After Party with Emily Jashinsky: Episode Summary

Title: The Real Reason CBS Caved to Trump, with Mark Halperin, Plus Charlize Theron is Part of the Problem
Host/Author: MK Media
Release Date: July 3, 2025

Overview

In this episode of After Party with Emily Jashinsky, host Megan Kelly engages in a dynamic conversation with guest Mark Halperin, editor-in-chief of Two Way and host of Next Up with Mark Halperin on MK Media. The discussion traverses significant political events, media bias, legislative battles, and pop culture controversies, providing listeners with in-depth analysis and candid opinions.

1. Leah Thomas and Title IX Resolution

Timestamp: [03:00]

Megan Kelly opens the episode by addressing a major news story involving the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) and transgender athlete Leah Thomas. She details how the Trump administration, through the Department of Education, pressured UPenn to erase Thomas's records and comply with Title IX by restoring female athletes' records to prevent male-identifying athletes from gaining unfair advantages.

• Quote: "The Trump administration is just completely humiliating the University of Pennsylvania by removing recognition from athletes like Leah Thomas." ([07:45])

Kelly discusses the broader implications of this action, highlighting the conservative perspective that defends Title IX's original intent to support female athletes against perceived biases introduced by transgender participation.

2. CBS's Settlement with Trump Administration

Timestamp: [11:15]

The conversation shifts to the recent settlement between CBS and the Trump administration. Kelly and Halperin analyze the lawsuit stemming from the editing discrepancies in CBS’s coverage of Kamala Harris, comparing it to a similar ABC settlement involving George Stephanopoulos.

• Quote: Megan Kelly criticizes CBS, stating, "They are craven, gutless, and part of establishment media that has no legs to stand on because of their professional failure." ([13:26])

Halperin questions why CBS opted to settle for $16 million, the same amount ABC paid, suggesting that both networks' actions reveal a broader media bias and a reluctance to defend editorial practices.

3. Media Bias and Its Impact on Politics

Timestamp: [17:14]

Kelly expresses her frustration with long-standing liberal media bias, asserting that mainstream media has consistently undermined conservative figures while protecting Democratic leaders like President Biden and Vice President Harris.

• Quote: "The biggest scandal I know of in American media history was the press's denial and attempts to help Kamala Harris." ([26:20])

She laments the media's selective coverage, highlighting incidents like the Hunter Biden laptop saga and contrasting it with the extensive coverage of Donald Trump's controversies. Kelly argues that this bias erodes public trust and skews political outcomes.

4. Legislative Battle: The One Big Beautiful Bill

Timestamp: [31:29]

The focus shifts to the ongoing legislative struggle surrounding the so-called "one big beautiful bill." Kelly and Halperin discuss Republican holdouts and the procedural hurdles the bill faces in the House of Representatives.

• Quote: "If they don't pass it tonight, it doesn't mean it's dead forever, but it probably means that bill won't pass until you and I get some sleep." ([35:28])

They analyze the strategic maneuvers within Congress, including Republican meetings with Trump and the influence of key figures like Nancy Mace and Chip Roy, who express reservations about the bill's implications for federal deficits and spending cuts.

5. Alligator Alcatraz and Trump’s Florida Visit

Timestamp: [39:08]

A lighter yet controversial topic arises with the mention of "Alligator Alcatraz," a hastily constructed facility in the Florida Everglades showcased by President Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis. Kelly and Halperin mockingly critique Trump's demonstration on running from alligators.

• Quote: Megan Kelly humorously states, "You can help those who need it most. So please visit Deltarescue.org today to learn more." ([44:45])

They use this segment to highlight the absurdity of certain political stunts and the media's role in amplifying them.

6. Diddy's Guilty Verdict and MeToo Implications

Timestamp: [49:06]

The episode delves into the recent trial verdict of Diddy, who was found guilty on two of five charges related to transportation and prostitution. Kelly expresses outrage over what she perceives as leniency in the sentencing.

• Quote: "This disgusting pervert female abuser who I can't believe is about Jerome. Our streets." ([49:06])

She contrasts the solid evidence against Diddy with the broader erosion of trust in allegations post-MeToo, questioning why high-profile individuals often escape full accountability. The discussion touches on the societal shift in handling abuse cases and the impact of public perception on justice.

7. Charlize Theron’s Controversial Podcast Appearance

Timestamp: [58:00]

Kelly shifts to a pop culture critique, focusing on Charlize Theron's appearance on the podcast "Call Her Daddy." She dissects Theron's conversation about her sexual experiences and the generational disconnect it represents.

• Quote: "Charlize Theron is talking about her own sexual exploits in a way that I think she thinks makes her seem kind of cool. And Alex Cooper is, of course, eating it up, but it's not at all the message." ([62:00])

Kelly argues that Theron's portrayal of sexual liberation is outdated and potentially harmful, especially considering her role as a mother. She connects this to broader cultural shifts and the backlash against libertine feminist ideals.

8. Podcast Achievements and Future Plans

Timestamp: [64:00]

Megan Kelly wraps up the episode by celebrating the podcast's success, noting that After Party has become the number three new podcast in the country and the top new comedy podcast. She thanks the audience for their support and teases future content aimed at blending humor with serious news analysis.

Conclusion

This episode of After Party with Emily Jashinsky provides a comprehensive look at the intersection of media bias, political maneuvering, and cultural controversies. Through sharp analysis and candid dialogue, Megan Kelly and Mark Halperin offer listeners a critical perspective on current events, encouraging deeper reflection on the forces shaping today's societal landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• "The Trump administration is just completely humiliating the University of Pennsylvania by removing recognition from athletes like Leah Thomas." ([07:45])
• "They are craven, gutless, and part of establishment media that has no legs to stand on because of their professional failure." ([13:26])
• "The biggest scandal I know of in American media history was the press's denial and attempts to help Kamala Harris." ([26:20])
• "If they don't pass it tonight, it doesn't mean it's dead forever, but it probably means that bill won't pass until you and I get some sleep." ([35:28])
• "This disgusting pervert female abuser who I can't believe is about Jerome. Our streets." ([49:06])
• "Charlize Theron is talking about her own sexual exploits in a way that I think she thinks makes her seem kind of cool." ([62:00])

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