Trump Weighs Government Shutdown Cuts, Delta Planes Collide, UK Terror Attack: AM Update 10/3

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: AM Update 10/3/2025

Host: Megyn Kelly
Date: October 3, 2025
Main Topics: Trump’s Shutdown Government Cuts, Delta Plane Collision, UK Synagogue Terror Attack, Greta Thunberg Gaza Flotilla

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Episode Overview

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provides a brisk and pointed morning update on headline news: President Trump’s search for government programs to cut amidst a shutdown, a frightening Delta Airlines collision at LaGuardia, a deadly terror attack at a UK synagogue, and environmental activist Greta Thunberg’s latest attempt to sail to Gaza. The tone is sharp and direct, with Megyn Kelly offering both reportage and commentary.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Moves on Government Shutdown Cuts

[00:39–05:48]

• Shutdown Context: President Trump is “moving ahead with plans to reduce the federal workforce” during the ongoing government shutdown.
• Trump Statement: Trump, on Truth Social, references a meeting with Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought to determine “which of the many Democrat agencies, most of which are a political scam,” should be cut. This is framed as a response to the “radical left Democrats” supposedly giving him this “unprecedented opportunity.”
• Project 2025:
  • Project 2025 is identified as a Heritage Foundation “policy playbook” intended for a Republican return to power. Trump has previously distanced himself, but here “appears to reference it as a troll.”
  • Democrats (specifically Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries [03:31]) accuse Trump of “implementing and unleashing Project 2025,” contradicting earlier Republican denials.
• Layoff Plans: Russ Vought circulated memos directing agencies to draft shutdown layoff plans; targeted programs include those “not legally required” or “not aligned with Trump’s priorities.”
  • “On Wednesday, just hours into the shutdown, Vought announcing the cancellation of nearly $8 billion in green energy contracts.”
  • “$18 billion in NYC infrastructure funding put on hold.”
• Democratic Response:
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer initially called these actions intimidation but, under criticism, suggested the moves “will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back.”
  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt insists the cuts are “very real” and not simply a negotiating tactic.

Notable Quotes

• Hakeem Jeffries [03:31]:

  “This year they've done nothing. Zip. Zero. Stingy with the narrow nothing to lower the high cost of living for everyday Americans, while at the same period of time implementing and unleashing Project 2025. Now all of a sudden, Donald Trump admits it was his project all along.”

• Caroline Leavitt [05:10, 05:41]:

  “We're going to start looking across the board at layoffs and at agencies that we feel do not best serve the American taxpayer … That may need to be halted or permanently cut.”
  “Oh, it's very real and the Democrats should know that they put the White House and the president in this position.”

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2. Delta Airplanes Collide at LaGuardia Airport

[05:48–07:38]

• Incident Report: Two Delta subsidiary jets collided at low speed on a taxiway; one flight attendant suffered a knee injury. The FAA is investigating.
• Eyewitness Account: CBS producer Joey Annunziato, a passenger, said:
  • [06:30]

    “We just landed New York on a Delta flight from Charlotte. Coming back from work, we were taxing to our Runway and we got absolutely smashed by another Delta flight. … It was super jarring. Everyone shot forward in their seats and it was kind of a little chaotic as soon as it happened.”

• FAA/NTSB Involvement: Air traffic control had told the Roanoke-bound plane to yield. NTSB will issue a preliminary report in 30 days.
• Shutdown Context: Collision occurred during the first day of the government shutdown, with air traffic controllers working unpaid. Their union later warned about the effect of fatigue and stress on safety.

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3. Deadly Terror Attack on UK Synagogue

[09:12–13:03]

• Attack Details: Two Jewish people killed, four wounded (three seriously) in a car and knife attack outside a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur.
• Attacker: Jihad Al Shami, 35, a British citizen of Syrian descent, was shot dead by police. Wore a suspected bomb vest, which proved to be a false threat. Three more suspects (two men, one woman) are in custody.
• Eyewitness Reactions: Local Jewish women express fear and frustration at growing antisemitism:
  • [11:08]

    “It's a very holy festival and I'm Jewish and, and absolutely terrified.” — [Unnamed local woman]

  • [11:36]

    “I've been saying for years and pre-October 7th that anti-Semitism is real and we have been continually gaslit.” — [Unnamed woman via LBC/Reuters]

• Official Responses:
  • PM Keir Starmer [11:59]:

    "Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection. ... While this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with. We must be clear. It is a hatred that is rising once again and Britain must defeat it. Once again."

• Wider Context: Attack follows German police arrests of alleged Hamas members stockpiling weapons for attacks on Jewish targets.

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4. Greta Thunberg’s Gaza Flotilla Blocked by Israel

[14:09–15:36]

• Flotilla Attempt: Greta Thunberg and hundreds of activists attempt to sail into Gaza, aiming to “break Israel’s illegal siege.” The Israeli navy intercepted the boats, detaining activists for deportation.
  • Greta’s message [14:09]:

    “If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission was non violent and abiding by international law. Please tell my government to demand my and the others immediate release.”

• Israeli Naval Response [15:19]:

  “This is the Israeli navy. You are approaching a blockaded zone. If you wish to deliver aid to Gaza, you may do so through the established channels.”

• Background: The flotilla was mostly symbolic, with limited aid. This latest incident occurs shortly after Trump’s proposed deal for a ceasefire and hostage release to Hamas, which remains unanswered.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|---------|-------| | 03:31 | Hakeem Jeffries | “This year they've done nothing. Zip. Zero. Stingy with the narrow nothing to lower the high cost of living... while... unleashing Project 2025.” | | 05:10 | Caroline Leavitt | “We're going to start looking across the board at layoffs and at agencies that we feel do not best serve the American taxpayer.” | | 06:30 | Joey Annunziato | “We got absolutely smashed by another Delta flight. … It was super jarring. Everyone shot forward in their seats…” | | 11:08 | Local Jewish woman | “It's a very holy festival and I'm Jewish and, and absolutely terrified.” | | 11:36 | Local Jewish woman | “I've been saying for years and pre-October 7th that anti-Semitism is real and we have been continually gaslit.” | | 11:59 | PM Keir Starmer | “Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings... require round the clock protection... It is a hatred that is rising once again and Britain must defeat it.”| | 14:09 | Greta Thunberg | “If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission was non violent...” | | 15:19 | Israeli Navy | “You are approaching a blockaded zone. ... Please change your course toward the port of Ashdod, where the aid will undergo a security inspection...” |

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Trump/government cuts: [00:39–05:48]
• Delta plane crash at LaGuardia: [05:48–07:38]
• Manchester synagogue attack: [09:12–13:03]
• Greta Thunberg flotilla: [14:09–15:36]

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Final Thoughts

Megyn Kelly’s AM Update on October 3, 2025, presents a tense, rapidly evolving news landscape: U.S. political brinksmanship over the shutdown, safety scares in air travel under those stressful conditions, rising anti-Jewish violence in Europe, and the continuing Israel-Palestine global theater. Kelly’s tone is critical, especially regarding the use of the shutdown for “trolling” political opponents, and at times sardonic—especially with the Greta Thunberg and Project 2025 stories.

The episode is informative, focused, and rich in first-hand testimony and pointed quotes—delivering an energizing but sobering snapshot of political and global unrest.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Friday, October 3rd, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[C]

We're going to start looking across the board at layoffs and at agencies.

[B]

President Trump searching for government programs to shutter as lawmakers battle over how to end the government shutdown. Two Delta planes collide on a New York City Runway. You have to fall, go away. Terror in the UK Two killed and more wounded in an attack on a synagogue. And Greta Thunberg tries once more to sail to Gaza. How'd that go? All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. Have you heard about biohacking? It's what some top athletes, CEOs, even doctors are using to take control of their health. Most people today are stuck in the cycle of fatigue, weight gain and brain fog. But biohacking changes that, giving your body the exact tools it needs to heal, recover and perform at its peak. That's why I want to tell you about all family pharmacy. They have your everyday prescriptions and essentials, but they also make it easy to get powerful biohacking treatments you won't find at regular chain pharmacies. They've got nad, a cellular booster for energy repair and healthy aging, a peptide that supports fat loss, muscle recovery and and better sleep and more. Every order is reviewed by a licensed doctor. The prescription is included and then they ship it straight to your door. Don't wait for the system to take care of you. Considering taking control of your health today is essential. Go to allfamilypharmacy.com Megan use the code MEGAN10 to save 10% on your order as well. Again, that's allfamilypharmacy.com MEGAN use the code MEGAN10 if you want to save 10% on your order today. President Trump on Thursday appearing to move ahead with plans to reduce the federal workforce amid the government shutdown. Mr. Trump posting on truth social quote, I have a meeting today with Office of Management and Budget Director Ross Vogt, he of Project 2025 fame, to determine which of the many Democrat agencies, most of which are a political scam. He recommends to be cut and whether or not those cuts will be temporary or permanent. I can't believe the radical left Democrats gave me this unprecedented opportunity. They are not stupid people. So maybe this is their way of wanting to quietly and quickly make America Great again. Project 2025 is a policy playbook drawn up by the conservative Heritage foundation in hopes of a Republican victory in 2024. Ross Vogt is one of the key architects Democrats throughout the election casting the document as a textbook for installing fascism. President Trump regularly saying he had not read Project 2025 and it was not a part of his campaign. Of course, here appearing to reference it as a troll. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries reacting to reporters yesterday.

[D]

Donald Trump and Republicans spent all of last year promising that they were going to lower the high cost of living. They also spent all of last year running away from Project 2025 and acting like Project 2025 didn't exist. But what have they been doing this year? This year they've done nothing. Zip. Zero. Stingy with the narrow nothing to lower the high cost of living for everyday Americans, while at the same period of time implementing and unleashing Project 2025. Now all of a sudden, Donald Trump admits it was his project all along.

[B]

Last week vote circulating a memo directing agencies to draw up plans for layoffs in the event of a shutdown. Vote specifically targeting programs, projects or activities that are not legally required to continue and do not align with President Trump's priorities. On Wednesday, just hours into the shutdown vote announcing the cancellation of nearly $8 billion in green energy contracts across 16 states. An additional $18 billion in funding toward New York City infrastructure projects put on hold in March. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer backing down from a budget fight, warning a shutdown would hand Mr. Trump more power to shrink the government. The move drawing tremendous criticism from his party. The minority leader now changing his tune. Last week, Mr. Schumer calling the vote memo an attempt to intimidate Democrats, telling Politico, quote, these unnecessary firings will either be overturned in court or the administration will end up hiring the workers back. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt yesterday on Fox saying this is no bluff.

[C]

Look, we have zero dollars coming into the federal government right now because the Democrats shut it down. So what Russ Vote is working diligently on is examining how we can fix this mess to ensure that critical funding continues, that we can get people paid. But. But the Democrats are making that very difficult. We're going to start looking across the board at layoffs and at agencies that we feel do not best serve the American taxpayer. That may need to be halted or permanently cut.

[B]

Is that real or is that a negotiating tactic?

[C]

Oh, it's very real and the Democrats should know that they put the White House and the president in this position.

[B]

For now, the shutdown continues. Two regional jets operated by a Delta Airlines subsidiary colliding at low speeds on a LaGuardia taxiway Wednesday night in New York. One flight attendant reportedly suffering a knee injury, according to Port Authority. A person was taken to the hospital. It's unclear if that person is the flight attendant. Thankfully, no one else was injured. Just before 10pm A plane taxiing in from Charlotte, North Carolina, struck by the wing of another jet preparing to take off for Roanoke, Virginia. CBS producer Joey Annunziato, who was on board one of the planes, describing the crash.

[E]

We just landed New York on a Delta flight from Charlotte. Coming back from work, we were taxing to our Runway and we got absolutely smashed by another Delta flight. I don't know if we hit them or if they hit us, but it was super jarring. Everyone shot forward in their seats and it was kind of a little chaotic as soon as it happened. Flight was uneventful up until we landed. I think everybody's okay and we're probably, I don't know, 50 to 100 yards from our gate.

[B]

Images of the scene showing extensive damage to the plane's windshield and nose. 57 passengers were aboard the flight from Charlotte, 28 on the flight to Roanoke, according to the airline. The FAA releasing a statement yesterday morning saying air traffic control instructed the plane departing for Roanoke to yield to the other aircraft before crossing into the intersection. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident. Preliminary reports typically released within 30 days, a full report within 12 to 18 months. The collision occurring within the first day of the government shutdown. Air traffic controllers are classified as essential working through the shutdown, though without any pay. The air traffic controllers union in a Wednesday statement unrelated to the collision, writing, quote, the increased stress and fatigue that comes from working long hours without pay cannot be overstated. It's unclear if La Guardia's staffing levels were impacted when the collision occurred. Coming up, an attack on a UK Synagogue leaves two Jews killed and four injured. Police declare it an act of terror. And Greta Thunberg's Gaza flotilla take two foreign let's be honest. Afternoons can be rough. Energy fades, cravings kick in and focus goes out the window. The quick fix, another coffee. But that can lead to jitters or a crash later or it interrupts your sleep. You know the problems. Peak's Sun Goddess Matcha is another option. Whether it's how the day starts or how it gets back on track, this Matcha is not just a drink. It can be a better daily habit. It gives steady energy and helps you focus without the ups and downs. This is not just any matcha. It's organic, ceremonial grade and grown in Japan's pure volcanic soil, far away from pollution. It's shaded longer for more nutrients and blended by tea masters. That's how serious they are about quality. The taste is smooth, creamy and rich, not bitter like lower quality Matcha. It packs powerful antioxidants to keep you sharp and steady. And right now you can get up to 20% off for life plus a free rechargeable frother and glass beaker. It's backed by a 90 day money back guarantee. Go to peaklife.com Megan that's P I Q U E life.com Megan to try it for yourself again, that's P I Q U E Life.com Megan terrorism in the United Kingdom. At least two Jewish people killed, four more injured in a targeted car and knife attack on a synagogue in Manchester, England. Three of the victims now in serious condition. Police shooting and killing the terrorist, later identifying the deceased attacker as 35 year old jihad Al Shami, a British citizen of Syrian descent. His name is Jihad. The attack, which happened yesterday morning, taking place on Yom Kippur, the the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Around 9:30am, Al Shami slamming his car directly into people outside of the synagogue, then exiting the vehicle, carrying on the attack with a knife. Video shows police with weapons drawn on the prone assailant, attempting to clear onlookers from the scene. Everybody else, he has a boat. Go away, he's got a bubble. An officer firing one round into Shami, killing him. Police later confirming the vest he was wearing, suspected of concealing a bomb, was not a viable threat. Manchester police say three suspects have been arrested on suspicion of commission preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism, though law enforcement later saying, quote, they're working to understand the motive behind the attack. In custody, two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s. Two local Jewish women speaking out to British radio station LBC and Reuters.

[F]

All I could hear was helicopters and I thought, what's going on? And then my mum said she saw two cars speeding right past the house and then she said they're heading down that way. So I said, I wonder if it's at shul. That's my mum. That's our local synagogue. So she said, I think you're right and today is Yom Kippur. It's a very holy festival and I'm Jewish and, and absolutely terrified.

[G]

I was on my way to that synagogue when this all happened and I'm in an absolute state of distress and shock. You know we've been saying for years and pre October 7th that anti Semitism is real and we have been continually gaslit.

[B]

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacting on Thursday.

[H]

This is a country that stands up to hatred and that we don't just provide refuge, we provide a home for so many Jewish families. That is the story of Britain. But Britain is also a country where Jewish buildings, synagogues, even schools require round the clock protection. Where dedicated specialist security is necessary because of the daily threat of anti Semitic hatred. Today's horrific incident shows why. And while this is not a new hate, this is something Jews have always lived with. We must be clear. It is a hatred that is rising once again and Britain must defeat it. Once again.

[B]

The Prime Minister also saying police presence around synagogues will be increased. The Daily Mail reporting multiple anti Israel protesters continuing with planned rallies last night. One just a few miles away from the site of the attack. Marchers adorned with black and white keffiyeh scarves waving Palestinian flags and signs reading Stop starving Gaza and Israel is guilty of genocide. The demonstrations drawing condemnation on social media. Conservative member of the London Assembly Susan hall writing, quote, utterly disgusting. What disgraceful, disrespectful, despicable behavior. Today of all days. This attack coming one day after German police arrested three suspected Hamas members allegedly stockpiling weapons, quote for assassinations targeting Israeli or Jewish institutions. According to prosecutors, the suspects arrested in Berlin two are German citizens, one was born in Lebanon. Identified only by their first names and last initials, Abed AL G Wael FM and Ahmed I. Police discovering weapons including an AK47 rifle and several pistols in addition to a quote, considerable amount of ammunition. Climate warrior turned Palestinian activist Greta Thunberg is at it again.

[G]

My name is Gertrude, I'm a citizen of Sweden. If you are watching this video, I have been abducted and taken against my will by Israeli forces. Our humanitarian mission was non violent and abiding by international law. Please tell my government to demand my and the others immediate release.

[B]

Yes, Greta. Once again detained by Israeli officials while attempting to get herself on tv. I mean attempting to sail into war torn Gaza. This latest voyage following a similarly unsuccessful June campaign. But this time the 22 year old taking a strength in numbers approach the global sumud flotilla organizing about 40 vessels departing from Barcelona about one month ago, carrying approximately 500 activists, including European lawmakers and lawyers. The largest attempt yet to break the blockade. The AP reporting the flotilla was carrying, quote, a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Its main goal, they said, remained to break Israel's illegal siege and and end the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people. The boats intercepted by the Israeli Navy about 80 miles from shore.

[I]

This is the Israeli navy. You are approaching a blockaded zone. If you wish to deliver aid to Gaza, you may do so through the established channels. Please change your course toward the port of Ashdod, where the aid will undergo a security inspection and then be transferred into the Gaza Strip.

[B]

The Israeli Foreign Ministry posting footage of Greta seated on one of the ships wearing a black and white keffiyeh, a helmeted officer handing her what appears to be a water bottle and assisting her with a jacket. The ministry writing, quote, greta and her friends are safe and healthy. Passengers aboard the intercepted ships, Israeli officials say will be deported to Europe. This latest dump culminating just days before the second anniversary of the October 7th attack on Israel. Earlier this week, President Trump presenting the Hamas terrorist organization with a deal to end the war. Israel and other Arab states in the area support the deal calling for an immediate end to the fighting and release of all remaining hostages. President Trump telling reporters on Tuesday Hamas has three or four days to respond. The White House promising full backing to Israel to finish the job if this deal is rejected. As of today, no word on whether Hamas will accept the offer. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megan Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platforms. This is a real good story about Drew, a real United Airlines customer.

[J]

After almost four years of treatments, I was finally cancer free. My mom's like, where do you want to go to celebrate? I'm like, let's go celebrate somewhere tropical. And then pilot hopped on the intercom and started talking about me. And I was like, what is going on here? My wife beat cancer, too. And I wanted to celebrate his special moment.

[B]

That's Bill, a real United pilot.

[J]

We brought him drinks and donuts. We all signed a card. I was smiling ear to ear. Best flight ever for sure. That's how good leads the way.