Summary of "The Megyn Kelly Show" Episode 991: "New Trump Derangement Syndrome Examples, and How CNN Smeared a Navy Veteran, with Piers Morgan, Zachary Young, and Vel Freedman"

Release Date: January 24, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guests: Piers Morgan, Zachary Young, Vel Freedman

1. Introduction: Presidential Actions and Upcoming Confirmations

Megyn Kelly opens the show by highlighting President Donald Trump's immediate actions after taking office. Notably, Trump signed multiple executive orders, including one urging social media platforms to declassify documents related to the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK Jr. Kelly emphasizes the prolonged secrecy surrounding these historical events:

"[00:00] Megyn Kelly: ... it's long overdue. It's kind of ridiculous that we're even having to beg for these things."

Additionally, she touches on the anticipated vote to confirm Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, noting the bipartisan tensions leading up to the nomination.

2. Conversation with Piers Morgan: The Shift from Traditional Media to Digital Platforms

Guest: Piers Morgan
Topics Covered: Transition to Independent Media, YouTube vs. Traditional Broadcasting

Piers Morgan discusses his departure from Rupert Murdoch's media network to establish his independent presence on YouTube. He underscores the decline of traditional media consumption among younger generations, attributing it to the flexibility and authenticity offered by digital platforms.

"[03:39] Piers Morgan: ... anyone under 40 is now consuming almost all of their news... using YouTube as the main platform to do that. And I think that this is the future."

Morgan highlights the substantial viewership his YouTube channel garners, citing interviews with high-profile figures like Bassem Youssef and Nick, the real-life stalker from the "Baby Reindeer" saga. He predicts that YouTube will soon surpass traditional television as the primary medium for news consumption.

"[05:30] Piers Morgan: ... probably in two years maximum, YouTube will be the number one way that most people watch television."

Kelly's Agreement:
Megyn Kelly concurs, noting that her audience often accesses her show via the YouTube app, appreciating the platform's user-centric approach.

"[07:13] Megyn Kelly: ... they can watch it whenever they feel like it in the way they feel like it. They can watch us on their phone, on my laptop, whatever they want."

3. Exposing CNN's Defamation: The Case of Zachary Young

Guests: Zachary Young (Navy Veteran), Vel Freedman (Attorney)
Topics Covered: Defamation Lawsuit Against CNN, Impact on Personal and Professional Life

Kelly delves into the high-profile defamation lawsuit filed by Navy veteran Zachary Young against CNN. Young successfully sued CNN for defamation, securing a $5 million compensatory damages award, with CNN originally seeking punitive damages potentially reaching $120 million before settling.

Key Points from the Interview:

• Zachary Young's Allegations:
  Young accuses CNN of falsely portraying him as exploiting Afghan refugees by charging exorbitant fees for evacuation services, branding him as part of the black market without substantive evidence.

  "[59:55] Zachary Young: ... he did not operate in a black market. He did not charge exorbitant prices... what Young did was save dozens."

• Evidence of Negligence and Malice:
  The court found that CNN acted with negligence and malice, as internal communications revealed disparaging remarks about Young, such as calling him "a shit" and questioning his credibility.

  "[63:28] Megyn Kelly: ... CNN employee Michael Conte said Young had a, 'punchable face.'... This is what we call defamation, per se."

• Impact on Young's Life:
  The defamatory reporting severely tarnished Young's reputation, leading to professional and personal hardships, including strained relationships and mental health challenges.

  "[88:40] Val Friedman: ... it's nuclear, it's radioactive. Erik Prince is another one of my contacts and I wouldn't expect Eric to be able to or want to work with someone who has that label attached to them."

• Courtroom Proceedings:
  The trial showcased CNN's internal hesitance to acknowledge wrongdoing. Despite recognizing flaws in the report ("Swiss cheese" analysis), CNN aired the segment, leading to maximal reputational damage for Young.

  "[75:11] Zachary Young: ... when confronted, when Zach was confronted with it, he explained it perfectly. ... And the jury had to find both negligence and malice."

Legal Insights:

• Defamation Standards:
  Young was not deemed a public figure, lowering the burden of proof for defamation. The jury had to establish that CNN acted with actual malice, which they did, resulting in the substantial compensatory damages.

  "[66:22] Zachary Young: ... the jury had to find both those things [negligence and malice] and did find both those things."

• Punitive Damages Phase:
  Although CNN was slated to face punitive damages, discussions suggested a potential settlement before this phase concluded.

  "[82:00] Piers Morgan: ... it was frustrating because they said, 'We don't apologize, we stand by our reporting.'"

4. Critique of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry: Vanity Fair's Negative Portrayal

Topics Covered: Vanity Fair's Article on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, Public Image and Hypocrisy

Kelly and Morgan discuss Vanity Fair's unfavorable profile of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The magazine's portrayal paints the couple as entitled and disingenuous, contradicting their public narratives of compassion and mental health advocacy.

"[51:34] Piers Morgan: ... they're a pair of hypocrites. ... They're desperately trying to maintain some kind of future as a renegade will couple."

Key Criticisms Highlighted:

• Bullying Allegations:
  Insider accounts describe Meghan Markle as a "diva" who allegedly pushed staff into therapy and created a toxic work environment, conflicting with her publicly stated values.

  "[54:11] Megyn Kelly: ... she's a nasty little bully who sends staff into therapy."

• Hypocrisy in Advocacy:
  Their advocacy against online trolling and mental health issues is juxtaposed with the alleged mistreatment of their staff and inconsistency in their public actions, such as using private jets despite preaching environmental consciousness.

  "[55:33] Piers Morgan: ... they lectured the British people about poverty but traveled in private planes on the same day as their lavish events."

• Vanity Fair's Narrative:
  The magazine's portrayal includes mocking plans for Meghan's new series and Prince Harry's supposed inability to generate original content, further damaging their reputation.

  "[56:59] Megyn Kelly: ... she sends us a hit piece calling them 'the most entitled, disingenuous people on the planet.' "

5. Other Notable Discussions: Trump Executive Orders and Social Issues

Topics Covered:

• Trump's Executive Order on Declassifying Assassination Files
• Pardoning Prolife Protesters
• Media's Handling of Trump's Policies
• Social Issues like Gender Neutrality in Schools

Highlights:

• Declassification of Historical Documents:
  Piers Morgan commends Trump's move to declassify JFK, RFK, and MLK Jr. assassination files, labeling it long overdue and essential for transparency.

  "[42:54] Piers Morgan: Yeah, I think it's fantastic and long overdue."

• Pardons of Prolife Protesters:
  The discussion covers Trump's pardoning of peaceful prolife protesters, criticizing the harsh sentencing and supporting the decision to issue pardons.

  "[47:16] Piers Morgan: ... if they're peacefully protesting, that is the basic intrinsic right of every American citizen."

• Social Issues in Education:
  Kelly and Morgan express strong opposition to the incorporation of transgender ideology in UK classrooms, arguing it causes confusion and is inappropriate for young students.

  "[37:35] Megyn Kelly: ... it's so unbelievably inappropriate that that series could go ahead."

6. Conclusion: Media Accountability and Future Implications

Megyn Kelly wraps up the episode by reflecting on the implications of the defamation case against CNN. She emphasizes the importance of accountability in journalism and the high standards required to avoid defamation, advocating for transparency and honesty in reporting.

"[89:00] Megyn Kelly: ... storytelling has to be honest. And the defamation Bar is high."

Kelly congratulates Zachary Young on his victory, expressing hope that this case sets a precedent for holding media organizations accountable for false reporting.

"[119:46] Megyn Kelly: ... good for that guy. And I hope he rebuilds his life."

Notable Quotes:

• Piers Morgan on Media Evolution:
  "[05:07] Piers Morgan: ... YouTube will be the number one way that most people watch television."

• Zachary Young on CNN's Conduct:
  "[75:18] Zachary Young: ... they still could afford to pay a significant amount of money."

• Megyn Kelly on Defamation Standards:
  "[73:01] Megyn Kelly: They're afraid. That's right. They're afraid for the reasons I said."

Insights and Conclusions:

• Shift to Digital Media:
  The conversation underscores a significant transition from traditional media to digital platforms like YouTube, driven by changing consumer habits and technological advancements.

• Media Accountability:
  The defamation case against CNN serves as a critical example of the need for media organizations to uphold ethical standards and the severe repercussions of failing to do so.

• Public Perception and Hypocrisy:
  The discussion on Meghan Markle and Prince Harry highlights the complex interplay between public personas and private behaviors, questioning the authenticity of media portrayals.

• Political and Social Commentary:
  The episode delves into current political actions by President Trump and societal debates on gender identity, reflecting deep partisan divides and the evolving landscape of American culture.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and notable moments from Episode 991 of "The Megyn Kelly Show," providing listeners with an in-depth overview of the episode's content.