The Megyn Kelly Show - Episode Summary: "First American Pope, Bidens Defensive on The View, Casey Means as Surgeon General: AM Update 5/9"

Release Date: May 9, 2025

1. Historic Apostolic Election: First American Pope

White Smoke at the Vatican marked a groundbreaking moment in Catholic history as Robert Francis Prevost emerged as the new Pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV. This unprecedented selection makes him the first American-born pope in the history of the Catholic Church.

• Megyn Kelly (00:49): "White smoke billowing from the Sistine Chapel late Thursday afternoon, signaling a new leader for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics. But unlike every other time in history, an American born man walked out on that balcony to the cheering crowds below."

Background and Credentials: Pope Leo XIV hails from Chicago and is an alumnus of Villanova University in Philadelphia. He holds dual citizenship and has spent significant time in Peru, serving as the head of the Dicastery for Bishops since 2023. This role involves overseeing the selection of new bishops, underscoring his influence within the Church.

• President Trump (00:52): "It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement and what a great honor for our country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment, a shock pick."

Speculations and Reactions: While little information is available about Pope Leo XIV's future policies, online speculation suggests he may lean centrist. Notably, despite his ties to Illinois, a state known for its non-partisan voter registration, his voting record includes participation in several Republican primaries. However, his limited social media presence reveals nuanced political views:

• Pope Leo XIV's X Account (02:10): "JD Vance is wrong. Jesus doesn't ask us to rank our love for others."

Despite some conservative optimism due to his traditional papal name and attire reminiscent of Benedict XVI, others remain uncertain about his potential influence on Church policies.

2. Former President Biden's Defensive Appearance on "The View"

Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden faced intense scrutiny during their lengthy appearance on "The View", addressing allegations from newly released books that suggest a cover-up of the President's cognitive decline during his final years in office.

• Megyn Kelly (01:52): "Former President Biden appearing for a lengthy interview on the View on Thursday alongside his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, for part of it. This comes as several books are being released about his final years in the White House with implications of a cover up of his cognitive decline."

Biden's Responses: Under pre-scripted questions, Biden's answers were perceived as rambling and sometimes incoherent. When pressed about Vice President Kamala Harris's loss to President Trump, Biden attributed it to sexism and racism.

• Joe Biden (04:27): "I was surprised because they went the route of the sexist route all whole route. I mean this is a woman, she's this, she's that. I mean it really I've never seen quite as successful and consistent campaign undercutting the notion that a woman couldn't lead the country and a woman of mixed race."

Dr. Jill Biden's Defense: Interrupting her husband, Dr. Jill Biden vehemently defended Joe Biden's work ethic and leadership, dismissing claims of cognitive decline.

• Dr. Jill Biden (06:35): "The people who wrote those books were not in the White House with us and they didn't see how hard Joe worked every single day. I mean, he'd get up, he put in a full day and, and then at night he would... it's nonstop. It's a lifestyle."

She further addressed criticisms labeling her as "Lady Macbeth," emphasizing her constant presence and support.

• Dr. Jill Biden (07:21): "I was with Joe day and night. I saw him more than any other person... They were describing you as Lady Macbeth. It was very hurtful."

Future Developments: Given the contentious nature of their appearance, Megyn Kelly hinted at potential future revelations, including the possible release of the full audio from Special Counsel Robert Her's interview with Joe Biden from October 2023.

• Megyn Kelly (07:57): "We may be hearing more from former President Biden soon. Political reporting."

3. President Trump's Surgeon General Pick: Casey Means Controversy

In a surprising move, President Trump announced the replacement of Dr. Jeanette Neshawat with Dr. Casey Means as his new Surgeon General just before the confirmation hearing.

• Megyn Kelly (09:40): "President Trump announcing Wednesday a last minute switcheroo for his Surgeon general pick..."

Casey Means' Credentials and Support: Dr. Casey Means is recognized as a functional medicine doctor and co-author of the best-selling book "Good Energy," written with her brother, Cali Means. Trump's endorsement highlights her alignment with the MAHA movement.

• President Trump (09:45): "Casey has impeccable MAHA credentials and will work closely with our wonderful Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr...."

Support from Trump Allies: Prominent figures from the Trump administration and MAGA movement have lauded Means' appointment:

• Mark Halperin: Described the Board of Directors as the most influential voices approving her as a "phenomenal pick."
• Charlie Kirk: Praised her as an "excellent pick. Huge for MAHA."
• Tucker Carlson: Featured her and her brother Cali on his podcast, enhancing her national profile.

Criticism and Challenges: The appointment has sparked significant backlash:

• Nicole Shanahan (11:37): Criticized both Casey and Cali Means on X, accusing them of being "Manchurian assets" and challenging their qualifications.
• Laura Loomer: Attacked Means over her stance on gender issues and questioned the validity of her medical license, revealing it is inactive.

Public Reaction: While some MAGA supporters celebrate the appointment, others express concern over Means' qualifications and political affiliations. The confirmation hearings are anticipated to be contentious, with The Megyn Kelly Show pledging comprehensive coverage.

• Nicole Shanahan (11:37): "Something very artificial and aggressive about them, almost like they were bred and raised Manchurian assets."

4. President Trump's Trade Deal with the United Kingdom

In a significant economic development, President Trump unveiled his first official post-Liberation Day trade deal with the United Kingdom.

• Megyn Kelly (11:37): "President Trump announcing the first of his post Liberation Day trade deals with the United Kingdom."

Key Provisions of the Deal: The agreement focuses on enhancing market access for American exports, particularly in agriculture, including:

• Increased access for American beef and ethanol.
• Elimination of the 25% tariff on UK steel and aluminum.
• Exemption of the first 100,000 vehicles imported from the UK from additional tariffs.

In return, the UK has agreed to remove tariffs on U.S. ethanol and provide reciprocal market access for beef.

• Howard Lutnick (13:42): "This was the president's deal... He gets deals done that we could never get done because he understands business, he understands deals."

International and Domestic Reactions: Both sides lauded the deal as a tribute to their longstanding relationship.

• UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer (14:16): "Fantastic, historic day in which we can announce this deal between our two great countries."

Future Negotiations: President Trump indicated that this deal is just the beginning, with "many other deals" in the pipeline.

• President Trump (15:40): "Many other deals which are in serious stages of negotiation to follow."

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized Trump's role as the key negotiator, highlighting his proficiency in securing favorable terms.

• Howard Lutnick (15:15): "He gets deals done that we could never get done because he understands business, he understands deals."

Conclusion

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provided a comprehensive overview of significant political and cultural developments:

• The election of the first American Pope, Pope Leo XIV, and the ensuing speculation about his influence.
• Former President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden's defensive stance against allegations of cognitive decline during their appearance on "The View".
• President Trump's controversial appointment of Casey Means as Surgeon General amidst both support and criticism.
• The establishment of a trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom, marking Trump's first major post-Liberation Day economic agreement.

Throughout the episode, Megyn Kelly ensured that listeners were informed of the latest updates while providing critical analysis and presenting diverse viewpoints. The discussions encapsulate the dynamic interplay of religion, politics, and international relations shaping the current landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump (00:52): "It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope."
• Joe Biden (04:27): "I have never seen quite as successful and consistent campaign undercutting the notion that a woman couldn't lead the country and a woman of mixed race."
• Dr. Jill Biden (06:35): "Being president is not like a job, it's a lifestyle."
• Howard Lutnick (15:15): "He gets deals done that we could never get done because he understands business, he understands deals."

This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a thorough understanding of the topics covered.