The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 12/19

Episode Theme:
A news-driven AM update focused on major breaking stories: the death of the Brown University shooting suspect linked to an MIT murder, new HHS efforts targeting child "trans" procedures, tributes to NASCAR champion Greg Biffle after a fatal plane crash, and economic updates as inflation eases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Brown University Shooting & MIT Murder: Suspect Found Dead

Timestamps: 01:10–08:10

• Suspect Identified & Found Dead:

  • The man suspected in the Brown University shooting, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente (48), was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot in a New Hampshire storage unit. (01:15)
  • Valente, a former Brown PhD student, was also connected to the murder of MIT physics professor Nuno Lorero in Brookline, MA.

• Background on Valente:

  • Portuguese national, last in Miami, entered US in 2000 on a student visa, permanent resident as of 2017.
  • Brown President Christina Paxson clarified he attended Brown 2000–2001, but left and formally withdrew in 2003. (05:19)

• Investigation Details:

  • Police identified Valente through financial records, video footage, and a tip on his vehicle's license plate. (04:15–05:19)
  • Valente acted alone; motive still undetermined. Authorities found two firearms and crime scene evidence on his person. (05:58)
  • U.S. Attorney Leah Foley confirmed a connection between the two cases, noting both men attended the same academic program in Portugal, but Valente did not know his Brown victims. (07:07)

Quote:

"Much of the investigative work remains in determining a motive and that the body was discovered near a satchel, two firearms and evidence matching the crime scene."
– Megyn Kelly (05:58)

2. HHS Moves to Restrict Child "Trans" Procedures

Timestamps: 08:10–13:36

• Major Policy Announcement:
  • HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revealed six proposals to halt "gender affirming" care for minors, preferring the term "sex rejecting procedures." (08:50)
  • Enforcement by banning offending hospitals from Medicare and Medicaid; such procedures would also stop being funded by Medicaid/CHIP for those under 18/19.

Quote:

"Doctors across the country now provide needless and irreversible sex rejecting procedures that violate their sacred Hippocratic oath by endangering the very lives they are sworn to safeguard. ... This is not medicine, it is malpractice. We're done with junk science driven by ideological pursuits, not the wellbeing of children."
– Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (08:50) & (09:33)

• Testimony from Chloe Cole:

  • High-profile detransitioner Chloe Cole shared personal harms:

    "At 13 years old I was administered puberty blockers and testosterone in high doses and when I was only 15 they removed my breasts... before I was even mature enough to understand that one day I would aspire to become a mother." (10:15)

• Medical Device Warnings:

  • FDA sent warnings to 12 companies for promoting breast binders to girls. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary highlighted health risks—compromised lung function, breastfeeding difficulty. (11:27)

• Ending Gender Dysphoria Disability Status & Legal Readiness:

  • HHS also plans to reverse Biden-era classification of gender dysphoria as a disability.
  • Dr. Mehmet Oz (CMS) criticized the politicization of medicine, calling it “sinister” and harmful to children (12:14).
  • Kennedy expects legal challenges, expressing confidence:

    "We know what we do, what we're doing is legal. And if people sue us, they're welcome to, but we're going to win the lawsuits." (13:13)

  • Supreme Court cited as precedent after upholding a Tennessee ban on youth transition treatments.

3. Tragic Plane Crash Claims NASCAR Star Greg Biffle & Family

Timestamps: 14:30–16:48

• What Happened:

  • Retired NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Christina, and their two children were killed when their Cessna jet crashed near Charlotte, NC. (14:30)
  • Six people died; video showed the jet engulfed in flames. Christina sent a final text, "We're in trouble," before impact.

• Investigation:

  • The FAA and NTSB are investigating potential causes, with further details pending. (15:57)

• Tributes:

  • Biffle remembered for success (19 Cup Series wins, two championships), and his humanitarian work, including hurricane relief missions.
  • Congressman Richard Hudson:

    "They were friends who lived their lives focused on helping others... Our prayers are with their family, friends and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss." (16:48)

4. Economy Update: Inflation Cools as New Administration Takes Shape

Timestamps: 17:57–19:07

• Latest CPI Figures:

  • Inflation dropped to 2.7% year-over-year in November, lowest since July. This beat analyst expectations and followed persistent high inflation. (18:04)
  • Ken Rogoff (Harvard):

    "It was a better number than anyone was expecting. ... It was well below 3%. I think the president will take this as good news." (18:39)

• Broader Context:

  • Some consumer prices remain high (beef, coffee, electricity, used cars).
  • Previous month's CPI skipped due to the government shutdown; markets rose on the positive report.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Medicine & Politics:

  "We are in a weird place in America where we have mixed politics and medicine. And do you know what you get when you mix politics and medicine? Politics. There is no medicine left."
  – Dr. Mehmet Oz (12:14)

• On Legal Challenge Confidence:

  "The number of lawsuits with my name on it right now is almost beyond counting... we're going to win the lawsuits."
  – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (13:13)

Important Timestamps

• Brown & MIT Case Developments: 01:10–08:10
• HHS Gender Policy & Debate: 08:10–13:36
• Greg Biffle Plane Crash: 14:30–16:48
• Economic/Inflation Update: 17:57–19:07

Summary

This AM Update rapidly covers crucial national headlines: the resolution of two high-profile shootings tied to one suspect, sweeping HHS policy changes on pediatric trans care, an emotional obituary for a beloved NASCAR champion, and unexpectedly positive economic news. The show features commentary from key figures (Kennedy Jr., Dr. Oz, Chloe Cole), insight from news analysts, and direct reporting that maintains Megyn Kelly's signature "no BS, no agenda" approach.