Trump's "Permanent Pause" After DC Attack, Alleged "Second Strike" Under Scrutiny: AM Update 12/1

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show

Episode Title: Trump's "Permanent Pause" After DC Attack, Alleged "Second Strike" Under Scrutiny: AM Update 12/1
Date: December 1, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly
Platform: SiriusXM

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Overview

This AM Update from The Megyn Kelly Show focuses on President Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown following a deadly attack on two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. The episode also covers mounting scrutiny over an alleged illegal military order involving a "second strike" on a drug vessel, controversy in Minnesota's Somali community relating to fraud, and Senator Cory Booker's surprise wedding.

Kelly delivers the updates with her signature direct, skeptical style, weaving breaking news with political analysis and occasional commentary.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DC Attack and Immigration Crackdown

• Incident Recap (02:43–05:15):

  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that 29-year-old Afghan national Ramonola Lakhinwal ambushed two West Virginia National Guard soldiers — Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolf — near the White House.
  • Beckstrom died, Wolf was critically injured, and Lakhinwal was shot and apprehended.
  • Lakhinwal came to the U.S. in 2021 under "Operation Allies Welcome" for Afghans who aided U.S. forces.

• Concerns on Vetting (04:40–05:15):

  • Critics pointed to insufficient vetting of Afghan arrivals.
  • CIA Director John Ratcliffe: “the individual and so many others should have never been allowed to come here.”
  • Megyn Kelly’s take: “So he came from Afghanistan and was radicalized in America. That's great. Just great.” (05:15)

• Trump's Response & Directives (05:58–06:42):

  • Trump decries past “unknown and unvetted” migrants:

    • “No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival.” (05:58)

  • Orders include:

    • Halt on all asylum processing
    • 500 additional troops to D.C.
    • Consideration of ending all immigration from "third world countries"
    • Removal of non-citizen public charges and denaturalization of those undermining “domestic tranquility”

  • Trump, on ABC: “Absolutely determined to stop all processes at this point in time from third world countries until we can have a thorough opportunity to go through these individuals... He's putting Americans first, their safety first.” (06:42)

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2. Fraud Scandals and Somali Community Scrutiny

• Fraud Exposé (07:02–10:12):

  • City Journal reported Somali community networks in Minnesota defrauded state programs of $1 billion+, with funds partially funneled to Somalia and, reportedly, terror group Al Shabaab.
  • Trump moved to end temporary protected status for Somali nationals in Minnesota—a step impacting hundreds, not tens of thousands.
  • DOJ has charged 86 individuals (all but eight from the Somali community); fraud spanned COVID-era meal and aid programs.
  • Minnesota’s nonpartisan auditor found state officials hesitated to take action for fear of allegations of racism.
    • Former investigator: “Forcefully tackling this issue might cause political backlash among the Somali community, which is a core voting bloc for Democrats.” (10:12)

• Governor Tim Walz's Defense (09:26):

  • “To demonize an entire community on the actions of a few, it's lazy. That is totally disconnected with demonizing an entire group of people who came here fleeing civil war and created a vibrant community that makes Minnesota and this country better. But, but that's Donald Trump. Deflect, demonize, come up with no solutions.” (09:26)

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3. "Permanent Pause" Immigration Policy Clarifications

• Clarifying the Policy (11:11–11:43):
  • Trump: “We don't want those people. We have enough problems. ... From different countries that are not friendly to us and countries that are out of control themselves, countries like Somalia that have virtually no government, no military, no police. ... We don't want them.” (11:11–11:43)
  • Kelly presses Trump on time limits; Trump says, “no time limit, but it could be a long time.” (11:17)

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4. Alleged Illegal "Second Strike" Order

• Controversy Summary (13:06–16:24):

  • After Democratic lawmakers urged troops to refuse hypothetical illegal orders, media outlets like WaPo report on an alleged “second strike” ordered by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on survivors of a drug vessel strike.
  • Critics (e.g., Rep. Seth Moulton): “Killing survivors is blatantly illegal. Mark my words. It may take some time, but Americans will be prosecuted for this, either as a war crime or outright murder.” (14:42)
  • DOJ produced opinion supporting presidential authority to strike certain criminal organizations if they present an imminent threat.
  • Hegseth: “Our operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both US and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers…” (15:49)

• President Trump’s Response (16:24–17:06):

  • Trump says he was not aware of a second strike: “I don't know that that happened. ... Pete said he did not order the death of those two men.” (16:36–16:56)
  • “I have great confidence he's saying there's no second strike. I don't know. I'm going to find out about it.” (16:56)

• Notable Media Commentary:

  • Mark Hemingway (Real Clear Investigations): Caution is warranted as facts are unclear, and many are “outraged and energetically pretending to be experts on obscure aspects of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.” (17:06)

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5. Senator Cory Booker’s Surprise Wedding

• Event Details (17:06–19:37):
  • Booker married Alexis Lewis in a small D.C. ceremony, just months after their engagement.
  • Unique proposal with Mariah Carey's "Dreamlover" played live; described as “magical.”
  • Kelly jokes about their exuberant engagement photos: “mouths agape in full theatrical excitement.”
  • HBO host Bill Maher quips: “[The photos] make me think don’t let moderate to severe ulcerative colitis stand in your way. Ask your doctor about Xoraxia.” (19:16)
  • NYT speculates wedding may boost Booker’s 2028 presidential prospects, but polling shows him at just 2.5%.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Megyn Kelly’s Sarcasm:
  “So he came from Afghanistan and was radicalized in America. That's great. Just great.” (05:15)

• Trump on Immigration Pause:
  “Permanently pause migration from all third world countries and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the US or is incapable of loving our country...” (Read by Kelly, 07:02)

• Governor Walz Pushes Back:
  “To demonize an entire community on the actions of a few, it's lazy. That is totally disconnected...” (09:26)

• Rep. Seth Moulton Warning:
  “Killing survivors is blatantly illegal. Mark my words. It may take some time, but Americans will be prosecuted for this, either as a war crime or outright murder.” (14:42)

• Bill Maher on Booker’s Photos:
  “They make me think don’t let moderate to severe ulcerative colitis stand in your way. Ask your doctor about xoraxia.” (19:16)

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• DC National Guard Attack & Immigration Crackdown: 02:43–07:02
• Minnesota Somali Fraud & Policy Reaction: 07:02–11:43
• Clarification of Immigration Pause (Trump Interview): 11:11–11:43
• "Second Strike" Military Order Controversy: 13:06–17:06
• Cory Booker’s Wedding & Light Segment: 17:06–19:37

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Tone & Delivery

True to the show’s branding, Kelly's tone remains blunt and unapologetically skeptical, mixing news recaps with her personal commentary (“Way to get scooped by City Journal, Times”). Interviews with political figures and their responses are presented without sugarcoating.

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Conclusion

This episode provided an unfiltered look at the political and legal reverberations from the D.C. attack, large-scale Somali-linked fraud in Minnesota, and the alleged military misconduct in the Caribbean. Between the news and pointed commentary, listeners gain insight into the political calculations and partisan tensions framing each major issue.

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For more, listen on SiriusXM Channel 111 at noon or catch The Megyn Kelly Show on YouTube and all podcast platforms.

Transcript

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[Megyn Kelly]

Neither cough nor cold nor gloom of muscle aches stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed AM Update. Forgive the voice. I'm fine. I'm on the mend at least. Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Monday, December 1, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[President Trump]

The President is absolutely determined to stop all processes at this point in time from third world countries.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump announcing of immigration restrictions following the ambush of two National Guard soldiers in D.C. by an Afghan national. Multiple Somali fraud scandals Rock, Minnesota and President Trump takes action.

[Pete Hegseth]

They may find out, you know, down the road that they did something that is illegal. It is not fair to them.

[Megyn Kelly]

Just weeks after a group of Democrat lawmakers stirs up controversy about hypothetical illegal military orders, the media suddenly finds a story to match the fake concern. And Senator Cory Booker ties the knot after a very brief and super smiley engagement. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

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[Megyn Kelly]

Work Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem revealing new details about the Afghan national accused of ambushing two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. last week. On Wednesday, 29 year old suspect Ramonola Lakhinwal allegedly shooting 20 year old specialist Sarah Beckstrom and 24 year old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolf, both members of the West Virginia National Guard, in what officials described as a targeted attack just blocks from the White House. At the time, Beckstrom and Wolf were on patrol as part of President Trump's crime crackdown in the District. Beckstrom died the following day on Thanksgiving. Wolf still hospitalized in critical condition. Lockenwall shot and apprehended by another Guard member after the attack, then taken to a hospital. The Daily Wire reporting he is expected to survive. U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro on Friday announcing the suspect's charges upgraded to first degree murder following Beckstrom's death in addition to two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Pirro also saying Lockenwell lives in Bellingham, Washington with his wife and five children. Law enforcement carried out a raid on the property he reportedly drove from Washington state across the country to carry out the attack. Fox News reporting. Lockenwell worked with the CIA and other government entities in Afghanistan before the Biden administration's disastrous August 2021 withdrawal from the country. Lockenwall entering the US the following month under Operation Allies welcome, an emergency resettlement program bringing thousands of Afghanis to the US who were at risk of Taliban retaliation due to their cooperation with US Forces at the time. Many critics, including then Senate candidate J.D. vance, slamming the program raising serious national security concerns regarding the lack of ability to adequately vet the newcomers. CIA Director John Ratcliffe telling Fox Digital, quote, the individual and so many others should have never been allowed to come here. Reuters reports his asylum application was approved in April of this year. Secretary Noem Sunday on ABC saying investigators are working to determine the motive and sharing new details about the suspect.

[President Trump]

And now since he's been here, we believe he could have been radicalized in his home community and in his home state. So as we continue to talk to his family and his contacts, more details will be revealed and we'll release those when it's appropriate.

[Megyn Kelly]

So he came from Afghanistan and was radicalized in America. That's great. Just great. The Associated Press reporting Saturday Lockenwell had been struggling for years, quote, unable to hold a job and flipping between long lightless stretches of isolation and taking sudden weeks long cross country drives. The AP also reporting that a community advocate once contacted a refugee organization due to fears that Lockenwell was suicidal. President Trump responding to the attack with a series of orders is aimed at cracking down on immigration in addition to the deployment of 500 more troops to D.C. from Palm Beach. Mr. Trump posting this video Wednesday night.

[President Trump]

As President of the United States, I am determined to ensure that the animal who perpetrated this atrocity pays the steepest possible price. This attack underscores the single greatest national security threat facing our nation. The last administration let in 20 million unknown and unvetted foreigners from all over the world, from places that you don't want to even know about. No country can tolerate such a risk to our very survival.

[Megyn Kelly]

On Friday, the Trump administration reportedly halting all asylum application processing. Secretary Noem Sunday on NBC asked if President Trump is planning to end all immigration into the U.S. the president is.

[President Trump]

Absolutely determined to stop all processes at this point in time from third world countries until we can have a thorough opportunity to go through these individuals, know that they're here for the right intentions and that they even should be in our country to begin with. He's putting Americans first, their safety first.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump's immigration crackdown taking specific aim at the Somali community in Minnesota. In November, reporting from the Manhattan Institute's City Journal alleging that networks within the Minnesota Somali community ripped off state Medicaid and social services programs of more than a billion dollars, with millions reportedly sent back to Somalia via remittances, where the Al Shabaab terrorist group then takes a cut. In the wake of that reporting, President Trump announcing the termination of temporary protected status for Somali nationals in Minnesota, a move ultimately only affecting a few hundred out of tens of thousands of somalis in the U.S. but the president's crackdown escalating sharply in the wake of the attack on two National Guardsmen in D.C. Mr. Trump posting on Thanksgiving to Truth Social, quote, I will permanently pause migration from all third world countries and remove anyone who is not a net asset to the US or is incapable of loving our country, end all federal benefits and subsidies to noncitizens of our country, denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility and deport any foreign national who is a public charge, security risk or non compatible with Western civilization. Then on Saturday, the New York Times with its own lengthy report with the headline How Fraud Swamped Minnesota's Social Services System on Tim Walls watch. Way to get scooped by City Journal Times. The Times detailing federal prosecutors charging dozens of people with felonies for their alleged roles in the Feeding Our Future fraud scheme which involved Covid era programs meant to feed hungry children. According to the doj, the money instead was used by mostly Somali immigrants to funnel hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars into luxury cars, homes and even overseas investments. Prosecutors so far convicting 59 people across three major the meals program, a program for individuals at risk for homelessness and an autism therapy program with losses totaling more than $1 billion. Of the 86 people charged in connection with these schemes, all but eight members of Minnesota's Somali community. Governor Waltz gently asked about the reporting Sunday on NBC, deflecting the criticism. Do you take responsibility for failing to stop this fraud in your state?

[Governor Waltz]

Well, certainly I take responsibility for putting people in jail. Governors don't get to just talk. Theoretically, we have to solve problems. And I will note, it's not just Somalis. Minnesota is a generous state. Minnesota is a prosperous state, a well run state. We're triple a bond rated. But that attracts criminals. Those people are going to jail. We're doing everything we can. But to demonize an entire community on the actions of a few, it's lazy. That is totally dis connected with demonizing an entire group of people who came here fleeing civil war and created a vibrant community that makes Minnesota and this country better. But, but that's Donald Trump. Deflect, demonize, come up with no solutions. He's not going to help fix anything. On fraud. My God, there's a big difference between fraud and corruption. And corruption is something he knows about.

[Megyn Kelly]

The White House rapid response account on X pointing out these are all federal cases and the governor's not involved in the prosecutions. Ignored by NBC's host, the Times reporting that Minnesota's nonpartisan auditor found state officials were reluctant to take forceful action due to fears over litigation and negative media coverage involving racism allegations. In other words, they knew and did nothing because they didn't want to be called mean words. The Times speaking to a former investigator in the state's attorney general's office who said, quote, forcefully tackling this issue might cause political backlash among the Somali community, which is a core voting bloc for Democrats. One career prosecutor describing the situation to the Times is, quote, a huge part of the problem. Allegations of racism can be a reputation or career killer. Last night, President Trump aboard Air Force One, expanding on just how much of a pause Americans should be expecting.

[President Trump]

We don't want those people. We have enough problems. We don't want those people.

[Megyn Kelly]

Is that a year, two years, no.

[President Trump]

Time limit, but it could be a long time. We don't want those people. Do you understand that?

[Megyn Kelly]

What do you mean by those people? Can you clarify?

[President Trump]

From different countries that are not friendly to us and countries that are out of control themselves, countries like Somalia that have virtually no government, no military, no police. All they do is go around killing each other. Then they come into our country and tell us how to run our country. We don't want them.

[Megyn Kelly]

Coming up Shortly after, a group of Democrat lawmakers warns military service members to ignore hypothetical illegal orders. And after two weeks of criticism for their failure to cite even one allegedly illegal order, their buddies in the media do their best to find one. And sorry, ladies and others, Senator Cory Booker is officially off the market.

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[Megyn Kelly]

One free deal now Two weeks after a group of six Democrat lawmakers stirred up controversy by urging U.S. service members to ignore hypothetical illegal orders from President Trump and on the heels of even left wing media outlets embarrassing Democrats by asking them to name the illegal orders at issue, only to be met with crickets. In response, the Washington Post and CNN now reporting on aha, a potentially illegal order allegedly given by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Fortuitous timing According to the post, On September 2nd, a US surveillance aircraft struck a suspected drug running vessel off the coast of Trinidad, leaving two survivors clinging to the wreckage, the Post claiming on orders from Secretary Hegseth to leave no survivors, the Special Ops commander overseeing the mission ordered a second strike, the Post quoting a former military lawyer and US Congressman from Massachusetts, Democrat Seth Moulton, both suggesting the second strike constituted an illegal order because the survivors were incapable of fighting against the US and no longer posed a threat. Joint Special Operations Command, or jsoc, the group executing the mission, briefing the White House that the double tap was necessary to fully sink the vessel, clearing a navigational hazard, according to the Post, which reported the commander of the operation determined, quote, survivors were still legitimate targets because they could theoretically call other traffickers to retrieve them and their cargo. According to the Post's unnamed sources, the boat was struck a total of four times, twice to kill everyone and two more times to sink it. Congressman Moulton telling the Post, quote, killing survivors is blatantly illegal. Mark my words. He continued, it may take some time, but Americans will be prosecuted for this, either as a war crime or outright murder. Secretary Hegseth defending the mission Friday on social media. Our current operations in the Caribbean are lawful under both US and international law, with all actions in compliance with the law of armed conflict and approved by the best military and civilian lawyers up and down the chain of command. CNN reporting the DOJ produced a legal opinion over the summer arguing the president is allowed to authorize strikes against certain cartels and criminal organizations in self defense because of the imminent threat to Americans posed by said groups. Both House and Senate Armed Services committees led by Republicans moving to open inquiries. U.S. senator from Arizona, Democrat Mark Kelly, who participated in the video urging military members to ignore illegal orders and also a member of the Armed Services Committee, Sunday on Meet the Press expressing his concern. Would you refuse that order in real time?

[Pete Hegseth]

Well, let me start by saying I've sunk two boats, two ships. Never once did I question whether those orders were legal or illegal. People can tell the difference, should be able to tell the difference between something that is unlawful and something that is lawful. And if I was ever given an unlawful order, I would refuse. My concern is with the service members that they're going to. We're going to put these individuals in, in a really, really tough decision in a tough place. And you know, they may find out, you know, down the road that they did something that is illegal. It is not fair to them.

[Megyn Kelly]

Last night on Air Force One, President Trump pushed back on the reporting in the Post. If there were a second strike that killed wounded people, wounded in the first.

[Pete Hegseth]

Strike, are you thinking that would be legal?

[President Trump]

I don't know that that happened. And Pete said he did not want them. He didn't even know what people were talking about. So we'll look at, we'll look. But no, I wouldn't have wanted that. Not a second strike. The first strike was very lethal. It was fine. And if there were two people around. But Pete said that didn't happen.

[Megyn Kelly]

Does that make you.

[President Trump]

I have great confidence he's saying there's no second strike. I don't know. I'm going to find out about it. But Pete said he did not order the death of those two men amid.

[Megyn Kelly]

All the uproar sparked by this story. Senior writer at RealClear Investigations, Mark Hemingway urging caution, posting to X Based on what we know so far, a whole lot of people are outraged and energetically pretending to be experts on obscure aspects of the Uniform Code of Military justice and International Law when the known facts just aren't credible enough to speculate. U.S. senator from New Jersey Democrat Cory Booker surprising the nation this weekend with news of his wedding. The New York Times exclusively reporting on the 56 year old's, quote, intimate Saturday ceremony in D.C. tying the knot with 38 year old Alexis Lewis following a Monday courthouse ceremony in Newark where the couple's parents served as witnesses. They were reportedly engaged just three months ago. Lewis is a director of investments at a real estate investment firm in Los Angeles and former staffer for the Democratic mayor of LA, Eric Garcetti. The pair met in May of 2024, according to the Times, on a blind date coordinated through a mutual friend. Senator Booker emailing the Times that, quote, the second date was even more magical, detailing an evening of tapas followed by tickets to the Broadway show Suffs, a musical based on the women's suffrage movement. Senator Booker popping the question in Hawaii after native Hawaiian musicians played Mariah Carey's dream lover. Magical Broadway, women's suffrage and Mariah Carey, okay, Lewis telling the performers she had always wanted the song to be played at her wedding. Senator Booker reportedly replying, quote, well, honey, this is the song that's playing at your proposal. That moment, captured in images shared by Booker on social media on September 2, showing the extremely, extremely happy couple with eyes wide, mouths agape, as in like Publishers Clearinghouse, showed up at your house with an enormous check, mouths agape in full theatrical excitement. HBO host Bill Maher describing the scene.

[Governor Waltz]

This way, we congratulate Senator Cory Booker.

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On his recent engagement.

[Governor Waltz]

He has to explain why his engagement photos look like an ad for prescription drugs because these pictures don't make me think, great, now we can run for president without the stigma of being a bachelor. They make me think don't let moderate to severe ulcerative colitis stand in your way. Ask your doctor about xoraxia.

[Megyn Kelly]

Speaking of presidential runs, the Times going out of its way to include this little detail. The couple's wedding comes eight months after Mr. Booker delivered a 25 hour speech on the Senate floor opposing the Trump administration's policies in March, setting a record. His stamina and tenacity drew renewed attention from Democrats who have largely been sidelined in the Capitol since President Donald J. Trump's inauguration in January. The moment reignited speculation about a potential presidential run. Mr. Booker last sought the nomination in 2020. When Senator Booker dropped out of the 2020 race, he was polling at 2% nationally, 538 reporting at the time. Quote, after the first debate in late June, he didn't surpass 4% in a single national survey. And he continued to lose steam, failing to qualify for the December and January debates. Preliminary polling ahead of 2028 showing the same story. The Real Clear Politics polling average showing Senator Booker at just 2.5%, but at least he's totally and authentically happily married now. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com MeganKelly and on all podcast platform.

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