New Details on Illegal Migrant Who Caused Fatal Crash, Barr Testifies on Epstein: AM Update 8/20

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 8/20/2025

Episode Date: August 20, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly (SiriusXM)
Main Theme:
A deep dive into three breaking news stories: (1) the fatal Florida crash involving an illegal immigrant truck driver, (2) newly revealed details about the federal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's death, featuring testimony from former Attorney General Bill Barr, and (3) alarming updates on the case of missing baby Emmanuel Harrow, including an exclusive attorney statement and expert forensic commentary.

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1. Fatal Florida Crash & Immigration Controversy

Overview

A deadly accident caused by an alleged illegal immigrant commercial truck driver has reignited debate over English proficiency and driver licensing in the U.S. The incident leads into policy disputes between state and federal officials, and becomes a flashpoint in Trump-era immigration reforms.

Key Details

• Incident:

  • Date/Location: August 12, just north of West Palm Beach, Florida
  • Driver: Harjinder Singh, 28, Indian national, failed English proficiency; executed an illegal U-turn in an 80,000-pound semi leading to three fatalities.
  • Victims: A 37-year-old woman, a 30-year-old man, and a 54-year-old man from Florida.

• Policy Issues:

  • Singh failed a verbal English language test administered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Only 2/12 questions answered correctly; recognized 1/4 road signs ([04:00]).
  • A 2016 Obama-era memo eased English proficiency enforcement for commercial drivers; reversed by Trump’s recent executive order in April ([05:40]).

Notable Quotes

• Sean Duffy, Transportation Secretary:
  “A driver who can't understand English will not drive a commercial vehicle in this country, period. Full stop.” ([00:38], [07:03])

  “So we're changing the rule...if someone is pulled over and can't speak the language, they'll be put out of service where before they'd be given a slap on the wrist and allowed to continue.” ([07:10])

• Megyn Kelly:
  “Fox News confirming Singh is an Indian national who in 2018 crossed illegally into California and was arrested by Border Patrol...He has remained in immigration limbo ever since.” ([05:15])

  “This accident now the latest flashpoint in the Trump administration's drive to crack down on commercial driver's licenses.” ([06:30])

• Ron DeSantis (FL Governor):
  Referenced in post:
  “Sanctuary policies are deadly.” ([05:52])

Segment Timeline

• 00:38–07:55 — Full breakdown of the fatal crash, policy changes, and state/federal official reactions.

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2. House Oversight: Barr Testimony on the Epstein Investigation

Overview

The House Oversight Committee has intensified its scrutiny on the DOJ’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, starting with a closed-door deposition of former Attorney General Bill Barr.

Key Points

• Investigation Scope:

  • Subpoenas issued to former DOJ officials; upcoming testimonies pending ([08:05], [11:24]).

• Bill Barr Testimony:

  • Four-hour deposition; Barr reiterates he recused himself from the Epstein case due to prior law firm connections.
  • He shows skepticism that Trump had knowledge of, or was implicated by, an Epstein client list.

• Committee Divide:

  • Democrats criticize Republicans for lack of depth in questioning ([09:54])
  • Republicans highlight “newsy” revelations and Barr’s denial of a Trump connection ([10:16])

Notable Quotes

• Jasmine Crockett (D-TX):
  “It seems like they are going through the motions...I don't think that we've learned anything through the Republican questioning that you couldn't find in one of the articles that most likely your outlets have printed.” ([09:54])

• James Comer (R-KY, Committee Chair):
  “He [Barr] never had conversations with President Trump pertaining to a client list...He said that he had never seen anything that would implicate President Trump in any of this and that he believed...the Biden administration would have probably leaked it out.” ([10:16])

  “You could imagine how many documents there are. They're compiling everything together. I think we're working together in a good faith effort and everything's coming along.” ([11:14])

• Reporter / Bill Barr:
  “Did you have a good conversation?”
  Barr: “Absolutely.” ([10:57])

Segment Timeline

• 07:55–11:24 — Epstein probe coverage: transcripts, Barr’s role, committee reactions, and next steps.

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3. Missing Baby Emmanuel Harrow: Disturbing History and Statement Analysis

Overview

New revelations in the high-profile search for missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Harrow emerge, centering on his father’s prior abuse conviction and the parents’ shifting public statements.

Key Points

• Jake Harrow’s Record:

  • 2023 conviction for child cruelty stemming from a 2018 incident involving severe injuries to a previous child ([12:58]).
  • Both Jake and his ex-wife Vanessa pleaded guilty; Jake sentenced to work release, probation, and mandatory abuser treatment ([13:54]).

• Legal Perspective:

  • Jake's lawyer, Vincent Hughes, asserts transparency and challenges law enforcement’s narrative of non-cooperation ([15:32], [16:38]).

• Forensic Analysis:

  • Podcast host Jack Fox notes Rebecca Harrow’s use of past tense and ambiguous phrasing in recounting events, suggesting possible knowledge of the child’s fate ([17:37], [18:06], [18:57]).

• Ongoing Investigation:

  • Law enforcement claims lack of parental cooperation, though the attorney disputes it.
  • Family faces public suspicion and threats, but remain in their home under scrutiny.

Notable Quotes & Commentaries

• Vincent Hughes (Attorney):
  “He did plead guilty. He acknowledged his role in that situation and there was more than one person convicted.” ([15:32])

  “Doesn't seem law enforcement is doing anything to find this child. He's holed up in his house with his family because they are not getting the support that they need...grieving for their son.” ([16:38])

• Megyn Kelly:
  “The question is whether Jake Harrow hurt baby Emmanuel, and his history as a baby beater is highly relevant. This is infuriating.” ([15:41])

• Jack Fox (Forensic Statement Analyst):
  “She wants to persuade us of the urgency...Not ‘my son was gone,’ not ‘my son was missing’...She’s gone from her son being there to not being able to find him. She has no realization there that her son was missing.” ([18:06])

  “For her to go into past tense...suggests to me she knows that this boy is in the past.” ([18:57])

Segment Timeline

• 11:24–19:35 — Full reporting on the Harrow case history, lawyer statements, media analysis, family and law enforcement dynamics.

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Memorable & Distinct Moments

• Duffy’s blunt rule on English proficiency for truck drivers:
  “A driver who can't understand English will not drive a commercial vehicle in this country, period, full stop.” ([00:38], [07:03])
• Comer’s take on Barr/Epstein:
  “If there had been anything pertaining to President Trump...the Biden administration would have probably leaked it out.” ([10:16])
• Kelly’s outrage regarding the Harrow case:
  “His history as a baby beater is highly relevant. This is infuriating.” ([15:41])
• Jack Fox’s expert breakdown of mother’s language:
  “For her to go into past tense...suggests to me she knows that this boy is in the past...” ([18:57])

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Useful for First-Time Listeners

This episode is a rapid-fire briefing on three major stories, centering on law, public safety, and criminal investigations. The tone is direct, analytical, and generally skeptical of official explanations, reflecting Megyn Kelly’s brand of incisive interview and commentary.

Timestamps & Structure

• 00:38–07:55: Fatal crash, immigration & licensing
• 07:55–11:24: Barr testimony & Epstein inquiry
• 11:24–19:35: Search for baby Emmanuel, parents’ background & statement analysis

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For more information or to contribute tips to ongoing investigations, listeners are encouraged to contact the appropriate authorities as detailed at the end of the segment.

Transcript

[Vincent Hughes]

If you could hear love, what would it sound like?

[Jack Fox]

Son, can we talk about your drinking?

[Vincent Hughes]

Yeah, Dad, I think we should. Helping those closest to you think about their excessive drinking. Maybe that's what love sounds like. [e-mail] an OHA initiative.

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Sean Duffy]

A driver who can't understand English will not drive a commercial vehicle in this country, period. Full stop.

[Megyn Kelly]

A fatal traffic accident allegedly caused by an illegal immigrant with a license driving a commercial semi truck taking center stage in the immigration debate.

[James Comer]

What Attorney General Barr test in there was that he didn't know anything about a client list.

[Megyn Kelly]

Former Attorney General Bill Barr deposed by the House Oversight Committee. The first interview in its investigation into the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. And troubling new details about the father of missing baby Emmanuel Harrow. Mr. Harrow's attorney speaks out for the first time. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. You know the feeling someone in your family gets sick and then you're stuck waiting for a doctor's appointment or the pharmacy's out of stock. And then you're left wondering why something so basic has to be so hard. Too many American families face this reality and this is why many are turning to All Family Pharmacy. They're doing what big pharma won't, which is putting families back in control and making it possible to be proactive, not reactive with your health. This is not just some online pharmacy. This All Family Pharmacy is based in Florida and family owned. And there you can order ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, antibiotics, daily maintenance meds, emergency kits, everything you'd want to have on hand before you need it. You know you're going on like a trip. You want to get some of these things in your suitcase before the crisis hits. Order online and they will work with licensed doctors to provide the prescription for you. Then your medications get shipped right to your door. Visit AllFamilyPharmacy.com Megan use that code Megan10 to get 10% off your order today. Again, go to AllFamilyPharmacy.com megan and do use that code Megan10 when you check out to get 10% off your order today. Be prepared. Be in control. This is healthcare that works for you. The Department of Transportation announcing yesterday an investigation into a deadly crash in Florida. Florida. Three people killed by an alleged illegal immigrant truck driver making an illegal U turn in an 80,000 pound semi truck putting a spotlight on the Trump administration's crackdown on English language proficiency in the trucking industry. Preliminary investigation results finding the driver did not speak English. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration administering an English language proficiency assessment which the alleged driver, 28 year old Harjinder Singh, failed correctly answering just two of 12 verbal questions and only accurately identifying one of four highway traffic signs. On August 12, Florida State Highway Patrol responding to an accident just north of West Palm beach, investigators finding Singh, quote, recklessly and without regard for the safety of others attempted to execute a U turn utilizing an unauthorized location. Video from inside Singh's truck showing a minivan t boning the trailer of his truck becoming wedged underneath. Singh and his passenger, who were uninjured, appear utterly unfazed. Photos from the scene clearly show a no U turn official use only sign on the short connection pass between the two lanes of the highway, the dangers of which should be obvious to any semi driver. Authorities say the man was blocking all lanes of traffic. The two passengers in the van reportedly killed instantly. The driver later died at the hospital. The victims a 37 year old Pompano beach woman, a 30 year old Florida City man and a 54 year old Miami man. Fox News confirming Singh is an Indian national who in 2018 crossed illegally into California and was arrested by Border Patrol. Singh was initially processed for expedited removal, then in 2019 filed an asylum claim and was released into the country on bond. He has remained in immigration limbo ever since. Governor Ron DeSantis, who had no role in Singh's immigration status but in whose state this accident occurred, posting on X quote illegal alien issued commercial driver's license by California doesn't even speak English. Sanctuary policies are deadly. California Governor Gavin Newsom's press office in an X post claiming the driver was given work authorization under Trump 1.0, which it said would allow him to later obtain that commercial driver's license. Department of Homeland security official Tricia McLaughlin responding, however, that the Trump administration actually denied Singh work authorization in 2020, but the Biden administration then greenlit his work permit in 2021. Singh is currently being held in San Joaquin County Jail in California without bail. Governor DeSantis wants Singh to face justice in his state, telling Fox News the governor is working with federal officials to extradite Singh back to Florida where he will be charged with three counts of vehicular homicide. ICE also issuing a detainer for Singh and DHS is seeking to place him in removal proceedings, pointing out in a statement that Singh showed no Remorse upon realizing the carnage he caused this accident. Now the latest flashpoint in the Trump administration's drive to crack down on how commercial driver's licenses are issued. Driver's licenses are handled state by state, but when it comes to commercial drivers who cross state lines, the federal government sets the minimum standards. A 2016 memorandum issued under President Obama removed requirements to take drivers off the road for English language proficiency violations and and eased the enforcement standards. This past April, President Trump signing an executive order reversing that memorandum. The executive order reading in part, quote, federal law requires that to operate a commercial vehicle, a driver must read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language. Yet this requirement has not been enforced in years and America's roadways have become less safe. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy at a June press conference explaining how the feds will enforce this requirement.

[Sean Duffy]

We are issuing new guidance that ensures a driver who can't understand English will not drive a commercial vehicle in this country, period, full stop. So we're changing the rule in regard to someone who is pulled over and can't speak the language. They'll be put out of service where before they'd be given a slap on the wrist and allowed to continue on their way. So the consequence of taking one of these vehicles out of service and having the company come back and find another driver, it becomes very costly. This is done by our partners in law enforcement, whether it's at way stations or if it's just interactions that law enforcement have. But when they see those drivers who again can't communicate, they'll take them out of service. So again, there's not one, one umbrella in which this will fall under. It's the whole spectrum of law enforcement on our roadways.

[Megyn Kelly]

According to Secretary Duffy, in 2015, nearly 100,000 drivers had language proficiency violations, with 1,000 taken off the road. In 2024 under the loosened enforcement requirements, that number dropping to 10,000 violations with none taken off the streets. In late July, the Daily Signal reporting within the first 30 days of the new guidance taking effect, more than 1500 commercial drivers were placed out of service. The House Oversight Committee officially kicking off its investigation into the DoJ's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. The committee issuing subpoenas for several former attorneys general and Justice Department officials as part of a wide ranging probe into Epstein's prosecution and mysterious death in prison. Former Attorney General Bill Barr on Monday deposed by lawmakers for more than four hours behind closed doors. Mr. Barr served as Attorney General under President Trump from February 2019 to December 2020, recusing himself from the Epstein case, however, citing a conflict of interest as one of the law firms that previously represented the disgraced financier was part of a firm Mr. Barr later worked for. Barr's father was headmaster at the prestigious Dalton School in New York City when Epstein taught there in the 1970s. Epstein died in custody in August 2019. Though Mr. Barr recused himself from the case, he later said he was, quote, appalled by Epstein's death, ordering the inspector general to investigate the circumstances of Epstein's demise. Democrats on the committee speaking to reporters on Monday criticizing Republicans handling of the deposition, saying they've been left with more questions than answers. Here now, Democrat Congressman Suhas Subramaniam of Virginia and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Texas.

[Sean Duffy]

I think the Democratic side is doing.

[Megyn Kelly]

Most of the heavy lifting.

[Sean Duffy]

I don't think we're learning much from the questioning from the House Republicans.

[Jasmine Crockett]

It seems like they are going through the motions and they want people to believe that they are digging in. But at the end of the day, I don't think that we've learned anything through the Republican questioning that you couldn't find in one of the articles that most likely your outlets have printed.

[Megyn Kelly]

Head of the Committee Congressman James Comer, sharply disagreeing with that assessment, pointing to several newsy answers from the former ag.

[James Comer]

What Attorney General Barr testified in there was that he never had conversations with President Trump pertaining to a client list. He didn't know anything about a client list. He said that he had never seen anything that would implicate President Trump in any of this and that he believed if there had been anything pertaining to President Trump with respect to the Epstein list, that he felt like the Biden administration would have probably leaked it out. And I think that's pretty much conventional wisdom among anyone that's practical in this. So I think it's a good deposition and obviously were asking a lot of tough questions.

[Megyn Kelly]

A reporter asking former AG Bill Barr if he had a good conversation. Mr. Barr responding, quote, Absolutely. The DOJ missing Tuesday's deadline to turn over all Epstein related files to the Oversight Committee. Congressman Comer revealing the committee expects to begin receiving those documents by Friday.

[James Comer]

You could imagine how many documents there are. They're compiling everything together. I think we're working together in a good faith effort and everything's coming along.

[Megyn Kelly]

Former U.S. attorney General Alberto Gonzalez, who headed the DOJ when Epstein first came under investigation in 2007, but who had stepped down before that case was finally closed in 2008 set to meet with lawmakers next week. Several other big names like Bill and Hillary Clinton could also be coming in the fall. Coming up, investigators continue the search for missing baby Emmanuel Harrow as disturbing new details about the baby's father emerge as President Trump is settling into his new administration. One of the top Democrats in Congress aiming to undermine the Trump agenda is Democrat Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois. And according to our sponsor, the Electronic Payments Coalition, Senator Durbin has a new plan, a government takeover of your credit card. Today, Americans have thousands of choices in credit cards, but they say Senator Durbin's plan will result in less competition and less security, which means more risk for your credit and your identity. You can learn more for [e-mail] and you could consider telling your senators to stop Dick Durbin's government takeover of your credit card before it's too late. The search for missing 7 month old California baby Emmanuel Harrow continues as new details emerge about the father. Jake Harrow's 2023 child cruelty conviction. Harrow's lawyer speaking out for the first time a listener warning this may be upsetting the Orange County Register reporting on an affidavit tied to an investigation into a 10 week old baby admitted to Hemet Valley Hospital on October 13, 2018 for treatment of broken bones. Jake Harrow's previous wife, Vanessa Harrow telling authorities she had been out of the home on October 12 and when she returned and tried to nurse the baby, she claimed the child would not drink so she brought the baby to the hospital. Doctors at the Loma Linda University Medical center reporting to authorities the baby had an acute fractured rib, healing fractures of six ribs, a skull fracture and brain hemorrhage, along with swelling of the neck and a healing fractured leg bone. Again, the baby was 10 weeks old. Jake Harrow telling investigators that while Vanessa was out of the house he found the baby had a fever. As he was bathing the baby, he claimed he accidentally dropped the child chest first on the divider of the sink basin, but could not detect any injuries. The man reportedly telling investigators later that night Vanessa asked him to feel the baby's back and he felt something crackle. The affidavit quoting the doctor saying, quote, the combination of the above findings in a pre mobile infant in the absence of a plausible history of significant trauma to explain the injuries is indicative of abuse, head trauma, child physical abuse and nutritional neglect. Mr. Harrow telling authorities he found a search on his iPad for how to feed a baby with broken ribs, later blaming his wife Vanessa for those injuries. Jake Harrow filing for a domestic violence restraining order shortly after the baby was admitted to the hospital, a motion that was eventually dismissed. On October 5, 2021, Jake and Vanessa Harrow were charged with willful child cruelty, both pleading guilty. In June 2023, Jake Harrow was sentenced to 180 days in a work release program and given a suspended four year sentence as well as ordered to attend a child abuser treatment program. Vanessa Harrow was sentenced to 120 days in the work release program and also ordered to attend the child abuser treatment program. Defense attorney Vincent Hughes, who represented Jake Harrow in the first child abuse charge and is representing him again, speaking out for the first time to Fox 11 Los Angeles on Tuesday.

[Vincent Hughes]

He reached that deal through a plea agreement. So he did plead guilty. He acknowledged his, his role in that situation and there was more than one person convicted. None of that has been relayed through.

[Megyn Kelly]

The media whatsoever because no one cares, sir, that the ex wife was equally terrible. The question is whether Jake Harrow hurt baby Emanuel and his history as a baby beater is highly relevant. This is infuriating. Jake Harrow is set to appear again in Court on September 2nd in relation to a probation violation for his earlier abuse case. The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department releasing a statement on Saturday in which they accuse Jake and Emanuel's mother Rebecca of not cooperating with their investigation, a claim later publicly corroborated by Rebecca's own mother. Jake's attorney says that's not true, that the parents have turned over their phones, laptops and passwords. KTLA reporting. However, that was in response to a search warrant. Jake's attorney says the sheriffs here are the ones who should be doing more.

[Vincent Hughes]

Doesn't seem law enforcement is doing anything to find this child. He's holed up in his house with his family because they are not getting the support that they need. They have people trampling on their property. They have death threats being made. All of the reports I'm seeing on social media that Jake and his wife are running have fled the country, have fled the jurisdiction. They're at their home. They're, they're at their home holed up, scared for their own safety, grieving for the son, for their son. I have personally spent time with Jake and have seen the emotions in his face. He is not in any way running, hiding or doing anything to exhibit any behaviors of somebody that is trying to be deceptive in this case.

[Megyn Kelly]

Many are skeptical. Online speculation is exploding about this couple. Never a truer word. Podcast host Jack Fox, who regularly delves into forensic statement analysis, finding Rebecca's recounting of the abduction problematic. Here's Rebecca's version of events as told to ABC7 on Friday.

[Rebecca Harrow]

I got him out of the car seat and I laid him down and so I could get his diapers ready and somebody said hola and that's all I remember. And I saw white in the hearing sound. I I fell on the floor and I and I said as I got up I couldn't find my son.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Fox, highlighting Rebecca's choice of words, saying the way she describes the event implies the baby was already missing.

[Jack Fox]

She wants to persuade us of the urgency and immediacy of this and then I couldn't find my son. Not my son was gone. Not my son was missing. My son wasn't where he was. Suggest to me wording of something that is already missing because she's gone from her son being there to not being able to find him. She's no realization there that her son was missing is I couldn't find my son so he was already missing. In these words.

[Megyn Kelly]

Fox along with many others tracking the story, also noting both parents describing their son in the past tense. More from the parents Friday interview.

[Rebecca Harrow]

It was happy boy. He smiled. Mackenzie loved to kiss him.

[Vincent Hughes]

It was a healthy baby. He was, he was crawling, he was kicking, he was, he was playing with his toys.

[Megyn Kelly]

Back to Jack Fox.

[Jack Fox]

This is the mother of a seven month old baby boy. There is a big bond between them right now. She thinks that the child has been snatched in her words from her truck. As she's talking, she should be in present tense because the child is still with us. So she should be saying he is a happy boy, he's a smiley little boy. He is a smiley boy or something like that. For her to go into past tense, which is what we use when people are no more, he was a happy boy. He smiled. That suggests to me that she knows that this boy is in the past, which is why she's referring to him in the past tense.

[Megyn Kelly]

Despite some reporting that investigators are now targeting Jake and Rebecca, the Sheriff's department telling AM UPDATE on Tuesday no one has been ruled out. KTLA reporting that investigators have seized the vehicle of Jake Harrow, though it is unclear whether that is a separate car from the truck Rebecca was driving when baby Emmanuel allegedly went missing. Anyone with information about Emanuel's disappearance is asked to call 911-OR the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department at 909-890-4904 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 noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platform.