Megyn-kelly-faces-severe-criticism-over-the-conservative-dad-pinup-calendar
Megyn Kelly Faces Backlash Over Conservative Dad Pin-Up Calendar — And Here’s What I Think About It
When I first heard about the Conservative Dad Pin-Up Calendar, I honestly thought it was a joke—something satirical or lighthearted. But then I saw Megyn Kelly’s full-throated support for it, and wow, the internet did not hold back. The backlash was fast, fiery, and honestly, kind of fascinating.
I get it. In a time when culture wars are flaring up daily, anything that leans into hyper-masculine, ultra-patriotic aesthetics is bound to stir emotions. But hearing Megyn Kelly not only defend the calendar but celebrate it as some kind of “bold cultural move” made me pause. As someone who values free speech but also cares about tone and timing, I found myself stuck in a mix of curiosity and cringe.
Critics have called the calendar “tone-deaf,” “weirdly performative,” and even “thirst-trap politics.” And I can’t lie—I understand why. The calendar features conservative influencers posing shirtless with American flags, guns, and muscle cars, like a political parody of Magic Mike. Some people see it as a playful jab at progressive culture. Others, like me, are trying to figure out whether it’s clever, cringy, or just a distraction from real issues.
But here’s the thing: I think the outrage says just as much about our current cultural climate as the calendar itself. We’ve reached a point where even pin-up satire gets politicized. And while Megyn Kelly has never been afraid of controversy, it feels like this time, the spectacle might be overshadowing the message—if there even is one.
At the end of the day, I believe in choosing battles wisely. If this is the hill some folks want to pose on, fine. But I’m more interested in conversations that spark unity than calendars that stoke division.
Specialty: Environmental Reporting, UK & EU Politics, Public Policy
Position: Senior News Correspondent – UK & Environmental Affairs
Location: London, United Kingdom
Experience:
Dustin Jones is a seasoned news reporter based in London, with over a decade of experience covering environment and politics across the UK and broader European region. Known for his sharp analysis and human-centered storytelling, Dustin delivers timely, accurate, and in-depth coverage of key political developments, environmental regulations, and sustainability issues. He has been featured in multiple respected public media outlets including USTimeToday, WUSF Public Media, Iowa Public Radio, KUNC, and many more across the United States and Europe. His reporting consistently meets the highest editorial standards of public interest journalism.
As seen in: USTimeToday, WUSF Public Media, Iowa Public Radio, KUNC-FM, Alabama Public Radio, KUAC-FM, and more than 25 public media stations nationwide.