Trump Announces Israel-Iran Ceasefire, Socialist Surges in NYC Mayoral Primary: AM Update 6/24

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show Episode: Trump Announces Israel-Iran Ceasefire, Socialist Surges in NYC Mayoral Primary: AM Update 6/24
Release Date: June 24, 2025

---

Introduction

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delivers a comprehensive AM update covering significant political developments both domestically and internationally. The discussion navigates through President Trump's recent foreign policy moves, internal political dynamics within Iran, border security issues, the high-profile Sean "Diddy" Combs criminal trial, and the contentious New York City mayoral primary.

---

1. President Trump's Middle East Policy Shift

Megyn Kelly opens the episode highlighting President Trump's announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, signaling a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

• Trump's Military Actions and Ceasefire Declaration

  Victor Davis Hanson elaborates on the administration's military strategy:
  “The President, without knock on wood, having a single American casualty, obliterated the Iranian nuclear program” (00:39). This bold statement underscores the administration's confidence in its military operations and strategic objectives in the region.

• Details of the Ceasefire

  Following limited retaliatory strikes by Iran, Trump declared a ceasefire on his platform, Truth Social.
  Victor Davis Hanson further explains the implications:
  “We are now in a place where we weren't a week ago. A week ago Iran was very close to having a nuclear weapon. Now Iran is incapable of building a nuclear weapon with the equipment they have because we destroyed it” (05:12).

• Iran's Response and Diplomatic Prospects

  A senior Iranian official confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters, amidst internal unrest and rising discontent within Iran. Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran's last Shah, emerges as a key figure advocating for a democratic transition.

---

2. Reza Pahlavi and the Prospects for Democratic Transition in Iran

Reza Pahlavi addresses his vision for a democratic Iran, urging sovereignty loyalists to support the movement against the Islamic Republic.

• Call for Leadership and Transition

  “To achieve peace, a secular, democratic Iran. I am here today to submit myself to my compatriots to lead them down this road of peace, democratic transition” (06:43). Pahlavi emphasizes establishing a secure channel for military and security personnel to join the movement, signaling organized efforts towards regime change.

• Assessment by Experts

  Victor Davis Hanson assesses the situation:
  “The Iranian regime is facing rising discontent among its people... predicting the end of the Ayatollah's reign may well be in sight” (07:39).

---

3. Border Security and Illegal Entries

Megyn Kelly shifts focus to domestic concerns, discussing the surge of illegal entries into the United States under the Biden administration.

• Tom Homan's Insights

  Border Czar Tom Homan provides alarming statistics:
  “Over 2 million people cross that border. We don't know who they are, where they came from... But we do know... some terrorists have crossed that border” (09:14). This highlights ongoing challenges in border management and national security.

• Policy Responses

  In response, President Trump has imposed a travel ban on nationals from Iran and other high-risk nations, aiming to curb illegal entries and enhance security (09:44).

---

4. Sean "Diddy" Combs Criminal Trial

The episode delves into the high-profile criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, with significant courtroom developments unfolding.

• Evidence Presentation

  Special Agent Joseph Circiello testified linking Combs to a criminal enterprise through extensive evidence, including sexually explicit videos involving Combs and alleged victims (12:00).

• Defense Strategy and Trial Progression

  The defense plans to rest their case without calling Combs as a witness, opting instead to present alternative evidence to assert his innocence. Closing arguments are anticipated to begin on Thursday (14:28).

---

5. New York City Mayoral Primary: A Battle Between a Socialist and a "Sex Pest"

Megyn Kelly highlights the heated Democratic primary in New York City, where voters are choosing between two controversial candidates.

• Candidates Overview

  • Andrew Cuomo: Former governor facing allegations of sexual harassment and criticized for his handling of COVID-19 in nursing homes.
  • Zoran Mamdani: A 33-year-old socialist endorsed by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, running on a radical leftist platform.

• Voting Dynamics and Polling

  Ranked-choice voting adds complexity to the race. Steve Kornacki from NBC analyzes how initial poll leads might shift as lower-ranked candidates are eliminated. Recent polls show a tight race, with Emerson College Poll predicting Mamdani winning the primary at 52% versus Cuomo's 48%, while Marist Poll shows Cuomo leading with 38% to Mamdani's 27% (15:28).

• Potential General Election Scenarios

  Curtis Sliwa discusses the possibility of Cuomo running under a new party if he loses the Democratic primary, potentially splitting the vote and impacting the general election outcome (15:28).

---

Conclusion

Megyn Kelly concludes the AM update by summarizing the key takeaways: President Trump's strategic moves in the Middle East, the evolving political landscape in Iran, pressing border security issues, the unfolding Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, and the highly contested NYC mayoral primary. She invites listeners to join her for more in-depth discussions on The Megyn Kelly Show Live on Sirius XM Triumph Channel 111.

---

Notable Quotes

• Victor Davis Hanson on Iran's nuclear program:
  “We are now in a place where we weren't a week ago... Iran is incapable of building a nuclear weapon with the equipment they have because we destroyed it.” (05:12)

• Reza Pahlavi on democratic transition:
  “To achieve peace, a secular, democratic Iran... lead them down this road of peace, democratic transition.” (06:43)

• Curtis Sliwa on the mayoral primary implications:
  “Let's say that Andrew Cuomo were to lose the Democratic primary to Zoran Mamdani... there could be significant ramifications in the general election.” (15:28)

---

Timestamps Reference

• [00:00] – [1:00]: Opening and initial discussions
• [1:00] – [5:12]: Trump's ceasefire announcement and international reactions
• [5:12] – [9:44]: In-depth analysis of Iran's political situation and border security
• [9:44] – [13:28]: Sean "Diddy" Combs trial developments and NYC mayoral primary overview
• [13:28] – [16:34]: Detailed insights into the mayoral race and closing remarks

---

This summary provides a detailed overview of the key topics discussed in the episode, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the issues addressed without requiring them to have listened to the original podcast.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Trump country is booming. We're building, hiring and winning in America because energy tax credits create jobs and put America first.

[Reza Pahlavi]

Jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country. More production at home will mean stronger competition and lower prices for consumers.

[Megyn Kelly]

And America's comeback depends on American energy. President Trump Keep what works, don't repeal energy tax credits. Learn more at BuiltForAmerica US paid for by Built for America Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, June 24, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[Victor Davis Hanson]

The President, without knock on wood, having a single American casualty, obliterated the Iranian nuclear program. What the President is really trying to figure out here is to build a long term settlement here.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump announces a ceasefire between Israel and Iran following the Iranians limited retaliatory strikes.

[Tom Homan]

American targets under Joe Biden there was 1,272 nationals Iran released in the country. So we know that some terrorists have crossed that border. We'd be a fool to think zero crossed.

[Megyn Kelly]

Border czar Tom Homan detailing the number of Iranians who illegally entered the US Under Joe Biden. Jurors in the Sean Diddy Combs criminal trial view more sexually explicit materials as the prosecution's case enters the final stretch and its primary day in New York City as Democrat voters decide largely between their disgraced former governor and an AOC protege. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. It's time you've heard about Riverbend Ranch. Riverbend Ranch is located just a few miles from West Yellowstone, Montana and is known as one of the most respected Angus ranches in the nation. Angus beef is known for its great flavor and tenderness, but the cattle at Riverbend Ranch are not your average Angus cattle. 35 years ago, using ultrasound technology, the owner of Riverbend Ranch began scouring the nation to identify specific purebred Angus cows that genetically produce a higher level of marbling and tenderness than normal Angus cattle. After over 30 years of careful selection and breeding, Riverbend Ranch developed beef that has superior flavor and tenderness. They take great pride in the humane treatment of their herd. The cattle spend their days in lush mountain meadows of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, and they're raised without the use of artificial growth hormones or antibiotics. This is real American beef. Born in America, raised in America and processed in America. And the beef is shipped directly from the ranch to your home. Go to Riverbendranch.com use promo code Megan to get $20 off on your first order. It's absolutely delicious. You can taste the difference. Riverbendranch.com promo code Megan Iran launching multiple missiles at US bases in the Middle east on Monday, retaliation for President Trump's momentous decision to bomb three key Iranian nuclear facilities on Saturday evening in a targeted military strike. The Iranian National Security Council saying the number of missiles launched was equal to the number of bombs used by the US in the attack. US B2 bombers on Saturday dropping fourteen thirty thousand pound bunker buster bombs on two locations in Iran. Qatar is home to the largest US military base in the Middle east where approximately ten thousand US service members are stationed following the strike. Reuters reporting a senior Iranian official saying the country quote has the necessary rationality to begin diplomacy, but also saying if the US Is seeking negotiations then Israeli and US Attacks must stop. President Trump posting on Truth Social that Iran gave advanced notice of the strikes, writing quote, iran has officially responded to our obliteration of their nuclear facilities with a very weak response which we expected and have very effectively countered. There have been 14 missiles fired, 13 were knocked down and one was set free because it was headed in a non threatening direction. I am pleased to report that no Americans were harmed and hardly any damage was done. Most importantly, they've gotten it all out of their system and there will hopefully be no further hate. I want to thank Iran for giving us early notice which made it possible for no lives to be lost and nobody to be injured. Perhaps Iran can now proceed to peace and harmony in the region and I will enthusiastically encourage Israel to do the same. President Trump following up in another post quote, congratulations world, it's time for peace. Hours later President Trump posting to Truth Social quote, It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a complete and total ceasefire. An official end to the 12 Day War will be saluted by the world on the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will. I would like to congratulate both countries, Israel and Iran, on having the stamina, courage and intelligence to end what should be called the 12 Day War. Vice President J.D. vance reacting on Fox moments after the President's announcement.

[Victor Davis Hanson]

First of all, the President, without knock on wood, having a single American casualty obliterated the Iranian nuclear program. We are now in a place where we weren't a week ago. A week ago Iran was very close to having a nuclear weapon. Now Iran is incapable of building a nuclear weapon with the equipment they have because we destroyed it. While we have obliterated the Iranian nuclear program, our hope and our expectation is, is that they're not going to try to rebuild that program, and I think that's what the President is really trying to figure out here, is to build a long term settlement here to where we can have peace in the region, where our regional allies and of course the American people, most importantly, can be secured, but where we can ensure that the destruction of the Iranian nuclear program that has already happened is not something they try to rebuild.

[Megyn Kelly]

A senior Iranian official later confirmed to Reuters that the Islamic Republic has agreed to to a ceasefire proposal in recent years. The Iranian regime facing rising discontent among its people. In 2022, a widespread revolt sparked when a young woman was beaten to death for violating the mandatory hijab law. The protests lasting months but eventually fading following a major crackdown as recently as May. Protests erupting in response to rising prices and poor economic conditions. On Monday, the exiled son of the last Shah of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, whose father was ousted by the mullahs in 1979, offering to lead a transition to a democratic Iran. If the Iranian people rise up against the regime, there is only one way.

[Reza Pahlavi]

To achieve peace, a secular, democratic Iran. I am here today to submit myself to my compatriots to lead them down this road of peace, democratic transition. To those of you who are loyal to the Iranian nation and not the Islamic Republic, there is a future for you in a democratic Iran if you join the people. Now. I am establishing a formal channel for military, security and police personnel to reach out directly to me, my team and and our expanding operation. This is a secure platform to efficiently manage the growing volume of inbound communications and requests from those breaking with the regime and seeking to join our movement.

[Megyn Kelly]

Pahlavi going on to implore Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who is reportedly in hiding, to step down and face justice, promising a fair trial and due process in return. It is unclear what level of support Pahlavi has inside Iran. However, author and historian Victor Davis Hanson Monday on the Megyn Kelly show, describing the stark change in circumstances the Iranian regime is facing and predicting the end of the Ayatollah's reign may well be in sight.

[J.D. Vance]

No one would have believed this if you said in 20 months, Israeli and American pilots are going to be flying at will all through Iranian airspace. There's going to be no ability to knock anybody down. They have no air defenses. They had this reputation, but it was kind of shattered this last two weeks. And I think that we're still stuck with the idea that they can do all of these formidable things, but they actually are in a state of panic right now. I think the biggest danger just to finish for the Iranians is the military because they have taken out the top 20 or 25 generals with the closest ties to theocracy and everybody who else. The subordinate generals know they're going to be on the list. If there's going to be a regime change, I'm sure it's going to be the people. I think it's going to be somebody in the military who's going to say to the people, we didn't do this. They did. The theocracy did.

[Megyn Kelly]

Border czar Tom Homan, commenting on the number of Iranian illegals inside America, describing the realities caused by four years of Joe Biden's wide open southern border in a Fox News interview.

[Tom Homan]

Over 2 million people cross that border. We don't know who they are, where they came from, because they got away. Do we know where every one of the two? No, we don't know who they all are. We don't know why they're here, where they came from. But we do know border patrol intelligence for the last four years, they found prayer mats south of the border. They found identification from people from Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Syria, south of the border. So we know that some terrorists have crossed that border. We'd be a fool to think zero cross.

[Megyn Kelly]

Fox's Bill Malusian reporting. Of the 1504 Iranian nationals caught crossing the border illegally from fiscal year 2021 through 2024, 48% were released back into the country. It's unclear how many Iranians who entered the country under the Biden administration were on the terror watch list, though all Iranians are classified as special interest aliens. Due to national security concerns. In early June, President Trump imposing a travel ban on foreign nationals entering from Iran as well as other high risk nations. Coming up, closing arguments in the Sean Diddy Combs trial expected Thursday as the prosecution nears the end of its case. And New York City vote voters today turn out to choose who will be the Democrat candidate in the mayoral primary, an accused serial sexual harasser or a socialist. If you've ever tried to sleep through a summer heat wave, you know the struggle. Flip the pillow over, you toss the covers, you're sweating through the night. It's unpleasant. Let me tell you about Cozy Earth sheets. These are not your average sheets. Made from viscose from bamboo, Cozy Earth bedding is naturally temperature regulating, designed to keep you cool, dry and comfortable all night long. But Cozy Earth is not just for bedtime. Their apparel line, like the All Day Tee and Studio Pant collection, is ridiculously soft, breathable and perfect for lounging, traveling or just living in comfort. Once you try it, you'll want to wear it everywhere. And here's the best part. There's no risk. Cozy earth offers a 100 night sleep trial and a 10 year warranty. Try them during the hottest stretch of the year. If you're not completely in love, send them on Back in luxury should not be out of reach. Go to cozy earth.com use my code Megan for up to 40% off best selling temperature regulating sheets, apparel and more. Trust me, you will feel the difference the very first night. Cozyearth.com code Megan Special Agent for Homeland Security Investigations Joseph Circiello back on the stand Monday in the shop Diddy Combs, criminal trial Agent Circiello called by prosecutors to link together troves of evidence, including thousands of pages of text messages, phone records, financial records and other documents seeking to prove Mr. Combs was the leader of a criminal enterprise involving members of his staff. Serciello confirming several sexually explicit videos depicting alleged girlfriend and Combs victim Jane engaging in relations with other men, adding Combs can also be seen in the videos. The jury viewing 12 more minutes of videos of Jane engaging in what she and Combs referred to as hotel nights or debauchery. Reporters inside the courtroom reporting two jury members closed their eyes as the footage was played. The defense anticipates resting its case by the end of today. They say they will not call Combs or anyone else as a witness, instead opting to present additional other evidence that they say will support their client's innocence. Closing arguments expected to begin on Thursday. It's primary day in New York City. New Yorkers turning out to vote for their preferred mayoral candidate. As recent polls show disgraced former governor Andrew Cuomo may lose to Zoran Memdani in his bid to secure the Democrat nomination. As Politico put it, quote, how on earth are voters in America's largest city choosing between a 33 year old socialist and a sex pest for mayor? The former Mamdani, endorsed by Congresswoman aoc, running on a radical leftist platform. Here now, a montage from several of his campaign ads on June 24th let's get some more free transit. New York is a sanctuary city, but Eric Adams has allowed ICE to operate in our neighborhoods and on our campuses with impunity.

[Curtis Sliwa]

The landlord lobby knows I'm gonna freeze your rent. City owned grocery stores with guaranteed lower prices.

[Megyn Kelly]

We're gonna take the price gouging out of produce. And the latter Governor Cuomo resigning from his post as governor in August 2021, after a report by New York Attorney General Letitia James concluded he sexually harassed at least 11 women. Governor Cuomo, a once rising star in the Democrat Party, thought at one point to be a possible future presidential contender, also haunted by another 2021 New York Attorney general report finding his administration underreported nursing home deaths during COVID by as much as 50%. That was following his widely challenged and heavily criticized decision to send COVID positive patients into New York nursing homes despite being explicitly warned it would kill elderly residents. A reminder incumbent Mayor Eric Adams announced in April he is running as an independent. New York City uses ranked choice voting, meaning if no single candidate earns more than half of the vote on the first round of the primary vote, the last ranked candidate is tossed out and the second preference of those who voted for that last ranked candidate is counted instead. Mamdani is counting on Cuomo not securing more than half the vote in the first round, hoping subsequent rounds will push him over the threshold. The final survey of the race conducted by EMERSON College picks 11 and the Hill, finding Cuomo holding a narrow lead at 35%, followed by Mamdani at 32 and the third place candidate, Comptroller Brad Lander, trailing by double digits. When ranked choice is considered, Emerson has Mamdani winning the primary at 52% versus Cuomo's 48. Another recent poll by Marist showing Governor Cuomo leading with 38% to Mamdani's 27 and the other candidates trailing far behind. Despite the ultimate outcome, NBC's chief data analyst Steve Kornacki explains how this raise could lead to an even more dramatic general election.

[Curtis Sliwa]

Let's say that Andrew Cuomo were to lose the Democratic primary to Zoran Mamdani, so Zoran Mamdani would then be the Democratic candidate. But Cuomo is also going to be the nominee of a party he created called the Fight and Deliver Party. So even if he loses the primary and Mamdani is the Democratic candidate, Cuomo can still run in November as the Fight and Deliver candidate. For that matter, if Cuomo were to win the primary and Mamdani were to lose it, there's a party called the Working Families Party that's already said Democrats should vote for Mandani in this primary. That may well endorse him if he wants to run as their candidate so he could take another shot at in the general election.

[Megyn Kelly]

Republican Curtis Sliwa will also be vying for the city's top job in the general election. That vote set for November 4th and that'll do it for your AM update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly Show Live on Sirius XM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platforms.

[Reza Pahlavi]

Farms.

[Victor Davis Hanson]

USAA knows dynamic duos can save the day like superheroes and sidekicks or auto and home insurance. With usaa, you can bundle your auto and home and save up to 10%. Tap the banner to learn more and get a'@usaa.com bundle restrictions apply.