Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 1053

Title: Remembering Pope Francis’ Life and Legacy, Reality of Trump’s Tariff Policies, and Media Lies, with Kevin O’Leary and David Zweig
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guests: Kevin O’Leary, David Zweig
Release Date: April 21, 2025
Channel: SiriusXM Channel 111

1. Remembering Pope Francis: Life and Legacy

Announcement of Pope Francis' Passing
Timestamp: [00:00]
Megyn Kelly opens the episode with the shocking news of Pope Francis' death at age 88. She reflects on his prolonged battle with double pneumonia and chronic lung issues, noting his last public appearance on Easter Sunday in a wheelchair.

Legacy and Impact on the Catholic Church
Timestamp: [02:15]
Kelly delves into Pope Francis' election in March 2013, highlighting his role as the first Pope from Latin America and his progressive stance within the Church.

"Pope Francis moved the church in a leftward direction, no question, and away from some of the more divisive issues within the church." – Megyn Kelly [02:45]

Clash with President Trump
Timestamp: [06:30]
The conversation shifts to Pope Francis' opposition to Trump's immigration policies, specifically Trump's focus on building walls versus the Pope's emphasis on building bridges.

"A person who thinks only about building walls and not of building bridges is not Christian." – Pope Francis [06:50]

Future of the Catholic Church: The Conclave
Timestamp: [12:20]
Kelly outlines the forthcoming conclave to elect the new Pope, detailing the stringent protocols cardinals must follow, including seclusion and prohibition of external communication.

2. Reality of Trump’s Immigration Policies

Public Support and Challenges
Timestamp: [14:31]
Kevin O’Leary presents data showing increased public support for deporting all undocumented immigrants, citing a rise from 38% in 2016 to 56% in 2025.

"The majority. The American people have come a long way on this issue, much closer to Donald Trump." – Kevin O’Leary [14:31]

Implementation Hurdles
Timestamp: [20:10]
Discussion on the Trump administration's efforts to deport approximately 18 million illegal immigrants, facing significant obstacles from the ACLU and judicial rulings.

"It's starting to look like we're actually really going to have to provide hearings in each case." – Megyn Kelly [20:30]

Legal and Logistical Barriers
Timestamp: [24:38]
O’Leary emphasizes the Supreme Court's rulings against the use of the Alien Enemies Act, severely limiting deportation efforts.

"Due process, that's what everybody calls it." – Kevin O’Leary [24:38]

3. Trump’s Tariff Policies and Economic Impact

Economic Volatility and Tariffs Explained
Timestamp: [31:54]
O’Leary breaks down the complexities of Trump’s tariff policies, particularly focusing on the trade war with China and its ramifications on American businesses.

"This is like squeezing a teenage pimple. That's what's going on here." – Kevin O’Leary [36:45]

Impact on American Entrepreneurs and IP Theft
Timestamp: [38:06]
Kelly highlights real-world consequences of tariffs through the story of Beth Benneke, CEO of Busy Baby, who faces crippling costs due to increased tariffs.

"That's an astonishing number." – David Zweig [38:22]

Strategies for Resolving Trade Conflicts
Timestamp: [40:22]
O’Leary advocates for reciprocal tariffs and leveling the playing field with China to protect American intellectual property and market access.

"I do business in China and I've been royally screwed. And I'm tired of it." – Kevin O’Leary [40:22]

Future Outlook on Tariff Negotiations
Timestamp: [43:24]
Discussion on the inevitability of resolving tariff disputes, with optimism that economic pressures will compel China to negotiate.

"There's no scenario where Xi can outlast the American consumer." – Kevin O’Leary [43:24]

4. Media Lies and COVID-19 Policies with David Zweig

Introduction to David Zweig’s Book
Timestamp: [53:35]
Megyn Kelly introduces David Zweig and his new book, An Abundance of Caution: American Schools, the Virus and A Story of Bad Decisions, which critiques the COVID-19 response in the U.S.

School Closures and Their Impact
Timestamp: [56:01]
Zweig discusses the rationale behind prolonged school closures, highlighting the disproportionate impact on low-income families and children with disabilities.

"Healthy kids, we barred healthy children from school." – David Zweig [56:34]

Failures in Public Health and Media Collaboration
Timestamp: [62:34]
Zweig critiques the collaboration between public health officials and the media, arguing that flawed models and unchallenged authority led to misguided policies.

"What we were given was just following the science. There was no following the science." – David Zweig [78:58]

Media's Role in Shaping Public Perception
Timestamp: [70:37]
Discussion on how U.S. media amplified hysteria around COVID-19, ignoring positive data from Europe where schools reopened without adverse effects.

"The American media was unique in its dialing the knob up to 11 for hysteria over this." – David Zweig [72:44]

Consequences of Policy Decisions
Timestamp: [84:17]
Zweig outlines the long-term damages of pandemic policies, including learning loss and increased vulnerability among children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

"Millions of children were back to school in Europe and nothing has happened. It's fine." – David Zweig [72:23]

Final Thoughts on Public Health Leadership
Timestamp: [102:48]
Zweig reflects on Dr. Anthony Fauci's role, criticizing the overstatement of evidence and lack of accountability in the pandemic response.

"Anthony Fauci was the figurehead... they overstated evidence over and over again." – David Zweig [102:48]

Notable Quotes

• Megyn Kelly on Pope Francis:

  "Pope Francis moved the church in a leftward direction, no question, and away from some of the more divisive issues within the church." [02:45]

• Kevin O’Leary on Public Support for Deportations:

  "The majority. The American people have come a long way on this issue, much closer to Donald Trump." [14:31]

• Megyn Kelly on Legal Challenges:

  "It's starting to look like we're actually really going to have to provide hearings in each case." [20:30]

• Kevin O’Leary on Tariffs:

  "This is like squeezing a teenage pimple. That's what's going on here." [36:45]

• David Zweig on Media and Public Health Failures:

  "What we were given was just following the science. There was no following the science." [78:58]

Conclusion

In this episode, Megyn Kelly navigates through a tapestry of pressing issues, starting with the profound impact of Pope Francis on the Catholic Church and his contentious relationship with President Trump. The conversation then transitions to the complexities and challenges of Trump's immigration and tariff policies, featuring insights from business magnate Kevin O’Leary. The episode culminates with an in-depth discussion with David Zweig, who critiques the U.S. pandemic response and media's role in shaping public perception, drawing attention to the long-lasting consequences of these decisions on American society.

Listeners gain a multifaceted perspective on the intersection of religion, politics, economics, and media, underscored by poignant quotes and real-world implications that resonate beyond the immediate topics discussed.