Putin Coming to America For Trump Summit, Redistricting Fight Grows, Trump's DC Plan: AM Update 8/11

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: In-Depth Summary of "Putin Coming to America For Trump Summit, Redistricting Fight Grows, Trump's DC Plan: AM Update 8/11"

Hosted by SiriusXM, The Megyn Kelly Show
Release Date: August 11, 2025

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1. Putin-Trump Summit: A Potential Step Towards Peace

The episode opens with a significant development in international diplomacy as President Donald Trump announces an upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. This marks Putin's first visit to the United States in nearly a decade, the last being during the 2015 United Nations General Assembly.

• Trump on the Summit’s Significance:
  • [03:15]: “This is a major breakthrough for American diplomacy. We are trying to break the logjam that has prolonged this war for over three years.”

Trump emphasizes his pivotal role in facilitating this meeting, suggesting that his leadership is essential for meaningful negotiations between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

• Potential Trilateral Talks:
  • The possibility of Zelenskyy joining the summit is discussed, highlighting international interest in a comprehensive peace deal.
  • [07:04]: “I certainly think it's possible and there can't be a deal that everybody that's involved in it doesn't agree to.”

2. Redistricting and Gerrymandering: National Battle Intensifies

A contentious redistricting battle, initially sparked in Texas, has escalated into a nationwide political struggle. The focus is on how successive states are manipulating congressional districts to favor their political agendas.

• Trump’s Stance on Redistricting:
  • [12:02]: “We will nullify what happens in Texas. We will pick up five seats with the consent of the people.”
  • [13:31]: “If California has crazy gerrymanders, Illinois has crazy gerrymanders... that's ridiculously unfair.”

Trump accuses Democratic-led states like California, Illinois, and New York of aggressive gerrymandering, which he claims suppresses the electoral power of less populous states like Indiana and Ohio. He vows to counteract these moves by implementing similar strategies to maximize Republican advantages.

• Political Reactions:
  • Steve Chung, White House Communications Director: Criticizes Governor Gavin Newsom of California, labeling him “a loser of the highest order.”
  • Beto O'Rourke: Urges more aggressive tactics in response to redistricting efforts during a Texas rally.

3. Trump's Plan for Washington, D.C.: "Make Our Capital Safer and More Beautiful"

In response to rising crime rates and public safety concerns in Washington, D.C., President Trump outlines a comprehensive plan to revitalize the nation’s capital.

• Trump’s Directives:

  • [15:48]: “I’m going to make our capital safer and more beautiful than it ever was before. The homeless have to move out immediately... We want our capital back.”
  • He has directed federal law enforcement agencies to increase their presence in D.C., following a significant assault incident involving a former D.C. staffer.

• Public and Political Responses:

  • Vice President J.D. Vance: Supports Trump's measures, stating, “President Trump is putting a stop to this lawlessness.”
  • White House Spokesperson: Confirms directives to address the crisis, emphasizing the designation of several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations.

4. Public Sentiment and Political Implications

The episode delves into the shifting public opinion regarding the Ukraine conflict and domestic political strategies.

• Ukrainian Support for Peace:

  • A recent Gallup poll indicates a significant shift among Ukrainians, with 69% favoring negotiations to end the war, contrasting sharply with figures from two years prior.

• International and Domestic Reactions:

  • European leaders and NATO officials express cautious optimism about the Trump-Putin summit but emphasize the importance of sustained pressure on Russia.
  • [06:53]: Trump reiterates his commitment to ending the war while maintaining pressure on Putin, stating, “This is all clear evidence that President Trump is absolutely adamant to bring this war to an end.”

5. Controversies and Criticisms

Trump faces criticism from various quarters regarding his strategies and leadership decisions.

• John Bolton’s Critique:

  • [07:04]: Former National Security Adviser John Bolton accuses Trump of legitimizing “a pariah leader of a rogue state” and criticizes his handling of the summit.

• Accusations of Hypocrisy:

  • Trump responds to criticisms about California’s gerrymandering practices by accusing Democratic leaders of hypocrisy and unfair electoral practices.

6. Future Outlook and Conclusions

The episode concludes with an analysis of the potential outcomes of the Trump-Putin summit and the ongoing redistricting battles.

• Peace Prospects:

  • If successful, the summit could pave the way for a ceasefire and eventual peace in the Ukraine conflict. However, the complexity of territorial negotiations remains a significant hurdle.

• Redistricting Impact:

  • The national redistricting fight is poised to reshape the political landscape, with states like Texas leading the charge against perceived partisan gerrymandering.

• Washington, D.C. Security Measures:

  • Trump’s aggressive stance on restoring order in the capital may set precedents for federal intervention in local governance issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Trump on Diplomacy:
  “[03:15] One of the most important logjams is that Vladimir Putin said that he would never sit down with Zelensky... the only way to make peace is to sit down and talk.”

• Trump on Redistricting:
  “[12:02] We will nullify what happens in Texas. We will pick up five seats with the consent of the people.”

• Trump on D.C. Security:
  “[15:48] The criminals. You don't have to move out. We're going to put you in jail where you belong.”

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Conclusion

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provides a comprehensive overview of critical geopolitical and domestic issues shaping American politics in August 2025. From high-stakes international diplomacy aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict to intense national battles over electoral districting, and decisive actions to secure Washington, D.C., the discussions encapsulate the multifaceted challenges and strategies of the Trump administration. The inclusion of direct quotes with timestamps offers listeners a detailed and transparent insight into the administration's policies and the ensuing public and political responses.

Transcript

[Donald Trump]

If you could hear love, what would it sound like? Son, can we talk about your drinking? Yeah, Dad, I think we should. Helping those closest to you think about their excessive drinking. Maybe that's what love sounds like. [e-mail] an OHA initiative.

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, August 11th, and this is your AM update.

[Donald Trump]

This direct engagement by President Trump obviously is leading us closer to a peace.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump and President Putin set to meet in Alaska this week in a potentially major step toward peace. Could President Zelensky also join them?

[Donald Trump]

We are talking about emergency measures to respond to what's happening in Texas and we will nullify what happens in Texas.

[Megyn Kelly]

The redistricting battle that started in Texas grows into a massive national fight. And President Trump taking the helm, promising to clean up Washington, D.C. what exactly does he have planned? All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. You know the feeling someone in your family gets sick and then you're stuck waiting for a doctor's appointment or the pharmacy's out of stock or you're left wondering why, why something so basic must be so hard. Too many American families face this reality and that's why many are turning to All Family Pharmacy. They're doing what big pharma won't, which is putting families back in control and making it possible to be proactive, not reactive, with your health. This is not just some online pharmacy. All Family Pharmacy is based in Florida and family owned. You can order ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, antibiotics, daily maintenance meds, emergency kits, everything you'd want to have on hand before you need it. Order online and they will work with licensed doctors to provide the prescription for you. Then your medications get shipped right to your door. Visit allfamilypharmacy.com Megan okay. Allfamilypharmacy.com Megan Use the code MEGAN10 to get 10% off today. Again, go to allfamilypharmacy dot com Megan Remember to use my code MEGAN10 to get ten percent off today. Be prepared, be in control. And this is healthcare that works for you. An historic summit set for later this week between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin right here on U.S. soil. President Trump breaking the news on Truth Social that he would be meeting in Alaska with President Putin this Friday. Exact timing and location yet to be announced. This marks the first time Mr. Putin has stepped foot in the US in nearly a decade, the last one being a September 2015 session of the United Nations General assembly, where he met with then President Barack Obama. It comes after the Trump administration's envoy, Steve witkoff, met with Mr. Putin for more than three hours in Russia last Wednesday, reportedly receiving the framework of a ceasefire deal the Russians say they would support. Sunday morning on Fox, Vice President J.D. vance praising the development and the potential for peace in the region.

[Donald Trump]

This is a major breakthrough for American diplomacy. If you go back, this war has been going on for over three years. At this point, well over a million Russians and Ukrainian dead soldiers. We have been aggressively working, trying to break the logjam. One of the most important logjams is that Vladimir Putin said that he would never sit down with Zelensky, the head of Ukraine. And the president has now got that to change. We're at a point now where we're now trying to figure out, frankly, scheduling and things like that, around when these three leaders could sit down and discuss an end to this conflict. Now, I don't think you can actually sit down and have this negotiation absent the leadership of Donald J. Trump. And this is something where the president needs to force President Putin and President Zelensky really to sit down to figure out their differences. We, of course, condemn the invasion that happened. We don't like that. This is where things are. But you've got to make peace here, and the only way to make peace is to sit down and talk. You can't finger point, you can't, you know, wag your finger at somebody and say, you're wrong, we're right. The way to peace is to have a decisive leader sit down and force people to come together.

[Megyn Kelly]

Before the announcement of the Alaskan summit, President Trump discussing the potential deal from the White House on Friday with a nod to the difficult issue of Mr. Putin's land grabs.

[Donald Trump]

You know, a lot of Russians have died, a lot of Ukrainians have died. So we're looking at that, but we're actually looking to get some back and some swapping. It's complicated. It's actually nothing easy. It's very complicated. But we're going to get some back. We're going to get some, some switched. There'll be some swapping of territories to the betterment of both.

[Megyn Kelly]

It's unclear what specific land would be included in a swapping of territories, but the issue has animated the Ukrainian side. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy taking to X on Saturday with a response writing, quote, ukraine is ready for real decisions that can bring peace. Any decisions that are against us, any decisions that are without Ukraine are at the same time decisions against peace. They will not achieve anything. These are stillborn decisions. They are unworkable. Zelensky also posting a video where he said what translated to quote, ukrainians will not gift their land to the occupier. Several European leaders releasing a joint statement Sunday praising President Trump's quote, work to stop the killing in Ukraine. But in the next paragraph seeming to counter the strategy of meeting with Mr. Putin now writing, quote, we are convinced that only an approach that combines active diplomacy, support to Ukraine and pressure on the Russian Federation to end their illegal war can succeed. On the American Sunday shows, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who recently developed a bit of a bromance with President Trump at the June NATO summit, sounding optimistic here from CBS and abc.

[Donald Trump]

I think it is very good that President Trump will test him and we'll see how far he can get. On Friday starting this process, he basically broke the deadlock. President Trump in February is starting the dialogue with Putin. I think that was crucial. We had a great NATO summit under his leadership committing to 5% defense spending. So that is a clear signal to our main threat, which is Russia, that we are serious. And this is all clear evidence that President Trump is absolutely adamant to bring this war to an end, but also to keep maximum pressure on Putin. And next Friday will be important because it is testing Putin how serious he is in this whole process, which will then have to continue after Friday with Ukraine involved, with others involved to bring this war to an end.

[Megyn Kelly]

Former national security adviser under Trump 1.0, John Bolton, who never misses an opportunity to criticize Trump, sounding less convinced during an interview with ABC Sunday.

[Donald Trump]

I think Trump has made some mistakes already, number one in holding this meeting on American soil, legitimizing a pariah leader of a rogue state. Second, he's allowed Putin to get first mover advantage by putting his peace plan on the table first. You can already see from Trump's own statements he thinks that Zelensky has to make constitutional modifications for Ukraine to cede territory. Now Zelensky has flatly rejected that. But what Putin gets more than anything else is an opportunity, one on one, to try and get his magic working again with Trump.

[Megyn Kelly]

There remains an open question about whether this bilateral meeting could become trilateral, with Ukrainian President Zelensky attending Friday's Alaska summit in some capacity. NBC quoting one official in the Trump administration saying, it's being discussed and everyone is very hopeful that would happen. On CNN Sunday, U.S. ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker weighing in.

[Donald Trump]

I certainly think it's possible and there can't be a deal that everybody that's involved in it doesn't agree to. And, you know, I mean, obviously it's a high priority to get this war to end. You know, the carnage and the dying is terrible. I think this direct engagement by President Trump obviously is leading us closer to a peace. You know, the two sides have been communicating. They've exchanged prisoners, they've exchanged bodies of the fallen. But you know, this, if we can get a deal done on terms that both sides agree, that will save thousands of lives.

[Megyn Kelly]

A Kremlin official previously dismissing the idea of Mr. Putin meeting with Mr. Zelensky directly. However, the NBC report notes President Zelenskyy could be on site to meet with President Trump and others without necessarily crossing paths or sitting in the same room with his Russian foe. Ukrainian ambassador to the US Oksana Markovrova was non committal but not ruling it out on CBS Sunday.

[Donald Trump]

He is ready to be anywhere to advance the agenda of peace. So if needed, President Zelenskyy, of course, will be present at the meetings. We have been very open about. Let's see how this will go.

[Megyn Kelly]

But he's not planning to be in Alaska on Friday.

[Donald Trump]

If he will be planning to do that, we'll be there.

[Megyn Kelly]

This summit comes as support among Ukrainians for a prolonged war in Russia is fading and fast. According to a new Gallup poll conducted in July and released last week, 69% say Ukraine should seek to negotiate an ending to this war as soon as possible, while just 24% say Ukraine should continue fighting until it wins the war. Just two years earlier, those numbers were nearly reversed. Meanwhile, more than 70% of Ukrainians say the U.S. uK and EU can play a significant role in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Coming up, the left and right amplify the redistricting and gerrymandering fight, with political leaders across the country promising Texas is just the beginning. And President Trump set to unveil his plan to make Washington, D.C. great again. Have you ever heard of Caroluma? It's an edible cactus. Yes, edible cactus that grows in India. And it can be a natural appetite suppressant. Now you're paying attention. Carrolluma is just one of the natural ingredients doctors added to a weight loss supplement called Lean. If you have a bold summer weight loss goal, but injections are not for you, here's what the doctors who formulated Lean have to say. They say this supplement is close to the benefits of those popular injections. Like injections, Lean was created to help maintain healthy blood sugar and help control appetite and cravings. But those who created Lean say the rare ingredients in Lean are also designed to help burn fat by converting fat into energy. And of course, no needles. They say it's a healthier way to lose weight by capturing the power of natural ingredients. Give it a try with 20% off by using the code [e-mail] that's code mk20akelean.com these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not a substitute or alternative for care from a healthcare provider. The issue of gerrymandering and redistricting at the forefront of American politics as the Texas Democrats who ran away from their state remain at large, camped out in blue states like Illinois and New York in an effort to stop Texas from adding five new House seats in predominantly red districts. California Governor Gavin Newsom promising to fight fire with fire and match the five seats with five new ones in his largely blue state during a press conference Friday.

[Donald Trump]

We are moving forward. Make no mistake, California is moving forward as a state that's larger than 21 state populations combined. We are talking about emergency measures to respond to what's happening in Texas and we will nullify what happens in Texas. We will pick up five seats with the consent of the people. And that's the difference between the approach we're taking and the approach they're taking.

[Megyn Kelly]

White House Communications director Steve Chung firing back in a comment to the LA Times, quote, gavin Newsom is a loser of the highest order and he will never be president no matter how hard he prostitutes himself to the press. Perpetual political loser Beto o' Rourke urging for more rule breaking during a rally Saturday in Fort Worth, Texas.

[Donald Trump]

We don't await the punch thrown by these would be fascists to land. We punch first and we punch harder. We want California and New Jersey and Illinois and Maryland and every other state where the Democrats hold the governor's mansion, the assembly and the state Senate to redraw their congressional districts now, not wait for Texas to move first to maximize Democratic Party advantage. Listen, you may say to yourself, well, those aren't the rules. There are no refs in this game. Fuck the rules. We are going to win whatever it takes.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Fox Yesterday, Vice President J.D. vance signaling that the redistricting battle will continue, fresh off a trip to Indiana to strategize similar efforts there.

[Donald Trump]

One of the things that you see in a lot of red states is blue states have really aggressively gerrymandered such that they've actually made it harder for the majority of the state of Indiana to have their voice heard in their federal elections. Because if California has crazy gerrymanders, Illinois has crazy gerrymanders, New York has crazy gerrymanders. What it does is it actually suppresses the will of the people in states like Indiana. California has way more House seats than it should because they have such a high population of illegal aliens. So they get rewarded for welcoming illegal aliens into their state, giving them federal benefits, actually asking the taxpayers of states like Ohio to subsidize them. And then those same taxpayers in Ohio and Indiana and elsewhere, they have fewer congressional representatives because of what California has allowed to happen. That's ridiculously unfair. And the only real way to fight back against it is for us to redistrict in some ways as aggressively as these hard blue states have done.

[Megyn Kelly]

The governor of one of Those states, Democrat J.B. pritzker of Illinois, pressed by NBC host Kristen Welker Sunday over the obvious hypocrisy when it comes to attacking Texas Republicans for something his state has done for years. What do you say to those who argue that it's hypocritical for you to criticize Texas for partisanship when your state.

[Donald Trump]

Also drew maps to boost your party's standing? Well, remember that what Texas is trying to do is again, violate the Voting Rights Act. We didn't. This is, it's cheating. Donald Trump is a cheater. He cheats on his wives, he cheats at golf, and now he's trying to cheat the American people out of their votes.

[Megyn Kelly]

Well, look, sticking on your state's map, every major group that grades the fairness.

[Donald Trump]

Of congressional maps gives your state an F. Common Cause, a nonpartisan government watchdog.

[Megyn Kelly]

Even says your mat, and I'm going.

[Donald Trump]

To quote, represents a nearly perfect model for everything that can go wrong with redistricting. And I guess the question is, you talk about preserving democracy. How do you preserve democracy if you're using the same tactics that you've criticized Texas Republicans for? But as I say, what they're talking about is a distraction. The reality is that the violation of people's voting rights is what Texas is attempting to do. What.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump teasing a major announcement coming later today, which he will make during a press conference this morning at the White House tied to helping Washington, D.C. clean up its act. This after the president directed a surge in federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, U.S. marshals Service, DEA and others to increase police presence in the capital city beginning this past Friday for what is expected to be at least a week following the news that a 19 year old former Doge staffer was viciously assaulted by approximately 10 juveniles in a late night carjacking. Mr. Trump Taking to Truth Social Sunday to preview his announcement, writing quote, I'm going to make our capital safer and more beautiful than it ever was before. The homeless have to move out immediately. We will give you places to stay, but far from the Capitol. The criminals. You don't have to move out. We're going to put you in jail where you belong. It's all going to happen very fast, just like the border. Be prepared. There will be no Mr. Nice Guy. We want our capital back. Vice President Vance weighing in over the weekend on X, Our nation's capital has become ridden with out of control violent crime. Thanks to misguided local leadership, President Trump is putting a stop to this lawlessness. According to USAFacts.org Steve Ballmer's organization, citing CDC data, Washington, D.C. had the fourth highest homicide rate of any metropolitan area in the country in 2023, the most recent stats available. Mr. Trump has previously floated the idea of a federal takeover of the nation's capital, which would require congressional approval. President Trump also reportedly directing the Pentagon to draw up plans to use military force against Latin American drug cartels, which the Trump administration has declared as terrorist organizations. According to the New York Times, that includes the possibility of direct military operations by American troops in international waters and on foreign soil to target the cartels while the military actions are still in the planning phase. A White House spokesperson appearing to confirm the directive to the Times saying, quote, president Trump's top priority is protecting the homeland, which is why he took the bold step to designate several cartels and gangs as foreign terrorist organizations. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on Sirius XM triumph channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platforms.

[Donald Trump]

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[Megyn Kelly]

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[Donald Trump]

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[Megyn Kelly]

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