DOJ Puts Don Lemon On Notice, 2028 Dem Contenders Go Quiet, Arctic Blast Incoming: AM Update 1/20

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 1/20/2026

Episode Title: DOJ Puts Don Lemon On Notice, 2028 Dem Contenders Go Quiet, Arctic Blast Incoming
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)
Date: January 20, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This AM Update covers a packed news cycle:

• The DOJ investigation into Don Lemon's involvement in a disruptive protest at a Minnesota church
• The Democratic Party's struggles to answer basic questions on gender policy ahead of the 2028 election
• The long-delayed and controversial CBS "60 Minutes" report on El Salvador's prison system
• Meteorological warnings of a significant Arctic blast hitting much of the United States

Megyn Kelly delivers brisk commentary, firm opinions, and sharp asides throughout, holding a pointed tone toward politicians she sees as evasive or complicit.

---

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. DOJ Focuses on Don Lemon for Church Protest

[00:42–08:17]

• Incident Summary:
  Former CNN host Don Lemon, now an “independent journalist,” accompanied protestors into a Baptist church in St. Paul, MN, disrupting a Sunday service in protest of the church’s stance on ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). The event was filmed and has since gone viral.

• Legal Action:
  The Department of Justice, via Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon, is investigating possible criminal charges against Lemon and others under the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act) and potentially the Ku Klux Klan Act, which criminalizes conspiracy to violate civil rights.

• Don Lemon's Defense:
  Lemon claims the uproar and focus on him is due to his identity—“a gay black man in America”—not his participation. He argues he was present as a journalist, not an agitator.

  "How did I become the face of this? ... my producer said, 'Don, you're a gay black man in America.'"
  — Don Lemon, [03:04]

• DOJ's Response:
  Dhillon pushes back on Lemon's justification, arguing that journalism is not a shield for embedding in a potentially criminal conspiracy.

  "He began, quote, unquote, committing journalism. And as if that's sort of a shield ... it isn't."
  — Harmeet Dhillon, [04:14]

  She further insists the DOJ will use “the fullest force of the federal government” to prevent and punish such disruptions:

  "Come next Sunday, nobody should think in the United States that they're going to be able to get away with this."
  — Harmeet Dhillon, [04:53]

• Ku Klux Klan Act:
  Dhillon and Deputy AG Todd Blanche highlight the possibility of elevating charges from misdemeanors to felonies if conspiracy to violate civil rights is established.

  "They would say, oh, that's not just a violation of the Klan act, that's a conspiracy to violate the civil rights ... punish that more and make it from a misdemeanor ... to a felony under the Klan Act."
  — Harmeet Dhillon, [05:25]

• Political Response:
  Minnesota officials have stayed largely silent. Governor Tim Walz issues only a brief, indirect statement urging peaceful protest. Deputy AG Blanche accuses Walz of tacit encouragement:

  "He's been encouraging people to do exactly what they did. And what happened yesterday is a consequence of the governor's words, period."
  — Todd Blanche, [07:34]

  State Attorney General Keith Ellison appears on Lemon’s podcast, defending protest as "fundamental to American society," but is criticized by Kelly for ignoring the element of intimidation on private property.

  "Protest is fundamental ... It's freedom of expression. People have a right to lift up their voices and make their peace, and none of us are immune."
  — Keith Ellison, [08:00]

  Kelly sharply counters:

  “There is absolutely not a right to enter a church which is private property uninvited, and to harass and intimidate churchgoers even after you've been told to leave.”
  — Megyn Kelly, [08:17]

---

2. 2028 Democratic Contenders Avoid Gender Policy Questions

[08:17–11:36]

• Political Landscape:
  As the 2026 midterms approach, Democrats with presidential ambitions are under increasing pressure to clarify their stances on gender- and sex-related issues, which proved pivotal in President Trump's 2024 victory.

• Sampling Voter Opinion:
  A March NYT poll shows a large majority of Americans (79%) don’t support male athletes competing in women’s sports. Even among Democrats, 67% favor sex-segregated sports.

• Axios Q&A:
  Asked three simple questions (on transgirls in girls' sports, treatments for minors, and whether a man can become a woman), most top Dems—including Kamala Harris, AOC, JB Pritzker, Cory Booker, Andy Beshear, Chris Murphy, Ro Khanna, and Gavin Newsom—refuse to answer. Only Josh Shapiro, Pete Buttigieg, and Rahm Emanuel go on record, though Shapiro and Buttigieg mainly deflect or leave it to local officials.

• Rahm Emanuel’s Directness:
  The former Chicago mayor gives concise, unequivocal answers:

  "Do you believe boys should be able to play in girls sports? No. Should we be putting men in female prisons, men claiming they're women? No. ... Can a man become a woman? Not no."
  — Rahm Emanuel, [11:06–11:16]

• Campaign Strategy:
  Kelly suggests Democrats are emulating Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, who dodges specifics, instead couching support for boys in girls' sports as “getting politics out of the schools.” She sarcastically sums up the party’s approach:

  “Democrats 2028 motto, don't tell voters how you really feel. For the love of God, hide it.”
  — Megyn Kelly, [11:29]

• Polling Shift:
  Gavin Newsom slips in support among likely Democratic voters, from 23% to 17%, now trailing Kamala Harris (20%).

---

3. CBS "60 Minutes" Airs Controversial El Salvador Prison Story

[12:30–16:59]

• Background:
  After internal turmoil and accusations of censorship, CBS finally airs a long-delayed segment on the Trump administration’s transfer of criminal deportees to a controversial El Salvadoran prison.

• Editorial Dispute:
  Bari Weiss, CBS’s new editor-in-chief, pulled the segment previously for not having editorial balance—notably, a lack of an on-camera Trump administration response. Staff accused her of corporate censorship and of attempting to project political moderation to placate the new Trump-aligned government.

• Correspondent’s Pushback:
  Sharon Alfonsi, the reporter on the piece, objects in an internal memo:

  "The public will correctly identify this as corporate censorship.”
  — Sharon Alfonsi, [paraphrased, 14:38]

• Final Segment’s Content:
  The aired version is nearly unchanged except for a long anchor tag quoting Trump officials (with written, not on-camera, responses) and skepticism about whether the deported men were gang members.

• Media Critique:
  Kelly wryly observes:

  "Welcome to the new CBS. Same as the old one.”
  — Megyn Kelly, [16:40]

---

4. Major Arctic Blast Predicted Across the US

[16:59–18:33]

• Forecast Details:
  Meteorologist Ryan Shoptaw reports a “powerful blast of arctic air” will grip much of the US, particularly the Midwest and Northern Plains, and then sweep into the South by Friday night, with possible snowfall and wind chills as low as -30°F to -50°F.

  “…parts of the Northeast by Sunday could experience wind chills as cold as 30 below zero, with areas as cold as 50 below zero. 50, I say.”
  — Megyn Kelly, [18:10]

• Advice:
  Kelly urges listeners to “bundle up and stay safe” and to “make arrangements for your elderly relatives just in case the power goes out.”

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Come next Sunday, nobody should think in the United States that they're going to be able to get away with this.”
  — Assistant AG Harmeet Dhillon, [04:53]

• “Do you believe boys should be able to play in girls sports? No. ... Can a man become a woman? Not no.”
  — Rahm Emanuel, [11:06–11:16]

• “Democrats 2028 motto, don't tell voters how you really feel. For the love of God, hide it.”
  — Megyn Kelly, [11:29]

• “Welcome to the new CBS. Same as the old one.”
  — Megyn Kelly, [16:40]

• “…parts of the Northeast by Sunday could experience wind chills as cold as 30 below zero, with areas as cold as 50 below zero. 50, I say.”
  — Megyn Kelly, [18:10]

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:42] – Headlines & Don Lemon church protest coverage begins
• [03:04] – Don Lemon's "face of the protest" defense
• [04:14] – DOJ perspective on Lemon's involvement
• [05:11] – Ku Klux Klan Act discussed as possible prosecutorial tool
• [07:29] – Deputy AG Blanche on MN Governor’s response
• [08:00] – Keith Ellison on protest as American right
• [08:17] – Megyn Kelly’s response on limits of protest
• [09:03] – Trump’s 2024 “Kamala is for they/them” ad recall
• [11:06] – Rahm Emanuel’s unambiguous answers on gender issues
• [14:38] – Sharon Alfonsi’s memo on CBS censorship (paraphrased)
• [16:40] – Kelly’s critique of CBS coverage
• [18:10] – Arctic blast warning with projected wind chills

---

Conclusion

This episode typifies Megyn Kelly’s direct style, zeroing in on high-profile political and legal clashes, calling out what she sees as evasions or failures among public officials, and tying national news into broader trends for the 2028 political landscape. The discussion is brisk, opinionated, and laced with pointed commentary.
For listeners, the episode offers a sharply-framed recap of developing national stories—with a clear perspective on alleged media bias, political avoidance, and looming public safety concerns from both protest movements and an impending winter storm.

Transcript

[A]

A text says, you're on my mind. A bouquet from 1-800-FLowers says, you're my everything. Heartfelt moments belong in the real world, not just your phone. For 50 years, 1-800-Flowers has helped millions of people make memories that'll last a lifetime with gifts they'll cherish forever. Their expertly curated arrangements and gift baskets shipped nationwide with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Don't wait for the next big moment. Make it when you visit 1-800-Flowers.com sxm today, that's 1-800-Flowers. Com. Sxm.

[B]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, and this is your AM update.

[C]

Nobody should think in the United States that they're going to be able to get away with this.

[B]

Trump DOJ officials investigating Don Lemon and a group of agitators for the planned disruption of a Christian religious service. Democrats heading into 2028 facing a growing problem, their inability to answer a simple question. 60 Minutes finally airs its much discussed Seacot prison story and stirs up new controversy and bundle up much of the country set to experience an Arctic blast this weekend. All that and more coming up in just a moment. On your AM Update, Our sponsor, the Electronic Payments Coalition, says Washington politicians are always getting in your wallet and that now they're messing with your credit card. They say your credit card and the security it offers are under attack and that Senators Dick Durbin and Roger Marshall want to change the nation's payment system in a way that would benefit corporate megastores like Walmart and Target at the expense of everyday Americans. Credit cards can keep your payments secure and they can provide rewards that families use to help make everyday purchases more affordable. The Electronic Payments Coalition says the Durbin Marshall mandates would let corporate megastores cut corners on credit card processing, routing transactions over cheaper, untested networks with weaker security and fewer protections. Find out [e-mail] and consider telling Congress to guard your card. Previously, semi famous TV host Don Lemon now lashing out at Christians after accompanying an anti ice mob that deliberately disrupted a Sunday service at city's church in St. Paul, Minnesota, confronting a Baptist preacher mid worship and turning the sanctuary into a political ambush. Lemon now styling himself as an independent journalist, joining agitators who said they were there to hold parishioners accountable for refusing to endorse the disruptors anti ice cause, a move now drawing scrutiny from DOJ officials probing possible criminal charges. Yesterday, Lemon running to the left's favorite new podcast lady, the very angry Jennifer Welsh casting himself as, as the real victim here.

[D]

I think people who are, you know, in religious groups like that, it's not the type of Christianity that I practice, but I think that they're entitled and that that entitlement comes from a supremacy, a white supremacy. And they think that this country was built for them, that it is a Christian country. When actually we left England because we wanted religious freedom. It's religious freedom, but only if you're a Christian and only if you're a white male, pretty much. And so, Yeah, I absolutely, 100%, but it's an intimidation tactic. And, you know, I said, I don't understand how I've become the face of it. When I was journalist, I do understand that I'm the biggest name there. And I'm also, as I was on with my producers this morning, I said, how did I become the face of this? And my producer said, don, you're a gay black man in America.

[B]

Within hours of the disgusting church harassment going viral, U.S. assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon announcing an investigation into potential violations of the Face Act, a federal law making it illegal to use force, threats or intimidation to interfere with, with individuals exercising their right to worship inside a church. Yesterday on the Benny Johnson Show, Dylan outlining a range of additional federal charges under review that may also cover Lemon's involvement as a quote, unquote, journalist.

[C]

The Face act is just the start. Like I said, you have material support for disruptive activities. You have conspiracy to violate civil rights. You have potentially the use of other instrumentalities to commit crimes. And so some of these folks who did this have self identified. Don Lemon himself has come out and said he knew exactly what was going to happen inside that facility. He went into the facility and then he began, quote, unquote, committing journalism. And as if that's sort of a shield from being a part, an embedded part of a criminal conspiracy. It isn't. And so, you know, we're getting our ducks in a row. We're putting the facts together and this is a very serious matter. Come next Sunday, nobody should think in the United States that they're going to be able to get away with this. Everyone in the protest community needs to know that the fullest force of the federal government is going to come down and prevent this from happening and put people away for a long, long time.

[B]

Dylan explaining another potential tool at the DOJ's disposal to enact justice. The Ku Klux Klan Act.

[C]

The Klan act is one of the most important federal civil rights statutes and it goes back to the time when President Lincoln emancipated the slave. And yet the Southern states, Dixiecrats mainly, were refusing to give them equal rights. In fact, that you had sheriffs and you had law enforcement harassing the newly freed slaves. So the Klan act is a law that makes it illegal to terrorize citizens to violate their civil rights, to get together and conspire to violate the civil rights. What the Biden administration did is if three grandmas got together to pray outside an abortion clinic, they would say, oh, that's not just a violation of the Klan act, that's a conspiracy to violate the civil rights of women going in there to get abortions. And so we're going to add additional charges and punish that more and make it from a misdemeanor under the Face act to a felony under the Klan Act.

[B]

Lemon continuously defending his role in the intimidation, releasing a statement to Fox News, quote, it's notable that I've been cast as the face of a protest I was covering as a journalist, especially since I wasn't the only reporter there. That framing is telling. Gee, I wonder what he's referring to. Deputy AG Todd Blanche yesterday on Fox saying Lemon crossed the line.

[E]

Freedom of the press extends to a lot of different areas. It does not extend to somebody just trespassing and being embedded with a group of rioters and being part of the group that storms inside of a church. So as our assistant attorney general said yesterday, we are absolutely investigating that conduct. And the fact that that man, that Mr. Lemon thought that that was a good idea to, to race away from it saying it was freedom of the press. Well, we'll see. We'll see.

[B]

Minnesota leadership remaining remarkably quiet on the targeting of Christian worshipers. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry saying nothing. Governor Tim Walls, too. Crickets. However, through a spokesperson, the governor releasing one tepid statement, quote, the governor has repeatedly and unequivocally urged protesters to do so peacefully. While people have a right to speak out, he in no way supports interrupting a place of worship. Can you spare it? Deputy AG Blanche, reacting to that statement yesterday on Fox Today, the governor just.

[E]

Throws his hands up and says, oh, I've always said you should peacefully protest. That is just completely made up. You can listen to what that man has been saying for the past three weeks. He has not been encouraging people to peacefully protest. He's been encouraging people to do exactly what they did. And what happened yesterday is a consequence of the governor's words, period.

[B]

Even more remarkably, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. This is the state's top law enforcement officer appearing on Lemon's podcast endorsing the riotous behavior.

[E]

The protest is fundamental to American society. This country started in a protest and, you know, it's freedom of expression. People have a right to lift up their voices and make their peace, and none of us are immune from the voice of the of the public.

[B]

Pro tip Keith There is absolutely not a right to enter a church which is private property uninvited, and to harass and intimidate churchgoers even after you've been told to leave. We'll have more on this later today on the Megyn Kelly show. As the 2026 midterm season approaches, Democrats with presidential ambitions will begin jockeying for a position, backing midterm candidates, building alliances and laying the groundwork for a presidential run. But one vulnerability Dems still struggle to navigate questions about basic biological realities, from women's sports to medical interventions for minors. It was a defining issue in President Trump's 2024 victory, repeatedly used to hammer Democrat candidate Kamala Harris with this viral.

[E]

Kamala is for they them. President Trump is for you. I'm Donald J. Trump and I approve this message.

[B]

Even as public opinion moves away from progressive gender ideology, many Democrats eyeing 2028 still appear unwilling to engage. A March New York Times poll finding 79% of Americans believe male athletes should not be allowed to compete in women's Sports. Among Democrats, 67% support sex segregated sports. Axios asking about 20 potential Democrat contenders, three very simple questions should quote transgender girls translation folks, that means boys be allowed to compete in girls sports. Do you believe transgender youths under 18 should be able to be placed on puberty blockers and hormones? And what is your response to the question can a man become a woman? Eight high profile Democrats declining to answer, including former Vice President Kamala Harris, Congresswoman AOC from New York, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Senator from New Jersey, Cory Booker, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Senator from Connecticut, Chris Murphy, Congressman from California Ro Khanna and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Cat got your tongue? Just three going on the record. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Shapiro's office pointing Axios to past remarks suggesting decisions about transgender athletes should be left to local sports officials, while also backing a lawsuit aimed at protecting access to permanent, disfiguring medical procedures for minors. Buttigieg's spokesperson emphasizing compassion, saying sports decisions should be handled by leagues rather than politicians. And Rahm Emanuel, the only one with courage of the bunch, offering no such ambiguity, reiterating his position has not changed since this July appearance on the Megyn Kelly Show. Do you believe boys should be able to play in girls sports? No. Should we be putting men in female prisons, men claiming they're women?

[A]

No.

[B]

And all right, here's my last one for you. Can a man become a woman? Can a man become a woman?

[A]

Not no.

[B]

It's really not so hard. Axios reporting Democrats looking to avoid clarity on the issue altogether, pointing to newly inaugurated Virginia governor Abigail Spanberger as the model in her campaign last year. Spamberger deflecting questions about her personal views, framing her support for boys competing in girls sports as an effort to get politics out of the schools. Democrats 2028 motto, don't tell voters how you really feel. For the love of God, hide it. A new YouGov poll showing Democrat frontrunner Gavin Newsom slipping from 23% support in September down to 17, which drops him into second place behind Kamala Harris, who ticked up slightly from 19 to 20%. Go, Kamala, go. Every other potential Democrat contender trailing well behind in the single digits. Coming up, after weeks of controversy, 60 Minutes finally airs its shelved report on El Salvador's Secot prison, revealing not much has changed at all about the original report. And the nation gears up for an arctic blast heading this way. Ever been in a bad relationship? You know the kind, it just wears you down. You settle in even though deep down you know this is not how it's supposed to be. Well, that is what daily aches and pains can feel like. You stop expecting to feel good. You start thinking maybe this is just my life now. But it doesn't have to be with relief factor, you can break up with pain just like Anthony did. He wrote, quote, I was dealing with debilitating pain and fatigue. I I've been taking relief factor for about two months and now I'm back to running my business, fishing, gardening, doing the things that really matter to me. And listen, maybe it's your back pain, knee issues or stiffness that's slowing you down. Well, relief factor may help give you your mobility back. Relief factor is 100% drug free and it targets the inflammation that causes pain. So you can move better, you can feel better and actually enjoy your life again. Try the three week quick start for just $19.95. Go to relieffactor.com or call 804, the number 4 relief 804 relief. Break up with pain and get back to what matters. CBS News finally airing its delayed report on El Salvador's Sicot prison. The segment focusing on the Trump administration's decision to transfer certain deported illegals, many accused of gang ties, into the terrorism confinement center in El Salvador as part of a broader effort to dismantle violent transnational gangs like Trenda Aragua Back in December, CBS editor in chief Bari Weiss abruptly pulling the piece just hours before broadcast, triggering a reported newsroom revolt and accusations of censorship. Weiss, who took over editorial leadership of CBS News last year, defending the decision at the time, finding the report not ready for air, citing alleged concerns over editorial balance and lack of an on camera response from the Trump administration, which CBS staffers found an odd reason to spike a 60 Minutes piece because it effectively gives a subject veto rights over a story, allowing the government to avoid a tough piece by never giving an on camera response. Correspondent Sharon Alfonsi, who reported the piece, sending an internal memo challenging the decision, writing, quote, the public will correctly identify this as corporate censorship. 60 Minutes anchor Scott Pelley accusing Weiss, who has no television producing experience, of spiking the piece without having bothered to attend any one of the five previous screenings of it. The controversy landing as Weiss herself struggles to establish credibility among her new staffers, with critics viewing her appointment a promotion from the small politically moderate online outlet the Free Press as an attempt to signal political moderation and also as a move meant to placate President Trump by choosing an editorial chief who is non woke at least sort of ahead of a Skydance acquisition of cbs, which needed government approval since taking over. Weiss facing pressure with experimental town halls, including one she hosted which failed in the ratings and overseeing the relaunch of CBS Evening News with Tony Dokapoul, whose nightly program's ratings are already headed in the wrong direction. Fast forward to this week after all that hullabaloo, CBS finally airing its much debated CCOT piece, zeroing in on two illegals deported to the El Salvadoran prison. The big changes an odd nearly three minute anchor tag quoting bits and pieces of Trump administration written statements, but still not featuring an on camera comment. Alfonsi remaining clearly skeptical of the administration's framing that these two illegals were Venezuelan gang members. Alfonsi questioning whether a swastika tattoo on one of the men suggests gang involvement and quoting gang experts who say the symbol is irrelevant to the trenda Aragua gang. K In other words, the big delay and ugly internal fight was all ultimately just to add a long tag that did more attempted undermining of the administration's arguments. Welcome to the new cbs. Same as the old one. Brace yourself for plummeting temperatures this weekend as winter tightens its grip on much of the country. Meteorologist Ryan Shoptaw of 3News in Corpus Christi, Texas, reporting confidence is growing that a powerful blast of arctic air is set to engulf much of the nation, with multiple forecast models now in agreement. The Northern Plains and Midwest already experiencing bitter cold, set to remain locked in Arctic temperatures through next week. Wintry conditions already leading to an over 100 vehicle pile up in Michigan. Miraculously, local officials reporting no fatalities, rescue crews there requiring snowmobiles to access stranded passengers from the lengthy crash site. Beginning Friday, the cold front is forecast to push farther south, arriving in Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky before racing into Texas, Louisiana and the Southeast by Friday night. That surge of frigid air bringing strong winds and what could be the coldest temperatures many southern states have seen so far this season. Chaptaw also saying some parts of the south, particularly from North Texas into Oklahoma and eastward, could see snow depending on the track of the storm system. NBC reporting parts of the Northeast by Sunday could experience wind chills as cold as 30 below zero, with areas as cold as 50 below zero. 50, I say. Along with the potential for ice and snow, hazardous travel conditions could impact millions of Americans this weekend. Bundle up and stay safe out there and don't forget to make arrangements for your elderly relatives just in case the power goes out. 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 megankelly and on all podcast platforms.

[F]

Did you know that parents rank financial literacy as the number one most difficult life skill to teach? Meet Greenlight, the debit card and money app for families. With Greenlight, you can set up chores, automate allowance and keep an eye on your kids spending with real time notifications. Kids learn to earn, save and spend wisely and parents can rest easy knowing their kids are learning about money with guardrails in place. Sign up for Greenlight [e-mail] podcast.