Epstein Files Letdown, Zelensky Goes to Washington, Tate Brothers Arrive in America: AM Update 2/28

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Epstein Files Letdown, Zelensky Goes to Washington, Tate Brothers Arrive in America: AM Update 2/28

Release Date: February 28, 2025

In the February 28, 2025 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delivers a comprehensive AM update covering significant political developments, high-profile legal cases, and controversial cultural events. This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, enriched with notable quotes and organized into clear sections for easy navigation.

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1. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Visit to the White House and the Ukraine Mineral Mining Agreement

The episode opens with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visiting the White House in anticipation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's arrival. The primary focus of Starmer's visit is to discuss and formalize a mineral mining agreement between the UK and the United States, which is pivotal in the ongoing war on Ukraine.

Key Discussions:

• Starmer’s Praise for the Trump Administration: Starmer commends President Trump for facilitating options for peace in the Ukrainian conflict, emphasizing the historic nature of the discussions.

  Keir Starmer (00:09): "This is a historic moment to make sure it's a lasting deal and we are about to have a discussion about how we can make that work."

• Zelenskyy's Perspective: While President Trump views the agreement as a significant security measure, President Zelenskyy sees it as a starting point rather than a comprehensive solution. Zelenskyy underscores the necessity of US security guarantees for Ukraine's stability.

  Volodymyr Zelenskyy (02:22): [Implied in discussions]

• Trump’s Economic Alliance as Security Guarantee: President Trump posits that a robust economic partnership with Ukraine serves as a sufficient security guarantee, a stance that has garnered mixed reactions internationally.

  Donald Trump (03:05): "President Zelensky is coming to see me on Friday morning, and we're going to be signing really a very important agreement for both sides..."

• Strengthening US-UK Relations: At a news conference, Prime Minister Starmer highlights the enduring strength of the US-UK alliance, despite criticisms from the political left regarding Trump’s rhetoric towards European allies.

  Keir Starmer (05:27): "Mr. President, I welcome your deep and personal commitment to bring peace and to stop the killing..."

Insights:

• The mineral mining agreement signifies a strategic economic collaboration aimed at bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities.
• President Trump's approach to international alliances emphasizes economic ties over traditional security assurances, which has led to increased cooperation among European nations in planning Ukraine's post-war defense.
• The solidarity between the US and UK remains robust, with Prime Minister Starmer assuring that their relationship is "as strong as ever."

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2. Release of the Epstein Files and Ongoing Investigations

Attorney General Pam Bondi announces the release of the first batch of Jeffrey Epstein's files, sparking significant public and media interest. However, the released documents have not provided the anticipated "smoking gun" evidence, leading to further inquiries into the withholding of additional files.

Key Discussions:

• Content of the Released Files: The initial release contains about 200 pages of documents, which Bondi acknowledges contain no new explosive evidence.

  Pam Bondi (02:22): "Some of the information in here is already public, and I don't really feel that any of this information is a smoking gun."

• Allegations of Withholding Information: Bondi reveals that thousands more pages related to Epstein remain with the FBI in New York, prompting her to issue a new deadline and demand an investigation into the delay.

  Megyn Kelly (05:06): "Pam writing a letter to Cat Cash Patel asking him to investigate why the FBI has stopped the release of other portions of the Epstein files."

• Public and Media Reaction: Journalists and right-wing commentators have expressed frustration over the incomplete release, with some alleging potential cover-ups.

Insights:

• The initial release of Epstein's files has failed to uncover definitive evidence, maintaining public skepticism about the transparency of the investigation.
• Attorney General Bondi is taking steps to ensure full disclosure by setting new deadlines and demanding accountability from the FBI.
• The situation underscores the complexities and challenges in prosecuting high-profile cases involving influential individuals.

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3. Controversial Return of Andrew and Tristan Tate to the United States

Controversial online influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate have returned to Florida after Romania lifted their travel ban. Their arrival has been met with condemnation from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, highlighting ongoing legal and ethical concerns surrounding their conduct.

Key Discussions:

• Background on the Tate Brothers: Arrested in December 2022 by Romanian authorities on charges of rape and sex trafficking, the Tate brothers were accused of exploiting women through deceptive romantic tactics and coercion into producing pornographic content.

  Megyn Kelly (08:30): "Investigators accused the brothers... of recruiting women through the lover boy method..."

• Legal Proceedings: After being held in pretrial detention and subsequently placed under house arrest, Romanian courts dismissed the case in December 2023 due to procedural irregularities. However, other investigations are still ongoing, necessitating their return to Romania for further legal actions.

• Governor DeSantis’ Response: Upon their arrival, DeSantis expressed strong disapproval of the Tate brothers' behavior and asserted that Florida does not tolerate such conduct.

  Ron DeSantis (09:41): "Florida is not a place where you're welcome with that type of conduct."

• Statements from the Tate Brothers: The brothers maintain their innocence, highlighting the dismissal of their case in Romania and lack of any criminal record.

  Andrew Tate (10:38): "We've yet to be convicted of any crime in our lives, ever..."

• US Government Involvement: Contradictory reports emerged regarding the US government's role in their return. Special envoy Rick Grenell denied involvement, and President Trump stated ignorance about their arrival.

  Donald Trump (11:27): "I know nothing about that. I don't know. You're saying he's on a plane right now, he's back?"

Insights:

• The Tate brothers remain polarizing figures, with significant legal challenges and societal backlash against their alleged misconduct.
• Florida's leadership, represented by Governor DeSantis, underscores a zero-tolerance policy towards individuals accused of exploiting and harming others.
• The conflicting narratives about US government involvement in their return reflect the complexities and sensitivities surrounding high-profile legal cases.

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4. Censure of Maine Representative Laurel Libby Over Girls’ Sports Post

In a controversial move, the Maine State Legislature censured Republican Representative Laurel Libby for her Facebook post featuring a minor in a girls' pole vaulting competition. This incident has reignited debates over gender eligibility in female sports.

Key Discussions:

• The Incident: Representative Libby posted a photo of a male student winning a girls' pole vault, accompanied by a critical caption questioning the legitimacy of his participation.

  Megyn Kelly (11:49): "Ms. Libby posted a picture of the athlete atop the podium next to the two female athletes he bested easily in the competition."

• Legislative Response: The Maine legislature voted 75 to 70 to censure Libby, deeming her actions as "reprehensible" and potentially endangering the student involved.

• Libby’s Defense: Libby argues that the event was public, the student participated voluntarily, and the photos were widely available online, including on state championship platforms.

  Laurel Libby (13:30): "The individual in question determined of his own free will to participate, and his photos are posted publicly on multiple websites."

• Impact on Libby’s Role: As a result of the censure, Libby is barred from voting or speaking on the legislative floor until she issues a public apology, which she has refused to do.

• Public Opinion and Polls: Polling indicates substantial support across political lines for banning biological males from competing in female sports, reflecting broader societal debates on gender and fairness in athletics.

Insights:

• The censure of Representative Libby highlights the contentious nature of gender eligibility in sports, balancing inclusivity with fairness and safety.
• The legislative action against Libby serves as a precedent for political accountability in matters intersecting with cultural and social issues.
• The public's divided stance underscores the complexity and sensitivity of implementing gender-based policies in competitive environments.

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5. Mysterious Death of Actor Gene Hackman and Wife in Santa Fe, New Mexico

A tragic and perplexing event unfolded with the deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife Betsy Arakawa, and one of their three dogs in their Santa Fe residence. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have raised suspicions and prompted thorough investigations.

Key Discussions:

• Discovery of the Bodies: A maintenance worker found the deceased in their home. Hackman was located in a mudroom, his wife in a bathroom near an open prescription bottle with scattered pills, and one dog in a closet.

  Megyn Kelly (13:50): "It appears that they had been deceased for some time."

• Investigation Findings: Authorities noted the absence of violent signs such as wounds or gunshots. Additionally, there were no indications of a gas leak, which has fueled speculations about carbon monoxide poisoning.

  New York Times Reporting: "There were no obvious signs of a gas leak in the home."

• Public and Family Reaction: Gene Hackman's daughter publicly questioned the possibility of carbon monoxide involvement, reflecting the family's concern and desire for clarity.

• Ongoing Investigations: Autopsies are pending, and investigators continue to search the premises to ascertain the cause of death.

  Sheriff's Office Spokesperson: "There's no indication either Gene Hackman or his wife had been shot or had any wounds."

• Legacy of Gene Hackman: At 95, Hackman was renowned for his illustrious acting career, with five Academy Award nominations and memorable roles in classics like "Bonnie and Clyde," "The French Connection," and "Hoosiers."

Insights:

• The mysterious nature of Hackman and his wife's deaths has captivated public attention, blending celebrity intrigue with unresolved investigative elements.
• The absence of clear evidence points to the necessity of comprehensive forensic analysis to determine the true cause.
• The case underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating non-violent yet suspicious deaths, especially involving high-profile individuals.

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Conclusion

The February 28, 2025 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show offers a multifaceted exploration of pressing political agreements, high-profile legal controversies, social debates, and mysterious tragedies. Through incisive discussions and pivotal insights, Megyn Kelly provides listeners with a thorough understanding of these complex issues impacting the political and cultural landscape.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Friday, February 28, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[Keir Starmer]

This is a historic moment to make sure it's a lasting deal and we about to have a discussion about how we can make that work.

[Megyn Kelly]

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visits the White House ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's arrival. Later today, the UK leader praising the Trump administration for bringing the option for peace to the table in the war on Ukraine. The first round of the Epstein files are released. What they say and what they don't know.

[Ron DeSantis]

Florida is not a place where, where you're welcome with that, with those that that type of conduct.

[Megyn Kelly]

Controversial online influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate returned to Florida to a less than warm welcome from the governor. And the main state legislature censures one of their own for posting a picture of a minor to Facebook with a political message. But there's a lot more to the story and a legendary actor found dead under what appear to be mysterious circumstances. We'll have a full report. It's all coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

[Pam Bondi]

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[Megyn Kelly]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky set to visit the White House today to formalize a mineral mining agreement with the US President Trump touting the agreement as very big, though Mr. Zelensky appears to see it as a starting line rather than a finishing line. At a news conference in Kiev on Wednesday, Mr. Zelensky said his country sees US security guarantees as vital. The current agreement has no such commitments. However, CNN reporting President Zelensky is planning to have further discussions with Mr. Trump on that point later today. Mr. Trump believes a strong economic alliance with Ukraine will be more than enough of a security guarantee. The president spoke on this with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer from the White House yesterday.

[Donald Trump]

President Zelensky is coming to see me on Friday, Friday morning, and we're going to be signing really a very important agreement for both sides because it's really going to into that country. We'll be working there. We'll have a lot of people working there. And so in that sense, it's very good. It's a backstop, you could say. I don't think anybody's going to play around if we're there with a lot of workers and having to do with rare earths and other things which we need for our country.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump has warned European allies that the US Will not defend countries who are not interested in defending themselves. Though initially shocking to European leaders, his demand has led to increased cooperation in planning for Ukraine's post war defense. While many on the left criticize Mr. Trump for his harsh words toward US allies, Prime Minister Starmer signaling the US UK relationship is as strong as ever.

[Keir Starmer]

And it is my pleasure to bring from His Majesty the King a letter. He sends his best wishes and his regards, of course, but he also asked me to bear this letter and bring it to you. So can I present a letter from the King?

[Donald Trump]

Thank you very much. Am I supposed to read it right now?

[Keir Starmer]

Yeah, please do. This is a letter from His Majesty the King. It's an invitation for a second state visit. This is really special. This has never happened before. This is unprecedented. And I think that just symbolizes the strength of the relationship between us. So this is a very special letter. I think the last state visit was a tremendous success. His Majesty the King wants to make this even better.

[Megyn Kelly]

Prime Minister Starmer added to Mr. Trump's comments on the Ukraine deal.

[Keir Starmer]

As you know, we've already indicated that we'll play our full part in making sure that any deal, if there is one, and I hope there is, and I think this is a historic moment to make sure it's a lasting deal. And we about to have a discussion about how we can make that work.

[Megyn Kelly]

Despite Mr. Trump's earlier assertion that President Vladimir Putin is open to European troops in Ukraine, the Kremlin says it is unacceptable. The US And Russia are currently working toward a summit between the two leaders. At a press conference yesterday afternoon, Mr. Starmer praised President Trump for his efforts toward restoring peace in Ukraine.

[Keir Starmer]

Mr. President, I welcome your deep and personal commitment to bring peace and to stop the killing. You've created a moment of tremendous opportunity to reach a historic peace deal, a deal that I think would be celebrated in Ukraine and around the world. That is the prize.

[Megyn Kelly]

Attorney General Pam Bondi releasing the first round of the Epstein files and they showed no smoking gun. In fact, there was no gun at all. A group of journalists and right wing commentators were spotted leaving the White House yesterday afternoon carrying thick binders, the COVID reading Epstein Files Phase 1 Turning Point USA contributor Savannah Hernandez posting to X a video after receiving a copy. Pam this morning stated to us that some of the information in here is already public and she doesn't really feel that any of this information is a smoking gun. The big story here is Pam writing a letter to Cat Cash Patel asking him to investigate why the FBI has stopped the release of other portions of the Epstein files. The binders were prepared from the roughly 200 pages of documents sent by the FBI to The Attorney General A.G. bondi telling FBI Director Cash Patel in a letter. Later, a source informed her there are thousands more pages relating to Jeffrey Epstein in the FBI field office in New York. Ms. Bondi issuing a new deadline of 8am Friday this morning for the FBI to deliver the full and complete Epstein files to her office. She's also ordering an immediate investigation into why her earlier directives were not complied with. The DOJ published the contents of the binders to its website last night. Coming up, Andrew and Tristan Tate return to the US with less than a warm welcome and the Maine State Legislature censures a representative as she speaks out in defense of girl sports.

[Pam Bondi]

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[Megyn Kelly]

Deeply controversial online influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate are back in the US after Romania lifts a travel ban. Romanian officials arrested the brothers in December 2022 on charges of rape and sex trafficking. Investigators accused the brothers, who have millions of followers online, of recruiting women through the lover boy method, misrepresenting their intention toward a romantic relationship, and then forcing women to make pornographic content. They identified seven alleged victims. They were held in pretrial detention until March of 2023, then released to house arrest, which was lifted in August 2023. In December, Romanian courts ruled the case against the brothers could not proceed to trial, the judge citing procedural irregularities from prosecutors, though there are still other investigations involving similar activities underway. The Romanian government lifted the travel ban on the brothers under the condition that they return to that country for legal proceedings related to these ongoing investigations. The next appearance is set for March. Meantime, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis commented on their arrival in his state yesterday.

[Ron DeSantis]

We have no involvement in that. I read about it through the media. Clearly the federal government has jurisdiction whether they want to rebuff his entry into the United States. And I have confidence that whether it's Pam Bondi or Kristi Noem that they will be looking at that. I do know our Attorney General James Uthmeyer is looking at what state hooks and jurisdiction we may have to be able to deal with this. But the reality is, no, Florida is not a place where you're welcome with that type of conduct.

[Megyn Kelly]

The brothers are frankly disgusting. They're self described misogynists. Andrew Tate is often referred to as the king of toxic masculinity, a moniker he endorses. Here's a small sample of his online musings.

[Keir Starmer]

Perfected this in pimp school. We had to practice. If a girl comes at you, you cheated, you're cheating. It's bang out the machete, boom in her face and grip her up by the neck.

[Megyn Kelly]

Upon arrival in Florida, Andrew Tate made comments to reporters.

[Keir Starmer]

We've yet to be convicted of any crime in our lives, ever. We have no criminal record anywhere on the planet, ever. Our case was dismissed on 19 December in Romania under the Biden administration. And our prosecutor recently decided, because we have no active indictment in court, to let us go and return.

[Megyn Kelly]

It's unclear what, if any, involvement the White House had in the Tate's arrival back in Florida. Special envoy to the President Rick Grenell, who secured the release of six hostages from Venezuela, denying to the Financial Times any involvement in returning the Tates to the United States. Contradicting an earlier report about him. The Washington Post reports the Romanian Foreign Ministry denies any US Government intervention. Asked about this yesterday in the Oval Office, President Trump appeared to be unaware of these developments.

[Donald Trump]

I know nothing about that. I don't know. You're saying he's on a plane right now, he's back? They already. Yeah, I just know nothing about it. We'll check it out. We'll let you know.

[Keir Starmer]

Obviously, this involves. There's an English element here, so obviously it's important that justice is done and human trafficking is obviously, to my mind, a security risk, and so I will catch up with the story.

[Megyn Kelly]

Prime Minister Starmer's interest in the brothers relates to charges they are facing in the uk. The brothers are facing extradition charges to the UK when their legal proceedings in Romania wrap up. British officials are investigating allegations of rape and human trafficking against them. In December, a British court ruled that the police could seize more than? 3.3 million from Andrew Tate to cover years of unpaid taxes. New developments in the fight to protect women and girls sports in the state of Maine. The state legislature censuring Republican Representative Laurel Libby for calling attention to a male student who just won a girls state pole vaulting competition. Ms. Libby posted a picture of the athlete atop the podium next to the two female athletes he bested easily in the competition. The pictures accompanied by the caption, another day, another instance of an unremarkable biological male athlete who couldn't win against other males dominating girls sports. On Tuesday, the Maine legislature voted 75 to 70 to censure Ms. Libby, calling her actions posting a minor's photo with a political statement reprehensible and possibly endangering the student. Following the session, Ms. Libby took to Facebook Live. Maine Democrats censured me because I posted pictures of a minor. The state championship is a public event. The individual in question determined of his own free will to participate, and his photos are posted publicly on multiple websites. He was even publicly photographed holding a sign that said state champ. Ms. Libby will not be allowed to vote or speak on the floor until she apologizes, something she says she will not do. Polls show the vast majority of Americans, Democrats and Republicans, are in favor of banning males from female sports. Following the session, a reporter from the main wire asked members of the state legislature where they stand on this issue. Excuse me, Representative, do you favor men and women's sports? I'm sorry, I'm busy trying to get my work done so I can get home. Representative Dodge, I'd love to. Just asked me a couple questions about men playing and Women's sports have any comment on that? Not doing any interviews tonight. Main wire, please leave.

[Pam Bondi]

Excuse me, Representative.

[Megyn Kelly]

I just wonder if I can ask you a couple of questions. No, I'm tired. It's been very long. Yeah. You've had.

[Keir Starmer]

Thank you.

[Megyn Kelly]

Do you have any comments that you'd like to make on the proceedings tonight? I have no comment. Last Saturday, President Trump confronted Maine Governor Janet Mills for her state's refusal to comply with the updated terms of Title 9, which make clear that statute bars biological males from competing in female Sports. Maine receives $250 million in education funding from the Feds. Failure to comply with Title IX will result in a loss of that funding. A sad story turned mystery. Legendary actor Gene Hackman, his wife and one of their three dogs found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home. Authorities were notified by a maintenance worker who discovered the bodies. It appears that they had been deceased for some time. The affidavit seeking the search warrant for the home calls the circumstances of the deaths suspicious enough to require a thorough search and investigation. What does that mean? The AP reporting Hackman, 95, was located in a mud room inside the house While his wife, 63 year old Betsy Arakawa, was found dead in a bathroom near an open prescription bottle with scattered pills. The dog, a German shepherd, was located in a closet. Meanwhile, two other dogs were found on the property, one inside the house and one outside, and they were apparently alive and well. A spokeswoman for the sheriff's office says there's no indication either Gene Hackman or his wife had been shot or had any wounds. The New York Times reporting, quote, there were no obvious signs of a gas leak in the home. Obviously, many people wondered about carbon monoxide, including Gene Hackman's daughter, who mused on that publicly. Investigators will conduct autopsies and continue searching the premises. Mr. Hackman, of course, was nominated five times for an Academy Award, known for his roles in Bonnie and Clyde, the French Connection, Mississippi Burning, Unforgiveness, not to mention my own favorite Hoosiers. That'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on Sirius XM Triumph channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com MeganKelly and on all podcast platforms. Skipping cold and flu season is plan A, but if you do get sick, be prepared for plan B with Kleenex lotion tissues. Kleenex lotion tissues moisturize skin, helping prevent the added discomfort of red, irritated skin on top of your cold and flu symptoms. So this cold and flu season, grab Kleenex lotion tissues. Visit kleenex.com to learn more and buy now for whatever happens next, grab Kleenex.