The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update – August 29, 2025

Episode Theme:
This AM Update dives into a tumultuous week in politics and governance, focusing on high-profile firings and resignations inside the Trump administration, legal battles revolving around independence and oversight of federal agencies, allegations and investigations targeting public figures like Lisa Cook (Federal Reserve) and John Bolton, and a critical look at California Governor Gavin Newsom's contradictory crime rhetoric. Megyn Kelly, joined by reporter Julie Kelly, unpacks the shifting landscape of political power, legal maneuvering, and media narratives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lisa Cook's Firing and Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration

[00:58–09:05]

• Background: Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, is suing the Trump administration after being fired over allegations of mortgage fraud. Her lawyer, Abby Lowell (also representing Hunter Biden), claims the move is "unprecedented and illegal."
• Allegations: Cook allegedly claimed multiple homes as her primary residence to secure favorable mortgage rates, with further accusations of misrepresenting properties’ status (primary residence, investment, rental).
• Legal Defense: Cook calls the claims "unsubstantiated" but does not issue an outright denial. Her attorney contends the firing is due to policy disputes, not genuine cause.
• Judicial Process: Julie Kelly highlights how D.C. courts are rapidly responding to anti-Trump lawsuits, sometimes issuing temporary restraining orders almost immediately.

  "It's pretty amazing to watch how quickly these judges, especially in Washington, D.C. are taking up these lawsuits...setting these hearings like this is some sort of national emergency." – Julie Kelly [04:03]

• Separation of Powers and Accountability:
  • Megyn and Julie Kelly question the independence of federal agencies, arguing the President should have oversight over appointees.

  "If you can appoint members to boards like the Federal Reserve, then logic follows that they are under the purview and oversight of the President." – Julie Kelly [06:06]

• Supreme Court Precedent:
  • Julie references the Supreme Court’s support for presidential authority to dismiss appointees, even in so-called independent bodies.

  "...the Supreme Court said no, no you don't. This is a position under the direct purview of the President. And so the removal was justified..." – Julie Kelly [06:52]

• Wider Implications:
  • If Trump’s move stands, it could upend the precedent of independent federal bodies with long-term appointments.

  "There is no such thing as independent bodies of government that have very powerful decision making authority outside of Congress, outside of the President...this should be part of a complete overhaul..." – Julie Kelly [08:04]

2. CDC Leadership Standoff and Resignations

[09:05–11:54]

• Scenario: CDC Director Susan Monorez refuses to resign after being asked by HHS Secretary RFK Jr., citing differences in vaccine policy. Monorez’s legal team (again, Abby Lowell and Mark Zaid) argues only the President can fire her.
• White House Position: Press Secretary Caroline Levitt clarifies that Monorez was terminated for being out of alignment with the President's health agenda.

  "...she was not aligned with the President's mission to make America healthy again. And the secretary asked her to resign. She said she would and then she said she wouldn't. So the President fired her, which he has every right to do." – Press Secretary Caroline Levitt [11:28]

• Aftermath: Four senior CDC officials resign in protest, including Dr. Dimitri Daskalakis, known for his media presence and progressive advocacy. Kelly critically notes his letter decrying "radical non transparency.”

  "That is rich coming from a CDC official in power during the COVID pandemic." – Megyn Kelly [11:54]

3. John Bolton Investigation: Retaliation or Evidence-Based?

[12:27–15:30, paraphrased as ad sections were skipped]

• Context:
  • John Bolton, former Trump adviser and prominent critic, is under federal investigation for allegedly mishandling classified information. FBI raided his property, raising claims of political retribution.
• Media Reactions:
  • Critics claim abuse of DOJ power and political vendetta.

    "This is chilling. It really is. Clearly this is using the FBI...it tarnishes our country...more revenge and more retribution on his political enemies..." – Assorted TV commentary [summarized at 15:22]

• The New York Times Report:
  • Reveals the investigation originated under Biden, based on evidence Bolton mishandled classified information, notably in emails sent while penning his memoir "The Room Where It Happened."

    "...the new details of the case present a more complex chain of events. The 'long running investigation'...involves information appearing to come from classified documents..." – Megyn Kelly [15:40]

• Legal Status:
  • Bolton denies wrongdoing; under investigation (Espionage Act), but no charges filed.

4. Gavin Newsom, National Guard, and Contradictions on Crime

[16:30–20:38]

• Background: California Governor Gavin Newsom (buzzy 2028 Dem candidate) is suing the Trump administration for deploying National Guard troops in Los Angeles, claiming a violation of the Posse Comitatus Act.
• Town Hall Moment: Newsom suggests Trump is using the National Guard as a "private police force" to suppress voting and interfere with the election.

  "He will send the National Guard...through Election Day...you have the largest private police force in the world...increasingly is showing a tendency not to swear an oath to the Constitution, but to the President...to voting booths and polling places all across this country. I don't think Donald Trump wants another election." – Political Commentator [18:15]

• Contradictions Exposed:
  • Within 24 hours, Newsom announces a state-led surge in law enforcement, contradicting his opposition to National Guard deployments.
  • Reporter challenges Newsom on his mixed messaging:

    "So do you believe that crime is a problem in California or not?" – Reporter [19:28]

  • Newsom:

    "...crime is an issue and we want to tackle it. What is not contradictory...we're doing it in partnership with our local communities...[not] the nationalization...militarizing the Guard..." – Gavin Newsom [19:45]

• Broader Critique: Kelly and others link Newsom’s narrative of a “slow-moving coup” to liberal commentators like Bill Maher.

  "If there was a slow moving coup...first, create a masked police force...normalize the National Guard...a permanent police presence..." – Bill Maher [20:38]

• Kelly's Sarcasm:

  "So the National Guard is being deployed not to fight crime, but as placeholders to somehow keep Trump in office. Got it." – Megyn Kelly [19:01]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Julie Kelly on D.C. courts and anti-Trump lawsuits:

  "...setting these hearings like this is some sort of national emergency." [04:03]

• Julie Kelly, on the independence of agencies:

  "There is no such thing as independent bodies of government..." [08:04]

• Press Secretary Caroline Levitt on Monorez:

  "So the President fired her, which he has every right to do." [11:28]

• Megyn Kelly, on Dr. Daskalakis's resignation:

  "That is rich coming from a CDC official in power during the COVID pandemic." [11:54]

• Political Commentator on Trump/Guard elections conspiracy:

  "I don't think Donald Trump wants another election." [18:15]

• Reporter challenging Newsom:

  "So do you believe that crime is a problem in California or not?" [19:28]

• Bill Maher on the "slow moving coup":

  "I just don't think they're ever going to take power because this is what's going to happen..." [20:38]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Lisa Cook Firing and Lawsuit: [00:58–09:05]
• Supreme Court, Agency Oversight, and Precedent Discussion: [06:06–09:05]
• CDC Director Showdown, Resignation Wave: [09:05–11:54]
• John Bolton DOJ Investigation: [12:27–15:40]
• Newsom, National Guard, and Crime Contradictions: [16:30–20:38]
• Bill Maher and Coup Narratives: [20:38–21:32]

Tone & Takeaways

The tone is sharp, skeptical, and at times openly sarcastic, particularly when highlighting the perceived contradictions and political theater on display from both sides of the aisle. The episode spotlights the blurring lines between policy disagreement, personal loyalty, and legal action—raising questions about agency independence, presidential authority, and the motivations behind political rhetoric.

For listeners:
This episode delivers a punchy, direct analysis of several of the week’s biggest stories, offering a critical take on both the administration’s consolidation of power and the sometimes hyperbolic responses from its opposition. The mix of legal scrutiny, government intrigue, and political spectacle is delivered in a snappy, engaging style.