The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update 11/19/25

Episode Theme: Epstein Files Release Passes Congress, Nicki Minaj at UN Over Christian Persecution
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)
Air Date: November 19, 2025

Overview

In this special AM Update, Megyn Kelly delivers a concise yet powerful look at two major stories: the bipartisan congressional push to release the Epstein files with President Trump's evolving support, and Nicki Minaj’s surprising turn as an international advocate for persecuted Christians in Nigeria, including her speech before the UN and congressional responses. The episode features key reactions from President Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s White House visit, and an extended interview with Congressman Riley Moore on faith-based violence in Nigeria.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Epstein Files Transparency Act: Bipartisan Breakthrough

• Congressional Passage:
  • The House and Senate passed the bipartisan “Epstein Files Transparency Act,” requiring the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release all unclassified materials related to Jeffrey Epstein. There are exceptions to protect witnesses and child sexual abuse material.
  • The House vote was overwhelmingly in favor (427-1), with only Republican Clay Higgins dissenting (02:33).
• Trump’s Reversal:
  • After resisting for months, President Trump changed his stance, saying, “We have nothing to hide,” and urged the House to pass the bill (02:33).
  • Notable Quote [Donald Trump, 05:06]:

    “I threw him [Epstein] out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert. And I guess I turned out to be right...But you know who does have [connections]? Bill Clinton, Larry Summers...They went to his island many times. I never did.”

  • Trump also directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Epstein’s Democrat ties, which some warn could complicate transparency efforts.
• Debate Over Privacy and Victim Protection:
  • Speaker Mike Johnson raised concerns that the bill does not fully protect victim privacy (04:02):
    • Notable Quote [Mike Johnson, 04:02]:

      “The discharge petition…fails to fully protect victim privacy. It could be used to unmask victims who have chosen to remain anonymous.”

  • Johnson sought amendments, which Senate Majority Leader John Thune dismissed given the bill’s overwhelming support (04:36).
• White House & DOJ Dynamics:
  • Trump questioned about not releasing the files unilaterally, deflected responsibility to Congress and highlighted others' ties to Epstein (05:06).
  • Ongoing DOJ and House Oversight investigations hold tens of thousands of related documents.

2. Saudi Crown Prince's White House Visit: Redefining US-Saudi Ties

• Diplomatic Reception:
  • Trump welcomed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to the White House, shifting from Biden-era chill to renewed business and diplomatic engagement (05:39).
  • Saudi pledge to increase U.S. investments from $600 billion to nearly $1 trillion, focusing on business, nuclear, AI, and security cooperation (07:51).
    • Notable Quote [MBS, 07:51]:

      “Today and tomorrow we're going to announce…we are going to increase that $600 billion to almost $1 trillion for investment, real investment and real opportunity.”

• Controversy & Accountability Questions:
  • MBS was pressed on his alleged role in the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and ongoing 9/11 families’ litigation against Saudi Arabia (07:59 - 08:49).
  • Trump dismissed the queries, defending his guest and condemning the media:
    • Notable Quote [Donald Trump, 08:49]:

      “Fake News. ABC Fake News. One of the worst…You don’t have to embarrass our guests by asking a question like that.”

3. Nicki Minaj at the UN: Spotlight on Christian Persecution in Nigeria

• Minaj’s Advocacy:
  • Invited by UN Ambassador Mike Waltz, rapper Nicki Minaj addressed the UN on the crisis facing Nigerian Christians—an unexpected shift for the pop star known for provocative hits (11:22).
    • Notable Quote [Nicki Minaj, 11:22]:

      “Faith is under attack. Churches have been burned, families have been torn apart, and entire communities live in fear...simply because of how they pray. This isn’t about taking sides. This is about standing up in the face of injustice.”

  • Minaj backed President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” enabling fresh sanctions and aid restrictions.
• Media Perspective:
  • Kelly highlighted Minaj’s vast following and cultural impact, noting the dramatic nature of her new activism (12:09).
  • Background: Over 7,000 Christians reportedly killed in Nigeria in the first 7 months of 2025; up to 52,000 since 2009.

4. On-the-Ground View: Congressman Riley Moore on Nigeria

• Religious Motivation and Disproportionate Impact:
  • Moore emphasized that the violence is clearly religiously motivated, with Christians five times more likely to be killed than others (13:11-13:48).
    • Notable Quote [Rep. Riley Moore, 13:11]:

      “It is very targeted…5 to 1 Christians to 1 of every non-Christians that is being killed in Nigeria right now.”

    • On Global Stakes:

      “Of all the Christians who are murdered for their faith, 70% of them are in Nigeria right now.”

• Roots and Actors:
  • Rise of Boko Haram and Fulani militia responsible for most violence; 80% of attacks occur in Nigeria’s “middle belt” (13:53).
    • Quote [Moore, 13:53]:

      “Kind of Al Qaeda, ISIS affiliated groups…trying to take territory, create caliphate. Only people standing in the way…are Christians. So they are trying to wipe them out.”

  • Government accused of denial and inaction.
• Government Response:
  • Nigerian president rejected claims of bias; Moore rebutted:
    • Notable Quote [Moore, 15:12]:

      “That could not be further from the truth...it's very clear that they have not been protecting the Christians.”

  • Gave a recent case where warnings were ignored and a pastor with congregants killed (15:12).
• Disarmament & Impunity:
  • Christians unarmed by law, while extremist groups remain well-armed and operate freely (16:13).
• High-Level Warning from Trump:
  • Trump threatened possible US military intervention if atrocities continue.
    • Quote [Trump, reported by Kelly, 16:43]:

      “Guns ablazing to completely wipe out the Islamic terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities.”

• Congressional Report Due:
  • Moore – at Trump’s request – is spearheading a detailed congressional report on Nigerian atrocities, due December (17:06).
    • Quote [Moore, 17:06]:

      “We’re going to let the facts drive our conclusions…”

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Donald Trump:
  • "We have nothing to hide." (02:33)
  • “I threw him out of my club many years ago…” (05:06)
  • “Fake News. ABC…You don’t have to embarrass our guests.” (08:49)
• Mike Johnson:
  • “It fails to fully protect victim privacy…” (04:02)
• Mohammed bin Salman:
  • “We are going to increase that $600 billion to almost $1 trillion…” (07:51)
• Nicki Minaj at UN:
  • “Faith is under attack. Churches have been burned…” (11:22)
• Rep. Riley Moore:
  • “5 to 1 Christians to 1 of every non-Christians…70% [of Christian martyrs] in Nigeria…” (13:11)
  • “It is very targeted…they are trying to wipe them out.” (13:53)
  • “That could not be further from the truth…” (15:12)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Epstein Files – Congressional Action & White House Response: 00:39 – 05:39
• Saudi Crown Prince’s White House Visit: 05:39 – 09:12
• Nicki Minaj’s Nigeria Advocacy & UN Speech: 10:39 – 12:09
• Congressman Riley Moore on Nigerian Persecution: 13:11 – 17:30

Tone & Takeaways

Megyn Kelly’s update is frank and brisk, offering direct quotes and color from powerful figures. The discussion of the Epstein files is thorough yet skeptical; the Nigeria segment is urgent, emotional, and somewhat surprising—especially with Nicki Minaj’s involvement. The balance of hard political news and cultural crossover makes for a dynamic, provocative listen.

For further detail, listen to the full episode or catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM or YouTube.