Donald Trump: Megyn Kelly Showed ‘a Lot of Courage’ by Phoning Me

2016 Time 100 Gala, Time's Most Influential People In The World - Red Carpet
Photo: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

It’s not clear whether Donald Trump was in a particularly good mood last night, anticipating his sweep of the GOP primaries, or he’s actually changed his tune when it comes to Megyn Kelly. While the smart money is on the former, Trump did have some (gasp) actually nice things to say about his Fox News foe in the wake of news that he would be sitting down with her for an interview next month. “I just have great respect for the fact that she was able to and willing to call me, and wanted to set the record straight. I have great respect for that—that took a lot of courage,” he told Daily Intelligencer at the Time 100 gala. And what does he anticipate viewers will see on the mafia-style media sit-down?

“Oh, I think it’ll be a good interview. I mean, she’s very talented and I think it’ll be a great interview — I hope. I really respect the fact that she was able to pick up the phone to clear the air. Because I’m not sure that I would’ve done it, but that’s okay.” Don’t confuse this detente and Trump’s uncharacteristically complimentary words toward Kelly as a sign that there won’t be Game of Thrones–style bloodshed when the special airs, however. Arianna Huffington, also at the Time 100, seemed cautiously hopeful. “I’m sure he’s going to be on his best behavior. I hope he gets a good night’s sleep the night before … more than his regular four hours.”

Trump: Megyn Kelly Has ‘a Lot of Courage’