Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly sharply criticized President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over recent statements and actions involving religious imagery and language, arguing that both crossed a line as tensions surrounding the Iran conflict continue.

Trump faced backlash from parts of his own base after sharing an AI-generated image on social media that appeared to portray him as Yoshka. The image was later removed, with the president saying he believed it showed him as a doctor.

Responding on her podcast, Kelly dismissed that explanation, calling it “such a … lie.”

“Take it down and just say you’re sorry or don’t say you’re sorry and take it down, but don’t try to gaslight us. We can see,” she said.

The controversy continued when Trump posted another AI-generated image, this time depicting him being embraced by Yoshka, further fueling criticism.

The dispute unfolded alongside Trump’s ongoing clash with Pope Leo XIV, who has spoken out against the military campaign in Iran and called for peace.

Kelly also took aim at remarks made by Hegseth during a press briefing, in which he compared journalists questioning U.S. military operations in Iran to the Pharisees, a Jewish group mentioned in the New Testament.

Addressing reporters, Hegseth said they “are just like these Pharisees,” adding that “politically motivated animus for President Trump nearly completely blinds you from the brilliance of our American warriors.”

During a discussion with conservative podcaster Britt Mayer, Kelly criticized the use of religious language in that context.

“Religion — obviously it’s a major part of Pete’s life, and I’m in favor of that — it doesn’t belong when you’re talking about our plans to wipe out people, including possible civilians, as President Trump continues to threaten,” Kelly said.

“These two things do not belong together, and … I’m just really uncomfortable with it,” she continued. “If [former President] Joe Biden did this through his Pentagon, I would have ripped him a new one, and therefore notwithstanding my friendship with Pete, I feel the need to register my strong objection to what he’s doing.”

Kelly’s remarks mirror criticism from Steve Bannon, who also urged Hegseth to scale back religious references in official briefings.

Speaking on his program “War Room,” Bannon argued that such comments were overshadowing key military updates.

“That’s all the mainstream media is covering right now — is Pete’s opening remark about the Gospel according to Mark and the reference to the Pharisees. … We ought to tone that down and focus, when we got the Pentagon, let’s have a military briefing,” he said.