Trump Pushes for Peace, DNC Civil War Over Hogg, Michelle's Inauguration Excuse: AM Update 4/25

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show - Episode Summary Release Date: April 25, 2025

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1. Trump Administration's Efforts Toward a Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal

The episode opens with discussions surrounding the Trump administration's attempts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expresses growing impatience with the stalled negotiations, emphasizing the complexities and deep-seated mistrust hindering progress.

• Marco Rubio on Peace Negotiations (00:09):

  "We may have to conclude that they're so far apart that peace is impossible at this time."

President Trump remains cautiously optimistic, highlighting the collective desire for peace despite significant challenges.

• Donald Trump on Peace Efforts (02:12):

  "I think we're going to, I hope we're going to get there for the sake of a lot of young people that are dying... everybody in NATO... they want to see this thing happen."

However, recent developments cast doubt on these prospects. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal, labeling it as overly favorable to Russia. The proposed plan included formal U.S. recognition of Crimea as Russian territory—a move Ukraine vehemently opposes.

• Volodymyr Zelensky on Peace Proposal (04:02):

  "We issued a very explicit proposal... it's time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process."

In response to Ukraine's rejection and Russia's intensified attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, President Trump took to Truth Social to criticize Zelensky's stance, calling it "very harmful" and attributing difficulties in settling the war to such positions.

• Donald Trump on Truth Social (02:40 & subsequent):

  "I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv... Let's get the peace deal done."

Secretary Rubio also addressed misinformation regarding the peace deal, denying any discussions about lifting sanctions on Russia as part of the negotiations.

• Marco Rubio on Sanctions (02:57):

  "This is unequivocally false. Neither Steve Witkoff nor I have had any conversations about lifting sanctions against Russia as part of a deal with Ukraine."

The administration faces heightened tensions as Russia escalates its military actions, with reports indicating a significant increase in missile and drone strikes targeting Kyiv, resulting in numerous casualties.

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2. Internal Strife Within the Democratic National Committee (DNC)

A significant portion of the episode delves into the brewing conflict within the DNC, sparked by Vice Chair David Hogg's controversial initiative to unseat incumbent Democrats in safe districts. Hogg, known for his activism following the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has launched a $20 million campaign aimed at revitalizing the party by replacing what he perceives as ineffective members.

• David Hogg on Challenging Incumbents (00:24 & 08:45):

  "If you want to challenge incumbents, you're more than free to do that, but just not as an officer of the DNC."

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries supports the initiative, framing it as a necessary move to elect more effective Democrats and address the party's low approval ratings.

• Hakeem Jeffries on DNC Initiatives (07:19):

  "We're looking to elect the most effective Democrats possible... our party is in a moment of crisis."

In contrast, DNC Chairman Ken Martin defends the current incumbents, emphasizing their dedication and effectiveness in their communities and criticizing Hogg's approach as detrimental to party unity.

• Ken Martin on Hogg's Campaign (07:59):

  "I'm going to really focus on trying to defeat Republican incumbents so we can take back control of the House of Representatives."

The tension culminates with Martin proposing a neutrality pledge for DNC officers, which would require Hogg to either step back from his role or relinquish his position. Hogg remains defiant, vowing to retain his vice chair role despite the proposed reforms.

• David Hogg’s Response to Neutrality Pledge (08:45):

  "Because our job is to be neutral arbiters. We can't be both the referee and also the player at the same time."

This internal conflict reflects ongoing distrust within the Democratic Party, reminiscent of past controversies such as the 2016 leaked emails and the 2020 primaries.

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3. Department of Justice's Landmark Terrorism Case

The episode highlights a significant legal development as the Department of Justice (DOJ) files its first-ever terrorism case against a high-ranking member of the Venezuelan gang Trenda Aragua. Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, a 24-year-old leader within the gang, faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization and drug trafficking.

• Attorney General Pam Bondi on the Case:

  "These charges represent an inflection point in how this Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle this evil organization."

Designated as a foreign terrorist organization earlier in the year, Trenda Aragua's activities have been a focal point for U.S. international law enforcement efforts. Flores's arrest in Colombia and subsequent charges underscore the administration's commitment to combating transnational gangs and their impact on American communities.

If convicted, Flores faces severe penalties, including life imprisonment and substantial fines, signaling a firm stance against such organizations.

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4. Michelle Obama's Reflections on Skipping Trump's Inauguration

Former First Lady Michelle Obama shares personal insights on her decision to abstain from attending President Trump's inauguration. Speaking on her podcast "IMO" with actress Taraji P. Henson, she delves into the emotional and psychological burdens of her choice.

• Michelle Obama on Skipping the Inauguration (13:07):

  "My decision to skip the inauguration... was met with such ridicule and criticism... I was saying no... it's a hard thing for me to do."

Obama discusses the challenges of prioritizing personal well-being over public expectations, highlighting the societal pressures faced by women, especially black women, in voicing personal pain and setting boundaries.

• Michelle Obama on Expressing Pain (14:44):

  "We grew up with women who weren't voicing the pain... when you make stuff look easy, people assume that you must like this."

She further reflects on the lasting impact of her eight years in the White House, addressing the internal struggles and the process of defining her life on her own terms post-presidency.

• Michelle Obama on Post-White House Life (15:08):

  "I'm at this stage in life where I have to define my life on my terms for the first time... We made it through. We got out alive."

Obama's candid conversation sheds light on the personal costs of public life and the importance of self-care and autonomy in one's personal journey.

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5. Additional Highlights

• DOJ's Stance on the Terrorism Case: The DOJ emphasizes the significance of the Flores case as a turning point in dismantling Trenda Aragua, aiming to protect American families and communities from the gang's destructive influence.

• Public Reactions and Political Implications: The episode touches upon the diverse reactions from political figures and the public regarding the peace negotiations, internal DNC conflicts, and Michelle Obama's personal revelations, illustrating the intricate interplay between personal decisions and broader political narratives.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provides an in-depth analysis of critical geopolitical negotiations involving Russia and Ukraine, exposes internal conflicts within the Democratic Party, highlights landmark legal actions against international criminal organizations, and offers a personal perspective from Michelle Obama on navigating life post-White House. With engaging discussions and notable insights, the episode caters to listeners seeking a comprehensive understanding of current political and social dynamics.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

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

[Marco Rubio]

We may have to conclude that they're so far apart that peace is impossible at this time.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressing an increasing impatience with Russia, Ukraine, peace negotiations as the Trump administration reaches its deadline to strike a deal.

[David Hogg]

As I've said to him, if you want to challenge incumbents, you're more than free to do that, but just not as an officer of the dn.

[Megyn Kelly]

A civil war brews inside the DNC as Vice Chair David Hogg launches an outside campaign to unseat fellow Democrats. And Michelle Obama opens up on skipping the inauguration and the burdens of being her. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. Now more than ever, it's important to shop with brands that share your values. And that's why I want to tell you about Neeme Skincare. Built on faith, family and freedom, Neem Neeme is proudly pro America with products made right here in the usa. They don't shy away from what they believe. While most skincare brands are busy pushing progressive messaging, Neeme never did. And women across the country noticed. And the products, incredible. From gentle cleansers to age defying creams, Neeme offers clean fragrance free formulas. Love the fragrance free that are safe for sensitive skin like mine and powerful enough to deliver real results. Get 10% off your order at Nemi skincare.com by using the code MK at checkout. That's N I M I skincare.com if you're tired of giving your money to companies that do not respect your values, consider making the switch. Nimi Skin Care, where modern skin care meets timeless values. The Trump administration expressing cautious optimism about reaching a Russia, Ukraine peace deal as Ukraine rejects the most recent proposal and Russia ramps up attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. On Thursday, President Trump addressing the ongoing talks while hosting the Norwegian prime minister at the White House.

[Donald Trump]

I don't like that it takes long at all, but I think they both want to make peace. I do believe so. There's a lot of hatred there. There's a lot of very bad blood, a lot of distrust. But I think we're going to, I hope we're going to get there for the sake of a lot of young people that are dying. And I have my own deadline. And we want it to be fast. And the prime minister is helping us. He wants it to be fast, too. And I think everybody in this, you know, at this time in NATO, they want to see this thing happen.

[Megyn Kelly]

The White House previously stating the desire to finish a deal by the 100 day mark of the second Trump administration. President Trump's tone remaining optimistic as other White House officials express an increasing impatience. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a Wednesday interview with the Free Press.

[Marco Rubio]

And I remain, you know, hopeful that we can get something done because this is a terrible war and it needs to end because it has no military solution. There is no military solution to this war. We have to be frank. You know, Russia's not just going to roll over Ukraine and take the whole country and Ukraine's not going to push them all the way back to where they were before 2014. So what I would say we're involved in is understanding what is the Russian position. We have a better understanding of that now because we've actually spoken to them. After three years of not speaking to them, what is the Ukrainian position? And figure out, are these guys even in the same neighborhood? Because if they're in completely different zip codes, then we may have to conclude that they're so far apart that peace is impossible at this time. We've done our best. We put a lot of time and energy at the highest levels of our government. We'll continue to be willing to do so as long as there is a realistic path forward. If at some point we determine that we're just too far apart and not enough movement is happening, we may need to move on to other priorities because there are a lot of important things happening in the world, but ultimately it's not up to us. It's up to Russia and it's up to Ukraine. They have to make the decision that they're willing to move closer to one another.

[Megyn Kelly]

Vice President J.D. vance conveying a similar sentiment earlier this week.

[Volodymyr Zelensky]

We've issued a very explicit proposal to both the Russians and the Ukrainians and it's time for them to either say yes or for the United States to walk away from this process. I feel pretty optimistic about it. I think everybody has been negotiating in good faith. But it's now time, I think, to take, if not the final step, one of the final steps, which is at a broad level, the party saying we're going to stop the killing, we're going to freeze the territorial lines at some level close to where they are today. And we're going to actually put in place the kind of long term diplomatic settlement that hopefully will lead to long term peace.

[Megyn Kelly]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejecting the U. S. Backed peace proposal presented last week in Paris, calling it too biased toward Russia. Mr. Zelensky saying the plan offers clear concessions to Russia and only vague promises to Ukraine. According to Axios, the plan includes formal US Recognition of Crimea as Russian territory, a key demand from Russian President Vladimir Putin, and a red line for President Zelensky. The peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014 in violation of the UN Charter prohibiting member states from using force to change international borders. President Zelensky at a Tuesday presser saying, quote, ukraine will not legally recognize the occupation of Crimea. There is nothing to talk about here. This is against our constitution. President Trump responding on Truth Social calling President Zelensky's stance, quote, very harmful. Writing, quote, crimea was lost years ago under Obama and is not even a point of discussion. It's inflammatory statements like Zelensky's that make it so difficult to settle this war. Multiple outlets including Axios, the Washington Post and Politico reporting the deal also includes lifting Russian sanctions. Secretary Rubio responding to that reporting on X writing, this is unequivocally false. Neither Steve Witkoff nor I have had any conversations about lifting sanctions against Russia as part of a deal with Ukraine in response to President Zelensky's resistance. Russia ramping up attacks against Ukraine on Thursday, launching the deadliest barrage in nine months. CNN reporting 70 missiles and 145 drones striking targets mostly in Kyiv, Ukraine. Emergency services stating at least 12 killed and more than 90 injured across 13 locations, including civilian areas, with the possibility of those numbers increasing as rescue crews search through the rubble. President Trump posting to Truth Social on Thursday, quote, I am not happy with the Russian strikes on Kyiv. Not necessary and very bad timing. Vladimir, stop. 5,000 soldiers a week are dying. Let's get the peace deal done. A civil war brewing within the Democratic National Committee sparked by newly elected Vice Chair David Hogg's plan to use his PAC leaders. We deserve to target members of his own party. Last week, Mr. Hogg, who rose to national prominence as a gun control activist after the 2018 Parkland school shooting, launching a $20 million campaign to unseat Democrats in safe blue districts. His goal, to replace them with candidates he claims will revitalize the party. Mr. Hogg laid out the effort on Friday to Scripps News.

[Hakeem Jeffries]

The work that we're doing is twofold. One, we're looking to elect the most effective Democrats possible. Part of that looks like challenging Democrats that are failing to meet the moment. Right now our party has a 27% approval rating and specifically challenging Democrats that are in safer Democratic seats that in no way shape or form risk US losing a majority in Congress by any means whatsoever. Our party is in a moment of crisis. Our country is a moment of crisis right now, and we have to show people how we are actively working not to push out older people by any means, but push out ineffective people and bring in the most effective leaders that are ready to meet this moment.

[Megyn Kelly]

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Sunday, responding to the announcement, I look forward.

[Ken Martin]

To standing behind every single Democratic incumbent, from the most progressive to the most centrist and all points in between. They're working hard in their communities, rising to the occasion. This past week we had, of course, a Medicaid Matters Day of Action, a safe Social Security Day of action, and we have to continue to do all of the things. That's why we have elections every two years. Primaries are a fact of life. But here's the thing. I'm going to really focus on trying to defeat Republican incumbents so we can take back control of the House of Representatives and begin the process of ending this national nightmare that's being visited upon us by far right extremism.

[Megyn Kelly]

DNC Chairman Ken Martin calling out Mr. Hogg Thursday on NewsNation.

[David Hogg]

As I've said to him, if you want to challenge incumbents, you're more than free to do that, but just not as an officer of the dnc. Because our job is to be neutral arbiters. We can't be both the referee and also the player at the same time. You have to make a decision.

[Megyn Kelly]

The chairman pushing a proposal that would require officers to take a neutrality pledge. Such a pledge would force Mr. Hogg to either step back from his pack or vacate his post within the DNC. Mr. Hogg publicly vowing to fight to keep his position, though political reports Mr. Hogg told two Democrats he is willing to lose the vice chair position. The push for reform comes amid mounting distrust from the party's progressive wing, long critical of the DNC's treatment of outsider candidates. In 2016 leaked DNC emails revealing internal bias against Bernie Sanders, prompting the resignation of then chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. In 2020, similar suspicions arose when Sanders led early, only to see Joe Biden surge after a South Carolina win, boosted by what appeared to be a coordinated exit and endorsement by Pete Buttigieg, Amy klobuchar and Beto O'Rourke just days before Super Tuesday. Chairman Martin's neutrality proposal is expected to be voted on at the DNC's August meeting. Coming up, a first of its kind terrorism case. The DOJ targeting a top member of Venezuelan gang Trenda Aragua and Michelle Obama opens up about skipping the Trump inauguration in January 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 DOJ this week bringing its first first ever terrorism case against an alleged high ranking member of the Trend Aragua gang. President Trump designated the Venezuela based group a foreign terrorist organization earlier this year. The designation allows the Justice Department to prosecute members under federal anti terrorism laws to seize assets to increase penalties and coordinate more closely with international law enforcement. Federal prosecutors charging 24 year old Jose Enrique Martinez Flores with with conspiring to provide and providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization as well as conspiracy and distribution of cocaine in Colombia intended for distribution in the U.S. Mr. Flores apprehended by Colombian officials in March at the request of the American government. He remains in custody there as prosecutors move forward with the charges filed in Texas. According to the indictment, Mr. Flores is a high ranking leader within Trend Aragua's operations in Bogota, Colombia, allegedly orchestrating the delivery of large quantities of cocaine with the proceeds funding the gang's activity. If convicted on all charges, Mr. Flores faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. Attorney General Pam Bondi saying the charges, quote, represent an inflection point in how this Department of Justice will prosecute and ultimately dismantle this evil organization which has destroyed American families and poisoned our communities. How long till the ACLU says we're not allowed to prosecute this guy? Former first lady Michelle Obama opening up on her podcast IMO to actress Taraji P. Henson about burnout boundaries and how hard it is to be her. Mrs. Obama addressing her controversial absence from President Trump's inauguration as a form of.

[Michelle Obama]

But then this is what makes it hard because you know, my decision to skip the inauguration, you know what people don't realize, or my decision to make choices at the beginning of this year that suited me were met with such ridicule and criticism like people couldn't believe that I was saying no. For any other reason that they had to assume that my marriage was falling apart. You know, it's like while I'm here really trying to own my life and intentionally practice making the choice that was right for me. And it took everything in my power to not do the thing that was right or that was. That was perceived as right, but do the thing that was right for me. That was a hard thing for me to do. I had to basically trick myself out of it. And it started with not having anything to wear. I mean, I had affirmatively. Cause I'm always prepared for any funeral, anything. I walk around with the right dress. I travel with clothes just in case something pops off. So I was like, if I'm not going to do this thing, I gotta tell my team. I don't even want to have a dress ready. Right. Because it's so easy to just say, let me do the right thing.

[Megyn Kelly]

Ms. Henson lavishing praise on the former first lady, saying, quote, when do you ever get to live for you, Ms. Obama. Then complaining that as a black woman, she is not allowed to give voice to her pain.

[Michelle Obama]

We grew up with women who. Who weren't voicing the pain.

[Megyn Kelly]

Nope.

[Michelle Obama]

And the burden. They made it look easy. And when you make stuff look easy, people assume that you must like this. Yeah. It's okay with you. Right. Right. You know, we don't articulate as our pain because it's almost like nobody ever gave us permission to do that. And does anyone care? Yeah. There's no. Will they care if that part.

[Megyn Kelly]

If we knew, I think we would.

[Ken Martin]

Care if we knew.

[Michelle Obama]

If we knew or, you know. Yeah. And we have to ask ourselves, the men in our lives is, you know, why wait to be asked? You know, it seems like what we go through is pretty obvious. I mean, maybe we're not complaining, but we're actually living life out loud.

[Megyn Kelly]

She went on to lament how hard she had it in the White House those eight years.

[Michelle Obama]

So I'm at this stage in life where I have to define my life on my terms for the first time. So what are those terms? And going to therapy just to work all that out. Like, what happened that eight years that we were in the White House? What did that do to me internally? My soul? We made it through. We got out alive. I hope we made the country proud. My girls, thank God, are whole. But what happened to me?

[Megyn Kelly]

The white house is 55,000 square feet with 18 acres and a full staff of people who wait on the first family hand and foot. Mrs. Obama now enjoys three luxury mansions, including a seven bedroom, $20 million estate in Martha's Vineyard, a multi million dollar Netflix and book deal, as well as worldwide adulation and two healthy, elite university educated daughters. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megan Kelly. Join me back here for the Megan Kelly show live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megan Kelly and on all podcast platforms. You're the owner of a small business.

[Volodymyr Zelensky]

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