Questions About CIA Officers Killed in Mexico Crash, Rep. Mace Targets GOP Colleague: AM Update 4/23

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – "Questions About CIA Officers Killed in Mexico Crash, Rep. Mace Targets GOP Colleague: AM Update 4/23"

Date: April 23, 2026
Host: Emily Jasinsky (for the AM update segment)
Network: SiriusXM Channel 111

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Episode Overview

This AM Update of The Megyn Kelly Show delivers rapid-fire coverage of major political headlines and controversies. Today’s update centers on:

• A fatal car crash in Mexico involving CIA agents and Mexican officials—raising issues of U.S. intelligence operations south of the border.
• Mounting fallout from U.S.-Iran tensions impacting global oil prices and American wallets.
• Intra-GOP conflict as Congresswoman Nancy Mace seeks to expel fellow Republican Corey Mills, detailing ethics and personal misconduct allegations.
• A developing investigation into a senior DHS official allegedly involved in a "sugar daddy" arrangement.

The episode is fact-driven with direct quotes from political figures, analysis of political maneuvering, and disclosures about escalating ethics scandals.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. CIA Officers Killed in Mexico: National Sovereignty and Covert Operations

[02:54] – [06:38]

• Incident Summary:
  Two CIA officers and two Mexican law enforcement officials died when their vehicle crashed in Chihuahua, Mexico, after a counternarcotics operation. The car went off a mountainous road and exploded.

• Covert Operations Debate:

  • The CIA agents were first identified as embassy staff. Reports state they were collaborating with Mexican officials to locate and neutralize drug labs, part of an intensified anti-cartel effort under the Trump administration.
  • The operation had led earlier in the year to the killing of top cartel leader El Mencho.

• Mexican Government Response:

  • President Claudius Sheinbaum emphasized the need for federal authorization for any foreign cooperation, stating she was "unaware" of direct state-level collaboration with the CIA and that there is an investigation into potential violations of Mexican sovereignty.
    • "Such cooperation must be authorized at the federal level under Mexico's constitution." (Paraphrased from segment)
  • Chihuahua’s AG, Cesar Jauregui Moreno, stated the CIA agents were not present at the drug lab seizure, describing their role as "routine training work."

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2. US–Iran Tensions and the Global Oil Market

[06:38] – [07:49]

• Strait of Hormuz Blockage:

  • Repairs and mine-clearing in the Strait of Hormuz could take six months, prolonging high oil prices. Minesweeping cannot start until the Iran conflict ends, further impacting global markets.

• Political and Economic Fallout:

  • Gasoline prices up to $4.02/gallon nationwide (AAA), with Brent crude over $100/barrel.
  • President Trump’s approval drops by 7 points since January, especially low on handling the economy and Iran.
  • Quote (Political Commentator, [06:38]):

    "President Trump has shown that he is good at getting energy prices down and that our energy dominance agenda has... lowered prices."

  • Despite positive spin, polling shows only 30–32% approve of Trump’s handling of the economy and Iran.

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3. Republican Feud: Rep. Nancy Mace Moves to Expel Corey Mills

[08:51] – [12:56]

• Summary of Allegations:
  Congresswoman Mace introduced a resolution to expel Rep. Corey Mills (R-FL), citing:

  • Alleged sexual misconduct and physical altercation (charges later dropped).
  • Past restraining orders and accusations of harassment/threatening behavior.
  • Potential misuse of defense contracting connections and campaign finance violations.
  • Findings from the Office of Congressional Conduct raise concerns of rule and law violations.

• Nancy Mace’s Justification:

  • Emphasizes need for equal standards regardless of party and reiterates severity and documentation of the allegations.
    • Quote (Nancy Mace on CNN, [10:23]):

      "I'm not afraid of any predators. I've been taking on predators for years and his record speaks for itself... If the standard is members of Congress respect women, we don't beat them, we respect employees, we don't harass them... there has to be a standard. Everyone has to be held to the same standard, Republican or Democrat alike."

• Corey Mills’ Rebuttal:

  • Mills denies wrongdoing, frames the resolution as "political theatrics," and criticizes the attempt to bypass due process.
    • Quote (Corey Mills on Fox News, [11:15]):

      "There's absolutely no criminal or civil investigation ... This is political theatrics ... She's setting a very dangerous precedence whereby ... she's essentially saying that she is judge, juror and executioner."

• Speaker Mike Johnson’s Position:

  • Johnson stresses due process via the Ethics Committee and does not directly endorse or distance from Mills.
    • Quote (Speaker Johnson, [12:05]):

      "Corey Mills is going through the same due process that was afforded to Sherphyliss McCormick and anyone else ... He is in the middle of an Ethics committee process and so everyone is due the opportunity to present their defenses and go through that."

• Context:

  • Expulsions are rare and require a two-thirds majority. Recent spate of resignations in Congress highlights heightened scrutiny of ethics.

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4. DHS Counterterrorism Official Sugar Daddy Scandal

[12:56] – [16:47]

• Allegations:
  • Julia Varvaro, a senior DHS official, accused by ex-boyfriend "Robert B." of seeking financial and luxury support in exchange for intimacy, including expedited airport security, expensive trips, and gifts.
  • Robert alleges Varvaro used "Seeking" (a sugar daddy site) under an alias; she denies all, calling it the actions of a "mad ex boyfriend."
    • Quote (Text attributed to Varvaro, [paraphrased]):

      "I'm not used to having to ask ... for a simple card or help with my rent, especially being furloughed. Any past relationship would have jumped up and cared for me, which is what I like."

    • Quote (Robert B., [paraphrased]):

      "I've dropped 30 to 40k on slash with you in the last three months and you demanded I give you 4k for rent, 2k for a body laser treatment, 1k for sandals, a credit card and we haven't gotten to the weekend yet."

    • Quote (Julia Varvaro response, [paraphrased]):

      "This is just a mad ex boyfriend putting crap together. If we made a story about every failed short relationship in D.C. this town would implode."

  • Varvaro is now on administrative leave, pending investigation.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Nancy Mace ([10:23]):

  "I'm not afraid of any predators. I've been taking on predators for years ... That needs to happen more often, not less, in Congress."

• Corey Mills ([11:15]):

  "This is political theatrics ... She's essentially saying that she is judge, juror and executioner."

• Speaker Mike Johnson ([12:05]):

  "Everyone is due the opportunity to present their defenses and go through that."

• President Sheinbaum on U.S. operations in Mexico ([03:55, paraphrased]):

  "Such cooperation must be authorized at the federal level under Mexico's constitution."

• Julia Varvaro ([15:45, paraphrased]):

  "This is just a mad ex boyfriend putting crap together. If we made a story about every failed short relationship in D.C. this town would implode."

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:54] – CIA crash in Mexico, sovereignty debate, cartel crackdown, and ramifications.
• [06:38] – Strait of Hormuz mine clearance delays and knock-on effects for U.S. fuel prices and presidential approval.
• [08:51] – Full rundown of Nancy Mace's allegations against Rep. Mills and Office of Congressional Conduct findings.
• [10:23] – Nancy Mace speaks on standards in Congress and the moral imperative for action.
• [11:15] – Corey Mills responds, claiming political theater, not justice.
• [12:05] – Speaker Mike Johnson addresses due process for Mills.
• [12:56] – Details emerge on DHS official Julia Varvaro’s alleged "sugar daddy" conduct; her denials and administrative leave.

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Tone and Style

• Factual, direct, and often brisk in delivery—mirroring the "AM Update" style designed to bring listeners up-to-speed on fast-moving headlines.
• Emphasis on direct attribution of controversial statements, underscoring the "no BS, no agenda" approach promoted by The Megyn Kelly Show.

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Summary

This episode is a rapid, high-stakes tour through top-tier political and legal controversies, emphasizing both the complexity and personal dimensions of Washington scandals—from the shadowy world of U.S. operations in Mexico, to messy battles for accountability inside Congress, to the blurred lines between private choices and public service in the executive branch. Listeners get a succinct but comprehensive snapshot of today's political dramas, with attribution that lets the key players speak in their own voices.

Transcript

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[Emily Jasinsky]

good. Good morning everyone. I'm Emily Jasinsky, host of After Party and the Megyn Kelly Wrap up show on SiriusXM channel 111. It's Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, and this is your AM update. Two Americans killed in a car crash in Mexico identified as CIA officers. Mexican authorities now investigating the scope of US Involvement in their country.

[Political Commentator]

I think the conflict will end. I think gasoline prices will come back to where they were or perhaps lower

[Emily Jasinsky]

as Trump administration officials move to calm fears over rising gas prices. New estimates suggest the Strait of Hormuz may take months to fully reopen.

[Congresswoman Nancy Mace]

Everyone has to be held to the same standard, Republican or Democrat alike.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Congresswoman Nancy Mace pushing to expel fellow Republican Congressman Corey Mills amid an ethics investigation. A top DHS counterterrorism official reportedly under investigation after a complaint alleging a, quote, sugar daddy arrangement. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Emily Jasinsky]

A deadly car accident in Mexico now raising questions about CIA operations inside the country Last Sunday, two CIA officers and two Mexican officials were killed in the northern state of Chihuahua, according to multiple reports. The car reportedly skidding off the road, falling into a ravine and exploding as the agents were traveling through a mountainous area at night, according to Mexican officials. The CIA agents originally identified only as US Embassy employees. The two Mexican officials in the vehicle working for Chihuahua State investigation agency, according to cnn. The crash occurring after an operation to take out a hidden drug lab in the rural town of Morelos, described by officials as potentially one of the largest labs ever discovered in the region. According to cnn, the CIA officers had been collaborating with Mexican officials on expanded counternarcotics operations in the country under the Trump administration. The CIA working with Mexican officials to track cartels and identify drug labs. The cooperation leading to the location and eventual killing of drug kingpin Nemesio Ruben Acegara Cervantes, known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, earlier this year. Sunday's car accident raising questions from Mexican President Claudius Sheinbaum about national sovereignty and the extent of CIA operations in her own country. On Monday, President Sheinbaum saying she was, quote, unaware of any direct collaboration between the state of Chihuahua and personnel from the US Embassy in Mexico, stressing there's a legal framework for joint collaborations with other countries and emphasizing that such cooperation must be authorized at the federal level under Mexico's constitution. Chaimbaum's saying there is an investigation into the incident to ensure no laws were broken, adding that state governments must have authorization from Mexico's federal government to collaborate with US and other foreign entities. Per CBS News, Chihuahua Attorney General Cesar Jauregui Moreno earlier this week telling reporters that the two CIA officials were involved in routine training work at the time of the accident and were not directly involved in the raid on the drug lab. He says they were operating hours away from the site before later meeting with Mexican personnel who carried out the operation. According to the Post, the AG is saying Chainbaum's office was not notified because only Mexican agents participated in the seizure of the drug lab. With US Iran negotiations remaining stalled and the timeline on the ceasefire unclear. The Washington Post now reporting efforts to clear Iranian mines from the Strait of Hormuz could take six months. On Tuesday, the Pentagon giving a classified briefing to the House Armed Services Committee informing lawmakers minesweeping efforts are not likely to begin until the war with Iran ends, potentially extending the timeline for elevated gas prices tied to disruptions in oil trade. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell challenging the Post reporting, quote, by deciding to publish these false claims, the Washington Post has made clear they care more about advancing an agenda than truth. The threat of mines in the sea making ships wary of crossing the strait even before the Iranian military began threatening to fire upon vessels attempting to pass without authorization. Earlier this month, the New York Times reporting the Iranians are unable to find all of the mines laid since the start of the conflict. The Post reporting officials believe there could be 20 or more mines in and around the strait. Oil prices ticking up slightly yesterday. Rent crude hovering just over $100 per barrel. The national gas prices average yesterday sitting at $4.02, according to AAA. In February, it was just $2.98. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant on the Hill yesterday calling the increases temporary.

[Political Commentator]

I think the conflict will end. I think gasoline prices will come back to where they were or perhaps lower as they did. President Trump has shown that he is good at getting energy prices down and that our energy dominance agenda has the

[Emily Jasinsky]

lowered prices, higher fuel prices now rippling across the economy and raising the political stakes as the midterms approach. The Latest polling from AP showing President Trump's approval rating falling 7 points compared to January, now at 33% with 67% disapproving, the lowest of any poll in his second term. On the economy, just 30% of adults approving of the president's job compared to 70% who disapprove. On Iran, only 32% approve versus 67% who disapprove. Coming up, Congresswoman Nancy Mace introducing a resolution to expel a fellow House Republican. A top DHS counterterrorism official reportedly under investigation after a complaint alleging she is actively seeking a sugar daddy.

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[Emily Jasinsky]

Congresswoman Nancy Mace, a Republican from South Carolina, on Monday introducing a resolution to expel GOP Congressman Corey Mills of Florida from the House, citing a number of allegations against him, including sexual misconduct and improperly benefiting from government contracts. The allegations spanning multiple incidents. In February of last year, authorities responded to Congressman Mills home following a report from a 27 year old woman alleging a physical altercation. She later recanted and he was not charged in a separate case. Congressman Mills was hit with a restraining order last October after an ex girlfriend accused him of harassment, including allegations he threatened to release private videos of her and harm future boyfriends. A 2024 report from the Office of Congressional Conduct found Congressman Mills may have violated House rules, standards of conduct and potentially federal law, according to Time magazine. The review raised concerns that Mr. Mills Defense Contracting Company may have held weapons contracts with the government while serving in Congress. The report also indicated his campaign may have accepted excessive contributions and that he may have omitted or misrepresented information on financial disclosure forms. The House Ethics Committee is now formally investigating the claims, though it remains unclear when the panel will release its findings in November. Ms. Mace failing to secure the support required to remove him from his committee assignments and censure him. Congresswoman Mace Monday on CNN defending her push to expel a fellow Republican.

[Congresswoman Nancy Mace]

I'm not afraid of any predators. I've been taking on predators for years and his record speaks for itself. There have been multiple reports with receipts, with information, with data, photos, videos, body cam, DD214s, all of that and none of it adds up. And if the standard is members of Congress, that we as a conference, we as a Congress, we as an institution respect women, we don't beat them, that we respect employees, we don't harass them, those kinds of things, then there has to be a standard. Everyone has to be held to the same standard, Republican or Democrat alike. And I'm someone who has held my colleagues to that standard, regardless of the politics, regardless of party, that needs to happen more often, not less. In Congress.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Congressman Mills denies any wrongdoing. Here he is Monday speaking to Fox News about the motion.

[Congressman Corey Mills]

Look the bottom line is there's absolutely no criminal or civil investigation that's even open about me. There's no pending injunction or whatever it is that she's claiming that's open. This is political theatrics. See, it's one thing to try and introduce it for political theatrics and fundraising. It's another thing to notice it for a vote. She's setting a very dangerous precedence whereby not only is she circumventing the ethics investigations, but she's essentially saying that she is judge, juror and executioner.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Expelling a member of Congress is exceedingly rare and requires a 2/3 vote. Congressman Mills earlier this week telling reporters House Speaker Mike Johnson urged him not to resign as the ethics review ran its course. Speaker Johnson on Tuesday addressing the issue to reporters, Cory Mills says you asked him not to resign.

[Congressman Corey Mills]

Is that correct?

[House Speaker Mike Johnson]

Corey Mills is going through the same due process that was afforded to Sherphyliss McCormick and anyone else who has allegations made against them. I've asked and answered this question a thousand times. He is in the middle of an Ethics committee process and so everyone is due the opportunity to present their defenses and go through that.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Are you supporting his reelection? Are you supporting his reelection?

[House Speaker Mike Johnson]

He is an incumbent and I'm in charge of getting all the incumbents and Republican incumbents reelected. And so of course that was all done well before any of these allegations were coming out. But he has the right to answer to the allegations and that's what they're doing. And I'm done commenting on it. I can't. The speaker of the House does not put a thumb on the scale for the Ethics Committee investigation. They do good work as has been exhibited here in the last few hours. So let's let the committee process play out and see where it goes.

[Emily Jasinsky]

Lawmakers could take up Mesa's resolution as soon as this week. The move follows a wave of recent resignations in Congress. Sheila Sherfilis McCormick of Florida, Eric Swalwell of California and Tony Gonzalez of Texas, each resigning amid their own scandals. A high level counterterrorism official now under scrutiny, the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general reportedly reviewing allegations she sought out wealthy men to bankroll a high end lifestyle. According to the Daily Mail. An executive identified as Robert B. Telling the outlet he filed a formal complaint after a three month relationship with 29 year old Julia Varvaro, who currently serves as deputy assistant Secretary for counterterrorism. Neither Robert's age nor career field are specified in the report, though photos of the pair suggest a significant age difference. Varvaro's social media showing her regularly attending MAGA aligned events both before and after President Trump's reelection, including photos posing alongside the president while wearing campaign merchandise. According to Robert, the relationship began in January, starting with dinner at Mineta tavern in Washington, D.C. where he says he covered a $1,400 tab. Within weeks, the relationship escalating into luxury travel, first to Aruba over MLK weekend, then followed by a trip to Italy and Switzerland the next month. Along the way, Robert allegedly purchasing thousands of dollars in gifts, including ski gear, a $1000 camera and a $3500 designer handbag. one point, Robert alleging Varvaro leveraged her DHS position to expedite airport security, arranging for a TSA supervisor to escort them through screening at Dulles. He also claims Varvaro requested $2,000 to cover half her rent during the government shutdown. A screenshot of an alleged text from Varvaro reading quote, I'm not used to having to ask like this for a simple card or help with my rent, especially being furloughed. Any past relationship would have jumped up and cared for me, which is what I like. The message continuing, I like feeling provided for and you're not doing that for me, so not sure it will work. Robert responding, quote, I've dropped 30 to 40k on slash with you in the last three months and you demanded I give you 4k for rent, 2k for a body laser treatment, 1k for sandals, a credit card and we haven't gotten to the weekend yet. Robert telling the Daily Mail, Varvaro claimed her finances were tied up in stocks and bonds. According to Robert, the relationship ultimately deteriorating as the requests for money and gifts continued. In his complaint to the inspector General, he alleges Varvaro maintained a profile on the site seeking now marketed as a luxury dating platform but historically associated with sugar daddy arrangements. The Daily Mail reporting the now deleted profile featured Varvaro's photos under the name Alessia, describing herself as offering seductive sophistication. Varvaro pushing back on the allegations, denying having a profile unseeking and rejecting the broader claims. Quote I didn't know it was bad to go on vacation with your boyfriend. We were together in an exclusive relationship. We went on vacations. I don't know what the problem is. Varvaro adding, quote, this is just a mad ex boyfriend putting crap together. If we made a story about every failed short relationship in D.C. this town would implode. Yesterday afternoon, Fox News reporting, Varvaro now placed on administrative leave pending investigation. That'll do it for your AM update. I'm Emily Jasinsky, host of Afterparty. Catch the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noonies on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and all podcast platforms.

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