Summary of "Trump Ends DEI, 1/6 Pardons Media Meltdown, and Bombshell New Blake Lively Video, with Nicole Shanahan and Sasha Stone | Ep. 988"

Release Date: January 22, 2025 Podcast: The Megyn Kelly Show Host: Megyn Kelly Guests: Nicole Shanahan and Sasha Stone

Introduction and President Trump's Executive Orders

Timestamp: [00:00 - 03:16]

Megyn Kelly opens the episode by highlighting President Donald Trump's swift actions within his first two days in office. Notably, Trump ordered the closure of all federal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices, placing DEI employees on paid leave and calling DEI initiatives "absolutely useless empty degrees." Additionally, Trump initiated a crackdown on the border crisis, with Border Czar Tom Homan reporting the custody of 308 illegal migrant criminals, signaling a return to "sanity and common sense" in America.

Guest Introduction: Nicole Shanahan

Timestamp: [03:16 - 06:44]

Nicole Shanahan, the former Vice Presidential candidate for RFK Jr. and host of the "Back to the People" podcast, joins Megyn Kelly. Shanahan discusses the positive reception of Trump's executive orders, expressing optimism about the direction of his administration. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining open conversations to prevent potential overreach and misinformation.

Notable Quote:

• Nicole Shanahan [03:24]: "We're one country for the people and we have a leader right now who understands how to get there."

Impact of Ending DEI Policies on Institutions

Timestamp: [06:44 - 10:19]

The discussion delves into the repercussions of terminating DEI initiatives, particularly in federal institutions and universities. Kelly cites Charlie Kirk's critique of Trump’s policies, emphasizing the illegality of racial discrimination in federal hiring and contracting. Shanahan agrees, highlighting how DEI policies have rendered institutions ineffective and even dangerous by promoting incompetence over merit.

Notable Quotes:

• Megyn Kelly [06:44]: "You can't tell these universities that because they won't listen."
• Nicole Shanahan [08:31]: "Competition is good for the people, it's good for the economy and it's necessary for the execution of duties."

Enforcement of DEI Repeal and Technological Solutions

Timestamp: [10:19 - 14:22]

Kelly raises concerns about the enforcement of Trump's DEI repeal, questioning whether federal dollars will be pulled from non-compliant universities. Shanahan introduces the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to redact racial information from applications, arguing that technological solutions can effectively enforce merit-based policies.

Notable Quote:

• Nicole Shanahan [08:31]: "There's a revolt. These people are failing and they're getting promoted."

Judicial and Legal Perspectives on DEI Policies

Timestamp: [14:22 - 20:56]

The conversation shifts to legal challenges against affirmative action, culminating in the Supreme Court's 2024 decision deeming race-based admissions unconstitutional. Shanahan discusses the cultural shift required to move beyond race-based policies, advocating for meritocracy and individual achievement without racial considerations.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicole Shanahan [14:38]: "Our controller, who manages the finances of our state, she ran on DEI and that was pretty much her biggest platform."
• Megyn Kelly [16:04]: "I have zero tolerance for any flag other than the stars and stripes on any federal building."

Stargate Project and AI Developments

Timestamp: [24:08 - 34:26]

Kelly introduces the Stargate project, a significant infrastructure initiative announced by Trump, aiming to invest up to $500 billion in AI development to maintain America's lead over China. Shanahan critiques the project's focus on mRNA technology, citing potential health risks and advocating for a moratorium until further research ensures safety and efficacy.

Notable Quotes:

• Megyn Kelly [24:08]: "It's supposed to create a hundred thousand US jobs, build data centers around the country..."
• Nicole Shanahan [30:17]: "We need to really understand, figure out what the risks are."

mRNA Vaccines: Benefits and Risks

Timestamp: [34:26 - 38:50]

The discussion deepens into the controversial topic of mRNA vaccines. Shanahan highlights the inconsistency and potential dangers of rapid deployment without adequate testing, including cases of vaccine-induced complications. She calls for a halt on the widespread use of mRNA vaccines to allow for more comprehensive studies.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicole Shanahan [30:20]: "It is not."
• Megyn Kelly [33:08]: "I have completely lost my own trust in Big Pharma."

Political Climate and RFK Jr.'s Nomination

Timestamp: [38:50 - 45:27]

Kelly transitions to discussing RFK Jr.'s nomination and the political battles surrounding it. She references criticisms from Mike Pence, who accuses RFK Jr. of supporting conspiracy theories related to vaccines and Wi-Fi. Shanahan defends RFK Jr., arguing that his stance is driven by genuine concerns about public health and informed consent.

Notable Quotes:

• Megyn Kelly [36:55]: "Mike Pence thinks that he can kill RFK's nomination because of the life issue by sneaking in these other issues..."
• Nicole Shanahan [38:48]: "If you are a pro lifer and you really care about these babies coming into the world, you cannot ignore these things that are happening right now."

Introduction and Conversation with Sasha Stone

Timestamp: [51:30 - 90:52]

Sasha Stone, a former Democrat turned independent and cultural commentator, joins the show. Kelly praises Stone's insightful podcast and substack, highlighting her transition from a Hollywood influencer to a vocal MAGA supporter. Stone shares her experiences of political shifts post-2020, including backlash from Hollywood and the challenges of maintaining authenticity while facing media persecution.

Notable Quotes:

• Megyn Kelly [51:30]: "You’re such a great cultural commentator... I encourage everybody to download the podcast."
• Sasha Stone [55:42]: "I have never felt that way. It was like a punch in the stomach."

Media Bias and Cultural Conflicts

Timestamp: [90:52 - 95:27]

Stone and Kelly discuss the persistent media bias against MAGA supporters, particularly focusing on the January 6th pardons and their portrayal as terrorists. Stone emphasizes the importance of fair trials and criticizes the media's role in shaping public opinion against Trump supporters without evidence. They also touch upon the broader cultural conflicts between the left and the right, highlighting the challenges faced by conservatives in Hollywood and mainstream media.

Notable Quotes:

• Sasha Stone [87:03]: "It's like trying to explain witchcraft and that. There's no witchcraft in Salem."
• Megyn Kelly [79:10]: "That was the goal. That was the goal."

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Controversy

Timestamp: [92:56 - 95:27]

Towards the end of the episode, Kelly addresses the ongoing controversy between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. She critiques Lively's allegations as baseless and manipulative, arguing that the evidence presented does not support claims of harassment. Kelly defends Baldoni, asserting that the situation is being misconstrued by the media to tarnish his reputation.

Notable Quotes:

• Megyn Kelly [94:58]: "She wants us to believe this is actionable harassment. That's absurd."
• Sasha Stone [95:25]: "We're gonna call an insurance month and."

Conclusion

Timestamp: [95:27 - End]

Megyn Kelly wraps up the episode by reaffirming her support for her guests and encouraging listeners to engage with their platforms for further insights. She emphasizes the show's commitment to open, honest, and fear-free discussions on pressing political and cultural issues.

Key Takeaways:

• DEI Termination: Trump's immediate termination of DEI offices aims to restore merit-based hiring but faces resistance from institutions unwilling to comply.

• AI and mRNA Concerns: The Stargate project represents a massive investment in AI, yet there are significant concerns regarding the safety and ethical implications of mRNA vaccine technologies.

• Political Polarization: The episode highlights the deep political divides in America, especially surrounding figures like RFK Jr. and the portrayal of MAGA supporters in mainstream media.

• Media Bias: Persistent media bias and the suppression of conservative voices continue to undermine fair discourse and political balance.

• Cultural Shifts: The transformation of influencers like Sasha Stone from liberal to conservative underscores the shifting landscape of cultural and political affiliations in Hollywood and beyond.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Nicole Shanahan [03:24]: "We're one country for the people and we have a leader right now who understands how to get there."

• Nicole Shanahan [08:31]: "Competition is good for the people, it's good for the economy and it's necessary for the execution of duties."

• Megyn Kelly [06:44]: "You can't tell these universities that because they won't listen."

• Megyn Kelly [33:08]: "I have completely lost my own trust in Big Pharma."

• Sasha Stone [55:42]: "I have never felt that way. It was like a punch in the stomach."

• Sasha Stone [87:03]: "It's like trying to explain witchcraft and that. There's no witchcraft in Salem."

• Megyn Kelly [94:58]: "She wants us to believe this is actionable harassment. That's absurd."

Final Thoughts:

Episode 988 of "The Megyn Kelly Show" provides a comprehensive and dynamic discussion on the immediate impacts of President Trump's executive orders on DEI, the challenges facing AI and mRNA vaccine technologies, and the ongoing cultural and political battles within America. Through insightful conversations with Nicole Shanahan and Sasha Stone, the episode underscores the complexities of maintaining meritocracy, combating media bias, and navigating the fractured political landscape.

For listeners interested in understanding the intricate dynamics of current American politics, cultural shifts, and the implications of policy changes, this episode offers a thought-provoking and engaging exploration.