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

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.

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