Trump Declares Victory Over Houthis, Biden's Media Tour, US Spying on Greenland: AM Update 5/8

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Detailed Summary of "Trump Declares Victory Over Houthis, Biden's Media Tour, US Spying on Greenland: AM Update 5/8"

Release Date: May 8, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delivers an in-depth AM update covering significant political developments. The discussion spans former President Joe Biden’s recent media appearances, Vice President J.D. Vance’s insights on peace negotiations with Russia, President Donald Trump’s military actions in Yemen, the U.S. espionage activities in Greenland, and public opinion on California Governor Gavin Newsom. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of these topics, enriched with notable quotes and expert commentary.

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1. Former President Joe Biden's Media Tour and Reflections

Megyn Kelly opens the episode by highlighting former President Joe Biden’s active engagement with the media:

• Biden’s Interviews: Biden is on a media tour reflecting on his presidency and critiquing the current administration, indicating his opposition.

  [00:09] Joe Biden: "It was a hard decision, but regrets then? No, I think it was the right decision."

• Opposition to Current Administration: Biden expresses skepticism about the current administration’s policies and decision-making.

  [02:24] Megyn Kelly notes Biden’s participation in interviews, including a recent sit-down with the BBC where he discussed his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.

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2. Biden’s Withdrawal from the 2024 Presidential Race

The episode delves into Biden’s strategic exit from the presidential race and its aftermath:

• Internal Polling and Trump’s Advantage: According to a November New York Post report, internal polling indicated that Trump was poised to win with 4,400 electoral votes against Biden’s projected landslide loss.

• Fundraising Surge for Harris: Biden’s exit led to a significant fundraising boost for Kamala Harris, amassing a $2 billion war chest in just 106 days, supported by celebrities like Oprah, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, and the Obamas.

• Election Outcome: Despite the robust fundraising and star support, Harris became the first Democratic nominee in two decades to lose both the popular and electoral votes.

• Biden’s Critique of Trump’s Russia Negotiations:

  [04:43] Joe Biden: "It is modern day appeasement. And anybody thinks he's going to stop is just foolish. I just don't understand how people think that if we allow a dictator, a thug, to decide, he's going to take significant portions of land that aren't his and that's going to satisfy him."

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3. Vice President J.D. Vance on Russia-Ukraine Peace Negotiations

Vice President J.D. Vance provides an update on the stalled peace talks between Russia and Ukraine:

• Russian Demands: Vance reveals that Russia is asking for excessive concessions to end the conflict, which the U.S. finds unreasonable.

  [06:28] J.D. Vance: "Right now, the Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements, a certain set of concessions in order to end the conflict. We think they're asking for too much."

• Need for Direct Negotiation: Emphasizing the necessity for direct engagement between Russia and Ukraine to bridge the substantial differences.

  [07:17] J.D. Vance: "We think it's probably impossible for us to mediate this entirely without at least some direct negotiation between the two."

• Frustration with Historical Grievances: Vance criticizes both sides for focusing on past issues instead of seeking a forward-looking resolution.

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4. U.S.-China Trade Negotiations and Global Economic Rebalancing

The show covers the upcoming trade negotiations between the U.S. and China, highlighting Vance’s perspective on economic strategy:

• Precarious Global Position: Vance warns about the West’s increasing reliance on nations that may not prioritize American interests.

  [08:09] J.D. Vance: "We find ourselves in a very precarious place... it's still a little bit risky to put all of your eggs in one proverbial basket economically."

• Rebalancing the Economy: Advocacy for rebalancing the global economy with respect to China, signaling a shift from traditional business practices.

  [08:38] Vance asserts that "the old ways of doing business with the US are over," indicating a need for new economic strategies.

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5. Trump’s Military Campaign Against the Houthi Rebel Group in Yemen

President Donald Trump announces the successful conclusion of the military campaign against the Houthis:

• Military Actions: Under Defense Secretary Hegseth, the U.S. launched sustained strikes against Houthi attacks on international vessels in the Red Sea, significantly weakening their military capabilities.

• Trump’s Declaration of Victory:

  [09:28] Donald Trump: "The Houthis have announced that they are not, or they've been announced to us at least, that they don't want to fight anymore. They just don't want to fight. We will honor that and we will stop the bombings. And they have capitulated."

• Terms of Agreement: Both parties agreed to halt further attacks, marking the end of the conflict.

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6. U.S. Espionage Efforts in Greenland

The episode highlights escalating U.S. intelligence activities in Greenland, driven by strategic interests:

• Strategic Importance of Greenland: Melting Arctic ice has opened new shipping lanes and revealed vast natural resources, making Greenland a focal point for U.S. strategic interests.

• Trump’s Stance on Greenland: Trump does not rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland, emphasizing its significance for international security.

  [15:02] Donald Trump: "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything. We need Greenland very badly... we need that for international security."

• Intelligence Agency Directives: According to the Wall Street Journal, the U.S. is intensifying espionage on Greenland, focusing on the island’s independence movement and attitudes toward American resource extraction.

• Government Pushback: Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard condemns the Wall Street Journal’s reporting, accusing them of aiding deep state actors and undermining national security.

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7. Public Opinion on Governor Gavin Newsom’s Ambitions

A recent poll reveals a divided perception of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s focus and ambitions:

• Poll Findings: 54% of registered California voters believe Newsom is more interested in presidential aspirations than governing the state, while 26% disagree.

• Party Divide: The poll shows a stark contrast based on party affiliation, with 70% of Democrats approving of Newsom’s performance compared to only 11% of Republicans.

  [16:54] Gavin Newsom: "I might, I don't know. But I have to have a burning why, and I have to have a compelling vision that distinguishes myself from anybody else without that, without both of them, and I don't deserve to even be in the conversation."

• Newsom’s Response: During an interview with host Mark Halperin, Newsom emphasizes his commitment to governance and his entrepreneurial mindset, distancing himself from overt political ambitions.

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8. Surgeon General Nomination Switch

Trump replaces his initial Surgeon General nominee, Jeanette Neshawat, with Dr. Casey Means amid controversy:

• Controversial Nominee Replacement: Neshawat, criticized for her stance on COVID-19 measures and familial connections to an ousted National Security Adviser, is replaced by Dr. Casey Means, a respected surgeon with a strong background.

  [13:29] Dr. Casey Means: "American health is just getting destroyed. Chronic illness is exploding across the lifespan... we're talking about how to medicate these conditions. We're talking about how to operate more on these conditions."

• Trump’s Endorsement of Means: Trump praises Means’ credentials without directly addressing the switch, highlighting her Stanford education and surgical expertise.

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Conclusion

Megyn Kelly’s AM update provides a thorough examination of pressing political issues, including former President Biden’s critical media engagements, ongoing U.S.-Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations, strategic military actions in Yemen, intensified espionage activities in Greenland, public scrutiny of Governor Newsom’s ambitions, and significant changes in the Surgeon General nomination. Through detailed reporting and inclusion of pivotal quotes, the episode offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the current political landscape.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joe Biden on Withdrawal Decision:

  [00:09] "It was a hard decision, but regrets then? No, I think it was the right decision."

• Joe Biden on Trump's Peace Negotiations:

  [04:43] "It is modern day appeasement. And anybody thinks he's going to stop is just foolish."

• J.D. Vance on Russian Demands:

  [06:28] "We think they're asking for too much."

• J.D. Vance on Economic Strategy:

  [08:09] "We find ourselves in a very precarious place... it's still a little bit risky to put all of your eggs in one proverbial basket economically."

• Donald Trump on Houthi Capitulation:

  [09:28] "The Houthis have announced that they don't want to fight anymore. We will honor that and we will stop the bombings."

• Gavin Newsom on Political Ambitions:

  [16:54] "I have to have a burning why, and I have to have a compelling vision that distinguishes myself from anybody else without that, without both of them."

• Dr. Casey Means on American Health:

  [13:29] "American health is just getting destroyed. Chronic illness is exploding across the lifespan."

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Final Notes

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights shared during the episode, providing a clear and engaging overview for listeners who may not have tuned in. For a more comprehensive understanding, listeners are encouraged to access the full podcast available on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111, YouTube, and all major podcast platforms.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Thursday, May 8, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Joe Biden]

It was a hard decision, but regrets then? No, I think it was the right decision.

[Megyn Kelly]

Former President Biden hitting the interview circuit this week, reflecting on his term in office and offering thoughts on the current administration. Hint he's against it.

[J.D. Vance]

The Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements. We think they're asking for too much.

[Megyn Kelly]

Vice President J.D. vance speaking candidly about how Russians are holding up peace negotiations. The Wall Street Journal reports the US Is ramping up its spying efforts on Greenland. A surgeon general switcheroo. And a new poll shows Californians believe Governor Gavin Newsom is more focused on national ambitions than he is on running their state. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

Later today, President Biden set to appear on ABC's the View along with Dr. Jill Biden, now a private citizen. Mr. Biden embracing a more open relationship with the press, appearing for two interviews this week alone, including a Wednesday sit down with the BBC. The former president asked about the timing of his withdrawal from the 2024 race.

[Interviewer]

Should you have withdrawn earlier, given someone else a bigger chance?

[Joe Biden]

I don't think it would have mattered. We left at a time when we had a good candidate, she was fully funded. And what happened was I had become what we had set out to do, no one thought we could do and become so successful in our agenda. It was hard to say, no, I'm going to stop now. It was a hard decision, but regrets though? No, I think it was the right decision.

[Interviewer]

But you shouldn't have taken it at it.

[Joe Biden]

Well, I don't, I don't, I don't think so. I mean, I don't know how that would have made much difference.

[Megyn Kelly]

A November report from the New York Post revealing the Biden team's internal polling at the time he dropped out showed then candidate Trump on track to win 4, 400 electoral votes in a would be landslide loss from Mr. Biden. President Biden's decision to exit the race on July 21, triggering a $200 million fundraising surge for the Harris campaign in just one week, eventually ballooning into a $2 billion war chest. With just 106 days to build a full presidential campaign, Ms. Harris drawing support from celebrity heavyweights like Oprah, Beyonce, Taylor Swift and the Obamas among dozens of others. Despite the star studded backing and unprecedented fundraising, Ms. Harris became the first Democratic nominee in two decades to lose both the popular and the electoral vote. President Biden also criticizing the Trump administration's effort to negotiate an end to Russia's war on Ukraine.

[Interviewer]

President Trump is now saying, look, if you want peace, Ukraine is going to have to give up some territory. Some people think that is common sense to say that. Do you think it's not common sense? It's perhaps modern day appeasement.

[Joe Biden]

It is modern day appeasement. And anybody thinks he's going to stop is just foolish. I just don't understand how people think that if we allow a dictator, a thug, to decide, he's going to take significant portions of land that aren't his and that's going to satisfy him.

[Megyn Kelly]

Russian troops began amassing forces along the Ukraine border in spring of 2021. In the months leading up to the full scale invasion, the Biden administration pursuing a series of diplomatic efforts to avert war, including a December 2021 virtual summit between President Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Biden White House warning of severe economic consequences should Russia proceed. But in January 2022, President Biden seemed to telegraph a green light to Mr. Putin during a press conference with this infamous remark.

[Joe Biden]

Russia will be held accountable if it invades, and it depends on what it does. It's one thing if it's a minor incursion and then we end up having to fight about what to do and not do, etc. But if they actually do what they're capable of doing with the force amassed on the border, it is going to be a disaster for Russia.

[Megyn Kelly]

The invasion began about a month later. Throughout his presidency, Mr. Biden maintained a policy of isolating Russia on the world stage. The Trump administration accusing the Biden team of fueling a prolonged and aimless conflict, funding what they call a perpetual meat grinder with no clear path to victory. Vice President J.D. vance on Wednesday at the Munich Security Conference in D.C. providing an update on peace negotiations following months of back and forth. The VP revealing the Russians are now asking for too much to end this war.

[J.D. Vance]

I think that's what President Trump has been very deliberate about, is actually forcing the Russians to say, here is what we would like in order to end the conflict. Right now, the Russians are asking for a certain set of requirements, a certain set of concessions in order to end the conflict. We think they're asking for too much. Okay. And then obviously, the Ukrainians matter a lot. They're the other side. They're the other party, at least to the direct conflict. And we have to ask, what is the Ukrainian? What do they. What do they need in order to bring this conflict to a successful completion? And we're going to continue to have that conversation.

[Megyn Kelly]

U.S. officials devoting tremendous amounts of time and resources toward bringing the war to an end. President Trump recently saying both sides are closer than ever to a settlement. Mr. Vance saying the next step is direct engagement between the two.

[J.D. Vance]

I mentioned the Russians, but also the Ukrainians have also been sort of. They've put a piece of paper in our hands that says this is what we would need in order to bring this conflict to a successful resolution from our perspective. And there's a big gulf, predictably, between where the Russians and the Ukrainians are. And we think the next step in the negotiation is to try to close that gulf. We think it's probably impossible for. For us to mediate this entirely without at least some direct negotiation between the two.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Vice President expressing frustration with both sides for focusing on historical grievances rather than looking forward to how a deal could be reached. On the economic front this weekend, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant and U.S. trade Representative Jamison Greer set to meet with Chinese officials in Switzerland for the first time kicking off trade negotiations. Vice President Vance setting the tone ahead of the meeting.

[J.D. Vance]

We find ourselves in a very precarious place, and I say we. I mean, the entire West. I mean, The NATO alliance, I mean, the United States and Europe, we find ourselves more and more reliant on countries that may not have our best interests at heart. And even if they're halfway decent trading partners, it's still a little bit risky to put all of your eggs in one proverbial basket economically. And, and what the president has said is we must rebalance the global economy vis a vis China.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Vance going on to say the old ways of doing business with the US Are over. On Tuesday, President Trump announcing the conclusion of his successful military campaign against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. The campaign, waged under Defense Secretary Hegseth in response to months of sustained Houthi attacks on international vessels operating in the Red Sea, an important shipping route connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying the Houthis launched dozens of attacks against US Military ships as well as commercial vessels. While the Biden administration had favored limited case by case responses, the Trump administration launching a sustained offensive wave after wave of strikes, killing hundreds and significantly degrading Houthi military capabilities. President Trump telling reporters from the Oval Office the Houthis have had enough.

[Donald Trump]

The Houthis have announced that they are not, or they've been announced to us at least, that they don't want to fight anymore. They just don't want to fight. We will honor that and we will stop the bombings. And they have capitulated. But more importantly, they. We will take their word. They say they will not be blowing up ships anymore. I think that's very, very positive. They were, they were knocking out a lot of ships going, as you know, sailing beautifully down the various seas. It wasn't just the canal, it was a lot of other places. And I will accept their word. And we are going to stop the bombing of the Houthis effective immediately.

[Megyn Kelly]

Under the terms of the agreement, both sides agree to halt attacks against one another. Special envoy Steve Witkoff, who's turning out to be the Waldo of this administration. He's everywhere. Led negotiations for the US with assistance from the Omani Foreign Ministry. Coming up, the Wall Street Journal reporting anonymous sources say the US Is ramping up its spy efforts against Greenland. And a new poll shows most California voters believe Governor Gavin Newsom is more focused on his national ambitions than the problems at home. Also, big news about Mr. Trump's chosen surgeon general.

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[Megyn Kelly]

A big and important switcheroo on the Surgeon General nomination President Trump announcing on Truth Social that he is replacing his nominee, Jeanette Neshawat, with a star of the Maha movement, Dr. Casey means. Neshawat, the sister in law of now ousted National Security Adviser Mike Walls, had an odd background for this position. A graduate of a Caribbean medical school who ran City Md. Neshawat was a big proponent during the pandemic of masking children and of getting kids under the age of 12 vaxxed, all while she downplayed the risk of myocarditis in kids who get the vaccine. In October 2021, she said the risks for kids getting the COVID jab are extremely low. Around that same time, she called for more masking, just as Dr. Marty Makary of Johns Hopkins, now Mr. Trump's FDA chair, was writing an op ed in the Wall Street Journal arguing against masking children. Point being, it took her a very long time to see the truth on some very controversial Covid measures. Mr. Trump not addressing the switch directly but celebrating his nomination of Dr. Casey means to the surgeon general role, saying she has impeccable MAHA credentials. Dr. Means, whose brother Callie is helping RFKJ revamp HHS, is a graduate of Stanford Undergrad and Stanford Med School. She went on to become a surgeon who, in her fifth year of residency, left the program after realizing the medical industry was not about preventing illness but instead treats problems caused by chronic diseases that doctors erroneously accept as inevitable, did.

[Dr. Casey Means]

Five years of head and neck surgery training and at the end of that training, before launching out into being a private practice or academic attending physician, I looked around me at what was happening in American health more broadly and realized that even though I'm working hard in my lane as an ear, nose and throat surgeon more broadly, American health is just getting destroyed. It's getting destroyed. Chronic illness is exploding across the lifespan. And, and that's not something that I really learned about in medical school at the best institutions in America, the hospitals, the medical schools. We're not talking about why, we're talking about how to medicate these conditions. We're talking about how to operate more on these conditions.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Trump says Dr. Neshawat will work in some other capacity at HHS. The Wall Street Journal reporting two anonymous sources say the US is ordering intel agencies to step up the spying on Greenland. The Trump administration eyeing the icy Arctic island for its strategic importance. As northern ice melts, key shipping lanes open up, slashing travel time. Military competitors China and Russia ramping up their Arctic influence in recent years. Greenland is also home to vast mineral deposits and oil reserves. A semi autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. Both local and Danish officials express strong opposition to US Acquisition despite resistance. On Sunday, President Trump again declining to rule out military force to take the island.

[Donald Trump]

I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything. No, not there. We need Greenland very badly. Greenland is a very small amount of people which we'll take care of and we'll cherish them and all of that, but we need that for international security.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Wall Street Journal reporting based on anonymous sources, quote, several high ranking officials under Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard issued a collection emphasis message to intelligence agency heads last week. They were directed to learn more about Greenland's independence movement and attitudes on American resource extraction on the island. Agents reportedly instructed to identify people in Greenland and Denmark supporting US Objectives for the island. Director Gabard responding to this report, quote, the Wall Street Journal should be ashamed of aiding deep state actors who seek to undermine the president by politicizing and leaking classified information. They are breaking the law and undermining our nation's security and democracy. The Trump administration undertaking a broad effort to crack down on leakers across federal agencies. Director Gabbard's office referring at least three alleged leakers in other cases to the DOJ in recent weeks. Ms. Gabbard confirming to the Megyn Kelly show last week her office is Investigating at least 11 more cases, some of which may be referred to the doj. We can safely assume that number's now at at least 12. A new LA Times and UC Berkeley poll finding 54% of registered California voters think Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom is more interested in boosting his presidential prospects than he is in governing his state. Just 26% say the opposite. Poll director Mark DiCamillo saying, quote, people kind of look at him as being very ambitious. Governor Newsom insisting last week to next up host Mark Halperin that he's not yet made any decisions on 2028.

[Gavin Newsom]

I might, I don't know. But I have to have a burning why, and I have to have a compelling vision that distinguishes myself from anybody else without that, without both. And I don't deserve to even be in, in the conversation. But I am someone that's trying. I'm, I'm trying to pursue the unknown. I'm interested. I'm open to argument. I want to engage folks and I want to learn. I want to iterate. I have an entrepreneurial mindset. And to the extent that brings me in the political conversation, I'm blessed by that. And the extent it helps me leverage my day job as government, all the better.

[Megyn Kelly]

The poll showing California voters are Sharply divided over Mr. Newsom based on their party ID, 70% of Democrats approve of his performance. Just, just 11% of Republicans say the same. 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 Moon east, on YouTube.comMeganKelly and on all podcast platforms. Club for Growth is the premier conservative organization fighting to make President Trump's 2017 tax cuts permanent. If we don't act, your family could face a 22% tax hike. [e-mail] to join the fight.