Trump Secures Major NATO Win, Admin Pushes Back Against Intel Leaks to Media: AM Update 6/26

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show - Detailed Summary

Episode Title: Trump Secures Major NATO Win, Admin Pushes Back Against Intel Leaks to Media: AM Update 6/26
Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly
Platform: SiriusXM

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1. Defense of U.S. Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Facilities

Overview: The episode opens with a robust defense of the Trump administration's recent military strikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities. Megyn Kelly discusses the administration's response to skeptical reports from major media outlets like CNN and The New York Times, which questioned the extent of the damage inflicted.

Key Points:

• Media Scrutiny: CNN and The New York Times reported doubts about the effectiveness of the strikes, suggesting that the initial damage assessments were of "low confidence" (Transcript [00:39] - [04:00]).
• Administration's Stance: President Trump asserts that additional intelligence confirms the obliteration of the targeted sites. He states, “The site is obliterated, and we think everything nuclear is down there” ([03:35]).
• Support from Officials:
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio elaborates on the specific damages to Iranian facilities in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordeaux, emphasizing the "substantial, lasting damage" done ([04:45] - [04:00]).
  • CIA Statement: Affirms that credible intelligence indicates severe damage to Iran's nuclear program.
  • International Support: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission corroborate the extended setbacks to Iran's nuclear capabilities.
• Leak Investigation: President Trump highlights an ongoing FBI investigation into internal leaks that compromised the preliminary, top-secret damage reports, criticizing CNN and The New York Times for misrepresenting the situation ([05:49] - [05:57]).

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump ([03:35]): “The site is obliterated, and we think everything nuclear is down there.”
• Marco Rubio ([04:00]): “Substantial, lasting damage was done to their program. We will learn more and more about it.”
• Pete Hegseth ([05:55]): “It was low confidence.”

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2. Triumph at the NATO Summit

Overview: Megyn Kelly highlights President Trump's significant achievement at the NATO Summit in The Hague, where he secured a pivotal commitment from NATO allies to increase their defense spending.

Key Points:

• Defense Spending Agreement: NATO allies agreed to raise their defense budgets to 5% of their GDPs, a substantial increase from the longstanding 2% benchmark. Trump emphasizes this as a "monumental win for the United States" ([07:25] - [07:52]).
• US Leadership Affirmed: Trump notes that since his election, allies have accelerated their plans to meet the new targets, projecting an addition of over $1 trillion annually to collective defense ([07:25]).
• Personal Diplomacy: The rapport between Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is showcased, including their candid and affectionate exchanges, notably Rutte referring to Trump as "Daddy" ([08:08] - [09:00]).
• Media Contrast: Kelly contrasts the positive interactions at the summit with previous negative portrayals by outlets like The New York Times, which had criticized Trump's approach to NATO in 2018.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump ([07:25]): “When the allies reach this number, it will add more than $1 trillion a year to our common defense.”
• Mark Rutte ([08:23]): “Do you regard your NATO allies... as kind of like children?”
• Donald Trump ([08:35]): “No, he likes me... 'Daddy. You're my daddy.'”

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3. Updates on the Sean Diddy Combs Trial

Overview: The segment provides an update on the high-profile trial of Sean Diddy Combs, focusing on recent prosecutorial strategies and the current status of the case.

Key Points:

• Prosecutorial Adjustments: The prosecution announced the removal of three predicate acts (attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking) from the racketeering conspiracy charge, though charges for actual crimes remain.
• Legal Implications: For a conviction on racketeering, prosecutors must demonstrate that Combs led a criminal enterprise engaged in a pattern of activity involving two or more predicate crimes.
• Current Status: Despite media reports, Combs still faces charges of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. Closing arguments are set to begin the day of the episode, with Combs maintaining his innocence.

Notable Quotes:

• Megyn Kelly ([14:54] - [15:03]): "Policies that are giving tax breaks to billionaires, racking up deficits, taking away Medicare, Medicaid from ordinary people."

(Note: The quoted timestamps here may overlap with other sections. Adjust as per accurate segmentation.)

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4. House Speaker Mike Johnson on President Trump's Legislative Agenda

Overview: House Speaker Mike Johnson discusses the Republican-led efforts to pass President Trump's comprehensive legislative package, set against a tight deadline.

Key Points:

• Legislative Goals: Republicans aim to pass the bill by July 4th using the reconciliation process, which allows passage with a simple majority in the Senate, bypassing the usual 60-vote threshold.
• Bill Provisions: The legislation includes funding for the southern border wall, mass deportations, new ICE agents, permanent 2017 tax cuts, and Medicaid reforms.
• Republican Defenses vs. Democratic Criticism:
  • Republican Stance: Johnson argues the bill restores "common sense" by reforming Medicaid to better target those in need, introducing work requirements, and claiming high public approval ([15:18] - [16:11]).
  • Democratic Opposition: Democrats accuse the bill of favoring the wealthy with tax cuts while jeopardizing healthcare for 13.7 million Americans. Pete Hegseth labels the bill as harmful to ordinary people and overly beneficial to billionaires ([14:54] - [15:03]).
• Reactions to Opposition: Johnson criticizes Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett for opposing the military strike on Iran, branding her and other Democrats as lacking effective policies and coherence ([17:28] - [18:00]).
• Legislative Outlook: Discussions indicate optimism about passing the bill, with Speaker Johnson emphasizing the epic nature of a possible signing ceremony on Independence Day and the bill's historical significance ([16:11] - [16:29]).

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Johnson ([15:21]): “What we are doing is restoring common sense.”
• Pete Hegseth ([14:54]): “A bill that will throw 13.7 million Americans off their healthcare coverage...”
• Mike Johnson ([17:28]): “I would like Jasmine Crockett to have the platform everywhere to talk all the time.”

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5. Addressing Media and Political Opposition

Overview: Megyn Kelly addresses the media's portrayal of President Trump's achievements, contrasting recent positive developments with past negative coverage.

Key Points:

• Media Criticism vs. Accomplishments: Kelly criticizes outlets like The New York Times for undermining Trump's successes, particularly regarding NATO and military actions, by focusing on internal discord and questioning the fulfillment of defense spending commitments.
• Highlighting Successes: Emphasis is placed on the actual achievements at the NATO Summit and the securement of substantial commitments from allies, which the media had previously downplayed or criticized.
• Support for Trump's Actions: Kelly underscores the administration's decisive actions against Iran's nuclear program, arguing that such steps warrant praise rather than mockery from the media.

Notable Quotes:

• Megyn Kelly ([09:35] - [09:36]): “I mean, would you ever think that this would be the result of this summit if he would not have been reelected president?”
• Megyn Kelly ([09:36] - [10:00]): “The media was quick to mock the friendly exchange without crediting Mr. Trump for his accomplishments.”

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6. Upcoming Events and Additional Updates

Overview: Kelly provides a preview of upcoming topics and events, including a major news conference by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth focusing on American pilots and ongoing legislative efforts.

Key Points:

• Pete Hegseth’s News Conference: Scheduled to address issues concerning American pilots and critique media narratives.
• Ongoing Legislative Efforts: Continued focus on passing the comprehensive bill by the July 4th deadline and addressing internal Republican dynamics.

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Megyn Kelly provides a comprehensive update on significant political and military developments. The Trump administration's defense of its military actions against Iran is robustly presented, highlighting support from key officials and international agencies. The successful NATO Summit marks a pivotal moment in U.S. foreign relations, with substantial defense commitments secured from allies. Domestically, the focus shifts to the Republican-led legislative push to pass a sweeping bill encompassing border security, tax reforms, and healthcare changes, amidst fierce opposition from Democrats. The episode underscores ongoing tensions between the administration and the media, as well as intra-party dynamics within Congress.

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Note: This summary excludes promotional segments and advertisements present in the transcript, focusing solely on the substantive content discussed during the episode.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

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[Donald Trump]

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[Megyn Kelly]

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[Donald Trump]

President Trump keep what works.

[Megyn Kelly]

Don't repeal energy tax credits. Learn more at BuiltForAmerica US paid for by Built for America. Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Thursday, June 26, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Marco Rubio]

We will learn more and more about it, but the baseline is real. Damage was done. Of that we're very confident.

[Megyn Kelly]

Trump officials slamming reporting by CNN and the New York Times casting doubt on the level of damage inflicted on three key Iranian nuclear facilities. And then daddy has to sometimes use strong language.

[Donald Trump]

He did. He did it very affectionately. Daddy, you're my daddy.

[Megyn Kelly]

Moments at the NATO summit as President Trump secures a huge win, closing arguments in the Sean Diddy Combs trial set to begin today, and House Speaker Mike Johnson's message to Democrat Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. It's time you've heard about Riverbend Ranch. Riverbend Ranch is located just a few miles from West Yellowstone, Montana, and is known as one of the most respected Angus ranches in the nation. Angus beef is known for its great flavor and tenderness, but the cattle at Riverbend Ranch are not your average Angus cattle. 35 years ago, using ultrasound technology, the owner of Riverbend Ranch began scouring the nation to identify specific purebred Angus cows that genetically produce a higher level of marbling and tenderness than normal Angus cattle. After over 30 years of careful selection and breeding, Riverbend Ranch develop beef that has superior flavor and tenderness. They take great pride in the humane treatment of their herd. The cattle spend their days in lush mountain meadows of Idaho, Montana and Wyoming, and they're raised without the use of artificial growth hormones or antibiotics. This is real American beef, born in America, raised in America and processed in America. And the beef is shipped directly from the ranch to your home. Go to Riverbendranch.com, use promo code Megan to get $20 off on your first order. It's absolutely delicious. You can taste the difference. Riverbendranch.com promo code Megan. The Trump administration slamming reporting from CNN and the New York Times casting doubt on the effectiveness of the US Strike on three key Iranian nuclear facilities. CNN reporting an early US intel assessment suggests the strikes did not destroy the nuclear sites, citing descriptions provided by, quote, unquote, people familiar with the assessment. CNN omitting from its initial report that these conclusions were deemed, quote, low confidence. The New York Times citing, quote, officials familiar with the findings, reporting the initial damage assessment suggests President Trump's claim that the nuclear facilities were obliterated is an overstatement and saying much of the stockpile of enriched uranium was moved to another location prior to the strike. The Times, too, failing to reveal in its initial report that these conclusions were deemed, quote, unquote, low confidence. President Trump on Wednesday from the NATO summit in the Netherlands saying the papers have it wrong, citing new information that supports the administration's view that key sites were, in fact, destroyed.

[Donald Trump]

Since then, we've collected additional intelligence. We've also spoken to people have seen the site and the site. The site is obliterated, and we think everything nuclear is down there. They didn't take it out. We think we hit them so hard and so fast they didn't get to move. And if you knew about that material, it's very hard and very dangerous to move.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio from the Hague, providing more detail on the damage each facility sustained.

[Marco Rubio]

So in Isfahan, there was this conversion site, which is how you turn this metal into something that's useful, that's wiped out. And so they can't do that today. Beyond that, all of the support structures around it as well. In Natanz, which is also an underground facility, basically the Israelis have put a lot of damage on it. And then the United States went in with two additional heavy munitions that penetrated into the ground and did more damage. The hard one, the one that was really difficult, is Fordeaux because it's buried underneath a mountain. There's no doubt in our minds it's very significant. Substantial, lasting damage was done to their program. We will learn more and more about it. But the baseline is real damage was done. Of that we're very confident. We dropped 12 of these things into these holes. I mean, it's not like we just did a couple and see how it went.

[Megyn Kelly]

The CIA, too, releasing a statement on Wednesday afternoon. CIA can confirm that a body of credible intelligence indicates Iran's nuclear program has been severely damaged. Key Iranian nuclear facilities were destroyed and would have to be rebuilt over the course of years. The International Atomic Energy Agency, or iaea, a nuclear watchdog tasked with monitoring Iran's nuclear program, supporting the administration's assessment. The organization's director general saying in a statement, quote, during these attacks, we have seen extensive damage at several nuclear sites in Iran, including its uranium conversion and enrichment facilities. The Israeli Atomic Energy Commission concluding the US Strikes in combination with the Israeli strikes, quote, set back Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years. And a spokesman for the Iranian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday saying, quote, our nuclear installations have been badly damaged. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday providing additional context to the CNN and New York Times reporting and putting the leakers on notice.

[Donald Trump]

When you actually look at the report, by the way, it was a top secret report. It was preliminary.

[Pete Hegseth]

It was low confidence.

[Donald Trump]

All right, so this isn't, you make assessments based on what, you know, said. It could be very devastating, very serious, moderate to severe, and we believe far more likely severe and obliterated. We're doing a leak investigation with the FBI right now because this information is for internal purposes, battle damage assessments. And CNN and others are trying to spin it to make the president look bad when this was an overwhelming success.

[Megyn Kelly]

As for future plans to reach a new nuclear deal, President Trump saying Wednesday it's not necessary.

[Donald Trump]

They fought, the war's done. And, you know, I could get a statement that they're not going to go nuclear. We're probably going to ask for that, but they're not going to be doing it. But they're not going to be doing it anyway. They've had it. They've had it. Now maybe someday in the future we'll want that. But I've asked Marco, do you want to draw? I just asked him the question as we were walking on the stage. You want to draw up a little agreement for them to sign? Because I think we can get him to sign it. I don't think it's necessary.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Wednesday, the NATO summit concluding at the Hague, the meeting between member nations striking a particularly collegial mood in contrast to the typical media portrayal of President Trump as a bully and unreliable ally to the U.S. s longstanding partners. President Trump securing a key victory at the summit, with NATO's allies agreeing to boost defense spending targets to 5% of their respective GDPs, more than doubling the long standing benchmark of 2%. President Trump touting the win at a NATO press conference.

[Donald Trump]

And following my election last November, almost all have accelerated plans to reach the 2%, 3%, 4%, and then ultimately, very quickly, 5%. When the allies reach this number, it will add more than $1 trillion a year to our common defense. And this is a monumental win for the United States because we were carrying much more than our fair share was quite unfair, actually.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Ruda Appearing to really hit it off throughout the summit. This moment between Mr. Trump and Mr. Ruda, who is the former prime Minister of the Netherlands, discussing the recent ceasefire deal with Israel and Iran quickly going viral.

[Donald Trump]

They've had a big fight, like two kids in a schoolyard. You know, they fight like hell. You can't stop them. Let them fight for about two, three minutes, then it's easier to stop them.

[Megyn Kelly]

And then Daddy has to sometimes use strong language against President Trump. Asked about that comment later in the.

[Mark Rutte]

Day, Mark Rutter, the NATO chief, who is your friend, he called you Daddy earlier. Do you regard your NATO allies as kind of children?

[Donald Trump]

No, he likes me. I think he likes me. If he doesn't, I'll let you know. I'll come back and I'll hit him hard, okay? He did it very affectionately. Daddy. You're my daddy.

[Mark Rutte]

Do you regard your NATO allies, though, as kind of like children? And they're obviously listening to you and they're spending more and you're obviously appreciative of that. But do you hope that actually they're going to be able to defend themselves, defend Europe on their own?

[Donald Trump]

I think they need help a little bit at the beginning, and I think they'll be able to, and I think they're going to remember this day. And this was a big day for NATO.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary General Ruda also asked on Wednesday about his attitude toward President Trump.

[Mark Rutte]

The language that you have used when talking to Donald Trump has been notable because of its flattery. Today you called him Daddy and you sent a text message to him that was gushing with praise. Is this the way that you feel you have to act when doing business with the US President through flattery and.

[Megyn Kelly]

Praise, when he is doing stuff which is forcing us to, for example, when it comes to making more investments? I mean, would you ever think that this would be the result of this summit if he would not have been reelected president? So doesn't he deserve some grace? And when it comes to Iran, the fact that he took this decisive action very targeted, to make sure that Iran would not be able to get his hands on a nuclear capability, I think he deserves all the praise. The media was quick to mock the friendly exchange without crediting Mr. Trump for his accomplishments. Contrast that with the New York Times in 2018 After Mr. Trump's NATO appearance, which the Times called, quote, an assault on norms that left NATO, quote, distracted and shaken. The Times accusing Mr. Trump of, quote, stirring discord by threatening to leave NATO if other nations did not pay their fair share. The Times describing the day as unsettling for NATO members, adding Mr. Trump got little in the way of concrete results after Wednesday's successful summit. The Times focused on how nations are unlikely to actually live up to the 5% spending pledge and on how not enough attention was paid to Ukraine. Good grief. Late Wednesday, President Trump announcing that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth will be holding a major news conference this morning at 8am along with military representatives, the purpose of which is to, quote, fight for the dignity of our great American pilots. The president claiming these pilots were, quote, very upset about the fake news by CNN and the failing New York Times. He added the news conference will prove both interesting and irrefutable. Coming up, House Speaker Mike Johnson weighs in on the looming deadline to pass President Trump's big, beautiful bill and gives his thoughts on rising Democrat star Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. He can't get enough of her Tax Network USA is ready to proudly celebrate our nation's birthday, honoring freedom, resilience and financial independence. To mark the occasion, they are offering 10% off all services through July 4th. If you are dealing with back taxes or you miss the April 15th deadline, don't wait. The IRS is rapidly stepping up enforcement. Penalties can add up quickly, up to 5% per month, maxing out at 25% of your total tax bill just for not filing. And that's on top of what you already owe. But here's the good news. Tax Network USA can still help you turn things around. Whether you are self employed, run a business or your books are a complete mess, their team knows how to cut through the chaos and find solutions that work. Your consultation is always free, and getting ahead of the problem now could help you avoid harsh penalties, wage garnishments or surprise bank levies. Call 800-958-1000 or visit tnusa.com Megan that's 10% off all services through July 4th as part of their celebration of our nation's birthday. Regain control of your finances with expert help from Tax Network usa. The prosecution in the Sean Diddy Combs trial informing the judge ahead of a Wednesday meeting on jury instructions that they are dropping three alleged predicate acts supporting the racketeering conspiracy charge against the mogul. Contrary to what some in the media reported, however, no charges have been dropped against Combs. He is still facing the same charges of sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution and racketeering conspiracy. In order to secure a racketeering conviction, prosecutors must prove Combs was the head of a criminal enterprise engaged in a pattern of criminal activity involving two or more predicate crimes. This latest move simply removing three predicate acts from the list of what jurors will be asked to consider, namely attempted kidnapping, attempted arson, and aiding and abetting sex trafficking. The prosecution is not abandoning its allegations that Combs committed actual arson, actual kidnapping and actual sex trafficking. It's only dropping its predicate act allegations that he attempted or aided and abetted those crimes. Closing arguments set to begin today. Combs has denied all charges. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday, joining the Megyn Kelly show as the self imposed deadline to pass President Trump's one big beautiful bill rapidly approaches. Republicans in Congress aiming to pass the bill by July 4th through a special process known as reconciliation, allowing the House and Senate to pass a budget bill with a simple majority and avoid the 60 vote threshold required to overcome a filibuster in the Senate. House and Senate Republicans working for months on the legislation aiming to provide funding to complete the southern border wall and fully support the Trump administration's mass deportation effort with new ICE agents and new immigration judges. The bill also would make the 2017 Trump tax cuts permanent and deliver on a number of other Trump campaign promises, including no taxes on tips and no taxes on overtime. Republicans also aiming to deliver on Medicaid reform. Democrats criticizing the bill as an effort to give tax cuts to the wealthy at the expense of of the nation's most vulnerable.

[Pete Hegseth]

A bill that will throw 13.7 million Americans off their health care coverage in order to help pay for tax cuts for billionaires.

[Donald Trump]

Policies that are giving tax breaks to billionaires, racking up deficits, taking away Medicare, Medicaid from ordinary people. People will lose their coverage. And why? Why is that? To give tax breaks to the highest end.

[Megyn Kelly]

Speaker Johnson, responding to those allegations.

[Mike Johnson]

What we are doing is restoring common sense. Medicaid is intended to be a temporary safety net for people who desperately need it. You're talking about the elderly, disabled, you know, young, single, pregnant moms who are down on their luck, Right? But it's not being used for those purposes because it's been expanded under the last two Democrat presidents to cover everybody. So you've got a bunch of able bodied young men, for example, who are on Medicaid and not working. So what we're doing is restoring work requirements to Medicaid. Okay? This is common sense. It's about an 85% approval rating in public polling because it makes sense if you are on the public wagon, you need to help pull it. And Megan, all we've done in the bill is add 20 hours a week, okay? A requirement to work for 20 hours a week or be in a job training program looking for a job or volunteer in your community.

[Megyn Kelly]

Over the last several weeks, the Senate negotiating over its version of the bbb. MK Media star Mark Halperin of the show Next up with Mark Halpern calls the passage of the bill a make or break moment for the president's second term. Speaker Johnson on the likelihood of meeting the President's July 4th goal.

[Mike Johnson]

The President and I talk about this multiple times every day and he wants to have a signing ceremony on Independence Day. I mean, it would be epic. It'd be awesome. This would be the most consequential legislation that Congress has passed in generations. And if the Senate does their job as this weekend, we'll stay through and get this thing done. So as quickly as possible under the procedure, I have to let the bill procedurally I have to let the bill lay over for 72 hours once it's delivered to us, obviously, so everyone can read it and go through it and then we'll pass this thing.

[Megyn Kelly]

A Senate GOP a telling AM update. The Senate will likely proceed to the bill on Friday, debating and voting on amendments, planning to vote on final passage sometime this weekend. Speaker Johnson also discussing his Democrat colleague's reaction to President Trump's authorization of the US Military strike on key Iranian nuclear facilities. Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett criticizing the order, saying President Trump unconstitutionally bypassed congressional authority. I'm the one that's supposed to make.

[Mike Johnson]

A fucking decision or at least get a vote.

[Megyn Kelly]

The speaker's reaction.

[Mike Johnson]

I would like Jasmine Crockett to have the platform everywhere to talk all the time. She's the best gift to us possible. I want her to be the face of the Democratic Party. She and AOC can lead them into oblivion. That's fantastic. More Jasmine. Okay. Because it puts on display what these people actually believe, where their party is headed. They have no leader, they have no platform that they can run on. All of their policies have been repudiated. All they have. They're a one trick pony. All they can do is criticize Trump and the Republicans.

[Megyn Kelly]

And that'll do it. For your AM Update, I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on C SiriusXM triumph channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platforms.

[Pete Hegseth]

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