Disturbing New Details About Would-Be Trump Assassin, Coal EOs, Hegseth Warns China: AM Update 4/9

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show - "Disturbing New Details About Would-Be Trump Assassin, Coal EOs, Hegseth Warns China: AM Update 4/9"

Release Date: April 9, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delivers an incisive AM update covering a range of high-stakes topics, including the latest developments in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, President Trump's recent executive orders aimed at revitalizing the coal industry, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's stern warnings to China regarding the Panama Canal. The episode is structured to provide listeners with detailed insights, notable quotes, and expert analyses, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of each subject.

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1. Attempted Assassination of Donald Trump

Details of the Incident:

Megyn Kelly opens the episode by delving into the disturbing details surrounding the alleged assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Federal prosecutors have revealed that the suspect, Ryan Wesley Ruth, a 58-year-old, attempted to purchase a rocket launcher from Ukraine in the weeks leading up to the planned attack.

• Suspect's Preparations:
  • Prosecutors disclosed that Mr. Ruth had been meticulously researching Trump's movements and the layout of the Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. He explored possible escape routes and established a sniper hideout near the golf course.
  • Notably, Mr. Ruth communicated with an unidentified Ukrainian contact, requesting, "Send me an RPG, rocket propelled grenade or stinger and I will see what we can do" (00:25).

The Arrest and Evidence:

• On September 15, while Mr. Trump was set to play golf, Secret Service agents discovered the barrel of an SKS rifle protruding from the bushes. A confrontation ensued, leading to Mr. Ruth's temporary escape before he was apprehended on the interstate (02:01).
• Authorities recovered extensive evidence, including handwritten notes, two cell phones, and a letter titled "Dear World," in which Mr. Ruth expressed remorse: "This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I am so sorry I failed you" (02:01).
• Digital evidence comprising 18 phones, three computers, three tablets, and 3,000 photos was seized from Mr. Ruth's Hawaii home.

Legal Proceedings:

• Mr. Ruth faces multiple charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
• His defense team is seeking to exclude eyewitness testimony, arguing that the identification procedures were "impermissibly suggestive" (04:27).
• The trial is scheduled to begin in December, with the potential for a life sentence if convicted.

President Trump's Involvement:

• President Trump hinted at the possibility of releasing the seized files, stating, "I want to find out and I would be willing to release it. I mean, maybe there's a reason that we shouldn't" (04:11).

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2. President Trump's Executive Orders Boosting the Coal Industry

Announcement and Rationale:

President Trump announced a new series of executive orders aimed at revitalizing the coal industry, positioning it as the cornerstone of America's energy future.

• Trump's Advocacy for Coal:
  • "Pound for pound, coal is the single most reliable, durable, secure and powerful form of energy" (00:18).
  • He criticized past administrations for undermining the coal sector, highlighting efforts by Democrats to shut down coal plants and restrict coal leasing on federal lands (05:37).

Key Provisions of the Executive Orders:

• Resumption of Coal Leasing:

  • The Interior Department is instructed to resume coal leasing on millions of acres of public lands.

• Revocation of Biden-Era Policies:

  • The orders aim to lift restrictions imposed on the coal industry, promoting grid reliability and directing the Department of Justice to challenge left-wing state policies opposed to coal (06:23).

• Promotion of Coal Technology:

  • Trump directed Secretary Wright to invest billions in next-generation coal technology, emphasizing cleaner and more efficient coal usage (07:10).

Impact and Broader Implications:

• The push for increased coal production is part of a broader strategy to expand America's energy grid, with a 2024 Energy Department study recommending a doubling of the grid's size over the next few decades.
• Trump's administration cites the rise of artificial intelligence and other energy-intensive technologies as factors necessitating greater energy production (06:23).

CNN Analyst Harry Enton’s Perspective:

Megyn Kelly brings in CNN analyst Harry Enton to dissect Trump’s aggressive use of executive orders.

• Enton's Analysis:
  • "Donald Trump is already signed 111 executive orders in his presidency, which is the most in at least 100 years" (08:55).
  • He notes that 86% of the American public perceives Trump's approach to presidential power as entirely distinct from his predecessors, with broad bipartisan recognition of this shift (08:55).

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3. Supreme Court's Support for Trump Administration

Case Overview:

The Supreme Court delivered a decisive 7-2 ruling in favor of the Trump administration, blocking a lower court's order that mandated the rehiring of approximately 16,000 provisional federal employees who were laid off during mass dismissals.

• Legal Reasoning:

  • The Court determined that the plaintiffs lacked standing since individual workers were not directly involved in the lawsuit (08:10).
  • The ruling leaves room for individual employees to file their own challenges under the Administrative Procedure Act.

• Future Implications:

  • The decision sets a precedent for similar injunctions, with justices yet to consider a related case from an Obama-appointed judge in Maryland (08:10).

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4. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Warns China Over Panama Canal

Statement and Strategy:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth traveled to Panama to address concerns over Chinese influence on the strategically vital Panama Canal.

• Hegseth's Assertions:
  • "China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal and China will not weaponize this canal" (12:03).
  • He emphasized a partnership with Panama to maintain the canal's security and availability, underscoring the role of the U.S. military in deterring potential threats (12:03).

Contextual Developments:

• Panama's Shift Away from China:

  • In February, Panama announced an early withdrawal from the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, signaling a move away from infrastructure dependence on China.

• Strategic Sales:

  • In March, a Hong Kong company operating ports near the canal was sold to American firm BlackRock, further reducing Chinese influence (12:47).

Economic and Strategic Significance:

• Secretary Hegseth highlighted the canal's critical role in global trade, noting it handles over $250 billion in goods annually and accounts for 40% of U.S. shipping (13:16).
• The canal's efficiency saves nearly 8,000 shipping miles between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, emphasizing its importance to U.S. economic interests (13:16).

Potential Military Parade Plans:

• Speculation arose regarding a possible military parade to celebrate both the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary and President Trump's 79th birthday on June 14.
• While the White House denied firm plans, discussions with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser were confirmed, drawing inspiration from Trump's 2017 Bastille Day celebration in France (13:50).

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5. Market and Policy Implications

Broader Impact on Energy Policy:

• The aggressive push to reinstate and expand the coal industry signifies a pivotal shift in U.S. energy policy, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign energy sources and bolster national security.
• By prioritizing coal alongside emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, the administration seeks to position the U.S. as a leader in both traditional and cutting-edge energy sectors.

Legal and Political Ramifications:

• The Supreme Court's ruling reinforces the Trump administration's authority to reverse previous policies, potentially leading to further legislative and administrative changes in the pipeline.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth's actions and statements reflect a broader strategy to counter Chinese geopolitical maneuvers, particularly in critical infrastructure regions like the Panama Canal.

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Conclusion

In this episode, Megyn Kelly navigates through complex and high-stakes topics, providing listeners with a detailed overview of the attempted assassination of Donald Trump, the administration's strategic pivot to rejuvenate the coal industry, and the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving China and the Panama Canal. Through direct quotes and expert analysis, the episode offers a nuanced perspective on the interplay between domestic policy initiatives and international relations, underscoring the multifaceted challenges facing the current U.S. administration.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Wednesday, April 9, 2025 and this is your AM update. New details on the alleged would be Trump assassins plans, including plans to purchase a rocket launcher from Ukraine.

[Donald Trump]

Pound for pound, coal is the single most reliable, durable, secure and powerful form of energy.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump announcing a new slate of executive orders to boost the coal industry. The Supreme Court sides with the Trump administration for the third time in a week.

[Pete Hegseth]

China did not build this canal, China does not operate this canal and China will not weaponize this canal.

[Megyn Kelly]

And Defense Secretary Hegseth putting China on notice with a warning about who controls the Panama Canal. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

Federal prosecutors writing in a court filing this week that alleged would be Trump assassin Ryan Wesley Ruth attempted to purchase a rocket launcher from Ukraine in the weeks leading up to the planned attack. The 58 year old suspect who was caught lying in wait for Trump at one of his Florida golf courses, previously wrote to a Ukrainian contact, quote, send me an rpg, rocket propelled grenade or stinger and I will see what we can do. Trump is not good for Ukraine. Mr. Ruth, inquiring about purchase options and shipping, writing quote, going to the local store for such an item is impossible. However, you are at war so those items lost and destroyed daily, one missing would not be noticed. The filing alleges. Mr. Ruth spent considerable time researching then candidate Trump's movements, the Trump golf course and possible escape routes. The suspect also sent a picture to The Ukrainian contact, whose identity and position remain unknown. Of Trump Force One writing Trump's plane. He gets on and off daily. Prosecutors say Mr. Ruth illegally purchased an SKS rifle, setting up a sniper hideout near Trump International Golf Club in West Palm beach in the early morning hours of September 15. Mr. Trump set to play a round later that day. In the early afternoon. Secret Service agents spotting the barrel of a rifle poking out of the bushes along the course. Agents opening fire. The suspect escaping through the trees approximately 40 minutes later. Authorities stopping Mr. Ruth on the interstate. Police recovering handwritten notes with dates of venues where Mr. Trump had appeared or was scheduled to appear. Two cell phones and a handwritten letter titled Dear World stating, quote, this was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump, but I am so sorry I failed you. Investigators also collecting a trove of Digital evidence from Mr. Ruth's Hawaii home. 18 phones, three computers, three tablets, 3,000 photos. Financial records, social media records, too. President Trump last week suggesting he may release the files on Mr. Ruth.

[Donald Trump]

And a couple of them had some strange markings on them. So, yeah, I want to find out and I would be willing to release it. I mean, maybe there's a reason that we shouldn't. So I don't want to get too far ahead of my skis, but yeah, I would be very willing to release that.

[Megyn Kelly]

Prosecutors say Mr. Ruth was also in contact with a man in Mexico attempting to coordinate his post assassination escape. Charges against Mr. Ruth include the attempted assassination of a presidential candidate, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, assaulting a federal officer, felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Mr. Ruth pleading not guilty to all charges. Attorneys for Mr. Ruth attempting to exclude an eyewitness account from his upcoming trial. The witness only identified as tcm, saying on the day of the planned attack, he saw a man jump out of the bushes and flee into a black Nissan car. Defense attorneys writing in a Monday filing, the identification procedures used to implicate Mr. Ruth in this case were impermissibly suggestive. Mr. Ruth's trial is set to begin this December. He faces life in prison if convicted. President Trump on Tuesday signing executive orders aimed at boosting coal industry production. Coal miners wearing hard hats and reflective gear flanking President Trump in the White House for the announcement.

[Donald Trump]

For years, people would just bemoan this industry and decimate the industry for absolutely no reason, because with modern technology and all of the other things that we do, it's one of the great, great forms of energy. Joe Biden and congressional Democrats tried to abolish the American coal industry. They did everything in their power to shutting down dozens of coal plants, banning coal leases on federal lands and putting thousands and thousands of coal miners out of work. The Democrats green new scam killed jobs and sent prices soaring here in America. But meanwhile, China opened two coal plants every single week.

[Megyn Kelly]

The executive orders instruct the Interior Department to resume coal leasing on millions of acres of public lands, lift burdensome Biden era policies, promote grid reliability and direct the DOJ to pursue cases against left wing states with policies against coal. Since January, various agencies and departments making efforts to unlock coal mining across the US The EPA reducing restrictions on plant emissions. Interior approving the expansion of a Montana coal mine. And President Trump citing the rise of AI creating an urgent need for more energy production. A 2024 study by the Energy Department concluding the US needs to double the size of the grid in the next couple of decades. President Trump aiming to meet the need in part by spurring more coal production.

[Donald Trump]

I'm also directing Secretary Wright to use billions of dollars in federal funding to invest in the next generation of coal technology, which is an amazing technology in terms of getting the full potential of coal and also doing it a very clean environmental way. Pound for pound, coal is the single most reliable, durable, secure and powerful form of energy. It's cheap, incredibly efficient, high density and it's almost indestructible. Most importantly, we have more of it here in America than anywhere else on earth.

[Megyn Kelly]

Coal powered energy became a political football over the last decade. In January 2016, President Obama issuing a moratorium on federal coal leases on public lands. Hillary Clinton made clear she wanted to kill the coal industry. President Trump reversing the Obama order in 2017 only to see it reimposed by the Biden administration. President Trump announcing the administration is working to make the latest orders permanent.

[Donald Trump]

We're, we're going to give a guarantee that the business will not be terminated by the ups and downs of the world of politics. So should somebody come in to this very important office and say, oh well, you spent hundreds of millions of dollars and you guys have given up your life because you want to be in coal and then all of a sudden you don't have a life anymore because it's what, you know, the best that's not going to happen. We're going to give a guarantee that it's not going to happen so that if somebody comes in, they cannot change it at a whim, they cannot just going to go, they're going to have to go through hell to close you up.

[Megyn Kelly]

These latest orders part of a broader push to dramatically refocus the federal government via executive authority. CNN analyst Harry Enton breaking it down.

[Harry Enton]

I think there was this concern among some folks that Donald Trump would come in for a second term and kind of be a lame duck. He ain't no lame duck. If anything, he's a soaring eagle. What am I talking about here? Let's talk about Trump executive orders in 2025. He's already signed 111 so far. That is the most at this point in a presidency and at least 100 years. Trump's approach to presidential power, I think the American people recognize what he's doing here is completely different. We're talking this 86% of the American public believes that Trump's approach to presidential power is completely different from past presidents, compared to only 14% who believe it is in line with precedent. And we're talking about at least 79% of Democrats, independents and Republicans.

[Megyn Kelly]

Coming up, the Supreme Court backing the Trump administration for the third time in a week. And Defense Secretary Pete Hexseth warns China they have no claim to the Panama Canal. 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 Skin care. Built on faith, family and freedom, Nimi 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 neemeeskincare.com by using the code MK at checkout. That's Nimi skincare.com if you're tired of giving your money to companies that do not respect your values, consider making the switch. Nimi Skincare where modern skincare meets timeless values. The Supreme Court once again backing the Trump administration this week. On Tuesday, the court blocking a lower court order demanding that the Trump administration rehire thousands of provisional federal employees let go in mass layoffs. The thinking had been they're provisional and would be easier to fire. On March 13, Clinton appointed District Court Judge William Alsop in San Francisco, ordering the administration to reinstate the provisional employees, approximately 16,000 of them across six agencies, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, treasury and the VA In a 7:2 decision the court ruling the organizations bringing the case lacks standing as individual workers who had been fired were not involved in the suit at all. The unsigned order leaving the door open for individual employees to commence their own challenges under the Administrative Procedure Act. The justices yet to weigh in on a similar injunction from an Obama appointed judge out of Maryland. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Tuesday visiting Panama in an effort to curb Chinese influence on the highly strategic waterway.

[Pete Hegseth]

China did not build this canal. China does not operate this canal and China will not weaponize this canal. Together with Panama in the lead, we will keep the canal secure and available for all nations through the deterrent power of the strongest, most effective and most lethal fighting force in the world. We will do this in partnership with Panama. Together we will take back the Panama Canal from China's influence and we will do this along with other capable like minded allies and partners. This is what peace through strength looks like.

[Megyn Kelly]

The visit on the heels of two major developments in the region in February, Panama announcing an early departure from the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative, an infrastructure agreement designed to force developing nations into dependence on China. In March, a Hong Kong Co. Operating two ports on either side of the canal announcing a sale to American company BlackRock Secretary Hegseth laying out the vital importance of the canal to US Interests.

[Pete Hegseth]

President Trump today recognizes the canal's rightful place as the center of of our shared hemisphere. It connects two continents and two oceans, transporting over $250 billion in goods per year and 40% of U.S. shipping. 70% of the ships that pass through this canal are going to or from US ports. It saves nearly 8,000 miles for shipping traveling between our coasts.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump making control of the canal a day one priority of his second term. Mr. Trump not ruling out reclaiming the canal with military force. Possible plans of a D.C. military parade in the works The Hill reporting an unnamed army official saying, quote, there are plans for a parade that will involve the Army. Politico reporting the White House denies a parade has been scheduled, but D.C. mayor Muriel Bowser confirming discussions with the administration. The army celebrating its 250th birthday on June 14, the same day as President Trump's 79th birthday. The idea of a military parade in the Capitol inspired by President Trump's 2017 visit to France on Bastille Day. Mr. Trump teasing French President Emmanuel Macron in a joint parade press conference months.

[Donald Trump]

Later I do want to say that I was your guest at Castile Day and it was one of the greatest parades I've ever seen. It was two hours on the button. And it was military might. And I think a tremendous thing for France and for the spirit of France. And to a large extent, because of what I witnessed, we may do something like that on July 4th in Washington down Pennsylvania.

[Pete Hegseth]

I don't know.

[Donald Trump]

We're gonna have to try and top it.

[Megyn Kelly]

In 2018, plans for a military parade scrapped following complaints of high costs of safety measures estimated to be around $90 million. Though this time around, Doge saves about that much every couple of hours. So we'll see. That'll do it. For your AM Update, I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on C SiriusXM triumph channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platforms.

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[Harry Enton]

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