Trump's Plan to Fix Crime in D.C, Putin Summit Details, Cuomo Teases "Zohran's Law": AM Update 8/12

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Detailed Summary

Episode Title: Trump's Plan to Fix Crime in D.C, Putin Summit Details, Cuomo Teases "Zohran's Law": AM Update 8/12
Host: Megyn Kelly
Release Date: August 12, 2025
Platform: SiriusXM

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1. President Trump's Declaration of Crime Emergency in Washington, D.C.

At the outset of the episode, Megyn Kelly breaks the news about President Donald Trump's bold move to address rising concerns in Washington, D.C.

Key Developments:

• Declaration of Liberation Day: President Trump announced "Liberation Day in D.C." signaling a federal takeover of the city’s policing mechanisms.

• Invocation of Section 740: Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, which allows the President to assume control over the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in emergencies.

• Deployment of the National Guard: An additional 800 members of the National Guard were dispatched to restore law, order, and public safety.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [00:39]: “This is Liberation Day in D.C. and we're going to take our Capitol back.”

• Donald Trump [02:56]: “I'm announcing a historic action to rescue our nation's capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and worse. This is Liberation Day in D.C. and we're going to take our capital back.”

2. Administrative Response and Deputy Leadership

Following Trump’s announcement, Megyn Kelly highlights the administration’s strategic appointments to ensure the plan's effectiveness.

Key Points:

• Appointment of Pam Bondi: Attorney General Pam Bondi was delegated control of the D.C. police force. Her leadership aims to bolster safety for the city’s millions of visitors annually.

Notable Quotes:

• Pam Bondi [04:10]: “Let me be crystal clear. Crime in D.C. is ending and ending today. We are going to use every power we have to fight criminals here.”

3. Opposition and Critical Perspectives

The episode delves into the critical responses from political figures and media outlets questioning the necessity and implications of Trump’s actions.

Key Points:

• Hillary Clinton’s Critique [04:55]: Highlighted that violent crime in D.C. is at a 30-year low, challenging Trump's portrayal of escalating crime rates.

• Dana Bash [05:28]: Referred to the January 6th Capitol attack as the most violent recent event in D.C., emphasizing the complexities of the current security situation.

Notable Quotes:

• Hillary Clinton [04:55]: Comments shared on X (formerly Twitter) underscored the downward trend in crime statistics, questioning the urgency of Trump's intervention.

• Dana Bash [05:28]: “The most violent moment in recent history in D.C. was January six.”

4. Racial Dynamics and Political Implications

The conversation extends to the racial undertones and political maneuvering surrounding Trump's actions in DC.

Key Points:

• Eugene Daniels’ Interview with Mayor Muriel Bowser [05:46]: Explored allegations that Trump's actions are targeting D.C. due to its significant minority population.

• Mayor Bowser’s Response [05:57]: Acknowledged the city's improved crime statistics and emphasized adherence to legal protocols despite the administration’s “unsettling and unprecedented” measures.

Notable Quotes:

• Muriel Bowser [05:57]: “This year, crime isn't just down from 2023, it's also down from 2019 before the pandemic.”

5. Support Within Law Enforcement

Despite criticism, segments of the law enforcement community have expressed support for Trump's initiatives.

Key Points:

• Support from D.C. Police Union [08:42]: Union Chairman Greg Pemberton endorsed the President's plan, citing uncontrolled crime and overextended officers.

• Jeanine Pirro’s Endorsement [07:50]: As the newly confirmed U.S. Attorney for D.C., Pirro publicly backed the administration’s measures to combat crime.

Notable Quotes:

• Greg Pemberton [08:42]: “We stand with the president in recognizing that Washington, D.C. cannot continue on this trajectory.”

6. Trump’s Vision for a Cleaner Capitol

Expanding beyond crime, Trump addressed urban cleanliness and homelessness as part of his broader strategy to "cleanse" the capital.

Key Points:

• Eradication of Slums: Trump announced plans to remove homeless encampments from public parks and other areas, linking the city's cleanliness to national pride.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [09:22]: “If our capital is dirty, our whole country is dirty and they don't respect us.”

7. Upcoming Summit with President Vladimir Putin

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to President Trump's forthcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict.

Key Points:

• Agenda Preview: Trump intends to urge Putin to end the war, hinting at possible land swaps as part of any potential deal.

• Diplomatic Nuances: While Trump remains open to negotiation, he emphasizes that any resolution should be mutually beneficial.

• Role of President Zelensky: Though not confirmed, plans may include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in subsequent discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [12:03]: “I'm going in to speak to Vladimir Putin and I'm going to be telling him, you got to end this war.”

• Donald Trump [14:35]: “We're going to have a meeting with Vladimir Putin and at the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I'll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made because that's what I do. I make deals.”

8. New York City Mayoral Race and "Zoran's Law"

Transitioning to domestic politics, Megyn Kelly covers the heated New York City mayoral race, focusing on former Governor Andrew Cuomo's controversial proposal targeting his opponent.

Key Points:

• Andrew Cuomo’s "Zoran's Law" [14:48]: Cuomo criticized Socialist candidate Zoran Mamdani for residing in a rent-stabilized apartment, proposing legislation to restrict such benefits to those in genuine need.

• Zoran Mamdani’s Rebuttal [16:11]: Mamdani dismissed Cuomo’s proposal as vindictive and an attempt to target him personally rather than addressing broader housing issues.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Cuomo [15:30]: “I’m going to propose not rent that apartment by law except to a person who actually needs affordable housing. And I’m going to call it Zoran's Law because it’s an abuse of the system.”

• Zoran Mamdani [16:11]: “What Andrew Cuomo is proposing... is in many ways reflective of the fact that I live rent free in his head.”

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Conclusion

In this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, Megyn delves deep into President Trump's unprecedented move to take control of Washington, D.C.'s police force amidst concerns over crime and public safety. The discussion spans administrative responses, political opposition, racial implications, and upcoming international diplomacy with Russia. Additionally, the episode highlights the intensifying New York City mayoral race, showcasing the tactical moves of Andrew Cuomo against his socialist opponent. Through engaging dialogue and critical analysis, Megyn Kelly provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current political landscape.

Transcript

[Father]

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[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, August 12, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Donald Trump]

This is Liberation Day in D.C. and we're going to take our Capitol back.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump declaring a crime emergency in Washington, D.C. announcing a federal takeover of the city's police department and the deployment of the National Guard.

[Donald Trump]

So I'm going in to speak to Vladimir Putin and I'm going to be telling him, you got to end this.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Trump also previewing his message to Russian President Vladimir Putin ahead of their high stakes summit this Friday over the Ukraine war. And things get personal in New York City's mayoral election with candidates Andrew Cuomo and socialist Zoran Mamdani trading a tax. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. I've been talking a lot about Riverbed Ranch lately because I love their steaks. Those Riverbend Ranch steaks are something else. Riverbend Ranch has taken Black Angus beef to a whole new level. Did you recently hear rfkj, head of the Maha movement, saying, really, all he eats is red meat and fermented products? Hello? Riverbed Ranch has got you covered. For the last 35 years, Riverbend Ranch has been creating a very elite Angus herd by using ultrasound to select genetically superior cattle with a focus on flavor and tenderness. When you buy from Riverbend Ranch, you're not only supporting the 64 Cowboys and Cowgirls and their families who work on the ranch, but you're also supporting over 260 other US ranches and the hundreds of American families who work on them. It is born in the USA, raised in the USA and processed in the USA. It is aged to perfection for 21 days and shipped directly from the ranch to your home. This is not your average Black Angus beef, so order from Riverbendranch.com you can use the promo code Megan for 20 bucks off your first order and let me know what you think. Riverbend ranch.com promo code Megan. President Trump declaring Monday at the White House that he has seen enough in Washington, D.C. when it comes to crime, homelessness and general squalor. The President invoking Section 740 of the D.C. home Rule act to take over the city's police department, as well as deploying 800 members of the National Guard to to the city's streets.

[Donald Trump]

I'm announcing a historic action to rescue our nation's capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam and squalor and worse. This is Liberation Day in D.C. and we're going to take our capital back. We're taking it back. Under the authorities vested in me as the President of the United States, I'm officially invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule act. You know what that is, and placing the D.C. metropolitan Police Department under direct federal control. And you'll be meeting the people that will be directly involved with that. Very good people, but they're tough and they know what's happening and they've done it before. In addition, I'm deploying the National Guard to help reestablish law, order and public safety in Washington, dc. And they're going to be allowed to do their job properly.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump also signing an executive order declaring a crime emergency in Washington, delegating control of the D.C. police force to Attorney General Pam Bondi. Ms. Bondi emphasizing the need to make the city safe for its millions of visitors every year.

[Pam Bondi]

Let me be crystal clear. Crime in D.C. is ending and ending today. We are going to use every power we have to to fight criminals here. Families come here every summer. Our museums are free. We have the National Zoo. We have the National Gallery. D.C. should be a place where everyone can come and feel safe. Behind me and to my side, we have some of the best career law enforcement and prosecutors in the country who are ready to take this on. We're going to all work together.

[Audience]

Together.

[Pam Bondi]

That's what we all do in this room. We work together. We fight. Do not underestimate one person in this room. We're going to make DC beautiful. We're going to make DC safe again.

[Megyn Kelly]

Under the Home Rule act, the emergency controls expire in 30 days unless Congress authorizes extended federal control. Mr. Trump's foes pointing to statistics showing DC's crime problem is on a downward slope. Hillary Clinton writing on X. As you listen to an unhinged Trump try to justify deploying the national guard in DC, here's reality. Violent crime in DC is at a 30 year low. CNN's Dana Bash using the story as an opportunity to bring up what else. January 6th.

[Dana Bash]

I should note that the most violent moment in recent history in D.C. was January six. And it was an attack on the United States Capitol by a lot of people who were doing it in the name of Donald Trump and it included the who were hurt, included Members of law enforcement.

[Megyn Kelly]

And of course, there's the race angle. MSNBC's Eugene Daniels asking DC's Democrat Mayor Muriel Bowser Sunday if Donald Trump was targeting the city due to its high minority population.

[Father]

One of the things that we have seen over and over from the president, from his team, you know, Stephen Miller saying it's like Baghdad and Ethiopia. They seem to hold their harshest criticism sometimes for cities that are majority black and brown. Do you see that and what do you think that means?

[Muriel Bowser]

I think that I have been dealing kind of with this issue for a number of years. It's kind of easy fodder on the campaign trail, but now we're talking about governing.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mayor Bowser reacting Monday after President Trump's announcement, also pointing to stats that show crime is down in the District, but affirming the city will comply with President Trump's orders while appearing to take a shot at the President's characterization of her city.

[Muriel Bowser]

This year, crime isn't just down from 2023, it's also down from 2019 before the pandemic. And we're at a 30 year violent crime low. We're not satisfied. We haven't taken our foot off the gas. And we continue to look for ways to, to make our city safer. The Home Rule Charter requires the mayor to provide the services of MPD during special conditions of an emergency. And we will follow the law. And while this action today is unsettling and unprecedented, I can't say that given some of the rhetoric of the past, that we're totally surprised.

[Megyn Kelly]

Attorney General Bondi calling newly confirmed U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro. The administration's secret weapon in combating D.C. crime. Judge Pirro appearing on ABC to push back on claims that the nation's capital does not need help to combat crime.

[Audience]

There is a crime emergency in D.C. and you know, people say, well, you know, crime is down from last year. Well, so what? Last year crime was too high. You know, we had the fourth largest, highest homicide rate in the nation. I mean, so let's stop, you know, Namby Pam, being this, what we've got in this great city. And the President has a constitutional obligation to make sure that this city is safe. And he is doing just that by today deploying the National Guard and making sure that there is enough armed forces, I should say enough forces with the dea, the FBI, the atf, the National Guard to make sure that we send a message to young people and criminals throughout the District that we are watching you, that it's not going to Be the same old, same old, that we are taking crime seriously.

[Megyn Kelly]

NBC News's Washington affiliate reported last month that a D.C. police commander had been suspended and was under investigation for changing crime statistics in a way that made the city appear less dangerous. Allegations he denies. D.C. police Union chairman Greg Pemberton, announcing his union's support for President Trump's plan, saying in a statement, quote, we stand with the president in recognizing that Washington, D.C. cannot continue on this trajectory. Crime is out of control, and our officers are stretched beyond their limits. For President Trump, it's not just about crime. It's about cleanliness and the image of the Capitol city.

[Donald Trump]

And we're getting rid of the slums, too. We have slums here. We're getting rid of them. I know it's not politically correct. You'll say, oh, so terrible. No, we're getting rid of the slums where they live. We are going to be removing homeless encampments from all over our parks, our beautiful, beautiful parks, which now a lot of people can't walk on. They've been very. They're very dirty. Very. Got a lot of problems, but we've already started that. We're moving the encampments away, trying to take care of people. You know, my father always used to tell me, I had a wonderful father, very smart. And he used to say, son, when you walk into a restaurant and you see a dirty front door, don't go in, because if the front door is dirty, the kitchen is dirty also. Same thing with the Capitol. If our capital is dirty, our whole country is dirty and they don't respect us.

[Megyn Kelly]

Coming up, President Trump gives a preview of what to expect at his Alaska summit with Vladimir Putin. And insults fly in New York City's mayoral election with Andrew Cuomo unveiling his Zoran's Law. Have you ever heard of Kara Luma? It's an edible cactus. Yes, edible cactus that grows in India. And it can be a natural appetite suppressant. Now you're paying attention. Kara Luma is just one of the natural ingredients doctors added to a weight loss supplement called Lean. If you have a bold summer weight loss goal, but injections are not for you, here's what the doctors who formulated Lean have to say. They say this supplement is close to the benefits of those popular injections. Like injections, Lean was created to help maintain healthy blood sugar and help control appetite and cravings. But those who created Lean say the rare ingredients in Lean are also designed to help burn fat by converting fat into energy. And, of course, no needles. They say it's a healthier way to lose weight by capturing the power of natural ingredients. Give it a try with 20% off by using the code [e-mail] that's code mk20akelean.com these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and is not a substitute or alternative for care from a healthcare provider. President Trump set to meet with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Alaska this Friday to discuss the war in Ukraine. There are still no details about the event, including timing or where exactly in the state it will take place, but President Trump revealing to reporters Monday what he plans to say to President Putin.

[Donald Trump]

So I'm going in to speak to Vladimir Putin and I'm going to be telling him, you got to end this war. You got to end it. And he wasn't going to mess with me. He was. This war would have never happened. You know, we had a discussion about it one time and we never had that discussion again. Would have never happened. This could end up in a third world war. This could have been a third world war. I don't think that's going to happen now, but I thought it was very respectful that the president of Russia is coming to our country as opposed to us going to his country or even a third party place. But I think we'll have constructive conversations.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Trump saying a deal will involve some sort of land swapping.

[Donald Trump]

There'll be some land swapping going on. I know that through Russia and through conversations with everybody to the good for the good of Ukraine. Good stuff, not bad stuff. Also some bad stuff for both. There's good and there's bad, but it's very complex because you have lines that are very uneven and there'll be some swapping, there'll be some changes in land. And the word that they will use is, you know, they make changes, we're going to change the lines, the battle lines.

[Megyn Kelly]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously insisted his country would not trade land for peace. President Trump did not directly answer a question about whether Zelensky would be invited to Alaska, but revealed that there are plans for Presidents Putin and Zelensky to to meet with one another at a future summit that may or may not involve President Trump.

[Donald Trump]

The next meeting will be with Zelensky and Putin or Zelensky and Putin and me. I'll be there if they need, but I want to have a meeting set up between the two leaders.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Trump also revealing he will communicate with Zelensky and European leaders soon after the Alaska summit concludes.

[Donald Trump]

So I'm going to go and see the parameters now. I may leave and say good luck and that'll be the end. I may say this, this is not going to be settled. I mean, there are those that believe that Putin wanted all of Ukraine. I happen to be one of them, by the way. I think if it weren't for me, he would not be even talking to anybody else right now. But I'm going to meet with him. We're going to see what the parameters are. I'm then going to call up President Zelensky and the European leaders right after the meeting and I'm going to tell him what kind of a deal. I'm not going to make a deal. It's not up to me to make a deal. I think a deal should be made for both.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump adding Monday that he will know very early in his conversation with Mr. Putin if an agreement can be reached as only he can.

[Donald Trump]

Well, we're going to have a meeting with Vladimir Putin and at the end of that meeting, probably in the first two minutes, I'll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made because that's what I do. I make deals.

[Megyn Kelly]

The New York City mayoral race heating up ahead of November's election with former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo attacking Democratic primary winner and Socialist Zoram Mamdani for living in a rent stabilized apartment. Mamdani, who makes $142,000 a year as a state assemblyman and who is the son of a movie director, mother and a Columbia professor father, lives in a $2,300 a month one bedroom apartment in Queens, an amazing deal by New York City standards. Former Governor Cuomo saying he's proposing Zoran's Law that would prevent wealthy New Yorkers from living in rent stabilized apartments in a video that went viral on X.

[Andrew Cuomo]

Rent stabilized units when they're vacant should only be rented to people who need affordable housing, not people like Zoran Mandami. You don't need to be renting rent stabilized units to wealthy people. Otherwise what you doing is you're abusing the system. I'm going to propose not rent that apartment by law except to a person who actually needs affordable housing. And I'm going to call it Zoran's Law because it's an abuse of the system.

[Megyn Kelly]

Mr. Cuomo not offering specifics on the law other than it would create a quote, means test for rent stabilized apartments. Mamdani responding Monday what do we know.

[Zoran Mamdani]

About this policy proposal beyond the fact that it seeks to evict me from my apartment. Like so much of Andrew Cuomo's politics, it is characterized by a petty vindictiveness. What Andrew Cuomo is proposing, be it the rent control he cited, the rent stabilization he intends to speak about, is in many ways reflective of the fact that I live rent free in his head.

[Megyn Kelly]

Between now and November, you can expect a whole lot more of this from one man who stares dreamily at Communist China and another who stares amorously only at himself. Okay, that's just my opinion. It's not fact. Well, it was kind of factual. It's pretty factual. We report, you decide, and that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all all podcast platforms.