered at Fox News after months of being attacked by GOP front-runner Donald Trump.
In a Variety interview published on Tuesday, Kelly explains that the relentless attacks by Trump had "not been enjoyable."
"I wish it hadn’t happened. I hope it will stop — his focus on me," she says. "If he’s determined not to stop, there’s nothing I can do. I don’t like being the story. I think it raises real First Amendment issues."
Kelly insist that she feels like she has been supported by Fox News, but she says that the network is in a "tough position."
"They care about me and they are not afraid of a fight, but we’re in unchartered territory," she explains. "I’ve had many conversations with [Fox News chief Roger Ailes] about the situation. I think it’s been hard on him, too."
"He really wants him to stop, but on the other hand, he’s not going to run a news channel that doesn’t provide access to the Republican frontrunner for president."
Kelly's contract with Fox ends next year, and she says that she is keeping her "options open."
"Never say never. I don’t know what’s going to happen," the Fox News host observes. "I’ve had a great 12 years here, and I really like working for Roger Ailes. I really like my show, and I love my team. But you know, there’s a lot of brain damage that comes from the job."
According to Kelly, a less controversial role like NBC's Today morning show or her own talk show would result in "far less conflict in my life."
"You have to wake up so early," she says of the Today show. "Listen, this is a fickle business. What if they called me and fired me tomorrow? I have to keep my options open."
"One never knows," she jokes. "Everything is rolling along fine, and then you call Huckabee 'Fuckabee' and you’re gone."
New York Magazine revealed recently that Trump allegedly had insider knowledge about Fox News that gave him leverage over Roger Ailes.
Trump told journalist Gabriel Sherman that he had learned the information while helping Ailes negotiate a settlement with a former employee.
"If Ailes ever truly went to war against Trump, Trump would have the arsenal to launch a retaliatory strike," Sherman noted.
