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MAGA vs. Establishment Over Hegseth, and Key SCOTUS Case About Protecting Kids, with Michael Knowles and AG Skrmetti | Ep. 958

The Megyn Kelly Show

Published: Thu Dec 05 2024

Megyn Kelly is joined by The Daily Wire's Michael Knowles, host of "The Michael Knowles Show," to talk about whether Pete Hegseth will remain Trump's Defense Secretary nominee, the growing tension between the political establishment on both sides and outsider candidates, why if Hegseth falls RFK Jr. and Tulsi could be next, Sen. Joni Ernst’s is trying to tank the Hegseth nomination behind-the-scenes, whether she wants the job herself, if Ron DeSantis could be swapped in as the nominee or if MAGA will push back, the growing feud between Morning Joe and their guest David Frum, Frum's joke about Fox News and Hegseth that started it all, Esquire forced to correct and retract an article based around a presidential pardon for George H.W. Bush's son Neil that never happened, The View host Ana Navarro hilariously writing about made-up person "Hunter deButts" getting a pardon from Woodrow Wilson, and more. Then Jonathan Skrmetti, Tennessee Attorney General, to talk about the Supreme Court a...

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show | Ep. 958

Title: MAGA vs. Establishment Over Hegseth, and Key SCOTUS Case About Protecting Kids, with Michael Knowles and AG Skrmetti
Host: SiriusXM (Megyn Kelly)
Guests: Michael Knowles, Jonathan Skrmetti (Attorney General of Tennessee)
Release Date: December 5, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 958 of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly engages in a robust discussion with Michael Knowles and Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti. The episode delves into two primary topics: the political battle surrounding Pete Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense and a pivotal Supreme Court case concerning Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors.

Pete Hegseth’s Nomination and Political Controversy

Nomination Overview: Megyn Kelly begins by addressing the contentious nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. Hegseth's nomination faces significant opposition from both media outlets and within Republican circles, casting uncertainty over his confirmation.

Media and Establishment Opposition:

  • Michael Knowles shares insights from Mark Halperin, suggesting that Ron DeSantis might replace Hegseth due to insufficient support within the Senate. (01:26)
  • The conversation highlights a split within the GOP between MAGA loyalists and establishment figures who may prefer other nominees like DeSantis.

Allegations Against Hegseth:

  • Megyn Kelly outlines various personal allegations against Hegseth, including infidelity and rumors of alcohol abuse. (06:34)
  • Michael Knowles defends Hegseth, calling accusations "insane" and "ridiculous," emphasizing Hegseth's solid military background and character. (04:30)

Defense of Hegseth:

  • Knowles praises Hegseth's qualifications and military experience, arguing that media attacks lack substantial evidence.

    "If that's the best they can come up with, they've got some really insane allegations that there's no evidence for whatsoever." (05:00)

Internal GOP Dynamics:

  • The discussion shifts to potential GOP senators who might oppose Hegseth, such as Joni Ernst and Ron DeSantis.

    "There is real political risk here for President Trump... It could make the sailing any smoother for the Trump administration." (05:45)

Media Critique and Selective Standards

Double Standards in Media Reporting:

  • Megyn Kelly and Michael Knowles critique how media outlets target Republican nominees with personal attacks while ignoring similar allegations against Democrats.

    "If we're gonna have a standard, it needs to be a consistent standard." (09:52)

Esquire’s Erroneous Reporting:

  • The hosts discuss an incident where Esquire incorrectly reported that President George H.W. Bush pardoned his son, Neil Bush.

    "They wrote a whole thing about how he pardoned a son. And the whole thing was wrong." (61:56)

Anonymous Accusations:

  • Emphasis is placed on the prevalence of anonymous allegations against Hegseth, contrasting with documented defenses from credible sources like military veterans.

    "All the allegations have been anonymous... Some of them being refuted on the record." (17:02)

Supreme Court Case: Tennessee’s Gender-Affirming Care Ban

Case Overview: The episode transitions to a significant Supreme Court case challenging Tennessee's law banning gender-affirming treatments for minors. This law prohibits the use of puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for transgender youth.

Oral Arguments and Legal Standpoints:

  • Jonathan Skrmetti describes the strong presentation by Tennessee's legal team, emphasizing the risks associated with such medical treatments for minors. (87:15)
  • Megyn Kelly and Michael Knowles critique the arguments presented by the Biden administration, highlighting perceived inconsistencies and the ethical implications of gender-affirming care for children.

Key Exchanges from Oral Arguments:

  • Justice Alito challenges the Biden administration’s claims about the benefits of gender-affirming treatments, highlighting conflicting evidence.

    "So what we're looking at in this situation is a conflict between what the evidence tells us and what the consensus tells us." (93:27)

  • Megyn Kelly underscores the Supreme Court’s reception to arguments questioning the efficacy and safety of these treatments:

    "Justice Alito completely ruined that. The legal rationale. Justice Thomas destroyed that." (93:57)

Implications of the Case:

  • The discussion emphasizes the broader societal and legal impacts of the Supreme Court’s potential ruling, suggesting it could reshape policies across multiple states.

    "This is happening all over New York City... permanently loss of their fertility, the permanent loss of their sexual function for the rest of their lives." (96:35)

Closing Remarks and Future Implications

Political Ramifications:

  • The episode concludes with reflections on how current events and legal battles may influence future political dynamics within the GOP and the broader American political landscape.

    "We have to win this... We have a lot of work to do." (97:00)

Final Thoughts:

  • Megyn Kelly and Michael Knowles express optimism that the Supreme Court will uphold Tennessee’s law, framing it as a victory against what they describe as flawed transgender policies.

    "If you read the transcript, something that was disturbing is that the transgender ideology was set up in the premise of the whole case." (89:24)

Notable Quotes

  1. Michael Knowles on Media Attacks:

    "If that's the best they can come up with, they've got some really insane allegations that there's no evidence for whatsoever." (05:00)

  2. Megyn Kelly on Double Standards:

    "If we're gonna have a standard, it needs to be a consistent standard." (09:52)

  3. Michael Knowles on Supreme Court Arguments:

    "Justice Alito completely ruined that. The legal rationale. Justice Thomas destroyed that." (93:57)

  4. Jonathan Skrmetti on Legal Conflicts:

    "We put on a very strong case. I thought the questions were probing in a way that gets to the truth of the matter." (87:35)

  5. Megyn Kelly on Transgender Policies:

    "They are trying to say this is sex discrimination. I don't get it. I don't think the court is gonna buy it." (99:20)

Conclusion

Episode 958 of The Megyn Kelly Show offers an in-depth analysis of the intertwining political and legal battles facing the Trump administration. From the contentious nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense to the Supreme Court's deliberations on Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors, the discussion underscores the ongoing struggles between MAGA loyalists and the political establishment. The hosts advocate for consistent standards in addressing nominees' personal histories and challenge the media's role in shaping public perception. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court case highlights the nation's deep divisions over transgender rights and the role of government in personal healthcare decisions for minors.

For listeners seeking candid and provocative insights into current political and cultural issues, this episode provides a comprehensive overview backed by assertive commentary and strategic defense of conservative positions.

No transcript available.