Kash Patel Takes Over FBI, Hamas Hostage Outrage, and DOGE Refund Potential: AM Update for 2/21

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Episode Summary Title: Kash Patel Takes Over FBI, Hamas Hostage Outrage, and DOGE Refund Potential: AM Update for 2/21
Host: Megyn Kelly
Release Date: February 21, 2025

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1. Confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI Director

Overview:
The episode opens with the confirmation of Kash Patel as the new FBI Director, a decision that sparked significant debate and contention both within the Senate and among political commentators.

Key Points:

• Vote Summary:
  Megyn Kelly (00:15): "Cash Patel is confirmed to a 10-year term as FBI Director with a surprise supporter carrying him across the finish line."

  The Senate vote was narrowly split at 51-49, with Senator Mitch McConnell casting a pivotal vote in favor of Patel, alongside Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joining all Democrats in opposing his nomination.

• Senate Dynamics:
  Mitch McConnell (01:08): Expressed strong support for Patel, stating, "Kash Patel, mark my words, will cause evil in this building behind us."

• Opposition and Criticism:
  Adam Schiff (03:20): Criticized Patel as "an instrument of Donald Trump's effort to destroy the Justice Department and the FBI," alleging that Patel would misuse FBI resources against political opponents.

  Harry Entin (03:25): Warned that Patel "will weaponize [the FBI] against the President's political opponents rather than protecting the safety of the American people."

• Historical Context and Mueller Investigations:
  The discussion delves into Adam Schiff’s tenure on the House Intelligence Committee and his role in investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, highlighting the subsequent decline in trust towards the FBI (41% favorable in 2024, down from 53% in 2003).

• Patel's Background and Actions:
  Mention of Patel's involvement in exposing FBI misconduct related to the Steele dossier and the notable resignations and firings within the DOJ and FBI following his appointment.

Notable Quotes:

• Adam Schiff (03:13): "He is a yes man for President Trump, already undermining the critical bureau he wants to lead."
• Mitch McConnell (03:02): "This is a real danger and a real threat. This vote will haunt you. You will be held accountable."

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2. Hamas Hostage Outrage and Israel’s Response

Overview:
The episode transitions to the harrowing events surrounding Hamas's treatment of hostages, focusing on the return of deceased captives to Israel and the emotional and political repercussions.

Key Points:

• Hostage Return Details:
  Megyn Kelly (08:58): Reports on the return of four bodies to Israel, including that of Oded Leif Sheets, an 83-year-old peace activist.

• Hamas’s Cruelty:
  Israeli President Herzog (10:44): Described the actions as "so humiliating, so disgusting, so, so despicable," emphasizing the violation by Hamas terrorists in parading the bodies with celebratory displays.

• Public and International Reactions:
  The tragic return of Ariel Bibas (4 years old) and Kafir Bibas (9 months old) became symbols of Hamas's brutality, eliciting condemnation from global leaders and human rights organizations.

• Presidential Address and Future Negotiations:
  Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (11:48): Vowed to "return all of our hostages," "destroy the murderers," and "eliminate Hamas," signaling a continuation of aggressive measures against the terrorist organization.

• Oded Leif Sheets’s Legacy:
  Recognized for his efforts in aiding Palestinians, his capture and death highlight the complex and tragic nature of the conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• Israeli President Herzog (10:44): "The barbaric scene... was so humiliating, so disgusting, so despicable, even the UN Commissioner on human rights condemned it strongly and faithfully."
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (11:48): "Our hearts may be broken, but our spirit is not. With this spirit, we will return all of our hostages."

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3. President Trump's Approval Ratings and Political Implications

Overview:
The podcast examines the latest polling data on President Trump's approval ratings, indicating a decline during his second term, and explores the political implications of these trends.

Key Points:

• Polling Data Analysis:
  Harry Entin (13:15): Highlights that Trump is experiencing the "worst day of polling" in his second term, with various polls showing a shift towards disapproval.

  Megyn Kelly (13:36): Breaks down specific poll numbers:

  • CNN: 47% approval vs. 52% disapproval
  • Gallup: 45% approval vs. 51% disapproval
  • Ipsos: 45% approval vs. 53% disapproval
  • Quinnipiac: 45% approval vs. 49% disapproval
  • Real Clear Politics average: 48% favorable vs. 49% unfavorable

• Contextual Comparison:
  Despite the recent decline, Trump's approval ratings in his second term remain above his first term's peak of 44%.

• Political Commentary:
  Discussions around the impact of these ratings on Trump's political capital and upcoming initiatives, including the potential Doge refund checks.

Notable Quotes:

• Harry Entin (13:15): "The worst day of polling for Donald Trump during his entire second term in office."
• Megyn Kelly (13:36): "President Trump's approval rating remains far above his first term."

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4. DOGE Refund Potential and Fiscal Policies

Overview:
The episode delves into a novel fiscal proposal involving refunds from saved taxpayer money, coined as "Doge refunds," exploring its feasibility, political support, and economic impact.

Key Points:

• Proposal Details:
  Megyn Kelly (14:21): The Doge team claims to have saved $55 billion through fraud detection, contract cancellations, and asset sales. James Fishback proposed refunding taxpayers via X (formerly Twitter), with Elon Musk indicating governmental review.

• Legislative Considerations:
  Mitch McConnell (15:00): Discusses the possibility of allocating 20% of the savings to American citizens and another 20% towards reducing national debt.

• Implementation Strategy:
  Stephen Miller (15:17): Outlines potential methods for dispersing refunds, suggesting taxpayer savings could be returned directly, applied to debt, or cycled into next year's budget. Emphasizes the role of the reconciliation process with Congress.

• Economic Impact and Criticisms:
  Caitlin Collins (15:53): Addresses concerns that refunds could be inflationary.
  Stephen Miller (15:53): Argues that refunds would not be inflationary, suggesting that saving the money would reduce inflationary pressures, contrasting with the Biden administration's stimulus strategies.

• Fort Knox Verification:
  Megyn Kelly (16:09): Discusses Elon Musk's call for verifying the gold reserves at Fort Knox, with President Trump affirming confidence in their presence. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant counters claims by Musk, maintaining that annual audits confirm all gold is accounted for.

Notable Quotes:

• Mitch McConnell (15:00): "There’s even under consideration a new concept where we give 20% of the doge savings to American citizens and 20% goes to paying down debt because the numbers are incredible."
• Stephen Miller (15:17): "When you achieve savings, you can either return it to the taxpayers, you can return it to our debtors, or it can be cycled into next year's budget."

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5. Additional Reports and Updates

Overview:
The latter part of the episode touches upon other relevant news, including IRS activities and legislative developments.

Key Points:

• IRS Activities:
  Tax Network USA Representative (07:40): Discusses the IRS's aggressive tax collection efforts approaching April 15th, urging listeners to seek professional assistance to manage tax obligations.

• Legislative Proposals:
  Brief mentions of ongoing budget proposals in the House and Senate, hinting that Doge refunds would need approval through the standard budgeting process.

Notable Quotes:

• Tax Network USA Representative (07:40): "The IRS is the largest collection agency in the world... let the experts at Tax Network USA handle it for you."

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Conclusion

Megyn Kelly (16:09): Concludes the episode by summarizing the key updates, highlighting the confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI Director, the tragic hostage returns from Hamas, the fluctuating approval ratings of President Trump, and the potential Doge refunds. She invites listeners to tune back in for future updates on these pressing issues.

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Notable Themes:

• Political Polarization: The confirmation of Kash Patel and the ensuing debates illustrate the deep divisions within American politics.
• National Security and Terrorism: The handling of Hamas hostages underscores ongoing security challenges and the emotional toll on affected communities.
• Economic Policies: The innovative Doge refund proposal reflects attempts to address fiscal issues creatively amidst political and economic scrutiny.
• Trust in Institutions: Declining trust in the FBI and discussions around Fort Knox reveal public skepticism towards governmental institutions.

Final Note:
This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show offers a comprehensive analysis of critical national issues, blending political developments with economic proposals, while providing a platform for diverse viewpoints and expert commentary.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Friday, February 21, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[Mitch McConnell]

The yays are 51, the nays are 49. The confirmation is confirmed.

[Megyn Kelly]

Cash Patel is confirmed to a 10 year term as FBI Director with a surprise supporter carrying him across the finish line.

[Israeli President Herzog]

It was so humiliating, so disgusting, so, so despicable. Even the UN Commissioner on human rights condemned it strongly and faithfully.

[Megyn Kelly]

Our worst fears confirmed, Hamas terrorists parade the coffins of the innocent Bibas children through the streets of Gaza before returning the tiny captives to Israel. We'll have a full report. And a new slate of polls shows slight changes to President Trump's approval rating and is Doge about to send you a refund check? All that and more coming up on your AM Update.

[Tax Network USA Representative]

This show is dedicated to uncovering the truth in a media landscape often dominated by left leaning narratives, especially when it.

[Megyn Kelly]

Comes to President Trump. It's safe to say you can expect.

[Tax Network USA Representative]

More agenda driven stories and factual distortions all over the rest of the news, but I do want to tell you about Ground News. Unlike other platforms that censor or amplify certain narratives, Ground News is not a news publisher. They're an independent app and website that aggregates every source on a story so you can compare coverage and see through mainstream media spin. Ground News has an entire blind spot feed with stories that are receiving lopsided coverage. It truly reveals how media narratives are shaping the conversation.

[Megyn Kelly]

My viewers are going to get 40%.

[Tax Network USA Representative]

Off their vantage plan which gives you unlimited access to their website and their app. They are independent, they are supported by subscribers, not corporate interests. You can check them [e-mail] Megan thanks. That's ground. G r o u n d news.com Megan to take back control of the news you consume.

[Megyn Kelly]

Cash Patel confirmed as FBI director. The vote was 51 to 49. Senator Mitch McConnell surprising many with his vote in favor of Mr. Patel. Republican senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joining every Democrat to vote against the nominee. Mr. Patel was believed to be one of President Trump's most controversial nominees. In fact, many pundits on both sides suggested there was zero chance he would make it through. Yesterday morning, six Senate Democrats held a brief press conference outside of the Hoover Building in one last ditch effort to protest his confirmation.

[Mitch McConnell]

Kash Patel, mark my words, will cause.

[Harry Entin]

Evil in this building behind us.

[Adam Schiff]

He's an instrument of Donald Trump's effort to destroy the Justice Department and the FBI so that he is absolutely and completely not Only above the law, but beyond the law.

[Mitch McConnell]

This is a real danger and a real threat. This vote will haunt you. You will be held accountable.

[Adam Schiff]

He is a yes man for President Trump, already undermining the critical bureau he wants to lead.

[Megyn Kelly]

Former congressman now Senator Adam Schiff of California also weighed in.

[Harry Entin]

He will misuse the resources of the bureau. He will weaponize it against the President's political opponents rather than the protecting the safety, the public safety of the American people.

[Megyn Kelly]

As a congressman, Mr. Schiff was removed from his position on the House Intel Committee by former Speaker Kevin McCarthy. As then chairman of that committee, Mr. Schiff led the hearings investigating Russian influence in the 2016 election. For years, he told the American people that behind closed doors, he had seen evidence of President Trump's direct collusion with Russia to win the 2016 election.

[Harry Entin]

Donald Trump was really the one who enabled this Russian operation to be so successful by giving them cover, by denying it was even happening, by denying it was the Russians. I think there's plenty of evidence of collusion or conspiracy in plain sight. You can see evidence in plain sight on the issue of collusion. Pretty compelling evidence. There's ample evidence of collusion in plain sight, and that is true.

[Megyn Kelly]

Follow up investigations revealed none of that. In fact, we've learned that the story was based off of phony intel originally funded by the Clinton campaign. The FBI knew the intel was questionably sourced, but used it anyway to secure FISA warrants that that allowed them to spy on Trump advisor Carter Page and by extension, the Trump campaign. Text messages between two top FBI agents revealed their plan to, quote, stop Trump from getting elected. Republicans frequently criticized the FBI under the Biden administration, which created a specific threat tag edu officials that would monitor parents attending school board meetings as potential threats. A leaked January 2023 FBI memo proposed monitoring some Catholics, suggesting Catholics interested in the traditional Latin Mass could be linked to extremist groups. That memo was later retracted. Trust in the FBI has been on a steady decline. A 2003 Gallup poll showed 53% rated the FBI as good or excellent. As of 2024, that number had dropped to 41%. President Trump campaigned on a promise of rooting out partisan actors from the Justice Department and FBI. A DOJ spokesperson said earlier this week, quote, this DOJ will return to its core function of prosecuting dangerous criminals, not pursuing politically motivated witch hunts. Like Mr. Trump, Bobby Kennedy and Tulsi Gabbard, Kash Patel is a fierce critic of the very bureau he now oversees. He made the following statement in a September episode of the Sean Ryan Show.

[Adam Schiff]

The biggest problem the FBI has had has come out of its intel shops. I'd break that component out of it. I'd shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopening the next day as a museum of the deep state. And I take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals. Go be cops. You're cops. Go be cops.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Patel played a key role identifying FBI misconduct related to the Steele dossier. Reuters reports that in the first month of the second Trump administration, at least 75 career DOJ lawyers and FBI officials have either resigned, been fired or or stripped of their posts. FBI directors typically serve 10 year terms. Prior to his vote for Cash Patel Yesterday, Senator Mitch McConnell announcing his own retirement.

[Mitch McConnell]

Representing our commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime. I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.

[Megyn Kelly]

After voting against Tulsi Gabbard, Pete Hegseth and rfkj, many expected the Senator to oppose Patel as well. That would have left the tie breaking vote to Vice President J.D. vance. First elected to the Senate back in 1984, Mr. McConnell holds the title of longest serving Senate party leader in American history despite a contentious relationship with President Trump's nominees. This time around, Senator McConnell played a crucial role in shepherding Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett onto the U.S. supreme Court. Coming up, the Beavis children are returned to Israel. The latest on Trump polling and possible Doge refund checks. All this and more in just a moment.

[Tax Network USA Representative]

The IRS is the largest collection agency in the world, and with April 15th fast approaching, it's more aggressive than ever. If you owe back taxes or have unfiled returns, waiting is not an option. And let's face it, it's stressful. Get this handled. April 15 could mark another tax year that has passed you by. So the smart thing to do is to get ahead of it right now. But listen, never contact the IRS alone. That's crazy talk.

[Megyn Kelly]

Don't do that.

[Tax Network USA Representative]

Instead, you could let the experts at Tax Network USA handle it for you. Why? Well, not all tax resolution companies are the same. Tax Network USA has a preferred direct line to the irs, so they know exactly which agents to deal with and which to avoid. That could be very useful to you with proven strategies to settle tax problems in your favor. Whether you owe 10 grand or 10 million. Tax Networks USA's attorneys and negotiators have already resolved over 1 billion in tax debt. Speak with one of their strategists today for free. Don't let the IRS control your future. Call 1-800-or visit tnusa.com Megan tnusa.com Megan April 15th is just around the corner. You act now. Get it off your plate before the.

[Megyn Kelly]

IRS acts first Four bodies returned yesterday to Israel from the Gaza Strip. Israeli officials say one of them, expected to be Shiri Bibis, is not actually her and does not match any other hostage. The Israeli military releasing this statement, quote, this is a violation of utmost severity by the Hamas terrorist organization, which is obligated under the agreement to return four deceased hostages. We demand that Hamas return Sheree home along with all other hostages. Officials did confirm the remains of her two young sons, Ariel, age 4, and Kafir, just 9 months old, when they were taken from their homes barefoot and in their PJs on October 7, 2023. The boys, the youngest of the 253 hostages taken that day, became a harrowing symbol both to the Israeli people and to the world of the sheer brutality of Hamas's attack. As with prior living hostages, the Hamas terrorists paraded the bodies through the streets with loud music blaring, almost celebratory, some members of the crowd cheering as the caskets of the babies pass by. The four black boxes then displayed on a podium, each with a picture of the hostage at the base, their name and words in Arabic, October 7, date of arrest on display behind them, an image of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with fangs and blood spatters, with the words, quote, the war criminal Netanyahu and his Nazi army killed them with missiles from Zionist warplanes, a claim totally unsupported by any evidence. Israeli President Herzog on MSNBC reacting to.

[Israeli President Herzog]

The barbaric scene, I think that is a true reality of what we Israelis have been going through with these jihadists who've taken over Gaza and turned it into an Iranian terror base against Israel with their hate and with a lack of morality and with their barbaric approach to life. But it was so humiliating, so disgusting, so despicable, even the UN Commissioner on human rights condemned it strongly and faithfully.

[Megyn Kelly]

The coffins were scanned for explosives before they were returned by the Red Cross to Israel. The remains of the fourth hostage, also confirmed by Israeli officials, were those of Oded Leif Sheets, 83, when he was taken hostage. He was the founder of the kibbutz near Oz, the village where he and the Bebus family lived. Mr. Lifsheetz worked for many years as a journalist for a left leaning newspaper. President Herzog spoke about his life and work.

[Israeli President Herzog]

The other person is oded Lifshitz, an 86 year old, a retired elderly peace activist who used to work with the Palestinians on a daily basis to help them in any way they they need.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Times of Israel reporting. Mr. Lifsheetz was an Arabic speaker. He worked with an organization called Road for Recovery. He would drive weekly into the Gaza Strip, shuttling Palestinians in need of medical treatment into Israel. Oded's wife Yokoved tells the Times of Israel her husband, quote, fought for the Palestinians his whole life. They betrayed him and took him to hell. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Israeli people yesterday saying, quote, our hearts may be broken, but our spirit is not. And with this spirit, we will return all of our hostages. We will destroy the murderers, we will eliminate Hamas, and together, with God's help, we will ensure our future. Six more hostages are set to be released tomorrow. Phase two of these negotiations are now in the preliminary stage. Earlier this week, Mr. Netanyahu reportedly told his cabinet the conditions for entering phase two will require Hamas to disarm and to have no presence in Gaza. A fresh slate of polls showing a slight decrease in enthusiasm for President Trump's job approval. CNN's Harry Entin breaks it down.

[Harry Entin]

The worst day of polling for Donald Trump during his entire second term in office. What am I talking about here? Take a look at Trump's NET approval rating. CNN, you see it on this side of the screen. Minus 5, Gallup, minus 6, Ipsos, minus 7, Quinnipiac minus 4. Negative, negative, negative, negative. Underwater, underwater, underwater, underwater.

[Megyn Kelly]

And in saying it's the worst day of polling in Trump's second term. All of the polls he referenced come out on a monthly basis and President Trump is just one month into his second. Each of the four polls referenced have Mr. Trump's approval in the mid to upper 40s, with strong support amongst Republicans amongst all voters. CNN shows Mr. Trump with a 47% approval rating compared to 52% who disapprove. Gallup has it 45 to 51. Washington Post Ipsos 45 to 53 and Quinnipiac 45 to 49. According to the Real Clear Politics polling average, President Trump is at a 48% favorable and 49% unfavorable rating. Although these new polls are not factored into those numbers, President Trump's approval rating remains far above his first term, which never got higher than 44% potential for a Doge funded tax refund. The Doge team reports they have saved $55 billion of taxpayer money the official website says the savings come from fraud detection, contract cancellations and asset sales, among other actions. Earlier this week, investment manager James Fishback proposed issuing a refund to taxpayers on X with these savings. Elon Musk responding We'll check with the president. The idea picking up traction throughout the week, President Trump addressed it in Miami on Wednesday.

[Mitch McConnell]

There's even under consideration a new concept where we give 20% of the doge savings to American citizens and 20% goes to paying down debt because the numbers are incredible.

[Megyn Kelly]

Elon in the briefing room yesterday, Stephen Miller outlined how the concept might play out.

[Stephen Miller]

The way that it works is when you achieve savings, you can either return to the taxpayers, you can return it to our debtors, or it can be cycled into next year's budget and then it just lowers the overall baseline for next year. And when is it that people might see those checks? But it's all going to be worked on through the reconciliation affiliation process with Congress.

[Megyn Kelly]

A common Republican criticism of the Biden administration was that the stimulus checks were inflationary and counterproductive. CNN's Caitlin Collins asked Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, if he has any concern that Doge refunds could have the same effect.

[Stephen Miller]

Oh, absolutely not. Because imagine if we don't spend government money and we give it back to people, then the, you know, if they spend it all, then you're even. But they're probably going to save a lot of it, in which case you're reducing inflation. And also when the government spends a lot, that's what creates inflation. We learned that from Joe Biden.

[Megyn Kelly]

Right now, the House and Senate are working on budget proposals. Any Doge refunds would have to come from the budgeting process. Fort Knox, the 109,000 acre property located in Kentucky, is one of the world's most tightly guarded locations. It holds about 161 million ounces of gold, approximately 59% of the U.S. treasury's total supply, according to the U.S. mint. Or does it? Elon Musk saying, prove it. The last public tour of Fort Knox was in 1974 under President Gerald Ford. A group of congressmen and some journalists became the second tour group outside of authorized personnel to take a peek around. The first look was President Franklin roosevelt back in 1943, 10 years after the fort opened as part of the wider Doge audit of the federal government. Mr. Musk is encouraging President Trump to investigate Fort Knox. President Trump, responding to the idea, on Wednesday aboard Air Force One.

[Mitch McConnell]

We do want to look. I mean, we hope everything's fine with Fort Knox. But we're going to go to Fort Knox, the fabled Fort Knox, to make sure the gold is there. If the gold isn't there, we're going to be very upset.

[Megyn Kelly]

Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said in a separate interview on Wednesday, quote, all the gold is present and accounted for. He says the Treasury Department conducts an audit every year. I mean, it is, after all, Fort Knox. That'll do it. For your AM Update, I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM Triumph Championship Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms.