Apple Invests Billions More in US, RFK Cuts mRNA Vax Funding, Staffers Slam Crockett: AM Update 8/8

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – Detailed Summary

Episode Title: Apple Invests Billions More in US, RFK Cuts mRNA Vax Funding, Staffers Slam Crockett: AM Update 8/8
Host: Megyn Kelly
Release Date: August 8, 2025

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delivers a comprehensive morning update covering significant developments in American politics, technology investments, public health policy, and Congressional dynamics. The episode delves into Apple’s substantial investment in the United States, the controversial decision by Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. to cut funding for mRNA vaccine research, federal hate crime charges against a suspect involved in the killing of Israeli embassy staffers, and behind-the-scenes critiques of Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett’s leadership style.

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1. Apple’s Monumental Investment in the United States

Announcement and Presidential Involvement (00:29 - 02:46)

Megyn Kelly opens the segment by highlighting Apple’s unprecedented commitment to the U.S. economy. An Apple representative announces, “Today, Apple is announcing that it will invest $600 billion. That's with a B in the United States over the next four years. That's $100 billion more than they were originally going to invest” (02:46). This figure represents Apple's largest investment ever, aiming to reinforce domestic manufacturing and technological infrastructure.

President Trump, accompanied by Apple CEO Tim Cook, Vice President J.D. Vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant, and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, joins the event to celebrate this significant investment. Kelly notes, “President Trump welcomes Apple CEO Tim Cook to the White House to celebrate another massive investment in the United States” (00:37).

Details of the Investment and Tim Cook’s Plans (03:33 - 06:11)

Tim Cook expands on the investment specifics, stating, “every single new iPhone and every single new Apple watch sold anywhere in the world will contain cover glass made in Kentucky... expanding data center capacity in North Carolina, Nevada, Iowa, Arizona, and Oregon” (05:42). He emphasizes Apple’s dedication to American manufacturing by revealing plans to build a 250,000 square foot server manufacturing facility in Houston and constructing various data centers across the country.

Megyn Kelly underscores President Trump’s economic agenda: “President Trump designing an economic agenda aimed at incentivizing companies to invest and build in the United States. The ultimate goal, shoring up national security and providing jobs for American workers” (03:33). However, tensions arise as President Trump threatens Apple with a 25% tariff unless they fully manufacture and assemble iPhones in the U.S., a demand Apple has yet to meet. A CNBC report is cited, indicating that relocating high-volume electronics production like the iPhone to the U.S. would be “economically infeasible and could take years” (05:37).

Political Analyst Commentary (05:18 - 08:05)

A political analyst comments on the feasibility of manufacturing the entire iPhone in the U.S., questioning, “What are the chances that you can actually make that happen?” (05:18). Tim Cook responds by highlighting the existing components made in the U.S. and hints at potential future expansions but acknowledges that full assembly remains abroad for the time being.

The segment concludes with President Trump expressing gratitude towards Tim Cook in a notably humorous and personal manner, saying, “He's a great, great man, a visionary, a businessman... I think he's good at everything” (06:18).

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2. RFK Jr. Cuts Funding for mRNA Vaccine Research

Announcement and Scientific Debate (06:39 - 08:39)

Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. announces the cancellation of 22 mRNA vaccine development contracts with the federal government, totaling approximately $500 million (06:39). This decision is rooted in concerns about the efficacy and safety of mRNA vaccines for respiratory viruses like the flu and COVID-19. A political analyst explains, “MRNA only codes for a small part of the viral proteins... and the vaccine becomes ineffective. This dynamic drives a phenomenon called antigenic shift” (07:39), suggesting that mRNA vaccines may inadvertently promote virus mutations, potentially prolonging pandemics.

Megyn Kelly recounts the backlash from the political left, highlighting Stephen Colbert’s vehement criticism: “you’re gonna kill people” (07:52). This sentiment echoes across various media outlets, including PBS and MSNBC. The political analyst further decries the decision as “the most dangerous public health decision” (08:22).

Expert Opinions and Counterarguments (08:29 - 15:17)

Dr. Paul Offit, a former CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee member, is featured criticizing RFK Jr.’s decision, calling it “a tragic mistake that on a science-based decision” (08:27). He questions the rationale behind eliminating mRNA research, emphasizing the technology’s potential despite its controversies.

Kelly offers a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the supporters and critics of mRNA vaccines. She states, “studies show them to have 80 to 90% efficacy in preventing serious illness... but they were oversold to the public” (08:39). She shares personal anecdotes of experiencing an autoimmune response post-COVID booster, reflecting broader public concerns about vaccine side effects.

John Puri from the National Review is cited to argue that the funding cut won’t significantly impede mRNA research, noting that the average cost to develop a new vaccine exceeds $880 million. Companies like Pfizer, which generated over $80 billion from COVID vaccines, are unlikely to abandon mRNA projects over a $500 million cut. Additionally, existing mRNA projects within HHS are not affected by the funding withdrawal, suggesting continued investment in this technology despite setbacks.

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3. Federal Hate Crime Charges Against Suspect in Israeli Embassy Attack

Announcement of Charges (10:58 - 15:17)

Megyn Kelly transitions to a grave topic involving federal prosecutors charging the suspect responsible for the murder of two Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. Janine Pirro, a U.S. Attorney, details the indictment, which now includes hate crime charges potentially paving the way for a death sentence (11:01).

Details of the Incident and Charges (13:16 - 15:17)

Janine Pirro enumerates the charges, including first-degree murder, hate crimes, and the discharge of a firearm during a violent crime (13:16). She elaborates on the suspect’s antisemitic motives, citing his manifesto and actions during the attack. The suspect’s manifesto, titled "An Explication," explicitly states his hatred for Israelis, evidenced by statements like “Free Palestine” and “Death to Israel” during the shootings (14:10). His social media posts further reflect his extremist views, with pleas like, “please vaporize every Israeli.”

Currently, the suspect has not entered a plea and is scheduled to appear in court. The addition of hate crime charges requires the prosecution to establish that antisemitism was a motivating factor behind the attack, escalating the severity of the case.

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4. Criticism of Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett’s Leadership

Public Persona vs. Behind-the-Scenes Behavior (15:17 - 17:41)

Megyn Kelly shifts focus to Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, juxtaposing her public image with reports from her staff. Described as charismatic on the political stage, Crockett’s staffers paint a contrasting picture of her leadership style. She is depicted as "a narcissistic bully" and "mean, rude," with a preference for remote work over engaging directly in the office (14:01).

Staffers’ Accounts and Internal Critique

Staff members reveal that Crockett is often absent from the office, choosing to work from her luxury apartment. She reportedly "lies around refusing to come into the office," and when present, "terrorizes" her staff. One former aide states, “she is never in the office and is very disengaged,” while another describes her as "focused almost exclusively on being an influencer, not a member of Congress," labeling her as "all diva" (15:56).

Further criticisms include Crockett’s expectation that staffers act as her personal drivers, maintaining an upscale lifestyle that appears disconnected from her legislative responsibilities. Despite her public persona as "the Anna Wintour of Washington" and "the Ellen DeGeneres of DC," internal reports suggest a leadership fraught with absenteeism and authoritarian tendencies.

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Conclusion

In this episode, Megyn Kelly provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of pivotal issues affecting the United States. From Apple’s strategic investments aimed at boosting American manufacturing and technological capabilities, to contentious public health policy decisions regarding mRNA vaccines, Kelly navigates through complex and often polarizing topics. Additionally, the episode sheds light on federal efforts to address hate crimes and scrutinizes the internal dynamics of a prominent Congresswoman’s office. Throughout the discussion, notable quotes and expert opinions enrich the narrative, offering a multifaceted perspective on each subject.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Apple Investment Announcement:

  • “[...] Apple is announcing that it will invest $600 billion. [...]” (02:46)

• Tim Cook on Manufacturing:

  • “Every single new iPhone and every single new Apple watch sold anywhere in the world will contain cover glass made in Kentucky.” (05:42)

• Political Analyst on mRNA Vaccines:

  • “MRNA only codes for a small part of the viral proteins... and the vaccine becomes ineffective.” (07:39)

• Dr. Paul Offit’s Critique:

  • “It's a sad day for science in this country.” (08:22)

• Janine Pirro on Hate Crime Charges:

  • “The government's now must prove that antisemitism motivated this attack.” (14:01)

• Staffer’s Description of Jasmine Crockett:

  • “She is focused almost exclusively on being an influencer, not a member of Congress.” (15:56)

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References:

• Timestamps in brackets refer to the corresponding sections in the transcript, facilitating easy navigation for listeners seeking specific segments.

Transcript

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[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Friday, August 8th, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Apple Representative]

Apple is announc $600 billion. That's with a B in the United States over the next four years.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump welcomes Apple CEO Tim Cook to the White House to celebrate another massive investment in the United States.

[Political Analyst]

I want to give a measured, nonpartisan response here.

[Megyn Kelly]

You you royd adult nepotomy RFKJ moves to withdraw government funding for MRNA vaccine research. And the left seethes. Federal prosecutors announce hate crime charges against the suspect accused of gunning down Israeli embassy staffers in cold blood. And what's Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett like behind the scenes? Here's a hint. I need 10 or 15 skirts from Calvin Klein, okay? What kind of skirts do you. Please bore someone else with your questions. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update. You know the feeling someone in your family gets sick and then you're stuck waiting for a doctor's appointment or the pharmacy's out of stock or you're left wondering why. Why something so basic must be so hard. Too many American families face this reality, and that's why many are turning to all family Pharmacy. They're doing what big pharma won't, which is putting families back in control and making it possible to be proactive, not reactive with your health. This is not just some online pharmacy. All Family Pharmacy is based in Florida and family owned. You can order ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, antibiotics, daily maintenance meds, emergency kits, everything you'd want to have on hand before you need it. Order online and they will work with licensed doctors to provide the prescription for you. Then your medications get shipped right to your door. Visit allfamilypharmacy.com Megan okay. Allfamilypharmacy.com Megan Use the code Megan10 to get 10% off today. Again, go to allfamilypharmacy.com, megan Remember to use my code. Megan 10 to get 10% off today. Be prepared, be in control, and this is health care that works for you. President Trump on Wednesday, flanked by Apple CEO Tim Cook, Vice President J.D. vance, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announcing a massive new investment into American manufacturing.

[Apple Representative]

Today, Apple is announcing that it will invest $600 billion. That's with a B in the United States over the next four years. That's 100 billion billion more than they were originally going to invest. And this is the largest investment Apple has ever made in America and anywhere else. This is a significant step toward the ultimate goal of ensuring that iPhones sold and the United States of America also are made in America. With the mass infusion of capital it's announcing today, Apple will also build a 250,000 square foot server manufacturing facility in Houston and invest billions of dollars to construct data centers across the country from North Carolina to Iowa to Oregon.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump designing an economic agenda aimed at incentivizing companies to invest and build in the United States. The ultimate goal, shoring up national security and providing jobs for American workers. Apple CEO Tim Cook expanding on the specifics of Apple's latest round of planned investments.

[Tim Cook]

And I'm pleased to announce that very soon, this is for the first time ever, every single new iPhone and every single new Apple watch sold anywhere in the world will contain cover glass made in Kentucky. In addition to the American manufacturing program, we're also significantly growing our investments in AI, including expanding data center capacity in North Carolina, in Nevada, in Iowa, in Arizona and Oregon. So we're going to keep making investments right here in America, we're going to keep hiring in America, and we're going to keep building technologies at the heart of our products right here in America.

[Megyn Kelly]

Cook also announcing an expansion of semiconductor production in the US in May. President Trump threatening Apple with a 25% tariff unless they start fully manufacturing and assembling iPhones in the US this latest announcement falling short of that demand. One reporter asking Cook if iPhone production will ever move completely to America.

[Apple Representative]

He makes many of the components here and we've been talking about it and the whole thing is set up at other places and it's been there for a long time. So in terms of cost and all, but I think we may incentivize him enough that one day he'll be bringing that. But he brings most of this stuff. Look, he's not making this kind of an investment anywhere in the world, not even close.

[Megyn Kelly]

CNBC reporting, quote, moving production of a high volume complicated electronics product like the iPhone to the US would be economically infeasible and could take years. President Trump indicating incremental steps to reshoring production are acceptable measures to avoid tariffs. For now, the President wants a made.

[Political Analyst]

In the USA iPhone. What are the chances that you can actually make that happen?

[Tim Cook]

Well, if you look at the bulk of it, we're doing a lot of the semiconductors here, we're doing the glass here, we're doing the face ID module here. And so there's a ton of it. And we're doing these for products sold elsewhere in the world. And so there's a lot of content.

[Political Analyst]

In there from the United States. But what about the whole thing?

[Tim Cook]

We're very proud of it.

[Political Analyst]

Can you make the whole thing here.

[Tim Cook]

Just the final assembly that you're focused on and that will be elsewhere for a while.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump rounding out the event, offering more thanks to Cook and Apple in his unmistakably unique way.

[Apple Representative]

I want to thank Tim Cook. He's a great, great man, a visionary, a businessman. Just about every quality he can have other than athleticism. I don't know. I'm looking at him. I'm not, I'm not 100% sure about you. You're a good athlete. I'll bet you're pretty good. I think he's good at everything. But I want to thank you very much, Tim. Congratulations.

[Megyn Kelly]

HHS Secretary RFKJ announcing this week the cancellation of 22 MRNA vaccine development contracts with the feds totaling about 500 million.

[Political Analyst]

Most of these shots are for flu or Covid. But as the pandemic showed us, MRNA vaccines don't perform well against viruses that infect the upper respiratory tract. Here's the problem. MRNA only codes for a small part of the viral proteins, usually a single antigen 1 mutation, and the vaccine becomes ineffective. This dynamic drives a phenomena called antigenic shift, meaning that the vaccine paradoxically encourages new mutations and can actually prolong pandemics as the virus constantly mutates to escape the protective effects of the vaccine. After reviewing the science and consulting top experts at NIH and fda, HHS has determined that MRNA technology poses more risks and benefits for these respiratory viruses.

[Megyn Kelly]

The reaction from some of those on the left, swift and seething. Chief among them, official mouthpiece of the resistance, Stephen Colbert, whose late night show is limping toward its death date in May of next year.

[Political Analyst]

Health Secretary RFK Jr. Just pulled $500 million in funding for vaccine development. Now we have 10 more months of this show and I want to give a measured non partisan response here. You, you roid adult nepo tom counterpoint you, you roadkill munching luddite human slim Jim, you're gonna kill people.

[Megyn Kelly]

Those sentiments echoed across the airwaves and legacy media. More examples here from PBS and msnbc.

[Political Analyst]

I can say unequivocally that this was the most dangerous public health decision I've.

[Tim Cook]

Ever seen made by a government body.

[Political Analyst]

It's a sad day for science in this country. Eliminating all of this research and development at Barda is a tragic mistake that on a science based decision.

[Megyn Kelly]

That last bit from Dr. Paul Offit, a former CDC Vaccine Advisory Committee member and chief antagonist of RFKJ MRNA vaccines have become a point of contention since President Trump's Operation Warp Speed helped bring Covid vaccines to the market in record time. Proponents point to their effectiveness. Studies show them to have 80 to 90% efficacy in preventing serious illness, though they were oversold to the public by supposed health experts as having the ability to prevent infection entirely. MRNA, or messenger RNA technology, was discovered in the 1960s but was only approved for use in humans in 2020. Critics of MRNA vaccines point to serious but rare side effects like myocarditis, as well as questions about whether the vaccines weaken immune response. There is not a scientific consensus on the topic. However, your humble reporter suffered an autoimmune response after taking the COVID booster, as did many other Americans. But the funding cut of approximately $500 million across the nearly two dozen projects will surely not end MRNA vaccine research and development either. According to National Review's John Puri, the average total cost to bring a new vaccine to market is more than $880 million, and vaccine makers will not abandon their projects if they simply have to cover a small amount more of the cost, around 23 million that HHS would have provided. Pfizer, for example, raked in more than $80 billion in sales of the COVID vaccine in America alone. They're fine. Additionally, while HHS is moving away from MRNA based vaccines, the press release noting, quote, other uses of MRNA technology within the department are not impacted by this announcement. Coming up, federal prosecutors adding hate crime charges against the alleged gunman accused of killing two Israeli embassy staffers, laying the groundwork for a possible death sentence. And a new report indicating Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett is just as sweet to her staff behind the scenes as she is to her political rivals. Meaning she's a nightmare. And you have no style or sense of fashion. Well, I think that depends on what.

[Janine Pirro]

You'Re no, no, that wasn't a question.

[Megyn Kelly]

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[Janine Pirro]

Charges count one murder of a foreign official under 18 USC 1116 for the murder of 30 year old Yaron Leshinsky, a foreign official employed by the government of Israel. Counts 2 and 3 are hate crimes resulting in death. Counts 4 and 5 the discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence. Counts 6 and 7 first degree murder. Counts 8 and 9 assault with intent to kill while armed while armed with a firearm he assaulted CS and at those are initials with intent to kill a person.

[Megyn Kelly]

With the addition of hate crime charges, the government now must prove that antisemitism motivated this attack. Pirro outlining the evidence behind those charges.

[Janine Pirro]

While on the plane, he traveled across multiple state lines and drafted a manifesto called an Explication on his iPhone. His explication made clear his purpose in committing these crimes that I'm about to read to you was to demonstrate his hatred for the people of Israel. When firing these fatal shots, he yelled Free Palestine. After he killed Jaron and Sarah, he entered the Capital Jewish Museum, pulled out a red keffiyeh and yelled I did it for Palestine. After which he was arrested. He demonstrated this hatred through his words death to Israel and his violent actions against Yaron and Sarah and their co workers from the Israeli Embassy. He also posted one of his postings on social media. Please, please please God, please vaporize every Israeli.

[Megyn Kelly]

The suspect has not yet entered a plea. He is due in court later today. Congressional Aides spilling the tea, as the kids say on Democrat Con woman Jasmine Crockett telling the New York Post she's the Anna Wintour of Washington, the Ellen DeGeneres of DC, the Meghan Markle of members. A narcissistic bully, Crockett frequently generating buzz with her brash, aggressive style from calling the sitting president of the United States an orange orangutan to this reference to wheelchair bound Texas governor Greg Abbott. Y' all know we got Governor Hot Wheels down there. Come on now. And the only thing hot about him.

[Political Analyst]

Is that he is a hot ass mess.

[Megyn Kelly]

Crockett later saying she was referring not to the governor's wheelchair but to his migrant busing program. Then it emerged that she'd been liking posts calling Abbott Hot Wheels for years, long before his busing initiative. Three sources who have worked with or for Crockett telling the Post Crockett is often a no show to the office unless cameras are rolling. She prefers to work from her luxury apartment building where staff say she lies around refusing to come into the office. When she does bother showing up to her taxpayer funded job, staff say she terrorizes them. A former aide saying, quote, she is never in the office and is very disengaged. She does her bullshit that goes viral and then freaks out over the most random things. Crockett reportedly rents an Escalade or similar upscale vehicle each week rather than deigning to sit in a staffer's car. One source saying she expects her staff to drive her around while she's in the backseat treating the staffer like an Uber driver. That staffer is expected to stand outside of the vehicle and open the door for Madam Queen staffers telling the Post she is mean, she's rude, she screams at them that she is, quote, not a dedicated member, focused on her constituents. One staffer saying, quote, she is focused almost exclusively on being an influencer, not a member of Congress. Calling her, quote, all diva. No. Wow. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on Sirius XM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platforms.

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