Buried Intel Bombshell Released, Athletes Sue over Trans Dispute, Harris’s 2028 Hints: AM Update 8/1

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Buried Intel Bombshell Released, Athletes Sue over Trans Dispute, Harris’s 2028 Hints

Released on August 1, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM, host Megyn Kelly delves into three pivotal topics shaping the current political and social landscape:

1. The release of a declassified annex from the Durham Report, uncovering alleged FBI involvement in suppressing intelligence related to the 2016 election.
2. A lawsuit filed by female athletes against the Oregon School Activities Association over perceived violations of their First Amendment rights concerning transgender participation in sports.
3. Former Vice President Kamala Harris making significant announcements hinting at a potential 2028 presidential run.

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I. Buried Intel Bombshell Released

A. Unveiling the Declassified Annex

The episode kicks off with a revelation of a newly declassified annex from the 2023 Durham Report, which investigates the infamous Russiagate controversy. This annex alleges that the FBI played a role in burying intelligence that purportedly connected then-candidate Donald Trump to Russia, despite evidence suggesting no substantial collusion.

B. Senator Chuck Grassley's Insights [02:24]

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley addresses the bombshell, stating:

"This annex is a bombshell."

Grassley emphasizes the seriousness of the findings, pointing out that the FBI's actions may have been influenced by the Hillary Clinton campaign's strategies to divert attention from her own email scandal.

C. Political Commentators React [03:35]

A political commentator elaborates on the implications:

"It was an attempt to stop Trump and also proves that the FBI had a hand in it." [03:35]

The commentator suggests that either a Clinton conspiracy or Russian disinformation was at play, both aiming to undermine Trump's campaign. He further accuses the FBI of facilitating this effort using the discredited Steele dossier as a foundation.

D. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard's Perspective [06:28]

Tulsi Gabbard, speaking on the Glenn Beck program, discusses the use of burn bags—containers used to dispose of sensitive documents:

"If you use a burn bag to try to get rid of evidence of which maybe there is only one copy, and then hide it in a secret room in the FBI, that is a tactic... used by bad actors within the intelligence community to try to get rid of evidence." [06:28]

Gabbard suggests that the improper handling of these documents indicates a deliberate cover-up.

E. Former Intelligence Officials Counter [07:17]

In response, former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper publish an op-ed in The New York Times defending the integrity of the intelligence community:

"We have testified under oath... the dossier was not used as a source or taken into account for any of its analysis or conclusions." [07:17]

F. Shawn Davis's Critique [08:14]

Shawn Davis, co-founder of The Federalist, critiques the op-ed:

"We have them going into the New York Times and claiming that never happened. In the brazenness of that dishonesty, I find honestly shocking." [08:14]

Davis argues that the intelligence officials are attempting to rewrite history, especially concerning the Steele dossier's role in the Russiagate narrative.

G. Continued Debate and Media Response [09:30 - 10:03]

Davis highlights the significance of high-profile figures addressing the issue publicly, indicating the depth of the controversy. Meanwhile, Gabbard condemns the mainstream media's portrayal of the revelations:

"It would push forward a very inconvenient truth for the mainstream media because it exposes their complicity in pushing this lie and this hoax..." [10:03]

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II. Athletes Sue over Trans Dispute

A. Background of the Lawsuit

Alexa Anderson and Reece Eckerd, two female high school athletes from Oregon, have filed a lawsuit against the Oregon School Activities Association (OSAA). They claim their First Amendment rights were infringed upon when they were penalized for refusing to share a podium with a male athlete during the girls' track and field state championship.

B. The Protest and Its Aftermath [13:16]

Alexa Anderson recounts the protest:

"When we heard the announcer start announcing names... we would not be joining that ceremony." [13:16]

Both athletes stepped off the podium in silent protest, choosing not to receive their medals publicly to highlight their opposition to competing against a male athlete.

C. Legal Perspectives [14:21]

Jessica Hart Steinman, Executive General Counsel at the America First Policy Institute, elaborates on the legal grounds of the lawsuit:

"The official... ordered them to move aside. And that's when it became suppression of their viewpoint, and that's when it became a First Amendment violation." [14:21]

Steinman argues that the OSAA selectively enforced rules, allowing some expressive shirts while penalizing Alexa and Reece for their “Save Women's Sports” T-shirts.

D. Desired Outcomes [15:57]

Steinman outlines the lawsuit’s objectives:

"We would like to have a declaration... that Reese and Alexa's rights, First Amendment rights, were violated... And for Alexa, she would like that medal." [15:57]

The plaintiffs seek legal recognition of their rights violations and the return of Alexa Anderson’s withheld medal.

E. Alexa Anderson's Determination [16:42]

Despite facing backlash and accusations of transphobia, Anderson stands firm:

"My motive is purely to let the people in charge... we want our own protected and safe division to compete in." [16:42]

She underscores the broader implications for female athletes and the integrity of women's sports.

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III. Kamala Harris’s Announcements

A. Declaring Her Current and Future Plans [17:27]

Former Vice President Kamala Harris makes two significant announcements:

1. Not Running for California Governor: Harris declares she will not seek the governorship, focusing instead on supporting Democratic candidates and outlining future plans.

   "For now, my leadership and public service will not be in elected office." [17:27]

2. Releasing a Book on Her 2024 Campaign: Harris announces her forthcoming book, 107 Days, which offers an introspective look at her unsuccessful 2024 presidential campaign.

   "With candor and reflection, I've written a behind the scenes account of that journey." [18:21]

B. Book Preview and Future Implications [19:19]

The book promises an inside perspective on the challenges faced during the campaign, emphasizing Harris's resilience and ongoing commitment to public service. The release of this book, scheduled for September by Simon and Schuster, is seen as a strategic move, potentially setting the stage for a 2028 presidential bid.

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Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode, Megyn Kelly navigates through explosive revelations about federal investigations, significant legal battles surrounding transgender athletes' rights, and the strategic movements of a key political figure poised for future leadership. The discussions highlight the intricate interplay between politics, law, and cultural dynamics, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of current events shaping the nation.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Senator Chuck Grassley [02:24]: "This annex is a bombshell."
• Political Commentator [03:35]: "It was an attempt to stop Trump and also proves that the FBI had a hand in it."
• Tulsi Gabbard [06:28]: "It's a tactic... used by bad actors within the intelligence community to try to get rid of evidence."
• Shawn Davis [08:14]: "In the brazenness of that dishonesty, I find honestly shocking."
• Jessica Hart Steinman [14:21]: "That's when it became suppression of their viewpoint, and that's when it became a First Amendment violation."
• Alexa Anderson [16:42]: "My motive is purely to let the people in charge... we want our own protected and safe division to compete in."
• Kamala Harris [17:27]: "For now, my leadership and public service will not be in elected office."
• Kamala Harris [18:21]: "With candor and reflection, I've written a behind the scenes account of that journey."

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This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't had the chance to listen.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

KPMG makes the difference by creating value.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Like developing strategic insights that help drive M and a success, or embedding AI solutions into your business to sustain competitive advantage. KPMG drives brighter insights, bolder solutions, better outcomes. KPMG make the difference Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Friday, August 1, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[Unknown Political Commentator]

It was an attempt to stop Trump and also proves that the FBI had a hand in it.

[Unknown News Anchor]

A newly declassified annex revealing how the FBI helped bury intelligence about the Hillary Clinton campaign's plan to falsely tie then candidate Donald Trump to Russia. Two female athletes suing the Oregon School Activities association alleging their First Amendment rights were violated when they were punished for refusing to share a podium with a male athlete.

[Kamala Harris]

Since leaving office, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on those days, talking with my team, my family, my friends and pulling my thoughts together.

[Unknown News Anchor]

And former VP Kamala Harris drops a pair of announcements, shining light on her potential plans for 2028. All that and more coming up in just a moment. On your AM Update, what will the effect of the sparring between President Trump and the Federal Reserve be? Can the Fed take the right action at the right time, or are we going to be looking at a potential economic slowdown? And what does this mean for your savings? Consider diversifying with gold through Birchgold Group for decades, gold has been viewed as a safe haven in times of economic stagnation, global uncertainty and high inflation. And Birch Gold makes it incredibly easy for you to diversify some of your savings into gold. If you have an IRA or old 401k, you can convert that into into a tax sheltered IRA and physical gold or just buy some gold to keep it in your safe. First, get educated. Birch Gold will send you a free info kit on gold. Just text MK to the number 989898. Again, text MK to 989898 and consider diversifying a portion of your savings into gold. So if the Fed cannot stay ahead of the curve for the country, at least you can stay ahead for yourself. Republican Senator from Iowa Chuck Grassley on Thursday releasing the now now declassified Annex from the 2023 Durham Report, a special counsel investigation into the Russiagate hoax against Donald Trump. Durham's 2023 report sharply critical of the FBI's decision to open a full investigation into alleged collusion between the 2016 Trump campaign and Russia due to a lack of sufficient evidence and heavy reliance on bogus intel, including the discredited Steele dossier, which the FBI knew at the Time was was not reliable. The annex containing raw intelligence reports and allegedly hacked emails reveals evidence that top FBI officials had received intelligence showing that the 2016 Hillary Clinton campaign was working to deflect from her own private email server scandal by crafting a narrative that Russian President Vladimir Putin was helping Donald Trump win the election. Despite knowing about this Clinton conceived plot, the the FBI played right into the Clinton campaign's strategy, opening its investigation into the Trump campaign. Instead of saying, wait, this is a Clinton campaign operation, Senator Grassley on Fox News saying this annex is a bombshell.

[Unknown Political Commentator]

It actually brings attention to the fact that there is either a Clinton conspiracy to make this happen or a Russian disinformation. But either way, it was an attempt to stop Trump and also proves that the FBI had a hand in it. And now after these eight years, three years of my trying to get the document, we know that there was the Steele dossier paid for by the Democrats and the Clinton campaign, that it was all effort of total distraction and to make it look like Russia was playing a very major role in helping Trump be elected. And now we know none of that was true. And now with this Durham report annex out, it finally proves that the FBI.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Was covering up the annex containing multiple troubling pieces of information, including the allegation that the Clinton campaign brazenly expected the FBI to help boost their manufactured story in July 2016. 1 Clinton Foreign Policy advisor emailing a member of the intel community, quote, we're looking for ways to build on Franklin 4's great and scary piece on Trump and Russia. This appears to be a reference to a piece in the Atlantic by Franklin Foer about Trump in July 2016 entitled Putin's Puppet. Returning here to the email, one thing I've heard from a few folks is that the Russia desk at State has been tracking parallels with between rhetoric, words, methods that Trump uses and Putin supported European right wing candidates. I'd love to get my hands on details of what they are seeing. Can one of you help run this down? It is illegal for a political campaign to coordinate with a U.S. intelligence agency, something this advisor seems to realize, adding, quote, obviously need to be a bit careful here. The annex also implies that while Hillary Clinton was determined to distract attention from her email scandal, she was also receiving secret assurances from President Obama's Attorney General Loretta lynch that she did not need to worry too much about possible criminal charges. A Russian memo appears in the annex summarizing a meeting between then Chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee Debbie Wasserman Schultz and two Soros Foundation Executives claiming that Attorney General Loretta lynch privately told a Clinton campaign official that she would make sure the investigation did not, quote, go too far. The newly released annex reportedly discovered inside burn bags stashed in a secret room at FBI headquarters. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard Wednesday on the Glenn Beck program, saying the discovery has all the hallmarks of a cover up.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

A burn bag is something that you'll find in many offices throughout the intelligence community, throughout, you know, these different workspaces in, in national security. Basically, if I have a document that's, that's highly classified, I read it, I review it, I'm done with it, my copy can then go in the burn bag to make sure that it's not, doesn't end up in the wrong hands, that there's not an unauthorized disclosure of classified information. It's a very different story. However, if you use a burn bag to try to get rid of evidence of which maybe there is only one copy of, and then hide it in a secret room in the FBI, that is a tactic obviously that has been used by those deep staters, these bad actors within the intelligence community to try to get rid of evidence.

[Unknown News Anchor]

It is unclear why the stash documents had not yet been destroyed in an apparent attempt to get ahead of the release of the annex. Former CIA Director John Brennan and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper writing an op ed in the New York Times accusing current DNI Director Tulsi Gabbard and current CIA Director Ratcliffe of rewriting history, insisting all their work was above board. Brennan and Clapper writing to quote, set the record straight on a number of issues, including quote, the so called Steele dossier. Ms. Gabbard and Mr. Ratcliffe have claimed it played an integral role in formulating the assessment. We have testified under oath and the reviews of the assessment have confirmed that the dossier was not used as a source or taken into account for any of its analysis or conclusions. Co founder of the Federalist, Shawn Davis, who has been covering the story extensively now for years, says, don't buy it.

[Shawn Davis]

I found two major things in their op ed which I found fascinating. The first was them referring to the Steele dossier as largely discredited. That is a remarkable admission. It was Comey and Clapper and Brennan who forced that thing into the ica, something they continue to lie about because according to Brennan at the time, it rang true. So to see them now try to retcon and pretend that there were always problems with it, I just find amazing. The second major thing that I found fascinating in their op ed was their claim against all evidence that the Steele dossier was never used. In that 2016, 2017 intelligence community assessment, they used the Steele dossier to buttress their claim that Russia wanted Trump to win and Hillary to lose. And we know this because the documents that Gabbard released about that ICA showed us the exact line and text in quotes of them citing the Steele dossier. And yet we have them going into the New York Times and claiming that never happened. In the brazenness of that dishonesty, I find honestly shocking, even after having watched everything they've done for the last 10 years.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Davis says this op ed is telling.

[Shawn Davis]

That op ed was fascinating to me because I think it showed, number one, how much trouble they know they're in. We've now had Comey and Susan Rice and Barack Obama and James Clapper and John Brennan come out and make statements. And these are normally people who are content to do all their little maneuvering behind the scenes. So the, the fact that they're coming out and addressing this, I think is big.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Dni Gabbard also on Glenn Beck's program, slamming legacy media for failing, in her view, to cover this story accurately or in some cases at all.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

And if they do mention it, their approach is to try to diminish the effect and the impact of the revelations, the historic revelations that were found in the documents that we declassified and released, or to try to bring voice to detractors and critics who also just say, oh, well, this is bizarre or this is crazy, because they recognize that it would push forward a very inconvenient truth for the mainstream media because it exposes their complicity in pushing this lie and this hoax from not only day one, but throughout President Trump's entire first administration.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Coming up, two female athletes fighting back after being punished for peacefully protesting the inclusion of a male competitor in their girls track and field state championship. And former Vice president Kamala Harris drops two big hints about her political future. Back in the day, we didn't have Bitcoin or AI. We worked hard, we saved what we could and we planned for the future. That's still smart advice today, with everything going on in the world. Job uncertainty, rising costs, unpredictable markets. There's never been a better time to protect your family's future. Life insurance through Selectquote is an easy, affordable way to do it. For less than the cost of a monthly streaming service, you can get coverage tailored to your needs. Selectquote has helped over 2 million Americans for more than 40 years. Comparing top rated companies to find the best policy for your health, lifestyle and budget. No medical exam needed and even pre existing conditions are covered. Visit selectquote.com today they shop you save it's peace of mind you can count on for you and your loved ones. Get the right life insurance for you for less and save more than 50% 5 [e-mail] Megan Save more than 50% on term life [e-mail] Megan Today to get started earlier this week, the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights launching an investigation into whether the Oregon Department of Education is in violation of Title 9 for allowing male athletes to compete in girls sports. There's certainly reason to believe so. In late July, the America First Policy Institute filing a lawsuit against the Oregon School Activities association on behalf of high school track athletes Alexa Anderson and Reece Eckerd, who argue their First Amendment rights were violated when officials punished them for a silent protest at the track and field state championship, where they were forced to compete against a male athlete posing as a female. Both girls were high school seniors, placing third and fourth, respectively, in the high jump in May at the state track and field championships. In fifth place, a male athlete who previously had competed in the male division. Anderson and Eckerd had planned to wear Save Women's Sports T shirts on the podium but were told by an official to change, citing a rule that athletes could only wear school apparel. We spoke to Alexa Anderson about what happened next.

[Megyn Kelly]

When we heard the announcer start announcing names, starting in eighth place, me and Reese Eckerd from Sherwood stepped off the podium. So when they read our names and presented us our medals, we would not be joining that ceremony. Immediately after we stepped off the podium, we faced our backs to the podium facing the audience, and we were ushered out of the way by OSA officials telling us to get out of the pictures. If we weren't going to participate, we would have been in the pictures on the ground. But we were ushered out of the way, out of the podium, and we never received our medals. I just wanted to create attention and draw people's attention to this issue because I don't feel that it is fair and the people who are in charge needed to be notified that us girls were not okay with the situations they're.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Imposing upon us, anderson says. Two months later, she has yet to receive her medal. Eckhardt only receiving her medal because another athlete picked it up from the empty podium and delivered it to her coach. Executive general counsel at the America First Policy Institute, Jessica Hart Steinman, says what happened was not just unfair. It was a violation of the girls First Amendment rights.

[Jessica Hart Steinman]

The official that day would not allow them on the podium with those shirts, so they had to remove their T shirts. Secondly, they tried to once on the podium, silently protest by stepping off and turning their back on the podium. And again, this was silent. It was not disruptive. They were sidelined again by that official. And the official, instead of respecting her rights, that official overseeing the ceremony ordered them to move aside. And that's when it became suppression of their viewpoint, and that's when it became a First Amendment violation.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Steinman says officials crossed the line by selectively enforcing the rules, allowing some students to wear expressive shirts, but punishing Alexa and Reese for theirs.

[Jessica Hart Steinman]

It would be completely different if they. They had a policy and they stuck to it and you could only wear, you know, school sanctions shirts. But in this situation, they have let other students wear other shirts, and here they did not let Alexa and Reese wear the shirt they desired to wear. So again, that is them suppressing that exact viewpoint, and they did it specifically for what was said on the shirt. We've seen the Oregon School Activities association celebrate and be involved in other forms of protests throughout the year. We've seen them be involved in Black Lives Matter and pride protests. But again, when it came to these girls talking about boys and girls sports, they did not allow that viewpoint, and so they are picking viewpoints to back.

[Unknown News Anchor]

With the lawsuit now underway, Steinman spells out what they hope to achieve.

[Jessica Hart Steinman]

The overall result that we would like from this lawsuit is to have a declaration from the state of Oregon and their athletics association saying Reese and Alexa's rights, First Amendment rights, were violated when they were not allowed to wear their shirts that said save girl sports. And when they were asked to leave the podium and leave the ceremonies that day when they peacefully protested and stepped off. And additionally, specifically for Alexa, she has never been given her medal from that day. Still to this day, the state has not given her medal for coming in in the state championship. Coming in third. She would like that medal.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Anderson says she has received a lot of blowback in the wake of her silent protest, but she has no regrets.

[Megyn Kelly]

A lot of people have definitely been very hateful, accusing me of hate and transphobia when there is no motive like that at all in this issue. My motive is purely to let the people in charge who are making these rules know that us girls are not okay with it and we want our own protected and safe division to compete in. It's not just about me or where I placed. It's about the girl in 9th who should have had a place on that podium and scored for her team, or the girl who didn't even qualify for state because they were beat by a biological male in districts. It's not just about me. It's about all of these other girls. And if we keep allowing biological men to take up space in women's sports, we're going to see national titles, national records, everything like that being set by biological men in the women's division.

[Unknown News Anchor]

At this point, the case is still in its early stages. The defendants have not yet filed a response and the court has not yet set any deadlines. The Oregon School Activities association did not respond to our request for comment. Former Vice President Kamala Harris with two big announcements, both signaling Ms. Harris is gearing up, possibly for another shot at the White House in 2028. On Wednesday afternoon, Ms. Harris releasing a statement declaring she will not run for California governor, quote, for now, my leadership and public service will not be in elected office. I look forward to getting back out and listening to the American people, helping elect Democrats across the nation who will fight fearlessly and sharing more details in the months ahead about my own plans. Then on Thursday, the former Veep announcing a new book reflecting on her failed presidential campaign in 2024. Launched after President Biden withdrew from the.

[Kamala Harris]

Race Just over a year ago, I launched my campaign for President of the United States. 107 days traveling the country fighting for our future. Since leaving office, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on those days, talking with my team, my family, my friends and pulling my thoughts together. In essence, writing a journal. That is this book. 107 days. With candor and reflection, I've written a behind the scenes account of that journey. I believe there's value in sharing what I saw, what I learned and what I know it will take to move forward. In writing this book, one truth kept coming back to me. Sometimes the fight takes a while, but I remain full of hope and I remain clear eyed. I will never stop fighting to make our country reflect the very best of its ideals.

[Unknown News Anchor]

Set to be released by Simon and Schuster in September. A preview of the riveting content readers can expect. Quote, your Secret Service code name is Pioneer. You are the first woman in history to be elected Vice President of the United States. The Presidential election will occur on November 5, 2024. You have 107 days specifics on the financial terms of the deal not yet clear. Former President Joe Biden reportedly selling his memoir to an imprint of hachette for about 10 million bucks. That's less than former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. But what will the auto pen get? That'll do it. For your AM Update, I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms.