A heated exchange unfolded on social media this week between “Fox & Friends” co-host Brian Kilmeade and NewsNation anchor Chris Cuomo, previously a high-profile CNN anchor. The interaction escalated to the point where veteran journalist Geraldo Rivera intervened.
The conflict started when Cuomo addressed Kilmeade’s remarks about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News colleague, involved in a Signal text controversy. Kilmeade had criticized networks like CNN, MSNBC, and ABC for their coverage, accusing them of trying to “Russiafy” the story while asserting that President Trump was implementing orders and legislation too swiftly to be impacted.
Cuomo, who transitioned from CNN to NewsNation in 2022, called Kilmeade “a propagandist,” which led to a more personal exchange.
In response, Kilmeade labeled Cuomo “a discredited ego maniac who no one watches,” further mentioning former CNN anchor Don Lemon as Cuomo’s “idol.”
The situation intensified when Cuomo responded with, “You can use your little insults on here… Stand by your words when I see you in person,” leading some to interpret it as a potential physical challenge.
Followers debated whether Cuomo implied a physical confrontation or merely doubted Kilmeade would maintain his stance in person. One supporter speculated Cuomo meant Kilmeade would not confront him directly.
Cuomo seemed to agree with this interpretation, commenting, “Women are much more emotionally intelligent. Men tend to only see the caveman context :).”
The exchange gained more traction when Cuomo shared a tweet from a follower calling Kilmeade “a keyboard coward like Trump. Say it to his face Brian. I dare you.”
When a social media user suggested a charity fight between the two, Cuomo dismissed the idea, stating, “No, it would not be. And I would never do that.”
This incident occurs amid increased tensions in U.S. media, particularly regarding Trump administration coverage. The Hegseth situation, involving leaked private messages about Defense Department war plans, has become a focal point in discussions about media bias and journalistic duty.
Media analysts note that while these public conflicts may increase engagement, they could also undermine public confidence in news organizations, a significant concern for the industry.
As of Friday, March 28, neither Kilmeade nor Cuomo had removed their posts, and Rivera, who sought to mediate, has not commented further.
