Summary of "Obama-Era Intel Plot Exposed, DOJ Seeks Epstein Transcripts, Dems Mourn Colbert: AM Update 7/21"

The Megyn Kelly Show episode released on July 21, 2025, delves deep into three pivotal issues: the exposure of an alleged Obama-era intelligence plot against President Trump, the Department of Justice's (DOJ) move to release grand jury transcripts related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, and the controversial cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the 100th episode of the AM Update.

1. Obama-Era Intelligence Plot Exposed

Tulsi Gabbard's Bombshell Report

The episode begins with a significant revelation by Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, who released newly declassified documents alleging a covert plot within the Obama White House aimed at undermining President Trump's presidency. According to Gabbard, these documents expose efforts to manipulate intelligence assessments to facilitate a "years-long coup" against Trump.

Key Points:

• Initial Intelligence Assessment: In the months leading up to the November 2016 election, the intelligence community concluded there was no evidence that Russia intended to influence the election outcome in favor of any candidate. (Megyn Kelly, 00:52)

• Change in Assessment Post-Election: On December 8, 2016, a month after Trump's victory, the intelligence community began preparing an assessment for the President's Daily Brief. This report suggested that while Russia engaged in malicious cyber activities, these actions were unlikely to alter the election results. However, the FBI, under Director Comey, withdrew participation from the report, and the document was subsequently killed by a senior official. (Megyn Kelly, 03:53)

• Shift in Government Stance: The following day, high-level officials including James Clapper, John Brennan, and Susan Rice convened at the White House. Post-meeting notes indicated a shift towards portraying Russia as actively supporting Trump. An email from Clapper's assistant revealed preparations for an assessment linking Russian actions directly to Trump's election. (Megyn Kelly, 04:37)

• Steele Dossier's Influence: Director Gabbard highlights that the Steele dossier, largely discredited, was incorporated into the intelligence assessment despite lacking credible evidence. This dossier alleged connections between Trump and Russian operatives, fueling widespread media scrutiny and the eventual Mueller investigation. (Megyn Kelly, 06:15)

Notable Quotes:

• Tulsi Gabbard: "There's no question in my mind that this intelligence community assessment that President Obama ordered be published was manufactured intelligence that sought to achieve President Obama's objective of undermining President Trump's presidency." (09:37)

• Unnamed Speaker 3: "Russia hacked the election to tilt it to Mr. Trump." (08:14)

• Megyn Kelly: "Russia did hack the election. No doubt the Russians hacked the election." (08:19)

2. DOJ Seeks Release of Epstein Transcripts

Attorney General Pam Bondi's Motion

Shifting focus, the episode covers Attorney General Pam Bondi's recent motion requesting a federal judge to unseal grand jury transcripts from the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. Epstein, who died in prison while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, has been a figure of intense public and political scrutiny.

Key Points:

• Background: Epstein's death in 2019 halted his trial, but questions about the circumstances persist. Bondi's motion aims to release grand jury transcripts with redactions to protect victims' identities.

• Public and Political Reactions:

  • MAGA Supporters: Expressed outrage, demanding full disclosure of all materials related to the case.
  • Democrats: Leveraged the situation to criticize the DOJ and attempt to link Epstein to President Trump, despite the Biden administration showing little interest in reopening the investigation.

• Judicial Considerations: Grand jury transcripts are typically sealed to protect innocent parties, and the judge's decision will balance public interest against privacy concerns.

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump: "Even if the court gave its full and unwavering approval, nothing will be good enough for the troublemakers and radical left lunatics making the request. It will always be more, more, more." (11:46)

3. Cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

CBS's Decision and Fallout

The cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night show by CBS has sparked significant controversy. Citing financial losses, CBS announced the show's termination, leading to backlash from politicians, media personalities, and the public.

Key Points:

• Financial Rationale: CBS reported that The Late Show costs over $100 million annually to produce and loses more than $40 million, with a substantial portion of losses attributed to Colbert's high salary.

• Public and Political Reactions:

  • Democratic Lawmakers: Viewed the cancellation as an attack on free speech, suggesting external pressures, potentially from the Trump administration, influenced CBS's decision.
  • Individuals like Senator Chris Murphy: Asserted that the move signifies a dangerous trend towards censorship, alleging that Trump's influence coerced media outlets to silence his critics.

• Colbert's Response: Criticized CBS for agreeing to a $16 million settlement with Trump over edits to a 60 Minutes interview, labeling it a "big fat bribe."

• Industry Dynamics: Comparisons were drawn between the high production costs of traditional late-night shows and the more cost-effective, high-revenue models of alternative media platforms like Fox News' Greg Gutfeld Live.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Murphy: "We are on the precipice of entering a censorship state in which Donald Trump is using the powers of the federal government in order to erase criticism from the airwaves." (15:33)

• Unnamed Speaker 1: "CBS only fired Colbert because he criticizes Trump and they just settled a $16 million lawsuit." (17:05)

• Megyn Kelly: "It's bone chilling." (16:31)

Conclusion

The 100th episode of The Megyn Kelly Show offers a comprehensive exploration of significant political and legal developments. From the alleged manipulation of intelligence during the Obama administration to the DOJ's renewed focus on the Epstein case, and the contentious cancellation of a major late-night show, the episode underscores ongoing tensions within American political and media landscapes. Megyn Kelly effectively weaves together these narratives, providing listeners with a detailed analysis of events that continue to shape national discourse.

Notable Sections Skipped:

• Advertisements for Riverbend Ranch Steaks, Brickhouse Nutrition supplements, and Uncrustables were omitted to maintain focus on the episode's primary content.

Upcoming Episodes: Megyn Kelly announced that future episodes will feature guests such as Rahm Emanuel, promising continued in-depth discussions on pressing national issues.

For listeners seeking a thorough understanding of these complex topics, this episode serves as a crucial resource, presenting both factual reporting and critical analysis.