
AM Update for 3/17: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer faces backlash from Democrats after keeping the government open. Democrats suffer historic low approval rates. President Trump invokes the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport Tren de Aragua gang members, but a DC judge blocks the move. Russia and Ukraine edge closer to a ceasefire, with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff signaling progress in negotiations. A new NBC poll shows strong approval for President Trump, particularly on immigration, though economic concerns persist. Done with Debt: https://www.DoneWithDebt.com/ Jacked Up Fitness: Go to https://GetJackedUp.com and use code MK at checkout to save 10% off your entire purchase
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Megyn Kelly
Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, March 17, 2025. And happy St. Patrick's Day. This is your AM update.
Chuck Schumer
So are you the right person to.
Megyn Kelly
Lead the party at this moment?
Chuck Schumer
Let me put it this way. First, I don't think there's anybody. Well, I think I know how to win seats back in the Senate.
Megyn Kelly
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer resisting calls for his resignation as a deeply divided Democrat Party sinks to record low approval. President Trump invokes the Alien enemies Act of 1798 to deport Trenda Aragua gang members. And a DC judge blocks the move.
Chuck Schumer
The two sides are today a lot closer. We had some really positive results.
Megyn Kelly
Special envoy Steve Witkoff says Russia is coming closer to accepting a peace deal as intensity on the battlefield ramps up. And a new NBC poll has good news for President Trump. All that and more coming up in just a moment. In a busy AM Update, Four years of crushing interest rates, runaway inflation, and reckless government spending, and who is paying the price? You are. You might have bills stacking up. You might have debt collectors on your back. You might barely be able to keep food on the table. And that's stressful. Done with Debt can be a way out. These guys have developed a new aggressive strategy, many of them actually to designed to get you out of debt permanently without bankruptcy and without loans. Done With Debt will stand between you and your bill collectors. They can go head to head with their creditors, getting your balances reduced, your interest rates slashed and penalties stopped. They create a plan to end your debt fast and put more cash in your pocket every month. And right now, Done with Debt is accepting new clients. But you need to act fast. Some of these credit relief programs expire before you make another payment. Consider a visit to donewithdebt.com or call 1-888-322-1054 right now. Speak with one of their debt relief strategists for free. Go to donewithdebt.com that's donewithdebt.com Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's political career on the rocks after handing President Trump a big win by keeping the government open. On Friday, nine Democrats joined with Senator Schumer to advance the continuing resolution, or cr, paving the way to keep the government open for another six months. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin, Nevada Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, New Hampshire Senator Maggie Hassan, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, Michigan Senator Gary Peters, Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New Hampshire's Jean Shaheen Independent Senator from Maine Angus King, all also voting to advance the bill. House Democrats like New York Congressman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, California Congressman Robert Garcia and Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley slamming Senator Schumer and the others.
Chuck Schumer
It is almost unthinkable why Senate Democrats would vote to to hand the few pieces of leverage that we have away for free when we've been sent here to protect Social Security, protect Medicaid and protect Medicare. I think Senate Democrats, I think the Senate leader made an enormous miscalculation. This is not a time where we should be bending the knee to Donald Trump again. I don't think we should be moving in any way to elicit a praise from Donald Trump who has no respect for Congress and the power of the purse.
Megyn Kelly
Axios reporting, quote, several members, including moderates, have begun voicing support for a primary challenge to Schumer. Floating Representatives AOC and Dan Goldman as possible candidates. Soros backed progressive group Indivisible also calling for Senator Schumer to step down. The group releasing a statement over the weekend saying 82% of its leaders in New York and 91% nationwide voted in favor of calling for Mr. Schumer to step aside. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in a Friday presser, initially refusing to affirm his support for Senator Schumer.
Chuck Schumer
Is it time for new leadership in the Senate? Next question.
Megyn Kelly
However, by Saturday, Mr. Jeffries was appearing on MSNBC providing some public support for Mr. Schumer, signaling leadership is sticking together, at least for now.
Chuck Schumer
Look, Chuck and I disagreed as it relates to the approach and outcome relative to what we viewed as a reckless Republican spending bill at the same period of time. Chuck and I agree on the overwhelming majority of issues moving forward.
Megyn Kelly
Senator Schumer, who says he worried a shutdown would have given more power to President Trump. And Doge, telling the New York Times the interview podcast, he's still the best man to lead. So are you the right person to lead the party at this moment?
Chuck Schumer
Let me put it this way. First, I don't think there's anybody. Well, I think I know how to win seats back in the Senate, which I've proven. I'm not the only person, nor should I be the. I'm sort of like an orchestra leader and there's a great deal of talent in the orchestra. And my job is to highlight all those talents and emphasize those talents.
Megyn Kelly
As Democrats in Congress jockey over the future of their party, Democrat Party approval sinks to a record low in a new CNN poll. Democrat aligned adults say 52% to 48% that the leadership is taking the Democrat Party in the wrong direction. 57% to 42% of Dems and Dem aligned Independents think Democrats should mainly work to stop the Republican agenda. The survey taken before Senator Schumer's deeply unpopular decision to support the CR rather than shut down the government among adults overall, the Democrat Party sits at a paltry 29% approval. That's a 20 point drop since January 2021 and a record low dating back to 1992. The Trump administration deporting hundreds of individuals under the Alien enemies Act of 1798 in spite of a judge's order trying to block the move. The act allows the government to detain and deport people from enemy nations in wartime or those who have invaded America. President Trump on Friday invoking the act against Venezuelan gang Trenda Aragua, a recently designated foreign terrorist organization. The proclamation stating members of TDA have, quote, unlawfully infiltrated the US and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States. On Saturday, the ACLU and a group called Democracy Forward filing a lawsuit alleging that the White House was Preparing to deport five Venezuelans under this act. Chief Judge of the D.C. district Court James Boasberg initially ordering that those deportations be paused for two weeks. The judge later in the day expanding his order to, quote, all non citizens in US Custody subject to the Alien Enemies Act. This notwithstanding the fact that the Supreme Court has held that the Alien Enemies act precludes judicial review of of any removal orders holding, quote, such great war powers may be abused, no doubt, but that is a bad reason for having judges supervise their exercise in a truly extraordinary order. Judge Boasberg went further, verbally mandating the immediate return of two planes already airborne carrying deportees to Honduras and El Salvador. The Associated Press reporting the verbal directive to return the planes was not included in the judge's written order. The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele posting on X early Sunday morning a headline detailing the judge's order and the caption oopsie, too late with a laughing emoji. Shortly after that, President Bukele published a video showing dozens of handcuffed men departing a US Plane and processing into an El Salvadorian prison complex. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posting on X quote, we sent over 250 Alien enemy members of Trenda Aragua, which El Salvador has agreed to hold in their very good jails at a fair price. Fox News reporting. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says the Trump administration did not refuse to comply with a court order. Ms. Levitt says, quote, the order, which has no lawful basis, was issued after terrorists, TDA aliens had already been removed from US Territory. The next hearing is set for Friday. The Trump administration is appealing the judge's interference. Coming up, as the Ukrainian battlefield intensifies, US And Russian officials inch closer to a ceasefire and five years later, the New York Times dares to say Americans were misled on Covid. You think more and more we are seeing people in their 70s looking a amazing right. And it's a reminder that now is the time to take better care of ourselves, of our health. And that includes working out and lifting weights. This is why I want to tell you about Jacked Up Fitness. Jacked Up Fitness is the leading provider of premium all in one home gyms. Their Power Rack Pro unit is a top of the line functional trainer that is everything you need to get a full body workout right in your own home. Their Power Rack Pro package even comes with a full set of their signature branded rubber weight plates and a fully adjustable incline decline bench. And if you are new to weight training, don't worry, they have full body video workouts that you can literally just press, play on and follow along with. To get started, order your own Power rack Pro. At getjackedup.com, use the promo code MK at checkout. That will save 10% on your entire purchase. No more excuses. It's time to take charge of your health. Go to getjackedup and get started on your fitness journey. Today, as the war against Ukraine rages on, the US And Russia inch closer to a ceasefire agreement. President Trump likely to speak on the phone later this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the second call since Mr. Trump's second term began. Special envoy Steve Witkoff, fresh off a trip to Moscow involving hours of talks with President Putin, telling CNN the two sides are closer than ever before.
Chuck Schumer
Before this visit, there was another visit and before that visit, the two sides were miles apart in in where they were. The two sides are today a lot closer. We had some really positive results coming out of Saudi Arabia, discussions led by our national Security adviser Mike Waltz and our Secretary of State Marco Rubio. I described my conversation with President Putin as, as equally positive. So the two sides have, we've narrowed the differences between them.
Megyn Kelly
Mr. Wyckoff says President Trump aims to finalize the deal within weeks, describing to CBS the issues both sides are hammering out.
Chuck Schumer
There are regions that we all know the Russians are focused on. There is a nuclear reactor that supplies quite a bit of electricity to to the country of Ukraine, that's got to be dealt with. There's access to ports. There's the Black Sea, potential agreement. There's, there's just, there's so many elements, Margaret, to the implementation of a cease fire here. And everybody is committed, all stakeholders, including the Europeans, to doing everything we need to do to get to a successful resolution here.
Megyn Kelly
Russian forces currently control about 20% of Ukraine. Late last week, national Security adviser Mike Walz telling Fox News the Ukrainians may have to give up the Donbas region as part of a settlement. That region compromising about 9% of Ukrainian territory. The majority of its residents are primarily Russian speakers. ABC's Martha Raditz pushing back on the notion that the Russians should be allowed to retain any captured territory.
Chuck Schumer
Russia could be given the Donbass in.
Megyn Kelly
Addition to hanging on to Crimea, even.
Chuck Schumer
Though they invaded Ukraine. Arthur, we have to ask ourselves, is it in our national interest? Is it realistic? Are we going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil, including Crimea? And what the strategy of the Biden administration was was, as long as it takes, as much as it takes, no matter what the timeline is, which is essentially endless warfare.
Megyn Kelly
Late last week, Reuters reporting, a Ukrainian government official acknowledging Kyiv cannot recapture their territory through military force. The unnamed official saying, quote, ukraine cannot recover all of its territory right now by military force. Yes, we understand this. We understand that some of our land will need to be returned diplomatically, which can, of course, take time. Ukrainian forces retreating from a small area of captured Russian territory in Kursk. The New York Times reporting the withdrawal comes amid a swift Russian advance backed by relentless airstrikes and drones. Ukrainian soldiers telling the Times the strategy now is about controlling defensive positions and preventing the Russians from opening a new front in this war. The fighting only intensifying as negotiators work toward peace. New polling from NBC, NBC News showing strong numbers for President Trump among registered voters. 44% saying the country is on the right track versus 54% saying it's on the wrong track. That happens to be the best polling in 20 years. NBC's national political correspondent Steve Kornacki putting those numbers into perspective.
Chuck Schumer
The mood of the country. This really jumped out. We asked folks, is it on the right direction or the wrong direction? That 44%, you say right direction, that's up since November. And if that doesn't seem like a lot, the last time it cracked 40%, you got to go back to 2012. The last time it actually hit 44 or higher.
Megyn Kelly
January of 2004, President Trump's approval rating also hitting his best ever mark as president, 47% approving to 51% disapproving. Among independents, the split is 30% who approve, 67% who don't. On immigration, the president scoring his highest marks, 55% of voters approve of Mr. Trump's handling of border security and immigration, compared to 43% who disapprove. 56% say the president brings the right kind of change, compared to just 18% who say he brings the wrong kind of change. On immigration, for all of the media attacks against it, Doge Faring all right, 46% say it's a good idea compared to 40% who say it isn't. On the economy, the president not faring quite as well. Just 18% of voters rating the economy as excellent or good 54% disapprove of Mr. Trump's handling of the economy 44% approve. In recent weeks, the media focusing very heavily on concerns of recession. Your attitudes about the economy showed another decline on Friday. How concerned are you because of that about a recession? Do you think we're headed for a recession?
Chuck Schumer
Will these policies be worth it if they lead to a recession, even a short term recession?
Megyn Kelly
Treasury Secretary Scott Besant on Sunday's Meet the Press criticizing the media's coverage of the administration.
Chuck Schumer
Look, what I am not going to say that went on for a long time under the Biden administration and for a lot, a lot of the media, and I'm not going to point fingers, but they used to say it was a vibe session and the American people don't know what they talk about. Clearly they are traumatized from what's happened with this affordability crisis that was brought on by the previous administration. They want relief. We've been in for eight weeks. We are putting the policies in place that will make the affordability crisis go down, inflation moderate. I am confident that the American people will come our way, even if some of the media narrative doesn't.
Megyn Kelly
Five years after the debut of two weeks to slow the spread, New York Times columnist Zeynek Tufekci dares to write, we were badly misled about the event that changed our lives. Really? Tufekci, whose own Times colleague Apoorva Mandeville once suggested it was racist to suggest the virus came from a lab leak, now writes, quote, In 2020, when people started speculating that a laboratory accident might have been the spark that started the COVID19 pandemic, they were treated like kooks and cranks. Ms. Mandeville's tweet, not specifically acknowledged anywhere in her piece. Ms. Tufeki admits in her column that some officials hid crucial facts and misled the public in order to promote the appearance of consensus. In 2023, independent journalist Matt Taibbi revealed the Biden administration was working in conjunction with social media companies to censor information relating to Covid. Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford professor and leading advocate against lockdowns, was censored and ostracized and smeared by then NIH head Francis Collins, who called him a fringe epidemiologist. Joe Rogan, too, along with anyone who dared question the Biden administration's Covid dogma, was mocked by the media, including the Times, as anti science. Ms. Tufeki's latest column comes after years of her promoting masks despite the evidence showing they did not work and attacking contrarian voices. For example, a November 2020 Times column is headlined On Masks and Clinical Trials. Rand Paul's tweeting is just plain wrong. The column reading quote, mask wearing is courteous, a sound method to reduce the suffering from this terrible pathogen and help us get our lives back as much possible. In May of 2021, Ms. Te dared to question the CDC, asking if updated guidance stating vaccinated individuals need not wear masks was politically motivated. Can you believe this woman is now writing this for the New York Times? In September 2022, Ms. Tufeki authoritatively wrote, not only will a booster with the new vaccines decrease the likelihood of infection and severe illness and help reduce transmission of the virus, it could also decrease the likelihood of of developing long Covid. That came a full year after the science showed the vaccine did not stop the spread of the virus. The New York Times finally playing some Covid catch up with zero admissions about its own failures in presenting facts. We don't forgive you and that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly Show. We are live and back from Vacay on Sirius XM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com MeganKelly and on all podcast platforms.
Chuck Schumer
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The Megyn Kelly Show – Detailed Summary
Episode Title: Schumer on the Rocks, Trump Admin vs. DC Judge on Deportations, Trump Polling Highs: AM Update 3/17
Release Date: March 17, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guest: Senator Chuck Schumer
Overview:
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer finds himself under intense scrutiny within the Democratic Party as approval ratings plummet to historic lows. Schumer resists mounting calls for his resignation amidst a deeply divided party grappling with low public support.
Key Points:
Government Shutdown Prevention: Schumer played a pivotal role in averting a government shutdown by collaborating with nine Democrats to pass a continuing resolution (CR), ensuring the government remains open for an additional six months. This move, however, has been criticized by House Democrats who feel it undermines Democratic leverage.
Internal Party Dissent:
Chuck Schumer [03:01]: "It is almost unthinkable why Senate Democrats would vote to hand the few pieces of leverage that we have away for free when we've been sent here to protect Social Security, protect Medicaid and protect Medicare."
Support from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries: Initially hesitant, Jeffries later appeared on MSNBC to publicly support Schumer, signaling a temporary unity within Democratic leadership despite internal disagreements.
Chuck Schumer [04:26]: "Chuck and I agree on the overwhelming majority of issues moving forward."
Party Approval Ratings:
A new CNN poll reveals that Democratic approval has plummeted to 29%, marking a 20-point decline since January 2021 and the lowest since 1992. Only 52% of Democrat-aligned adults believe the party's leadership is steering it in the right direction.
Overview:
President Trump leverages the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport members of the Trenda Aragua (TDA) gang, a move that faces legal challenges from a DC judge, leading to a standoff between the executive branch and the judiciary.
Key Points:
Alien Enemies Act Invocation:
President Trump declared TDA members as alien enemies, alleging they have "unlawfully infiltrated the US and are conducting irregular warfare and undertaking hostile actions against the United States."
Megyn Kelly [00:21]: "President Trump invokes the Alien enemies Act of 1798 to deport Trenda Aragua gang members."
Judicial Intervention:
Chief Judge James Boasberg of the D.C. District Court issued an order pausing the deportations, initially for two weeks and subsequently extending it to all non-citizens in US custody under the act. Boasberg also directed the immediate return of deportees already in transit to Honduras and El Salvador.
Megyn Kelly [00:21]: "Judge Boasberg went further, verbally mandating the immediate return of two planes already airborne carrying deportees to Honduras and El Salvador."
International and Administrative Reactions:
Caroline Levitt [Undated]: "The order, which has no lawful basis, was issued after terrorists, TDA aliens had already been removed from US Territory."
Ongoing Legal Battle:
The Trump administration is appealing the judge's interference, keeping the deportation saga unresolved as of the episode's release.
Overview:
Amid escalating military actions in Ukraine, US and Russian officials are making strides towards a potential ceasefire. Special envoy Steve Witkoff reports progress in negotiations, signaling a cautious optimism for peace despite ongoing battles.
Key Points:
Diplomatic Efforts:
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff engaged in intensive talks with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, bringing both nations closer to a ceasefire agreement. Schumer highlighted the narrowing differences between the US and Russia, attributing positive outcomes to diplomatic engagements.
Chuck Schumer [10:33]: "The two sides are today a lot closer. We had some really positive results."
Negotiation Challenges:
Several contentious issues remain, including control over strategic regions like the Donbas and Crimea, management of nuclear reactors supplying Ukraine, and access to key ports and the Black Sea. Schumer emphasized the complexity of these negotiations and the commitment of all stakeholders to a resolution.
Chuck Schumer [11:11]: "There's just so many elements, Margaret, to the implementation of a cease fire here."
Ukrainian Military Situation:
Ukrainian forces face significant challenges, including a partial withdrawal from the Kursk region and the acknowledgment that some territories may need to be returned diplomatically rather than through military means.
Chuck Schumer [12:17]: "Is it realistic? Are we going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil, including Crimea?"
Public Sentiment and Polling:
Progress in ceasefire talks coincides with favorable polling numbers for President Trump, suggesting that diplomatic gains may influence public perception positively.
Chuck Schumer [13:56]: "The last time it actually hit 44 or higher."
Overview:
Recent NBC polls indicate a significant surge in President Trump’s approval ratings, marking his most favorable standing in two decades. This uptick is attributed to his administration's handling of immigration and border security, despite mixed reviews on economic policies.
Key Points:
Overall Approval:
Trump enjoys a 44% approval rating among registered voters, the highest since 2012. Notably, his handling of immigration has garnered substantial support.
Chuck Schumer [13:56]: "The mood of the country. This really jumped out."
Immigration and Border Security:
Chuck Schumer [14:13]: "Is it time for new leadership in the Senate?"
Economic Perceptions:
While immigration strategies receive high marks, Trump's economic policies are met with more skepticism. Only 18% of voters rate the economy as excellent or good, with 54% disapproving of his economic management.
Chuck Schumer [14:13]: "Do you think we're headed for a recession?"
Comparison to Historical Polls:
Trump's current approval ratings rival his best marks from January 2004, indicating a robust base of support despite broader political challenges.
Chuck Schumer [13:56]: "The last time it cracked 40%, you got to go back to 2012."
Overview:
Five years post the early COVID-19 pandemic response, columnist Zeynep Tufekci criticizes the media and governmental transparency, alleging that significant misinformation and censorship efforts hindered public understanding and response effectiveness.
Key Points:
Media Misdirection:
Tufekci argues that officials concealed vital information to foster a false sense of consensus, marginalizing dissenting voices and alternative viewpoints.
Megyn Kelly [16:23]: "Ms. Tufeki's latest column comes after years of her promoting masks despite the evidence showing they did not work and attacking contrarian voices."
Censorship Allegations:
Investigative reports reveal collaboration between the Biden administration and social media platforms to censor content that contradicted mainstream COVID-19 narratives, targeting figures like Dr. Jay Bhattacharya and Joe Rogan.
Megyn Kelly [16:23]: "In 2023, independent journalist Matt Taibbi revealed the Biden administration was working in conjunction with social media companies to censor information relating to Covid."
Contradictory Messaging:
Tufekci’s writings exhibit a shift from initially endorsing mask mandates to later acknowledging their limited efficacy, reflecting potential inconsistencies in public health messaging.
Megyn Kelly [16:23]: "Rand Paul's tweeting is just plain wrong. The column reading 'mask wearing is courteous...'"
Public Trust and Accountability:
The episode highlights ongoing tensions between media institutions and public trust, questioning the integrity of information dissemination during the pandemic.
Megyn Kelly [16:23]: "The New York Times finally playing some Covid catch up with zero admissions about its own failures in presenting facts."
In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Megyn Kelly delves into the tumultuous political landscape facing Senator Chuck Schumer, the Trump administration's contentious deportation actions, delicate US-Russia negotiations amid the Ukrainian conflict, and the resurgence of President Trump's popularity. Additionally, the show critiques the media's role in shaping public perception during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through incisive discussions and notable quotations, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of pivotal political and social issues as of March 17, 2025.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
Chuck Schumer [03:01]:
"It is almost unthinkable why Senate Democrats would vote to hand the few pieces of leverage that we have away for free when we've been sent here to protect Social Security, protect Medicaid and protect Medicare."
Chuck Schumer [10:33]:
"The two sides are today a lot closer. We had some really positive results."
Chuck Schumer [12:17]:
"Is it realistic? Are we going to drive every Russian off of every inch of Ukrainian soil, including Crimea?"
Chuck Schumer [13:56]:
"The last time it actually hit 44 or higher."
Megyn Kelly [16:23]:
"The New York Times finally playing some Covid catch up with zero admissions about its own failures in presenting facts."