Trump Ukraine Deal Rumblings, Tariffs Set to Kick In, Major Address Tonight: AM Update for 3/4

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Detailed Summary of Episode "Trump Ukraine Deal Rumblings, Tariffs Set to Kick In, Major Address Tonight: AM Update for 3/4"

Release Date: March 4, 2025

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1. Ukraine Funding and Peace Negotiations

National Security Concerns

The episode opens with Megyn Kelly introducing National Security Adviser Mike Walls, who delivers a critical warning regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Walls emphasizes the finite nature of American resources, stating, “[00:18] The American people's patience is not unlimited. Their wallets are not unlimited. And our stockpiles and munitions are not unlimited.”

President Trump's Stance

President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance by pausing all military aid to Ukraine, demanding a tangible commitment to peace from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Trump criticizes Zelenskyy’s recent statements, labeling them as the "worst statement" and asserting, “[03:54] A coward who is Vladimir Putin's puppet.” He further condemned Zelenskyy’s approach, suggesting that the Ukrainian leader is not genuinely seeking peace without continued American support.

Zelenskyy's Response

Zelenskyy's latest remarks in London indicate a reluctance to engage in peace talks, undermining the proposed economic agreement between the US and Ukraine aimed at ending the war. His comments, reported by Megyn Kelly at [02:13], highlight the challenges in reaching a consensus, with Trump asserting that Zelenskyy "does not want peace, not as long as he has America's backing."

International Reactions

European leaders have echoed Trump’s sentiments, indicating that US support is crucial for any peace agreement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has remained silent, but Kremlin officials have expressed approval of the deteriorating US-Ukraine relations, viewing it as aligned with Russia’s strategic interests.

2. Tariffs on Mexico and Canada

Implementation of Tariffs

President Trump announced the reimposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, effective midnight [07:04]. The tariffs were initially paused a month prior to provide neighboring countries time to address issues related to drug flows into the US.

Economic and Security Rationale

Trump justified the tariffs as a measure to compel Mexico and Canada to enhance their economic contributions and crack down on drug cartels. He stated, “[07:04] They have to build their car plants, frankly, and other things in the United States... It’s going to be very costly for people to take advantage of this country.”

Impact on Drug Trafficking

The tariffs are part of a broader strategy to reduce the influx of drugs, particularly fentanyl. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks reported a significant decrease in illegal border crossings, attributing it to US actions. Additionally, the extradition of 29 Mexican drug lords to US prisons underscores the administration's commitment to combating narcotics trafficking.

3. Crackdown on Drug Cartels and US-Mexico Relations

US Military Threats

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth conveyed a stern warning to Mexico, stating, “[09:13] My message has been from the beginning, we're taking nothing off the table... We will do whatever it takes to secure the American homeland, to maintain our sovereignty and protect the American people.” This includes the potential for unilateral military action if Mexico fails to address cartel-related issues effectively.

Cartel Reactions

The New York Times reported heightened fear among cartel operatives, with leaders going into hiding and fearing arrest or death due to the intensified crackdown. Hegseth’s uncompromising stance signals a potential escalation in US-Mexico relations concerning drug enforcement.

4. President Trump's Upcoming Joint Address to Congress

Anticipation and Content

President Trump is set to deliver a joint address to Congress, a significant event given his administration's swift policy implementations. Over six weeks, Trump has signed 881 executive orders, demonstrating an aggressive approach to governance.

Key Topics Expected

• Minerals Deal: Speculation arises about a potential minerals agreement, which Trump hinted would be announced during his speech [12:07].
• Immigration Tariffs: Ongoing tariff discussions are likely to be a focal point.
• Budget Negotiations: With the budget deadline approaching, Trump is expected to address fiscal policies and tax promises, such as eliminating taxes on tips, Social Security, and overtime.

Democratic Response

A notable number of Democrats plan to boycott the address, viewing it as a “MAGA pep rally” rather than a substantive national discourse. Senator Chris Murphy criticized the event as a farce, while Congressman Don Beyer expressed his intention to skip attending.

5. Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act

Legislative Developments

The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act reached a procedural vote in the Senate, requiring 60 votes to advance. The cloture vote failed with every Democrat and two independents voting against the bill [05:00].

House Passage

In contrast, the House narrowly passed the bill with a vote of 218 to 206, supported by only two Democrats from Texas, Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez [05:00]. The legislation aims to define athletic participation based on biological sex at birth and codify Trump’s executive orders, seeking to secure protections for female athletes.

Public Opinion and Future Implications

The bill has garnered support from approximately 80% of the American public but faces significant opposition in the Senate. Without the bill, Trump’s executive orders remain vulnerable to being overturned by future administrations.

6. Taiwan Semiconductor Investment

Major Investment Announcement

President Trump highlighted a substantial investment by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), which plans to invest at least $100 billion in the United States [09:47]. This move is anticipated to create 20,000 to 25,000 jobs and is deemed crucial for national security.

Strategic Importance

Semiconductors are vital for modern technology and defense. With the majority of advanced chips produced in Taiwan, this investment is seen as a strategic effort to fortify the US supply chain and reduce dependency on foreign manufacturers, particularly in the face of potential Chinese aggression.

7. Additional Topics

Oscar Ratings and Industry Impact

The episode briefly touches upon the disappointing viewership ratings for the Oscars, despite the event featuring over five award wins for the film "Anora," which had a modest budget [17:10].

Public Statements and Social Media

Marine veteran Rick Swift and other public figures are mentioned, highlighting ongoing societal and cultural discussions, although these are peripheral to the main topics discussed.

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Notable Quotes

• Mike Walls on Ukraine Funding: “[00:18] The American people's patience is not unlimited. Their wallets are not unlimited. And our stockpiles and munitions are not unlimited.”

• Donald Trump on Tariffs: “[07:04] They have to build their car plants, frankly, and other things in the United States... It’s going to be very costly for people to take advantage of this country.”

• Pete Hegseth on US Military Action: “[09:13] We will do whatever it takes to secure the American homeland, to maintain our sovereignty and protect the American people.”

• Keir Starmer on US-UK Relations: “[04:29] We must strengthen our relationship with America. This week has shown with total clarity that the US is vital in securing the peace we all want to see in Ukraine.”

• Democratic Senator Chris Murphy on Joint Address: “I think it's going to be a MAGA pep rally, not a serious talk to the nation.”

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, the conversation centers around President Trump's assertive policies on Ukraine funding, the reimposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico, and the ongoing efforts to combat drug cartels. The upcoming joint address to Congress is positioned as a pivotal moment for the administration, amidst significant legislative battles such as the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. Additionally, strategic investments like TSMC’s move to the US underscore the administration's focus on national security and economic resilience. The episode provides a comprehensive analysis of these critical issues, enriched with direct quotes and expert insights, making it a valuable resource for listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of current political dynamics.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, March 4, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Mike Walls]

The American people's patience is not unlimited. Their wallets are not unlimited. And our stockpiles and munitions are not unlimited.

[Megyn Kelly]

National Security Adviser Mike Walls with a stark warning to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as President Trump pauses all Ukraine funding until they commit to peace.

[Donald Trump]

25% on Canada and 25% on Mexico. And that'll start. So they're going to have to have a tariff.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump gets tough with Mexico and Canada imposing tariffs as Mexico gets a warning from the secretary of Defense, crack down on your cartels or the US Military will do it for you. A look ahead at President Trump's joint address to Congress tonight. Who will be there and who who won't? And the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports act finally goes to the Senate floor. How did the Democrats vote? All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

Western leaders appeal to the US for backing on a peace deal as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky's latest comments further alienate President Trump. Late Sunday evening, President Zelensky telling reporters before departing London, quote, an agreement to end the war is still very, very far away and no one has started all these steps yet. The first step to ending the war was supposed to come in the form of an economic agreement signed by the US And Ukraine. That deal blew up last Friday when a friendly pre signing sit down turned into a clash between Mr. Zelensky and Mr. Trump as well as Vice President J.D. vance. President Trump posting on Truth Social quote, this is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelensky and America will not put up with it for much longer. A harbinger of what was to come later in the day. Late Monday, the president announcing a pause to military aid for Ukraine. Bloomberg citing a senior Defense Department official in reporting. This pause will remain in effect until Ukrainian leaders demonstrate a good faith commitment to peace. Mr. Trump says Mr. Zelensky does not want peace, not as long as he has America's backing. Mr. Trump also noting European leaders told Zelensky peace cannot be achieved without US Support. Russian President Vladimir Putin has yet to publicly comment on the fallout from the Oval Office meeting. Several Russian officials expressing enthusiasm for for the deterioration in relations. A Kremlin spokesperson saying the rapidly changing foreign policy messaging of the Trump administration, quote, largely aligns with our vision. Democrats remain highly critical of the White House. The President of the United States is.

[Donald Trump]

A coward who is Vladimir Putin's puppet.

[Mike Walls]

It was so embarrassing to me as an American. I just want to say that publicly this is not the way our leaders have ever behaved.

[Donald Trump]

This was a setup for the cameras. It was a play to his base. But above all, it was a play to Vladimir Putin.

[Megyn Kelly]

Despite Democrat criticism and Kremlin celebrations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer acting as the intermediary in the hopes of restoring U.S. ukrainian relations, telling the House of Commons on Monday, president Trump is serious about making peace.

[Keir Starmer]

We must strengthen our relationship with America. This week has shown with total clarity that the US Is vital in securing the peace we all want to see in Ukraine. So I welcome the opportunity for a new economic deal with the US Confirmed by the President last week. I also welcome the President's continued commitment to that peace, which nobody in this House should doubt for a second is sincere.

[Megyn Kelly]

In the lead up to President Trump's pause on funding late last night, National Security Adviser Mike Walz on Fox News warned the Ukrainians US Aid is not unconditional success.

[Mike Walls]

Looks like President Zelensky sitting down and talking the terms of peace, talking about what he needs to see, Ukraine needs to see to get to a partial, partial cease fire, a permanent cease fire and an end to this war. But here's the problem. Time is not on his side. Time is not on the side of just forever continuing this conflict. The American people's patience is not unlimited. Their wallets are not unlimited. And our stockpiles and munitions are not unlimited that we need for all kinds of contingencies around the world.

[Megyn Kelly]

Yesterday afternoon, President Trump was asked if the minerals deal could be revived.

[Donald Trump]

Well, I'll let you know. We're making a speech. You probably heard about it tomorrow night, so I'll let you know tomorrow night. But no, I don't think so. I think I want to see it end fast. I don't want to see this go on for years and years now. President Zelensky supposedly made a statement today in ap. I'm not a big fan of ap, so maybe it was an incorrect statement. But he said he thinks the war is going to go on for a long time and he better not be right about that.

[Megyn Kelly]

The president mentioning his team was working on next steps. Describing a fluid situation, Mr. Trump told reporters he wants the killing to stop, citing his intelligence briefings showing thousands of young men, Ukrainian and Russian, are being killed each week. President Trump says he wants to see the war ended on a humanitarian basis. 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada going into effect as of midnight last night. The tariffs originally paused one month ago to allow the neighboring countries time to take action, reducing the flow of drugs, especially fentanyl, into the U.S. president Trump announced yesterday from the Roosevelt Room he wants to see more from Mexico and Canada in economic terms as well tomorrow.

[Donald Trump]

Tariffs. 25% on Canada and 25% on Mexico, and that'll start. So they're going to have to have a tariff. So what they have to do is build their car plants, frankly, and other things in the United States, in which case they have no tariffs. And it's going to be very costly for people to take advantage of this country. They can't come in and steal our money and steal our jobs and take our factories and take our businesses and expect not to be punished. And they're being punished by tariffs.

[Megyn Kelly]

The legal basis for the tariffs is a national emergency relating to drugs flowing into the U.S. illegal border crossings are down approximately 94% since last year, according to Border Patrol chief Mike Banks. Last week, President Trump telling reporters that was largely due to US Actions. One week ago, authorities in San Diego arrested an individual in possession of 720,000 fentanyl pills. That same day, Customs and Border Protection seized more than $872,000 worth of cocaine from a vehicle entering the country near Laredo, Texas. In an effort to comply with President Trump's demands, the Mexican government extradited 29 drug bosses to United States prisons for trial last week, including Rafael Caro Quintero, who was wanted for killing a DEA agent in 1985. The New York Times reporting on the effect of the crackdown on cartel members, writing, quote, one cartel leader says he he's trying to figure out how to protect his family in case the American military strikes inside Mexico. Another saying he's already gone into hiding, rarely leaving his home. The New York Times reporting, several cartel operatives said for the first time in years they genuinely feared arrest or death at the hands of authorities. US Officials still not yet satisfied. The Wall Street Journal reporting Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned Mexican officials if they, quote, did not deal with the collusion between their country's government and drug cartels, the US military was prepared to take unilateral action. Mr. Hegseth telling Fox News, nothing is off the table.

[Pete Hegseth]

My message has been from the beginning, we're taking nothing off the table. Nothing. We will do whatever it takes to secure the American homeland, to maintain our sovereignty and protect the American people.

[Megyn Kelly]

Does that mean you're ruling out potential strikes inside of Mexico on fentanyl labs? We know they exist and we know where they exist.

[Pete Hegseth]

No, I don't think I ruled anything out. Anything's on the table. The commander in chief, ultimately, with my consultation and with the chairman and others, will make those determinations. But nothing's off the table. Our sovereignty will be defended.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump announcing a massive investment in into the United States yesterday.

[Donald Trump]

Today, Taiwan Semiconductor is announcing that they will be investing at least $100 billion in new capital in the United States. You're probably talking about 20, 25,000 jobs. And we thought it was very important, obviously business wise, but we thought even in terms of national security, to have this large percentage of the chips, semiconductors and other things that they make the most important product and not a product that you can really copy.

[Megyn Kelly]

Semiconductors are computer chips that power virtually everything in modern technology. Cell phones, solar panels, medical equipment, air fryers, electric toothbrushes, practically anything you can imagine. The majority of the world's semiconductors are manufactured in Taiwan, especially the most advanced chips. If China were to invade the tiny island nation, an ambition its leaders have openly expressed, the global supply chain would fall into crisis. Taiwan Semiconductors moving some operations to the US Is seen as a critical step to shoring up US Defense capabilities. Coming up, President Trump's big speech to Congress and the drama surrounding it and the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports act finally got a vote. Did any Democrats step up to support it? All that and more in just a moment.

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[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump set to deliver a joint address to Congress tonight, the first such speech in a new administration referred to as a joint address, not an official State of the Union address because typically new presidents haven't had enough time to shape policy. Not quite the story of the second Trump administration. President Trump has signed 881 executive orders over the last six weeks, not to mention the Lake and Riley act, far outpacing any other modern administration. President Trump posting to Truth Social early yesterday morning. Tomorrow night will be big. I will tell it like it is. After his remarks from the Roosevelt Room yesterday on Ukraine, there is speculation on whether President Trump will announce a minerals deal. Doge findings will likely get a lot of play. Immigration tariffs. The budget deadline is a week and a half away too, and Congress is now weighing a continuing resolution to buy more time to negotiate the budget. President Trump is likely to call on Congress to work together to pass his tax promises for the American people. Like no taxes on tips, no taxes on Social Security and none on overtime. Some Democrats plan to boycott the speech. Here is Democratic Senator from Connecticut Chris Murphy on cnn. I think every Democrat needs to make up their own mind. I think that State of the Union speech is going to be a farce. I think it's going to be a MAGA pep rally, not a serious talk to the nation. Virginia Congressman Don Beyer also says he will skip the event, telling Politico, quote, the notion of half my colleagues rising and standing an enormous clapping for things that I think are terrible for the American people. Every couple of minutes will not be funny. Axios reporting. Nearly a dozen House and Senate Democrats say they are leaning toward not attending or remain undecided, including Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Democratic leadership encouraging all members to attend, suggesting they bring guests who have been hurt by the Trump administration like fired federal workers. Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, inviting border czar Tom Homan as his guest, as well as Noah Argamani, a former hostage of Hamas. Speaker Johnson also inviting Olivia Hayes, a widow whose husband was killed by an illegal immigrant in a drunk driving incident. The President's remarks set to begin at 9 Eastern. Last night, Senate Majority Leader th brought the protection of Women and Girls act to the floor for a procedural vote. This was the vote that would decide if the Senate will have a substantive vote later on the actual bill. This procedural vote for cloture requires 60 votes to pass, meaning seven Democrats would have had to join with Republicans to advance the bill to a real vote. The cloture vote came out to 5,145, every single Democrat and both so called independents. Senators Bernie Sanders and Angus King voting against the bill, refusing to even allow a real vote on it. Shame on them. In the House, the bill passed by a slim margin 218 to 206, just two Democrats breaking from their party to pass the measure. Congressman Henry Cuellar of Laredo, Texas and Congressman Vicente Gonzalez of McAllen, Texas. The now defeated bill specified for athletic purposes sex is solely determined by an athlete's biology at birth, something favored by 80% of the American people. It also would have amended Title 9 to bar federal funding to any educational institution allowing biological males to participate in female sports. The legislation would have codified President Trump's executive orders on this subject into law. Without this legislation, President Trump's executive orders protecting girls sports can be overturned with ease by a future administration. The release of the Oscars ratings delayed the New York Times anticipating lower viewership considering the top nominated movies were barely seen by anyone. In fact, eight of the 10 best picture nominees combined earned less than half of What Wicked and Dune 2. Also nominated made at the box office the the big winner of the night Anora, with five wins, was produced on a $6 million budget, grossing just 15 million domestically. Anora is about a young call girl who meets the son of a Russian oligarch and quickly marries him. Sean Baker, writer, producer, director and editor of the film, won for best director. A taste here of his remarks. I want to thank the sex worker community. They have shared their stories. They have shared their life experience with me over the years. My deepest respect. Thank you. I share this with you. Those who watch the red carpet may have caught this land acknowledgment performed by Julianne Huff, a former wearer of blackface Halloween costumes, but now woke as they come.

[Donald Trump]

We gather in celebration of the Oscars on the ancestral lands of the Tongva, Tataviam and Chumash peoples, the traditional caretakers of this water and land. We honor and pay our respects to indigenous communities here and around the world.

[Megyn Kelly]

Marine veteran and producer Rick Swift writing on X. Will she be giving up her home? That'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platforms.