Millions Spent on Crucial Special Elections, New Columbia Tension, Trump Warns Putin: AM Update 3/31

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Millions Spent on Crucial Special Elections, New Columbia Tension, Trump Warns Putin – AM Update 3/31

Release Date: March 31, 2025

Host: Megyn Kelly | Source: SiriusXM

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1. Trump Administration Defends National Security Adviser Mike Walsh

The episode opens with Megyn Kelly addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding National Security Adviser Mike Walsh. After inadvertently adding a reporter to a private group chat outlining attack plans on Houthi rebels, Walsh faced calls for his dismissal. However, Trump administration officials have staunchly supported him amidst mounting pressure.

• J.D. Vance (Vice President) emphasizes unity:
  “If you think you're going to force the president United States to fire anybody, you've got another thing coming.” [00:09]

Megyn Kelly elaborates on the administration's stance, citing an Axios report where Trump insiders revealed that President Trump considered but ultimately decided against firing Walsh to prevent giving critics satisfaction. In an off-camera NBC interview, Trump stated:
“I don't fire people because of fake news and because of witch hunts.” [02:48]

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2. Special Elections in Florida: Republicans' Tightrope

The discussion shifts to the high-stakes special elections in Florida's 6th and 1st congressional districts. Both races are critical for maintaining the Republican edge in the House of Representatives.

• Steve Kornacki highlights the GOP's anxiety:
  “Republicans are sweating the margins in special elections in two Florida districts.” [03:50]

In Florida's 6th District, Republican Randy Fine faces Democrat Josh Wheel, with significant financial disparities—Fine has raised just under $1 million compared to Wheel's $9 million. Despite a historically Republican stronghold, recent polls show a neck-and-neck race, raising concerns about potential shifts.

• Steve Kornacki questions the GOP's worries:
  “Why would Republicans, you know, be a little concerned? Is it about losing the district? That might be a stretch.” [04:46]

Additionally, in Florida's 1st District, Republican Jimmy Petronas is battling Democrat Gay Valemont, who is reportedly outraising him seven to one following former Congressman Matt Gaetz's resignation.

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3. Columbia University Leadership Crisis Amid Anti-Semitism Protests

Columbia University is embroiled in turmoil following the resignation of its interim president, Katrina Armstrong, amidst widespread anti-Israel and anti-Semitic protests. The university faces severe federal funding threats and internal pressure to address campus unrest.

• Elise Stefanik criticizes the situation:
  “We're on the third Columbia University President and this one, let's be honest, Maria, is not going to last as well.” [07:13]

Megyn Kelly reports that Columbia's struggle involves significant harassment of Jewish students, with incidents of vandalism and trespassing escalating. The Trump administration pressured the university to implement stricter measures against illegal protests, leading to Armstrong's resignation.

• Education Secretary Linda McMahon underscores the administration's expectations:
  “The president has made it incredibly clear that he expects that students who are going to universities can go to a safe campus without discrimination.” [08:08]

The appointment of new interim president Claire Shipman has sparked further controversy, with remarks from investigative reports revealing dismissive attitudes toward anti-Semitism investigations. Stefanik asserts strong support for Trump’s intervention:
“Trump's cuts kill teaching and learning. They kill research, they kill knowledge, they kill truth, and they kill people.” [07:20]

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4. President Trump Issues Stark Warnings to Putin and Iran

In international affairs, President Trump has taken a firm stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Iranian regime.

• Trump warns Putin:
  “If you buy oil from Russia, you cannot do business in the United States.” [12:10]

This statement comes as Trump responds to Putin’s claims that Ukraine’s leadership lacks legitimacy, potentially derailing a peace agreement. Trump has set a one-month deadline for a comprehensive ceasefire before implementing punitive measures, including secondary tariffs on Russian oil.

Regarding Iran, Trump's administration faces continued tensions over nuclear negotiations. After rejecting direct talks, Iran remains open to indirect discussions but warns against U.S. aggression.

• Trump addresses Iran:
  “Iran is very high on my, on my list of things to watch... if we don't work it out bad, bad things are going to happen to Iran.” [13:21]

The administration has threatened a wave of bombings and additional tariffs unless Iran engages in meaningful negotiations, maintaining the “maximum pressure” strategy initiated in 2018.

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5. White House Correspondents Association Dinner Cancellation Sparks Controversy

A significant development involves the White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) canceling comedian Amber Ruffin's appearance at their annual dinner, traditionally a platform for light-hearted political roasts.

• Eugene Daniels criticizes the decision:
  “At this consequential moment for journalism, I want to ensure the focus is not on the politics of division...” [16:52]

Ruffin's scheduled remarks turned notably harsh, deviating from expected humor. This shift led to backlash from Trump supporters and internal conflicts within the WHCA.

• White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Buttowicz lambastes the WHCA:
  “It's an indictment on how broken and useless this organization has become.” [17:38]

The tension between the WHCA and the Trump White House escalated earlier when the administration barred the Associated Press from the White House press pool over the use of "Gulf of America." This move prompted the Correspondents Association to publicly oppose the administration, leading to broader conflicts over media access and control.

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6. Additional Highlights and Insights

• Amber Ruffin promotes Delta Rescue, the world’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary, emphasizing the importance of contributions to support animal welfare.
  “We love our Thunder and Strudwick, but would love for other dogs who need care and attention and shelter to find those things, too.” [01:12]

• Eugene Daniels reflects on the WHCA’s shift in tone, contrasting with his previous support:
  “He didn't. He didn't. He had four shots.” [17:38]

• Caroline Levitt discusses the restructuring of the White House press pool, aiming to include more online influencers and newer media outlets, signaling a departure from traditional media dominance:
  “For decades, establishment media was in control of who sits where in the briefing room...” [18:00]

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Conclusion

Megyn Kelly's AM Update on March 31, 2025, delves into significant political and cultural tensions shaping the current landscape. From steadfast support within the Trump administration against internal critiques, high-stakes special elections challenging Republican dominance, to academic institutions grappling with anti-Semitism and federal pressures, the episode encapsulates a nation in flux. Additionally, President Trump's assertive foreign policy maneuvers and the contentious dynamics within media organizations highlight the multifaceted challenges ahead.

For listeners seeking comprehensive insights into these pivotal issues, this episode offers a thorough examination backed by notable quotes and expert commentary.

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Listen to the Full Episode: Available on all podcast platforms and SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111. For live discussions and more, visit YouTube.com/MegynKelly.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, March 31, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[J.D. Vance]

If you think you're going to force the president United States to fire anybody, you've got another thing coming.

[Megyn Kelly]

Trump administration officials stand united against calls to fire national Security Adviser Mike Walsh for inadvertently adding a reporter to a private group chat.

[Elise Stefanik]

We're on the third Columbia University president. And this one, let's be honest, Maria, is not going to last as well.

[Megyn Kelly]

Columbia University gets a new interim president, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, casting doubt on the latest's ability to crack down on illegal campus protesting President Trump warning Russian President Vladimir Putin. If Russia is responsible for delaying a Ukraine peace agreement, there will be repercussions. The Iranian regime rejecting calls for direct nuclear negotiations as the Trump administration promises a wave of bombs, not to mention tariffs, if they don't come to the table. The White House Correspondents association canceling its featured entertainer for the planned annual dinner. What was the deal breaker? All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

[Amber Ruffin]

You know how much my family and I love our dogs, right?

[Megyn Kelly]

Focus a lot of attention on Strudwick in particular.

[Amber Ruffin]

These dogs have a great life. They are lucky. But some dogs are. And this is why I'm so glad to tell you about Delta Rescue. It's the largest no kill, care for life animal sanctuary in the world. They have rescued thousands of dogs plus cats and horses, too. They provide all the animals with shelter, safety and most of all, love. And they've been doing it now for more than 45 years. Delta Rescue relies solely on contributions to stay open. And giving can bring tax benefits, too. Speak with your estate planner about how you can grow your estate while helping animals in need. And check out the estate planning tab on their website to learn more. We love our Thunder and Strudwick, but would love for other dogs who need care and attention and shelter to find those things, too. Visit Deltarescue.org today to learn more. That's Deltarescue.org.

[Megyn Kelly]

After a week of intense pressure from Democrats and the media, President Trump is standing by National Security Advisor Mike Walz despite seemingly inadvertently adding a reporter to a private group chat outlining attack plans on Houthi rebels. Axios reporting Trump insiders saying, quote, president Trump seriously considered firing National Security Adviser Mike Walz, but cooled down and talked himself out of it, partly to deny his critics the satisfaction. President Trump telling NBC News in an off camera interview, quote, I don't fire people because of fake news and because of witch hunts. Vice President J.D. vance on Friday from Greenland, also lending support to the team.

[J.D. Vance]

And now the same American media that covered for the Biden administration after the untimely death and the unnecessary death of 13 brave Americans is really, really interested in forcing the president of the United States to fire someone because of a signal chat. Because of a signal chat. That is not honest behavior from the American media. And if you think you're going to force the president United States to fire anybody, you got another thing coming. President Trump has said it on Monday, on Tuesday, on Wednesday, on Thursday, and I'm the vice president saying it here on Friday. We are standing behind our entire national security team.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Walls vacated his congressional seat to take a job with the Trump administration. The special election will be held tomorrow in Florida's 6th district. The current balance of power in The House is 218 to 213, giving Republicans a very, very slight edge in tomorrow's election. Republican Randy Fine is facing off against Democrat Josh Wheel. The media portraying the race as a source of anxiety for the gop.

[Steve Kornacki]

Republicans are right now worried about a special election in the deep red Florida congressional district once held by Trump national security adviser Michael Waltz.

[Megyn Kelly]

Republican anxiety mounts over special elections for two deep red congressional seats in Florida, which are more competitive than they should be. Republicans are sweating the margins in special elections in two Florida districts. Democrat fundraisers pouring millions into the race. Mr. Fine raising just shy of 1 million compared to Mr. Wheels $9 million. President Trump in November winning this district by 30 points. Despite a recent poll showing both candidates neck and neck, analysts say a Republican victory is likely. The New York Times reporting the 6th District is home to twice as many registered Republicans as Democrats. NBC political correspondent Steve Kornacki previewing a likely Democrat talking point. If this race is anywhere closer than President Trump's 30 point margin of victory.

[Steve Kornacki]

Why would Republicans, you know, be a little concerned? Is it about losing the district? That might be a stretch. There's nobody in the House. There's no Democrat in the House who has won in a district like this recently. But would they be embarrassed by a smaller, a significantly smaller margin than this? That's certainly possible.

[Megyn Kelly]

Another special election Tuesday in Florida's 1st district to replace former Republican Congressman Matt Gaetz. Republican Jimmy Petronas is reporting that his opponent, Democrat Gay Valemont, is outraising him seven to one. Mr. Gates beat Ms. Valemont in November by 32 points before resigning his seat in hopes of securing the post of attorney general. Another big race on Tuesday. The Wisconsin Supreme Court voters there will determine if the court will maintain a 4 to 3 liberal majority or flip to conservative. Liberal Judge Susan Crawford is taking on conservative attorney Brad Schimmel. At stake, control over congressional district mapping in a critical swing state. Republicans currently hold six of Wisconsin's eight congressional seats despite the state's closely divided electorate. If liberals maintain their majority on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the current GOP drawn maps could be thrown out, shifting the balance of power in the House of Representatives, potentially costing Republicans two congressional seats. We will have more on this story in the days ahead. On Friday night, Columbia University's embattled interim president Katrina Armstrong resigning from her post. Colombia, already facing 400 million in frozen federal funding with a threat of more cuts to come, agreeing to implement measures allowing authorities to crack down on illegal protesting as well as some academic reforms. Colombia became the epicenter of nationwide anti Israel and anti Semitic protests in the wake of Israel's war on the Hamas terrorist organization. Many Jewish students at Columbia reporting incidents of harassment on campus, which is unlawful under federal law, saying faculty and staff have done little to nothing to support them. Crimes like vandalism, trespassing and others were also committed by the protesters. Ms. Armstrong, caught between mounting pressure from the Trump administration and intense pushback from her own faculty and staff. Columbia professors in the weeks leading up to President Armstrong's resignation, raging against her decision to to cooperate with the Trump administration.

[Elise Stefanik]

We know that this has nothing to do with opposing anti Semitism. We know that this is about control.

[Megyn Kelly]

Making these changes would allow an overbearing government to bully our university.

[Elise Stefanik]

Trump's cuts kill teaching and learning. They kill research, they kill knowledge, they kill truth, and they kill people.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Wall street journal reporting Ms. Armstrong publicly insisted to the Trump administration that Colombia is cracking down on illegal protesting while privately downplaying the new measures to her staffers. The Department of Education releasing a statement in response to the resignation saying, quote, the action taken by Columbia's trustees today, especially in light of this week's concerning revelations, is an important step toward advancing negotiations between the university and the task force to combat antisemitism. Education secretary Linda McMahon on Sunday laying out the administration's expectations.

[Linda McMahon]

Well, the president has made it incredibly clear that he expects that students who are going to universities can go to a safe campus without discrimination. What we saw across Columbia and other universities was that the universities were not living up to that. I mean, when you see students barricaded in the library, people pounding on the glass saying death to usa, death to Israel. And I've talked to students at Columbia, Jewish students who told me that they were afraid to go across campus and a lot of the Jewish interaction on campus has been driven underground and that's just not the way our education should be.

[Megyn Kelly]

The new interim president announced Friday. Claire Shipman is a former CNN White House correspondent who was once married to Obama administration press secretary Jay Carney. An October House report on college campus antisemitism revealing a 2023 text message from Ms. Shipman to then Columbia President Minou Shafiq. Ms. Shipman then referring to the House antisemitism on college campus hearings as, quote, Capitol Hill nonsense. Republican Congresswoman from New York, Elise Stefanik on Sunday responding to Ms. Shipman's new appointment.

[Elise Stefanik]

We're on the third Columbia University President and this one, let's be honest, Maria, is not going to last as well. It's already come out that she has criticized and belittled the House investigation and the account measures and has failed to protect Jewish students. So again, this is strong leadership from President Trump and I think it is only going to be a matter of weeks before she is forced to step down as well. They still don't get it. The faculty doesn't get it. These radical far left students doesn't get it.

[Megyn Kelly]

Former President Shafik resigned from her post in August 2024. Six federal agencies are currently investigating Columbia University. Billions in federal funding are on the line. Coming up, President Trump issuing a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin if he finds Russia at fault for holding up a peace deal in Ukraine, there will be consequences. And the White House Correspondents association pulls the plug on its headliner. What the comedian said that led to the cancellation.

[Amber Ruffin]

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[Megyn Kelly]

Your home right out from under you?

[Amber Ruffin]

The FBI calls it house stealing and it's a growing real estate scam. Criminals forge your signature on one document, use a fake notary stamp, pay a small fee and file it with your local recorder's office. So when was the last time you.

[Megyn Kelly]

Checked your home title? Probably never.

[Amber Ruffin]

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[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump issuing a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin if he finds Russia at fault for holding up a peace deal in Ukraine. Tariffs are coming, President Trump telling NBC News, quote, I am going to put secondary tariffs on all oil coming out of Russia. If you buy oil from Russia, you cannot do business in the United States. The president's comments spurred by recent televised remarks from President Putin. Mr. Putin suggesting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lacks legitimacy to sign a peace deal. President Zelensky last year suspending elections in Ukraine, citing martial law. The Russian leader going on to say the UN could set up a temporary government in Ukraine. Any change in leadership will inevitably delay a lasting ceasefire agreement. Mr. Trump setting a one month deadline for getting a full ceasefire deal before punitive measures kick in. Last week, Russia and Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire in the Black Sea and against energy infrastructure. Prior to Mr. Putin's remarks on Friday, President Trump had indicated that negotiations were progressing well in a cabinet meeting.

[Donald Trump]

Ukraine wants to see it settled. I think they have to have it settled and Russia wants to see it settled. Marco is doing a great job and Steve Witkoff has been incredible. Michael Walsh, we have a great group of people working on it.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump telling NBC his anger with Mr. Putin will, quote, dissipate quickly if he does the right thing. The two leaders scheduled to speak again later this week. On Sunday, the Iranian regime rejecting President Trump's offer to begin direct nuclear negotiations with the US Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian leaving the possibility of indirect talks open. Delivering the reply through Amman. This response just days after President Trump addressed Iranian nuclear ambitions from the Oval.

[Donald Trump]

Iran is very high on my, on my list of things to watch and as you probably know, I sent them a letter just recently and I said you're going to have to make a decision one way or the other and we're going to either have to talk and talk it out or very bad things are going to happen to Iran and I don't want that to happen. My big preference is we work it out with Iran, but if we don't work it out bad, bad things are going to happen to Iran.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump now promising a wave of bombings and additional tariffs targeted at Iran if its leaders do not come to the negotiating table. In 2018, President Trump withdrew from the JCPOA, a nuclear agreement with Iran negotiated under the Obama administration. President Trump calling the deal, quote, a horribly one sided deal that should never, ever have been made. Instead, President Trump opting for a campaign of, quote, maximum pressure to force Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions, imposing sanctions on key Iranian industries like banking and oil, designating their military as a foreign terrorist organization, issuing secondary sanctions against countries, working with Iran and isolating the Iranians diplomatically. Iran, though economically weakened, did not return to the table under the first Trump administration or the Biden administration, which aggressively sought to revive the joint agreement. A February UN Atomic Agency report revealing the Iranian regime has enriched enough uranium to manufacture six nuclear weapons and now just lacks a delivery system. In response to Trump administration warnings, Iranian leaders firing back with threats of their own. Iran's parliament speaker saying, quote, if the Americans violate Iran's sovereignty, it will be like a spark in a gunpowder depot, setting the entire region ablaze. In such a scenario, their bases and their allies will not be safe. In 2024, Tehran launching two direct missile attacks on Israel, firing hundreds of rockets. In both instances, Israel's missile defense systems intercepting the vast majority, limiting the damage. The White House Correspondents association canceling comedian Amber Ruffin's remarks at its upcoming annual dinner scheduled for April 26. In a tradition dating back to 2003, the dinner features a comedian roasting the president and the press covering him under the first Trump administration. The president declining to attend as the comedians turned what was supposed to be a light roast of the administration into scorched earth, nasty attacks.

[J.D. Vance]

And I am truly honored to be.

[Megyn Kelly]

Here, even though all, all of Hollywood.

[J.D. Vance]

Pulled out now that King Joffrey is.

[Megyn Kelly]

President and it feels like the red Wedding in here. We gotta address the elephant that's not in the room.

[Taylor Buttowicz]

Trump isn't here, if you haven't noticed. He's not here. And I know, I know I would drag him here myself, but it turns out the President of the United States is the one you're not allowed to grab.

[Megyn Kelly]

Ms. Ruffin promising late last week on the Daily Beast podcast that her approach would be no different.

[Eugene Daniels]

I'm not 100% interested in being like, ha, you're here. Look at your stupid head. You're burned. I care. Like, you're kind of a bunch of murderers. I mean, so, like, they were like, you need to be, you know, equal and make sure that you give it to both sides and blah, blah, blah. I was like, there's no way I'm gonna be frickin doing that, dude. And they want that false equivalency that the media does. They want that.

[Caroline Levitt]

It feels great.

[Eugene Daniels]

It makes them feel like human beings. But they shouldn't get to feel that.

[Megyn Kelly]

Way because they're not the White House. And many Trump supporters recoiling at the remarks. Within 48 hours, the White House Correspondents association announcing her appearance had been canceled. President Eugene Daniels writing in a statement, quote, at this consequential moment for journalism, I want to ensure the focus is not on the politics of division, but entirely on awarding our colleagues for their outstanding work and providing scholarship and mentorship to the next generation of journalists. The tone marking a sharp departure from Daniel's enthusiasm during a joint MSNBC appearance in February with Ms. Ruffin when he proudly announced her selection as the evening's entertainer. You say you have invited President Trump.

[Steve Kornacki]

And the first lady to attend in his first term. He never did.

[Eugene Daniels]

He didn't. He didn't. He had four shots.

[Caroline Levitt]

Four shots.

[Eugene Daniels]

He missed them all.

[Megyn Kelly]

Do you hope to see him there?

[Eugene Daniels]

No.

[Megyn Kelly]

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Buttowicz responding on X. Quote, it's an indictment on how broken and useless this organization has become. So sad that such a storied and consequential group has been so quickly driven into irrelevancy. Oh well, good riddance. Tensions rising between the White House Correspondents association and the Trump White House in recent weeks. The conflict beginning when the Associated Press refused to use the newly renamed Gulf of America moniker, prompting the Trump administration to bar the outlet from participating in the White House press pool. The Correspondents association condemned the White House publicly in response. Shortly thereafter, Press Secretary Caroline Levitt announcing her office would be taking control of press pool assignments, a task historically managed by the White House Correspondents Association. The pool is a smaller group of reporters granted access to more exclusive spaces like the Oval Office and Air Force One. Axios reporting on Sunday, some members of the Correspondents association want to de escalate the conflict. This as Ms. Levitt says she will be taking control of the briefing rooms seating chart as well. For decades, establishment media was in control of who sits where in the briefing room, ensuring the so called mainstream outlets access and a seat in front of the cameras. A senior White House official telling Axios the new arrangement will provide more favorable access to online influencers and newer outlets. And 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 channel 111 at New east on YouTube.com MeganKelly.

[Amber Ruffin]

And on all podcast platforms.

[Caroline Levitt]

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