Podcast Summary: The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 1045

Title: Truth About SCOTUS and Trump, EPA Fraud Uncovered, and Tariff Drama, with Lee Zeldin, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guests: Lee Zeldin (EPA Administrator), Tom Bevan & Carl Cannon (Real Clear Politics)
Release Date: April 9, 2025

1. Legal Update: SCOTUS Ruling on Alien Enemies Act and Trump’s Deportation Policies

Megyn Kelly opens the episode with a comprehensive legal update focusing on a pivotal Supreme Court (SCOTUS) decision that favors President Trump’s administration in its efforts to deport suspected Venezuelan gang members under the Alien Enemies Act.

• Trump’s Victory: Kelly emphasizes that the SCOTUS ruling permits the resumption of deportations, affirming that President Trump "won this battle" ([35:00] Kelly).

• Due Process Clarified: While opponents argue for greater due process, Kelly explains that the level provided aligns with existing Trump administration standards—minimal compared to criminal courts. “[...] they don't get the full due process you or I would get” ([12:30] Kelly).

• Media Misrepresentation: Kelly criticizes media narratives that falsely declare victories for the left, asserting that "Trump got virtually everything he wanted" ([15:45] Kelly).

Notable Quote:

“Trump won this battle. And it was for really important reasons.” – Megyn Kelly ([15:45] MM:SS)

2. Immigration Policies: Deportations and Public Sentiment

Joined by Tom Bevan and Carl Cannon from Real Clear Politics, Kelly delves into the administration's immigration strategies, highlighting the public's support for robust deportation measures against undocumented immigrants linked to gangs.

• Poll Insights: Referencing a Wall Street Journal poll, Kelly notes that 55% of Americans favor deporting illegal immigrants suspected of gang affiliations without court hearings ([30:00] Kelly). Even more support—a staggering 62%—is shown for deportations specifically to El Salvador ([31:00] Kelly).

• Guest Analysis: Lee Zeldin underscores the administration’s careful selection process in deportations, countering claims of indiscriminate actions. “[...] they're being very careful in deciding who goes that” ([28:02] Zeldin).

Notable Quote:

“The media may want to tell you that the Trump administration got slapped for not providing more due process. That's not what happened.” – Megyn Kelly ([20:10] MM:SS)

3. Critique of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s Public Image

Kelly addresses her frustration with DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s frequent and arguably frivolous photo opportunities, which she believes detract from the agency’s serious mission.

• Public Relations Missteps: Kelly criticizes Noem for "cosplaying ICE agent" and engaging in dangerous-looking photo ops that she feels undermine the Department of Homeland Security’s credibility ([35:00] Kelly).

Notable Quote:

“She's trying to make it about you and your weird glam shots? Later, I'm really over it.” – Megyn Kelly ([32:50] MM:SS)

4. Tariff Drama: Trump’s Trade Policies and Global Reactions

A significant portion of the discussion centers on President Trump’s aggressive tariff policies aimed at China, including a dramatic increase to 104%, sparking mixed reactions within the market and political spheres.

• Economic Impact: Zeldin and guests analyze the immediate market response, noting the Dow's surge of over 2,200 points following Trump’s tariff announcement ([57:44] Zeldin).

• Public and Political Support: Despite concerns, polling indicates substantial support for Trump's tariffs, with 53% favoring tariffs on undocumented immigrants and similar sentiments toward trade policies ([34:31] Kelly).

Notable Quote:

“We are the country that had the leverage, and the Trump administration is willing to use it.” – Dan Pashman ([56:24] Pashman)

5. EPA Deregulation and Fraud Concerns

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin discusses the Trump administration’s efforts to overhaul the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focusing on canceling fraudulent grants and rolling back restrictive regulations imposed by previous administrations.

• Grant Cancellations: Zeldin reveals the cancellation of $22 billion in alleged fraudulent grants and a 65% reduction in EPA funding for 2025, targeting misuse in environmental justice initiatives ([93:02] Zeldin).

• Environmental Justice Critique: He criticizes how funds were previously allocated to left-leaning organizations under the guise of environmental justice, rather than directly addressing community needs ([95:40] Zeldin).

Notable Quote:

“This is a green slush fund to their friends getting out the door as part of their agenda before President Trump gets sworn into office.” – Lee Zeldin ([97:34] Zeldin)

6. Andrew Cuomo’s Political Resurgence and Public Perception

Kelly and Zeldin examine former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s potential run for mayor amidst his controversial legacy, debating the implications for New York politics.

• Public Memory and Accountability: Kelly stresses the importance of voters remembering Cuomo’s mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic and his administration's failures ([71:57] Kelly).

Notable Quote:

“He ends up resigning, and then a few years later, he's treated as if none of that ever happened.” – Megyn Kelly ([73:00] Kelly)

7. Closing Remarks: Future Topics and Ongoing Policy Discussions

As the episode wraps up, Kelly hints at continuing discussions on Trump's tariff strategies and their long-term economic effects, maintaining a critical stance on media portrayals and emphasizing the administration's commitment to deregulation and economic revitalization.

Final Notable Quote:

“Trump maintains his popularity, which to me means he won't be changing any of these policies anytime soon.” – Lee Zeldin ([61:42] Zeldin)

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provides an in-depth analysis of the intersection between Supreme Court decisions, immigration policies, environmental deregulation, and international trade tensions under President Trump's administration. Through robust discussions with industry insiders and policymakers, Kelly offers listeners a critical perspective on current political dynamics shaping the United States.