The Megyn Kelly Show: In-Depth Episode Summary Episode Title: Hegseth Blasts Media, Diddy Closing Arguments Begin, Deep Dive on Zohran Mamdani: AM Update 6/27
Host: Megyn Kelly
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Platform: SiriusXM

1. Introduction

Megyn Kelly opens the episode by setting the stage for a comprehensive AM update, highlighting key topics slated for discussion: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's critique of the media, the commencement of closing arguments in Sean "Diddy" Combs' criminal trial, and an in-depth analysis of Zohran Mamdani's surprising lead in the New York City mayoral race.

2. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Criticizes Media Reporting on Iranian Strikes

In a forceful press conference, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth challenged the media narratives surrounding the recent U.S. strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities.

• Key Points:

  • Effectiveness of Strikes: Hegseth asserted that the media's portrayal undermines the success of the military operations.
  • Media Bias: He accused the media of having an inherent agenda to discredit President Trump, stating, "it's like in your DNA and in your blood to cheer against Trump because you want him not to be successful so bad" (00:39).
  • Leak Concerns: The Defense Department is scrutinizing leaks from CNN and The New York Times, which reported that the strikes only caused temporary damage, contrary to official statements of complete destruction.

• Supporting Statements:

  • Caroline Levitt, Press Secretary: Emphasized international consensus on the strikes' success, mentioning endorsements from Iranian Foreign Minister and the United Nations. "It was a total obliteration, as the President said." (04:40)
  • General Dan Crenshaw: Detailed the precision and impact of the bunker buster bombs used, reinforcing the mission's success. "All six weapons at each vent at Fordeaux went exactly where they were intended to go." (05:18)

3. Sean "Diddy" Combs' Criminal Trial: Closing Arguments Begin

The episode delves into the high-profile criminal case against Sean "Diddy" Combs, with assistant U.S. attorney Christy Slavic delivering the prosecution's closing arguments.

• Prosecutor’s Key Points:

  • Leadership of a Criminal Enterprise: Slavic painted Combs as the head of a dangerous criminal organization, stating, "He's the leader of a criminal enterprise." (08:53)
  • Pattern of Crimes: The prosecution highlighted multiple predicate crimes, including drug distribution, arson, and coercion of associates into illicit activities.
  • Witness Testimonies: Notable testimonies from Cassie Ventura and Jane (pseudonyms) detailed Combs' involvement in drug supply and forcing participation in sexual escapades.

• Specific Allegations:

  • Arson Incident: Combs allegedly orchestrated a Molotov cocktail attack on musician Kid Cudi's car after discovering Ventura's relationship with Cudi. "Of course the defendant was behind this." (08:53)
  • Statistical Probability: Slavic questioned the likelihood of the car being blown up coinciding with Combs' verbal threats, aiming to implicate him further.

• Next Steps:

  • The defense is scheduled to present its closing arguments later in the day. Following this, the jury may commence deliberations immediately or by the following Monday, depending on the defense's schedule.

4. Political Deep Dive: Zohran Mamdani's Mayoral Bid in New York City

Megyn Kelly shifts focus to Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old Muslim Democratic Socialist, who has surged ahead to win the Democratic nomination for New York City mayor in a surprising upset over former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

• Background of Zohran Mamdani:

  • Early Life: Born in Uganda, Mamdani moved frequently during childhood due to his parents' prominent academic and film industry careers.
  • Career Shift: Transitioned from attempting a rap career to politics in 2018 upon gaining U.S. citizenship.
  • Political Experience: Served as a counselor for low-income nonwhite homeowners and secured a seat in the New York State Assembly in 2020 without holding any leadership positions.

• Policy Platform:

  • Green Energy Initiatives: Advocates for making every public building in NYC energy-efficient, projecting a cost of $3.21 billion over four years.
  • Defunding the Police: Proposes reallocating police funds to other community resources.
  • Tax Increases: Plans to increase taxes on the wealthy to fund various initiatives.
  • Rent Control: Supports freezing rents across the board to combat housing affordability.
  • Government-Controlled Grocery Stores: Introduces state-run grocery chains as a strategy to tackle inflation and ensure affordable food prices.

• Campaign Strategy:

  • Target Demographic: Focuses primarily on highly educated, progressive white voters concentrated in specific NYC districts.
  • Engagement Tactics: Utilized impactful social media campaigns and strategic stunts, such as confronting border czar Tom Holan in Albany to elevate his profile.
    • During a staged confrontation, Mamdani shouted, "How many more New Yorkers without to-y?" (13:46), highlighting his confrontational approach to policy debates.

• Controversies and Criticisms:

  • Antisemitism Concerns: Faced backlash from Jewish voters due to perceived inability to condemn Hamas post-October 7 attacks and use of phrases like "globalize the intifada," which many interpreted as antisemitic.
  • Ideological Positioning: Characterized by consultant Ryan Gardusky as a "cultural Marxist" rather than a jihadist, stressing his opposition to Western influences and support for neoliberal policies.

• Electoral Outlook:

  • Primary Victory: Despite being a relative unknown, Mamdani secured a significant lead over Cuomo.
  • General Election Challenges: Expected to face Republican Curtis Sliwa, incumbent Democrat Eric Adams (running as an independent), and potentially Andrew Cuomo on a third-party ballot.
  • Polls and Predictions: While favored to win, he currently polls just above 35%, with early registered voters at 9%, indicating potential volatility.

• Expert Analysis:

  • Ryan Gardusky's Insights: Suggests that Mamdani's success hinges on leveraging progressive votes in specific demographics, but cautions against complacency among opponents. "The odds of anyone beating Mamdani are not good, but people need to sober up and let egos go." (15:58)

5. Conclusion

Megyn Kelly wraps up the AM update by emphasizing the significance of the discussed topics and encouraging listeners to stay informed. She invites audiences to return for future episodes featuring guests like Maureen Callahan.

Notable Quotes and Timestamps

• Pete Hegseth on Media Bias:
  "It's like in your DNA and in your blood to cheer against Trump because you want him not to be successful so bad." (00:39)

• Caroline Levitt on Strike Success:
  "It was a total obliteration, as the President said." (04:40)

• Dan Crenshaw on Military Precision:
  "All six weapons at each vent at Fordeaux went exactly where they were intended to go." (05:18)

• Prosecutor Christy Slavic on Diddy Combs:
  "He's the leader of a criminal enterprise." (08:53)

• Zohran Mamdani Confrontation Stunt:
  "How many more New Yorkers without to-y?" (13:46)

• Ryan Gardusky on Mamdani's Electability:
  "The odds of anyone beating Mamdani are not good, but people need to sober up and let egos go." (15:58)

Additional Notes

• Advertisements Skipped: The summary excludes segments related to advertisements for BuiltForAmerica, Cozy Earth, and Financial Yield Solutions Inc., focusing solely on the episode's content.
• Balanced Perspective: While the episode presents strong opinions from figures like Pete Hegseth, the summary maintains an objective tone, summarizing viewpoints without endorsing or contesting them.

For more detailed discussions and insights, listeners are encouraged to tune into The Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 or available podcast platforms.