Domestic Terrorism Targeting Tesla, Trump Cracking Down on Title IX Violations: AM Update 3/20

Summary

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

Release Date: March 20, 2025

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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).

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Thursday, March 20, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

Please don't vandalize. Don't ever vandalize.

[Megyn Kelly]

Tesla vehicles and so high profile Democrats egg on anti Tesla behavior as acts of vandalism against the electric car company sweep the nation. The battle to deport Columbia University student agitator Mahmoud Khalil finds a venue for.

[Nicole Georges]

Its multiple teachers all came into the girls locker room making them change into uniform.

[Megyn Kelly]

A mom files a civil rights complaint on behalf of her 13 year old daughter allegedly forced to change in front of a biological male at school and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is in hot water. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. Aren't you tired of the corporate media prioritizing certain narratives over the facts? I was too. And that's why we started this show to have real conversations full of tough questions to get to the truth. And it's also why I want to tell you about Ground News, an independent app and website not at the mercy of corporate control. They prioritize transparency so you can compare coverage on any issue and think for yourself instead of letting someone else think for you. They even show important stories that the other side is ignoring. Go to groundnews.commegan to see it all in action. With so many outlets suppressing conservative views and ignoring facts, Ground News is more important than ever. Track all of your most trusted independent sources there so you never miss out on the story shaping our world. Right now you can get 40% off their vantage plan, knocking the price down to just five bucks a month. Go to groundnews.com Megan that's G-R-O-U-N-Dnews.com Megan to invest in your ability to think critically about the news. The DOJ investigating increased attacks on tv, Tesla dealerships, charging stations and vehicles as acts of domestic terrorism. Attorney General Pam Bondi releasing a statement on Tuesday, reading in part, quote, the DOJ has already charged several perpetrators with that meaning terror in mind, including in cases that involve charges with five year mandatory minimum sentences since Doge, unofficially headed by Elon Musk, began slashing waste, fraud and abuse. The car company also owned by Musk, now the target of waves of vandalism. Musk responding to the attacks on Tuesday night.

[Elon Musk]

Tesla is a peaceful company. We've never done anything harmful. I've never done anything harmful. I've only done productive things. There's some kind of mental illness thing going on here because this doesn't make any sense. I think there are larger forces at work as well. I mean, I don't know who's funding it and who's coordinating it. The reason we're seeing this extreme amount of hatred and violence is because we're actually succeeding in getting rid of corruption and waste. If we weren't succeeding in getting rid of corruption and waste, they wouldn't care.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Tuesday in Las Vegas, at least five vehicles destroyed by fire with at least three rounds fired at a Tesla store, the assailant spray painting the word resist in red across the storefront. Last month, a transgender activist, Lucy Grace Nelson, a biological male arrested on charges of malicious destruction of property. Nelson accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles at a Colorado Tesla dealership and spray painting Nazi cars on the building. Similar attacks reported across at least 10 states and in other countries like England and Germany, the acts of vandalism sarcastically condemned by ABC late night host Jimmy.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

Kimmel Tesla stock is way down, almost disastrously. So people, people have been vandalizing Tesla vehicles, new Tesla vehicles. Plus, please don't vandalize. Don't ever vandalize Tesla vehicles.

[Megyn Kelly]

And so a group called Doge Quest publishing a website earlier this week showing not just the locations of dealerships and charging stations, but also exposing personal information of Tesla owners. The site stating at Doge Quest, we believe in empowering, creative expressions of protest that you can execute from the comfort of your own home. Users are encouraged to visit a self described anarchist website providing guidance on evading detection online. Tesla owners whose personal information is posted to DogeQuest can request removal, but only with proof their vehicle has been sold. Progressive activists without a stomach for online harassment or vandalism are encouraged to rally outside of Tesla facilities. Many of the events coordinated on the progressive platform actionnetwork.org, the Tesla takedown page of the site, encouraging users to quote, sell your Tesla's dump your stock, join the picket line. Another reading quote, we're tanking Tesla's stock price to stop musk. Tesla stock prices hovering in the low to mid-200 this week, about a 50% drop from the high in December. Former Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walsh, supporting the anti Tesla campaign at a recent town hall event, saying on my phone, I know some of you know.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

This on the iPhone they've got that little stock app. I added Tesla to it to give me a little boost during the day 225 and dropping.

[Megyn Kelly]

So Tesla employs more than 120,000Americans and is one of the most valuable companies in the world Even with the recent drop in stock price, the Manhattan federal judge overseeing the deportation case of Mahmoud Khalil, the former Columbia University agitator ordering the case moved to New Jersey. Mr. Khalil arrested nearly two weeks ago outside his New York home by Homeland Security agents. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoking Mr. Khalil's green card, retaliating against his participation in a student group which reportedly sympathizes with Hamas, a US Designated terror organization. Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a pro Palestinian group, staged a takeover of Columbia's Hamilton hall last year, effectively holding two maintenance workers hostage for a time, breaking windows, damaging school property and disrupting campus life, particularly for Jewish students. The group presented a long list of demands, chiefly Colombia's divestment from all Israeli linked companies or else. Ultimately, NYPD officers called in, arresting around 300 people. While there's no evidence Mr. Khalil participated in that takeover, he was involved in the creation of a Gaza Solidarity encampment on Columbia's campus and acted as the lead negotiator for these groups attempting to secure their demands with Columbia faculty. Mr. Khalil has been seen on video referring to the October 7 Hamas terror attack in Israel as, quote, armed resistance. Secretary of state Rubio determining Mr. Khalil's activity, quote, would have serious adverse foreign policy consequences for the United states, which under U.S. law, is all that's needed to deport a green card holder. Donna Lieberman, attorney for Mr. Khalil on CNN, framing the arrest as a violation of her client's First Amendment freedom and right to due process.

[Donna Lieberman]

This is all about the First Amendment and it's all about due process. You know, they have, they kidnapped this man, this young student father to be in any minute now, based on an accusation that he has the wrong political ideas and it's an attempt to bully the rest of us into being quiet and going with the administration's program. Last I heard, we were a democracy. This attempt to quell free speech is absolutely terrifying. If they can disappear somebody for doing nothing but having ideas that the government disapproves of, it is. It should be terrifying to Everybody.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Wednesday, Mr. Khalil penning a letter from his detention center, reading in part, quote, my arrest was a direct consequence of exercising my right to free speech as I advocated for a free Palestine. The Trump administration is targeting me as part of a broader strategy to suppress dissent. He also said he's being deported due to, quote, racism. U.S. district Judge Jesse Furman writing in his order, quote, a person challenging his detention is required to file that petition in the federal district, where he is detained at the time of filing. Mr. Khalil's lawyers wanted this case to be heard in the very liberal Southern District of New York, where it was as of yesterday, prosecutors asked for a federal venue in Louisiana. Much more conservative, the court finding a middle ground for venue. New Jersey. Khalil was held at a New Jersey detention center at the time his lawyer filed the petition. His next court date is March 27th. Coming up, the Trump administration taking more action over allowing males to participate in female sports divisions. Growing calls from House Democrats demanding Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer step down. All that and more coming up in just a moment. So many people these days are focusing on getting healthy. And speaking of health, let me tell you about Jacob and Kristin, the founders of We Heart Nutrition. They are raising five kids while running a company that's helping hardworking Americans live the American dream. We Heart Nutrition makes high quality, research backed supplements for women and men at every stage of life, helping you stay strong, energized and hitting your wellness goals. But this is not just another supplement company. They are proudly Pro Life, donating 10% of every sale to pregnancy care centers supporting moms and babies in need. They have over 10005 star reviews from real people seeing real results. Go to weheartnutrition.com and take their quick 20 second quiz to get your personalized supplement subscription recommendation delivered right to your door each month. And right now they're giving you 20% off your first order with the code Megan. Invest in your health and go to weheartnutrition.com, use the code Megan to get 20% off. That's weheartnutrition.com code Megan the Trump administration announcing a suspension of about 175 million in federal funds for the Ivy League League's University of Pennsylvania. UPENN was the home to Leah Thomas, who in 2022 became the first biological male to win a D1 title in a women's division swimming the 500 yard freestyle. He had been a lackluster swimmer in the Men's league. President Trump's executive order protecting women's sports bars, biological males from competing in female athletic leagues or from using women's facilities. The order directs federal agencies to withhold funding from any school, violating the policy reinforcing Title IX protections for women. A UPENN spokesperson responding to the freeze saying, we have been in the past and remain today in full compliance with the regulations that apply to not only Penn, but all of our NCAA and Ivy League peer institutions. Really, an unnamed senior White House official telling CBS Philadelphia. The funding cut will come from money the Department of Defense and Health and Human Services had been funneling to UPenn, which received some 1 billion in total federal funding last year, according to the Daily Pennsylvanian, a student newspaper. So this is not a penalty resulting from the Department of Education's probe under Title 9. That investigation appears to be ongoing. The White House's rapid response account posting the story along with the caption Promises made, Promises Kept and speaking of the Department of Health and Human Services, its civil rights office earlier this week finding the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals association and Greeley High School in Violation of Title 9. A biological male representing Greeley High School placed first in a state pole vaulting championship on February 17, a week and a half after President Trump signed the Keeping Men out of Women's Sports executive order. The biologically male student in question beat the second place girl by more than six inches. President Trump putting a national spotlight on the story at a governor's luncheon just days later, directly calling out Maine Governor Janet Mills, is the Maine here the governor of Maine? Are you not going to comply with it? I'm complying with state and federal laws. Well, I'm we are the federal law. Well you better do it. You better do it because you're not going to get any federal funding at all if you don't. HHS's civil rights office allowing the Maine Department of Education, the Maine Principals association and Greeley High School 10 days to comply with President Trump's executive order or risk referral to the doj. A mother in Deerfield, Illinois speaking out against her child's school for alleged Title IX violations as well. Nicole Georges alleges her 13 year old daughter witnessed a biological male using the female locker room at her Middle School. Ms. Georgia says her daughter complained to school administrators and was told the student was allowed to use the female facilities because he now identifies as female. Ms. Georges describing what allegedly happened next at a recent school board meeting a.

[Nicole Georges]

Few days later, the male student was present in the girls locker room. Feeling violated, the girls made the choice to not change into their PE clothes with a biological male student present. The next day, Assistant Principal Kathy vantrece pulled the girls into their office questioning them. The same day, Assistant Superintendent Joanna Ford, Kathy Van Treese and multiple teachers all came into the girls locker room, making them change into uniform.

[Megyn Kelly]

If that is true, the school may have committed a crime. Ms. George is stating that the principal offered to switch her daughter into a new PE class, which was rejected. Ms. George's remarks at the school board met with booze from local activists. The next speaker in favor of allowing trans students in female spaces, making a veiled threat against the school board.

[Charlie Friedman]

My name is Charlie Friedman. My pronouns are they he. I'm a trans person. I am the parent of a trans middle schooler. I am also the director of operations for Trans Upfront. It's a nonprofit organization fighting for trans rights. We partner with over 30 major organizations, including the ACLU, Lambda Legal, HRC, et cetera. If needed, we'd be happy to dig in to contact our coalition to make sure that the board is supported in doing the right thing for the right reasons and following Illinois state law, Another.

[Megyn Kelly]

Woman in favor of forcing girls to change in front of biological boys, Jess Holzman said research shows that middle school girls, quote, do better when boys are allowed to watch them undress in school locker rooms, reports the Lake County Gazette. Ms. Holzman describes herself as a queer, non binary, consensually non monogamous, intersectional feminist, anti racist activist, educator and scholar. Okay. Ms. George has filed a civil rights complaint with the DOJ on behalf of her minor daughter. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer facing growing calls to step down from his fellow Democrats in the House so far not the Senate Congressional Democrats outraged with Senator Schumer's handling of the continuing resolution. Last week, Mr. Schumer voting to advance the GOP bill to the floor, arguing a bad bill is worse than what he thinks Elon Musk and Doge could do during a government shutdown. House Democrats believe Mr. Schumer should have allowed the government to shut down in order to force some concessions from Republicans. House Speaker Emeritus Nancy Pelosi On Tuesday criticizing Mr. Schumer's decision, I myself don't give away anything for nothing and I think that's what happened the other day.

[Donna Lieberman]

We could have in my view perhaps.

[Megyn Kelly]

Gotten them to agree, agree to a third way, which was a bipartisan CR for two weeks, two four weeks in which we could have had bipartisan legislation to go forward. Axios reporting Wednesday, more calls to resign could follow one Democrat Rep. Saying, quote, I think there are some already there but just haven't been asked directly or avoided the question. Senator Schumer, who earlier this week canceled his book tour citing alleged security concerns, instead making the media rounds defending his leadership position.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

I believe so strongly I did the right thing when I was majority leader and under Biden's presidency we passed more legislation in 2022 than before. When you're a leader, sometimes you have to do things that you know are right despite the consequences. I have always said people in politics, the higher up you climb, the more fierce the winds blow. One of the things I am known to be very good at is how to win Senate seats. Look, winning in 2026 in the House and Senate, which could stop Trump once and for all, is vitally important.

[Megyn Kelly]

A senior House Democrat telling Axios, quote, his popularity is hovering somewhere between Elon Musk and the Ebola virus. Some House members reportedly urging New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez to launch a primary bid against Senator Schumer in 2028. Not all House Dems fully soured on Schumer, however. Wisconsin Congressman Mark Pocan saying anger toward the minority leader is, quote, a bit of an inside the beltway conversation. Mr. Pocan saying his constituents understand Mr. Schumer's position. And that'll do it for your AM update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM Triumph channel 111@neweast on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms.

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[Jimmy Kimmel]

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