Elon's Email Drama, Trump vs. Maine Governor, and a German Election Surprise: AM Update for 2/24

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: In-Depth Summary of "Elon's Email Drama, Trump vs. Maine Governor, and a German Election Surprise: AM Update for 2/24"

Release Date: February 24, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly
Podcast: The Megyn Kelly Show
Episode Title: Elon's Email Drama, Trump vs. Maine Governor, and a German Election Surprise: AM Update for 2/24

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1. Elon's Email Controversy and Federal Employee Backlash

The episode opens with a discussion on the recent turmoil sparked by an email sent by Elon Musk, referred to derogatorily as the "Doge guy," to all federal employees. The email's subject line, "What did you do last week?", demanded recipients to outline five accomplishments from the previous week. Although Musk later claimed via an X (formerly Twitter) post that failure to respond would be considered a resignation, the initial email did not contain this ultimatum, leading to widespread confusion and backlash.

Key Points:

• Power Struggle: The email has ignited a potential power struggle between Musk's team and high-level cabinet officials, with concerns about Musk's overreach into federal operations.

• Political Reactions:

  • Senator John Curtis of Utah expressed frustration, stating, "If I could say one thing to Elon Musk, it's like, please put a dose of compassion in these are real people. These are real lives. These are mortgages." ([02:43]) He criticized Musk for creating a hostile work environment and jeopardizing employees' livelihoods.

  • Unnamed Political Commentator condemned Musk's actions as "another example of total chaos, all caused by unelected Doge guy Elon Musk." ([00:09])

• Mixed Departmental Responses:

  • New FBI Director Kash Patel instructed his team not to comply with Musk's request.
  • The Department of Defense issued similar directives, while the HHS, under Bobby Kennedy, temporarily verified the email's legitimacy before reversing the stance.

• Elon's Defense: Musk defended his actions, claiming, "a significant number of people who are supposed to be working for the government are doing so little work that they're not checking their email at all. There is outright fraud in the system." ([03:14])

• Media Coverage:

  • Sam Stein of The Bulwark reported that federal employees were advised by their agency heads to refrain from responding until further guidance was provided, highlighting the confusion and division within federal agencies.

• Legal Authority Questioned: An Unnamed Political Commentator questioned Musk's authority, asserting, "Elon Musk has zero legal authority to fire government employees or force their resignations." ([03:04])

2. President Trump's Confrontation with Maine Governor Janet Mills

The conversation shifts to President Donald Trump's clash with Maine Governor Janet Mills regarding his controversial executive order aimed at banning men from competing in women's sports.

Key Points:

• Executive Order Details: On February 6, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Keeping Men out of Women's Sports," mandating the rescindment of federal funds from educational institutions that do not adhere to male exclusion in female sports categories. This order enforces gender identity restrictions in sports participation and locker room access.

• Governor Mills' Response: Governor Mills refused to comply, asserting, "I'm complying with state and federal laws." ([04:48]) She argued that the executive order conflicted with the Maine State Human Rights Act, which protects individuals based on gender identity. The Maine Principals Association affirmed adherence to state law, emphasizing inclusivity regardless of gender identity.

• Trump's Ultimatum: President Trump retorted, "You better do it because you're not going to get any federal funding at all if you don't." ([04:50]) He threatened legal action, expressing confidence in prevailing in court and suggesting Governor Mills might exit elected politics.

• Department of Education's Stance: The Office of Civil Rights initiated an investigation into potential violations of Title IX, emphasizing compliance as a condition for continued federal funding. However, conflicting messages emerged as the NIH, part of HHS, later advised against compliance.

• Gobernatorial Defiance: Governor Mills remained steadfast, declaring, "The state of Maine will not be intimidated by the President's threats. [...] Ultimately, the courts will have the final say." ([05:21])

3. Trump Administration's Restructuring of Military Leadership

A significant focus is placed on President Trump's decision to replace key military leaders, notably General Charles C.Q. Brown as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Key Points:

• Leadership Changes: General Brown, the second black man to hold the position, was replaced by Lieutenant General Dan Raisin Cain, alongside the replacement of five other Admirals and Generals.

• Controversy and Backlash: The removal of General Brown, a proponent of diversity and equity initiatives, has been met with criticism. An Unnamed Political Commentator highlighted the negative optics, stating, "The optics here don't look great. CQ Brown was only the second black man to ever hold that position." ([07:52])

• President Trump's Justification: Trump praised General Brown's service but proceeded with the dismissals to align military leadership with his administration's priorities. He expressed gratitude for Brown's "over 40 years of service" and wished him well ([10:12]).

• Historical Context: The episode references past instances where presidents have dismissed high-ranking military officials, such as President Harry Truman firing General Douglas MacArthur and President Barack Obama removing General Stanley McChrystal, drawing parallels to Trump's actions.

• Focus on Merit-Based Policies: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a task force to promote merit-based, colorblind policies within the military, signaling a shift away from previous diversity and inclusion efforts.

• Retired Lt. Gen. Dan Raisin Cain's Appointment: General Cain, noted for his nonpartisan reputation and distinguished military service, including his role as an F16 fighter pilot during 9/11 and as a senior officer at the CIA, is set to replace Brown. However, his confirmation may require a waiver due to his relatively junior positions under law.

• Trump's Support for Cain: President Trump lauded Cain's strategic insights, recounting an anecdote where Cain assured him that ISIS could be defeated in a week, demonstrating Cain's tactical competence ([10:12]).

4. Prospects for Peace in Ukraine and U.S. Involvement

The episode delves into the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting President Volodymyr Zelensky's unexpected comments about his potential resignation and the conditions for peace.

Key Points:

• Zelensky's Remarks: At a Ukrainian conference, President Zelensky stated, "If you really want me to leave my post, I'm ready. Alternatively, I can trade this for NATO membership if such conditions exist immediately so we don't have lengthy discussions." ([12:45]) This statement indicates a willingness to resign in exchange for tangible security guarantees.

• Trump Administration's Stance: The administration remains skeptical about NATO membership as a condition for peace due to Russia's vehement opposition to NATO's expansion. Russian President Vladimir Putin views NATO's growth towards Russian borders as an existential threat.

• NATO's Consensus Requirement: Any admission of a new member requires unanimous approval from all existing NATO members, complicating the possibility of swift expansion to include Ukraine.

• Economic Security Guarantee: Treasury Secretary Scott Besant proposed an alternative approach focusing on an "economic security guarantee." He emphasized that by investing in Ukraine's economic future, the U.S. can create security benefits without deploying troops. Besant explained, "The more assets that US Companies have on the ground, the bigger interest that the US has in the future of Ukrainian economy doing well, the more security it creates for the Ukrainian people and the higher the return for the US taxpayer." ([14:30])

• Press Secretary Caroline Levitt's Update: Levitt conveyed optimism about ongoing negotiations aimed at a peaceful resolution, expressing confidence that an agreement could be reached soon ([14:05]).

• Implications for U.S.-Russia Relations: The administration's focus on economic incentives over military involvement aims to mitigate Russian objections while supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and economic stability.

5. German Parliamentary Elections and the Rise of the AfD

A surprising outcome in Germany's parliamentary elections has significant implications for European politics and international relations.

Key Points:

• Election Results: The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) coalition achieved a historic win, securing approximately 29% of the vote, thereby overtaking the Social Democratic Party (SPD), which garnered only 16%, a record low.

• Policy Directions: The center-right coalition advocates for:

  • Tax cuts and reduction of bureaucratic red tape.
  • Stricter immigration laws and expedited asylum processing.
  • Repealing laws aimed at eliminating fossil fuel-based heating systems in German homes.

• Rise of the AfD: The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a far-right group formed in 2013, captured just over 20% of the vote. The AfD's resurgence is alarming to many on the left and media, leading Germany's domestic intelligence agency to investigate the party as a suspected extremist organization.

• Elon Musk's Endorsement: Musk endorsed the AfD, describing it as "the last vestige of hope for Germany," highlighting his influence and the party's alignment with certain populist sentiments akin to the MAGA movement in the U.S.

• Political Dynamics: Despite the CDU/CSU and AfD together controlling 49% of the electorate, historical patterns in Germany suggest the two are unlikely to form a coalition, as the moderate right typically partners with the left while shunning far-right alliances.

• Vice President J.D. Vance's Commentary: Vance criticized the refusal to cooperate with far-right factions, asserting, "Democracy rests on the sacred principle that the voice of the people matters. There's no room for firewalls. You either uphold the principle or you don't." ([16:58])

• International Implications: The rise of the AfD could shift Germany's stance on European and global policies, potentially affecting NATO dynamics, EU cohesion, and relations with Russia and the U.S.

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Megyn Kelly navigates through a barrage of high-stakes political dramas:

1. Elon's Email Drama showcases the tensions between private tech leadership and federal agencies, raising questions about authority and the sanctity of federal operations.

2. Trump vs. Maine Governor highlights the ongoing cultural and legal battles over gender identity and federal versus state jurisdiction, reflecting broader national debates.

3. Military Leadership Changes underline the Trump administration's push to reshape the military hierarchy, potentially impacting diversity and operational integrity within the armed forces.

4. Ukraine Peace Prospects reveal the complexities of international diplomacy, balancing economic incentives against military involvement in pursuit of peace.

5. German Election Surprise signals a potential shift in European politics, with the rise of the AfD posing challenges to established democratic norms and alliances.

Throughout the episode, Megyn Kelly offers incisive commentary and facilitates discussions that shed light on these multifaceted issues, ensuring listeners are well-informed on critical developments shaping the political landscape.

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For those interested in delving deeper into these topics, tune in to The Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111, available live at noon ET, on YouTube.com, and across all major podcast platforms.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, February 24, 2025. This is your AM update.

[Unnamed Political Commentator]

Another example of total chaos, all caused by unelected Doge guy Elon Musk.

[Megyn Kelly]

DC Elites rankled by a Doge email sent to federal employees asking what did you do last week? And the possible beginnings of a power struggle between the Doge team and cabinet level officials.

[President Donald Trump]

You better do it because you're not going to get any federal funding at all if you don't.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump challenges the governor of Maine for flouting his executive order banning men from competing in women's sports, and then his Education Department's civil rights office makes it official. Press secretary Caroline Levitt says peace in Ukraine could come as early as this week, as President Zelensky suggests his resignation as a potential offering and a surprise result in the German elections. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

The email heard round the world on Saturday, every single federal employee received an email with the subject line what did you do last week? Employees are asked to respond with bullet points outlining five accomplishments from the previous week. On an X post, Elon Musk said failure to respond will be considered a letter of resignation. Notably, the body of the email sent to employees did not include that ultimatum, the move prompting massive outcry from politicians and media alike. Here's a little taste of what the Sunday shows sounded like starting with Republican Senator John Curtis of Utah. He followed Mitt Romney in that seat on Face the Nation.

[Senator John Curtis]

If I could say one thing to Elon Musk, it's like, please put a dose of compassion in these are real people. These are real lives. These are mortgages. It's a false narrative to say we have to cut and you have to be cruel to do it as well. We can do both.

[Megyn Kelly]

They're finding other ways to get people to either resign or create a pretext for them to be fired.

[Unnamed Political Commentator]

Elon Musk has zero legal authority to fire government employees or force their resignations. Again, another example of total chaos, all caused by unelected Doge guy Elon Musk.

[Megyn Kelly]

Elon Musk defending the move on X, writing, quote, a significant number of people who are supposed to be working for the government are doing so little work that they're not checking their email at all. Mr. Musk says there is outright fraud in the system. The Doge team believes non existent people or the identities of dead people are being used to collect paychecks. Reaction among Trump department heads is mixed. Sam Stein of the Bulwark and anti Trump media outlet reporting on Saturday. Basically every federal employee I've talked to tonight has said their agency head has encouraged them not to respond to the Musk email until they get more guidance. New FBI Director Kash Patel sent an email to his employees telling them not to comply with the request. The Department of Defense too sent out a similar letter to its employees. Hhs, headed by Bobby Kennedy, sent an email on Sunday morning verifying the legitimacy of the email, urging employees to reply. But nih, which is under hhs, writing to staff an hour later saying do not comply. The federal government employs about 2.1 million civilians. The deadline for response is set for 11:59pm tonight. President Trump clashing with Maine Governor Janet Mills at a session held by the national association of Governors on Friday. As part of his remarks to state leaders, Mr. Trump called out Governor Mills for her state's lack of compliance with his executive order banning males from competing in female sports.

[President Donald Trump]

Are you not going to comply with it?

[Megyn Kelly]

I'm complying with state and federal laws.

[President Donald Trump]

Well, 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. And by the way, your population, even though it's somewhat liberal, although I did very well there, your population doesn't want men playing in women's sports. So you better come, you better comply because otherwise you're not getting any federal funding every state. Good. I'll see you in court. I look forward to that. That should be a real easy one. And enjoy your life after Governor, because I don't think you'll be in elected politics.

[Megyn Kelly]

On February 6, President Trump signed the executive order titled Keeping Men out of Women's Sports. The order requires federal funds to be rescinded from schools and educational programs that fail to provide fair female only sporting opportunities. It means no boys on the girls field and no boys in the girls locker room. The day after the order was signed, the head of the Maine Principals Association, Mike Burnham, told a local Maine outlet, quote, the executive order and our Maine State Human Rights act are in conflict and the Maine Principles association will continue to follow state law as it pertains to gender identity. The Maine State Human Rights act provides protection based on gender identity, which means men who are pretending to be women and vice versa. The Maine Principles association is the governing body overseeing student sports in the state. After the testy exchange at the White House, the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights sent a letter to the Maine Department of Education informing them of of an investigation into potential violations. Craig Traynor, acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, releasing a statement that reads in part, quote, let me be clear. If Maine wants to continue to receive federal funds from the Education Department, it has to follow Title 9. The Office of Civil Rights will do everything in its power to ensure taxpayers are not funding blatant civil rights violators. Governor Mills responding, quote, the state of Maine will not be intimidated by the President's threats. Maine received 250 million in federal funding this year. Ultimately, the courts will have the final say. President Trump bucking tradition, replacing the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman, General C.Q. brown with Air Force Lieutenant General Dan Raisin Cain. Five other Admirals and generals are also set up for replacement, including Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Lisa Frenchetti, the first woman to lead the Navy. The announcement posted to Truth Social this past Friday evening. President Trump writing, I want to thank General Charles C. Q Brown for his over 40 years of service to our country. He's a fine gentleman and an outstanding leader and I wish a great future for him and his family. General Brown replaced General Mark Milley as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of staff in September 2023. His removal prompted swift backlash in the media. The Trump Pentagon does not welcome black people. They're discouraging black people from joining.

[Unnamed Political Commentator]

The optics here don't look great. CQ Brown was only the second black man to ever hold that position.

[Megyn Kelly]

Brown has become a target for the Trump administration as they seek to rid the government and the military of leaders who support diversity and equity efforts. Prior to serving as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, General Brown served as Chief of Staff to the Air Force. President Trump nominated him to that position in March 2020. Upon confirmation later that year, the general became the first African American to lead a branch of the armed forces. Thanks to Mr. Trump. Under President Biden, General Brown became the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, a post with a four year term that would typically carry through a subsequent administration. However, the chairman does serve at the pleasure of the president, who can dismiss the chair if he so chooses. Vice President J.D. vance pointing out on X President Harry Truman fired General Douglas MacArthur. Mr. Obama fired General Stanley McChrystal. The second Trump administration is laser focused on rooting out diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from all facets of the federal government, but especially the military. In a 2020 address to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, General Brown stated, I hire for diversity because they all bring a different perspective. That same year, he made public remarks about difficulties he faced as a black man in the military.

[General C.Q. Brown]

I'm thinking about a history of racial issues and my own experiences that didn't always sing of liberty and equality. I'm thinking about my Air Force career where I was often the only African American in my squadron or as a senior officer, the only African American in the room. I'm thinking about wearing the same flight suit with the same wings on my chest as my peers and they being questioned by another military member. Are you a pilot?

[Megyn Kelly]

Upon taking office, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a task force focused on promoting merit based colorblind policies. Retired Lt. Gen. Dan Raisin Cain, President Trump's nominee to replace General Brown, first met the president in Iraq. The general captured President Trump's attention by telling him the US could defeat ISIS in a week, far sooner than the two years predicted by other generals, a story Mr. Trump recounted on the Joe Rogan podcast.

[President Donald Trump]

When I defeated ISIS with the greatest generals, I had a guy who was so great I flew to Iraq and I met the real generals, not these idiots that we deal with and we knocked out. You know, I defeated 100% of the ISIS caliphate. They said it would take five years. I did it in a matter of a few, literally a few weeks. And we hit them hard. And he said, so we're going to hit him here, we're going to hit him there, we're going to hit him here, there. And I said, this guy's great. I like this guy.

[Megyn Kelly]

Raisin Cain entered the military in 1990. He served as an F16 fighter pilot. On 9 11. He protected D.C. airspace. In addition to his service in Iraq, General Kaine was also a senior military officer at the CIA. CNN reports. General Kaine is well respected and seen among his peers as nonpartisan. General Kaine will need a waiver for confirmation since he has not held roles senior enough under the law and a stunner out of the FBI President Trump announcing on Truth Social last night that Dan Bongino, former Secret Service agent and former NYPD officer turned popular podcaster, has been named as Deputy Director of the FBI under Director Kash Patel. The president calling this great news for law enforcement and American justice. Coming up, potential for peace in Ukraine as early as this week and the surprise result in the German elections.

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[Megyn Kelly]

Today, President Zelensky with an unexpected answer at a conference in Ukraine, asked about his willingness to resign. The Ukrainian leader responding, quote, if you really want me to leave my post, I'm ready. Alternatively, I can trade this for NATO membership if such conditions exist immediately so we don't have lengthy discussions. He went on to say he does not intend to stay in power for decades. This comes on the heels of criticism from President Trump about the suspension of Ukrainian elections earlier last year. The US And Ukrainian president spent much of the last week trading barbs about the negotiation process with Russia. President Trump visibly growing more and more frustrated with the public complaints of President Zelensky as the US Works toward a peaceful resolution NATO membership is a non starter for the Trump administration in the approach to peace talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin sees the expansion of NATO to Russian borders as an existential threat. Hungary, Germany and more have also expressed concerns over admitting Ukraine into NATO according to Article 5 of the treaty. An attack on one member is an attack on all admittance into NATO requires unanimous approval from all member states. On Saturday evening, Press Secretary Caroline Levitt delivered an update on negotiations from outside the White House.

[President Donald Trump]

Right now the President, his team are very much focused on continuing negotiations with both sides of this war to end the conflict and the President is very confident, confident we can get it done.

[Megyn Kelly]

This week, as European leaders discuss sending their own troops as a post war security guarantee, the US Is taking a different approach. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant outlined some of the details on Fox Business Mornings with Maria yesterday.

[Treasury Secretary Scott Besant]

What it does not include is a military guarantee, but what it does include is an implicit guarantee that if the United States of America is heavily invested in the economic future, you know, I call it an economic security guarantee. The more assets that US Companies have on the ground, the bigger interest that the US has in the future of Ukrainian economy doing well, the more security it creates for the Ukrainian people and the more, the higher the return for.

[Megyn Kelly]

The US taxpayer an economic security assurance rather than US Boots on the ground. The results of the German parliamentary elections yesterday, marking a significant shift to the political right, but not all the way right. The center right, Christian Democratic Union. Christian Social Union, a united coalition of two parties winning about 29% of the vote, wresting control from the Social Democratic Party which won only 16%, a historic low. They want to cut taxes and red tape. They would advocate for stricter immigration laws and faster asylum processing. They aim to abolish a law that seeks to get rid of fossil fuel based heating systems in German homes. A very moderate right wing, similar to establishment Republican types in the US in second place, the AfD Alternative for Germany, earning just over 20% of the vote. The rise of the party formed in 2013 is of great concern to many on the left and in the media. People here feel deeply uncomfortable about allowing the far right to return to power. The nation's domestic intelligence agency is investigating the AfD as a suspected extremist organization. Elon Musk endorsed the party, calling it the last vestige of hope for Germany. The AfD is similar to the MAGA movement in America in some ways. Originally formed to oppose European financial bailouts, the party really began to rally its staunch opposition to Germany's open door refugee policy established by Chancellor Angela Merkel in 2015. Despite the fact that the Center Right party and the AfD now together control a combined 49% of the electorate, they are not likely to work together. In Germany, the moderate right and the left typically work together and refuse to cooperate with what they call the far right, a fact for which Vice President J.D. vance slammed them on their home turf just over a week ago.

[Vice President J.D. Vance]

What no democracy, American, German or European will survive is telling millions of voters that their thoughts and concerns, their aspirations, their pleas for relief are invalid or or unworthy of even being considered. Democracy rests on the sacred principle that the voice of the people matters. There's no room for firewalls. You either uphold the principle or you don't.

[Megyn Kelly]

What will this result mean for Ukraine and Russia and America? We'll stay on it and bring you the latest that will do it. For today's AM Update, I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show later today. Today live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms.