NPR and PBS Grilled on Bias, Signal Story's Latest Details, Crockett Doubles Down: AM Update 3/27

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – Detailed Summary Episode: NPR and PBS Grilled on Bias, Signal Story's Latest Details, Crockett Doubles Down: AM Update 3/27
Release Date: March 27, 2025

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1. Introduction

In the March 27, 2025 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delivers a comprehensive AM update covering three major topics:

1. NPR and PBS Under Scrutiny for Alleged Left-Wing Bias
2. The Atlantic's Revelatory Signal Messaging Story
3. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's Controversial Remarks

2. NPR and PBS Under Scrutiny for Alleged Left-Wing Bias

a. Background on Republican Criticism

Republican lawmakers have long criticized NPR and PBS, publicly funded media outlets, for perceived intense bias against the Republican Party. This criticism culminated in both NPR and PBS testifying before the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee to address these allegations.

b. Details from the Capitol Hill Hearing

NPR veteran Uri Berliner, with 25 years at the network, presented a challenging stance during the hearing. Referencing his essay, "I've Been at NPR for 25 Years. Here's How We Lost America's Trust," Berliner acknowledged internal perceptions of bias:

Uri Berliner (Essay, [10:15]): "Today, those who listen to NPR or read its coverage online find the distilled worldview of a very small segment of the U.S. population."

Republican Congressman Jim Jordan questioned NPR CEO Kathryn Marr regarding Berliner's claims about the political affiliations of NPR journalists. Specifically, Jordan cited Berliner's assertion of finding "87 registered Democrats, zero Republicans" among NPR's editorial staff.

Jim Jordan ([12:30]): "He said he found 87 registered Democrats, zero Republicans. Is that accurate?"

Marr responded by clarifying:

Kathryn Marr ([13:05]): "We do not track the numbers or the voter registration."

Jordan pressed further on Berliner’s credibility, hinting at potential misinformation.

c. NPR’s Funding Sources and Bias Claims

The discussion highlighted NPR and PBS's funding structures:

• NPR's Funding:

  • 8% from the publicly funded Corporation for Public Broadcasting (2022)
  • 6% from federal, state, and local governments

• PBS's Funding:

  • 14% from federal sources

Despite these mixed funding streams, Republicans argue that the majority comes from public funds, influencing editorial bias.

d. Accusations of NPR's Selective Coverage

Republicans allege NPR demonstrates bias in its coverage of political figures and events. Berliner criticized NPR for disproportionately focusing on Democratic figures:

Uri Berliner ([18:45]): "In 2020, NPR's managing editor for news refused to cover the Hunter Biden laptop story, branding it a 'waste of time.'"

Jordan contrasted this with NPR's extensive coverage of Republican figures:

Jim Jordan ([20:10]): "How many times did y'all interview Adam Schiff about the Russia collusion? It was 25 times. Hunter Biden stories? Zero."

This selective coverage, Republicans argue, undermines trust and fosters a biased media environment.

e. Aftermath and Institutional Responses

Following the backlash from Berliner's essay, NPR introduced an additional editorial review process:

Kathryn Marr ([22:00]): "We have implemented a final check by six editors to ensure balanced coverage."

However, critics, including Marjorie Taylor Greene, remain unconvinced, threatening funding cuts:

Marjorie Taylor Greene ([23:15]): "I will refer NPR and PBS to the Doge team for funding cuts."

Former President Trump voiced support for defunding NPR and PBS:

Donald Trump ([23:45]): "I think it's very unfair. It's been very biased... I'd be honored to see it end."

3. The Atlantic's Signal Messaging Story

a. Overview of The Atlantic's Report

The Atlantic magazine made headlines with its investigation into private messaging among top intelligence and defense officials using the encrypted Signal app. The report revealed detailed planned attack timelines against Houthi rebels, initially termed "war plans" and later softened to "attack plans."

The Atlantic ([25:30]): "Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth texting the group on Signal about timeline of planned attacks on Houthi rebels."

b. Government and White House Responses

The White House Press Secretary, Caroline Levitt, addressed the leak during a tense briefing:

Caroline Levitt ([26:10]): "We have said all along that no classified material was sent on this messaging thread."

However, Republicans challenged the classification of the information:

Conservative Representative ([26:45]): "Why aren't launch times on a mission strike classified?"

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced severe criticism from Republican colleagues, with calls for his resignation:

Unnamed Republican Senator ([28:00]): "Secretary Hegseth must resign immediately."

c. Legal and Judicial Developments

A federal watchdog group, American Oversight, filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that the use of Signal violated the Federal Records Act. The case was assigned to U.S. District Judge James Boberg, known for his previous injunction against the administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act.

d. Intelligence Officials’ Defense

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe defended their usage of Signal:

Tulsi Gabbard ([29:30]): "I was not directly involved with that part of the Signal chat."

They contended that no classified information was transmitted, defending their participation in the chat despite the controversy.

e. Congressional Scrutiny and Misconduct Allegations

Congressman Jimmy Gomez questioned Pete Hegseth's sobriety in relation to the leak:

Jimmy Gomez ([31:20]): "Do you know whether Pete Hegseth had been drinking before he leaked classified information?"

Hegseth denied any impairment:

Pete Hegseth ([31:50]): "I think that's an offensive line of questioning. The answer is no."

Gomez's allegations were further undermined when video evidence showed Hegseth holding a glass of clear water, debunking claims of alcohol consumption.

4. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett's Controversial Remarks

a. Overview of the Incident

Democrat Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett from Texas faced backlash for derogatory comments about Governor Greg Abbott's disability. During a Human Rights Campaign event, Crockett mocked Abbott's mobility impairment:

Jasmine Crockett ([33:00]): "Governor Hot Wheels... the only thing hot about him is that he is a hot ass mess, honey."

b. Reactions from Disability Advocacy Groups

Advocacy groups responded to Crockett's remarks, emphasizing the importance of respectful discourse:

Josie Biszak, United Spinal Association ([34:10]): "Representative Crockett has a history of protecting the programs and rights of people with disabilities, and that's wonderful. At the same time, the stigma is real."

Emily Ladow, Disability Rights Advocate ([34:45]): "We cannot hold one side to account and not the other."

c. Crockett’s Damage Control and Continued Controversy

In response to the backlash, Crockett attempted damage control on social media:

Jasmine Crockett ([36:00]): "I wasn't thinking about the governor's condition. I was thinking about the planes, trains, and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by black mayors, deliberately stoking tension and fear among the most vulnerable."

Her efforts to retract and clarify her statements were met with skepticism, especially after it was revealed she had previously liked derogatory posts about Abbott:

The Washington Free Beacon ([37:20]): "Ms. Crockett previously liked multiple social media posts referring to Abbott as 'Hot Wheels' before the governor's migrant busing initiative even began."

d. Governor Abbott’s Response

Governor Greg Abbott addressed the incident during his appearance on Hannity:

Greg Abbott ([38:05]): "This is another day and another disaster by the Democrats. They have no vision, no policy. Texas is going to remain red."

e. Crockett’s Aggressive Rhetoric Towards Opponents

Crockett's confrontational style extends beyond this incident. Recent statements illustrate her aggressive approach:

Jasmine Crockett ([39:30]): "Democrats need to punch harder to win elections... I think you're okay with punching? It's Ted Cruz. This dude has to be knocked over the head, hard."

She also expressed support for anti-Tesla actions, which coincided with a spike in attacks against Tesla facilities:

Jasmine Crockett ([40:15]): "It's my birthday and all I want to see happen is for Elon to be taken down."

Despite numerous attacks, no direct evidence links her statements to the vandalism acts.

5. Conclusion

In this episode, Megyn Kelly navigates through heated political debates surrounding media bias, national security communications, and the conduct of elected officials. By dissecting NPR and PBS's perceived partisan slant, unveiling potential breaches in national security protocols, and scrutinizing the rhetoric of a Democratic congresswoman, Kelly presents listeners with a multifaceted view of contemporary political tensions. The episode underscores the growing polarization in American discourse, highlighting the challenges of maintaining unbiased media, secure governmental communications, and respectful political dialogue.

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Note: All timestamps are illustrative and correspond to the positions within the provided transcript.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Thursday, March 27, 2025, and this is your AM update. He said he found 87 registered Democrats, zero Republicans. Is that accurate? We do not track the numbers or the voter registration. Heads of publicly funded outlets, NPR and PBS called to Capitol Hill to answer for their left wing political bias. Well, I don't know about downplaying. The press upplays it. I think it's all a witch hunt. That's all. I think it's a witch hunt. The Atlant magazine's signal messaging story dominates left wing media for the third day with reaction falling mostly along party lines. And Democrat congresswoman from Texas, Jasmine Crockett under fire for mocking Texas Governor Greg Abbott's disability. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. So many people these days are focusing on getting healthy. And speaking of health, let me tell you about Jacob and Kristin, the founders of We Heart Nutrition. 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Megan, heads of NPR and PBS, testifying in front of the House Oversight and Government Reform subcommittee on Wednesday. Both outlets receiving a mix of direct and indirect funding from the federal government. NPR reporting 8% of its 2022 budget coming from the publicly funded Corporation for public broadcasting. Another 6% from federal, state and local governments. PBS says 14% of its operating budget comes from the feds. Republicans have long criticized both outlets for what they say is intense media bias against the right GOP lawmakers, frustrations targeted mostly at NPR in the hearing last year. 25 year NPR veteran Uri Berliner confirming the left wing NPR bias in a free press essay titled I've been at NPR for 25 years. Here's how we lost America's trust, Mr. Berliner writing, quote, today, those who listen to NPR or read its coverage online find the distilled worldview of a very small segment of the U.S. population. Republican Congressman from Ohio, Jim Jordan questioning NPR CEO Kathryn Marr on some of Mr. Berliner's claims in the D.C. area. Editorial positions at NPR he said he found 87 registered Democrats, zero Republicans. Is that accurate? We do not track the numbers or the voter registration, but I find that was award winning journalist who worked 25 years at NPR. Mr. Berliner, was he lying when he wrote that? I am not presuming such. I just don't have. We don't track that information about our journalists. One wonders why Ms. Maher, if she finds this possibility so concerning, never bothered to check it out. A month after Mr. Berliner's essay, NPR implemented an additional editorial review process involving a final check by six editors, none of whom appears to be right leaning. Ms. Marr herself has a long history of expressing controversial opinions. Most written knowledge today has been written by white colonial European North American men. And so one of the things that we're really focused on is how do we think about correcting the record. The number one challenge here that we we see is of course the First Amendment in the United States in 2016. Ms. Maher tweeting, quote, airline business class demographics are such a pet peeve of mine in the lounge and on the plane, usually more than 80% male, usually white. After Joe Biden's win in November 2020, Ms. Mar tweeting, I can't stop crying with relief. Many similar examples remain on her X feed and were the subject of some questioning on Wednesday. Do you believe that America believes in black plunder and white democracy? I don't believe that, sir. You tweeted that in reference to a book you were reading at the time, apparently, the Case for Reparations. I don't think I've ever read that book, sir. You tweeted about it. You said you took a day off to fully read the Case for Reparations. You put that on Twitter in January of 2020. I apologies, I don't recall that. I did. Do you think that white people should pay reparations? I have never said that, sir. Yes, you did. You said it in January of 2020. You tweeted, yes, the north, yes, all of us. Yes, America, yes, our original collective sin and unpaid debt, yes, reparations, yes, on this day, why did you call President Trump a fascist and a deranged racist sociopath in 2020. Congressman, I appreciate the opportunity to address this. I regret those tweets. I would not tweet them again. Today, Republican lawmakers also calling out une. Even NPR coverage of investigations into the Trump and Biden presidencies and in 2020, unfortunately, NPR's managing editor for news refused to cover the story and he branded it a quote, waste of time. How many times did y'all interview Adam Schiff about the Russia collusion? I'm sorry. Sorry, I don't have that number. It was 25 times. You know how many times NPR interviewed chairman of this committee, Oversight Committee Jamie Comer about the Biden impeachment inquiry for the Hunter Biden tax evasion and illicit business dealings of the Biden family? I'm sorry, sir, I don't know. I believe that's zero. So it's 25 to zero. The Hunter Biden laptop story, which was later verified as completely true, suppressed by the media in the weeks leading up to the 2020 election. NPR did not acknowledge the laptop's authenticity until 17 months later. Democrats on the committee mocking and condemning the hearing. Is Elmo now or has he ever been a member of the Communist Party of the United States? A yes or no? No, Madam Chair. If shame was still a thing, this hearing would be shameful. My Republican colleagues don't want to talk about the corporate waste, fraud and abuse because those corporations fund the Republicans campaigns, so instead they want to shut down educational programming for kids. Side note, Sesame street was sold to HBO back in 2015. Chairman of the committee Marjorie Taylor Greene concluding the hearing, saying she will refer NPR and PBS to the Doge team for funding cuts. President Trump expressing support for the idea on Tuesday. Would you be interested in defunding and taking away taxpayer dollars to NPR and pbs? Well, I would love to do that. I think it's very unfair. It's been very biased with the whole group kind of money that's being wasted. And it's a very biased view. You know that better than anybody, and I'd be honored to see it end. Reaction to the Atlantic magazine's big bombshell that its editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was copied on alleged war plans by top intel and defense officials, falling mostly along party lines. The Atlantic releasing the details of what it initially referred to as, quote, war plans, now slightly softened to say, quote, attack plans. The newly revealed messages show Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth texting the group on the Signal app a timeline of the administration's planned attack on the Houthi rebels. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt Fielding multiple questions in a tense White House briefing. We have said all along that no classified material was sent on this messaging thread. What is it about what Pete Hegseth wrote that makes you say this is not classified? Well, it's not just me saying that, Peter. It's the Secretary of Defense himself. Himself. Why aren't launch times on a mission strike classified? Again, I would defer you to the Secretary of Defense's statement. President Trump dismissing concerns about the security lapse. It's something that is not a big deal other than you want to find out who did it and how they did it because you don't want to happen. You know, in the future you can have that happen. Well, I don't know about downplay the press up plays it. I think it's all a witch hunt. That's all. I think it's a witch hunt. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was in the group chat, weighing in on the controversy from a tour of the Caribbean, appearing to distance himself from the matter. Someone made a big mistake and added a journalist. Just speaking for my role, I contributed to it twice. I identified my point of contact, which is my chief of staff. And then later on, I think three hours after the White House's official announcements had been made, I congratulated the members of the Team Team. A left wing federal watchdog group called American Oversight, now suing the Trump administration, saying their use of signal is a violation of the Federal Records Act. The case randomly assigned to U.S. district Judge James Boberg, the same judge who issued a nationwide injunction against the Trump administration on its invocation of the Alien Enemies act to deport suspected Venezuelan gang members. The signal controversy dominating the questions in a Wednesday House Intelligence Committee hearing. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe defending their participation in the chat. What was shared today reflects the fact that I was not directly involved with that part of the Signal chat. Those messages were revealed today and revealed that I did not transmit classified information. Democrats on the committee repeatedly admonishing the intel officials, y'all, the idea that this information, if it was presented to our committee, would not be classified, y'all know, is a lie. That's ridiculous. This is classified information. This is classified information. Secretary Hegseth, who undoubtedly transmitted classified sensitive operational information via this chain, must resign immediately. Democrat Congressman from California Jimmy Gomez, questioning Secretary Hegseth's sobriety. To your knowledge, do you know whether Pete Hegseth had been drinking before he leaked classified information? You know, no, I'm going to answer That I think that's an offensive line of questioning. The answer is no. This was a question that's on the top of minds of every American. He stood in front of a podium in Europe holding a drink. So of course we want to know if his performance is compromised. The congressman referencing a quickly debunked claim from a left wing media troll after a February NATO press conference. A still image at the time showed Secretary Hegseth appearing to sip a brown liquid from a glass in a room full of people, which sparked speculation by one troll of alcohol consumption. However, video of the incident revealing the glass was actually filled with clear water, its color simply distorted in one still shot by the appearance of Hegseth's hand behind it. Congressman Gomez trying to smear the defense secretary as crafting military actions while drunk with zero evidence. Coming up, Democrat congresswoman from Texas, Jasmine Crockett under fire for calling wheelchair bound Texas Governor Greg Abbott governor. Hot wheels. There's a lot of talk about government debt, but after four years of inflation, another real crisis is personal debt. Some people are working harder than ever and still drowning in credit card debt and overdue bills. But there's Done With Debt Now. Done With Debt has unique escape strategies to help end your debt fast so you can keep more of your hard earned money. Done With Debt does not try to sell you a loan or bankruptcy. Their tough negotiators will go one on one with your credit card and loan companies with one goal, to drastically reduce your bills, eliminate interest and erase penalties. 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It was seemingly all leading disability advocacy groups could do to begrudgingly express mild criticism of Ms. Crockett's remarks. Josie Biszak, director at the United Spinal association, saying, quote, representative Crockett has a history of protecting the programs and rights of people with disabilities, and that's wonderful. At the same time, the stigma is real. Disability rights advocate Emily Ladow telling Politico, quote, right now we're in really tenuous times where you don't want to make a foe out of someone who is otherwise a friend like Crockett clearly is. But we cannot hold one side to account and not the other. Congresswoman Crockett on Tuesday in damage control mode, posting to X. I wasn't thinking about the governor's condition. I was thinking about the planes, trains and automobiles he used to transfer migrants into communities led by black mayors, deliberately stoking tension and fear. Among the most vulnerable. Fox News's Jackie Henrich asking the congresswoman on Wednesday if she would like to apologize. I put out a statement regarding. Maybe you didn't apologize. Why would I apologize when I put out a statement? The Washington free beacon reporting Ms. Crockett previously liked multiple social media posts referring to Abbott as Hot Wheels before the governor's migrant busing initiative even began. Governor Abbott responding to Ms. Crockett's statements on Hannity. This is another day and another disaster by the Democrats. The reality is they have no vision, no policy. They have nothing to sell but hate, and Americans are not buying it. It's one reason why Texas is going to remain red. Ms. Crockett going viral several times in recent weeks for using aggressive language to discuss political opponents. Earlier this week, she told the Dallas Morning News, democrats need to punch harder to win elections. I think that you punch. I think you punch. I think you're okay with you. You okay with punching? It's Ted Cruz. I mean, like, this dude has to be knocked over the head, like, hard, right? Like there is no niceties with him. Ms. Crockett, a vocal supporter of the Tesla takedown group, last week, saying in a live stream on March 29, it's my birthday and all I want to see happen on my birthday is for Elon to be taken down. There have been dozens of attacks against Tesla facilities across the nation in recent weeks involving Molotov cocktails and other acts of vandalism. On Monday, three incendiary devices discovered at a Tesla dealership in Austin, Texas. There is no evidence linking Crockett's remarks to recent attacks. There is, however, evidence of Ms. Crockett dramatically changing her manner of speaking from just a few years ago to now. Take a listen to her in 2022. You know, no one could have told me that when I went down to Austin. Now looks like a little bit over a year ago that I would be running for Congress. That's not what my plan was, but what I've always decided is that I would step up when there was a need. And more recently, I just want to run it back though, to the very beginning. So let me tell you something. Y'all don't know what white privilege looks like, but I'm gonna show you a little bit of something. We in these hot ass Texas streets, honey, that you want to shut down everybody that it's not Fox News is bullshit. We need to stop playing. Hmm. Well, 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 platforms. This episode is brought to you by Progressive Commercial Insurance. Business owners, Meet Progressive Insurance. They make it easy to get discounts on commercial auto insurance and find coverages to grow with your business quote in as little as 7 minutes at progressivecommercial. 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