The Megyn Kelly Show: Shutdown Showdown, Trump Responds on Musk vs. Rubio Report, Columbia Crackdown

Release Date: March 10, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly
Podcast Description: The Megyn Kelly Show features open, honest, and provocative conversations with influential political, legal, and cultural figures.

1. Government Shutdown Showdown in the Senate

Megyn Kelly opens the episode by addressing the looming threat of a government shutdown. Democrats are gearing up for a critical showdown in the Senate as House Republicans, known for their fiscal conservatism, push for a continuing resolution (CR) to prevent an immediate shutdown.

• Continuing Resolution Details:

  • Budget Cuts: House Republicans aim to slash $880 billion from the budget.
  • Medicaid Funding: Significant reductions proposed, impacting approximately 15 million able-bodied adults without children or jobs.
  • Defense Spending: An increase of about $6 billion.
  • Non-Defense Cuts: Approximately $13 billion, including an increase in ICE funding and maintaining a freeze on $20 billion in special IRS funding.
  • Earmark Cancellations: Funds for specific projects, such as a $17.5 million cut for a Kansas museum honoring former Republican President Dwight Eisenhower.

• Key Figures and Statements:

  • Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana): Highlights the unintended growth of Medicaid, stating, “Taxpayers now foot the bill for some 15 million able-bodied adults without children or a job” ([02:11]).
  • President Donald Trump: Urges Republicans to support the CR via a Truth Social post, “Great things are coming for America and I am asking you all to give us a few months to get us through to September so we can continue to put the country's financial house in order” ([05:02]).
  • Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie: Indicates potential opposition, stating he may vote against the bill, posing a risk to its passage ([05:17]).
  • House Freedom Caucus Chairman Andy Harris (Maryland): Warns of the financial costs if Democrats gain control over the CR process, “If Republicans are forced to gain Democrat support to fund the government, it will cost us tens of billions of dollars” ([06:15]).

• Political Dynamics:

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson: Expected to bring the CR to the floor, emphasizing unity among House Republicans despite internal dissent.
  • Democratic Stance: Democrats oppose the CR, arguing it creates a slush fund for the Trump administration and blocks significant budget cuts.

2. President Trump Responds to Musk vs. Rubio Report

The episode delves into a New York Times report suggesting tensions between Elon Musk and Secretary of State Marco Rubio within the Trump administration.

• New York Times Report:

  • Alleged Conflict: Elon Musk is reported to have criticized Secretary Rubio for not reducing State Department personnel sufficiently.
  • Secretary Rubio's Response: Accuses Musk of dishonesty, referencing the 1,500 employees who accepted early retirement buyouts ([06:56]).
  • President Trump's Stance: Denies any conflict, affirming the strong relationship between Musk and Rubio.

• Key Statements:

  • Elon Musk: “No clash. I was there. You're just a troublemaker. Elon gets along great with Marco and they're both doing a fantastic job. There is no clash” ([08:04]).
  • President Trump: “Elon and Marco have a great relationship. Any statement other than that is fake news” ([08:12]).
  • State Department Spokeswoman Tammy Bruce: Describes the meeting between Musk and Rubio as “an open and productive discussion” ([08:12]).

• Implications:

  • Administration Unity: The public denials by Trump and Musk aim to present a united front, countering the narrative of internal discord.
  • Media Scrutiny: The report underscores ongoing media interest in potential fractures within the Trump administration.

3. Investigation into the Deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

Megyn Kelly covers the resolved mystery surrounding the deaths of famed actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa.

• Circumstances of Death:

  • Discovery: Found deceased in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on February 26th by maintenance workers ([09:56]).
  • Medical Examiner's Findings:
    • Betsy Hackman: Died of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, a natural cause likely contracted from rodent excrement ([10:13]).
    • Gene Hackman: Passed away from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with Alzheimer's disease as a significant contributing factor ([10:13]).
  • Timeline: Gene Hackman likely died around February 18th, a week after his wife's passing. Their dog, Zina, likely died of starvation or dehydration due to recent medical procedures ([10:57]).

• Family Insights:

  • Leslie Ann Allen (Daughter): “They had a wonderful marriage and I give credit to his wife Betsy for keeping him alive” ([10:57]).
  • Betsy Arakawa's Role: Described as a devoted caregiver who managed various aspects of Gene’s life, including social activities and diet, which contributed to his longevity despite health challenges.

• Conclusion: Authorities determined that both deaths were from natural causes, dispelling any theories of foul play.

4. Federal Crackdown on Anti-Semitic Discrimination at Columbia University

The episode highlights the Trump administration's aggressive stance against anti-Semitism on college campuses, focusing on recent actions taken against Columbia University.

• Federal Action:

  • Funding Cuts: A $400 million reduction in grants and contracts to Columbia University due to persistent anti-Semitic harassment and violence against Jewish students ([10:57]).
  • Targeted Institutions: Nine other universities, including Harvard, George Washington, and UCLA, are also under scrutiny for similar issues.

• Campus Unrest at Columbia:

  • Protests: Students staged unruly demonstrations supporting Hamas, a recognized terrorist organization by the U.S., including sit-ins and establishing encampments ([10:57]).
  • Incidents:
    • Distribution of Hamas propaganda at Barnard College’s Milstein Center.
    • Over 100 student arrests following attempts to barricade inside campus buildings.

• Administration Response:

  • Columbia President Manou Shafiq: Resigned amidst criticism over handling protests and the decision to deploy police force ([14:07]).
  • Interim President Katrina Armstrong: Committed to combating anti-Semitism, stating, “Columbia can and will continue to take serious action toward combating antisemitism on our campus” ([14:19]).

• Student and Faculty Reactions:

  • Unnamed Democrat Speaker: “I don't think there's a single Jewish student on campus that does feel safe. You have to understand what they're handing out is flyers and posters that are actively calling for the death of Jews and Israelis” ([13:56]).
  • Unnamed Student: Expressed fear during protests, acknowledging the efforts of public safety workers to de-escalate situations without fully preventing protests ([14:07]).

• Legal and Immigration Actions:

  • Mahmoud Khalil Arrested: Palestinian activist and key organizer of the protests was arrested by ICE, leading to the revocation of his student visa and green card ([14:19]).
  • Trump’s Policy Stance: Vows to deport foreign students involved in illegal protests, intensifying pressure on campus activists.

5. U.S. Foreign Policy and the Ukraine-Russia Conflict

The discussion concludes with insights into President Trump's ongoing negotiations related to the Ukraine-Russia war.

• Negotiations in Saudi Arabia:

  • Objectives: Beyond securing a minerals deal, Trump seeks policy changes from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, including a willingness to make concessions and resume postponed elections ([14:19]).
  • Ceasefire Proposal: Kyiv is poised to propose a partial ceasefire targeting long-range missile strikes and combat operations in the Black Sea ([14:19]).

• Russian Aggression:

  • Escalation: Recent Russian attacks have intensified, resulting in significant civilian casualties and at least 22 deaths ([14:19]).

• Potential Sanctions:

  • Banking Sanctions: Trump is considering large-scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia, contingent on a ceasefire and a final peace settlement agreement ([14:19]).

• International Relations:

  • Martial Law Impact: The suspension of elections in Ukraine under martial law has complicated the peace process, with Trump advocating for their resumption ([14:19]).

Key Takeaways

• Government Shutdown: House Republicans are striving to pass a continuing resolution to delay a government shutdown, aiming for substantial budget cuts and entitlement reforms. Internal unity within the GOP is crucial, facing potential opposition from influential members like Thomas Massie.

• Administration Dynamics: Despite media reports of friction, President Trump and Elon Musk publicly deny any conflicts within the administration, maintaining that the team is unified and effective.

• High-Profile Deaths Resolved: The deaths of Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa have been officially attributed to natural causes, with detailed insights into their final days provided by authorities.

• Anti-Semitism on Campuses: The Trump administration is taking decisive action against universities failing to address anti-Semitic discrimination, leading to significant funding cuts and heightened security measures. Columbia University, in particular, has faced intense scrutiny and administrative changes due to student-led protests.

• Foreign Policy Endeavors: President Trump is actively engaged in negotiating peace efforts in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, with potential economic sanctions on Russia hinging on progress toward a ceasefire and final settlement.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator John Kennedy: “Taxpayers now foot the bill for some 15 million able-bodied adults without children or a job.” ([02:11])

• President Donald Trump: “Great things are coming for America and I am asking you all to give us a few months to get us through to September so we can continue to put the country's financial house in order.” ([05:02])

• Elon Musk: “No clash. I was there. You're just a troublemaker. Elon gets along great with Marco and they're both doing a fantastic job. There is no clash.” ([08:04])

• Unnamed Democrat Speaker: “I don't think there's a single Jewish student on campus that does feel safe. You have to understand what they're handing out is flyers and posters that are actively calling for the death of Jews and Israelis.” ([13:56])

• Unnamed Student: “During these protests. Things definitely get a little bit scary, especially because public safety workers are doing the best they can to de-escalate the situations, but they haven't been actually stopping these protests from happening.” ([14:07])

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the major discussions and insights from the March 10, 2025, episode of "The Megyn Kelly Show," providing listeners with an in-depth overview of pressing political and cultural issues of the day.