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)

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.

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.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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

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.

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.