Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show
Episode: Hegseth and Trump Talk Strikes, GOP Wins Seat, Dell’s "Trump Accounts" Billions: AM Update 12/3
Host: Emily Jasinsky (SiriusXM, guest-hosting Megyn Kelly's wrap-up)
Date: December 3, 2025
Episode Overview
This AM update dives into the latest developments from the Trump administration’s Cabinet, growing scrutiny over Minnesota’s fraud scandals, the results of a closely watched Tennessee special election, and a massive philanthropic donation from Michael Dell and his wife to American children via the new “Trump Accounts.” The episode features pointed commentary and inside perspectives from President Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and other key figures, with an emphasis on government transparency, accountability, and investment in America’s future generations.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Cabinet Meeting & Military Strikes on Drug Trafficking
- President Trump's Cabinet held its ninth and final meeting of the year, surpassing President Biden’s record.
- The meeting was broadcast for transparency, with all major topics covered, including security and military actions.
- Trump honored two National Guard soldiers ambushed in D.C., highlighting heroism and sacrifice.
- Trump: “Pay my deepest respects to those two incredible people... Sarah is gone. She passed away. She’s looking down on us now... we have one young man who’s fighting for his life... We’re very proud of those two people.” (02:34)
- Sec. Pete Hegseth detailed increased U.S. strikes on drug vessels, noting operational rigor and the “fog of war”:
- “All these white bales are not Christmas gifts from Santa. No one’s fishing on a submarine... I watched that first strike live.” (03:54)
- When pressed on civilian casualties and press skepticism:
- “This is called the fog of war. This is what you and the press don’t understand. You sit in your air-conditioned offices... and you nitpick and you plant fake stories... Then you want to throw out irresponsible terms about American heroes.” (04:51)
- Sen. Chuck Schumer called for the release of unedited strike footage, with Congress launching investigations.
- Trump made clear the U.S. position:
- “Anybody that’s doing that and selling it into our country is subject to attack.” (05:36)
2. Tennessee Special Election: GOP Win Narrower Than Expected
- Tennessee’s 7th District held a special election after GOP Rep. Mark Green’s resignation.
- Winner: Republican Matt Van Epps, a decorated military helicopter pilot, secured a victory over Democrat Afton Bain despite significant outside spending and tighter margins than usual.
- Trump’s support at a rally:
- “Number one, she hates Christianity. Number two, she hates country music. How the hell can you elect a person like that?” (06:57)
- Afton Bain’s campaign emphasized character and tenacity:
- “Sometimes when an everyday person sticks their hand up to say, I just want to stand up and fight for my neighbors, really beautiful things can happen. Miracles can happen.” (07:29)
- Van Epps’s victory speech:
- “Tonight you’ve sent a message loud and clear. The people of Middle Tennessee stand with President Donald J. Trump and stood firmly behind our campaign. I am humbled beyond belief...” (08:07)
- Bain’s concession speech:
- “Nobody in Washington believed we could get even this close... you put them on the run in a district they thought they could buy...” (08:37)
- Result: The House will stand at 220 Republicans to 213 Democrats upon Van Epps’ swearing-in.
3. Minnesota Fraud Scandal & Immigration Controversy
- City Journal and New York Times report major fraud in Minnesota programs for children and the homeless—total losses allegedly over $1 billion, involving mostly Somali community members in the Twin Cities.
- Federal action: ICE ordered to target undocumented Somali immigrants; Congressional and Treasury investigations announced.
- Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) on Fox:
- “Common sense would tell you that millions of dollars, taxpayer dollars from Minnesotans has gone to terrorists... You can’t tell me that’s just negligent oversight. Someone is complicit and maybe it’s the governor...” (11:51)
- Trump’s take:
- “I think the man’s a grossly incompetent man... Somalians ripped off that state for billions of dollars... They contribute nothing. The Welfare is like 88% they contribute nothing. I don’t want them in our country... They complain and from where they came from, they got nothing... we don’t want them in our country.” (13:55)
- Governor Walz’s response: Pledges support for investigating and prosecuting crime but condemns Trump’s stance as “PR stunt” and warns against indiscriminate targeting of immigrants.
4. Historic Philanthropic Gift: Dell Family & “Trump Accounts”
- Michael and Susan Dell announced a $6.25 billion donation to fund investment accounts for American children, as part of the “Trump Accounts” program signed into law this year.
- Program Features:
- New tax-advantaged accounts for every U.S. child under 18, seeded by $1,000 Treasury funds for those born 2025–2028 from qualifying income levels.
- Dell’s donation will provide $250 each to the first 25 million children (10 and under) who don’t qualify for the federal seed money.
- Trump credited the Dells, framing the contribution as a historic boost to American families:
- “Michael and Susan Dell are committing to one of the largest private donations in American history... This will give... middle class families, a stake in American prosperity, a benefit from the rising stock market and a better shot at the American dream.” (15:40)
- Michael Dell:
- “The smartest investment that we can make is an investment in children... our gift will cover most of the children that are 10 and under that are not part of the federal program.” (16:41)
- Susan Dell:
- “When children have a future they can see is worth saving for, then that will help build hope and opportunity and prosperity for generations to come.” (17:03)
- Treasury Secretary Bessant: Encouraged more philanthropy through the new savings vehicle:
- “Americans are the most generous people in the history of the world... the Trump accounts will provide a vehicle for philanthropists... Michael and Susan have led the way...” (17:33)
- Program Features:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Trump on the loss of a National Guard member: "She passed away. She’s looking down on us now... we have one young man who’s fighting for his life. I think he’s probably doing better than anybody. They said he didn’t have a chance. I’ll tell you, the one who said he’s going to live is his mother." (02:34)
- Sec. Hegseth on military decision-making: "All these white bales are not Christmas gifts from Santa... I have empowered them to make that call. Now the first couple of strikes, I said I’m going to be the one to make the call. That was September 2nd. I watched that first strike live." (03:54)
- Trump on drug traffickers: "Anybody that’s doing that and selling it into our country is subject to attack.” (05:36)
- Van Epps post-victory: "Tonight you’ve sent a message loud and clear. The people of Middle Tennessee stand with President Donald J. Trump..." (08:07)
- Tom Emmer on Minnesota fraud: “You can’t tell me that’s just negligent oversight. Someone is complicit and maybe it’s the governor...” (11:51)
- Governor Walz response: "[Trump is] pulling a PR stunt and indiscriminately targeting immigrants... not a real solution." (paraphrased, 13:38)
- Trump on the Somali community: “Somalians ripped off that state for billions of dollars... They contribute nothing. The Welfare is like 88%...” (13:55)
- Trump on the Dell family’s gift: "This will give millions of children, middle class families, a stake in American prosperity, a benefit from the rising stock market..." (15:40)
- Michael Dell: “Our gift will cover most of the children that are 10 and under that are not part of the federal program.” (16:41)
- Treasury Secretary Bessant: “Every Tuesday can become Giving Tuesday as more and more philanthropists see the power of this, of giving to American families, giving to American children, and giving everyone a stake in our great economy.” (17:33)
Important Timestamps
- 02:34 — Trump’s tribute to ambushed National Guardsmen
- 03:54 — Sec. Hegseth details on the drug strikes
- 04:51 — Hegseth slams media: “Fog of war”
- 05:36 — Trump: Drug traffickers “subject to attack”
- 06:57 — Trump weighs in on Tennessee race
- 07:29 — Afton Bain’s closing campaign message
- 08:07 — Matt Van Epps victory statement
- 08:37 — Afton Bain’s concession
- 11:51 — Tom Emmer: Fraud and connections to terrorism
- 13:55 — Trump’s heated remarks on Minnesota Somali community
- 15:40 — Trump, Michael and Susan Dell announce $6.25B donation
- 16:41 — Michael and Susan Dell explain their gift
- 17:33 — Treasury Secretary Bessant: More donations encouraged
Tone and Delivery
The episode is brisk, news-driven, and pulls no punches—emphasizing accountability, outspoken criticism of political adversaries, and direct celebration of major philanthropic news. Much of the commentary retains the emotional intensity and direct rhetoric of the featured speakers, especially President Trump and Secretary Hegseth.
Summary Takeaway
This episode encapsulates the turbulent fusion of military, political, and philanthropic news in America at the close of 2025. With unapologetic candor, the show traverses issues of government transparency, law enforcement, partisanship, and future-focused economic empowerment for America’s children. The episode’s blend of sharp commentary and newsworthy developments provides listeners with a comprehensive snapshot of current events, major policy movements, and the personalities driving them.