The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 1153

Jimmy Kimmel and Sore Cultural Losers, and Charlie Kirk's Spiritual Revival
Date: September 19, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly | Guests: Steve Bannon, Frank Turek

Episode Overview

In this deeply charged episode, Megyn Kelly navigates the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel's suspension after his controversial remarks about the assassination of Charlie Kirk—a conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA. The episode explores alleged leftist bias in the media, the broader cultural battle between progressive and conservative America, and the spiritual legacy of Charlie Kirk, with particularly moving recollections from faith mentor Frank Turek.

The first segment dissects the Kimmel controversy and its implications for media, political discourse, and free speech. The latter half shifts to a tribute to Charlie Kirk—his mission, faith, what led to his assassination, and the outpouring of grief and activism that has followed. Memorable moments highlight raw grief, righteous anger, and determination to continue Kirk's legacy.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Jimmy Kimmel Suspension & Media Fallout

Begins around 04:45

• Kimmel’s Remarks and Reaction:

  • Kimmel blamed MAGA supporters for Charlie Kirk's murder and accused them of using the tragedy for "political points". Megyn denounces this as an “intentional smear.”
  • Kimmel maintained he and his team always fact-check and apologize when wrong, yet refused to acknowledge the error or issue an apology.
  • Kimmel was pulled off air by ABC/Disney, reportedly due to his refusal to back down and intention to "triple down" on MAGA criticism ([09:51]).

• Megan’s Assessment:

  • "We want to capitalize. We're in mourning, you fucking asshole. We're not capitalizing on the death of Charlie." ([10:20])
  • Highlights hypocrisy in the left's call for civility and contrasts with actual leftist online celebrations over Kirk's death.

• Steve Bannon’s Take:

  • Compares Kimmel’s and Colbert’s shows to in-kind political donations to Democrats. Suggests investigations or suits by the FEC and FCC for media bias ([15:47], [21:16], [45:04]).
  • Argues these shows don’t operate as entertainment but as political messaging arms.

Notable Quote

"This is why I say, you know, we're kind of at a civil war here. And we're the peaceful ones that want to do it through political power."
— Steve Bannon ([15:47])

2. Leftist Cultural Meltdown & Conservative Response

20:04 – 34:53

• Liberal Media’s “Meltdown”:

  • Late-night hosts, commentators, and MSNBC denounce Kimmel’s removal as “authoritarian” and “suppression of free speech.”
  • Episode features soundbites of progressive outrage and comparisons of Kimmel’s suspension to grave social injustices ([31:21]).

• Public Reaction:

  • Grassroots mobilization to support media affiliates that canceled Kimmel.
  • Growing movements in memory of Charlie Kirk, with thousands of young people flocking to Turning Point USA ([34:53]).

• Megyn & Bannon on Escalation:

  • They urge maximalist strategy: “play Smash Mouth,” “take it to the absolute...outer edge of what you can do regulatory” ([45:04]).
  • Argue the left’s labeling of MAGA as violent is projection; actual violence and celebration of Kirk’s death is largely unaddressed by liberal media.

Memorable Moment

"They actually are pretending that [Kimmel's suspension] is as serious and as big an event as what happened to Charlie. It's very strange. It's like weird trauma glomming...”
— Megyn Kelly ([28:50])

3. Charlie Kirk: Life, Legacy, and Spiritual Impact

Begins around 55:35, with Frank Turek’s appearance

Turek Reflects on Friendship and Kirk's Calling

• Recounts how he became Kirk’s mentor and details Kirk’s deep faith, relentless preparation, and the unique combination of politics and spirituality that defined him ([58:58], [61:51]).
• Charlie’s conviction: “Politics is peanuts compared to Jesus… Politics is temporary. Jesus is eternal, and there’s nothing more important than eternity.” ([57:07], Frank Turek)

Why Kirk Was Targeted

• Megyn and Turek concur that Kirk’s faith, more than his politics, made him a target:

  “Because the faith quotient was so high, which made him more powerful than everyone.”
  — Megyn Kelly ([56:22])

Events of the Assassination Day

• Frank Turek was present with Kirk and emotionally describes being steps away when the shot rang out ([78:13-85:51]).
• Security rushed Kirk to the hospital; Turek performed CPR en route, but the wound was catastrophic.
• The episode honors Mikey McCoy, a young aide who sprang into action amid the chaos.

Impact and Mourning

• Frank describes the “self-organizing” grassroots response—tens of thousands joining TPUSA, candlelight vigils, and a surge of interest in spiritual questions ([95:36]).
• Erica Kirk’s remarkable strength and composure in the aftermath is highlighted:

  “That Friday night speech, Megan, that may have been the most inspirational 30 minutes I’ve ever witnessed.”
  — Frank Turek ([88:21])

Philosophy and Faith under Fire

• Dialogue on theodicy: “How could a loving God allow that devil to take this angel from us?” ([68:22])
• Turek responds:

  “God created it, we broke it. Jesus fixed it... Did God want it to happen? No. Did God allow it to happen? Yes. And he can bring good from it. Even good we can't see right now.”
  — Frank Turek ([94:23])

Kirk's Political & Spiritual Campaigns

• Obsession with preparing to defend faith; always had US Constitution at his desk ([62:18]).
• Passionate commitment to marriage, family values, and warning young men against pornography—a “living opposite” to the man who killed him ([66:05]).

Death Penalty and Redemption

• Turek hopes for the shooter’s repentance, but supports capital punishment as biblical justice:

  “Capital punishment is given by God to government to protect innocent people from evil… to demonstrate that life is so valuable that if you wantonly take a life, your life will be taken…”
  — Frank Turek ([100:30])

4. Concluding Reflections: What Comes Next

• The conservative movement is described as “mobilized… and it’s happening organically, not just nationally but internationally” ([49:14]).
• Turek encourages listeners to examine their own hearts and faith in light of tragedy; to “repent and accept the gift Christ provides for us” ([102:09]).
• The closing notes emphasize determination not to retreat in the face of threats, an emboldened commitment to truth, and the spread of spiritual revival catalyzed by Kirk’s martyrdom.

Important Timestamps

• 04:45–09:51: Breakdown of Kimmel’s remarks and response
• 15:47: Steve Bannon enters, reframes Kimmel/Colbert controversy as political donations
• 20:04–21:16: Colbert’s response, argument media is in-kind Democrat support
• 29:46–34:53: Examination of leftist reactions/meltdown
• 55:35: Frank Turek joins, begins reflection on Kirk’s life and faith
• 78:13–85:03: Detailed account of the assassination
• 88:06–90:02: Erica Kirk’s immediate response and legacy
• 94:23: Turek’s philosophical and spiritual reflection on suffering
• 100:30: Turek on the shooter and the death penalty
• 102:09: Final thoughts and call to spiritual reflection

Notable Quotes

• Megyn Kelly:

  “You don't lock arms with that person. You don't try to persuade that person. … That person's not reachable.” ([43:19])

• Steve Bannon:

  “We have to have a maximalist strategy. And you have to throw the book at them. … We cannot have half measures right now.” ([21:16]) “We’re not reasonable people. We don’t pretend to be reasonable. We want victory.” ([18:43])

• Frank Turek:

  “If you disagree, come to the front of the line. I’ll give you the microphone. … Fascists kill people. They don’t hear out their opponents.” ([55:56]) “God created it, we broke it. Jesus fixed it. … We’re all broken.” ([68:22], [94:23]) “If God were to stop evil at midnight tonight, would you still be alive at 12:01? I wouldn't be, Megan.” ([68:22]) "He was Jesus number one. Everything else was secondary." ([71:20]) On Charlie: "He was kind of a cross between Billy Graham and Rush Limbaugh." ([75:38])

• On Charlie’s Assassination Scene:

  "I'm looking down at Charlie. I mean, he's a foot from me. His eyes are fixed. He's not looking at me. He's looking into eternity." ([81:26])

Tone and Atmosphere

The episode is impassioned, raw, and at times combative—marked by righteous indignation at perceived leftist hypocrisy and deep mourning for Charlie Kirk. There are moments of humor and camaraderie, especially between longtime friends and colleagues. The hosts and guests blend spiritual reflection with a call-to-arms energy, oscillating between collective grief and calls for political and cultural counterattack.

Summary Takeaways

• The episode centers on the intersection of tragedy, media controversy, and the culture war—using the Kimmel incident as a flashpoint for examining leftist media power and conservative mobilization.
• Charlie Kirk’s assassination is positioned as both an immense personal loss and a spiritual/political rallying cry.
• Frank Turek’s account is deeply moving, blending minute-by-minute detail of Kirk’s killing with spiritual wisdom and philosophical inquiry.
• The conversation closes with an emphasis on steadfastness, faith, and honoring Charlie’s legacy through "unstoppable" truth-telling and political engagement.

For listeners seeking insight into both the media firestorm and the enduring spiritual and cultural battles shaping the American right, this episode is a powerful, revealing chronicle of a movement at a crossroads.