Kellyanne Conway, a former senior adviser to Donald Trump and current cohost of Fox News Channel’s The Five, has sparked controversy with her recent comments directed at the former president’s critics, including comedian Rosie O’Donnell. During the broadcast on October 3, 2023, Conway suggested that those opposing Trump “need a husband,” implying that their hostility is rooted in personal issues rather than political concerns.
In her remarks, Conway characterized the ongoing criticism of Trump as a manifestation of what she and her colleagues referred to as “Trump derangement syndrome.” She stated, “You need a hug or a husband or a hobby or a dog,” dismissing the serious political discourse surrounding Trump’s actions. Among those targeted was O’Donnell, a long-time critic of Trump who has been vocal about her opposition and has previously been married to women.
The comments were made in the context of a recent TikTok video in which O’Donnell called for Trump’s removal from office under the 25th Amendment to the United States Constitution. In her video, O’Donnell expressed urgent concerns about what she perceives as an imminent threat to democratic processes, saying, “We gotta do it soon, before the November elections. Because you know he’s going to do anything he can to start a war and then declare no elections because of that war. He needs to be stopped.”
Conway and her fellow hosts on The Five rejected O’Donnell’s assertions, arguing that Trump’s presidency has been successful. They characterized O’Donnell’s comments as irrational and out of touch. Conway further commented on O’Donnell’s life choices, stating, “She moved to Ireland but never moved on.” When O’Donnell described Trump as a “nameless blob of negative energy,” Conway retorted, “It’s a slob calling someone a blob.”
The exchange has reignited scrutiny of Conway’s history of rhetoric towards LGBTQIA+ individuals. Throughout her career, she has defended Trump administration policies that have been criticized for opposing LGBTQ+ equality. Prior to joining Trump’s inner circle, she worked with groups campaigning against marriage equality and has made comments suggesting that same-sex families are harmful to children.
Conway was previously married to George Conway, a prominent critic of Trump who has expressed intentions to run as a Democrat in New York’s 12th Congressional District. This connection further complicates her position in public discussions regarding LGBTQIA+ rights and her alignment with conservative values.
As this dialogue continues, the implications of Conway’s remarks and her long-standing political associations remain a point of contention, reflecting broader societal debates surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and political discourse in the United States.
