Dems Ignore Garcia Reality, Karmelo Anthony Family Speaks Out, Bernie Flies Private: AM Update 4/18

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Detailed Summary of “Dems Ignore Garcia Reality, Karmelo Anthony Family Speaks Out, Bernie Flies Private: AM Update 4/18”

Release Date: April 18, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delves into several pressing political and social issues, including Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen's controversial attempts to visit an accused gang member in El Salvador, the family's defense of Carmelo Anthony amidst tragic accusations, and critiques of prominent Democratic figures' lifestyles. The episode is structured into distinct segments, each highlighting significant events and featuring impactful quotes from key individuals involved.

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1. Senator Chris Van Hollen’s Attempts to Visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia

Background:
Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland has been fervently attempting to conduct a wellness check on Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a 17-year-old accused member of the MS-13 gang, who is currently detained in El Salvador’s Sicot Prison. Despite evidence linking Garcia to gang activities and reports of past domestic violence, Van Hollen persists in his efforts to access Garcia, which has sparked controversy.

Key Developments:

• Attempts and Denials:
  On April 18, Van Hollen's latest attempt to visit Garcia was thwarted by Salvadoran authorities at a military checkpoint. Previously, Van Hollen had been denied access by El Salvador’s Vice President.

  Quote:
  Chris Van Hollen [02:19]: “We just tried to go visit him in prison just to check on his conditions. Nobody has any communication with him since he was illegally abducted from Maryland and sent to Sicot prison in El Salvador.”

• Public Relations Maneuvering:
  Despite these setbacks, Van Hollen posted a photo on social media showing him with Garcia, downplaying the severity of the situation.

  Quote:
  Senator Van Hollen [00:19]: “I had that chance. I've called his wife Jennifer to pass along his Message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return.”

• El Salvador’s Stance:
  President Nayib Bukele responded sarcastically to Van Hollen’s post, emphasizing Garcia's continued detention.

  Quote:
  President Naib Bukele: “…Garcia miraculously risen from the death camps and torture, now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador. Now that he's been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvador's custody.”

Analysis:
Kelly highlights the tension between Van Hollen's actions and the legal standing of Garcia's detention, noting the Trump administration's stance on Garcia's deportation and the ongoing legal battles surrounding his case.

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2. President Trump vs. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell

Context:
President Trump has been publicly critical of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's decision to maintain current interest rates, sparking debates about the independence of the Fed and potential political interference.

Key Points:

• Trump’s Criticism:
  President Trump claimed that Powell’s policies are detrimental, asserting that lowering interest rates sooner would have been beneficial.

  Quote:
  President Trump [06:42]: “Jerome Powell of the Fed, who was always too late and wrong… 'Too late should have lowered interest rates like the ECB long ago, but he should certainly lower them now. Powell's termination cannot come fast enough.'”

• Fed’s Position and Independence:
  Powell defends the Fed’s decisions, emphasizing data-driven policies and distancing the institution from political pressures.

• Legal and Political Implications:
  The discussion touches on the longstanding precedent that protects heads of independent agencies from arbitrary dismissal, suggesting that any attempt by Trump to fire Powell would face significant legal challenges.

  Quote:
  Chris Van Hollen [08:04]: “Do you believe the president has the power to fire or demote you? And has the Fed determined the legality of a president demoting at will any of the other governors with leadership positions? Not permitted under the law.”

• Expert Opinion:
  Investor Steve Eisman warns against hasty rate cuts, suggesting that the Fed’s actions should be cautious amidst potential trade deal negotiations.

  Quote:
  Steve Eisman [08:50]: “The entire stock market and global economy has been narrowed down right now to literally one variable, President Trump. And what happens in the negotiations that he has with all these countries, period.”

Implications:
Kelly explores the delicate balance between political influence and institutional independence, highlighting the potential ramifications of undermining the Fed’s autonomy.

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3. The Carmelo Anthony Case and Family’s Defense

Incident Overview:
Carmelo Anthony, a 17-year-old Texas student, stands accused of fatally stabbing Austin Metcalfe during a dispute over seating arrangements at a track meet. Anthony is on house arrest, claiming self-defense, which is legally contentious in Texas.

Family’s Response:

• Representation and Allegations:
  Dominique Alexander, representing Anthony’s family, accuses various entities, including President Trump, the media, Bernie Sanders, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), of undermining Anthony’s character and situation.

  Quote:
  Dominique Alexander [12:59]: “While the current Occupant sits at 1600 Pennsylvania, Black people in America don't have to pull the race card. It's what we live as a reality every day.”

• Accusations of Misconduct:
  The family's spokesperson alleges that Anthony has a history of domestic violence, providing detailed accounts from court documents.

  Quote:
  Ms. Vasquez [12:48]: “He got angry, reached over to shut and threw my laptop onto the floor… He then punched me, scratched me on my left eye, leaving me bleeding.”

• AOC’s Defense:
  Contrastingly, AOC staunchly defends Anthony, denouncing the accusations and emphasizing his role as a loving father and husband.

  Quote:
  AOC [04:19]: “Everything they're saying, it's wrong. My husband is a loving father. And what I know is he's an amazing husband, an amazing father.”

• Public and Media Reaction:
  The family claims to suffer from online vitriol and seeks support, while significant funds have been raised to aid Anthony’s defense.

Critical Analysis:
Kelly presents a multifaceted view of the case, juxtaposing the family's defense and allegations against the backdrop of legal challenges and public opinion.

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4. Critique of Democratic Figures’ Lifestyles and Hypocrisy

Focus on Bernie Sanders and AOC:

• Private Jet Controversy:
  Senator Bernie Sanders and AOC are scrutinized for their use of private jets, which contradicts their public stances against wealth inequality and environmental concerns.

  Quote:
  AOC [16:54]: “How many private jets does David Zaslav need? How many private jets do these CEOs need? It is insatiable. It is unacceptable.”

• Financial Discrepancies:
  Despite advocating for the working class, Sanders has significantly increased his personal wealth, and both he and AOC have spent substantial amounts on private travel.

  Quote:
  James Carville [17:28]: “Maybe the Democratic Party is trying to tell you something. You lose twice. There's probably a message in that.”

• Environmental Impact:
  The episode highlights the environmental costs of such private travels, questioning the sustainability of these practices amid rising climate concerns.

Public and Political Repercussions:

• James Carville’s Criticism:
  Strategist James Carville criticizes the effectiveness of the "Fighting Oligarchy" rallies, suggesting that the high-profile losses of Sanders and AOC indicate a problematic strategy for the Democratic Party.

Broader Implications:
Kelly connects these lifestyle choices to a broader narrative of class struggle and the perceived disconnect between Democratic leaders’ actions and their advocacies.

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Conclusion

Megyn Kelly encapsulates a complex web of political maneuvering, personal controversies, and ideological battles that define the current American socio-political landscape. Through in-depth discussions and critical analysis, the episode underscores the tensions between personal actions of political figures and their public personas, the challenges of maintaining institutional independence, and the ongoing struggles within the Democratic Party to reconcile advocacy with personal conduct.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Chris Van Hollen [02:19]: “Nobody has any communication with him since he was illegally abducted from Maryland and sent to Sicot prison in El Salvador.”

• AOC [04:19]: “Everything they're saying, it's wrong. My husband is a loving father. And what I know is he's an amazing husband, an amazing father.”

• Stephen Miller [08:14]: [Advertisement – Skipped]

• Dominique Alexander [12:59]: “Black people in America don't have to pull the race card. It's what we live as a reality every day.”

• James Carville [17:28]: “Maybe the Democratic Party is trying to tell you something. You lose twice. There's probably a message in that.”

This episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the intersecting issues affecting politics, justice, and social dynamics in contemporary America.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Friday, April 18, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[Chris Van Hollen]

Nobody has any communication with him since he was illegally abducted from Maryland and sent to sicot prison in El Salvador.

[Megyn Kelly]

Democrat Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland again attempting a wellness check on accused MS.13 gang member Kilmar Abrego Garcia. And miraculously late last night posting a casual photo of the two of them together at last. President Trump targeting Fed Chair Jerome Powell's decision to leave interest rates where they are.

[Dominique Alexander]

Black people in America don't have to pull the race card. It's what we live as a reality every day.

[Megyn Kelly]

The family of 17 year old accused killer Carmelo Anthony in Texas speaks out blaming Trump oppression and the media and Bernie Sanders and AOC railing against the rich as they travel like the 1%. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. As President Trump begins his new administration, one of the top Democrats in Congress aiming to undermine the Trump agenda is Senator Dick Durbin. And according to our sponsor, the Electronic Payments Coalition, Senator Durbin has a new scheme, a government takeover of your credit card. Today, Americans have thousands of choices in credit cards, but they say Senator Durbin's plan will result in less competition and less security and that means more risk to your credit and your identity. Learn [e-mail] and consider telling your senators to stop Dick Durbin's government takeover of your credit card before it's too late. Democrat Senator from Maryland Chris Van Hollen attempting again to access the El Salvador prison holding Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The senator persisting in his fight despite newly surfaced evidence linking Mr. Abrego Garcia to Ms. 13 and reports of past domestic violence. The vice president of El Salvador on Wednesday denying Senator Van Hollen access to the terrorism confinement center. On Thursday, the senator attempting to enter on his own and denied again, this time at a military checkpoint.

[Chris Van Hollen]

We just tried to go visit him in prison just to check on his conditions. Nobody has any communication with him since he was illegally abducted from Maryland and sent to seekat prison in El Salvador. Today's purpose was just to see what his health condition is and these soldiers were ordered to prevent us from going any farther.

[Megyn Kelly]

And then late last night, a surprise post from the senator on X, a photo of Senator Van Hollen sitting with Garcia himself, himself and writing, quote, I said my main goal of this trip was to meet with Kilmar tonight. I had that chance. I've called his wife Jennifer to pass along his Message of love. I look forward to providing a full update upon my return. El Salvador President Naib Bukele posting his own message on X, writing, quote, kilmar Abrego Garcia miraculously risen from the death camps and torture, now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador. Now that he's been confirmed healthy, he gets the honor of staying in El Salvador's custody. Senator Van Hollen and the media clinging to a repeatedly debunked narrative that Mr. Abrego Garcia is simply an innocent Maryland dad, some press even calling him a, quote, US man. In reality, Mr. Abrego Garcia is a Salvadoran national. The Trump administration is fighting a court battle over his status, maintaining that if returned to the US Mr. Abrego Garcia will be promptly deported again, consisting with rulings from not one, but two immigration courts finding him removable back in 2019, though not to El Salvador. For the last several weeks, Mr. Abrego Garcia's wife making her husband's case to the cameras, the Trump administration has labeled.

[Stephen Miller]

Him a human trafficker, even an MS.13 gang leader. How do you respond to those claims?

[AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)]

So everything they're saying, it's wrong. My husband is a loving father. And what I know is he's an amazing husband, an amazing father. That's who he truly is.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Thursday, Ms. Vasquez, who married Abrego Garcia in an ICE detention center as a bid to prevent his 2019 deportation, confirming the court documents she filed against him in 2020 and 2021. From the documents in Ms. Vasquez's own handwriting, quote, I was watching on my laptop and he yelled to turn it off. He got angry, reached over to shut and threw my laptop onto the floor. And the baby started to cry because he was putting pressure on him. It goes on. Quote, he then punched me, scratched me on my left eye, leaving me bleeding. Later that day, Ms. Vasquez writes, quote, he got angry, started yelling again to the point that he ripped my shorts and shirt off, grabbed me by my arm. I have marks on my left arm as well. Ms. Vasquez now saying, quote, things did not escalate, and I decided not to follow through with the civil court process. The judge in Mr. Abrego Garcia's case against the federal government now, Paula Zinnis, suggesting earlier this week the government could face contempt charges for allegedly failing to comply with her order to facilitate the return of Abrego Garcia. However, the Supreme Court ordered the government only to facilitate his return, not to effectuate it. AG Pambandi describing it this way. President Bukele said he was not sending him back. That's the end of the story. If he wanted to send him back, we would give him a plane ride back. Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller saying there is no future in which Abrego Garcia is allowed to stay in the United States. President Trump potentially setting the stage for an unprecedented move firing the chair of the Federal Reserve. The Fed, an independent agency, sets interest rates in support of a dual mission, keeping inflation under control and supporting a strong job market. On Wednesday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed is holding off on rate cuts while President Trump's trade deals play out.

[Chris Van Hollen]

For the time being, we are well positioned to wait for greater clarity before considering any adjustments to our policy stance. We continue to analyze the incoming data, the evolving outlook and the balance of risks.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Thursday, President Trump responding to those comments on Truth Social quote, the European Central bank, or ecb, is expected to cut interest rates for the seventh time. And yet too late. Jerome Powell of the Fed, who was always too late and wrong, yesterday issued a report which was another and typical complete message. Oil prices are down, groceries even eggs are down and the USA is getting rich on tariffs. Too late should have lowered interest rates like the ECB long ago, but he should certainly lower them now. Powell's termination cannot come fast enough. This latest round of tension between President Trump and Jerome Powell, yet another chapter in a long running and often public friction between them. Mr. Powell first appointed to the position by President Trump in 2018, then reappointed by President Biden in 2022. The Fed chair serving four year terms, part of an effort to safeguard the central bank's independence from political influence. President Trump's view of Mr. Powell often hinging on interest rate policy, praising the Fed chair when rates are cut, slamming him when they're not. Mr. Powell Making a point of defending the Fed's independence from the executive branch. At a press conference in November, some of the President's elect's advisors have suggested that you should resign. If he asked you to leave, would you go?

[Chris Van Hollen]

No. Do you believe the president has the power to fire or demote you? And has the Fed determined the legality of a president demoting at will any of the other governors with leadership positions? Not permitted under the law. Not what? Not permitted under the law.

[Megyn Kelly]

The president is constrained by a long standing precedent barring the removal of heads of independent agencies without cause. A legal challenge now moving through the courts could change that and is widely expected to land before the U.S. supreme Court. But for now, President Trump's authority remains limited. We spoke with Steve Eisman, the investor who famously predicted the 08 financial crash. He says now is not the time to cut rates, warning that if Trump's trade deals deliver a surge in growth, early rate cuts could backfire.

[Steve Eisman]

If I was in charge of the Fed, I wouldn't be doing anything right now because if, if President Trump strikes a deal with every single country, the economy will take off and then you would not have wanted to have cut rates. On the other hand, if we go into a trade war, there'll be recession, you'll cut rates. The impact of the Fed right now either way is marginal. The entire stock market and global economy has been narrowed down right now to literally one variable, President Trump. And what happens in the negotiations that he has with all these countries, period. Nothing else matters.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Powell's term expires in May 2026. Coming up, the family of accused teenage killer Carmelo Anthony speaks out, blaming everyone but Carmelo and Bernie Sanders and AOC railing against the rich as they travel like the 1%. Now more than ever, it's important to shop with brands that share your values. And that's why I want to tell you about Neeme Skincare Built on faith, family and freedom, Neeme is proudly pro America with products made right here in the usa. They don't shy away from what they believe. While most skincare brands are busy pushing progressive messaging, Neeme never did and women across the country noticed. And the products, incredible. From gentle cleansers to age defying creams, Neeme offers clean fragrance free formulas. Love the fragrance free that are safe for sensitive skin like mine and powerful enough to deliver real results. Get 10% off your order at neemi skincare.com by using the code MK at checkout. That's N I M I skincare.com if you're tired of giving your money to companies that do not respect your values, consider making the switch. Neemi Skincare where modern skincare meets timeless values. The family of Carmelo Anthony, the 17 year old Texas student accused of killing 17 year old Austin Metcalfe in a dispute over a seat at a track meet in early April, is speaking out. Dallas activist Dominique Alexander took to the mics first and he noted that Jeff Metcalf, father of the dead teenager, was present.

[Dominique Alexander]

What we seen at the beginning of this press conference, of the father being at this press conference, these are my words, don't quote anybody, is a disrespect to the dignity of his son. Next Generation Action Network from the beginning has respected the Loss of life. No matter our opinion of it, we have kept our opinion close and just shows you all the character who is not invited. He knows that it's inappropriate to be near this family, but he did it. And so I say to people actually speak louder than words.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Alexander, whose own rap sheet includes a felony conviction for injury to A child, a 2 year old he was babysitting, wound up in the ICU with severe brain injuries in what the doctor said was clearly child abuse. Now he's a representative of the Anthony family. After Carmelo Anthony allegedly refused to move from a spot at a Texas track meet after Austin Metcalfe told him he was in the wrong team's tent. Police say Anthony threatened Metcalfe, quote, touch me and see what happens. That Metcalfe then grabbed Anthony to move him and Anthony stabbed Metcalfe in the heart. Anthony, who was granted bail and is on house arrest, is claiming self defense, a tough argument given that in Texas, self defense is not available to one who provokes the attack or who uses lethal force against a non lethal threat. At the presser, Mr. Alexander blamed many things, but not his client.

[Dominique Alexander]

While the current Occupant sits at 1600 Pennsylvania. Black people in America don't have to pull the race card. It's what we live as a reality every day. How many of y'all have asked the superintendent or one single board of trustee, why didn't you counsel or postpone with weather in that magnitude?

[Megyn Kelly]

Anthony's mother also speaking out, lamenting the online vitriol she says her family has.

[AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)]

Faced in wake of this tragic incident. Our family has been under attack, whatever you think, what happened between Carmelo and the Metcalf boys, my three younger children, my husband and I didn't do anything to deserve to be threatened, harassed and lied about.

[Megyn Kelly]

While Mrs. Anthony and her representative complained about how they've been treated since her son's arrest, citing, quote, the black struggle. More than half a million dollars has been raised to support Anthony with his defense so far. And he's reportedly been staying in a supporter's $900,000 gated community home. Campaign finance records showing Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders shelling out big dough on private air travel, crisscrossing the country on his Fighting Oligarchy tour where he blasts billionaires like Elon Musk and President Trump because he doesn't like rich people. The self described Democratic socialist, often flanked by New York congresswoman and protege Alexandria ocasio Cortez, spending $221,000 on private jet charters in just the first quarter of 2025. Fox News Digital reporting. The pair spotted on Tuesday afternoon in Bakersfield, California, boarding a luxury Bombardier Challenger jet, an aircraft reportedly running as much as $15,000 per hour. Wonder what that does to the environment, too. The company operating the jet touting, quote, one of the widest cabins of any business jet available today, offering, quote, superior cabin comfort for its passengers. The Washington Free Beacon reporting payments to three private jet companies account for 75% of the campaign's total transportation costs. The central theme of the Fighting Oligarchy rallies the economy only works for the rich, not for working Americans.

[AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)]

We can either have extreme wealth inequality with the toxic division and corruption that it requires to survive, or we can have a fair economy for working people.

[Megyn Kelly]

Trump has a government of the billionaires.

[Dominique Alexander]

By the billionaires, and for the billionaires.

[AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)]

They have one central economic mission, to make billionaires richer at the expense of all of us.

[Megyn Kelly]

We're not going to let the billionaire.

[Dominique Alexander]

Class have all of the power.

[Megyn Kelly]

Senator Sanders fiery rants about wealth inequality propelling him from socialist outlier to a national figurehead during the 2016 election election. In the years since, his personal fortune soaring, officially reaching millionaire status. He has three homes, thanks in large part to what he says were his best selling book deals about the very income inequality he decries. As the senator's campaign coffers swelled, so did his appetite for private travel, spending nearly $2 million on private jet travel in the 2020 election cycle. AOC previously slamming private jets as symbols of corporate greed. She also doesn't want you to drive an SUV. Save the environment. This from a July 2023 rally supporting the writers strike.

[AOC (Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez)]

How many private jets does David Zaslav need? How many private jets do these CEOs need? It is insatiable. It is unacceptable. I do not know how any person can say I need another $100 million before another person can have health care.

[Megyn Kelly]

The fighting oligarchy rallies drawing tens of thousands at stops across the country, garnering glowing media coverage. Though not all Democrats are impressed. Strategist James Carville telling News Nation the rallies are not helpful to the Democrat Party.

[James Carville]

Let me make a point about Bernie and aoc. But Bernie run for president twice. He's lost twice. AOC in her kind and this guy David hall, they want to run against other Democrats. When Bernie ran twice as a Democrat, he lost and he lost by a lot. So maybe the Democratic Party is trying to tell you something. You lose twice. There's probably a message in that.

[Megyn Kelly]

And 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 Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platforms.

[Stephen Miller]

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