Kash Patel Responds Exclusively, WH Defends Boat Strike, Luigi Mangione in Court: AM Update 12/2

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show

Episode: Kash Patel Responds Exclusively, WH Defends Boat Strike, Luigi Mangione in Court: AM Update 12/2
Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly, SiriusXM

---

Episode Overview

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show delivers a brisk, news-driven update featuring exclusive reactions from FBI Director Kash Patel to critical internal reports, detailed analysis of the White House's defense of a controversial “double tap” strike on a suspected narco-terrorist boat, and major pretrial developments in the murder case against Luigi Mangione. Megyn Kelly provides candid, fact-filled coverage, featuring direct quotes from officials, legal breakdowns of current controversies, and her signature provocative commentary.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. White House Defends “Double Tap” Strike on Suspected Narco-Terrorist Boat

[02:34–07:30]

Background:

• The White House confirms a second air strike (“double tap”) on a suspected drug vessel heading toward the US on September 2. Survivors from the first strike were present during the second attack.
• The Washington Post and others question the legality of this second strike, especially regarding whether survivors still posed an imminent threat.

Key Details:

• Secretary of War Pete Hegseth authorized Admiral Mitch Bradley to conduct “kinetic strikes” on the vessels.
• The administration justifies the strikes under laws of war, noting the group was designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Key Quotes:

• Secretary Pete Hegseth:
  “President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narco terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war... Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated.” [03:53]
• On the question of whether the intent was to kill survivors:
  “I would reject that the Secretary of War ever said that. However, the President has made it quite clear that... he has the authority to kill them. And that's what this administration is doing.” [05:23]

Political Fallout:

• Republicans in Congress announce investigations.
• House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries:
  “The White House is lying, but that's no surprise because they lie for a living and the American people know it.” [05:46]
• Secretary Hegseth publicly backs Admiral Bradley on social media.
• Tensions with Venezuela escalate; US military presence increases, with airspace restrictions and hints at direct intervention.

---

2. Exclusive: FBI Director Kash Patel Responds to Scathing Internal Report

[09:09–11:54]

Background:

• A 115-page report from current and former FBI agents claims Director Kash Patel is “in over his head,” calling the FBI a “rudderless ship.”
• Media coverage (notably Miranda Devine of the New York Post) frames the report as the work of serious, reform-minded insiders—not just disgruntled critics.

Kash Patel’s Response (Exclusive to Show):

• Patel dismisses the report as “a dossier compiled by anonymous disgruntled sources... who do not know what they're talking about.”

• Cites performance metrics:

  • 30,000 arrests this year (100% increase from previous year)
  • 25,000 violent crime arrests, including hundreds of gang members
  • 6,000 missing children recovered; 1,700 child predators arrested
  • Large-scale fentanyl seizures and top most-wanted criminals apprehended

• Patel: “This FBI is succeeding beyond anyone's expectations.” [10:53]

Additional Tensions:

• New reports claim President Trump is considering Patel's removal. White House dismisses as “completely made up.” President Trump:
  “I think he's doing a great job.” [11:45]

---

3. Court Update: Luigi Mangione Seeks to Exclude Evidence

[11:54–14:45]

Case Background:

• Mangione is on trial for the high-profile killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in Manhattan.
• The defense seeks to exclude evidence collected from Mangione’s backpack and during police questioning, arguing violations of his Miranda rights and search procedures.

Key Legal Insight:

• Former prosecutor Joey Jackson explains:
  “If it's a custodial interrogation... and they're asking questions that could incriminate you, you have to give Miranda. However, if you're simply investigating a case and not really questioning him such that you're eliciting guilty statements, you don't.” [13:40]

Details of the Evidence:

• Police found a loaded magazine, silencer, 3D-printed gun, electronics, and a manifesto journal in the searched backpack.
• Manifesto excerpt:
  “I finally feel confident about what I will do. The target is insurance. It checks every box.” [14:18]
• Prosecutors allege Mangione targeted Thompson as a statement against the insurance industry, referencing the phrase “deny, delay and depose,” often associated with insurance claim tactics.

---

Notable Quotes by Topic

White House/Narco-Strike:

• “The President has a right to take them out if they are threatening the United States of America...”
  — Secretary Pete Hegseth [03:53]
• “The White House is lying, but that's no surprise because they lie for a living and the American people know it.”
  — Hakeem Jeffries [05:46]

FBI Firestorm:

• “It's a dossier compiled by anonymous disgruntled sources... who do not know what they're talking about.”
  — Kash Patel [10:30]
• “This FBI is succeeding beyond anyone's expectations.”
  — Kash Patel [10:53]
• “I think he's doing a great job.”
  — President Trump, via spokesperson [11:45]

Mangione Case:

• “If it's a custodial interrogation... and they're asking questions that could incriminate you, you have to give Miranda.”
  — Joey Jackson [13:40]
• “The target is insurance. It checks every box.”
  — Journal entry attributed to Mangione [14:18]

---

Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:34] WH confirms and justifies controversial narco-terrorist boat strike
• [03:53] Secretary Hegseth’s statement on rules of engagement
• [05:46] Hakeem Jeffries responds to administration claims
• [07:19] Venezuela tensions and military posturing
• [09:09] Summary of FBI internal report against Kash Patel
• [10:30] Kash Patel’s exclusive response and metrics
• [11:45] White House/POTUS reaction to removal rumors
• [11:54] Mangione pretrial proceedings and evidence debate
• [13:40] Joey Jackson explains Miranda warning issues
• [14:18] Details of Mangione’s alleged manifesto and evidence

---

Memorable Moments

• The episode’s hard-nosed tone, including Megyn Kelly’s opening:
  “I think we've gone from bad to worse, but I'm gonna muddle through it. Cause I've got some news for you.” [00:32]
• Secretary Hegseth and congressional leaders provide sharp, unvarnished statements about the legality of lethal force.
• Kash Patel taking a rare direct shot at anonymous critics, highlighting dramatic bureau crime-fighting statistics.

---

Conclusion

This AM Update delivers incisive, up-to-the-minute coverage of major headlines in politics, national security, and law. Megyn Kelly keeps the tone brisk and unfiltered, while her exclusive interview with Director Kash Patel and legal insights into the Mangione case offer significant depth and news value. The episode is essential listening for those tracking developments in US criminal justice and military policy.

Transcript

[Ryan]

This is a real good story about Bronx and his dad Ryan. Real United Airlines customers.

[Bronx's Parent]

We were returning home and one of the flight attendants asked Bronx if he wanted to see the flight deck and meet Captain Andrew.

[Megyn Kelly]

I got to sit in the driver's seat.

[Andrew]

I grew up in an aviation family and seeing Bronx kind of reminded me of myself when I was that age.

[Ryan]

That's Andrew, a real United pilot.

[Andrew]

These small interactions can shape a kid's future.

[Megyn Kelly]

It felt like I was the captain.

[Bronx's Parent]

Allowing my son to see the flight deck will stick with us forever.

[Andrew]

That's how good leads the way.

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. I think we've gone from bad to worse, but I'm gonna muddle through it. Cause I've got some news for you. It's Tuesday, December 2, 2025, and this is your AM update. AM update with new and exclusive reaction from FBI Director Kash Patel to an attack on FBI leadership from anonymous agents.

[Secretary Pete Hegseth]

Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes.

[Megyn Kelly]

The White House confirms a second strike was ordered on a suspected drug vessel. As President Trump's top advisers discuss next moves in Venezuela.

[Bronx's Parent]

It shows a cold, calculated, premeditated murder. It is the lock that any prosecutor wants.

[Megyn Kelly]

And Luigi Mangione in a New York courtroom seeking to exclude key evidence in his trial. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

We talk a lot about personal responsibility on this show. Well, here's one aspect that's really important.

Your health.

And I'm not talking about following whatever the experts recommend. I'm talking about real data driven decisions based on your body's actual numbers. We demand transparency in government, but most of us have no idea what's happening inside of our own bodies, never mind inside of DC Disease can develop silently for years before symptoms appear. By then you're playing catch up with expensive treatments instead of preventing problems when they're cheap and easy to fix. Well, I want to tell you about Jevoty. They are revolutionizing preventative care with something radically different. 100 plus blood markers tested at your home. Personalized supplement packs shipped directly to you based on your deficiencies. Bi annual retesting to track progress plus ongoing virtual consultations on your schedule. This is healthcare independence. And you get 20% [e-mail] Megan with code. Megan when you check out, that's go G-E-V-I-T I.com Megan because no one should control your health decisions but you.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt yesterday confirming reports that A second strike was conducted on an alleged drug boat heading for America on September 2nd as two suspected narco terrorists who survived the first strike clung to the battered boat in the sea. The Washington Post reporting Friday, the quote double tap was ordered by Admiral Frank Mitch Bradley. This following an earlier order prior to the initial strike from Secretary of War Pete Hegseth authorizing kinetic strikes to take out these vessels. The Washington Post and subsequent reporting intensely focusing on the legality of Admiral Bradley's order, contending that the survivors did not pose an ongoing threat to the US which actually has not yet been confirmed. As adjunct Cornell law professor and retired U.S. army soldier Brian Cox has argued and will explain today live on the MK show, if this boat were just disabled, as the Washington Post reports, and not entirely destroyed after strike number one, the order to strike again would be entirely legal. Caroline Levitt from yesterday's briefing, reading a prepared statement moments after denying that the order for the second strike came directly from Secretary Hegseth.

[Secretary Pete Hegseth]

President Trump and Secretary Hegseth have made it clear that presidentially designated narco terrorist groups are subject to lethal targeting in accordance with the laws of war. With respect to the strikes in question, on September 2, Secretary Hegseth authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct these kinetic strikes. Admiral Bradley worked well within his authority and the law directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed and the threat to the United States of America was eliminated. And I would just add one more point to remind the American public why these lethal strikes are taking place. Because this administration has has designated these narco terrorists as foreign terrorist organizations. The President has a right to take them out if they are threatening the United States of America and if they are bringing illegal narcotics that are killing our citizens at a record rate, which is what they are doing. And under the previous administration there was enough fentanyl trafficked into our country to kill every American man, woman and child many times over.

[Megyn Kelly]

Leavitt saying Admiral Bradley ordered the second strike, but stopping short of addressing whether it was intended specifically to kill survivors. The Post initially reporting four strikes total on the boat, two to kill everyone and two more to fully sink the wreckage. The topic consuming about half of the briefing, with intense focus on the nature of the order itself, was the initial.

[Secretary Pete Hegseth]

Order from Secretary Hegseth everyone be killed.

[Ryan]

And did that come from President Trump?

[Secretary Pete Hegseth]

I saw that quoted in a Washington Post story. I would reject that the Secretary of War ever said that. However, the President has made it quite clear that if narco terrorists again are trafficking illegal drugs towards the United States, he has the authority to kill them. And that's what this administration is doing.

[Megyn Kelly]

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reacting bluntly at a press conference.

[Bronx's Parent]

The White House is lying, but that's no surprise because they lie for a living and the American people know it.

[Megyn Kelly]

The House and Senate Armed Services committees led by Republicans, launching inquiries into the matter. Secretary Hegseth posting on social media yesterday evening, quote, let's make one thing crystal clear. Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100% support. I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made on the September 2nd mission and all others since. Also yesterday, President Trump meeting with his national security team in the Oval to discuss Venezuela. CNN reporting. Secretary Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Raisin Cain, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller among those in attendance. The president ramping up pressure on Venezuela in recent weeks as part of a campaign to crack down on cartels trafficking drugs into the U.S. u.S. Military ships and troops amassing in the region. Last week, President Trump saying operations to halt trafficking via land routes would begin very soon. On Saturday, President Trump posting to Truth Social quote, to all airlines, pilots, drug dealers and human traffickers, please consider the airspace above and surrounding Venezuela to be closed in its entirety, leading many to wonder if US Intervention is imminent. On Sunday, President Trump confirming he had recently spoken to President Maduro. The New York Times reported that you.

[Secretary Pete Hegseth]

Had a phone call with Maduro.

[Megyn Kelly]

Did you?

[Unidentified Official]

I don't want to comment on it. The answer is yes.

[Megyn Kelly]

And can you tell us a little bit?

[Unidentified Official]

No, I can't do that.

[Secretary Pete Hegseth]

Did you say it went well?

[Unidentified Official]

I wouldn't say it went well or badly.

[Megyn Kelly]

It was a phone call. Last week, the administration designating President Maduro as the head of a foreign terrorist organization, saying he and other members of his government head the Cartel de Los solis, a step U.S. officials say provides wider legal authority to conduct operations inside Venezuela. Coming up, a new report goes after FBI Director Kash Patel. Director Patel responds on the record to AM update. And accused murderer Luigi Mangione is in court seeking the dismissal of critical pieces of evidence.

Do doctors have cyber Monday sales? The doctors at Brick House Nutrition do. And this is your last chance to save 30% on everything. It's the final hours of their biggest sale of the year with trusted health products all 30% off. Like lean, the doctor formulated weight loss supplement for people who want to lose meaningful weight without injections. And 30% off creatine as well. That's creatine designed just for women to help you look leaner in shape and toned without extra dieting or exercise. Even 30% off field of greens, a super fruit and vegetable drink they say was shown in a university study to actually slow aging. Yes, every Brickhouse product, from better sleep to superior collagen, is 30% off. This is your last chance to save during the Brickhouse Nutrition Cyber Monday sale. Visit BrickHouseSale.com and save 30% BrickHouseSale.com BrickHouseSale.com.

A new report compiled by a group of active duty and retired FBI agents, painting an unflattering image of FBI Director Kash Patel and to a lesser degree, his deputy director, dan Bongino. The 115 page report, a mostly scathing assessment of Patel's first six months in office, reportedly set to be presented to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees this week. The New York Post's Miranda Devine getting her hands on the report, which labels the FBI, quote, a rudderless ship under Director Patel, whom the document concludes is, quote, in over his head. The report, citing multiple internal FBI sources, accuses Director Patel of lacking the breadth of experience needed to be successful. Another source saying the director lacks the requisite experience to be FBI Director Devine posting on X yesterday that for those claiming this report is from a bunch of disgruntled FBI staffers who don't like change or are salty ex FBI critics of Cash and Dan, you're wrong. It's from an alliance of patriotic operational insiders opposed to the abuses and corruption of the FBI, which accelerated under Joe Biden. AM Update Spoke exclusively with Director Patel about the report, who rejected that characterization, dismissing the report as a quote, dossier compiled by anonymous disgruntled sources, end quote, whom he argued do not know what they're talking about. He scoffed at the notion that the FBI is, quote, rudderless, pointing out that under his leadership the Bureau has made almost 30,000 arrests this year, a 100% increase from 2024, 25,000 of those for violent crimes, including over 100ms, 13 gang members and 200 plus Trenda Aragua members. 6,000 missing children have been found, a 22% increase over last year. 1700 child predators have been arrested. That's up 10% from last year. Human trafficking arrests are up 15% from last year. Domestic terrorism arrests up 30%. 1,900 kilos of fentanyl have been seized. That's enough to kill 127 million Americans. Four of the top 10 most wanted criminals in the US have been nabbed under his leadership. That's the same number President Biden's FBI arrested over four years. In short, Director Patel maintains the numbers speak for themselves. This FBI is succeeding beyond anyone's expectations. Director Patel also responding to allegations in the report of his alleged behavior around the Charlie Kirk murder. We will have that piece of the story for you on the MK show later today. Last week, Ms. Now reporting, three unnamed sources saying President Trump is considering removing Director Patel as top aides grow frustrated by the negative headlines. Caroline Levitt calling that report completely made up with the president himself weighing in saying of Patel, quote, I think he's doing a great job. Luigi Mangione in New York State court yesterday for the start of a multi day pretrial hearing asking a judge to exclude evidence collected during his arrest last year. The defense arguing Mangione's rights were violated when cops searched his backpack and questioned him before obtaining a warrant and reading him his Miranda rights. 27 year old Mangione accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside of a Manhattan hotel on December 4, 2024. The brutal slaying captured on surveillance video showing the suspect approaching Thompson from behind and opening fire at close range before fleeing. Thompson hit in the back and in the leg, dying from his injuries. Prosecutors say the words deny, delay and depose were written on the ammunition, echoing a phrase used to describe how insurance companies dodge paying claims. They argue that they have a substantial body of evidence against Mangione, including video placing him at the scene of the shooting and a manifesto obtained from his backpack upon arrest. The attack leading to a five day manhunt. Cops arresting Mangione at a McDonald's in Pennsylvania about 230 miles from Manhattan. Former prosecutor Joey Jackson on CNN explaining the rules governing police interrogations and the circumstances requiring Miranda warnings.

[Bronx's Parent]

Does the prosecution acknowledge they never told Mangione he has a right to remain silent?

[Joey Jackson]

Indeed they do, but however, there are other arguments, even though they eventually did but at the time that they were making an accusation towards him. If it's a custodial interrogation, doesn't mean you're in cuffs. But if you're not free to leave and they're asking questions that could incriminate you, you have to give Miranda. However, if you're simply investigating a case and not really questioning him such that you're eliciting guilty statements, you don't. And so there's a fine line with respect to investigatory information being supplied and incriminatory, meaning you're looking for evidence to incriminate them. The police say we just needed to know what the lay of the land was. And that was the basis upon which we asked those questions.

[Megyn Kelly]

While cops were talking to Mangione, one officer searching his backpack, saying she wanted to ensure there wasn't a bomb or anything inside. Mangione's team arguing that statement was designed to cover up an illegal warrantless search of the backpack in the bag. Cops finding a loaded magazine, silencer, 3D printed gun, electronic devices, and a journal. According to court filings, Mangione's journal allegedly containing an entry reading, quote, I finally feel confident about what I will do. The target is insurance. It checks every box. Mangione faces life in prison on the state charges, which include second degree murder in addition to multiple federal charges. And that'll do it for a raspy AM Update. Thanks for bearing with me. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK Show. We have news to break. Let's see if I can actually do it live on Sirius XM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platforms.

[Verbo Advertiser]

With stays under $250 a night, Verbo makes it easy to celebrate sweater weather. Book a cabin with leaf views or a home with a fire pit for nights with friends. With stays under $250 a night, find a home for your exact needs. Book [e-mail].