Trump Updates Iran "Excursion," 2 Charged in ISIS-Inspired Plot, Rihanna Home Shot: AM Update 3/10

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show AM Update — March 10, 2026

Episode Theme:
A fast-paced briefing on major news stories, including President Trump’s latest statements on “Operation Epic Fury” in Iran, federal charges against two men in an ISIS-inspired attack in New York, new insights from Jeffrey Epstein’s autopsy files, and the shooting at Rihanna’s home. The episode’s tone is urgent, unsparing, and fact-driven, with direct audio and remarks from principle figures in each story.

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1. Operation Epic Fury: Trump Updates on Iran

Main Discussion Points:

• President Trump vigorously rebrands the U.S. military’s ongoing actions in Iran as “a little excursion” rather than a war, emphasizing the operation’s limited scope and near completion.
• Major successes are touted, including the destruction of Iranian naval, drone, and missile capabilities, with 5,000+ targets struck.
• Trump signals U.S. willingness to escalate by striking more critical infrastructure if necessary but claims “some of the most important targets” have been left for later, as their loss would set Iran back “many years.”
• The economic impact is noted: oil prices swung from $70 pre-operation, spiking near $120 Monday before settling around $90. The administration’s efforts to stabilize oil markets, including waiving certain sanctions and offering political risk insurance to tankers, are outlined.

Key Quotes & Timestamps:

• Trump on the operation’s framing:

  “This was just an excursion into something that had to be done.” (00:41, 04:22)

• On military objectives:

  “We’ve wiped every single force in Iran out very completely. Most of Iran’s naval power has been sunk... Their drones are way down... We’ve struck over 5,000 targets to date.” (03:00)
  “If we hit [the most important targets], it’s going to take many years for them to be rebuilt, having to do with electricity production and many other things.” (03:40)

• On oil and geopolitical aims:

  “I will not allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and attempt to stop the globe’s oil supply... Oil supplies will be dramatically more secure without the threat of Iranian ships, drones, missiles, nuclear menace or anything.” (04:22)

Memorable Moment:

• Trump blames the use of a Tomahawk missile that killed over 175 children at an Iranian girls’ school on possible external actors, even though all evidence points to U.S. responsibility.

  Reporter: “You just suggested that Iran somehow got its hands on a Tomahawk and bombed its own elementary school… Why are you the only person saying this?” (05:58)
  Trump: “Because I just don’t know enough about it... Tomahawks are, are used by others… whatever the report shows, I'm willing to live with that report.” (06:14)

Poll Data:

• Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 37%—a net low in his second term.
• 53% of voters oppose the Iran operation; 62% say the Trump administration hasn’t provided a clear reason for the strikes. (07:51)

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2. New York ISIS-Inspired Plot: Charges Filed

Main Discussion Points:

• Amir Balat (18) and Ibrahim Kayumi (19) are charged with five federal counts each after attacking an anti-Islam protest in New York with explosive devices.
• Both men confessed to being inspired by ISIS. Body camera recordings show Kayumi, after arrest, openly stating “ISIS.” (09:29)
• NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch reveals Balat hoped to carry out an attack “even bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing.”
• Explosive devices used TATP, known as “Mother of Satan.” Investigators found evidence and bomb-making notes in a vehicle linked to the suspects (10:32).

Key Quotes & Timestamps:

• Commissioner Tisch describes defendant’s confession:

  “He said this isn’t a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the Prophet. We take action. … If I didn’t do it, someone else, someone else will come and do it… I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage, you kuffar.” (09:29)

• On their aspirations:

  “[Balat] had hoped to carry out an attack even bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing, which he noted resulted in only three deaths.” (09:53)

• Preliminary findings:

  “Preliminary testing has determined that one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide, or TATP, also commonly referred to as Mother of Satan, a highly volatile explosive…” (10:32)

Memorable Moment:

• Details on the pair’s backgrounds: Kayumi’s affluent family in suburban Pennsylvania, with parents naturalized from Afghanistan; the attorney claims the two “are not known to each other” prior to the incident. (11:25)

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3. Epstein Autopsy Files: New Details

Main Discussion Points:

• Newly released interview transcripts clarify why the NYC medical examiner initially left Jeffrey Epstein’s cause of death “pending” after his 2019 death in federal custody.
• Dr. Kristen Roman, who observed the autopsy, says:

  “If he had been a less high-profile person who there weren’t people wanting to kill, I would have probably called it a hanging on the day of autopsy.”
  She wanted to inspect Epstein’s cell and speak with the prison guard but was not permitted to do so.

• Dr. Michael Baden, observing for Epstein’s family, continues to argue for homicide, but Dr. Roman explains injury patterns matched suicide by hanging.

Key Quotes & Timestamps:

• Dr. Roman (as reported):

  “I would have probably called it a hanging on the day of autopsy.” (13:35)
  “She wanted to examine Epstein’s cell and speak to the guard who found his body before making her final determination… [but] was not allowed to speak to the prison guard or view Epstein’s cell, but she did examine photos of the room.” (14:13)

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4. Rihanna Home Shooting: Attempted Murder Charge

Main Discussion Points:

• Ivana Ortiz, 35, is charged with attempted murder after firing multiple rifle shots at Rihanna’s Los Angeles home while Rihanna, partner ASAP Rocky, and their three children were inside.
• No one was injured; Ortiz was quickly apprehended after fleeing in a Tesla. Police recovered a rifle and seven shell casings.
• Ortiz, described as a “Christian influencer” on social media, had posted about Rihanna before the attack and has a history of arrests for domestic violence and other offenses. Motive is still under investigation.

Key Quotes & Timestamps:

• Neighbor Isabel Thorne on the incident:

  “I was just washing dishes in my house and I heard shots. I was a little shocked… Nobody should have to deal with being, you know, in fear in your own home. You know, that’s terrible.” (16:09)

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Memorable Quotes — All Segments

• Trump on war framing:

  “This was just an excursion into something that had to be done.” (00:41, 04:22)

• ISIS suspect’s pledge:

  “I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage, you kuffar.” (09:29)

• Dr. Roman’s reasoning:

  “If he had been a less high-profile person… I would have probably called it a hanging on the day of autopsy.” (13:35)

• Rihanna’s neighbor reflects:

  “Nobody should have to deal with being… in fear in your own home.” (16:09)

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Notable Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Quote | |--------|------------------------------------------------------| | 02:34 | Trump updates on Iran/Operation Epic Fury | | 03:00 | Specific damage claims against Iran | | 03:53 | Oil market and Trump’s strategy | | 05:23 | School strike controversy; Trump comments | | 09:29 | NYPD Commissioner: attacker confessions | | 10:32 | Details on bombs and vehicle evidence | | 13:35 | Epstein files: new transcript revelations | | 16:09 | L.A. neighbor on Rihanna shooting |

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Overall Tone & Style

The episode is brisk, hard-edged, and unsparing, prioritizing direct quotations and verifiable facts, often allowing principal actors—including Trump, law enforcement, and individuals involved in headline events—to speak in their own words. The language remains urgent and focused, offering listeners concise but information-rich briefings on fast-moving national stories.

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Useful for listeners who missed the episode, this summary covers all major developments, contextualizes the news, and highlights the most resonant moments and remarks in an accessible, direct style.

Transcript

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[Steve Krakauer]

Good morning everyone. I'm Steve Krakauer, executive producer of the Megyn Kelly show and AM update. It's Tuesday, March 10, 2026 and this is your AM update.

[President Donald Trump]

This was just an excursion into something that had to be done.

[Steve Krakauer]

President Trump adopting a new term for Operation Epic Fury and delivering an update on the strikes as oil prices swing wildly.

[NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch]

On Monday, he also told investigators that he had hoped to carry out an attack even bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing.

[Steve Krakauer]

Two men who admit to inspired by ISIS now facing terrorism charges after throwing explosive devices at an anti Islam protest in New York City. New Epstein files potentially shedding light on the autopsy that fueled years of speculation surrounding the disgraced financier's cause of death. And a woman accused of opening fire on pop star Rihanna's home now facing an attempted murder charge. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Steve Krakauer]

President Trump delivering an update last night on Operation Epic Fury targeting Iran. Mr. Trump adopting a new term for the conflict repeatedly referring to the operation as, quote, a little excursion rather than a war. Amid growing concerns among Americans about a widening conflict, Mr. Trump again emphasizing the operation is nearly complete, providing information on the damage inflicted on Iran while also indicating the US could potentially go further.

[President Donald Trump]

We're achieving major strides toward completing our military objective. And some people could say they're pretty well complete. We've wiped every single force in Iran out very completely. Most of Iran's naval power has been sunk. I was just notified. It's 51 ships. Their drones are way down. Their drone manufacturing has been hit. Starting today, we're also hitting where they make missiles and where they deliver missiles. We've struck over 5,000 targets to date,

some of them very major targets.

And we've left some of the most important targets for later. If we hit them, it's going to take many years for them to be rebuilt, having to do with electricity production and many other things.

[Steve Krakauer]

The remarks coming after a day of rapidly fluctuating oil prices. Crude prices spiking Monday, nearly hitting $120 per barrel yesterday afternoon. The president telling CBS News in a phone interview, the war is very complete, pretty much. Oil prices ending the day back down to around $90, though still higher than before the operation began when the price of a barrel was around $70. President Trump outlining a multi pronged effort to stabilize prices as the operation continues.

[President Donald Trump]

I will not allow a terrorist regime to hold the world hostage and attempt to stop the globe's oil supply. And in the long run, oil supplies will be dramatically more secure without the threat of Iranian ships, drones, missiles, nuclear menace or anything. We have a lot of Navy ships there. We have the best equipment in the world inspecting for mines. Again, most of their ships are down at the bottom of the sea. We're putting an end to all of this threat once and for all. And this was just an excursion into something that had to be done. In the meantime, during this brief disruption, the United States is offering political risk insurance to any tankers operating in the Gulf. So we're also waiving certain oil related sanctions to reduce prices. So we have sanctions in some countries. We're going to take those sanctions off till this straightens out. When the time comes, the US Navy and its partners will escort tankers through the strait if needed. I hope it's not going to be needed, but if it's needed, we'll escort them right through.

[Steve Krakauer]

The president declining to elaborate on which specific oil sanctions would be lifted. Elsewhere in the press conference, Mr. Trump questioned about the strike on an Iranian girls school, reportedly resulting in the deaths of as many as 175 people, mostly girls, between the ages of 7 and 12. Multiple news outlets, including CNN and the New York Times, conducting analysis finding it likely that US Military forces were responsible for accidentally hitting the school yesterday. Mr. Trump saying tomahawk missiles like the one used in the school strike are generic and operated by many other countries. One reporter asking a follow up on the subject.

[Reporter]

Mr. President, you just suggested that Iran somehow got its hands on a Tomahawk and bombed its own elementary school on the first day of the war. But you're the only person in your government saying this. Even your defense secretary wouldn't say that when he was asked, standing over your shoulder on your plane on Saturday. Why are you the only person saying this?

[President Donald Trump]

Because I just don't know enough about it. I think it's something that I was told is under investigation. But Tomahawks are, are used by others. As you know, numerous other nations have Tomahawks. They buy them from us. But I will certainly, whatever the report shows, I'm willing to live with that report.

[Steve Krakauer]

It's unclear when a full report on the strike will come out. President Trump attempting to balance two messages. One portraying the little excursion as largely complete, the other signaling the US can continue expanding to ever greater targets. One reporter asking the President what he considers a win where they're not going

[President Donald Trump]

to be starting the following day to develop a nuclear weapon. They were not willing to say that. And when Steve called up and he said that to me, I said, well, here we go, let's do it the hard way. When basically I can see that they will no longer have any capacity whatsoever for a very long period of time of developing weaponry that could be used against the United States, Israel or any of our allies. If I didn't hit them first, they were going to hit our allies first, but I believe that he was going to. They were going to take over the Middle East. They were looking to take over the Middle East. Now, had Operation Midnight Hammer not taken place, that was definite because they would have had a nuclear weapon within a matter of weeks. But that took place. That was a setback. But look at the number of missiles they were able to buy and make over the last six months.

[Steve Krakauer]

Quinnipiac yesterday releasing a poll finding President Trump's overall approval rating at 37%, with 57% dishonest. Disapproving the lowest net approval rating of his second term. 53% of voters opposing the operation against Iran, with 40% in favor. Among Republicans, 85% support versus 11% opposing 62% of respondents saying the Trump administration has not provided a clear explanation of the reasons behind the operation, with 35% saying it has. Two men charged in federal court with attempting to carry out an ISIS inspired attack at an anti Islam protest near the mayor's residence Saturday in New York City, 18 year old Amir Balat and 19 year old Ibrahim Kayyumi, each facing five criminal counts including use of a weapon of mass destruction, transportation of explosive materials and unlawful possession of destructive devices. Balat captured on video at the protest throwing what authorities now say was an improvised explosive device into the crowd, then running, grabbing a second device from Kayumi, lighting it and dropping the bomb on the ground as he attempted to flee, Law enforcement investigators saying the two traveled together from their homes in Pennsylvania prior to the failed attack. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch saying both defendants admitted their actions were motivated by ISIS body camera footage capturing a moment when Kayumi, already under arrest, was asked by an onlooker why he carried out the attack. Kayumi responding isis According to Tish, Kayumi later told investigators he had been watching ISIS propaganda videos on his phone. Tish also describing statements Balat made to investigators after his arrest. While being transported to the precinct, Balat

[NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch]

made spontaneous statements without being questioned by NYPD officers that were captured on body worn camera footage. He said this isn't a religion that just stands when people talk about the blessed name of the Prophet. We take action. We take action as well as if I didn't do it, someone else, someone else will come and do it. And later, after waiving his rights, he requested paper and wrote a message declaring in part, I pledge my allegiance to the Islamic State. Die in your rage, you kuffar. Now die in your rage is a commonly known ISIS slogan, and kuffar is an Arabic term that refers to non believers. He also told investigators that he had hoped to carry out an attack even bigger than the Boston Marathon bombing, which he noted resulted in only three deaths.

[Steve Krakauer]

Tisch also detailing the results of preliminary testing on the explosive devices as well as evidence recovered from a vehicle linked to the suspects parked near the protest.

[NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch]

Preliminary testing has determined that one of the devices contained triacetone triperoxide, or tatp, also commonly referred to as Mother of Satan, a highly volatile explosive that has been used in multiple terrorist attacks over the last decade. As we have previously discussed, the NYPD identified a vehicle yesterday on East End Avenue that was linked to the defendants. Inside that vehicle, investigators recovered handwritten notes referencing TATP explosive and listing chemical ingredients for the type of explosive device used by the defendants on Saturday.

[Steve Krakauer]

Balat and Kayumi appearing in court Monday, both men wearing orange handcuffs and white jumpsuits, according to the Wall Street Journal, neither entering a plea. The judge ordering both defendants held in custody until their next court appearance, set for April 9. After the arraignment. Balat's attorney speaking with reporters.

[Balat's Attorney]

I'm saying they're from different parts of Pennsylvania. They're in different age groups. They are not known to each other. They do not live together. They do not have family or school ties. There is no reason to believe they knew each other prior to this incident. And I don't know how well they knew each other at the time of this incident.

[Steve Krakauer]

Tish declining to provide further details about how the pair may have been radicalized. Meanwhile, the New York Post reporting Kayumi's parents own a 5,800 square foot home in scenic Newtown, Pennsylvania, six bedroom, five bathroom property valued at 2.25 million. According to Fox News, Kayumi's parents became naturalized US citizens in the early 2000s after coming from Afghanistan. A neighbor telling the Post this is not the kind of place you think of when you think Islamic terror. This is Americana here. I guess what indoctrinates you online has nothing to do with location. Coming up, newly released Epstein files, shedding light on a lingering mystery why the medical examiner initially left the matter of Jeffrey Epstein's death unresolved. And shots fired at pop star Rihanna's Los Angeles home. What we know about the bizarre circumstances. Next. Foreign

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[Steve Krakauer]

newly released documents shedding some light on why Jeffrey Epstein's autopsy report initially left the matter of death unresolved, a delay fueling years of speculation. New York city medical examiner Dr. Kristen Roman performing Epstein's autopsy on August 11, 2019, one day after he was discovered dead in his cell. The autopsy observed by Dr. Michael Bodden at the request of the disgraced financier's brother Mark Epstein. Dr. Baden concluding then and still believes based on his observation of the body, that Epstein's death was a homicide. At the time of the autopsy, Dr. Roman declining to check a box on the death certificate indicating homicide or suicide, instead selecting pending studies days later, New York City's Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Barbara Sampson declaring Epstein's death a suicide based on careful review of all investigative information. Dr. Roman at the time not offering public comment on the matter. Dr. Baden's insistence that the death was a homicide in conjunction with the delay in the medical examiner's conclusion casting doubt for years over the circumstances of Epstein's death among many skeptics. In 2023, the DOJ's Inspector General releasing a report on Epstein's imprisonment confirming that Dr. Roman did conclude that Epstein's death was suicide via hanging, though that report did not address why she initially left the cause of death as pending. The transcript of Dr. Roman's interview with the DOJ released in the Epstein files shining light on the investigation into the cause of death. Dr. Roman telling investigators she was being thorough going on to say if he had been a less high profile person who there weren't people wanting to kill, I would have probably called it a hanging on the day of autopsy. The doctor calling it a pretty clear cut case, but telling investigators she wanted to examine Epstein's cell and speak to the guard who found his body before making her final determination. Dr. Roman stating in a sworn interview that she was not allowed to speak to the prison guard or view Epstein's cell, but she did examine photos of the room, according to Business Insider, Dr. Baden maintaining the neck fractures he observed on Epstein are more commonly associated with strangulation. Dr. Roman telling investigators those same injury patterns support her conclusion, explaining pressure applied by another person would have produced different uneven fractures. And the mystery continues. A Florida woman facing attempted murder charges after allegedly opening fire Sunday afternoon on the Los Angeles home of pop star and entrepreneur Rihanna while she was inside. Police saying 35 year old Ivana Ortiz fired multiple rounds at the home from a white Tesla across the street. Dispatch audio from the incident reporting about 10 shots fired. Neighbor Isabel Thorne describing the moment to reporters from NBC and CBS yesterday I

[Neighbor Isabel Thorne]

was just washing dishes in my house and I heard shots. I was a little shocked. You know, we don't hear that kind of thing in this neighborhood. It's pretty quiet. Nobody should have to deal with being, you know, in fear in your own home. You know, that's terrible.

[Steve Krakauer]

Investigators saying one round penetrated the wall of the home, others striking the outer gate in an RV parked in the driveway. Rihanna, her partner ASAP, Rocky and their three young children all home at the time, according to NBC4. No injuries were reported. Police tracking down Ortiz via helicopter locating the vehicle in a Sherman Oaks shopping center about 30 minutes after the first 911 call was placed, according to the LA Times. Ortiz taken into custody without incident. Investigators recovering a rifle and seven shell casings in the Tesla, according to an LAPD spokesperson. The motive remains under investigation. The Daily Mail reporting Ortiz recently posted a message targeting Rihanna on social media, sharing a selfie, tagging the star and writing quote, are you there because I was waiting for your aids 5 head self to say something to me directly. The outlet describing Ortiz as a Christian influencer promoting a women's prayer journal on YouTube where she reads from the Bible daily, coaching her followers through the videos. Ortiz previously arrested in Florida for domestic violence, careless driving and violating pretrial release conditions, according to the Daily Mail. Ortiz currently held in LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center. Bail is reportedly set at $10.2 million. It is unclear when she's due in court. That'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Steve Krakauer. Join Megan back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and all podcast platforms.

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[President Donald Trump]

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