The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update, March 26, 2026
Host: Emily Jasinsky
Key Themes: Big Tech liability, US-Iran conflict sentiment, DHS contract scandal, Democratic wins in Florida
Episode Overview
Emily Jasinsky hosts a news-driven AM update covering three headline stories: landmark verdicts against Big Tech for youth harms and child safety failures, declining US public support for the Iran war effort and shifting diplomacy, a mounting DHS contracts scandal, and surprising Democratic wins in traditionally Republican Florida legislative seats.
Major Verdicts Against Big Tech
[02:28–06:32]
Key Points
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Historic Lawsuits:
Both Meta (parent company of Facebook, Instagram) and YouTube have been found liable in separate lawsuits:- Los Angeles Case: Meta and YouTube held responsible for harming a young woman, "KGM," due to platform designs (infinite scroll, autoplay, constant notifications) connected to deteriorating child mental health.
- Bellwether trials: This is the first in a series expected to influence thousands of similar cases.
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Damages Ordered:
- $3 million in compensatory damages to KGM — 70% paid by Meta, the rest by YouTube
- Jury deliberating punitive damages related to alleged malice or fraud
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Legal Comparison:
- Analysts draw parallels with “big tobacco” cases from the 1990s for precedent and potential industry-wide changes.
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New Mexico Verdict:
- Separate civil suit: Meta ordered to pay $375 million for failing to protect children from predators.
- 37,502 willful violations found under a consumer fraud statute.
Notable Quotes
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On calculated platform harms:
“Features like infinite scrolling, constant notifications, and autoplaying videos are engineered to keep kids on social media, driving compulsive use linked to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide.”
– Emily Jasinsky (02:28) -
On the magnitude of violations:
“How many willful violations did Meta commit by engaging in unfair or deceptive trade practice? The jury’s answer is 37,502.”
– Legal Analyst/Court Reporter (00:29, 05:59) -
Analyst Commentary:
“It was done purposefully for the point of maximizing profit.”
– Misty Maris, NBC News Legal Analyst (05:09) -
Signal to industry:
"It should be a clear signal to everyone in this space, and to Mr. Zuckerberg in particular, that enough is enough. It's time to change the way they do business."
– AG Raul Torres, New Mexico Attorney General (06:32)
Additional Points
- Meta and Google (YouTube) both plan to appeal.
- Eight similar cases are pending in New Mexico alone.
- A case targeting Snapchat is in the discovery phase.
Iran: Public Opinion, Peace Talks & Policy Tensions
[06:32–08:52]
Key Points
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Polling Shifts:
- Majority souring: 61% of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the war with Iran; only 38% think launching Operation Epic Fury was the right decision.
- Sharp partisan divide: Only 69% of Republicans approve, and 90% of Democrats disapprove.
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Diplomacy and Uncertainty:
- NYT reports of a US 15-point peace proposal addressing Iran's missiles and nuclear issues—but the White House urges caution, refusing to confirm specifics.
- Iran’s Foreign Minister says no negotiations are happening, directly contradicting US statements.
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War Developments:
- Pentagon signals possibility of a new ground operation and plans for paratrooper deployment.
- Operation Epic Fury enters week five.
Notable Quotes
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White House caution:
“I saw a 15 point plan that was floated in the media. I would caution reporters...from reporting about speculative points...There are elements of truth to it, but some of the stories I read were not entirely factual.”
– Press Secretary Caroline Levitt (08:15) -
Iranian response:
“No negotiations have happened with the enemy until now and we do not plan on any negotiations.”
– Former Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragtri (08:52)
DHS Scandal: Kristi Noem Under Investigation
[10:57–12:05]
Key Points
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Investigation Launched:
- Kristi Noem, former DHS Secretary, faces investigation (with ex-aide Corey Lewandowski) over billions in no-bid federal contracts and a $220M taxpayer-funded ad campaign.
- Probe initiated by DHS Inspector General; officials ordered to preserve communications related to contract approvals and the ad blitz.
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Wider Contract Scrutiny:
- Noem had a policy requiring personal approval for all expenses over $100,000.
- Allegations emerge of a so-called “Lewandowski tax”—financial incentives sought for contract access, which Lewandowski denies.
Notable Quotes
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Hearing confrontation:
“No, ma'am, I'm asking you...Did the president approve ahead of time you spending $220 million running TV ads across the country in which you are featured prominently?”
– Legal Analyst/Court Reporter to Noem (11:43) -
Noem’s response:
“Yes, sir. We went through the legal processes. Did it correct the president working with OMB? Yes, he did, yes.”
– Kristi Noem (11:58)
Florida: Surprises for Democrats in Special Elections
[12:05–15:13]
Key Points
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Democratic Upsets:
- Democrats win two of three contested legislative seats. Notably, they flip Palm Beach County’s House district (Mar-a-Lago area—Trump’s district) and a Tampa-area Senate seat.
- Democrat Emily Gregory (Army wife, small business owner) wins the seat previously carried by Trump by 10 points in 2024, focusing her campaign on affordability, healthcare, and insurance.
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Political Implications:
- The wins are perceived as warning signs for Republicans’ hold on Florida and an energizer for Democrats going into the 2026 election.
Notable Quotes
-
Emily Gregory’s message:
“I think it's a real reaction to the current policies at the national and state level and I think that is a clear indication from voters it's the wrong track...Representatives focus on property, insurance, healthcare, education. Focus on the things that Floridians care about.”
– Emily Gregory, victorious Democrat (14:54) -
National implications:
“If Mar A Lago is vulnerable, imagine what's possible this November.”
– Heather Williams, Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (15:13)
Timestamps — Segment Guide
- Big Tech Verdicts: 02:28–06:32
- Iran Update: 06:32–08:52
- DHS/Noem Scandal: 10:57–12:05
- Florida State Elections: 12:05–15:13
Summary
This AM Update spotlights seismic legal shifts for Big Tech, a weakening public mandate for US military action in Iran, intensifying scrutiny of DHS contracting, and signs of shifting political winds in Florida. The discussion is fast-paced, loaded with analysis and first-hand quotes, and frames each story with a mix of legal detail, political context, and electoral stakes. The tone remains direct and driven by primary source statements throughout.
