The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 8/5/2025

DOJ Launches Grand Jury Investigation into Russiagate

The episode delves into the Department of Justice's recent initiation of a grand jury investigation targeting individuals involved in what Megyn Kelly refers to as the "Russiagate hoax." Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that Fox News had directed staff to probe the 2016 Russiagate conspiracy, which alleged connections between then-candidate Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York, sharply criticized Texas and other Republican-led states for their actions under Trump's influence, labeling them as a "legal insurrection" (00:44). The investigation stems from a criminal referral by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who contends that key figures like Hillary Clinton and President Obama manipulated intelligence to undermine Trump's administration. Gabbard referenced the flawed 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA), which suggested Russian efforts to influence Trump's election, basing its conclusions on minimal and unverifiable evidence (01:13).

Legal scholar Jonathan Turley commented on social media, highlighting potential charges such as perjury and obstruction for those involved, especially targeting former officials like John Brennan. The investigation's specifics remain unclear, but it is expected to involve high-profile political figures (05:00).

Texas Democrats Flee State Amid Redistricting Controversy

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the turmoil within Texas politics, where Democratic state House members fled Texas to prevent a quorum during a contentious redistricting vote. This move aims to block the passage of a new congressional map that Republicans argue will secure additional GOP seats in upcoming elections.

Gene Wu, Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, defended the Democrats' actions, stating, "We really didn't have a choice... This was the only way we could protect our constituents and protect the state" (06:27). However, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton condemned the move, equating it to bribery and suggesting that fleeing lawmakers could face felony charges if they accepted money to skip votes (07:02).

Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett criticized Paxton's stance, accusing him of hypocrisy and aligning with MAGA principles. She asserted, "We are going to punch back, but we about to beat you down" (08:14). In response, Republican members of the Texas House approved arrest warrants for the missing Democrats, though these warrants are only enforceable within Texas state lines (09:07).

National Implications: Potential Redistricting Retaliations

The Texas redistricting battle has ignited fears of a nationwide gerrymandering arms race. Governors like Kathy Hochul and Gavin Newsom are contemplating retaliatory measures. Hochul emphasized the erosion of democracy under Trump and Abbott, stating, "If Republicans are willing to rewrite these rules to give themselves an advantage, then they're leaving us no choice" (10:06). Similarly, Newsom is considering calling a special election to redraw California's maps in November, signaling a potential domino effect across states (10:22).

Unveiling the Secrets of Democratic PAC Fundraising

Stanford University political science professor Adam Bonica provides a critical analysis of Democratic fundraising tactics. He reveals that a staggering $678 million raised by Democratic Political Action Committees (PACs) since 2018 primarily funnels into operational costs rather than supporting actual campaigns. Specifically, only $11 million reached candidates, while the majority was absorbed by Mothership Strategies and related expenses (15:00). Bonica questions the efficacy and transparency of this "parasitic ecosystem," suggesting that most donations are squandered on consultants and administrative overhead (17:45).

CBS News’ Gayle King Faces Uncertain Future Amid Leadership Changes

The episode shifts focus to CBS News, highlighting the precarious position of astronaut and journalist Gayle King. Despite signing a lucrative one-year extension reportedly worth $15 million, her show has experienced a significant decline in viewership, drawing fewer than 2 million viewers in recent months (18:00). The network's new leadership aims to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and "WOKE" programming, clashing with the show's progressive content.

Gayle King’s recent appearance on Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin rocket faced backlash for being overly promotional and disconnected from the show's core audience. Additionally, internal conflicts arose following co-host Tony Dokapoel's contentious interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leading to Dokapoel being sidelined and executive changes within CBS (20:07). Critics argue that CBS's shift towards less progressive content is a reaction to declining ratings and the pressures of the recent $8.4 billion merger with Paramount and Skydance Media (19:32).

Conclusion

Megyn Kelly's AM Update provides a comprehensive overview of significant political and media developments, from high-stakes investigations and partisan battles in Texas to the inner workings of Democratic fundraising and the challenges facing prominent media figures like Gayle King. The episode underscores the deepening political divide and the intricate interplay between media narratives and political strategies in shaping public discourse.