The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 990 Summary

Release Date: January 23, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 990 of The Megyn Kelly Show, hosted by Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM, the conversation navigates through President Donald Trump's swift actions on illegal immigration, CNN's structural changes including the demotion of Jim Acosta, and swirling rumors surrounding the Obamas' marriage. Joined by the formidable hosts of the Ruthless Podcast—Josh Holmes, Michael Duncan, John Ashbrook, and Comfortably Smug—the episode delivers a no-holds-barred analysis of the current political landscape with engaging discussions and sharp insights.

1. President Trump's Immediate Actions on Illegal Immigration

Megyn Kelly opens the show on an optimistic note, highlighting the transformative actions taken by President Trump in his first week back in the White House. She remarks on the uplifting nature of the current news cycle, contrasting it with the often somber tone of typical news coverage.

• Executive Orders and Legislative Actions: The discussion delves into Trump's aggressive stance on illegal immigration, emphasizing the passage of the Lake and Riley Act. Kelly notes the bipartisan support for this legislation, despite some Democratic opposition, citing it as a substantial move to detain and deport individuals committing minor crimes like shoplifting.

  Megyn Kelly [03:20]: "President Trump takes swift action during week one back in the White House."

  John Ashbrook [05:32]: "Trump is here and he is different. He's exactly what people want."

• Mocking Media Criticism: The hosts critique CNN's handling of immigration issues and praise Trump's open and forthright communication style, contrasting it with the perceived evasiveness of previous administrations.

  Michael Duncan [04:04]: "It's incredible how Trump reflects the country's energy back to them."

• Impact of Executive Orders: They analyze the effectiveness of Trump's executive orders in reducing illegal border crossings, citing a significant drop in border encounters from 9,000 to approximately 500 within a short period.

  Megyn Kelly [46:00]: "We went from 9000 to 3000 overnight... and then down to 500 yesterday."

• Public Support and Approval Ratings: Citing a RealClearPolitics average, Kelly points out Trump's approval rating at 53%, attributing it to his decisive actions against DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies and green energy initiatives.

  Josh Holmes [11:18]: "There's nothing left to try to grift your way into a book deal saying that this is Hitler or anything. The people have spoken loud and clear."

2. CNN's Structural Changes and Jim Acosta's Demotion

The conversation shifts to CNN's apparent instability, specifically the reported demotion of Jim Acosta, a notable Trump critic.

• Jim Acosta's Departure: Kelly expresses indifference towards Acosta losing his position, viewing it as deserved due to his strong stance against Trump.

  Megyn Kelly [03:20]: "But I'm not sorry to see potentially chief Trump antagonist Jim Acosta lose his job. He deserves it."

• Host Reactions and Media Critique: The panelists criticize CNN's handling of Acosta, highlighting moments where Acosta faced tough questions without adequate support from the network.

  Josh Holmes [07:43]: "They are trying to pull him to midnight... he's too big to take this kind of demotion."

• Clip Analysis: A highlighted segment features Acosta's confrontation with a Republican congressman, showcasing the tension between CNN and Trump supporters.

  Megyn Kelly [29:05]: "He's losing his spot in the lineup... maybe quitting because he's too big to take this kind of demotion."

3. Obama's Marriage Rumors

The episode takes a sensational turn as the hosts discuss emerging rumors about Michelle and Barack Obama's marriage.

• Allegations of Infidelity: Kelly references reports from sources like Jessica Reed Kraus and Tara Palmeri, suggesting cracks in the Obamas' relationship and linking Michelle Obama to Jennifer Aniston.

  Megyn Kelly [84:28]: "Whispers about cracks in their relationship have been circulating in D.C. for over a year now."

• Media Skepticism and Host Opinions: The hosts express skepticism about the validity of these rumors, questioning the credibility of the sources and highlighting the lack of substantial evidence.

  John Ashbrook [89:20]: "If it is true and he leaves Michelle Obama high and dry... there's something happening there."

• Visual Evidence: Discussion includes visual cues such as Michelle Obama's absence from significant events and the portrayal of Barack Obama alone at Trump's inauguration.

  Megyn Kelly [92:00]: "Michelle did not go to the Carter funeral, it really is kind of shocking..."

4. Controversial Oscars Nominations

Shifting focus to the entertainment industry, the hosts critique the Oscars' latest nominations, particularly those involving transgender actors and themes.

• Transgender Actor Nomination: Kelly highlights the nomination of Carla Sophia Gascon, a transgender man, for Best Actress in a leading role, criticizing the Academy's decisions.

  Megyn Kelly [95:54]: "Among the people nominated for best actress in a leading role is a man... he was rewarded with the lead role."

• Hosts' Reactions and Satire: The panelists use humor to mock the nominations, suggesting the films are parodies or satire rather than genuine artistic works.

  Comfortably Smug [96:23]: "I do love the idea of a transitioning cartel boss, though. I would love to know how that went down..."

• Implications on Hollywood and Audience: They argue that such nominations are out of touch with the electorate's sentiments, suggesting a disconnect between Hollywood and the general public.

  Josh Holmes [96:01]: "We listen to MSNBC and this is all they're talking about... they're pushing papers their way saying character assassination is the only way to go."

5. Pete Hegseth's Confirmation and Media Bias

The hosts delve into the Senate confirmation process of Pete Hegseth, critiquing the media's portrayal and questioning the legitimacy of accusations against him.

• Allegations of Abuse: Kelly discusses allegations made by Pete's ex-sister-in-law about domestic abuse, scrutinizing the media's biased reporting and the lack of substantial evidence.

  Megyn Kelly [55:00]: "She denied it to the FBI... the judge found there was no probable cause to conclude there was abuse."

• Media's Double Standards: The panelists condemn media outlets like The New York Times and CBS for selectively reporting information that undermines Pete Hegseth without presenting his defense adequately.

  John Ashbrook [65:59]: "It's immoral and they know the material facts about the alleged victim... it's absurd."

• Confirmation Predictions: Confident that Pete Hegseth will be confirmed despite media attempts to derail his nomination, the hosts predict a successful confirmation backed by Republican unity.

  Josh Holmes [69:29]: "They're gonna try, Megan. But we said it during the hearings... Pete's gonna get confirmed."

6. Security Clearances and National Security Critique

The discussion moves to President Trump's actions in revoking security clearances of various former intelligence officials, including high-profile names like John Brennan and Leon Panetta.

• Revocation of Clearances: Kelly and the panel analyze the implications of Trump stripping these officials of their security clearances, arguing it undermines informed counsel within his team.

  Megyn Kelly [77:05]: "President Trump revoked the security clearance of a long list of former intelligence officials."

  Josh Holmes [79:14]: "They're using their security clearances to push agendas... it's immoral."

• Potential Backlash and Media Response: The hosts anticipate criticism from media figures like Margaret Brennan of CBS, defending Trump's actions as necessary measures to safeguard national security.

  Megyn Kelly [80:58]: "How great is he? That's how they're going to report it."

7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the show nears its conclusion, Kelly touches on additional controversies, including the nomination of Russell Vogt for the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and reiterates the show's commitment to exposing media biases and supporting Trump's agenda.

• OMB Nomination and Policy Directives: The panel discusses Russell Vogt's nomination, focusing on his stance against abortion and his alignment with Trump's Project 2025.

  Megyn Kelly [73:29]: "Project 2025 isn't real? Exactly right."

• Ongoing Media Critique: Emphasizing the importance of reliable and unbiased reporting, the hosts affirm their dedication to presenting factual information free from legacy media distortions.

  John Ashbrook [66:13]: "Audience away from legacy media and towards media like your show... all an audience wants is reality."

• Humorous Take on Current Events: The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter about the Oscars and fictional movie nominations, maintaining the show's engaging and provocative tone.

  Megyn Kelly [101:57]: "It's a real nomination... best picture with vaginoplasty."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Megyn Kelly [03:20]: "President Trump takes swift action during week one back in the White House."

• John Ashbrook [05:32]: "Trump is here and he is different. He's exactly what people want."

• Josh Holmes [11:18]: "There's nothing left to try to grift your way into a book deal saying that this is Hitler or anything. The people have spoken loud and clear."

• Megyn Kelly [29:05]: "He's losing his spot in the lineup... maybe quitting because he's too big to take this kind of demotion."

• Megyn Kelly [46:00]: "We went from 9000 to 3000 overnight... and then down to 500 yesterday."

• John Ashbrook [65:59]: "It's immoral and they know the material facts about the alleged victim... it's absurd."

• Josh Holmes [69:29]: "They're gonna try, Megan. But we said it during the hearings... Pete's gonna get confirmed."

Conclusion

Episode 990 of The Megyn Kelly Show offers a comprehensive and critical examination of pivotal political developments, media practices, and cultural controversies. Through spirited discussions and incisive commentary, Megyn Kelly and her co-hosts provide listeners with a robust perspective on the evolving dynamics of American politics and media influence.

Note: This summary captures the essence of Episode 990 based on the provided transcript. For a complete and nuanced understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.