Trump Eyes Chicago for Crackdown, FBI Raids Bolton, Parents of Missing Baby Arrested: AM Update 8/25

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update 8/25/25

Episode Title: Trump Eyes Chicago for Crackdown, FBI Raids Bolton, Parents of Missing Baby Arrested
Date: August 25, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly

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Overview

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show delivers a brisk, hard-hitting AM Update on August 25, 2025, focusing on three major national stories:

• President Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard in Chicago and other Democrat-led cities following a purported crime drop in D.C.
• The FBI raid on former National Security Advisor John Bolton, sparking debate over political retribution.
• The chilling case of missing baby Emmanuel Harrow in California, with his parents arrested for murder.

The episode is marked by rapid coverage of political news, law enforcement actions, and true crime, with reactions and commentary from major political figures and media personalities.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Administration Eyes Chicago for Federal Crime Crackdown

[02:45–06:14]

• Background: Following a federal crackdown in Washington, D.C., with reported crime reduction ("zero homicides from Aug. 14 to Aug. 24"), President Trump announces plans to expand interventions to other cities plagued by violence—first Chicago, then possibly New York and Baltimore.
• Trump’s Statement (White House, Friday):
  • “We’re going to make our country very safe. We’re going to make our cities very, very safe. Chicago is a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent... and we’ll straighten that one out probably next.” (Donald Trump, [02:45])
  • Suggests broad public support across demographics: “African American ladies, beautiful ladies are saying, please, President Trump come to Chicago, please.”
• Pentagon Planning: Washington Post reports preparations for thousands of National Guard troops to deploy in Chicago as early as September.
• Democratic Pushback:
  • Governor J.B. Pritzker: Calls Trump’s plan a threat to democracy: “Donald Trump’s threat... is not about safety. It’s a test of the limits of his power and a trial run for a police state.” ([03:32])
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson: Threatens legal action, asserts city’s resilience:
    • “We’re gonna remain firm, we’ll take legal action. But the people in this city are accustomed to rising up against tyranny... I believe the people of Chicago will stand firm alongside me.” ([04:40])
• Extending Crackdown: Trump signals he may target Baltimore next, following a public exchange with Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
• VP J.D. Vance’s Perspective:
  • Emphasizes crime as a “policy choice”: “If you just empower local law enforcement to arrest and prosecute the bad guys, we can take back American streets.” ([05:30])

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2. FBI Raids John Bolton – Sparking Accusations of Retribution

[06:14–10:35]

• The Raid: Federal agents search Bolton’s home and office, reportedly probing whether he sent classified materials to his family via private email while in the Trump administration (pre-2019).
• Context:
  • Ongoing feud between Trump and Bolton dates to Trump’s effort to block Bolton’s memoir in 2020.
  • Probe had apparently “frozen under the Biden administration, reopened under [FBI Director] Kash Patel.”
  • Public pronouncements from Patel: “No one is above the law. FBI agents on a mission.”
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi: “America’s safety isn’t negotiable. Justice will be pursued always.”
• Trump Reacts:
  • Downplays knowledge but insults Bolton: “Not a fan of John Bolton. He’s not a smart guy, but he could be a very unpatriotic guy... I know nothing about it.” ([07:29])
• Media Framing & Critique:
  • Mainstream outlets see the move as “authoritarian retribution.”
    • James O’Keefe: “This is the latest indication the Trump administration is targeting the President’s political enemies.” ([07:54])
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson: Suggests a pattern of vendetta: “He said he was going to go after all of these individuals, and one by one, he’s slowly doing that.” ([08:04])
• Administration Response:
  • VP J.D. Vance rejects the retribution claim:
    • “We are investigating Ambassador Bolton. But if they ultimately bring a case, it will be because they determine that he has broken the law... You shouldn’t throw people willy nilly in prison.” ([08:19])
• Former FBI Deputy Andy McCabe:
  • Criticizes Patel’s public grandstanding: “This is not the kind of thing any FBI director has ever done. You are elevating the risk... pretty irresponsible.” ([09:08])
• Megyn Kelly’s Sarcasm:
  • Questions FBI/DOJ leaks with reference to past raids on journalists like James O’Keefe: “So weird. The FBI never tips anyone off. Tell it to journalist and Biden antagonist James O'Keefe, whose home was raided… and the New York Times magically knew in real time.” ([09:58])
• James O’Keefe’s Account:
  • “Minutes later, I get a text message from [the] National Security Reporter, New York Times, who somehow knows all these details... Leaks from the Department of Justice.” ([10:12])
• Current Status: Bolton has not been charged or arrested as of the episode taping.

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3. Arrests in the Case of Missing Baby Emmanuel Harrow

[10:35–15:32]

• New Developments:
  • Parents Jake (32) and Rebecca Harrow (41) arrested for murder after initial claims of kidnapping unravel.
  • San Bernardino Sheriff’s Statement:
    • Jake is cooperating with investigators to locate the remains, but searches so far have been unsuccessful.
• False Kidnapping Narrative:
  • Rebecca claimed an unknown individual kidnapped Emmanuel as she changed his diaper in a parking lot; new evidence suggests otherwise.
  • Megyn Kelly notes, “It is unclear if [Rebecca] was then or is now aware of Jake’s apparent cooperation.”
• History of Abuse:
  • Jake’s 2023 conviction for willful child cruelty: His daughter from a previous marriage was left permanently disabled, yet he served only “one day in jail” plus work release.
  • Strong moral condemnation from Kelly: “How are these people allowed to go on having children? Why isn’t there mandated chemical castration? Serious question.”
  • Rebecca had knowledge of Jake’s violent background but still called him a “good dad.”
  • Details suggest photos and baby’s belongings were removed from the house; blood was found; other children removed from home.
• Proceedings: Both parents held without bail, no other suspects. Court date set for Tuesday.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps and Attribution)

• Donald Trump, on federal intervention in troubled cities:
  “Chicago is a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And we'll straighten that one out probably next. That'll be our next one after this and it won't even be tough.” ([02:45])
• Governor J.B. Pritzker, on Trump’s National Guard plan:
  “Donald Trump's threat to bring the National Guard to Chicago is not about safety. It's a test of the limits of his power and a trial run for a police state.” ([03:32])
• Mayor Brandon Johnson, on resisting federal intervention:
  “The people in this city are accustomed to rising up against tyranny. And if that's necessary, I believe that the people of Chicago will stand firm alongside of me...” ([04:40])
• VP J.D. Vance, on why federal crime crackdowns matter:
  “Allowing vagrants and armed robberies to take over your city, that's a policy choice. What President Trump is showing is that if you just empower local law enforcement... we can take back American streets.” ([05:30])
• Trump on Bolton FBI raid:
  “No, I don't know about it. I saw it on television this morning. I'm not a fan of John Bolton. He's not a smart guy, but he could be a very unpatriotic guy.” ([07:29])
• James O'Keefe, questioning DOJ leaks:
  “I was in handcuffs... and then minutes later, I get a text message from Mike Schmidt, National Security Reporter, New York Times, who somehow knows all these details. Leaks from the Department of Justice.” ([10:12])
• Megyn Kelly, on system failures in child abuse cases:
  “How are these people allowed to go on having children? Why isn't there mandated chemical castration? Serious question.” ([14:01])

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Key Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:45] – Trump’s statement on Chicago crackdown
• [03:32] – Governor Pritzker & Mayor Johnson respond
• [05:30] – VP J.D. Vance: crime as policy choice
• [06:14] – Bolton FBI raid coverage begins
• [07:29] – Trump on Bolton raid
• [08:19] – Vance denies Bolton probe is political retribution
• [09:08] – Andy McCabe criticizes Patel’s FBI conduct
• [10:12] – James O’Keefe’s DOJ leak experience
• [10:35] – Harrow baby case updates
• [14:01] – Kelly’s commentary on failures in protecting children

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Episode Tone & Style

Megyn Kelly’s approach remains direct, skeptical, and unsparing toward both government power and perceived lapses in the justice system. The tone is opinionated (“How are these people allowed to go on having children?”), with brisk transitions between national politics, law enforcement, and grim true crime. Kelly’s framing leans toward suspicion of official narratives and defense of “no BS” candor.

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Conclusion

This AM Update packs a fast-paced, comprehensive rundown of pressing national stories—Trump’s aggressive crime policy, the controversial raid on John Bolton, and a harrowing child murder case—offering sharp commentary, bipartisan voices, and a dose of true crime outrage for listeners seeking an unabashed take on the headlines of the day.

Transcript

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[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, August 25, 2025. Happy birthday, Doug Brunt and this is your AM update.

[Donald Trump]

After we do this, we'll go to another location and we'll make it safe. Also is a mess President Trump reportedly.

[Megyn Kelly]

Planning to mobilize the National Guard in Chicago as part of an overall effort to help blue cities fix their crime problems.

[J.D. Vance]

We are investigating Ambassador Bolton, but if they ultimately bring a case, it will be because they determine that he has broken the law.

[Megyn Kelly]

The FBI raids former national security Advisor to Trump 1.0 and current Trump critic John Bolton's home. The media calls it retribution and the parents of missing baby Emmanuel Harrow arrested on suspicion of murder. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. I've been talking a lot lately about Riverbend Ranch and that's because I love their steaks. Riverbend Ranch has taken Black Angus beef to a whole new level. For the last 35 years, Riverbend Ranch has been creating a very elite Angus herd by using ultrasound to select genetically superior cattle with a focus on flavor and tenderness. When you buy from Riverbend Ranch, you are not only supporting the 64 Cowboys and Cowgirls and their families who work on the ranch, but you're also supporting over 260 other US ranches and the hundreds of American families who work on those ranches. It is born in the USA, raised in the USA and processed in the USA. It is aged to perfection for 21 days and shipped directly from the ranch to your home. This is not your average Black Angus beef, so order from Riverbendranch.com and use the promo code Megan for 20 bucks off your first order and let me know what you think. Riverbendranch.com promo code Megan President Trump eyes Chicago as the next Blue City in line for intervention as the White House's takeover of D.C. police in early August leads to a dramatic drop in crime. D.C. metropolitan Police reporting zero homicides from Aug. 14 to Aug. 24, one of the longest murder free stretches in recent years, according to a February report by Rochester Institute of Technology. Prior to the crackdown, D.C. had the fourth highest murder rate per capita in the country. President Trump from the White House on Friday, telling reporters he plans to expand.

[Donald Trump]

The operation after we do this, we'll go to another location and we'll make it safe. Also. We're going to make our country very safe. We're going to make our cities very, very safe. Chicago is a mess. You have an incompetent mayor, grossly incompetent. And we'll straighten that one out probably next. That'll be our next one after this and it won't even be tough. And the people in Chicago, Mr. Vice President, are screaming for us to come. They're wearing red hats, just like this one, but they're wearing red hats. African American ladies, beautiful ladies are saying, please, President Trump come to Chicago, please. I did great with the black vote, as you know, and they want something to happen. So I think Chicago will be our next and then we'll help with New York.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Washington Post reporting on Saturday the Pentagon is working on plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago in what could be a model for other major cities run by Democrats opposed to mobilizing troops. For the past 13 years, Chicago holds the record for most homicides per year in absolute terms of any US city with 573 in 2024. The Post reporting at least a few thousand members of the National Guard could mobilize in Chicago as early as September. Over the weekend, Illinois Governor J.B. pritzker reposting a New York Times op ed headline, quote, Trump's crackdown will make crime worse and writing quote, donald Trump's threat to bring the National Guard to Chicago is not about safety. It's a test of the limits of his power and a trial run for a police state. Illinois has long worked with federal law enforcement to tackle crime. But we won't let a dictator impose his will. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson with a more aggressive response Sunday morning on msnbc. Ms. Now threatening legal action and perhaps a civilian uprising.

[Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson]

You know, look, we're gonna remain firm, we'll take legal action. But the people in this city are accustomed to rising up tyranny. And if that's necessary, I believe that the people of Chicago will stand firm alongside of me as I work every single day to protect the people of this city.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump on Sunday also threatening to send troops into Baltimore. Writing on Truth Social, quote, Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has asked in a rather nasty and provocative tone that I walk the streets of Maryland with him. I assume he is talking about out of control, crime ridden Baltimore. As president, I would much prefer that he clean up this crime disaster before I go there for a walk. Vice President J.D. vance Sunday on NBC saying the administration is aiming to provide an example for all citizens living in crime ridden cities.

[J.D. Vance]

If you look for example, at the murder rate in D.C. it rivals some of the worst cities, the most violent cities anywhere in the world. That's a disgrace for our nation. That's a disgrace for the residents who live in D.C. who just want to take their kids to a park or walk down Union Station or take their family out for a bite to eat without being accosted by a vagrant or a violent criminal. We don't have to live like this. My message to my fellow citizens here in D.C. or all across the country would be that allowing vagrants and armed robberies to take over your city, that's a policy choice. What President Trump is showing is that if you just empower local law enforcement to arrest and prosecute the bad guys, we can take back American streets.

[Megyn Kelly]

FBI agents raiding the home and office of former Trump administration National Security Advisor and current Trump critic John Bolton. On Friday morning, the FBI reportedly investigating whether Bolton sent classified documents to his family from a private email server while working in the White House under the first Trump administration prior to his departure from the White House in 2019. The raid reviving a long standing dispute between President Trump and John Bolton. In 2020, the Trump administration unsuccessfully sued to stop publication of Bolton's memoir, alleging it contained classified information. Article 3 Project founder and Trump insider Mike Davis telling Real Clear Politics his prediction is, quote, Democrats, RINOs and reporters who think this raid on John Bolton is about his book will be very embarrassed when the search warrant becomes public. The investigation reportedly frozen under the Biden administration and reopened under FBI Director Kash Patel, who posted on X shortly after the raid began, quote, no one is above the law. FBI agents on a mission. Attorney General Pam Bondi adding, quote, america's safety isn't negotiable. Justice will be pursued always. President Trump asked about the raid on Friday.

[Donald Trump]

Mr. President, have you been briefed on the FBI raid of John Bolton? No, I don't know about it. I saw it on television this morning. I'm not a fan of John Bull. He's a not a smart guy, but he could be a very unpatriotic guy. I mean, we're going to find out. I know nothing about it. I just saw it this morning. They did a raid.

[Megyn Kelly]

Establishment media portraying the raid as another sign of authoritarian retribution on the President's enemies.

[James O'Keefe]

And this is the latest indication the Trump administration is targeting the President's political enemies.

[Megyn Kelly]

It looks like it's just more revenge and more retribution on his political enemies.

[Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson]

He said he was going to go after all of these individuals, and one by one, he's slowly doing that.

[Megyn Kelly]

Vice President J.D. vance, Sunday on NBC, reacting to that criticism. Is Ambassador Bolton being targeted because he's a critic of President Trump?

[J.D. Vance]

No, not at all. And in fact, if we were trying to do that, we would just throw out prosecutions willy nilly, like the Biden administration. DOJ did, prosecutions that later got thrown out in court. If we bring a case, and of course, we haven't done that yet. The Department of Justice has not done that yet. We are investigating Ambassador Bolton. But if they ultimately bring a case, it will be because they determine that he has broken the law. We're gonna be careful about that. We're gonna be deliberate about that because we don't think that we should throw people, even if they disagree with us politically, maybe especially if they disagree with us politically. You shouldn't throw people willy nilly in prison.

[Megyn Kelly]

Former FBI deputy director Andy McCabe, who was fired in 2018 for unauthorized leaks and quote, lack of candor, meaning lying to investigators. A decision ultimately overturned by a court shortly after President Biden took office, bashing Director Patel on CNN as the raid was ongoing.

[Andy McCabe]

So I should say with respect to the director's social media posting, I mean, it's yet another example of my opinion. Cash Patel failing to live up to the example of his predecessors. This is not the kind of thing that any FBI director has ever done. FBI directors don't gratuitously point towards search warrants and the people who are the targets of those warrants in any sort of way that could possibly be interpreted as grandstanding. So I think the implication here is pretty clear. He wanted to draw attention to this law enforcement, this sensitive law enforcement activity at John Bolton's house, which anytime you draw press attention to a search warrant execution, you are elevating the risk that is posed to both the agents and the occupants at that place. So it's a pretty irresponsible thing to do.

[Megyn Kelly]

So weird. The FBI never tips anyone off. Tell it to journalist and Biden antagonist James o', Keefe, who had his home raided by the FBI and conveniently, the New York Times magically knew all about it in real time.

[James O'Keefe]

I was in handcuffs and I was in my apartment. The FBI had just executed a search warrant against an American journalist and unlawfully and broke the law. And then minutes later, I get a text message from Mike Schmidt, National Security Reporter, New York Times, who somehow he knows all these details. And I don't think the neighbors tipped him off that this is something that he knew he had. Leaks from the Department of Justice.

[Megyn Kelly]

Bolton has not yet been charged or arrested. Coming up, the search for missing baby Emmanuel Harrow takes a chilling turn. Authorities arresting the parents for murder as President Trump is settling into his new administration. One of the top Democrats in Congress aiming to undermine the Trump agenda is Democrat Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois. And according to our sponsor, the Electronic Payments Coalition, Senator Durbin has a new plan, a government takeover of your credit card. Today, Americans have thousands of choices in credit cards, but they say Senator Durbin's plan will result in less competition and less security, which means more risk for your credit and your identity. You can learn more for [e-mail] and you could consider telling your senators to stop Dick Durbin's government takeover of your credit card before it's too late. The parents of missing 7 month old California baby Emmanuel Harrow, 32 year old Jake and 41 year old Rebecca arrested Friday morning for murder as authorities determined a kidnapping did not occur. Baby Emanuel is presumed dead and now it appears the father Jake, is working with authorities to locate the baby's remains. The San Bernardino Sheriff's Office releasing a statement last night, quote, this afternoon a search for Emanuel Harrow was conducted in Moreno Valley. Investigators were assisted by cadaver dogs. Jake Harrow was at the location with detectives. The search has concluded and Emmanuel was not located. RMG News capturing photos of Jake clad in a red jumpsuit and handcuffs wading through the brush with investigators. Moreno Valley is an approximately 30 minute drive from the Harrow home in Cabazon. Rebecca reported her son missing on August 14, claiming he was kidnapped from a sporting goods store parking lot, telling authorities she was knocked out by an unknown person who said hola while changing baby Emanuel's diaper. And when she awoke, the baby was gone. Rebecca speaking out Sunday morning from jail to a Southern California newsgroup reporter maintaining her story, quote, I want to be out looking for my baby. It is unclear if she was then or is now aware of Jake's apparent cooperation with authorities. Over the last week, investigators increasingly turning attention on the Harrow home, reportedly searching it with cadaver dogs, seizing a vehicle and electronic devices. In 2023, Jake was convicted of willful child cruelty. A local hospital alerting authorities when his then 10 week old baby daughter from a previous marriage was brought in with a suspected broken rib, only for doctors to then discover multiple healing fractures, the details of which we won't go back into here. The Orange County Register reporting Rebecca was aware of her husband's previous child cruelty case. Rebecca describing their relationship as, quote, wonderful. Rebecca saying, quote, he's a good dad. He would never hurt a baby. Oh please. That baby girl whom he absolutely did hurt, who is now 7, was left unable to see, walk or talk as a result of the injuries her, quote, father inflicted upon her. She is now in the custody of a relative for that despicable crime. Jake was sentenced to a mere 180 days, reportedly serving only one day in jail for booking the remainder in a work release program run by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. How are these people allowed to go on having children? Why isn't there mandated chemical castration? Serious question. Prior to his Friday arrest, Jake was due back in court on a parole violation related to the child abuse case, according to the Daily Mail, detectives searching the Harrow residence on Friday. News Nation reporting investigators believe Jake is responsible for killing Emmanuel. The network reporting blood was found inside the home that all photos of Emanuel and the baby's clothing had been removed. True Crime journalist Annie Elise reporting extended family had not seen Emanuel for at least a month prior to his disappearance. Authorities also confirming another child in the Harrow household was removed by Child Protective Services police booking Jake and Rebecca in a Riverside county jail without bail, saying no other suspects remain outstanding. The area where the Harrow family lives surrounded by miles of rough terrain, providing a daunting challenge to the investigators as the search for Emanuel's remains continues. A tentative court date for the Harrows set for Tuesday 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.

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