Intel Chiefs Grilled Over Iran, Tense Mullin Hearing, Harry & Meghan's Netflix Drama: AM Update 3/19

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update (March 19, 2026)

Intel Chiefs Grilled Over Iran, Tense Mullin Hearing, Harry & Meghan's Netflix Drama

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Overview

This episode, hosted by Emily Jaszynski, delivers a brisk roundup of the day’s biggest political, national security, and pop culture stories. The show’s backbone: a high-stakes Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on threats facing the U.S.—with Iran at center stage, contentious exchanges during Senator Markwayne Mullin’s confirmation hearings as Homeland Security Secretary, President Trump’s solemn tribute to U.S. service members lost in operations against Iran, and new reporting on the unraveling of Harry and Meghan’s high-dollar Netflix deal.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Intelligence Chiefs Testify on Iran and Global Threats

(02:32–06:37)

• Intelligence Community Leadership:
  • Notable new faces: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel.
  • All appear before Senate Intelligence Committee for a global threat assessment.
• Iran Focus:
  • U.S. and Israeli forces have struck over 7,000 Iranian targets, killing dozens of senior leaders.
  • Director Gabbard gives current IC (intelligence community) assessment:
    • “The regime in Iran appears to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities. Its conventional military power projection capabilities have largely been destroyed, leaving limited options.” (03:08)
    • Despite physical losses, Iran’s internal tensions and economic woes may increase instability at home.
• Debate on Iranian Threat Level:
  • National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent resigned, arguing Iran posed no imminent threat to the U.S.
  • Senator John Cornyn challenges this view: “Is there anything to indicate that Iran had ceased in its nuclear ambitions...?” (03:51)
  • CIA Director Ratcliffe: “No.” (04:07)
  • Consensus: Iran remains a long-term and immediate threat to U.S. and allies.
• Domestic Terror Threats:
  • Recent rise in decentralized Islamist-inspired attacks:
    • Noted incidents: shooting in Austin, attempted IED in New York, classroom shooting at Old Dominion, vehicle attack at synagogue preschool.
  • Gabbard: “We are seeing less indicators of large scale, organized complex threats or attacks and instead efforts focused on individuals either who have been radicalized by Islamist propaganda...” (05:13)
• Task Forces and Cooperation:
  • FBI Director Patel highlights 59 Homeland Security Task Forces: “When you bring the powers of the Homeland Security folks, DHS and the FBI together...we dropped the murder rate by double digit points...first time that Mardi Gras in its entire history had not one homicide.” (05:44)

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2. Tense Markwayne Mullin DHS Hearings

(06:37–11:17)

• Background:
  • Mullin is nominated to replace outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem; President Trump reassigned Noem following controversies.
• Senate Hearing Fireworks:
  • Senator Rand Paul confronts Mullin over past comments apparently justifying violence against Paul after his 2017 assault:
    • Paul: “You told the media that I was a freaking snake and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted...Tell it to my face.” (07:33)
    • Mullin replies: “I did not say I supported it. I said understood it. There’s a difference.” (08:13)
  • Paul persists, suggesting “completely understand” could be seen as tacit endorsement of violence.
• Teamsters Connection:
  • Teamsters’ Sean O’Brien appears in support; Mullin notes their past near-physical clash and later, friendship: “[That] relationship as an effective example of settling differences.” (08:40)
• Key Confirmation Issues:
  • Department shutdown since Feb. 14 over funding impasse; TSA agents and others still working without pay.
  • Repeated questions on ICE operations in Minnesota—two fatal confrontations and officer-involved shooting of Renee Goode.
    • Asked if he regrets his unequivocal support of the shooting: Mullin stands by law enforcement, “It’s very clear that an officer had to make a split decision...That car becomes a lethal weapon.” (09:49)
  • Mystery 2015 classified trip—Mullin confirms it was Congressional, official, and classified, but with few details offered even under pressure from Democrats: “That is classified...Yes, it was an official trip while you were a member of Congress.” (10:16)
• Committee Mood:
  • Despite Paul’s strong opposition, Mullin receives rare bipartisan praise:
    • Sen. John Fetterman: “My experience with you has been consistent kindness and provisionalism.” (11:44)
    • Sen. Bernie Moreno: “You will be confirmed, you will have the job and you’re going to make this country safer and better.” (11:57)
  • Mullin expected to be confirmed soon.

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3. President Trump Honors Fallen Troops and Slams NATO

(13:30–16:21)

• Dover Air Force Base Ceremony:
  • President Trump attends dignified transfer for six airmen lost in a refueling aircraft crash over Iraq during Operation Epic Fury (campaign against Iran).
  • Notable: No cameras; families’ wishes respected. At least 13 U.S. military dead in less than a month; 200 wounded, 10 severely.
• Analysis of the Conflict:
  • U.S. strikes continue—recently targeting Iranian anti-ship missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz with heavy bombs.
  • Oil prices surge to over $100/barrel. World shipping through the Strait heavily impacted.
• Trump on NATO:
  • Discontent with lack of allied military support:
    • “All of our NATO allies were very much in favor of what we did...They thought it was very important that we take out the nuclear threat from Iran...We have thousands of soldiers in different countries all over the world, and they don't want to help us, which is amazing...” (15:35)
    • “I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us...We don’t need them. So this was a great test, because we don't need them.” (15:35)

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4. Pop Culture: Harry & Meghan’s Netflix Woes

(16:21–19:55)

• Variety’s Reported Revelations:
  • Initial Netflix deal in 2020: reportedly $30–$100 million, huge expectations for “full-scale entertainment empire.”
  • Miscommunications/disappointments:
    • Netflix reportedly “caught off guard” by Oprah interview and by Harry’s memoir Spare—both events allegedly overlapped content with Netflix’s planned docuseries.
  • Despite a record debut (81M hours viewed in four days), follow-up content (particularly Meghan's culinary/lifestyle effort With Love, Meghan) falters:
    • Netflix lands with “over $10 million worth of unsold ‘as ever’ products” linked to Meghan’s brand—now given away to boost engagement.
    • The follow-up series did not get renewed for a third season, but Sussexes claim seasonal “specials” are in the works.
  • Insiders claim Netflix execs Ted Sarandos and Bela Bajaria are frustrated, though this is officially denied by the company.
  • Five years in, no major scripted hits delivered—only two book adaptations still in development.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Director Gabbard (IC on Iran):
  “The regime in Iran appears to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities.” (03:08)
• Sen. Rand Paul (to Mullin):
  “Tell it to my face. If that’s what you believe, tell it to me today. Tell the world why you believe I deserve to be assaulted from behind.” (07:33)
• Sen. Mullin (on assault comments):
  “I did not say I supported it. I said understood it. There’s a difference.” (08:13)
• FBI Director Patel (Task Forces):
  “First time that Mardi Gras in its entire history had not one homicide.” (05:44)
• Pres. Trump (about allies):
  “We help them so much. We have thousands of soldiers in different countries all over the world, and they don't want to help us, which is amazing. I mean, amazing.” (15:35)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iran Hearing and Assessment: 00:43–06:37
• Sen. Mullin’s DHS Confirmation Hearing: 06:37–11:17
• Presidential Honor for Fallen Service Members; Oil/NATO: 13:30–16:21
• Harry & Meghan’s Netflix Saga: 16:21–19:55

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Conclusion

This AM Update episode on The Megyn Kelly Show delivers a potent blend of national security analysis, fiery Washington drama, and celebrity intrigue—an essential catch-up for listeners tracking D.C. power moves, U.S. security posture, and international standoffs, as well as the relentless, unpredictable churn of modern celebrity.

Transcript

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[Emily Jaszynski]

Good morning everyone. I'm Emily Jaszynski, host of Afterparty and the Megyn Kelly Wrap Up show on Sirius XM channel 111. It's Thursday, March 19, 2026 and this is your AM update.

[Intelligence Community Analyst]

The regime in Iran appears to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities.

[Emily Jaszynski]

Top intel officials testifying in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee yesterday on worldwide threats to the U.S. you told the

[Senator Rand Paul]

media that I was a freaking snake and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted.

[Emily Jaszynski]

Senator Mark Wayne Mullen appears in an at times contentious confirmation hearing for DHS Secretary President Trump paying tribute to US Service members killed in the campaign against Iran at a dignified transfer ceremony. And new reporting from Variety shining light on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's deteriorating relationship with Netflix. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Emily Jaszynski]

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel and two other top officials appearing yesterday before the Senate Intelligence Committee testifying on threats to the US from adversaries around the world. Much of the hearing centering on Iran as the US continues its military operation targeting the regime's capabilities. Officials saying that over the last several weeks, US and Israeli forces striking more than 7,000 targets and killing dozens of senior Iranian leaders. Director Gabbard offering the latest assessment of the intelligence community, also known as the ic.

[Intelligence Community Analyst]

The IC assesses the regime in Iran appears to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities. Its conventional military power projection capabilities have largely been destroyed, leaving limited options. Iran's strategic position has been significantly degraded. Even if the regime remains intact, the IC assesses that internal tensions are likely to increase as as Iran's economy worsens.

[Emily Jaszynski]

Earlier this week, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent resigning over his opposition to the war, writing that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the us. Senator John Cornyn, Republican from Texas, pressing CIA Director Ratcliffe on that claim.

[President Donald Trump]

Is there anything to indicate that Iran had ceased in its nuclear ambitions or in its desire to continue to build ballistic missiles capable of threatening American troops and allies in the Middle East? Senator no.

[Senator Mark Wayne Mullen]

In fact, the intelligence reflects the contrary.

[President Donald Trump]

So you disagree with Mr. Kent?

[Emily Jaszynski]

I do.

[President Donald Trump]

I would think any fair minded assessment of the situation, even based on open sources, would reflect the danger Iran poses the regime poses to the United States. Isn't it true they've basically been at war with the west since 1979 during the Iranian Revolution and have American blood on their hands?

[Emily Jaszynski]

That's absolutely correct.

[Senator Mark Wayne Mullen]

I think Iran has been a constant threat to the United States for an extended period of time and posed an

[Emily Jaszynski]

immediate threat at this time. Officials also warning of a shifting terrorism threat landscape inside the United States. In recent weeks, multiple Islamist inspired attacks reported across the country, including a shooting in Austin, an attempted IED attack in New York, a classroom shooting at Old Dominion University and a vehicle attack targeting a synagogue preschool. Director Gabbard describing a trend toward more decentralized threats where increasingly we are seeing

[Intelligence Community Analyst]

less indicators of large scale, organized complex threats or attacks and instead efforts focused on individuals either who have been radicalized by Islamist propaganda and may not have ever had contact with ISIS or Al Qaeda, for example, and others who have had contact of which we are able to have more indications of.

[Emily Jaszynski]

Director Patel asked about the FBI's collaboration with DHS in countering terror threats to

[FBI Director Kash Patel]

the U.S. well, we have stood up around the country are 59 Homeland Security Task Forces in 59 separate locations. The FBI owns 56 Joint Terrorism Task forces in each of our field offices. On top of that we have 59 HSTFs, which are CO led by the FBI and DHS. And what that allows us to do is things like we did down in New Orleans just over the holiday period where we surged for a six week period of time and where we dropped the murder rate by double digit points and also is the first time that Mardi Gras in its entire history had not one homicide. So when you bring the powers of the Homeland Security folks, DHS and the FBI together, this is the purpose of it, to get after not just the terrorism threat, but the violence and the criminal activity in our cities. And that's why we're in 59 cities across the country and it's working in places like Memphis and every other city. We have it.

[Emily Jaszynski]

Senator Mark Wayne Mullen, Republican from Oklahoma, appearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee yesterday for his confirmation hearing to replace outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. President Trump reassigning Secretary Noem to the role of special envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a Western Hemisphere security initiative, effective March 31. The President making the move amid a string of controversies for Noem, including allegations of an affair, spending $220 million on an ad campaign and fallout over her handling of an ice surge. In Minnesota, Senator Mullen facing a tough round of questioning from committee chair Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. Senator Paul describing an assault he suffered from a neighbor in 2017, leaving the senator with broken ribs and months of complicated recovery. The senator then bringing up comments made by Senator Mullen to others amid a disagreement between the two about a piece of legislation.

[Senator Rand Paul]

You told the media that I was a freaking snake and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted. I was shocked that it would justify and celebrate this violent assault that caused me so much pain. I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force. You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified. So today you'll have your chance. Tell it to my face. If that's what you believe, tell it to me today. Tell the world why you believe I deserve to be assaulted from behind.

[Emily Jaszynski]

Senator Mullen responding.

[Senator Mark Wayne Mullen]

I did not say I supported it. I said understood it. There's a difference.

[Senator Rand Paul]

So that means you really didn't approve of it. Just completely understand it. What do you think most people would interpret completely understand to be support for or a condemnation of the violence?

[Senator Mark Wayne Mullen]

Sir, as I said, we can have our differences. It's not going to keep me from doing my job as Secretary of Homeland Security. I'm going to secure Kentucky and take care of Kentucky as as much as

[Emily Jaszynski]

I am if this appearing behind Senator Mullen in support of his nomination, head of the Teamsters Union, Sean o'. Brien. Senator Mullen once challenging o' Brien to a fight during a Senate hearing. The two nearly coming to blows, but later going on to talk out their differences and becoming unlikely friends. Mr. Mullen pointing to that relationship as an effective example of settling differences. In his opening statement, Senator Mullen emphasizing the importance of passing a funding bill for the department. He hopes to run lawmakers at an impasse since February 14, leaving DHS in shutdown mode. Essential employees like TSA agents still expected to work but without pay until a bill is passed. Senator Mullen also questioned several times about ICE operations in Minnesota, including two fatal confrontations involving agitators who inserted themselves into law enforcement operations. Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut questioning Mr. Mullen about the officer involved shooting of Renee Goode.

[Commercial Narrator]

You were asked whether you believe the shooting was justified and you replied, quote, absolutely. Do you regret that statement as well?

[Senator Mark Wayne Mullen]

Senator, it's very clear that an officer had to make a split decision in that case as a car was running towards him and did strike him. At that point, that car becomes a lethal weapon.

[Emily Jaszynski]

Senators also questioning Mullen about a mysterious 2015 overseas trip who revealed for the first time it was part of a classified assignment while serving in Congress. Here in exchange with Democrat Senator Gary Peters of Michigan.

[Senator Mark Wayne Mullen]

This was official trip and it is classified. But in 2015, I was asked to train with a very small contingency and go to a certain area which was scheduled for 2016. During that time I was asked to go through, had to meet certain training qualifications. Certain qualifications had to go through tier training. And there was nothing in the report to the committee? Actually. It said you do not have to claim any official trips. And like I said, that was an official trip. That is classified. This is an official trip while you were a member of Congress? Yes. So where was that trip? I just said it's classified, sir. It's classified. So the letter that we sent to you said that we need to have information of any of these activities. It said not official trips. We will, we will want to find out more information. That's perfect. Okay. Important to have the truth here and that you're portraying yourself in a truthful way.

[Emily Jaszynski]

The senator agreeing to share more information with the committee in a classified setting, despite some contentious exchanges, including those with Senator Paul, who has said he will not vote for his colleague Mullen. Also scoring bipartisan praise here, Senator John Fetterman, Democrat from Pennsylvania, who offered an early endorsement of Mr. Mullen and is likely to be the key vote advancing his nomination out of committee, and Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio.

[Senator Mark Wayne Mullen]

My experience with you has been consistent kindness and provisionalism. I just want to thank you for showing up. And now I'm going to engage and I'm going to remain with an open mind throughout all this.

[Commercial Narrator]

And I just want the American people to know you're a good man. You will be confirmed, you will have the job and you're going to make this country safer and better.

[Emily Jaszynski]

And for that, I thank you and

[Commercial Narrator]

thank your family for supporting you.

[Emily Jaszynski]

The committee could vote as early as today. If successful, it would then go to a full Senate vote where Senator Mullen is expected to be confirmed. Coming up, President Trump honoring fallen U.S. service members at a dignified transfer ceremony. And new reporting from Variety on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's deteriorating Netflix relationship.

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[Emily Jaszynski]

President Trump yesterday at Dover Air Force Base attending the Dignified Transfer Service of six US Service members killed amid Operation Epic Fury against Iran. All six crew members aboard a US Air Force KC135 refueling aircraft killed last week when it went down over friendly airspace in western Iraq. U.S. central Command, or CENTCOM, stating the crash involved another airplane which landed safely and was not due to hostile or friendly fire. The incident is under investigation. Three of the deceased assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, 33 year old Major John Alex Klinner of Alabama, 31 year old Captain Arianna Savino of Washington and 34 year old Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt of Kentucky. The other three deceased assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. 38 year old Captain Seth Coval of Indiana, 30 year old Captain Curtis Angst of Ohio and 28 year old Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons, also of Ohio. At the request of the families, no cameras were present for the solemn ceremony. The transfer marking the second time President Trump has attended such a ceremony since the start of Operation Epic Fury late last month. At least 13 members of the military killed since the beginning of the campaign against Iran. According to the Pentagon. Around 200 more wounded including 10 with severe injuries in the nearly three weeks since the operation began. The strikes continuing. CENTCOM on Tuesday announcing the targeting of Iranian anti ship missile sites with 5000 pound bunker buster bombs near the Strait of Hormuz. Global shipping through the critical waterway down dramatically since the beginning of the conflict due to threats of Iranian attack. This decline sending oil prices to more than $100 per barrel. Most NATO allies so far failing to volunteer to help keep the strait open despite President Trump's calls for assistance. The President slamming those countries, especially NATO allies, Tuesday from the Oval.

[President Donald Trump]

All of our NATO allies were very much in favor of what we did. They thought it was very important that we take out the nuclear threat from Iran. And we've done that very strongly, very powerfully, you know, despite the fact that we help them so much. We have thousands of soldiers in different countries all over the world and they don't want to help us, which is amazing. I mean, amazing. And I didn't do a full court press because I think if I did they probably would be. But we don't, we don't need help. So I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake and I've long said that, you know, I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us. So this is a, this was a great test because we don't need them.

[Emily Jaszynski]

But they should have been there yesterday morning. The President posting to Truth Social quote, I wonder what would happen if we finished off what's left of the Iranian terror state and let the countries that use it. We don't be responsible for the so called strait that would get some of our non responsive allies in gear. And fast rising oil prices driving up consumer costs here at home. The national gas price average yesterday hitting $3.84 per gallon, the most expensive since September 2023 last month, a gallon averaging $2.92. A new report from Variety finding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship with Netflix deteriorating as the couple struggles to turn early buzz into lasting Hollywood success. The former royals signing their headline making deal with Netflix back in September 2020 reportedly worth anywhere from $30 million to north of $100 million, with the expectation they would build out a full scale entertainment empire under their company Archewell Productions. At the center of that deal, a docuseries examining their departure from the British royal family. According to Variety. Netflix caught off guard early on when Harry and Meghan sat down with Oprah, effectively scooping their own series. Variety reporting the streamer only learned about the interview at the last minute. A Sussex spokesperson denies that claim, saying Netflix was aware of the interview. Netflix reportedly surprised again to learn of Penguin Random House's plans to publish Harry's January 2023 memoir Spare, covering much of the same ground as the docuseries. Variety reporting Netflix ultimately moved up the release of the show to December 2022, ensuring it premiered ahead of the book Harry and Meghan going on to draw more than 81 million hours viewed in its first four days, becoming the biggest documentary debut in Netflix history. Since then, Archewell Productions failing to produce another smash hit. Most recently, Netflix stepping back from Markle's lifestyle brand as ever, a venture tied closely to her flailing series With Love Megan, a cooking and lifestyle show featuring celebrity cameos and product tie ins. That show premiering last March, Briefly landing in Netflix's top 10, the second batch of episodes filmed at the same time as the first but presented as a second season, falling flat. Variety reporting Netflix now left with more than $10 million worth of unsold as ever products, some of which they have resorted to giving away with Love. Meghan was not picked up for a third season, though a spokesperson for the Sussexes tells Variety the series will continue as seasonal specials. Three sources telling the Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and Chief Content Officer Bella Baharia have grown frustrated with the partnership. A Netflix spokesperson telling Variety it is inaccurate that the executives have lost faith in the couple. More than five years into the deal, Harry and Meghan yet to deliver the scripted projects originally envisioned, though two book adaptations remain in development. That'll do it. For your AM Update, I'm Emily Jasinsky, host of After Party. Catch the Megyn Kelly show live on Sirius XM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megankelli and all podcast platforms.

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