The Megyn Kelly Show: Episode Summary Title: Trump's Nominee Chavez-DeRemer Grilled, RFK Unleashed, Lively-Baldoni Latest: AM Update for 2/20
Host: SiriusXM
Release Date: February 20, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delves into a range of pressing political and cultural issues shaping the national discourse. The conversation spans the contentious confirmation of President Trump's nominee for the Labor Department, RFKJ's inaugural day at the Department of Health and Human Services, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine, the prolonged NASA astronaut mission, and the ongoing legal saga between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.

Trump's Nominee Chavez-DeRemer Grilled

Nomination and Political Backlash
President Trump's selection of Lori Chavez-DeRemer to lead the Department of Labor has ignited significant debate on Capitol Hill. Chavez-DeRemer, a labor ally from Oregon, embodies a new Republican coalition, but her confirmation faces substantial GOP resistance.

Confirmation Hearings
During her Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee hearing, Chavez-DeRemer was rigorously questioned about her past support for the PRO Act—a bill aimed at strengthening labor protections. Republican senators like Rand Paul and Susan Collins scrutinized her stance, particularly on provisions that Democrats hailed as progressive but Republicans criticized for undermining right-to-work laws.

• At 03:07, Senator Mullen asks Chavez-DeRemer, "Do you still support the PRO Act or don't you support the PRO Act?" Her affirmative response led to further probing about specific provisions she no longer supports.

Republican and Union Dynamics
Unexpected alliances emerged as Senator Mullen and Sean O'Brien, President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, collaborated to support Chavez-DeRemer. Their alliance comes after a heated exchange in November 2023, illustrating the complex interplay within the Republican faction.

• At 04:34, O'Brien recounts his intense interactions with Chavez-DeRemer, emphasizing his readiness to support her confirmation despite previous tensions.

Outcome and Future Prospects
The hearing concluded without major disruptions, with both Democrats and Republicans acknowledging the importance of apprenticeship training. Virginia Senator Tim Kaine posed strategic questions regarding Chavez-DeRemer's commitment to veterans' issues, highlighting the nominee's assurances of upholding the law and maintaining transparency.

• At 08:11, Chavez-DeRemer affirms, "I will always follow the law in the Constitution," addressing concerns about potential conflicts with presidential directives.

RFK Unleashed: A New Chapter at HHS

First Day as HHS Head
RFKJ's arrival at the Department of Health and Human Services marks a pivotal moment in the Trump administration's healthcare strategy. Overseeing a massive $1.7 trillion budget, RFKJ faces the daunting task of addressing chronic diseases plaguing the nation.

Health Crisis Insights
Chronic diseases affect six out of ten American adults, with significant rises in conditions like asthma, autoimmune diseases, and autism. Despite high healthcare spending, RFKJ highlights that Americans remain among the world's sickest populations.

• At 09:55, RFKJ states, "Our mission now will be reversing the chronic disease epidemic," emphasizing the need for systemic change over pharmaceutical interventions.

Commitment to Transparency
A committed advocate for scientific integrity, RFKJ pledges to eliminate corporate influence in pharmaceutical research and restore unbiased scientific practices within HHS.

• At 11:26, she declares, "Nothing is going to be off limits. Whatever belief or suspicion I have expressed in the past, I'm willing to subject them all to the scrutiny of unbiased science."

Public and Celebrity Support
Actor Zachary Levi echoes public demand for transparency, advocating for open access to information and a collaborative approach to reform.

• At 11:47, Levi remarks, "Everyone deserves this kind of transparency. Let's have a real coming to Jesus moment."

U.S. and Ukraine Negotiations: Trump vs. Zelensky

Warring Narratives
As the U.S. leads peace negotiations in Ukraine, President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky exchange sharp rhetoric. Trump accuses Ukraine of inadvertently provoking the conflict, while Zelensky defends Ukraine's sovereignty and criticizes U.S. diplomatic efforts.

• At 12:59, Trump asserts, "You could have made a deal for Ukraine that would have given him almost all of the land. Everything."

Democratic Response
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemns Trump's remarks, clarifying, "The people of Ukraine did not start this war. Vladimir Putin did."

Espousing Peace
Despite tensions, National Security Advisor Mike Walz emphasizes the necessity for both sides to engage constructively in negotiations to end the devastating war.

• At 14:46, Walz states, "President Trump has been very clear he intends to bring this war to an end, that all sides need to be bought into that."

Election Controversy
Amidst the conflict, the suspension of Ukrainian elections and the imposition of martial law raise concerns about democratic processes during wartime. The White House rebukes Zelensky's comments on holding elections, highlighting differing views on governance during crisis.

Astronauts' Return and Elon Musk's Role

Extended Mission Drama
Elon Musk announces that NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return to Earth after nearly 300 days in space, a mission initially slated for just eight days. Technical issues with the Boeing Starliner led to the indefinite extension.

• At 12:50, Musk critiques the Biden administration, saying, "They were put. Yes, they were left up there for political reasons, which is not good."

Astronauts' Perspective
Wilmore and Williams publicly refute claims of abandonment, emphasizing their preparedness and commitment to the mission.

• At 16:29, Williams states, "We don't feel abandoned. We don't feel stuck. We don't feel stranded."

Upcoming Return
The astronauts are scheduled to land on March 12th, concluding a mission fraught with delays and administrative challenges.

Lively-Baldoni Latest: Legal Turmoil

Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni
Actress Blake Lively has amended her complaint against co-star and director Justin Baldoni, alleging that multiple women felt uncomfortable on set due to Baldoni's behavior. Lively presents a 163-page document, yet refrains from naming witnesses to protect their anonymity.

Legal Countermoves
Baldoni's attorney, Brian Friedman, dismisses the claims as hearsay and anticipates that forthcoming depositions will discredit Lively's allegations. In response, Baldoni has countersued Lively for $400 million in damages, setting the trial date for March 2026.

• At 16:55, Friedman asserts, "These documents do not lie and people do," signaling his confidence in refuting the accusations.

Public Reactions and Speculations
The unfolding legal battle underscores the challenges of accountability in Hollywood, with both parties preparing for a high-stakes court showdown.

Conclusion

Megyn Kelly's AM Update offers a comprehensive overview of significant political, scientific, and cultural developments. From the intricacies of political nominations and healthcare reforms to international diplomacy and high-profile legal disputes, the episode provides listeners with in-depth analysis and diverse perspectives on the issues shaping the United States and beyond.

For more insightful discussions, listen to The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon Eastern or visit YouTube.com/megankelly and your preferred podcast platform.