The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update 12/12/25

Episode: Noem vs. Dems, Abrego Garcia Released For Now, Tyler Robinson Smiles in Court
Release Date: December 12, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly

Overview

This episode delivers Megyn Kelly’s morning political update, focusing on three hot-button issues:

1. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s fiery testimony before House Democrats on immigration enforcement under the Trump administration
2. Legal and political fallout over Maryland’s Kilmar Abrego Garcia's controversial release from ICE custody
3. The latest developments in the Charlie Kirk murder case, including the arraignment of accused killer Tyler Robinson.

Throughout, the episode spotlights the partisan battles over immigration, judicial nominations, and transparency in high-profile criminal cases.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kristi Noem Grilled on Immigration Enforcement

(Timestamp: 00:44 – 06:39)

• Setting: House Homeland Security Committee hearing. Dems attack Noem over Trump’s mass deportation push; Noem and allies counter with forceful defenses of strict immigration control.

• Noem’s Arguments:

  • The Biden administration’s “open border policies” are blamed for an influx of “15 to 20 million” undocumented people (02:43).
  • Programs (asylum, parole, visas) are described as “exploited” and having their “integrity demolished” (02:43).
  • DHS is now “finding those violent criminals, those people who shouldn’t be in this country” (02:43).
  • Memorable quote:

    “What keeps me up at night is that we don’t necessarily know all of the people that are in this country, who they are and what their intentions are.” —Kristi Noem (02:43)

• Joe Kent (National Counterterrorism Center Director):

  • Warns of “heightened risk” of terrorist attacks, specifically naming ISIS and Al Qaeda infiltration (03:36).
  • Cites “around 18,000 known and suspected terrorists” entering under Biden (03:36).

• Democratic Pushback:

  • Dems such as Caroline Levitt and Rep. Seth Magaziner accuse Noem of lying and of waging “an unaccountable, unlawful, unconstitutional war against communities” (04:30).
  • Magaziner confronts Noem with the deportation of an Army veteran, asking for case review and compassion (05:16–05:49).
  • Noem responds she’ll review the case but reiterates commitment to law enforcement (05:56).
  • Notable exchange:

    “You all should be fired in my viewpoint.” —Kristi Noem to Democratic lawmakers (06:05)

2. Kilmar Abrego Garcia Released

(06:39 – 11:06)

• Background:

  • Abrego Garcia, dubbed "Maryland man," previously deported to El Salvador by mistake (withholding of removal order protected him due to gang threat).
  • Detained and accused of human trafficking and gang activity (MS-13 ties documented; protective orders from his wife with allegations of violence).
  • Legal saga complicated by bureaucratic missteps—no formal order of removal existed, despite repeated requests by courts.

• Judicial Ruling:

  • Judge Paula Zinis orders immediate release due to the absence of a valid removal order.
  • DOJ at fault for procedural error, described by attorney Will Chamberlain as “the ultimate getting off on a technicality…the idiot immigration judge who believed his sob story apparently never issued one.”
  • Administration vows continued legal fight. Caroline Levitt denounces “judicial activism” by Zinis:
    • Quote:

      “Abrego Garcia is present in our country illegally. He is a proven human trafficker. He is a proven gang member. The administration has evidence of that.” —Caroline Levitt (10:39)

• Megyn’s Commentary:

  • Predicts the government will “just seek an order of removal from a new immigration court” (11:06).

3. Judicial Nominations: The Halligan Standoff

(11:06 – 16:40)

• Focus: President Trump’s push to confirm Lindsey Halligan as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia amidst procedural obstacles.
• Halligan’s Background: Indicted James Comey and Letitia James for high-profile offenses, but indictments dismissed because her appointment was ruled unlawful.
• Senate Blue Slip Tradition:
  • Explanation of how Virginia’s Dem senators (Tim Kaine, Mark Warner) have signaled non-approval, effectively killing the nomination.
  • Trump rails against blue slips on Truth Social:
    • Quote:

      “Blue slips are making it impossible to get great Republican judges and US Attorneys approved to serve in any state where there is even a single Democrat senator. If they say no, then it is over for that very well qualified Republican candidate.”

• Vice President J.D. Vance’s Take:
  • Warns on Fox News about consequences for law enforcement and accountability if blue slip process continues to obstruct Trump nominees (14:58–15:50).
  • Quote:

    “…we’re going to wake up in a couple of years and realize that we’ve done a lot of great work at the Trump administration, but justice is not being meted out as it should be because we don’t have the people on the ground.” —J.D. Vance (15:45)

• Senate Response: Majority Leader John Thune defends the tradition, says it will not change (15:58–16:40).

4. Charlie Kirk Murder Case Update

(16:40 – 18:50)

• Main Points:
  • Tyler Robinson’s Court Appearance:
    • 22-year-old accused of killing Charlie Kirk appears relaxed, at times smiling with his legal team (16:40).
    • Judge Tony Graff oversees a pretrial hearing focusing on media access and transparency.
    • Security and decorum around courtroom cameras is a central issue, with warnings that broadcast privileges could be terminated for violations.
    • Key statement:

      “While the court believes in openness and transparency, it needs to be balanced with the constitutional rights of all parties in this case.” —Judge Tony Graff (17:51)

  • Next steps:
    • Another virtual hearing on December 29 regarding media access.
    • Trial scheduled for January 2027; prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
    • Erica Kirk, Charlie’s widow, is recognized as the official victim representative.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kristi Noem:

  “If you guys don’t like the law, go change it. That’s your job. You all should be fired in my viewpoint.” (06:05)

• Joe Kent:

  “NCTC has identified around 18,000 known and suspected terrorists…The Biden administration not only let them into the country, in many cases they facilitated their entry.” (03:36)

• Caroline Levitt:

  “Abrego Garcia is present in our country illegally. He is a proven human trafficker." (10:39)

• J.D. Vance:

  “…Justice is not being meted out as it should be because we don’t have the people on the ground.” (15:45)

• Judge Tony Graff:

  “While the court believes in openness and transparency, it needs to be balanced with the constitutional rights of all parties...” (17:51)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Noem-Dems Immigration Clash: 00:44 – 06:39
• Abrego Garcia Court Ruling: 06:39 – 11:06
• Trump Admin Judicial Nominee Struggles: 11:06 – 16:40
• Charlie Kirk Murder Case Hearing: 16:40 – 18:50

Summary

Megyn Kelly’s episode offers a rapid-fire overview of major legal and political battlegrounds for the early Trump second term, painting immigration, judicial confirmations, and court transparency as critical fronts in the ongoing culture war. The tone is urgent, combative, and at times sarcastic, emphasizing the real-world stakes and partisan divides in every issue.