The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 1/5/2026

Episode Title: The Mission to Capture and Arrest Maduro, Somali Fraud Fallout, Mayor Mamdani Begins
Host: Megyn Kelly
Date: January 5, 2026

Episode Overview

This AM Update covers a dramatic turn in U.S.-Venezuela relations following the secretive Delta Force operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, ongoing fallout from viral reporting on alleged Somali community fraud in Minnesota, and Zoran Mamdani’s historic ascension as New York City's new mayor. The episode centers on the legal, moral, and political implications of recent events, featuring exclusive statements from key players and reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.

Main Stories & Key Discussions

1. The U.S. Operation to Capture Nicolás Maduro

• [00:30] Megyn Kelly details the startling raid in which U.S. military forces apprehended Venezuela's former leader and his wife from a fortified base, with "no loss of any American life or equipment."
• The mission came after heightened tensions following Maduro’s refusal to cede power after a contested election.
• Charges in U.S. federal court include narco-terrorism and conspiracy.
• Notable participants:
  • President Donald Trump: Praises the mission’s success and American military prowess.
  • General Dan "Raisin" Kane: Breaks down the operation, emphasizing its scale, precision, and complexity.
  • Adm. James Stavridis: Provides geopolitical context, highlighting how U.S. adversaries might respond.
  • Sen. Marco Rubio: Describes the operation’s necessity and legal justification.

Key Moments and Quotes

• [03:32] Trump: "It was a assault like people have not seen since World War II... to bring outlaw dictator Nicolás Maduro to justice."
• [04:30] Gen. Kane: "This was an audacious operation that only the United States could do... more than 150 aircraft launching across the Western Hemisphere."
• [06:53] Adm. Stavridis: "None of those three militaries [China, Russia, Iran] could have executed an operation like this… kidnapping, taking him out alive... that's an extraordinary military operation."
• [09:40] Trump: "We're going to have this done right… We're not going to just do this with Maduro, then leave like everybody else."
• [11:10] Rubio: "We're not going to allow the Western Hemisphere to be a base of operation for adversaries… competitors and rivals of the United States."
• [12:09] Trump: "[Venezuela]'s very sick. Colombia is very sick, too... he’s not going to be doing it very long, let me tell you."

Operation Details

• Multi-agency, joint-force operation with over 150 aircraft deployed.
• Apprehended at "1:01am Eastern Standard Time"—force used tactical surprise to breach the compound.
• Maduro, blindfolded and handcuffed, was paraded in images released from a U.S. battleship before arriving at a New York jail.

International and Legal Fallout

• Russia, Iran, China slam the U.S. for violating Venezuela's sovereignty, calling it "armed aggression" and "a threat to peace."
• U.S. asserts temporary control over Venezuela to secure orderly transition.
• Legal debate erupts: Was congressional approval needed? The administration argues it was a law enforcement, not a military, action.

2. Somali Community Fraud Scandal in Minnesota

• [16:55] Megyn Kelly introduces the viral exposé by independent journalist Nick Shirley, claiming massive daycare and healthcare fraud by entities in Minnesota’s Somali community.
• Shirley’s 42-min video garners 137 million views, documenting empty childcare centers reportedly collecting millions in taxpayer money annually.
• [17:23] Investigator David: "Between the two of these childcare centers, they're pulling in about $3 million a year. And there are no children… All the windows are blacked out... There's nobody here."
• [17:48] Shirley: "All the windows are blacked out… And this building... has generated millions of dollars. Seems like business isn't even open."
• [18:19] Trump: "The Somalians are ripping off our country to the tune of looks like $19 billion… every one of them should be forced to leave this country, including Ilhan Omar, who's a total crook."
• The Trump administration’s response includes freezing all childcare payments to Minnesota and calling for a full audit.
• Gov. Tim Walz, at first, blames “white supremacy” for the scandal's coverage, later acknowledging “organized group of fraudsters.”
• FBI Director Kash Patel: "This is just the tip of a very large iceberg."

3. Mayor Zoran Mamdani Begins (NYC)

• [19:53] Mamdani (first Muslim and Democratic Socialist NYC Mayor) sworn in, taking his oath over two Qurans in a ceremony involving Bernie Sanders.
• [20:34] Mamdani: “No longer will City Hall hesitate to use its power... We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism.”
• [21:03] Issues sweeping executive orders:
  • Revokes all orders by former Mayor Eric Adams since his indictment.
  • Rescinds two Adams-era policies on Israel and antisemitism (sparking controversy).
  • Renews “office to protect tenants” and launches housing initiatives.
• [23:39] Mamdani on Maduro arrest: “I called the president... to register my opposition to this act… opposition based on being opposed to a pursuit of regime change, to the violation of federal international law…”
• Megyn Kelly notes Mamdani's vocal socialism and points out his lack of federal authority regarding Maduro's extradition.

Political & Legal Reactions

• Criticism: Some Republicans and Democrats condemn the Venezuela operation as overreach and illegal, citing lack of congressional authorization.

  • [13:15] Adm. Stavridis: “The very thing that Donald Trump campaigned against… was no more endless wars. And right now we're headed right into to one.”
  • [13:32] Stavridis: “Let us be clear, this is a war of choice.”

• Administration’s Defense: Rubio and administration officials argue it was a legal arrest, not an invasion.

  • [13:45] Rubio: “This was an arrest operation. He was arrested... by FBI agents, read his rights, and removed from the country.”

• Congressional Moves: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announces a vote on a war powers resolution to restrict further executive action.

Memorable Quotes

• [03:32] Trump: "This was one of the most stunning, effective and powerful displays of American military might and competence in American history."
• [06:53] Adm. Stavridis: "None of those three militaries could have executed an operation like this."
• [17:23] Investigator David: "There are no children. Every facility you go to, the windows will be blocked out… there's nobody here."
• [18:19] Trump: “The Somalians are ripping off our country… every one of them should be forced to leave this country, including Ilhan Omar…"
• [20:34] Mayor Mamdani: “We will replace the frigidity of rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism…”

Notable Timestamps

• 00:30–07:50: Detailed breakdown of the Maduro raid, reactions from U.S. military and global leaders.
• 09:40–14:20: Legal debates and political fallout surrounding the mission, with exclusive input from Trump and Rubio.
• 16:55–18:54: Somali fraud scandal breakdown, on-the-ground reporting from Nick Shirley and investigator David, with responses from Trump, Minnesota Governor, and FBI.
• 19:53–24:09: Zoran Mamdani’s first actions as NYC Mayor, impact on city policy, and national commentary on his stance toward the Venezuela operation.

Tone & Style

Megyn Kelly’s approach blends sharp, no-nonsense commentary with pointed questions, amplifying both the logistical brilliance and the legal/ethical hazards of U.S. actions abroad. The episode uses direct quotations and vivid reporting, often blending skepticism and dry humor, especially when addressing new NYC Mayor Mamdani and the ideological consequences of his early policies.

Summary Takeaways

• The U.S. orchestrated a historic, complex, and controversial operation to capture Nicolás Maduro, with broad international and domestic repercussions.
• Viral investigative journalism exposed potential Somali community-linked fraud in Minnesota, prompting backlash, audits, and partisan accusations.
• Zoran Mamdani, NYC’s new socialist mayor, revoked numerous executive actions and set a dramatically new tone for city government, stirring further debate in the era of American political polarization.