Trump Nears Major Ukraine Deal, NYC Migrant Center Closes, Joy Reid Signs Off: AM Update for 2/25

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Trump Nears Major Ukraine Deal, NYC Migrant Center Closes, Joy Reid Signs Off – AM Update for 2/25

Release Date: February 25, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly
Podcast: The Megyn Kelly Show
Platform: SiriusXM

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Megyn Kelly delves into three pivotal topics shaping the political and social landscape: the nearing deal between the U.S. and Ukraine, the closure of a major migrant processing center in New York City, and significant changes at MSNBC following Joy Reid's departure. The episode is enriched with insights from key political figures and experts, providing listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current events.

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1. U.S.-Ukraine Economic Partnership Deal

Overview:
President Donald Trump announced significant progress in the negotiations for a major economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine. Despite initial tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, both nations are on the verge of finalizing an agreement that promises substantial financial investment and reconstruction efforts in Ukraine.

Key Developments:

• Trump's Statement:
  At [00:09], President Trump stated, "The agreement's being worked on now. They're very close to a final deal." This underscores the administration's commitment to strengthening economic ties with Ukraine.

• Economic Details:
  Ukrainian officials, as reported by Axios and discussed at [02:09], revealed that the deal includes the creation of a reconstruction investment fund co-managed by the U.S. and Ukraine. Ukraine is set to contribute $500 billion, double the U.S. investment, primarily in minerals. This marks a shift from Trump's initial stance, which required Ukraine to repay the U.S. for past support.

• President Trump's Comments:
  At [03:17], Trump elaborates on the deal from the Oval Office:
  "It will be a deal with rare earths and various other things. And he [Zelensky] would like to come, as I understand it, here to sign it."
  He emphasizes the non-military nature of the agreement, focusing solely on economic collaboration without any U.S. military commitments in Ukraine.

• European Involvement:
  French President Emmanuel Macron has been pivotal in rallying European leaders to provide security assurances for Ukraine. Speaking via a translator at [04:33], Macron highlighted Europe's role in shoulder responsibility alongside American allies:
  "Europes shouldering their responsibilities alongside their American allies who will shoulder their own responsibilities."

• Additional Insights:
  Historian Victor Davis Hanson provided context on the geopolitical implications, emphasizing the importance of European cooperation in ensuring regional stability.

Implications:
This deal signifies a strategic move to bolster Ukraine's economy and infrastructure, potentially stabilizing the region and deterring further Russian aggression. By emphasizing an economic over a military approach, the U.S. aims to foster long-term prosperity and resilience in Ukraine.

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2. Closure of NYC's Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Processing Center

Overview:
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel, a key facility used as a migrant processing center since 2023. This decision marks a significant shift in the city's approach to managing migrant influxes and reflects broader national immigration policies.

Key Developments:

• Mayor Adams' Announcement:
  At [09:09], Eric Adams declared, "Our administration has skillfully managed this crisis which has seen over 230,000 migrants into our city asking for shelter." He highlighted the effective handling of migrant processing, leading to the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel.

• Operational Success:
  Adams noted that the Roosevelt Hotel processed nearly 75% of the migrants, facilitating their next steps while saving taxpayers millions. He also revealed plans to close 53 similar sites within a year, reflecting a more streamlined and cost-effective approach.

• Context of the Crisis:
  The Roosevelt Hotel was initially rented under a $220 million contract to provide lodging for thousands of migrants under the Biden administration. The facility became a flashpoint in the immigration debate, especially after Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts led to a massive influx of migrants to New York.

• Policy Changes and Criticism:
  With the impending Trump administration, Adams promised increased cooperation between city and federal officials. However, critics allege that the closure is part of a quid pro quo deal, especially amid dropped corruption charges previously brought by the Biden administration (though Adams denies these allegations).

• Historical Measures:
  The episode references the potential reinstatement of Title 42, an order used during the COVID-19 pandemic to expel migrants on health grounds without asylum processing. This policy, initially implemented under Trump and maintained by Biden until 2023, may see renewed use to manage migration effectively.

Implications:
The closure of the Roosevelt Hotel symbolizes a shift towards more stringent immigration control and cost management in New York City. It also reflects the broader national discourse on immigration policies, federal and local cooperation, and the balance between humanitarian responsibilities and fiscal responsibility.

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3. MSNBC Shake-Up and Joy Reid's Departure

Overview:
MSNBC underwent significant programming changes with the departure of Joy Reid, the network's president and a prominent host. This shake-up indicates a strategic pivot in MSNBC's content and leadership dynamics.

Key Developments:

• Joy Reid's Farewell:
  At [12:46], Joy Reid delivered an emotional goodbye:
  "I just love running into y'all in the airport, on these streets and on social media. I could not love or appreciate you more. Thank you for holding us down almost five years."
  Her departure marks the end of an era for MSNBC, with Reid being the highest-profile figure to exit the network.

• Programming Changes:
  Reid's slot is being filled by a new panel show hosted by Simone Sanders Townsend, Michael Steele, and Alicia Menendez. This shift introduces a diverse panel with backgrounds ranging from senior political advisement to journalism, aiming to capture a varied audience demographic.

• Further Staffing Adjustments:
  Alex Wagner, previously hosting the 9 PM slot four days a week, is demoted to a correspondent role. Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary, is slated to take over the time slot after the initial 100 days of the Trump administration, indicating a strategic alignment with incoming political narratives.

• Impact on Viewer Base:
  Joy Reid's departure is expected to leave a void among loyal viewers. The transition introduces new voices and perspectives, which may alter the network's dynamic and viewer engagement.

• Economic and Political Ramifications:
  The episode touches on MSNBC's decisions reflecting broader trends in media, where high-profile exits and new hires signify shifts in editorial direction and target audiences.

Implications:
MSNBC's restructuring signals an attempt to reinvent its programming to stay competitive in the evolving media landscape. The inclusion of diverse hosts aims to attract a broader audience, while the departure of established figures like Joy Reid may challenge viewer loyalty and network identity.

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Conclusion

In this episode, Megyn Kelly provides a thorough analysis of critical developments in U.S. foreign policy, urban immigration management, and media industry shifts. The nearing U.S.-Ukraine deal highlights strategic economic collaboration amidst geopolitical tensions, while the closure of NYC's migrant center reflects changing immigration strategies and political maneuvering. Additionally, the shake-up at MSNBC underscores the dynamic nature of media landscapes and the continual evolution of network leadership and programming. Kelly's adept navigation of these topics offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the interplay between politics, policy, and media in shaping contemporary discourse.

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Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [00:09]:
  "The agreement's being worked on now. They're very close to a final deal."

• Donald Trump [05:26]:
  "He [Putin] will accept that. I've asked him that question."

• Eric Adams [09:09]:
  "Our administration has skillfully managed this crisis which has seen over 230,000 migrants into our city asking for shelter."

• Joy Reid [12:46]:
  "Thank you for holding us down almost five years. We are a toddler and we out in these streets, in this world and we are not going to stop."

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For more in-depth discussions and updates, tune into The Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111, live at noon Eastern Time, or listen via YouTube and all major podcast platforms.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, February 25, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[Donald Trump]

The agreement's being worked on now. They're very close to a final deal.

[Megyn Kelly]

Despite some tension between Presidents Trump and Zelensky, the US And Ukraine are close to signing an agreement. As the US Prepares to make a significant financial investment into Ukraine, European leaders step up to provide security assurances.

[Eric Adams]

We're able to announce the closure this we are closing 53 sites within the span of a year.

[Megyn Kelly]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announces the closure of the four star hotel that was used as a command center to receive thousands of migrants under the Biden administration. And a major shakeup at MSNBC leaves viewers without any joy. All that and more coming up on your AM Update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

Despite many public barbs and expressions of discontent, the US And Ukraine are reportedly within inches of signing a deal that would forge an extended economic partnership. The latest details confirmed to Axios by Ukrainian officials call for a reconstruction investment fund. The US And Ukraine will be co managers. The Ukrainians will contribute 500 billion to the fund, double what the US will put in expected to take the form of minerals. This appears to be a compromise from President Trump's initial position that Ukraine would have to pay the US Back for its support over the last three years. The draft of the agreement reads, quote, the government of the United States of America intends to provide a long term financial commitment to the development of a stable and economically prosperous Ukraine. The fund will invest in projects in Ukraine, which they hope will lure other investors into Ukraine, along with new development prospects. Further details from the agreement stipulate some direct repayment to the US for its aid, though the exact terms remain unclear. President Trump commented on the agreement from the Oval Office yesterday while hosting French President Emmanuel Macron.

[Donald Trump]

I will be meeting with President Zelensky. In fact, he may come in this week or next week to sign the agreement and which would be nice. I'd love to meet him. We'd meet at the Oval Office. So the agreement is being worked on now. They're very close to a final deal. It will be a deal with rare earths and various other things. And he would like to come, as I understand it, here to sign it. And that would be great with me. I think they then have to get it approved by their counsel or whoever might approve it, but I'm sure that will happen.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump stating the war could end within weeks, quote, if they are smart. Terms of the deal do not include any type of US Military commitment in Ukraine. It is purely an economic proposition backed by the idea that an area of strong financial interest for America will not be an easy target for the wandering eye of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since taking office, President Trump repeatedly stated his expectation is for European leaders to take more of a lead in protecting Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron has been a leader in rallying European leaders to contribute more, holding two emergency sessions to coordinate Europe's response. Mr. Macron spoke about those efforts yesterday at the White House via a translator.

[Emmanuel Macron]

And we've also been able to speak about some of this work with our British partners to talk about deployments of peace forces on Ukrainian soil, which are part of these security guarantees. Other countries are ready to join in this effort. We have the same wish, the renewal of an international situation where we are all able to shoulder our responsibilities. Europeans shouldering their responsibilities alongside their American allies who will shoulder their own responsibilities. Europeans need to do more for security in Europe, for for defense in Europe, and to more fairly share the security burden that your country has been carrying for so many years.

[Megyn Kelly]

Earlier in the day, President Trump was asked if President Putin will accept European troops in Ukraine as peacekeepers. The president responding from the Oval yeah.

[Donald Trump]

He will accept that. I've asked him that question.

[Megyn Kelly]

You talked to me.

[Donald Trump]

I've asked him that question. Look, if we do this deal, he's not looking for more words, but I've specifically asked him that question. He has no problem with it President.

[Megyn Kelly]

Trump says at some point he will meet with Mr. Putin over the weekend, Russia's deputy foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, telling Russian state media the groundwork for the summit is underway and topics will include wider talks on global issues, not just the war in Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to visit the White House on Thursday for further discussions on European participation in Ukraine's security. Meanwhile, in Germany, the potential next chancellor is telling his European counterparts the US Cannot be relied on. Friedrich Mertz, hot off his Sunday election win, criticizing the Trump administration's approach to negotiations with Russia, saying the attempt to make a deal with Russia on Ukraine, in his view without the Europeans or Ukraine is unacceptable. Mr. Mertz saying if they do not just make America first, but America alone their motto, then it will be difficult. He followed up on that comment with optimism that he will succeed in maintaining the transatlantic partnership. But before Mr. Mertz can shape Germany's foreign policy, he has to secure his own path to power at home. Germany's parliamentary system means parties have to form coalitions. Mertz's center right coalition secured just 29% of the seats. In second place, the AfD, the Alternative for Germany party. They won about 21% of the seats. The conservative government voted for by about half of the German population will likely not come to fruition. However, historian Victor Davis Hansen explained further on the Megyn Kelly show yesterday constructive criticism.

[Victor Davis Hanson]

It says we want you to live up to your Western obligations to ensure free speech. And it's going to make it much worse because if you took the AFD's vote and Mertz's vote, it's about 50, 51% of the people and they should have a conservative government. Yes, but he's going to reach out to the Green Party and the Social Democrats and there's not going to be a conservative voice in Germany and that's going to make people even angrier after they they feel they voted for a conservative majority.

[Megyn Kelly]

Coming up, New York City Mayor Eric Adams says the Roosevelt Hotel converted migrant processing facility is closing and a big shake up at MSNBC leaves viewers joyless.

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[Megyn Kelly]

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announcing the closure of the Roosevelt Hotel, used as a processing center and migrant shelter. Since 2023.

[Eric Adams]

Our administration has skillfully managed this crisis which has seen over 230,000 migrants into our city asking for shelter. And the Roosevelt Hotel has been key in allowing us to effectively manage our operation processing almost 75% of individuals that have come into our care through these doors. Now, thanks to the sound policy decisions of our team, we're able to announce the closure of this site and help even more asylum seekers take the next steps in their journeys while simultaneously saving taxpayers millions of dollars. With this closure, we are closing 53 sites within the span of a year.

[Megyn Kelly]

A flashpoint of the immigration debate, the four star accommodation rented out by taxpayers under a $220 million contract providing lodging for thousands of migrants brought in under the Biden administration. The city quickly began to collapse amid the influx of migrants bussed to the city by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. The 4,000 migrants arriving per week in New York at that time just a tiny fraction of the onslaught Texas was dealing with along the southern border. In December, Mayor Adams office reported that the arrivals had fallen to just 800. New York City is a sanctuary city with a right to housing, meaning the city was barred from cooperating with ICE officials and they were required to provide shelter for all new arrivals. The Roosevelt Hotel and other shelters will officially close by June of this year with the arrival of the Trump administration. Mayor Adams promised to increase cooperation between city and federal officials. Critics of the mayor say this closure is the product of a quid pro quo deal. Mayor Adams was facing corruption charges brought by under the Biden administration. They were dropped by the Trump doj. Mayor Adams denies the allegations. He began publicly speaking out about the immigration crisis in the summer of 2023 saying quote, our cup has basically runneth over. We have no more room in the city. Documents obtained by CBS suggest the Trump administration is preparing to implement Title 42, the order used during COVID to expel incoming migrants on the grounds of health concerns without entertaining any asylum claims. Title 42 was first implemented under Trump 1.0. The Biden administration kept it in place until 2023. CBS reporting the CDC is planning to issue an order labeling the illegal immigrants as a public health risk. In May 2024, a measles outbreak in Chicago was traced back to a migrant shelter. Joy Reid, out of a job as MSNBC's new president, makes major programming changes. Reid is the highest profile star of the network to get the axe, though others are now going too. In December, Reid was reportedly required to take a pay cut from her alleged $3 million salary in order to hold on to her chair. Never a good sign. The network plans to fill the time slot with a panel show hosted by Simone Sanders Townsend, who previously worked as a senior adviser to Kamala Harris Michael Steele, never Trumper, who at one point headed the rnc, and left wing journalist Alicia Menendez, the daughter of former Democratic Senator Bob Menendez. The final episode of the readout aired last night.

[Joy Reid]

The readout worked because everybody from the interns on up put their whole heart into it. Much love to everybody, everybody who made the readout Great shout out to our amazing readers, our audience. I just love running into y'all in the airport, on these streets and on social media. I could not love or appreciate you more. Thank you, thank you, thank you for holding us down almost five years. We are a toddler and we out in these streets, in this world and we are not going to stop.

[Megyn Kelly]

Those four viewers are really going to miss her. Alex Wagner, host of the 9pm slot four days per week is getting a demotion to correspondent. Former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki will take over that time slot after the conclusion of the first hundred days of the Trump administration. That's when Rachel Maddow goes back to work, hosting just one day a week while still earning her $30 million paycheck. Reportedly earning. Hmm. That'll do it. For your AM update, I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show later today live on SiriusXM triumph channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platform. If your small business has a problem, you could say just my luck. But you should say like a good.

[Donald Trump]

Neighbor, State Farm is there and we'll.

[Megyn Kelly]

Help get you back in business. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.