The Megyn Kelly Show – AM Update: October 9, 2025

Main Theme:
Today's episode focuses on a “stunning breakthrough” in Middle East peace, with former President Trump brokering a deal for the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas. Other key news includes James Comey’s court appearance on federal charges, a high-profile California arson arrest, and deepening focus on Antifa as a domestic terror threat.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Israel-Hamas Peace Deal Brokered by Trump (00:32–06:39)

• Historic Hostage Deal:
  After two years of war following the October 7, 2023 attack, President Trump announces a peace plan between Israel and Hamas. The plan includes a phased release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

  • “I am very proud to announce that Israel and Hamas have both signed off on the first phase of our peace plan. This means that all of the hostages will be released very soon and Israel will withdraw their troops to an agreed upon line as the first steps toward a strong, durable and everlasting peace.” – Trump, quoting from Truth Social (02:50)
  • On Fox News, Trump emphasizes global cooperation, stating:

    “The whole world came together, to be honest... This is peace in the Middle East. And it’s an incredible thing.” (03:21)

• Details of the Deal:

  • 48 Israeli hostages remain; 20 believed alive.
  • Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners with life sentences and 1,700 other detainees.
  • Hostages expected back Monday.
    • “They’re deep in the earth and they’re being gotten...we think they’ll all be coming back on Monday. That’ll include the bodies of the dead.” – Trump, Fox News (04:04)

• Reactions:

  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praises the deal as “a diplomatic success and a national and moral victory,” specifically crediting Trump’s role (04:33).
  • Hamas calls on Trump and regional actors to ensure Israel honors the agreement.
  • Media, even traditionally critical outlets, acknowledge Trump’s achievement:
    • “It looks like President Trump has actually pulled off something here that many presidents before him have failed to do. It’s a momentous day... This is a watershed moment.” – ABC/CNN excerpts (06:06)
  • Some terms like Hamas disarmament and Gaza's future governance remain under negotiation.

2. Antifa & Domestic Terror: White House Roundtable (06:39–10:28)

• Roundtable Event:
  Trump hosts a White House event with Cabinet/DOJ officials and independent journalists covering Antifa, recently designated (by Trump) as a domestic terrorist organization.

  • “It should be clear to all Americans that we have a very serious left wing terror threat in our country. The epidemic of left wing violence and antifa inspired terrorists has been escalating for nearly a decade.” – Trump (07:42)
  • DOJ focusing on financial networks and organizational ties:
    • “We are following the money. Money never lies. And that’s what it’s going to take to bring down this network…” – Attorney General Pam Bondi/FBI (08:27)

• Comparisons and Critiques:

  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem likens Antifa’s structure and danger to MS-13 and international terror groups:
    • “...just as sophisticated as MS-13, as ISIS, as Hezbollah, as Hamas...” (09:19)
  • Journalists in attendance describe assaults and official/media reluctance to recognize Antifa’s threat:
    • “When I leave my house to go to work, I am violently assaulted...Antifa is real, it’s a threat. The reason why there’s such a big problem is because we have Democrats and a lot of people in the mainstream media refusing to acknowledge that they even exist.” – Cam Higby, independent journalist (09:52)
    • Brandy Cruz, a former Trump critic, describes being assaulted by Antifa and claims, “I’m living proof that you can recover from [Trump] Derangement Syndrome...I’m happier, healthier, more successful.” (10:17)

3. James Comey Court Appearance: Federal Charges (10:28–13:55)

• First Day in Court:
  Former FBI Director James Comey pleads not guilty to two counts: lying to Congress and obstruction, tied to alleged leaks and 2020 testimony.
  • His lawyer will file motions to dismiss, alleging “vindictive prosecution” and questioning the U.S. attorney’s appointment (11:02).
  • Discovery includes classified material, but judge warns the case won’t be delayed for it (11:50).
  • Trial set for January 5; hearing on motions December 9.
  • Potential penalty: up to 10 years and $500,000 if convicted.
  • Comey released with no conditions.

4. Pacific Palisades Arson Suspect Arrested (13:55–18:51)

• Arrest and Charges:
  • 29-year-old Jonathan Rindernecht arrested in Florida, accused of starting the January Palisades fire, which killed 12 and destroyed over 6,000 structures.
  • Evidence details:
    • Rindernecht, an Uber driver, was near the scene, took videos, and listened to a rap song about fire multiple times before the incident (15:21).
    • Attempts to call 911 appear deliberately delayed to create plausible deniability (16:01–16:28).
    • Sought information from ChatGPT about whether cigarettes could cause a fire for a possible alibi (16:52).
    • Investigators ruled out other ignition sources; lighter found in his car.
  • Appeared in court, understood charges, more indictments could follow.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Middle East Peace:

  • “This is more than Gaza. This is peace in the Middle East.” – Donald Trump (03:21)
  • “I just need to underscore what an enormous moment this is…for the families of these 48 remaining hostages who have endured two years of absolute agony. This is a watershed moment.” – CNN/ABC reporter (06:06)

• On Antifa Threat:

  • “We’re going to be very threatening to them. And that includes the people that fund them.” – Trump (07:42)
  • “Antifa...is just as dangerous. They have an agenda to destroy us, just like the other terrorists we've dealt with for many, many years.” – Kristi Noem (09:22)
  • “Antifa is real, it's a threat.” – Cam Higby (09:52)

• Transformative Experience:

  • “I’m living proof that you can recover from [Trump] Derangement Syndrome…I’m happier, I’m healthier, more successful. I even think I got a little more attractive.” – Brandy Cruz (10:28)

• On Arson Investigation:

  • “...walked up a nearby trail, took iPhone videos at a nearby hilltop and listened to a rap song whose music video including objects being lit on fire.” – Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Saleh summarizing the night of the fire (15:21)
  • “This indicates that Rindernecht wanted to create evidence regarding a more innocent explanation for the cause of the fire.” – ATF fire investigator (16:52)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:32 – Start of AM News Update
• 02:50 – Trump’s Truth Social peace announcement
• 03:21 – Trump on Fox News about global response
• 04:04 – Trump discusses return of hostages
• 04:33 – Netanyahu and Hamas official reactions
• 06:06 – Media reaction (ABC/CNN)
• 06:39 – Antifa roundtable coverage
• 07:42 – Trump and DOJ on Antifa threat
• 09:19 – Kristi Noem on Antifa's structure
• 09:52 – Journalists’ testimony on Antifa violence
• 10:28 – Brandy Cruz on Trump Derangement Syndrome
• 11:02 – Details on Comey’s legal defense
• 13:55 – California arson case background
• 15:21 – Timeline and forensic evidence in arson case
• 16:52 – ATF investigator’s findings on ChatGPT consultation

Conclusion

This AM Update episode offered a high-tempo, news-first rundown of watershed geopolitical developments, domestic security, and justice stories with strong editorial perspective. Trump’s direct involvement in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, a renewed crackdown on left-wing extremism, and the prosecution of former officials like James Comey reflect a political landscape shaped by high-profile personalities and escalating partisanship. Through notable quotations and first-person testimony, the show maintains its promise of “no BS, no agenda, no fear.”