The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 10/17 Summary

Episode Date: October 17, 2025
Main Theme:
This AM update focuses on a whirlwind of high-profile legal and political developments, including the dramatic indictment of John Bolton, reactions from key political figures and prosecutors, a spy-thriller-worthy case involving a State Department adviser, and the fallout from a Virginia Attorney General debate rocked by threatening text messages. Host Megyn Kelly and guest Andrew Weissmann analyze the facts, controversies, and rhetoric swirling around these stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. John Bolton Indicted for Mishandling Classified Information

• Overview:

  • John Bolton, former Trump National Security Adviser and critic, was indicted on 18 federal counts (8 counts of transmission, 10 counts of unlawful retention of National Defense Information), facing up to 10 years per count ([04:40]).
  • FBI searches of his properties reportedly uncovered multiple classified documents.

• Allegations:

  • Bolton allegedly sent Top Secret information to family (his wife and daughter) via AOL, Gmail, and messaging apps.
  • Maintained over 1000 pages of diary notes with sensitive entries, regularly shared with “individuals one and two.”
  • Used encrypted group chats labeled for “diary in the future” ([05:50]).

• Hacker Threat:

  • In 2021, a suspected Iranian hacker messaged, taunting Bolton about the classified materials, threatening a “scandal” akin to the Clinton emails ([06:10]).
  • DOJ alleges Bolton never fully disclosed to the FBI that his hacked accounts contained sensitive government secrets.

• Political Context & Criticism:

  • Critics suggest this is a trend of indicting Trump’s “enemies” (Comey, Letitia James, now Bolton).

  • Trump’s reaction:

    “I think he’s a bad guy… it’s too bad, but it’s the way it goes.” — Donald Trump ([06:42])

  • According to reporting, the probe into Bolton accelerated during the Biden administration.

• Bolton’s Statement:

  • Defends his record:

    “For four decades I have devoted my life to America’s foreign policy and national security. I would never compromise those goals.” — John Bolton ([06:52])

  • Alleges DOJ is being “weaponized” against Trump’s critics—claims charges distort facts and notes his book was ultimately cleared.
  • Notably, does not deny mishandling classified material.

2. State Department Adviser Ashley Tellis Arrested – Alleged Spy Drama

• Overview:

  • Ashley Tellis, Pentagon contractor and State Department adviser, arrested for unlawfully keeping over 1,000 documents—secret and top secret—at his Virginia home ([08:00]).
  • Spy-thriller details: Trash bags, cabinets, and mysterious dinners with Chinese officials (including gift exchanges and missing envelopes).
  • Tellis charged with unlawful retention of national defense information.
  • No direct espionage charge, but years of observation and interaction with Chinese officials are suspicious.
  • Tellis’ legal team vows to “vigorously contest” suggestions he aided foreign powers ([09:40]).

• Prosecutorial Statement:

  • US Attorney Lindsey Halligan:

    “These charges… represent a grave risk to the safety and security of our citizens. The facts and the law in this case are clear…” ([09:24])

3. Jack Smith Breaks Silence: DOJ, Trump Investigations, and Political Accusations

• Interview Breakdown:

  • Former Special Counsel Jack Smith defends his team’s impartiality amid ongoing Congressional scrutiny of the Trump indictments ([13:00]). Interview with Andrew Weissmann (of Mueller probe).
  • Smith:

    “These are team players who don’t want anything but to do good in the world. They’re not interested in politics… it’s absolutely ludicrous…that politics would play a role in big cases like this.” ([13:00], Megyn Kelly quoting/paraphrasing Smith)

• Contradictory Reporting:

  • Weissmann notes public documentation of Biden and his advisers pushing for Trump’s prosecution ([13:54]), raising questions about DOJ’s true independence.
  • Reports of Biden staffers meeting with Smith’s team before Trump’s indictment add suspicion.

• Legal Distinctions:

  • Smith (via Kelly) distinguishes Trump classified documents case from Biden’s, citing “obstructive conduct” and willfulness on Trump’s part ([14:56]).

    “In my particular case, we had tons of evidence of willfulness... and then trying to obstruct the investigation, that helps prove willfulness. That sort of evidence didn’t exist in the other case.” — Jack Smith, via Megyn Kelly ([14:56])

• Final Impressions:

  • Kelly/sympathetic framing:

    “He came across to me as extremely heartfelt and sincere, and I think he’s clearly been through a lot.” — Megyn Kelly ([16:24])

  • Weissmann counters, invoking Trump’s ordeal:

    “One might argue President Trump also went through a lot, facing down multiple indictments and the threat of hundreds of years in prison. Do we have sympathy for him?” — Andrew Weissmann ([16:46])

4. Virginia AG Debate: Jay Jones’ Violent Texts Scandal

• Context:

  • Democrat Jay Jones accused of sending violently threatening texts in 2022, including wishing “two bullets to the head” of a Republican Speaker and expressing a wish that the speaker’s wife “watch her own children die in her arms.” ([17:30])
  • No calls for withdrawal from major Democrats; Jones apologizes but pivots to accuse GOP opponents of similar failings.

• Debate Exchange Highlights:

  • Jones:

    “I’ve taken accountability for my mistakes… This job right now demands someone who will hold Donald Trump accountable…” ([18:01])

  • Opponent Jason Mieras hits back:

    “How can anyone… ever take you seriously, be the top prosecutor knowing that you view that children should die to advance a political agenda? It’s unconscionable. And if you were truly sorry, you would not be running for this office because you disqualified yourself.” ([19:22])

5. Other Notable Legal Cases

• Jake Harrow Pleads Guilty:
  • Coverage of the case of missing baby Emmanuel Harrow. Father Jake pleads guilty to second-degree murder; sentencing set for November 3rd ([19:54]).
  • Mother Rebecca pleads not guilty; more details expected.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• John Bolton on DOJ charges:

  “Now I have become the latest target in weaponizing the Justice Department to charge those Trump deems to be his enemies…” ([06:52])

• Megyn Kelly on DOJ independence:

  “The idea that politics played a role in who worked on that case or who got chosen is ludicrous.” ([01:06], echoed at [13:00])

• Jack Smith (as related by Kelly):

  “These are people who are… team players who don’t want anything but to do good in the world. They’re not interested in politics... it’s absolutely ludicrous that politics would play a role in big cases like this…” ([13:00])

• Candidate Jason Mieras confronting Jay Jones:

  “If you were truly sorry, you would not be running for this office because you disqualified yourself.” ([19:22])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:40] – Details of John Bolton’s indictment and response
• [06:42] – Trump’s reaction to Bolton’s indictment
• [06:52] – Bolton’s public statement (excerpts)
• [08:00] – Ashley Tellis’ “spy case” arrest overview
• [09:24] – US Attorney statement on Tellis
• [13:00] – Jack Smith interview; DOJ impartiality claims
• [13:54] – Weissmann references Biden’s influence on DOJ
• [14:56] – Differences in Trump vs. Biden docs cases, per Smith/Kelly
• [16:24] – Jack Smith’s character and post-case reflections
• [16:46] – Weissmann: “Do we have sympathy for Trump?”
• [18:01] – Jay Jones’ apology and debate defense
• [19:22] – Jason Mieras’ pointed attack on Jones’ texts
• [19:54] – Update on missing baby Emmanuel Harrow case

Final Thoughts

This episode weaves together explosive legal developments and partisan tension, pairing hard news with commentary on the motives and credibility of players on all sides. Through candid exchanges and sharp analysis, Megyn Kelly and Andrew Weissmann dissect narratives surrounding prosecution, accountability, and political double standards in a news cycle fraught with legal peril and election-season drama.