The Megyn Kelly Show: Episode Summary
Title: Biden Autopen Scandal Deepens, New Epstein Disclosures Possible, Trump's NATO Plan: AM Update 7/15
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)
Release Date: July 15, 2025
1. Biden Autopen Scandal Deepens
Overview:
The episode delves into the escalating controversy surrounding President Biden's use of an autopen—a mechanical device replicating his signature—to grant commutations and pardons during the final weeks of his administration. This practice has ignited debates about President Biden's cognitive abilities and the transparency of his administration's decision-making processes.
Key Points & Discussions:
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Evidence and Investigations:
A critical report by The New York Times revealed extensive use of the autopen, excluding only the unusual blanket pardon of Hunter Biden, which President Biden signed personally. This revelation has prompted multiple investigations into the extent and oversight of the autopen's usage within the White House.Political Analyst [00:40]: "There's a reason you do an interview like that with a place like the New York Times because the evidence is starting to come out and it doesn't look so good."
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President Biden's Response:
In an interview with The New York Times, President Biden asserted that he had orally granted all pardons and commutations, rebutting claims that his aides unilaterally used the autopen without his authorization.Megyn Kelly [02:39]: "Former President Biden in an apparent attempt to defend himself from these accusations, raising even more questions with the Times from The report, quote, Mr. Biden said that he had orally granted all the pardons and commutations issued at the end of his term..."
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Critics and Supporters:
Former aide Mike Howell of the Oversight Project criticized the routine use of the autopen, highlighting the lack of direct evidence of President Biden's approval for specific pardons.Mike Howell [05:49]: "There's nothing routine about the frequency of autopen usage in the Biden administration... there is no direct written proof that former President Biden approved and directed them."
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Former President Trump's Stance:
President Trump labeled the autopen usage as one of the biggest scandals in decades, asserting that Biden was unaware of the content he was signing.Donald Trump [05:19]: "The autopen, I think is maybe one of the biggest scandals that we've had in 50 to 100 years. This is a tremendous scandal. I guarantee you. He knew nothing, nothing about what he was signing. I guarantee it."
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Media and Legal Community's Reaction:
Mark Halperin from MK Media criticized The New York Times for omitting reactions from law professors and Republicans, suggesting biased reporting.Mark Halperin [07:03]: "As a matter of journalism, and I guarantee if it were Republican, they'd have both those things. They'd have some hysterical law professor saying this is an impeachable offense, and they'd have a Republican saying this needs to be investigated. It's absent from the story."
2. New Epstein Disclosures Possible
Overview:
The longstanding Jeffrey Epstein case resurfaces with indications of potential new disclosures despite a leaked DOJ memo suggesting closure. Internal conflicts within the Department of Justice (DOJ) and pressure from powerful figures are fueling expectations of further revelations.
Key Points & Discussions:
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DOJ Memo and Conflicting Reports:
An unsigned DOJ memo indicated the Epstein case was closed with no further disclosures. However, contradictory reports from sources like FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino suggest ongoing investigations.Megyn Kelly [10:53]: "The Jeffrey Epstein story isn't going anywhere, not anytime soon at least, despite the unsigned leaked DOJ memo indicating the case is closed and that there will be no further disclosures."
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Internal DOJ Conflict:
Dan Bongino has reportedly clashed with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of the Epstein case, leading to his taking a personal day amidst growing tensions.Ben Shapiro [11:57]: "Pam Bondi pretty clearly to the public made a bunch of statements that were unrepresentative of the final DOJ FBI memo that was released."
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Pressure for Transparency:
Influential figures like Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk advocate for greater transparency, calling for a special counsel and comprehensive press briefings to address the Epstein matter thoroughly.Ben Shapiro [11:57]: "If Pam Bondi pretty clearly to the public made a bunch of statements that were unrepresentative of the final DOJ FBI memo that was released... that's my understanding of this dispute."
Charlie Kirk [13:19]: "I would trust my friends in the government to do what needs to be done, solve it. Balls in their hands... I would love to see the DOJ move to unseal the grand jury testimony."
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Lara Trump's Hints and Media Speculation:
Lara Trump hinted at the release of more information, while Benny Johnson reported that top federal law enforcement sources are pushing for significant disclosures.Political Commentator [14:09]: "I believe that there will probably be more coming on this and I believe anything that they are able to release that doesn't damage any witnesses or anyone underage or anything like that, I believe they'll probably try to get out sooner rather than later."
Benny Johnson [14:57]: "The change in approach to Epstein has been dramatic. Expect more disclosures."
3. Trump's NATO Plan: US Supplying Weapons to Ukraine via NATO Allies
Overview:
President Trump announced a substantial shift in US military policy, directing the sale of $10 billion worth of weapons to NATO allies, who will subsequently supply Ukraine. This move signifies a strategic pivot to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities amidst ongoing conflicts.
Key Points & Discussions:
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Details of the Weapon Supply:
The initial wave includes missiles, air defense systems, and artillery shells, emphasizing the scale and urgency of the support provided to Ukraine.Axios Report [Throughout Transcript]: "The first wave of purchases will be worth about 10 billion, including missiles, air defense weaponry and artillery shells."
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President Trump's Remarks:
Trump highlighted the quality of American military equipment and its critical role in enhancing Ukraine's defense.Donald Trump [15:47]: "The purpose of this is to say that this is a very big deal we've made. This is billions of dollars worth of military equipment is going to be purchased from the United States... Ukraine will take it up and... we do make the best planes and missiles and we make the best military equipment in the world by far."
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Strategic Implications:
The announcement underscores a reinforced commitment to NATO allies and indicates a structured approach to supporting Ukraine through established military channels.
Conclusion
In this episode, Megyn Kelly navigates through significant political controversies and strategic military decisions shaping the current landscape. The deepening Biden autopen scandal raises critical questions about presidential authority and transparency, while the Epstein case hints at unresolved complexities within the DOJ. Concurrently, President Trump's aggressive military strategy signals a robust stance in support of NATO allies and Ukraine. These discussions provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the pressing issues influencing American politics and international relations as of July 2025.
Notable Quotes:
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Donald Trump [05:19]: "The autopen, I think is maybe one of the biggest scandals that we've had in 50 to 100 years. This is a tremendous scandal. I guarantee you. He knew nothing, nothing about what he was signing. I guarantee it."
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Mark Halperin [07:03]: "As a matter of journalism... They'd have some hysterical law professor saying this is an impeachable offense, and they'd have a Republican saying this needs to be investigated. It's absent from the story."
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Ben Shapiro [11:57]: "...Pam Bondi pretty clearly to the public made a bunch of statements that were unrepresentative of the final DOJ FBI memo that was released."
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Charlie Kirk [13:19]: "Balls in their hands. I think that there was plenty of, let's say, speeches that were directed towards this topic this last weekend."
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Donald Trump [15:47]: "We do make the best planes and missiles and we make the best military equipment in the world by far."
For more updates and in-depth discussions, tune into The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon ET, available on YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
