Summary of "Trump Takes On Big Pharma with Historic Drug Prices Exec Order, and Michelle Obama's Bitterness, with Walter Kirn | Ep. 1070"

Release Date: May 12, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly engages in a robust discussion with Walter Kern, editor at large for County Highway and co-host of the America This Week podcast. The primary focus centers on President Donald Trump's recent executive order targeting Big Pharma's exorbitant drug prices, his ongoing negotiations with China to alleviate the trade war, and a contentious incident involving Democratic officials at an ICE facility. Additionally, the conversation delves into criticisms of Michelle Obama’s latest endeavors.

1. President Trump's Executive Order on Drug Prices

Megyn Kelly opens the discussion by highlighting President Trump's groundbreaking executive order aimed at curbing the inflated prices of prescription drugs. This move marks a significant shift in addressing the longstanding issue of high medication costs in the United States.

• Historical Context: Kelly references Trump's initial attempt during his first term to negotiate drug prices within Medicare, which was thwarted by legal challenges from Big Pharma citing constitutional overreach.

• Expansion of Negotiation: The current executive order extends beyond Medicare, allowing the government to negotiate prices for all prescription drugs, potentially reducing costs by up to 80%. Kelly emphasizes that this action challenges both Democratic and Republican affiliations with pharmaceutical lobbying.

• Notable Quote:

  Megyn Kelly [10:38]: "This could save people up to 80% on their drug costs."

2. Big Pharma's Influence and Legislative Challenges

Walter Kern elaborates on the pervasive influence Big Pharma holds over Congress, highlighting the industry's extensive lobbying efforts and financial contributions that hinder legislative progress on drug price regulation.

• Lobbying Power: Kern mentions that Big Pharma employs over 1,800 lobbyists in Washington, D.C., spanning both major political parties, effectively stalling meaningful reforms.

• Political Implications: The executive order positions Trump in direct opposition to Big Pharma's entrenched interests, setting the stage for potential legal battles and partisan conflicts in Congress.

• Notable Quote:

  Walter Kern [12:19]: "They own everyone. Not us, not you, but the media. 99% of media is getting paid by Pfizer."

3. Trump's Negotiations with China on Tariffs

The conversation shifts to Trump's strategic negotiations with China, aiming to reduce the ongoing trade tensions that have significantly impacted the U.S. economy.

• Tariff Reduction: Kern explains that both the U.S. and China have agreed to lower their reciprocal tariffs from 125% to 10% for a period of 90 days to facilitate a comprehensive trade deal.

• Economic Impact: While the immediate reduction aims to alleviate market pressures, the higher combined tariffs (now totaling 30%) still pose challenges. Analysts remain divided on the long-term benefits versus the temporary relief provided.

• Notable Quote:

  Megyn Kelly [60:32]: "It's time to do something for the American people. We must transcend partisanship in certain cases."

4. ICE Facility Incident in Newark

A significant portion of the episode covers a controversial incident involving the arrest of Newark's Democratic mayor at an ICE detention facility, which also saw the involvement of several Democratic lawmakers.

• Event Overview: Kern describes how Democratic officials, including Mayor Raz Bakara, confronted ICE officials during a tour of the facility, leading to Bakara's arrest amid allegations of aggressive behavior by both sides.

• Media Representation: Kelly criticizes mainstream media for portraying ICE officers as the sole aggressors, arguing that video evidence shows Democratic lawmakers initiating the confrontation.

• Notable Quote:

  Megyn Kelly [72:57]: "You have the nerve to put your hands on me after the video we just saw where she was actually physically pushing and assaulting."

5. Criticism of Michelle Obama’s Podcast

The dialogue turns to Michelle Obama's latest podcast, which Kurt criticizes for its negative tone and perceived bitterness regarding her time as First Lady and her marriage.

• Podcast Content: Kelly and Kern discuss Obama's conversations with Tina Knowles about marriage, divorce, and racial issues, portraying them as complaints rather than constructive discourse.

• Public Reception: Both hosts express skepticism about the podcast's reception, suggesting it lacks a substantial fan base and detracts from Obama's legacy.

• Notable Quote:

  Megyn Kelly [80:35]: "She doesn’t have to soften up forever. If she wants to spread her wings, just do it."

6. Discussion on Holly Berry and Versace Ads

The episode also touches on Holly Berry's controversial advertising campaign with Versace, where Berry promotes intimacy products in a manner Kern finds inappropriate and degrading.

• Ad Campaign Analysis: Kern criticizes the portrayal of Berry in Versace’s ads, suggesting it undermines her credibility and the brand’s reputation.

• Cultural Impact: The hosts discuss the implications of such advertising on societal perceptions of women and body image.

• Notable Quote:

  Megyn Kelly [94:33]: "She looks very bizarre. How? Who celebrates Mother’s Day by talking about how to lube up their vag with their boyfriend in bed from Con France? This is so bizarre."

Conclusion

The Megyn Kelly Show Episode 1070 provides a critical examination of President Trump's initiatives against Big Pharma, his trade negotiations with China, and the internal conflicts within Democratic circles regarding immigration enforcement. Additionally, the hosts offer a sharp critique of public figures like Michelle Obama and Holly Berry, questioning their recent public engagements and authenticity. Throughout the episode, Kelly and Kern emphasize the intersection of politics, media influence, and personal accountability, urging listeners to seek transparency and action over partisan stalemates.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Drug Prices Executive Order:

  Megyn Kelly [10:38]: "This could save people up to 80% on their drug costs."

• Big Pharma's Media Influence:

  Walter Kern [12:19]: "They own everyone. Not us, not you, but the media. 99% of media is getting paid by Pfizer."

• Trade Negotiations:

  Megyn Kelly [60:32]: "It's time to do something for the American people. We must transcend partisanship in certain cases."

• ICE Facility Incident:

  Megyn Kelly [72:57]: "You have the nerve to put your hands on me after the video we just saw where she was actually physically pushing and assaulting."

• Michelle Obama's Podcast:

  Megyn Kelly [80:35]: "She doesn’t have to soften up forever. If she wants to spread her wings, just do it."

• Holly Berry's Versace Ads:

  Megyn Kelly [94:33]: "She looks very bizarre. How? Who celebrates Mother’s Day by talking about how to lube up their vag with their boyfriend in bed from Con France? This is so bizarre."

Key Takeaways

1. Presidential Action vs. Legislative Gridlock: Trump's executive order on drug prices highlights the tension between executive actions and legislative limitations, especially in the face of powerful industry lobbying.

2. Trade Relations with China: The temporary reduction in tariffs signifies a potential thaw in U.S.-China relations, though long-term outcomes remain uncertain.

3. Political Polarization and Media Bias: Incidents like the ICE facility confrontation reveal deep-seated partisan divides and raise questions about media objectivity and influence.

4. Public Image and Accountability: Criticisms of public figures like Michelle Obama and Holly Berry underscore the importance of authenticity and the impact of media portrayals on personal and professional reputations.

5. Influence of Lobbying in Politics: The pervasive influence of Big Pharma and other industries continues to shape policy decisions, often hindering efforts to implement significant reforms.

This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of pressing political issues, blending in-depth analysis with provocative commentary to encourage listeners to critically evaluate the dynamics shaping contemporary American society.