MAGA Fractures Over Epstein, Fetterman Gets 20 Stitches, Newsom Eyes 2028: AM Update 11/17

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 11/17/2025

Episode: “MAGA Fractures Over Epstein, Fetterman Gets 20 Stitches, Newsom Eyes 2028”
Date: November 17, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)

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Episode Overview

In this brisk but news-packed AM Update, Megyn Kelly dives into a weekend that exposed serious tensions within the Republican Party over the Jeffrey Epstein files, highlighted tariff rollbacks affecting grocery prices, explored Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman’s health scare and the left’s vitriol toward him, and examined California Governor Gavin Newsom’s emerging moves toward a 2028 presidential run. The episode is filled with direct quotes, candid insights, and the signature no-nonsense tone Kelly claims as her show’s trademark.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. MAGA Fractures Over the Epstein Files

Timeframe: 00:17–07:29

• Epstein Files Bill Advances:

  • The House is set to vote on a bill forcing the DOJ to release most of the remaining Jeffrey Epstein files, minus classified information and details identifying victims (02:37).
  • A group of Republicans have joined Democrats to sidestep their leadership and press for transparency.

• Speaker Mike Johnson Downplays Move:

  • “The Oversight Committee is releasing far more information than the discharge petition…ever even anticipated. They never even mentioned in the discharge the Epstein estate files... The discharge is totally moot. It is a political exercise and we're going to dispense with that this week.” (Mike Johnson, 02:37–03:08)

• Trump Targets ‘Disloyal’ Republicans:

  • President Trump blasts Reps. Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert for “aiding Democrats in distracting from the administration's accomplishments” (03:08–03:39).
  • Trump’s Dismissal of Critics:

    “So a guy like Massie…we call him Rand Paul Jr. because he never, he never votes for the Republican Party. So they're using Jeffrey Epstein as a deflection from the tremendous success that we're having as a party.”
    (Donald Trump, 03:39–04:04)

• Ongoing Investigations as Tactic:

  • Trump states he'll have the DOJ examine “Epstein dirt” particularly focusing on former President Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, and Trump critic Reid Hoffman (04:04).
  • Reid Hoffman calls for full transparency to clear his name.

• Massie's Motive and Stark Warning:

  • Rep. Massie claims Trump’s real motive is to protect “rich and powerful friends, billionaires, donors to his campaign” and warns:

    “You will have voted to protect pedophiles. If you don't vote to release these files and the president can't protect you, then this…will last longer than Donald Trump's presidency.”
    (Thomas Massie, 05:17–05:55)

  • Massie suggests Trump's investigation order may be a ploy to keep files sealed (05:55).

• Trump Severs Ties with MTG:

  • Trump publicly withdraws support for Marjorie Taylor Greene, criticizing her for “complain[ing], complain[ing], complain[ing].” He hints he’ll back a primary challenger (05:55).
  • MTG Responds – Her Red Line:

    “Unfortunately, it has all come down to the Epstein files, and that is shocking… I stand with these women... I will not apologize for that. I believe the country deserves transparency in these files. And I don't believe that rich, powerful people should be protected if they have…done anything wrong.”
    (Marjorie Taylor Greene, 06:40–07:29)

• Likelihood of Bill Passing:

  • Massie is optimistic about the House, but Senate prospects remain challenging as leadership hasn't committed to bringing it to a vote.

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2. Trump Rolls Back Grocery Tariffs Amid Economic Pressure

Timeframe: 07:29–10:02

• Tariffs Rolled Back:

  • Trump lifts tariffs on food items following new trade deals with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala (07:29).

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant Explains:

  • “We've been working on trade deals…for six, seven, eight months…So not only will the tariffs come off...we are going to see it affect the prices.”
    (Scott Bessant, 08:05–08:38)

• Admitted Consumer Impact:

  • Trump, questioned directly about tariffs raising consumer costs, says,

    “I say they don't. I say they may in some cases.”
    (Donald Trump, 09:07–09:10)

• White House Economic Spin:

  • NEC Director Kevin Hassett blames Biden for higher prices, touts progress under Trump:

    “Prices went up so much under Joe Biden and inflation is way down…And real incomes are up after dropping about $3,000 under Joe Biden.”
    (Kevin Hassett, 09:38–09:55)

  • Hassett also claims:

    “Mortgage rates have gone way down and it's much cheaper to buy a home now than it was.”
    (Kevin Hassett, 09:57)

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3. Senator John Fetterman’s Health Scare and Left-Wing Criticism

Timeframe: 10:02–13:52

• Medical Incident:

  • Sen. John Fetterman suffered a dangerous arrhythmia causing a fall and requiring 20 stitches. He posts online:

    “20 stitches later and a full recovery. I'm back home with Gisele and the kids. I'm overwhelmed and profoundly grateful for all the well wishes.”
    (Fetterman, via Megyn Kelly, 12:38)

• History of Health Struggles:

  • Originally diagnosed in 2017, followed by a major stroke in 2022. Now making a recovery but with continued health difficulties.

• Fetterman Faces Hostility from the Left:

  • Fetterman describes harsher, more personal attacks from left-leaning social media, notably Blue Sky:

    “The right would say really rough things…and names…But on the left it was like they want me to die or that we're cheering for your next stroke or why couldn’t depression one and I hope your kids find you. And I don't know what the kind of a place where that comes from…That's much different than just calling me a name.”
    (John Fetterman, 13:09–13:52)

• Hostile Reactions Documented:

  • Blue Sky users post messages like “karma is a bitch, ain't it Fetterman” and “Tragically, he's expected to live.” (13:52)

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4. Gavin Newsom’s National Ambitions and Media Blitz

Timeframe: 13:52–16:49

• Politico Profile:

  • Newsom increasingly seen as the Democratic frontrunner for 2028.

    “Headline: Admit it, Gavin Newsom is the 2028 frontrunner.”
    (Megyn Kelly quotes Politico, 14:11)

• Aggressive Social Media & Strategy:

  • Newsom’s presence online mimics Trump’s style, overseen by a young staffer; he leverages AI-generated memes and third-person posts.

• Open Presidential Aspirations:

  • Newsom admits presidential ambitions, says he’ll wait until after 2026 midterms to decide.

• Redistricting Maneuvers:

  • Led efforts in California to counter Texas's GOP redistricting, adding Democratic-leaning seats (15:22).

• International Engagement:

  • Attended an international climate summit in Brazil, skipped by the White House.

• Memoir Launches in February:

  • Title: Young Man in a Memoir of Discovery.
  • Newsom says:

    “I was also trying to understand who I am.”
    (Gavin Newsom, via Megyn Kelly, 16:16)

  • San Francisco power broker Willie Brown remarks:

    “I don't know. I've never asked him for fear he doesn't know.”
    (Willie Brown on Newsom’s beliefs, 16:29)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mike Johnson dismisses the House push for Epstein transparency as “a political exercise” (02:37).
• Thomas Massie warns GOP colleagues that voting to hide Epstein files will haunt them beyond Trump’s tenure (05:17–05:55).
• Trump publicly yanks endorsement from Marjorie Taylor Greene, setting a new intra-MAGA feud into motion (05:55).
• MTG’s declaration: “I will not apologize…I believe the country deserves transparency in these files.” (06:40–07:29)
• Sen. Fetterman’s candid and raw account of online left-wing vitriol: “They want me to die…cheering for your next stroke or why couldn’t depression one…” (13:09–13:52)
• Politico/Willie Brown on Newsom: “I don’t know [what he believes]. I’ve never asked him for fear he doesn’t know.” (16:29)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Epstein Files Bill & Fallout: 00:17–07:29
• Tariff Rollback & Economic Messaging: 07:29–10:02
• Sen. Fetterman’s Health & Backlash: 10:02–13:52
• Gavin Newsom’s 2028 Moves: 13:52–16:49

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Tone & Language

The episode combines Megyn Kelly’s direct, sometimes sardonic delivery with pointed audio cuts. The mood is urgent and occasionally combative, especially on intra-party splits and cultural grievances.

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Conclusion

This AM Update captures a moment of sharp divisions—within MAGA over Epstein transparency, as Trump’s economic playbook concedes some consumer pain, with John Fetterman caught in progressive crossfire, and Gavin Newsom plotting a calculated rise. The episode is brisk, pointed, and rich in quotes—offering listeners a succinct but comprehensive overview of the day’s most important (and contentious) political stories.

Transcript

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[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, November 17, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[Marjorie Taylor Greene]

Unfortunately, it has all come down to the Epstein files and that is shocking.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Epstein files fallout escalating over the weekend resulting in the political breakup of President Trump and one of his fiercest defenders. The Trump administration rolls back some grocery related tariffs as affordability concerns take center stage.

[John Fetterman]

The right would say really rough things in names, but on the left it was like they want me to die.

[Megyn Kelly]

Senator John Fetterman's recent health scare results in 20 stitches and a moment of reflection. And California Governor Gavin Newsom is officially prepping for his 2028 run. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. I've been talking a lot about Riverbend Ranch lately because I love their steaks. Riverbend Ranch has taken Black Angus beef to a whole new level. For the last 35 years, Riverbend Ranch has been creating a very elite Angus herd by using ultrasound to select genetically superior cattle with a focus on flavor and tenderness. When you buy from Riverbend Ranch, you are not only supporting the 64 Cowboys and Cowgirls and their families who work on the ranch, but you're also supporting over 260 other US ranches and the hundreds of American families who work on them. It is born in the USA, raised in the USA and processed in the USA. It is aged to perfection for 21 days and shipped directly from the ranch to your home. This is not your average Black Angus beef, so order from Riverbendranch.com use the promo code Megan for 20 bucks off your first order and let me know what you think. Riverbendranch.com promo code Megan the House reportedly set to vote tomorrow on a bill compelling the Department of Justice to to release most of the remaining Jeffrey Epstein files, barring classified information, child sex abuse material and information identifying victims. The vote comes after a small band of Republicans joined Democrats in a petition to sidestep House GOP leadership and force a vote. Speaker Mike Johnson yesterday on fox downplaying the move he strongly opposed.

[Mike Johnson]

So it'll be on the floor again next week. I suspect there'll be lots of votes that we'll just get this done and move it on. There's nothing to hide. And the Oversight Committee is releasing far more information than the discharge petition their little gambit ever even anticipated. They never even mentioned in the discharge the Epstein estate files. And that is the treasure trove of documents that's given us. Epstein's flight logs, his personal records, his financial ledgers, his, his daily calendar. None of that was anticipated. So the discharge is totally moot. It is a political exercise and we're going to dispense with that this week.

[Megyn Kelly]

Speaker Johnson referencing the recent drop of thousands of documents released by the Oversight Committee obtained from the Epstein estate as part of the committee's investigation into the DoJ's handling of the case. President Trump accusing Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky as well as Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Lauren Boebert of Colorado, all Republicans, of aiding Democrats in distracting from the administration's accomplishments. Mr. Trump last night departing Palm Beach.

[Donald Trump]

They just keep bringing that up to deflect from the tremendous success of the Trump administration. So a guy like Massey, his poll numbers are showing he's at 6% approval rating right now and we call him Rand Paul Jr. Because he never, he never votes for the Republican Party. So they're using Jeffrey Epstein as a deflection from the tremendous success that we're having as a party.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Friday morning, President Trump posting to Truth Social that he will ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the DOJ to investigate some Epstein dirt, specifically Epstein's relationship with former President Bill Clinton, former Treasury secretary under Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, billionaire tech titan and Trump antagonist Reid Hoffman and more. AG Bondi on Friday afternoon posting to X Southern District of New York. U.S. attorney Jay Clayton is one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country and I've asked him to take the lead. A spokesperson for President Clinton stating the former president had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes. Summers previously expressing regret for associating with Epstein and boy did they associate. Go check out last Thursday's MK show for details on the dating advice Summers sought from Epstein. Reid Hoffman on Friday calling on President Trump to release all files, saying that will clear his name. In the meantime, Congressman Massie, a co sponsor of the Epstein files, bill maintaining he does not believe President Trump will be implicated by any further releases, but that some of his powerful friends and donors might be. This is yesterday on abc.

[Thomas Massie]

I think he's trying to protect a bunch of rich and powerful friends, billionaires, donors to his campaign, friends in his social circles, and that's my operating theory. On why he's trying so hard to keep these files closed. I would remind my Republican colleagues who are deciding how to vote. Donald Trump can protect you in red districts right now by giving you an endorsement, but in 2030, he's not going to be the president and you will have voted to protect pedophiles. If you don't vote to release these files and the president can't protect you, then this, this vote, the record of this vote will last longer than Donald Trump's presidency.

[Megyn Kelly]

Congressman Massie also suggesting the president's order to reopen an investigation may actually be an attempt to block the files altogether since materials tied to an active probe cannot be released. The fallout deepening over the weekend. President Trump on Friday night cutting ties with Congresswoman Mtg of Georgia, writing on Truth Social quote, I am withdrawing my support and endorsement of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene of the great state of Georgia. All I see wacky Marjorie do is complain, complain, complain. The president adding, if the right person primaries green, he will support that candidate. Congresswoman Greene appearing yesterday on CNN saying she still supports the president's MAGA agenda, but will not buckle on this issue.

[Marjorie Taylor Greene]

I stood with President Trump when virtually no one else did. Unfortunately, it has all come down to the Epstein files, and that is shocking. And you know, I stand with these women. I stand with rape victims, I stand with children who are in terrible sex abuse situations, and I stand with survivors of, of trafficking and those that are trapped in sex trafficking. And I will not apologize for that. I believe the country deserves transparency in these files. And I don't believe that rich, powerful people should be protected if they have, if they have done anything wrong. And so I'm standing with the women and I will continue to do my small part to get the files released.

[Megyn Kelly]

All of this fracturing could ultimately be for naught if the bill passes, as Congressman Massie believes it will. The legislation still faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where 60 votes are required to pass it. And Senate leadership has not even committed to bringing it to a vote. President Trump on Friday rolling back tariffs on dozens of food items. The move coming one day after the administration announced new trade frameworks with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala. Agreements the White House says now allow certain tariffs to be lifted. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant Sunday on fox.

[Scott Bessant]

We've been working on trade deals with Central and South American countries for six, seven, eight months. And just this past week we signed the trade deals. So not only will the tariffs come off, some of the things you just listed, that's A result of the trade deals going through. And then we will see this go down. And, you know, we're also seeing the import barriers for the other countries come through. So this is a complete trade policy and now we are going to see it affect the prices.

[Megyn Kelly]

Items affected include coffee, tea, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, beef and more. President Trump utilizing sweeping tariffs as a signature tool in his economic strategy, leveraging the US Economy to pressure trading partners into new deals. The White House finds more balanced. Aboard Air Force One on Friday. President Trump conceding tariffs do impact U.S. consumer prices.

[Kevin Hassett]

Mr. President, you said that tariffs do not increase prices for consumers, but now you're lowering tariffs.

[Donald Trump]

I say they don't. I say they may in some cases.

[Megyn Kelly]

White House officials insisting under President Trump's plan, prices will continue to decline. Director of the National Economic Council, Kevin Hassett yesterday on abc. If you're going to the store to.

[Thomas Massie]

Buy groceries for Thanksgiving, it's going to be more expensive.

[Kevin Hassett]

You know, I really don't, don't understand where you're going in the sense that Joe Biden gave us. Joe Biden gave us 20%. He's not President Donald Trump's. No, no. And you want us to, to fix the hole that Joe Biden.

[Megyn Kelly]

Why does the president tell.

[Kevin Hassett]

The prices went up so much under Joe Biden and inflation is way down. Inflation is about half what it was in December. This is something that's being fixed fast. And real incomes are up after dropping about 3,000 under Joe Biden. And so, sure, you could fight a few things where the price. But there's a whole bunch of stuff when the price is lower, like gasoline.

[Megyn Kelly]

Where are we going to get the Republican plan?

[Kevin Hassett]

You understand that mortgage rates have gone way down and it's much cheaper to buy a home now than it was.

[Megyn Kelly]

The timing of the announcement, not a minute too soon as the White House contends with mounting bipartisan criticism relating to cost of living anxiety. Coming up, Democrat Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, recovering from a health scare, bringing out the worst of his party. And far left California Governor Gavin Newsom, officially setting the stage for a White house run in 2028. Did you know that up until the 1990s, all chips and fries were cooked in beef tallow? Those memories of you at McDonald's in the 80s, that was beef tallow, not seed oils. But then big food companies made the switch to cheap, highly processed seed oils, and now they make up 20% of the average American's daily calories. This is why I'm excited to tell you about MASA It's a chip that's doing things different. You have four Masa chips. You're you feel sated. You don't have to eat the whole bag. Masa chips are made with just three ingredients. Organic corn, sea salt and 100% grass fed beef tallow. That's it. No seed oils, no junk. And let me tell you, they are so good. They're crunchier, they're tastier and they do not break into your guac. Plus they leave you feeling light, satisfied and energized. It's truly, truly true. No crash, no bloat. Go try them. You're going to taste the difference and you're going to love them. Ready to give Masa a try? Go to masachhips.com mk masachips.com and use code MK for 25% off your first order. That's masachips.com MK code MK when you check out to get 25% off your first order. Don't feel like ordering online? Well, Masa is now available nationwide at your local sprouts supermarket. US Senator from Pennsylvania, Democrat John Fetterman posting a selfie to X on Saturday, showing off a face full of stitches following a medical scare. The caption reading quote, 20 stitches later and a full recovery. I'm back home with Gisele and the kids. I'm overwhelmed and profoundly grateful for all the well wishes. According to a spokesperson, Mr. Fetterman was on a walk Thursday morning when he felt lightheaded, triggering a fall. Doctors later determining the cause, a ventricular fibrillation flare up, a dangerous type of irregular heartbeat that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest or even death. This the latest health emergency suffered by Senator Fetterman, who was originally diagnosed with a heart condition in 2017 followed by a serious stroke in 2022. Post stroke, Senator Fetterman struggling with a litany of complications including auditory processing difficulties and bouts of depression, documented in a newly released memoir titled Unfettered the Latest health setback, highlighting a theme Senator Fetterman writes about in his book since being elected to office, the senator drawing blistering criticism from members of the left for siding with Republicans on reopening the government and on his support for Israel. Fetterman telling CNN last week, attacks from liberals, especially on left wing social media platform Blue sky, are much darker and more personal than criticism he gets from the right.

[John Fetterman]

And when I asked my digital team, I said, you know, you're we're on all the platforms. You know, really what's, what's kind of the harshest what's kind of the most personal? And the answer was immediate. He said, oh, blue sky. It's blue sky. And the difference is, I mean the right would say really rough things and names. You know, some names I won't, I won't repeat on on tv, but on the left it was like they want me to die or that we're cheering for your next stroke or why couldn't depression one and I hope your kids find you And I don't know what the kind of a place where that comes from. I mean that's much different than just calling me a name. And that's really been consistent in that community online.

[Megyn Kelly]

One Blue sky user reacting to Senator Fetterman's fall quote karma is a bitch, ain't it Fetterman Another writing quote Tragically, he's expected to live. According to local outlet Pennlive, Senator Fetterman has voted with the Trump administration just 6% of the time. California Governor Gavin Newsom sitting with Politico for a lengthy puff. I mean profile. The headline Admit it, Gavin Newsom is the 2028 frontrunner. Politico also giving Newsom the opportunity to promote the release of a long delayed memoir, Hard Hitting Politico pointing to the governor's social media presence where he routinely challenges the Trump administration as a key early factor, setting him apart from the other likely contenders. Quote, if you believe the phone in your hand. Will more than any factor determine the next Democratic nominee? It's hard not to grasp Newsom's strength. As the kids say, he gives main character energy. Oh Lord. Newsom's social media accounts in recent months reportedly run by a team led by a 29 year old female staffer, morphing into tired parodies of President Trump's signature style featuring third person references, capital letters and AI generated images mocking political rivals. Newsom recently admitted to harboring presidential ambitions, though telling CBS he will wait until after the 2026 midterms to seriously consider running. He's just sitting with Politico talking about the presidency for the fun of it. In the meantime, the governor wading into several cross state political battles, successfully leading a redistricting counteroffensive in his state, adding more Democrat leaning House seats to offset an effort in Texas to add more Republican leaning House seats. Last week, Newsom traveling to Brazil for an international climate summit skipped by the White House. Newsom saying in the profile he wants the Democrat Party quote, to be the mansion to the Mamdani party. I want it to be inclusive. A reference to retired moderate Democrat turned Independent Senator Joe Manchin and to New York City Mayor elect Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani. San Francisco power broker Willie Brown, who appointed Newsom to his first political post and who also knew Kamala Harris really, really well. Asked by Politico what the governor actually believes, Willie Brown saying, quote, I don't know. I've never asked him for fear he doesn't know. His memoir was originally set to release last May, delayed reportedly due to the wildfires, you know, the ones that burned tens of thousands of acres and nearly 7,000 homes and structures in LA. Now Gavin Newsom's memoir will hit in February. The title, quote, young man in a A Memoir of Discovery. The governor telling Politico the book is honest and reflective and written in part, Mr. Newsom says, because, quote, I was also trying to understand who I am. Of course the MEGYN Kelly SHOW will read this book so you don't have to. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east and on YouTube.com MeganKelly as well as all podcast platforms.

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