Shumer Caves in Budget Battle, Putin Playing Hardball, Michelle Obama's Podcast Flop: AM Update 3/14

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Episode Summary Episode Title: Shumer Caves in Budget Battle, Putin Playing Hardball, Michelle Obama's Podcast Flop: AM Update 3/14
Host: Megyn Kelly
Release Date: March 14, 2025

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1. Senate Budget Battle and Chuck Schumer’s Reversal

Overview: The episode opens with a significant development in U.S. politics: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s unexpected decision to support the government funding bill, effectively averting a potential shutdown. This marks a notable shift from his earlier stance and highlights the deep divisions within the Democratic Party over budget strategies.

Key Points:

• Schumer’s Decision: Initially opposed to a government shutdown, Schumer reversed his position to prevent the shutdown, citing the broader implications for America.
• Internal Democratic Divisions: Despite Schumer’s support, the Democratic Party remains split, with some members believing a shutdown would damage their political standing more than passing the Republican Continuing Resolution (CR) bill.
• Procedural Dynamics: With Schumer backing the procedural vote, the CR bill is poised to pass with the necessary support, highlighting the precarious balance within the Senate.

Notable Quotes:

• Chuck Schumer [02:07]: “While the CR bill is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse. For sure, the Republican bill is a terrible option. But I believe allowing Donald Trump to take even more, even much more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option.”

• Senator Kirsten Gillibrand [02:46]: Reportedly heard yelling through Senate doors, advocating against a government shutdown, illustrating the tension within Democratic ranks.

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2. U.S.-EU Trade Tensions and Economic Implications

Overview: The episode delves into the escalating trade tensions between the United States and the European Union, focusing on retaliatory tariffs and their impact on the global economy. President Trump’s aggressive trade policies and their repercussions on both domestic and international markets are scrutinized.

Key Points:

• EU’s Retaliatory Tariffs: In response to U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel, the EU imposed a 50% tariff on select U.S. imports, including whiskey.
• Trump’s Response: President Trump threatened a staggering 200% tariff on EU wines, champagnes, and other alcoholic products, escalating the trade war.
• Economic Impact: The S&P 500 has suffered a significant decline, losing approximately $5.3 trillion from its mid-February peak. The Nasdaq and Dow have also faced substantial drops.
• Market Reactions: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant addresses the market volatility, assuring stabilization contingent on Congressional cooperation on tax cuts.

Notable Quotes:

• Vladimir Putin [00:25]: “Our position is based on the assumption that the ceasefire would lead to a long peace.”

• Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick [04:29]: “Retaliatory tariffs on items such as sports equipment and alcohol are not serious policy measures only serving to frustrate the president, further escalating tensions even more.”

• Steve Witkoff [06:01]: “Investors, but I'm not concerned about a little bit of volatility over three weeks because if you look over the long term...”

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3. Vladimir Putin’s Ceasefire Proposal and Ongoing Negotiations

Overview: Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled a tentative acceptance of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine but has expressed reservations requiring further discussions with President Trump. The episode explores the complexities of the ceasefire conditions and the strategic importance of key assets like the Zaporizhzha nuclear power plant.

Key Points:

• Ceasefire Conditions: Putin agrees in theory to the ceasefire but insists that it must lead to a long-term peace, addressing the initial causes of the conflict.
• Strategic Assets: The Zaporizhzha nuclear power plant, under Russian control since 2022, remains a critical bargaining chip, supplying 20% of Ukraine’s energy.
• Biden Administration’s Sanctions: Special Envoy Steve Witkoff indicates a willingness to escalate sanctions against Russia, prioritizing a decisive resolution to the conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• Vladimir Putin [06:32]: “We agree with the proposals for the ceasefire, but our position is based on the assumption that the ceasefire would lead to a long term peace, something that would remove the initial reasons for the crisis.”

• Donald Trump [08:12]: “I hope Russia is going to make the deal too. If President Putin agrees and does a cease fire. I think we're going to, we're going to be in very good shape to get it done.”

• Steve Witkoff [09:06]: “If we just take kind of a scale 0 to 10... they took them to a six and I can tell you we wouldn't hesitate to take them up to 10.”

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4. Pipeline Project and Governor Kathy Hochul’s Green Policies

Overview: The discussion shifts to domestic energy policies, focusing on President Trump’s push for the Constitution pipeline and his attempt to pressure New York Governor Kathy Hochul into reversing the state’s stringent green energy initiatives. The pipeline project, previously halted by New York, represents a critical intersection of economic and environmental policy debates.

Key Points:

• Constitution Pipeline: A 124-mile pipeline intended to transport gas from Pennsylvania to New York and beyond. The project’s approval hinges on Governor Hochul’s consent.
• Governor Hochul’s Stance: Advocates for radical green energy policies, aiming to phase out natural gas and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which stands in direct opposition to the pipeline’s objectives.
• Industry Response: Williams Companies' CEO, Alan Armstrong, expresses reluctance to proceed without state approval, citing significant financial losses from previous failed projects.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [11:15]: “Families in New York and Connecticut and New England are going to save $5,000 a family...”

• Alan Armstrong [11:39]: “We are not going to go putting our neck out until they invite us.”

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5. Michelle Obama’s Podcast Launch and Divorce Speculations

Overview: The episode examines former First Lady Michelle Obama’s latest foray into media with her new podcast, which has struggled to gain traction despite her previous success. Additionally, the segment touches on the swirling rumors of divorce between Michelle and Barack Obama, fueled by their separate public appearances.

Key Points:

• Podcast Performance: Michelle Obama’s podcast, produced by Higher Ground Productions and Obama Company, has underperformed compared to her 2020 launch, garnering significantly lower viewership and engagement.
• Divorce Rumors: Speculation about the Obamas’ marriage has intensified due to Barack Obama’s solo appearances and Michelle’s candid remarks in her podcast.
• Public Appearances: Michelle Obama’s first public engagement of the year was for a live podcast taping at South by Southwest, absent of her husband, which has further fueled media speculation.

Notable Quotes:

• Michelle Obama [14:43]: “When I'm... it's like, what'd y'all talk about? Nothing.”

• Michelle Obama on Podcast [12:57]: “A lot of people have questions they want to know... honest kind of conversation about how people are working it through.”

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6. Economic Health and Debt Relief Initiatives

Overview: The episode touches on the broader economic struggles faced by Americans, including high interest rates, inflation, and mounting debt. It features a segment promoting Done With Debt, a service aiming to help individuals manage and eliminate their debt without resorting to bankruptcy or additional loans.

Key Points:

• Economic Struggles: Many Americans are burdened by debt collectors, high bills, and financial insecurity, contributing to widespread stress.
• Debt Relief Services: Done With Debt offers strategies to negotiate with creditors, reduce balances, slash interest rates, and halt penalties, providing a pathway to financial stability.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Bessant [01:02]: “Four years of crushing interest rates, runaway inflation and reckless government spending, and who is paying the price? You are.”

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Megyn Kelly navigates through a series of pressing political and economic issues. From Chuck Schumer’s pivotal role in averting a government shutdown and the intensifying U.S.-EU trade war, to Vladimir Putin’s nuanced stance on the Ukraine ceasefire and domestic energy policy battles, Kelly provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape. Additionally, the episode delves into the personal and professional challenges faced by Michelle Obama, juxtaposing her media endeavors with public speculation about her marriage. Overall, this episode offers listeners an in-depth analysis of the multifaceted issues shaping the national and international discourse as of March 2025.

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For more insightful discussions and updates, tune in to The Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Friday, March 14, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Chuck Schumer]

Allowing Donald Trump to take even much more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option.

[Megyn Kelly]

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer caving in the budget battle, announcing he will vote to allow the government funding bill to go forward. Averting a shutdown.

[Vladimir Putin]

Our position is based on the assumption that the ceasefire would lead to a long peace.

[Megyn Kelly]

Russian President Vladimir Putin signals tentative acceptance of a ceasefire deal, but says he has some concerns he would like to speak to President Trump about. President Trump inviting New York Governor Kathy Hochul to the White House, trying to pressure her into reversing New York's Green New Deal fanaticism. And Michelle Obama's podcast debut does little to squash swirling divorce rumors. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

[Scott Bessant]

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 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.

[Megyn Kelly]

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer caving on the budget battle, a complete reversal from his position just hours earlier, announcing on the Senate floor Thursday night he will not let the government shut down.

[Chuck Schumer]

While the CR bill is very bad, the potential for a shutdown has consequences for America that are much, much worse. For sure, the Republican bill is a terrible option. But I believe allowing Donald Trump to take even more, even much more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option.

[Megyn Kelly]

Despite Senator Schumer's early assertions of unity, the Democrat Party remaining deeply divided on their spending bill strategy, some fearing A shutdown would be worse politically than passing the Republican CR Punchbowl News reporting New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand could be heard yelling loudly through the doors of the Senate Dems lunch, arguing against shuttering the government. Eight Democrats are needed to advance the bill in a procedural vote. They will not be required to vote on the actual bill itself, which only requires a simple majority, which the Republicans have. With Senator Schumer's support of the procedural move, the bill is likely to pass later today. Just in the nick of time. The European Union announcing a 50% tariff on select U.S. imports, namely whiskey, in direct response to Wednesday's U.S. tariffs on aluminum and steel. President Trump immediately responding on truth social writing quote, if this tariff is not removed immediately, the US will shortly place a 200% tariff on all wines, champagnes and alcoholic products coming out of France and other EU represented countries. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Bloomberg admonishing the European Union and Canada for not appreciating the gravity of the President's tariff strategy.

[Chuck Schumer]

We need to have steel and aluminum domestically in America. In national security you need metals to make bullets, you need metals to make munitions, you need metals to make everything. And Donald Trump is very focused on let's make sure the key ingredients that are necessary to defend America are made here in America.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary Lutnick saying retaliatory tariffs on items such as sports equipment and alcohol are not serious policy measures only serving to frustrate the president, further escalating tensions even more. A key plank in President Trump's economic vision, bringing back aluminum and steel manufacturing, shoring up national security and creating American jobs. He believes we never should have lost U.S. steel and aluminum production began declining in the 1970s as foreign competitors like Japan modernized and ramped up production. The decline accelerated in the 1990s with the rise of China and the passage of NAFTA. Foreign producers operate under different labor laws and environmental regulations. They're able to manufacture metals more cheaply, often selling them below market value, making it tough for US Manufacturers to compete. The Bureau of Labor statistics reporting in June 1979 manufacturing employment reached an all time peak of 19.6 million. Today the number's around 13 million. President Trump summing up his views on US trade policy on truth social writing quote, the US doesn't have free trade, we have stupid trade. The entire world is ripping us off. Markets still spooked by the uncertainty of the tariff wars. The Wall Street Journal reporting the S&P 500 losing about 5.3 trillion from its mid February peak. The Nasdaq down 14% from its December high and the Dow dropping 9% from its record level. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessen on CNBC reassuring.

[Steve Witkoff]

Investors, but I'm not concerned about the a little bit of volatility over three weeks because if you look over the long term, the reason stocks are a safe and great investment is because you're looking over the long term. I can't tell you that market is going to go up today, tomorrow, next week. But I can tell you that if we put proper policies in place, it's going to lay the groundwork for a both real income gains and job gains and asset continued asset gains.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary Bessant saying markets will stabilize if Congress can work together to pass tax cuts for individuals and businesses. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressing at a Thursday news conference some reservations about the ceasefire proposal agreed to by the Ukrainians. Mr. Putin saying the Russians agree with the ceasefire in theory, but they have additional concerns and he would like to speak to President Trump before agreeing to anything.

[Vladimir Putin]

We agree with the proposals for the ceasefire, but our position is based on the assumption that the ceasefire would lead to a long term peace, something that would remove the initial reasons for the crisis.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Putin initially justified his invasion based on a number of reasons. The first on the list Ukraine's push to join NATO. Mr. Trump as recently as Thursday reiterating that will not happen. Mr. Putin also claimed the invasion was intended to de nazify Ukraine. The president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, is Jewish. Prior to the war, Ukraine was home to one of the largest Jewish populations in Europe. Mr. Putin also asserted, without evidence, the Ukrainian government was preparing a military offensive against Russian backed separatists in the Donbass region. This region borders Russia and it's home to primarily Russian speakers. The Russian military currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine, including the Donbass region, its fate subject to further peace negotiations. Despite media reporting suggesting Mr. Putin's statement is an indication he will refuse this deal. President Trump responding with cautious optimism from.

[Donald Trump]

The Oval I hope Russia is going to make the deal too. If President Putin agrees and does a cease fire. I think we're going to, we're going to be in very good shape to get it done. We want to get it over with. That's why it was very important what I instructed everybody, including Steve, what we're looking for, to discuss concepts of land, concepts of power plants, because it's complicated.

[Megyn Kelly]

The power plant in question, Zaporizhzha nuclear power plant, is the largest in Europe. It's been under Russian control since 2022 and is not currently operational in peacetime. The plant provides about 20% of Ukrainian energy. It is a key bargaining chip in Russian possession. On CNBC Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant warning the president is prepared to fully ratchet up pressure on the Russians in order to get a deal done.

[Steve Witkoff]

If we just take kind of a scale 0 to 10 that I think the Biden administration sanctions on Russia were probably a three on the way out the door, they took them to a six and I can tell you we wouldn't hesitate to take them up to 10.

[Megyn Kelly]

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is in Moscow. Long days of intense negotiations on all sides to come. Coming up, President Trump invites New York Governor Kathy Hochul to the White House, pressuring her into reversing New York's Green New Deal fanaticism. And Michelle Obama's podcast does little to squelch divorce rumors.

[Scott Bessant]

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[Megyn Kelly]

New York Governor Kathy Hochul meeting President Trump at the White House the morning to discuss a pipeline project hinging on New York's approval. The Constitution pipeline, previously killed by New York in 2020, would run 124 miles, bringing gas from Pennsylvania to New York, where it could then be moved across New England. President Trump telling reporters from the Oval the project is an easy win to reduce energy costs.

[Donald Trump]

Well, we're working on one project. It should be very easy. It's a pipeline going through a small section of New York. Families in New York and Connecticut and New England are going to save $5,000 a family think of that because right now they have the highest energy prices maybe in the world. They say New England, it's a disaster. So we're working on that.

[Megyn Kelly]

The president writing on Truth Social that if New York does not give final approval, then they will use other authorities to get the project through. Governor Hochul embracing radical green energy policies, she aims to stifle and ultimately phase out natural gas in the Empire State. In 2023, New York became the first state to begin eliminating natural gas hookups in most new buildings. Barron's reporting the pipeline's builder is Williams Companies. Its CEO, Alan Armstrong says he will not build this thing without the governor's buy in even if he does get federal approval. Mr. Armstrong saying, quote, we are not going to go putting our neck out until they invite us. With the red carpet rolled out, Williams Co. Says Mr. Armstrong lost hundreds of millions of dollars trying to build two failed pipelines in the Northeast over the past decade. Former first lady Michelle Obama, noticeably absent from the public eye since last year, finally found launching a podcast with her brother Craig Robinson. The podcast, imo, in my opinion, premiering on Wednesday to a lukewarm reception and low viewership. The podcast, produced by Higher Ground Productions and Obama Company, will feature Mrs. Obama and Mr. Robinson sharing life lessons and conversations with their elitist friends.

[Michelle Obama]

A lot of people have questions they want to know, especially when they see somebody of note with a platform who you know by every measure looks successful. The people you know, they want to hear some honest kind of conversation about how people are working it through.

[Megyn Kelly]

The first episode premiered to 42,000 views after 24 hours, and the second featuring actress Issa Rae lagging Even further, just 13,000. The show's YouTube numbers appearing to receive a slight boost following reports highlighting how bad the audience engagement was. Newsweek running cover for the less than stellar performance reporting. It's also important to note that this new podcast from Obama is very much in its infancy. The Michelle Obama Podcast was released in 2020 and was the most successful original in Spotify history. Well, that podcast launched In July of 2020, the height of George Floyd rioting and Covid shutdowns. Her latest podcast was promoted by virtually everyone lately. The biggest buzz surrounding Mrs. Obama, however, is not about where she is, it's about where she is not. A recent slate of solo appearances from her husband Barack Obama, sparking divorce rumors. In January, President Obama attended President Jimmy Carter's funeral and then President Trump's inauguration without his wife. Last week, Mr. Obama went to dinner with his daughters and then an LA Clippers game without his wife again on Valentine's Day, the couple sharing coordinated messages on social media with the exact same photo posted but staying silent, of course, on swirling divorce rumors. Mrs. Obama using her new platform instead to offer some less than flattering words about her husband of three decades.

[Michelle Obama]

When I'm, when a girlfriend comes to visit, it's usually like, you gotta stay for two days because it's going to take us so much time to catch up, to check up. Now Barack's come in, he's come out and he's like, y'all still talking? He'll sit down for five minutes, be like, how are the boys? Because he golfs, you know, it takes five hours to golf. He'll golf with his buddies, come back and be like, how's X? He's good. It's like, what'd y'all talk about? Nothing.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Thursday, Mrs. Obama was seen in public for the first time this year for a live taping of her podcast at the south by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas. No reporting of Mr. Obama anywhere in sight. And that'll do it for your AM update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here today for our last installment of our special series, Megan Kelly Investigates on the disappearance of baby Lisa Irwin and a shocking conclusion, a 10 month old girl who disappeared from her crib in the dark of night. It will air on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms on the Megyn Kelly show feed.