
Secretary of State Marco Rubio fills in at the White House podium addressing the US mission in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing tensions with Iran. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signals openness to a 2028 presidential run. A Democrat fundraiser in Michigan threatens legal action against an outlet over its reporting on her public post honoring a grandfather who served in the Nazi military. A deadly hantavirus outbreak leaves passengers and crew stranded on a cruise ship off West Africa, with multiple deaths reported and others awaiting medical evacuation. Cozy Earth: Visit https://www.CozyEarth.com & Use code MEGYN for up to 20% off Birch Gold: TText MK to 989898 for a free info kit and to see if you qualify for up to $10,000 back through May 29.
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Megyn Kelly
Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Wednesday, May 6, 2026, and this is your AM update.
Marco Rubio
I'll be filling in for Caroline today, obviously, so I'll have a brief remarks here and then we'll get to your questions.
Megyn Kelly
Secretary of State Marco Rubio adding another job to his resume. White House Press Secretary Joe Are you
Marco Rubio
gonna run for president?
Ron DeSantis
Who knows?
Megyn Kelly
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis appearing to lay the groundwork for another White top Democrat fundraiser threatening legal action after an outlet reports on her Veterans Day tribute to her grandpa. We'll explain the problem and dozens of passengers and crew stranded on board a cruise ship amid a deadly virus outbreak. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update. What does it feel like when your clothes actually feel good this spring? Cozy Earth makes a strong case that what you wear at home matters just as much as what you wear outside of the house. Maybe more. Let me tell you about the brushed bamboo jogger set. Made from viscose from bamboo, it's lightweight, breathable and unbelievably soft, with enough structure to feel put together even at home. And then there are their lakehouse clogs. Designed for everyday home life, they feature a cushioned footbed, ultra soft interior and easy slip on design. They are supportive enough to stand in all day, yet cozy enough to forget you are even wearing them. And with easy returns and a lifetime warranty, it's comfort worth upgrading to this spring. Give yourself the kind of comfort that lives with you all day, not just the moment you get home. Head to cozyearth.com use my code Megan for an exclusive 20% off. That's code Megan for for an exclusive 20% off. And if you see a Post purchase survey mention that you heard about Cozy Earth right here on the MK Show. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stepping behind the White House lectern yesterday, adding press secretary to his already crowded resume, filling in for Caroline Levitt while she's out on maternity Leave most of the briefing focusing on Project Freedom, the now paused US Effort to safely guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The secretary telling reporters the war, meaning Operation Epic Fury, is over, its goals having been met, and that Project Freedom is a separate mission to rescue thousands of stranded seafarers aboard vessels trapped in the strait. Throughout Project Freedom, which began Monday morning, local time, Iran attacking US Ships, which caused the US Military to sink at least seven Iranian vessels in what the secretary described as purely defensive actions. Iran retaliating with missile attacks on US Ally the United Arab Emirates, all of which was jeopardizing the ceasefire. Just two ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz under Project Freedom, which seems to have ended almost as soon as it began. Hours after Secretary Rubio's briefing, President Trump posting to Truth Social, quote, the fact that great progress has been made toward a complete and final agreement with representatives of Iran. We have mutually agreed that while the blockade of Iranian ports will remain in full force and effect, Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time to see whether or not the agreement can be finalized and signed. The timeline on reaching an agreement is unclear. Nor is it clear what the president means about the great progress allegedly being made toward a final agreement with Iran. Iranian President Massoud Pezechian saying the US Expects Tehran to, to submit to its unilateral demands, which he says is, quote, impossible. Back in the briefing room, Secretary Rubio asked about the political fallout of rising gas prices now hitting $4.48 a gallon. According to AAA, if Iran had a
Marco Rubio
nuclear weapon and they decided to close the straits and make our gas prices like $9 a gallon or $8 a gallon, we wouldn't be able to do anything about it because they have a nuclear weapon and a nuclear armed Iran could do whatever the hell they want with the straits and, and there's nothing anyone would be able to do about it. And that's one of the many reasons, apart from like the massive loss of life in a nuclear strike, why Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.
Megyn Kelly
Elsewhere in the briefing, Secretary Rubio pressed on his upcoming meeting with Pope Leo xiv, set for Thursday. The planned sit down following a brief but public flare up last month, President Trump criticizing the pontiff who had criticized Mr. Trump's war against Iran as being, quote, weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy, claiming Pope Leo would be okay with Iran obtaining a nuclear weapon. Last month, Pope Leo attempting to decrease tensions, saying he's not interested in debating the Trump administration. Yesterday, however, the Pope responding to President Trump's comments reiterating the Catholic Church's long standing opposition to nuclear weapons. Secretary Rubio, a devout Catholic, was asked whether this meeting is in response to tensions between the two leaders. No.
Marco Rubio
I mean, it's a trip we had planned from before and obviously we had some stuff that happened. And no, look, there's a lot to talk about with the Vatican. I'll give you one example. The Pope just returned from a trip to Africa where the church is growing very vibrantly. And we have shared concerns about religious freedom, religious freedom in different parts of the world. We'd love to talk to them about that. The topic of Cuba, you know, we gave Cuba $6 million of humanitarian aid, but obviously they won't let us distribute it. We distributed it through the church. We'd like to do more. We're willing to give more humanitarian aid to Cuba, by the way, distributed through the church. But the Cuban regime has to allow us to do it. They won't allow us to give their own people more humanitarian aid. And we're willing to do it through the church. So there's a lot to Talk about.
Megyn Kelly
Florida Governor Republican Ron DeSantis on Monday not ruling out another run for the White House. The governor appearing at the Milken Institute Global Conference, a leadership summit in Los Angeles, asked point blank by moderator Charles Gasparino, so are you going to run for president?
Ron DeSantis
Who knows? Like, you never know. I'm 40, I'm in my mid-40s, 28, you know, maybe beyond that. I think that there's a lot of Runway. I think what I will be able to say just from our party, Republican Party, is who took a state that had more Democrats than Republicans by 300,000 when he got elected and now has 1.5 million more Republicans. Who had a state that had a trillion dollar economy, now has $1.8 trillion. Who has a state that had some school Choice now universal 50 year low in the crime rate. So we've got a good story to tell.
Megyn Kelly
Governor DeSantis also scheduled to headline the New York Republican Party's May 19th annual gala at the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan, Another sign he's laying early groundwork for a potential 2028 bid following November's midterms. The question of who leads the Republican Party next is expected to take center stage. With several big names already in contention. Governor DeSantis set to leave the Florida State House in January 2027, one full year before the presidential primaries begin. The New York Post citing a Republican insider saying, quote, it's not been a secret. He's running. Another GOP operative telling the Post, quote, I think DeSantis totally thinks he can win. He'd be top two in Iowa for sure. Governor DeSantis, a former congressman rising to national prominence during the COVID pandemic, positioning Florida as a model of maximum freedom, reopening schools and businesses earlier than many states still gripped by lockdowns and restrictions on that momentum, he launched a presidential primary bid, casting himself as a disciplined, results driven conservative alternative to President Trump. But when primary voting began, DeSantis failing to break through a glitchy campaign launch on an X live stream and his stilted nature on the campaign trail not helping. Mr. DeSantis trailing in Iowa by 30 points, leading him to drop out and endorse Donald Trump despite a bitter early primary season. President Trump publicly praising the governor multiple times since retaking office. Here to March shoutouts from the White House. Mr. President, do you see a role
Donald Trump
for Ron DeSantis in your administration?
Marco Rubio
Do you see a role for Ron
Megyn Kelly
DeSantis after his term is.
Donald Trump
I don't know, but I would certainly consider. I think he's doing a Good job. Ron DeSantis has been working very hard with us and wherever you may be, Ron. Hi, Ron. And has some great ideas and some great coaches that gave him some great ideas.
Megyn Kelly
President Trump coming a long way from the desanctimonious nickname. However, not all on Team Trump appear willing to move on from 2024. A longtime Trump operative telling the Post, quote, team Trump is chomping at the bet to destroy desantis one more time. The real Clear Politics polling average showing DeSantis facing an uphill battle. Vice President J.D. vance leading the pack with an average of 45.5 points. Donald Trump Jr. In second with 14.8 points. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in third with 14 points. Governor DeSantis in fourth right now with 7.5. Everyone else trailing in the low single digits. Coming up, a Democrat female fundraiser threatening legal action against an online outlet over its reporting on a Veterans Day tribute to her grandpa. What gives? And dozens of people stranded on board a cruise ship amid a deadly virus outbreak. When there are supply constraints on commodities prices surge. You see it with fuel prices, with everything happening in the Strait of Hormuz right now. And you know what else is a limited commodity? Gold. They mine it out of the ground and when it's gone, it's gone. Governments cannot just print more of it. And that's why everyone from central banks to savvy savers consider diversifying with gold. If you've been thinking about it for years like so many, but have still never moved some of your savings into physical gold. Consider Birch Gold Group. Now through May 29, Birch Gold is giving first time gold buyers a rebate of up to 10,000 bucks on qualifying purchases. For details and a free information kit on diversifying into Gold. Text MK to the number 989898. Birch Gold can help you convert an existing IRA or 401 into a tax sheltered IRA in physical gold. Text MK to the number 989898 to see if you qualify for for a first time gold buyer rebate of up to $10,000 a prominent Democrat fundraiser and trial attorney in Michigan threatening legal action against the Washington Free Beacon over its reporting on a Veterans Day Facebook post honoring her grandpa who she freely admits fought for the Nazis. Kelly Newman demanding the outlet retract its January 2026 article headlined, quote, Meet the proud Nazi Spawn raising money for Democrats. Her now deleted post, dated November 11, 2024, starting out fairly normal. Quote Happy Veterans Day to all my family and friends who serve or served. Without you, America would not be here today. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Okay, not bad. But then it goes on. Quote Interesting story. I do not talk about it much, but my grandfather Albert Newman was on the German side in World War I and World War II. Oh, you don't say. It continues. Quote he escaped to Brazil with my father after Germany lost in World War II and then made their way to Detroit where they spoke no English and worked their way up to provide a stable life for their family. The classic American story, a former Nazi hanging out in Motown. But wait, there's more. My grandfather was one of my best friends. He was one of the first people in my life that accepted me as gay when I was nervous and scared. I'll never forget him embracing me and loving me for who I am. His story is a true testament that people can change and love can win. A tolerant Nazi Accompanying the post, multiple vintage photos of Grandpa dressed in what appears to be a Nazi officer's uniform. Across the front of his cap, the Nazi eagle wings extended, claws clutching, you guessed it, a swastika. The Free Beacon reporting Kelly Newman serves as co chair of Democrat U.S. senate candidate Mallory McMorrow's finance committee, holding multiple fundraisers for her McMorrow's campaign, declining to respond to the Free Beacon's request for comment. Newman's social media pages show her frequently photographed with high ranking Dems, including former President Joe Biden, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. In her professional capacity, Newman runs the Newman Law Group, specializing in personal injury cases and in some ads seeking out new clients who may have been injured by ICE agents. Newman's own lawyer, Eugenie Erdley, reportedly sending a letter to the Free Beacon demanding a formal retraction of the article, referring to one of its statements as, quote, false and defamatory. The outlet responding, quote, early accuses the Free Beacon of describing Newman's grandfather as a member of the Schutzstaffel, the Nazi paramilitary group that played a central role in the Holocaust. That's false. We described him as a former Nazi soldier who fought for Hitler. Which is true. Eardley reportedly providing the Free Beacon with records from a German military institute confirming her grandpa served in the Wehrmacht, meaning the unified Armed forces of Germany during the Nazi regime. The letter did not contain evidence regarding Grandpa Newman's party affiliation. One could serve in the Nazi army without being formally registered in the Nazi political party. Early, going a step further, accusing the Free Beacon of invading her client Ms. Newman's privacy for reporting on her public Facebook post, arguing she had made it, quote, in her private capacity as a granddaughter. Good luck making that case. Newman. A nightmare scenario for about 150 passengers and crew, including 17Americans stranded on a cruise ship off the coast of West Africa after a deadly hantavirus outbreak. Three passengers dying so far and several more believed to be infected. Hantavirus spreads primarily through contact with infected rodent waste. In rare cases, particularly with the strain suspected here, it can pass between humans. The virus drawing national attention last year after Betsy Arakawa, wife of actor Jean Hackman, died from a hantavirus infection at her home in New Mexico. It causes flu like symptoms and carries a fatality rate of about 40% with no known cure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms. That's the concern on the Dutch flagged ship MV Hondias, which departed early last month on a weeks long expedition stopping in remote and ecologically diverse parts of the Atlantic Ocean, offering passengers the opportunity to explore some of the most isolated ecosystems on the planet. On April 6, a 70 year old Dutch man developing fever, headache, abdominal pain and diarrhea. Days later on April 11, he died on board of respiratory distress, according to the World health organization or WHO. His 69 year old wife then transported to South Africa on April 26th where she collapsed at the airport. Later dying at a nearby hospital, she tested positive for hantavirus. Her husband's status Never officially confirmed. Dr. Maria von Kerkove, Director of Epidemic and Pandemic, preparedness at the whole. Speaking at a press conference yesterday addressing the suspected origin of the outbreak, the
Dr. Maria von Kerkove
initial case and his wife, they joined the boat in Argentina and with the timing of the incubation period of hantavirus, which can be anywhere from one to six weeks, our assumption is that they were infected off the ship, perhaps doing some activities there. This was an expedition boat and many of the people on board were doing bird watching. They were doing, you know, a lot of things with, with wildlife. So our assumption is they were infected off the boat and then joined the crews. We do believe that there may be some human to human transmission that's happening among the really close contacts, the husband and wife, people who've shared cabins, et cetera. So that's why we are operating and working with the ship to make sure that anyone who is symptomatic, you know, anyone caring for patients is wearing full personal protective equipment.
Megyn Kelly
A third victim, a German national, died on board the ship on Sunday. Her cause of death remains unconfirmed, but is being treated as suspected hantavirus. One passenger evacuated from the ship on April 27, becoming the second confirmed case after testing at a medical facility in Johannesburg. Oceanwide Expeditions, the company operating the cruise, releasing a statement yesterday indicating plans are being made to medically evacuate two more crew members requiring urgent care, as well as another passenger. The remaining passengers advised to stay in their cabins. Can you imagine? Once the evacuations are complete, the ship will continue on a three day journey to its planned final destination, Spain's Canary Islands. Travel influencer Jake Rosemarin, a passenger on the ship, posting a video about the experience.
Jake Rosemarin
I normally wouldn't make a video like this, but I feel like I need to say something, so I wrote a few things down. I am currently on board the MV Hondi is and what's happening right now is very real for all of us here. We're not just a story. We're not just headlines. We're people. People with families, with lives, with people waiting for us at home. There's a lot of uncertainty and that's the hardest part. All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home. So if you're seeing coverage about this, just remember that there are real people behind it and that this isn't something happening somewhere far away. It's happening to us right now.
Megyn Kelly
According to Dr. Van Kerkove, risk of an outbreak to the general public is low. Quote, this is not a virus that spreads like flu or Covid and that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms. Hello?
Ron DeSantis
Hi, this is Regional Power and Utility calling to inform you of an outstanding balance.
Megyn Kelly
I thought I paid that.
Ron DeSantis
You're scheduled for immediate shut off unless it's resolved today. I can help you make your payment right now. Learn to pause, reflect and protect yourself from scams with the help of the AARP Fraud Watch Network.
Megyn Kelly
Nice try.
Ron DeSantis
Visit aarp.org fraudwatchnetwork to recognize fraud. Sooner the younger you are, the more you need AARP.
Episode Title:
DeSantis on 2028, Dem Donor Challenges Nazi Grandfather Report, Cruise Virus Outbreak
Date: May 6, 2026
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)
This episode delivers a brisk morning update on top political and news stories, featuring:
(00:32 – 06:17)
Marco Rubio Steps in as Press Secretary:
Rubio fills in behind the White House lectern for Caroline Levitt, primarily to address national security and diplomatic issues.
Operation Epic Fury & Project Freedom:
"Great progress has been made toward a complete and final agreement with representatives of Iran... Project Freedom will be paused for a short period of time..."Gas Price Fallout:
Gas prices have soared to $4.48/gallon, linked to Middle East tensions.
Rubio on a Nuclear Iran:
"If Iran had a nuclear weapon and they decided to close the straits and make our gas prices like $9 a gallon... we wouldn't be able to do anything about it because they have a nuclear weapon..."
(04:28, Marco Rubio)
Upcoming Rubio-Pope Leo XIV Meeting:
Rubio to meet the Pope following mild public tensions between Trump and the Vatican.
Focus expected on global religious liberty and humanitarian aid, especially concerning Cuba.
Rubio on Vatican Relations:
"There's a lot to talk about with the Vatican... The Pope just returned from a trip to Africa where the church is growing very vibrantly. And we have shared concerns about religious freedom..."
(05:37, Marco Rubio)
(06:17 – 09:41)
DeSantis Hints at 2028 Run:
At the Milken Institute Global Conference, DeSantis plays coy about another presidential bid.
DeSantis Soundbite:
“Who knows? Like, you never know. I’m in my mid-40s, 28, maybe beyond that. I think that there’s a lot of runway.”
(06:34, Ron DeSantis)
Touts Florida’s transformation under his tenure: surge in Republican registration, economic growth, universal school choice, historically low crime rates.
GOP Buzz:
2024 Recap:
DeSantis’s 2024 run faltered after campaign glitches and poor Iowa results; he ultimately endorsed Trump.
Trump has since softened publicly, even praising DeSantis and hinting at possible collaboration.
Trump on DeSantis:
“I don’t know, but I would certainly consider [him]. I think he’s doing a good job... has some great ideas.”
(08:48, Donald Trump)
Despite Trump’s olive branch, some in his camp remain hostile:
“Team Trump is chomping at the bit to destroy DeSantis one more time.”
(09:14, Team Trump operative, per NY Post)
Latest polling: J.D. Vance leads GOP field; DeSantis trails at 7.5% support.
(09:28)
(09:41 – 16:39)
Kelly Newman’s Veterans Day Post:
Michigan Democratic fundraiser Kelly Newman under fire after the Free Beacon reports on her Facebook tribute to her grandfather, who “fought for the Nazis.”
The post details her grandfather’s journey from Germany to Brazil and then Detroit, labeling him a figure of personal acceptance.
Megyn Kelly’s Commentary:
“The classic American story, a former Nazi hanging out in Motown. But wait, there’s more... His story is a true testament that people can change and love can win. A tolerant Nazi.”
(12:03, Megyn Kelly)
Accompanying photos show grandfather in a Nazi officer’s uniform.
Legal Threats and Media Fallout:
(16:39 – 19:07)
Current Crisis:
Expert Assessment:
“[Incubation] can be anywhere from one to six weeks… our assumption is they were infected off the ship...”
(16:39, Dr. Maria von Kerkove)
Onboard Perspective:
“We’re not just a story. We’re not just headlines. We’re people… All we want right now is to feel safe, to have clarity and to get home.”
(18:19, Jake Rosemarin)
Closure:
“This is not a virus that spreads like flu or Covid.”
(19:07, Megyn Kelly)
Rubio’s stark warning on Iran:
"A nuclear armed Iran could do whatever the hell they want with the straits..." (04:28)
DeSantis’s casual presidential tease:
"Who knows? Like, you never know." (06:34)
Trump on collaboration:
"I would certainly consider [DeSantis]. I think he's doing a Good job." (08:48)
Megyn Kelly’s acerbic remarks on the Nazi fundraiser scandal:
"A tolerant Nazi... Good luck making that case, Newman." (12:03)
Jake Rosemarin’s personal plea from quarantine:
"We’re not just a story... There are real people behind it..." (18:19)
(19:37 – 19:58)
A lighthearted exchange between Megyn Kelly and Ron DeSantis illustrating how to spot a utility payment phone scam, part of an AARP Fraud Watch Network spot.
This AM update packs key national and international headlines into a breezy, pointed format. With high-profile guests and direct soundbites, it blends straight news, political analysis, and a dose of irreverence—delivering both the facts and the flavor of today's big stories for listeners who want substance without the spin.