The Megyn Kelly Show: Inflation Report Beats Expectations, Dems Face Shutdown Pressure, Trump Warns Russia – AM Update 3/13

Release Date: March 13, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delivers a comprehensive AM update covering significant economic indicators, political tensions surrounding a potential government shutdown, escalating rhetoric between President Trump and Russia, and substantial cuts to the Department of Education. The episode weaves through these critical issues, providing insightful analysis and featuring notable statements from key political figures.

Economic Update: Inflation Declines and Market Optimism

The episode opens with encouraging economic news as the inflation rate for February falls more than expected.

• Inflation Rates: The overall inflation rate decreased to 2.8% from 3.0% in January, while the core inflation rate dropped to 3.1% from 3.2%—both figures beating analyst predictions. The Federal Reserve targets a 2% inflation rate.

  Notable Quote:

  Donald Trump [02:23]: "I think the markets are going to soar. There's tremendous optimism out there about our country in terms of regulations being cut, in terms of taxes being cut."

• Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports the average gas price has fallen to $3.03 per gallon, the lowest for March since 2021, marking a third consecutive weekly decline.

• Market Reactions: President Trump expresses positivity about the economic data, suggesting that these developments will bolster market confidence. The S&P 500 and NASDAQ experienced fluctuations but ultimately rose as investors anticipate further tariff increases.

• Oil Production: Trump highlights the administration's focus on unlocking oil production, reversing prior restrictions to stimulate economic growth.

Government Shutdown: Democratic Concerns and Senate Stalemate

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the looming threat of a government shutdown and the Democrats' internal conflicts regarding funding legislation.

• Democratic Stance: Despite President Trump's aggressive rhetoric, some Democrats are hesitant to allow a government shutdown, recognizing the potential economic repercussions.

  Notable Quotes:

  Chuck Schumer [05:14]: "We don't agree with what's been sent to us. But you know, if we withhold our votes, that is going to shut the government down. And I think that's one of our core responsibilities in the Senate or in the government here."

  J.D. Vance [05:30]: "We could wind up in a situation where maybe this administration decides to leave parts of the government that provide valuable services to the American people close permanently."

• Senate Dynamics: Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asserts party unity, though signs suggest fractures within the Democratic ranks. Key Senators express varying degrees of support and opposition, with some, like Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, committing to voting yes, while others remain undecided or propose amendments.

• Public Opinion: A CNN poll reveals that 61% of Americans disapprove of the use of tariffs, and 56% disapprove of the current state of the economy, highlighting public discontent that could influence legislative actions.

US-Russia Relations: Ceasefire Efforts Amidst Military Escalation

The geopolitical landscape is tense as the US seeks to mediate a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, amidst sharp exchanges between President Trump and Russian officials.

• Ceasefire Negotiations: Special envoy Steve Witkoff is dispatched to Russia to facilitate ceasefire discussions. However, Russian officials remain skeptical, with Foreign Ministry spokespersons asserting Moscow's independence in war decisions.

  Notable Quotes:

  Donald Trump [09:34]: "There are things you could do that wouldn't be pleasant. In a financial sense, I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do that because I want to get peace. But in a financial sense, yeah, we could do things very bad for Russia."

  Marco Rubio [09:10]: "He will keep the cease fire, considering that he's broken them in the past."

• Military Developments: Russia is reported to be tightening its grip around 10,000 Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, threatening the stability of Ukrainian-held territories.

• President Trump's Strategy: Emphasizing economic pressure, Trump signals a willingness to impose severe financial sanctions on Russia to compel a ceasefire, underscoring the administration's strategic approach to international conflicts.

Department of Education Cuts: Redefining Federal Involvement in Education

A controversial decision by the Trump administration to slash the Department of Education’s workforce by 50% marks a significant shift in federal education policy.

• Administration's Rationale: President Trump argues that the Department of Education is inefficient and costly, advocating for a shift towards block grants that grant states more autonomy in education management.

  Notable Quotes:

  Donald Trump [12:44]: "But now Department of Education, maybe more so than any other place, has a lot of people that can be cut. They're number one, not showing up to work. Number two, they're not doing a good job."

• Secretary of Education Linda McMahon's Response: McMahon assures that essential programs and funds remain unaffected, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to maintaining critical educational services.

  Notable Quotes:

  Linda McMahon [11:24]: "We wanted to make sure that we kept all of the right people and the good people to make sure that the outward facing programs, the grants, the appropriations that come from Congress, all of that are being met."

• Impact on Public Education: Critics, including leaders of teachers' unions, label the cuts as detrimental to public education, arguing that they undermine federal support and threaten the quality of educational services.

  Notable Quotes:

  Linda McMahon [12:02]: "It's a disaster symbolically as much as it's a disaster in reality. Think about a country whose president basically says as their first acts, I'm getting rid of education."

• Educational Funding Trends: Despite significant funding increases since 1979, public schools have seen minimal improvements in test scores, a point highlighted by President Trump to justify the proposed cuts.

Legal Spotlight: Mahmoud Khalil’s Deportation Battle and Immigration Policies

The episode also delves into the high-profile case of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University activist facing deportation, reflecting broader immigration policies under the Trump administration.

• Case Details: Mahmoud Khalil, charged with supporting terrorist organizations Hamas and Hezbollah, is contesting his deportation from a Louisiana ICE facility. His legal team argues that his deportation violates the First Amendment by suppressing lawful dissent.

  Notable Quotes:

  Marco Rubio [15:08]: "No one has a right to a green card, by the way. So when you apply for a student visa or any visa to enter the United States, we have a right to deny you for virtually any reason."

• Government's Position: The administration emphasizes national security concerns, asserting that individuals like Khalil, who are implicated in activism perceived as threatening, should be denied entry or deported.

• Legal Proceedings: Khalil's lawyers are preparing to file an updated petition, while federal prosecutors seek to move his trial to jurisdictions they deem more appropriate, citing concerns over bias.

Conclusion

Megyn Kelly wraps up the episode by previewing upcoming segments, including her investigative series on the mysterious disappearance of baby Lisa Irwin. The episode provides listeners with a thorough overview of pressing economic indicators, political maneuverings, international conflicts, and significant policy shifts, all underscored by direct quotations from influential leaders.

Notable Advertisements Skipped

Advertisements for Birch Gold and Grand Canyon University were present in the transcript but were excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the episode's core content.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show offers a multifaceted exploration of current events, blending economic analysis with political strategy and international diplomacy. Through detailed reporting and direct quotes, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the challenges and developments shaping the national and global landscape as of March 13, 2025.