The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update – March 9, 2026

Episode Theme:
This episode delivers a fast-paced news update anchored by Tom Bevin, covering urgent national security and political events: the escalation of U.S.–Israeli strikes on Iran, a deadly incident at an NYC protest involving an IED, fresh scrutiny into Jeffrey Epstein’s prison death, and new polling that signals trouble for President Trump ahead of the midterms. The tone is urgent, analytical, and occasionally adversarial, with sharp insights and direct quotes from top officials and commentators.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Ongoing U.S.–Israeli Operation in Iran

• Conflict Escalates:
  • The combined U.S.–Israeli military operation in Iran has entered its second week, with “no end in sight” ([01:11]).
  • CENTCOM has confirmed the death of a seventh American service member, wounded March 1 in Saudi Arabia. Over 3,000 Iranian targets have been struck ([02:31]).
• Civilian Casualties Controversy:
  • Satellite and news investigations indicate a U.S. strike may have killed up to 175 Iranian schoolgirls at a girls’ elementary school near a Revolutionary Guard base ([03:26]).
  • U.S. military officials have not denied the possibility, stating the incident is under investigation ([04:06]).
    • Quote:
      • “The US does not target civilians, but not disputing the potential for an accidental strike and noting it is currently under investigation.” — Tom Bevin ([04:06])
• Official Reactions and Theories:
  • President Trump: Suggests Iranians themselves may have accidentally hit the school, denying U.S. culpability ([04:06]).
  • Sec. of War Pete Hegseth: Emphasizes U.S. efforts to avoid civilian casualties but admits mistakes can occur ([04:06]).
  • U.N. Ambassador Mike Waltz: Draws parallels to Gaza, urges caution before blaming the U.S. ([04:06]).
• Iranian Perspective:
  • Iranian President issues regional apology, promises to halt strikes on neighbors if attacks against Iran cease ([05:49]).
  • Trump maintains a hardline, stating there will be “no deal with Iran except unconditional surrender” ([05:49]).
  • Iranian officials vow continued resistance:
    • “We never surrender and we continue to resist as long as it takes. We continue to defend ourselves and we are defending our territory, our people and our dignity. And our dignity is not for sale.” — Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi ([07:29])
  • Iran appoints Mojtaba Khamenei as successor to Supreme Leader, drawing Trumps’s public opposition ([07:45]).
• U.S. Political Debate:
  • Senator Lindsey Graham urges Gulf states to “get in this fight now” ([07:59]).
  • Conservative analyst Kurt Mills argues the conflict is damaging the U.S.’s global diplomatic credibility and may further empower Iranian hardliners ([08:06]).
    • Quote:
      • “This really harms Trump's ability to make a deal with the Russians to end the war in Ukraine…may permanently scar any future president's maneuverability and diplomacy.” — Kurt Mills ([08:06])
• Economic Fallout:
  • Israeli strikes on Iranian fuel depots send oil prices soaring over $100/barrel, affecting the U.S. cost of living ([09:04]).

2. IED Attack Amid Protests in New York City

• Incident Recap:
  • An 18-year-old man, Amir Balat, threw an IED during dueling protests outside the mayor’s residence, Gracie Mansion ([09:04]).
  • The device ignited but didn't detonate fully, landing in a crosswalk a few feet from NYPD officers ([10:08]).
  • Second device was recovered; both Balat and his alleged accomplice were arrested on the scene ([10:08]).
• Details and Response:
  • Balat was filmed shouting “Allahu Akbar” as he threw the device and later in the police car. He and his co-suspect are U.S. citizens of Turkish and Afghan descent ([11:11]).
  • The NYPD and FBI are investigating potential terrorism links after one suspect referenced ISIS ([11:11]).
  • A further suspicious device was found in a vehicle connected to the suspects ([11:11]).
  • Notable Quote:
    • “At approximately 12:38pm a counter protester identified as Amir Balat, an 18 year old man, lit and threw an ignited device toward the protest area... Mr. Balat then ran southbound... Officers immediately secured the area and they took both men into custody.” — NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch ([10:08])

3. New Jeffrey Epstein Files and Security Questions

• Latest Developments:
  • DOJ records reveal correctional officer Tova Noel, on duty when Epstein died, searched for “latest on Epstein in jail” minutes before his death ([13:04]).
  • Both guards accused of failing routine checks, one shopping for furniture and falling asleep, the other browsing motorcycles ([13:04]).
  • Bank records flagged Noel for 12 suspicious cash deposits totaling nearly $12,000, including a $5,000 deposit days before Epstein’s death; this wasn’t addressed in DOJ interviews ([13:04]).
  • FBI briefing identifies Noel in surveillance video near Epstein’s cell shortly before his death, but she denies distributing linens ([13:04]).
  • Key Quote:
    • “I don't remember doing that. I don't recall looking him up.” — Tova Noel, regarding web search minutes before Epstein’s death ([13:04])
• Official Ruling:
  • NYC Medical Examiner maintains Epstein’s death was suicide with “no foul play” ([13:04]).

4. Political Winds: Polls and Upcoming Midterms

• Trump Approval and Party Standing:
  • NBC poll places Trump’s approval at 44% (54% disapprove), unchanged since October. Worrying comparisons made to the 2018 Democratic wave ([16:08]).
    • “This is almost exactly where he was at that point too. Of course there was a 40 seat Democratic landslide that year.” — Steve Kornacki ([16:08])
  • Trump’s ratings on handling inflation and cost of living have dropped significantly:
    • Approval for inflation: Down from 42% a year ago to 36% now ([16:28]).
    • “It's twice as bad now for him.” — Steve Kornacki ([16:36])
  • Midterm generic ballot: Democrats at 50%, Republicans at 44% ([16:58]).
  • Issue breakdown:
    • Democrats hold a significant edge on “threats to democracy,” Republicans lead on border security/immigration.
    • The economy, previously a Republican stronghold, is now a tied issue ([17:41]).
      • “It's the economy. It's a tie between the parties. Republicans have had the advantage on this issue for nearly a decade now. It's wiped away.” — Steve Kornacki ([17:41])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kurt Mills (on diplomatic fallout):
  • “This really harms Trump’s ability to make a deal with the Russians to end the war in Ukraine…may permanently scar any future president’s maneuverability and diplomacy.” ([08:06])
• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi:
  • “We never surrender and we continue to resist as long as it takes. We continue to defend ourselves…our dignity is not for sale.” ([07:29])
• NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch:
  • “At approximately 12:38pm... lit and threw an ignited device toward the protest area…Officers immediately secured the area and they took both men into custody.” ([10:08])
• Steve Kornacki (on Trump’s polling):
  • “It's twice as bad now for him” on handling the economy ([16:36])
  • “It's the economy. It's a tie between the parties…Question going forward, did Democrats actually open advantage on the economy? That could be key to them if they are going to have a big midterm.” ([17:41])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S.–Israeli Strikes, Civilian Casualties, Diplomatic Tensions – [02:31]–[09:04]
• NYC IED Attack During Protests – [09:04]–[11:50]
• Epstein Security Guard Investigation – [13:04]–[15:28]
• Midterms Polling & Political Analysis – [16:08]–[18:10]

Summary

This AM update brings a sharp, thorough run-down of U.S. war actions in Iran (with civilian casualties and unpredictable global fallout), domestic terror scares erupting in the heart of NYC, the slow drip of Jeffrey Epstein scandal files, and a tightening grip around President Trump’s re-election chances as the economic impact of global conflict hits home. The tone is urgent and unsparing: “No BS. No agenda. And no fear.” For listeners wanting an unflinching overview of the day’s crises and controversies, this episode delivers hard facts, pointed debate, and critical context.