The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update 3/20, 2025

Release Date: March 20, 2025

1. Domestic Terrorism Against Tesla

DOJ Investigation and Attorney General's Statement

The episode opens with Megyn Kelly addressing a surge in vandalism targeting Tesla vehicles across the nation. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is actively investigating these attacks, categorizing them as domestic terrorism. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Tuesday that several perpetrators have been charged, facing up to five-year mandatory minimum sentences. Bondi emphasized the severity of these acts, stating, “DOJ has already charged several perpetrators with that meaning terror in mind” (01:15).

Elon Musk's Response

Elon Musk responded to the attacks on Tuesday night, expressing confusion and attributing the vandalism to broader, possibly orchestrated efforts. Musk stated, “Tesla is a peaceful company. We've never done anything harmful… I think there are larger forces at work as well” (02:32). He suggested that the hostility stems from Tesla’s success in eliminating corruption and waste, implying that these achievements have provoked backlash.

Details of the Vandalism

Megyn detailed incidents from Las Vegas, where at least five Tesla vehicles were destroyed by fire, and rounds were fired at a Tesla store. The assailant also spray-painted "resist" in red on the storefront (02:58). Similar acts occurred in Colorado, with transgender activist Lucy Grace Nelson arrested for throwing Molotov cocktails at a Tesla dealership and vandalizing the property. These attacks have been reported in at least ten states, as well as in England and Germany.

Jimmy Kimmel's Commentary

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel weighed in, humorously addressing the situation: “Please don’t vandalize Tesla vehicles. Don’t ever vandalize Tesla vehicles” (03:40). He also mentioned the impact on Tesla’s stock, noting it was “way down, almost disastrously” due to the ongoing vandalism.

Doge Quest's Anti-Tesla Campaign

Megyn discussed the emergence of Doge Quest, a group publishing a website that not only maps Tesla dealerships and charging stations but also exposes personal information of Tesla owners. The site encourages creative protest methods and provides guidance on evading online detection. Tesla owners affected by Doge Quest can request removal of their information by proving their vehicles have been sold. Additionally, progressive activists are rallying outside Tesla facilities through platforms like ActionNetwork.org, urging actions such as selling Tesla stocks and joining picket lines. This campaign has contributed to Tesla's stock decline, which is hovering in the low to mid-200 range, about a 50% drop from December’s high (05:30).

2. Deportation Case of Mahmoud Khalil

Background and Legal Proceedings

Megyn Kelly shifted focus to the high-profile deportation case of Mahmoud Khalil, a former agitator at Columbia University. Arrested nearly two weeks prior by Homeland Security agents, Khalil is accused of involvement with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a pro-Palestinian group. This group orchestrated a takeover of Columbia’s Hamilton Hall, holding maintenance workers hostage and demanding the university divest from Israeli-linked companies. Although Khalil was not directly involved in the takeover, he played a significant role in establishing a Gaza Solidarity encampment and negotiating for the group’s demands. His involvement in advocating for what he termed “armed resistance” against Hamas has led Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revoke his green card, citing national security concerns necessary under U.S. law for deportation (05:30).

Khalil's Defense and Legal Challenges

Donna Lieberman, Khalil’s attorney, argued that his arrest violates his First Amendment rights and due process, labeling it an attempt to suppress free speech. “If they can disappear somebody for doing nothing but having ideas that the government disapproves of, it is. It should be terrifying to Everybody” (07:37). Khalil, from his detention center, penned a letter asserting his arrest was a direct consequence of advocating for a free Palestine and accused the Trump administration of targeting him to suppress dissent (08:19).

Court Proceedings and Venue Decision

U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman ruled that Khalil’s case would move to New Jersey, the state where he was detained, rather than the more liberal Southern District of New York initially sought by his lawyers. This decision was influenced by the timing and location of his detention (08:19).

3. Trump's Crackdown on Title IX Violations

Suspension of Federal Funds to UPenn

The Trump administration has taken a staunch stance against what it perceives as violations of Title IX, particularly regarding biological males participating in female sports divisions. A significant move includes suspending approximately $175 million in federal funds to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn). This action follows UPenn student Leah Thomas’s 2022 D1 swimming title win in the women’s division, the first by a biological male, which sparked controversy and led to claims of unfair advantage (12:05).

Executive Order and Institutional Responses

President Trump's executive order mandates that federal agencies withhold funding from institutions that allow biological males to compete in female sports or use female facilities. UPenn has responded by asserting full compliance with all regulations and denying any violations. An unnamed White House official confirmed that the funding freeze targets funds from the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services, totaling about $1 billion in federal funding to UPenn last year (14:17).

Case Study: Maine Department of Education

Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services’ civil rights office found the Maine Department of Education and Greeley High School in violation of Title IX after a biological male student won a state pole vaulting championship. President Trump publicly reprimanded Maine Governor Janet Mills, emphasizing compliance with the executive order or facing complete withdrawal of federal funding (14:40).

4. Civil Rights Complaint Over Locker Room Policy

Nicole Georges’ Complaint

Nicole Georges, a mother from Deerfield, Illinois, filed a civil rights complaint with the DOJ on behalf of her 13-year-old daughter. She alleges that her daughter was forced to change in front of a biological male in the girls' locker room, violating her civil liberties. According to Georges, school administrators allowed the male student to use female facilities based on his gender identity, leading to discomfort and inappropriate actions by school staff, including making the girls change into uniforms under supervision (12:15).

Support and Opposition

Charlies Friedman, director of Trans Upfront, defended the school’s actions, emphasizing support for trans students and compliance with Illinois state law. Conversely, Jess Holzman, a self-described queer and non-binary activist, controversially supported the school’s actions, claiming that “middle school girls do better when boys are allowed to watch them undress” (15:12).

Legal and Community Reactions

Megyn highlighted the polarized responses from the community and activists following Georges’ complaint, underscoring the ongoing national debate over transgender rights in educational settings.

5. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer Under Fire

Calls for Resignation

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing increasing pressure from his Democratic colleagues to resign. The discord stems from his recent decision to advance a GOP bill related to a government shutdown, which House Democrats believe undermined strategic concessions. Nancy Pelosi criticized Schumer’s approach, stating, “I myself don't give away anything for nothing” (16:31).

Internal Democratic Division

While some House Democrats advocate for challenging Schumer in future primaries, others, like Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan, defend his leadership, suggesting that constituent support mitigates internal pressures (17:06). The tension highlights fractures within the Democratic Party regarding leadership and legislative strategy.

Schumer’s Defense

Jimmy Kimmel relayed Schumer’s defense of his actions, noting Schumer’s commitment to passing legislation despite potential backlash: “One of the things I am known to be very good at is how to win Senate seats” (17:06). Schumer canceled his book tour citing security concerns, but remains active in defending his position publicly.

Conclusion

Megyn Kelly’s AM Update on March 20, 2025, delved into the escalating domestic terrorism targeting Tesla, the controversial deportation case of Mahmoud Khalil, the Trump administration’s stringent enforcement of Title IX regulations, and internal conflicts within the Democratic Party surrounding Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The episode highlighted significant political and social tensions, offering listeners a comprehensive overview of pressing national issues.

Notable Quotes

• Elon Musk (02:32): “Tesla is a peaceful company. We've never done anything harmful… I think there are larger forces at work as well.”

• Donna Lieberman (07:37): “If they can disappear somebody for doing nothing but having ideas that the government disapproves of, it is. It should be terrifying to Everybody.”

• Charlie Friedman (14:40): “We partner with over 30 major organizations, including the ACLU, Lambda Legal, HRC, et cetera.”

• Jess Holzman (15:12): “Middle school girls do better when boys are allowed to watch them undress.”

• Nancy Pelosi (16:31): “I myself don't give away anything for nothing.”

This summary is intended to provide an overview of the discussed topics for those who have not listened to the episode. All timestamps correspond to the moments in the provided transcript.