Biden Reveals Cancer Diagnosis, Hur Audio Drops, Mexican Navy Ship Crashes in NYC: AM Update 5/19

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update 5/19, 2025

Release Date: May 19, 2025

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delivers a comprehensive AM update covering several重大 national and international news events. The episode delves into President Joe Biden's recent cancer diagnosis, the release of a significant audio recording from Biden's interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur, a startling accident involving a Mexican Navy ship in New York City, a tragic car bombing at a California fertility clinic, and the historic inauguration of Pope Leo XIV—the first American to hold the papacy. Below is a detailed summary of each key topic discussed.

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1. President Joe Biden Diagnosed with Cancer

Timestamp: [00:02] – [06:55]

Megyn Kelly opens the update with breaking news: President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer that has metastasized to his bones. The diagnosis was made following President Biden's experience of increasing urinary symptoms and the discovery of a prostate nodule.

Details:

• Diagnosis and Medical Details: The cancer is hormone-sensitive, allowing for effective management and treatment options. The President and his family are consulting with physicians to determine the best course of action.

• Political Implications: The announcement has sparked a wave of speculation regarding the possibility that Biden may have been battling cancer while in office. Critics question how such a diagnosis could have gone unnoticed by the White House medical team, especially during regular physical examinations.

• Public and Political Reactions:

  • Former President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to express condolences, stating, "Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family. And we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery." ([05:25])
  • David Axelrod, a former Obama adviser, urged for sympathy rather than scrutiny regarding Biden’s mental and physical health, stating, "Conversations about Mr. Biden's mental state should be more muted and set aside for now as he's struggling through this." ([07:16])

• Concerns Over Biden's Health History: The announcement coincides with the release of a new book, Original Sin, which alleges that the White House concealed Biden's cognitive decline. The book is poised to make an appearance on the show, with its authors scheduled to discuss these allegations further.

• Public Polling and Debate: There is a growing concern among the public about Biden's cognitive abilities, juxtaposed with Democratic efforts to defend his capabilities. Senator Dick Durbin and other Democrats argue that criticisms are unfounded and often rooted in ageism.

Notable Quote:

• Joe Biden during the press conference: "I know there's some attention paid to some language in the report about my recollection of events. There's even reference that I don't remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that." ([06:38])

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2. Release of Five-Hour Audio Recording from Special Counsel Robert Hur's Interview with President Biden

Timestamp: [06:28] – [09:01]

A significant development in the ongoing investigation into President Biden involves the public release of a five-hour audio recording of his interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur. The interview focused on Biden's handling of classified documents discovered at his residence and former office.

Details:

• Content of the Interview:

  • President Biden is portrayed as "a sympathetic, well-meaning elderly man with a poor memory" ([00:25]), frequently struggling to recall important events and details.
  • The recording reveals Biden's difficulty in maintaining focus, as he often veers off-topic and shares unrelated personal anecdotes.
  • Notably, during a segment addressing the death of his son Beau Biden, President Biden falters in recalling specific dates and timelines, leading to public concern over his cognitive state.

• Special Counsel's Decision: The Special Counsel decided not to pursue criminal charges against President Biden, citing concerns that a jury might view him unfavorably due to his perceived frailty and memory issues.

• Democratic Response:

  • Adam Schiff, a leading Democrat, criticized the Special Counsel's report for its language, claiming it was politically motivated. He stated, "When you're declining to prosecute, you don't gratuitously add language that you know will be useful in a political campaign." ([07:16])

• Public and Media Reaction: The release of the audio has intensified debates over President Biden's mental acuity, with significant portions of the media and political opponents questioning his fitness for office.

Notable Quotes:

• Joe Biden during the interview: "Remember in this time frame my son is either been deployed or is dying." ([05:33])
• Adam Schiff: "You made a choice that was a political choice. It was the wrong choice." ([07:16])
• J.D. Vance, Democrat Senator: "This version of Biden is the best Biden ever. He is sharp, intensely probing and detail oriented and focused." ([08:26])

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3. Mexican Navy Ship Crashes into the Brooklyn Bridge

Timestamp: [09:09] – [10:27]

In a startling incident, the Mexican Navy's tall ship, Quatem, collided with the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, resulting in significant casualties and structural concerns.

Details:

• Accident Description: The Quatem, carrying 277 people on a goodwill tour, suffered a mechanical failure that caused it to drift backward, leading to the ship's three masts striking the Brooklyn Bridge sequentially.

• Casualties and Damage: Tragically, two crew members lost their lives, and over 20 others were injured, with 11 individuals in critical condition, according to The New York Times. Remarkably, the Brooklyn Bridge sustained minimal structural damage, preventing a potential disaster.

• Emergency Response:

  • Mayor Eric Adams praised the coordinated efforts of the police, FDNY, and Coast Guard, noting, "The coordination was executed to the best of our ability to minimize any loss of life." ([10:06])
  • Bystanders captured dramatic footage of sailors dangling from the masts for extended periods before rescue teams arrived.

• Current Status: The Quatem has been docked at a nearby pier in New York Harbor, and investigations into the mechanical failure that led to the crash are ongoing.

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4. Deadly Car Bombing at California Fertility Clinic

Timestamp: [12:06] – [14:54]

A horrifying act of terrorism struck a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California, leaving the community in shock and raising concerns over domestic security threats.

Details:

• Incident Overview: On Saturday at 10:52 AM, a car bomb exploded outside a fertility clinic and IVF lab in Palm Springs, causing extensive damage to surrounding buildings. The blast resulted in the death of the suspect, Edward Bartkus, a 25-year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, and injuries to four others.

• Investigation Findings:

  • Authorities recovered two rifles and ammunition from the scene, indicating the bombing was premeditated.
  • Reports suggest Bartkus intended to livestream the attack, targeting pro-life sentiments, as evidenced by content found on his website advocating for "a war against pro-lifers."

• Motive Analysis:

  • The LA Times highlighted Bartkus's extremist beliefs, including abolitionist veganism and negative utilitarianism, which posit minimizing suffering over maximizing pleasure.
  • Writings recovered from Bartkus's home revealed his disturbing ideology that the world should not be populated.

• Law Enforcement Response:

  • The FBI, along with the Joint Terrorism Task Force, is leading the investigation, categorizing it as one of the largest bombing cases in Southern California.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the act, emphasizing the administration's commitment to protecting women and mothers, stating, "Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable."

• Community Impact: Emergency services responded swiftly, and despite the extensive damage, no critical reproductive materials were harmed as they were stored separately.

Notable Quote:

• Assistant Director Akil Davis of the LA Field Office: "This is one of the largest bombing investigations in Southern California." ([12:06])

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5. Inauguration of Pope Leo XIV: The First American Pope

Timestamp: [10:27] – [16:47]

In a historic event for the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV was officially inaugurated as its head, marking the first time an American has assumed the papacy.

Details:

• Ceremony Highlights: Thousands gathered in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, including a substantial U.S. delegation and international dignitaries, to witness the installation of Pope Leo XIV. The new pope delivered a heartfelt homily emphasizing unity and service.

Notable Quote:

• Pope Leo XIV: "I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy with you on the path of God's love. For he wants us all to be united in one family." ([14:54])

• Symbolic Gestures: Pope Leo XIV donned traditional white papal vestments, differing from his predecessor, Pope Francis. During the ceremony, he received the fisherman's ring, symbolizing his authority and referencing Saint Peter, the first pope.

• Interactions with U.S. Officials:

  • Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were present among the dignitaries greeted by the new pope.
  • Secretary Rubio addressed questions regarding the Vatican's stance on immigration policies, stating, "The church has strong social doctrine teachings. I think there is not incompatibility with a national policy that tries to prevent mass migration." ([16:02])

• Public and Diplomatic Reactions: The inauguration was met with widespread acclaim, reflecting the global significance of having the first American popes leading the Catholic Church.

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Conclusion:

Megyn Kelly's AM Update on May 19, 2025, provided listeners with in-depth coverage of pivotal events ranging from high-stakes political health disclosures and significant legal investigations to international incidents and historic religious milestones. Through timely reporting and the inclusion of direct quotes, the episode offers a nuanced perspective on the issues shaping the national and global landscape.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, May 19, 2025. And this is your AM update. President Biden diagnosed with cancer. We have the details.

[Joe Biden]

May he's 30th, 2015, was it 2015? He died.

[Megyn Kelly]

A sympathetic, well meaning elderly man with a poor memory. The five hour audio recording of President Bide Biden's interview with Special Counsel Robert Herr released publicly. A Mexican Navy ship crashes into the Brooklyn Bridge. Investigators search for the cause of the accident. And authorities identify a suspect in the terror attack at a California fertility clinic.

[Pope Leo XIV]

I come to you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy.

[Megyn Kelly]

Pope Leo XIV is officially inaugurated as head of the Catholic Church. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update.

[Dick Durbin]

As President Trump is settling into his new administration. One of the top Democrats in Congress aiming to undermine the Trump agenda is Democrat Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois. And according to our sponsor, the Electronic Payments Coalition, Senator Durbin has a new plan, a government takeover of your credit card. Today, Americans have thousands of choices in credit cards, but they say Senator Durbin's.

[Megyn Kelly]

Plan will result in less competition and.

[Dick Durbin]

Less security, which which means more risk for your credit and your identity. You can learn more for [e-mail] and you could consider telling your senators to.

[Megyn Kelly]

Stop Dick Durbin's government takeover of your.

[Dick Durbin]

Credit card before it's too late.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Sunday afternoon, the office of former President Joe Biden releasing a statement, quote, Last week, President Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer with metastasis to the bone. While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone sensitive, which allows for effective management. The president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians. President Trump responding on Truth Social quote, Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden's recent medical diagnosis. And we extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family. And we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. News of the diagnosis raising questions about whether it is possible for prostate cancer to metastasize into bone cancer so quickly. Some now asking whether it's possible that President Biden might have had cancer while in office. And if that were the case, many questioning how a White House physician would not have caught the symptoms. And in a prostate specific antigen test. His last physical, February 28, 2024, with no mention of the PSA test or the results the announcement comes as a new book on how the White House hid Mr. Biden's mental acuity problems hits shelves this week. No sooner had Mr. Biden's office made the announcement than former Obama adviser David Axelrod said on CNN that conversations about Mr. Biden's mental state, quote, should be more muted and set aside for now as he's struggling through this. To be clear, the Megyn Kelly show and am update disagree, we wish Mr. Biden all the best with his recovery and we also plan to dig deep into these issues, including what role not only the White House but the press had in covering them up when the authors of the new book Original Sin appear on the Megyn Kelly show this Tuesday. On Saturday, Axios releasing the long awaited audio recordings of Special Counsel Robert Hur's interview with President Biden. The tapes capturing President Biden's responses during Mr. Hur's investigation into his handling of classified documents. The probe centering on documents from Mr. Biden's time as vice president and as senator that were discovered at his home and former office. The five hour interview conducted on October 8th and 9th, 2023, became a key factor in her decision not to pursue criminal charges, citing concerns that a jury might perceive President Biden as quote, a sympathetic, well meaning elderly man with a poor memory. Throughout the interview, President Biden meandering, struggling to grasp words. The president also frequently veering off topic, sharing personal anecdotes seemingly unrelated to the prosecutor's questions. Mr. Biden asked if he ever brought classified material from the Naval Observatory or the West Wing, responding with a rambling 12 minute answer including a story about a trip to Mongolia.

[Joe Biden]

They had a target Bail said hey 100 yards away and these guerrillas were you know, taking shots and I think I don't know if embarrassed me or to make a point, but I handed the bow and arrow. I'm not a bad archer but only found that where if I could pull back so I pure luck I hit the gun in target.

[Megyn Kelly]

Special Counsel Her's report also noting Mr. Biden's struggles in recalling important life events including date of his son Bo's death. Here is the audio from that portion of the interview.

[Joe Biden]

I don't know. This is what 2017, 18 that area?

[Megyn Kelly]

Yes sir.

[Joe Biden]

Remember in this time frame my son is either been deployed or is dying.

[Megyn Kelly]

Beau Biden passed away from brain cancer in May 2015. More from that moment.

[Joe Biden]

5-30-19, 2015 he died 2015 we got.

[Adam Schiff]

Much of the months.

[Joe Biden]

Yeah, that's right Mr. President. And what's happened in the meantime is.

[Marco Rubio]

That.

[Joe Biden]

As and Trump gets elected in November of 2017. 16. 2016. All right, so.

[J.D. Vance]

That'S when you left office.

[Megyn Kelly]

The final report released in February 2024, prompting President Biden to hold a rare evening press conference to address the characterizations in Special counsel Robert Her's report.

[Joe Biden]

I know there's some attention paid to some language in the report about my recollection of events. There's even reference that I don't remember when my son died. How in the hell dare he raise that? Frankly, when I was asked the question, I thought to myself wasn't any of their damn business.

[Megyn Kelly]

As the tapes show, Mr. Hur had not raised President Biden's son's death. It was Mr. Biden who did that back then. Dems still circling the wagons around Mr. Biden, some tearing into Mr. Hur, accusing him of partisan activism at a House Judiciary Committee hearing on his findings in March. While one moment here from then California Congressman Adam Schiff.

[Adam Schiff]

You don't gratuitously do things to prejudice this subject of an investigation. When you're declining to prosecute, you don't gratuitously add language that you know will be useful in a political campaign. You were not born yesterday. You understood exactly what you were doing. It was a choice. You certainly didn't have to include that language. You could have said vis a vis the documents that were found at the university. The president did not recall. There is nothing more common. You know this. I know this. There is nothing more common with a witness of any age when asked about events that are years old to say I do not recall. Indeed, they're instructed by their attorney to do that if they have any question about it. You understood that you made a choice that was a political choice. It was the wrong choice.

[Megyn Kelly]

Despite public polling showing increasing public concern surrounding Mr. Biden's cognitive abilities, Democrats and media members insisting in the months leading up to and the months following this report that President Biden was at his very best. A portion of that defense courtesy here of Grabian.

[Joe Biden]

Start your tape right now because I'm.

[Adam Schiff]

About to tell you the truth.

[Joe Biden]

And f you if you can't handle the truth.

[J.D. Vance]

This version of Biden is the best Biden ever. He is sharp, intensely probing and detail oriented and focused. Ageism is an issue. Americans have a rich history of holding people's physical characteristics against them.

[Unnamed Democrat]

He's older. That doesn't mean that he is unfit. And there's a lot of ageism there.

[Adam Schiff]

The flip side of this coin is that he has a tremendous amount of wisdom and experience.

[J.D. Vance]

Have you heard any concerns from anyone who has met with President Biden about him seeing seeming a little slower?

[Megyn Kelly]

No.

[Unnamed Democrat]

More wild speculation from a bunch of people who have probably never been in a room with Joe Biden and certainly don't have medical degrees that I'm aware of.

[Megyn Kelly]

The tapes obtained by Axios in conjunction with a new book co authored by Axios reporter Alex Thompson and CNN Jake Tapper. Those are the authors of that book, Original Sin. On Saturday evening, a sailing ship belonging to the Mexican Navy smashing into the Brooklyn Bridge in a deadly, horrifying accident. The Quatem, a tall ship, the kind you might think of as a classic sailing vessel on a global goodwill tour carrying 277 people when it suffered a mechanical failure and reportedly began drifting backward. The ship's three towering masts striking the bridge one by one. Two crew members were killed, more than 20 others injured. The New York Times reporting 11 are in critical condition. Despite the impact, the heavily trafficked Brooklyn Bridge did not sustain any substantial structural damage, which is a miracle if you look at this crash. New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivering remarks from the scene.

[Eric Adams]

The police commissioner team immediately responded with FDNY Commissioner Tucker to have a coordinated effort and want to thank the Coast Guard and their effort as well. So the coordination was extremely important and it was executed to the best of our ability to minimize any loss of life.

[Megyn Kelly]

Dramatic video captured by bystanders from every angle showing sailors who had been perched on the rigging dangling from the masts. One witness telling the New York Post a crew member was seen dangling for at least 15 minutes before being rescued. The ship is now docked at a nearby pier in New York harbor as investigations into the cause of the accident continue. Coming up, the FBI announces a suspect in the deadly car bomb outside of a California fertility clinic. And the first American born Pope is officially inaugurated.

[Dick Durbin]

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[Megyn Kelly]

Okay?

[Dick Durbin]

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[Megyn Kelly]

The FBI investigating a deadly car explosion at a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California as an intentional act of terrorism at 10:52am Saturday. A massive blast rocking the area, damaging buildings several blocks away. The suspect was killed and four were injured in the blast. Investigators recovering two rifles and ammo from the scene. The suspect identified by authorities as 25 year old guy Edward Bartkus, a resident of 29 Palms about an hour drive away from the scene of the explosion. According to the Associated Press, the suspect was planning to record or stream the attack. The LA Times reporting on a website containing no names but quote appearing connected to the bombing, laying out the case for, quote, a war against pro lifers. The site includes a section of the website directing users to view the recorded stream of an IVF clinic bombing, though there is no file connected to the prompt. According to the Times, the website, quote, extolled a hodgepodge of philosophies from abolitionist veganism, the opposition to all animal use by humans and negative utilitarianism, the idea that we should act to minimize suffering rather than maximize pleasure in the world. The AP also reports that writings recovered from Barkus Home quote him as believing the world should not be populated. On Saturday night, law enforcement swarming a neighborhood in Twentynine Palms. ABC Eyewitness News reporting. Tactical units and an armored vehicle on the scene. The target of the attack the American reproductive centers, a fertility clinic and IVF lab suffering extensive damage. Aerial footage showing the roof partially collapsed, debris extending out into the street. The clinic reporting on social media. All staff members are accounted for and no eggs or embryos were damaged in the explosion as they are held in a different facility. My goodness. Assistant Director of the LA Field Office Akil Davis telling reporters this is one of the largest bombing investigations in Southern California. The Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation. Authorities believe this was an isolated incident. Attorney General Pam Bondi writing on X. We are working to learn more, but let me be clear. The Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable. Pope Leo xiv, the first American Pope ever, officially inaugurated on Sunday as the head of the Catholic Church. Thousands gathering in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican. Among them a large US delegation and dignitaries from around the world to witness the installation of the new pontiff who now leads the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. A moment from the Pope's homily.

[Pope Leo XIV]

I was chosen without any merit of my own, and now with fear and trembling, I come to you, you as a brother who desires to be the servant of your faith and your joy with you on the path of God's love. For he wants us all to be united in one family.

[Megyn Kelly]

Pope Leo wearing the traditional white papal vestments, a departure from his predecessor, Pope Francis, who chose simpler garments, appearing visibly emotional at times, most notably upon receipt of the fisherman's ring, a symbol of the pontiff's authority. The large gold ring, a reference to St. Peter, the first pope who was a fisherman by trade, according to Scripture. Jesus called to him, saying, I will make you a fisher of men. Pope Leo XIV greeting dozens of dignitaries after the Mass, including Vice President J.D. vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Ahead of the visit, Secretary Rubio asked about perceived criticism from Vatican the regarding the Trump administration's immigration policies. Here he is responding.

[Adam Schiff]

How do you reconcile what the Vatican has said on compassion for migrants with the Trump administration's policies?

[J]

Well, first of all, the Pope is not a political figure. I know he's covered like one, but they're not. They're the earthly head of the Roman Catholic Church. And the church has strong social doctrine teachings. And I think there is not incompatibility. We too are compassionate towards migrants. I would argue there's nothing compassionate about mass migration. I understand there's this temptation to cover the papacy as a political office. It is not a political office. It is a spiritual office. And it is one that has social teachings that are aligned with the faith and with the gospel. But I don't believe those are incompatible with a national policy that shows tries to prevent mass migration.

[Megyn Kelly]

Following the inaugural Mass, the pontiff shaking many hands, some visitors bowing and kissing the papal ring. Pope Leo breaking protocol one time to embrace his brother Louis Prevost. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly Show. We'll have all the latest on this Biden news. We're live on Sirius XM Triumph channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com MeganKelly and on all podcast platforms.

[Marco Rubio]

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