Vatican Prepares for Conclave, WH Says Hegseth Safe, IRS Commissioner Removed: AM Update 4/22

Summary

Summary of The Megyn Kelly Show Episode: "Vatican Prepares for Conclave, WH Says Hegseth Safe, IRS Commissioner Removed: AM Update 4/22"

Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host: Megyn Kelly
Platform: SiriusXM
Show Description: The Megyn Kelly Show engages in open, honest, and provocative conversations with prominent political, legal, and cultural figures, devoid of gimmicks, agendas, or fear.

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1. Introduction

Megyn Kelly opens the episode with a roundup of significant news events, setting the stage for discussions on the recent passing of Pope Francis, the Trump administration's defense department issues, and developments within the IRS leadership.

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2. Death of Pope Francis and Conclave Preparations

Key Points:

• Pope Francis' Passing: Pope Francis died at age 88 due to a stroke and heart failure. His death marks the end of a transformative papacy that sought to modernize the Catholic Church and promote inclusivity.

• Conclave Process: The College of Cardinals will convene to elect a new pope. The conclave involves strict protocols, including seclusion, secret ballots, and the requirement of a two-thirds majority for selection. Notably, this conclave is expected to be swift, potentially concluding in just two days, making it one of the shortest in history.

• Pope Francis' Legacy: As the first Latin American pope and a member of the Jesuit order, Francis emphasized environmental issues, social justice, and inclusivity within the Church. His tenure was marked by significant reforms, including appointing women and laypeople to high-ranking Vatican positions and restricting traditional practices like the Latin Mass.

Notable Quotes:

• Pope Francis (Easter Message): "Christ is risen. These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death, but for life. Easter is the celebration of life. God created us for life and wants the human family to rise again." [Timestamp: 04:00]

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3. President Trump's Response and Funeral Plans

Key Points:

• National Tribute: President Trump signed an executive order to lower all federal and state flags to half-mast in honor of Pope Francis, highlighting respect for the late pontiff despite previous political differences.

• Attendance at Funeral: Trump announced that he and the First Lady will attend Pope Francis' funeral in Rome, signaling a gesture of unity and respect.

• Public Statements: Trump lauded Pope Francis as a good man who worked hard and loved the world, echoing sentiments that bridge political divides.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump: "He was a good man, worked hard, he loved the world. It's an honor to do that." [Timestamp: 04:17]

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4. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Controversy

Key Points:

• Alleged Pentagon Dysfunction: Reports emerged alleging significant dysfunction within the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The White House has dismissed these claims as "revenge from disgruntled former employees."

• Media Scrutiny: Major outlets like NPR, CBS, MSNBC, and CNN have reported on the supposed turmoil, citing leaked communications and internal disagreements.

• Trump Administration's Stance: The administration staunchly defends Hegseth, attributing negative reports to biased media seeking to undermine the Trump agenda.

• Internal Fallout: Multiple Pentagon officials have been placed on leave amid investigations into leaks, suggesting deeper internal conflicts.

Notable Quotes:

• Caroline Levitt (Press Secretary): "Fortunately, there have been people at that building who don't like the change the secretary is trying to bring. So they are leaking and they are lying to the mainstream media." [Timestamp: 00:22]

• Donald Trump: "Pete's doing a great job. Everybody's happy with him. We have the highest recruitment numbers I think they've had in 28 years... It's just fake news." [Timestamp: 10:55]

• Pete Hegseth (Defense Secretary): "This is what the media does. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations." [Timestamp: 13:15]

Additional Insights:

• Recruitment Success: Despite allegations of dysfunction, the Pentagon reports a significant rebound in military recruitment, surpassing previous annual goals across Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• Internal Dynamics: Former Pentagon spokesman John Elliot described the Pentagon under Hegseth as experiencing a "full blown meltdown," predicting Hegseth's imminent departure—a claim vehemently denied by the administration and Trump Jr.

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5. IRS Commissioner Removal

Key Points:

• Gary Shapley's Tenure: IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley was appointed as acting IRS commissioner but was removed from the position merely four days later without any publicly stated performance issues.

• Background: Shapley gained national attention in 2023 for accusing the DOJ of hindering his IRS investigation into Hunter Biden's taxes. His removal raises questions about political interference within the IRS.

• Administration's Explanation: Treasury Secretary Scott Besant stated that Shapley would remain a senior advisor post-investigation and that his removal was a procedural matter, not a reflection of his performance.

• Political Repercussions: The media frames Shapley's removal as indicative of deep divisions within the Trump administration, particularly between figures like Elon Musk and other senior officials.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott Besant (Treasury Secretary): "Gary Shapley's passion and thoughtfulness for approaching ways by which to create durable and lasting reforms at the IRS is essential to our work... he remains among my most important senior advisors at the US Treasury." [Timestamp: 10:55]

• Caroline Levitt (Press Secretary): "It's no secret President Trump has put together a team of people who are incredibly passionate about the issues impacting our country... Disagreements are a normal part of any healthy policy process." [Timestamp: 12:48]

Additional Insights:

• Political Support: Despite his abrupt removal, Shapley reportedly had substantial support from Congressional Republicans and influential figures like Elon Musk, complicating the administration's narrative.

• Permanent Replacement Delays: The Senate has yet to schedule hearings for President Trump's nominee, former Missouri Congressman Billy Long, leaving the permanent head of the IRS position in limbo.

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6. Conclusion

Megyn Kelly wraps up the episode by highlighting the ongoing issues within the Trump administration, particularly focusing on the Defense Department's alleged dysfunction and the IRS leadership shake-up. She emphasizes the administration's narrative of media bias and internal challenges, setting the stage for future developments.

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Overall Insights: This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provides a comprehensive overview of significant political events occurring on April 22, 2025. Megyn Kelly navigates through the somber news of Pope Francis' passing, the intricate and contentious processes of the Vatican conclave, and delves deep into the internal struggles within the Trump administration, notably within the Defense Department and the IRS. The discussions are punctuated with direct quotes from key figures, offering listeners a detailed and nuanced understanding of the current political landscape.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning, everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, April 22, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Donald Trump]

He was a good man, worked hard. He, he loved the world.

[Megyn Kelly]

Pope Francis dies at age 88, and now the College of Cardinals will descend upon the Vatican to choose his successor.

[Caroline Levitt]

Fortunately, there have been people at that building who don't like the change the secretary is trying to bring. So they are leaking and they are lying to the mainstream media.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Trump admin stands behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid stories of alleged dysfunction from within the department. And IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley, days after being elevated to the top job at the irs, demoted from the post. What's going on there? All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update. As President Trump is settling into his.

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[Megyn Kelly]

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[Megyn Kelly]

The Vatican confirming late Monday that Pope Francis passed away from a stroke and heart failure. The pope elected by his fellow cardinals in 2013 following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI. He was the first Latin American pope and first of the Jesuit order, which is known for its missionary work. As head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis worked to modernize the institution, but pushing for a more inclusive vision of Catholicism. Often facing criticism from the more traditionalist wing, he sought to reform the Vatican, at times wading into political issues of the day, emphasizing the fight against climate change and allowing priests to bless gay couples. Pope Francis also breaking precedent by appointing women and laypeople to high ranking Vatican roles, most notably naming a nun to the second highest position in Vatican City's government. He drew the ire of some conservatives by restricting the use of Latin Mass, a more traditional version of the Mass. With the changes, Pope Francis aiming to better reflect the global church and expand leadership beyond the priesthood. The pontiff born Jorge Morello Bergoglio in Argentina in 1936, inspired to join the priesthood after recovering from severe illness as a young man. An infection resulting in the partial removal of one lung leading to a lifetime of respiratory issues. The Pope spending 38 days in the hospital earlier this year, released on March 23 after complications from an infection leading to double pneumonia Easter Sunday, marking his first extended public appearance since exiting the hospital. The pope more often relying on a wheelchair, addressing crowds from the balcony at St. Peter's Basilica. A clergy member assisting in the reading of the Easter message. Quote, christ is risen. These words capture the whole meaning of our existence, for we were not made for death, but for life. Easter is the celebration of life. God created us for life and wants the human family to rise again. The pope's remarks calling for peace in various conflict zones ranging from Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan and Myanmar in the hours before his death. The pope also visiting briefly with Vice President J.D. vance, an adult convert to Catholicism. Earlier this year, Pope Francis criticized the Trump administration's mass deportation plans while notably speaking from behind the Vatican's towering 40 foot stone walls. Despite the differences in political policy, President Trump posting on Truth Social quote, rest in peace, Pope Francis. May God bless him and all who loved him. Then on Monday from the White House, Mr. Trump addressing the pope's passing I.

[Donald Trump]

Just signed an executive order putting the flags of our country, all of them, all federal flags and state flag flags, at half mast in honor of Pope Francis. So he was a good man, worked hard, he loved the world and it's an honor to do that.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump also announcing Monday afternoon that he and the first lady will attend the pope's funeral in Rome. The pope's body expected to be moved into St. Peter's Basilica as early as Wednesday. Pope Francis breaking with tradition, again requesting that his body not be laid on a typical raised platform used for his predecessors, asking instead to lie inside a simple wooden casket with the lid removed, a more humble position. The pontiff is to be the first pope in more than a century laid to rest in a place other than the Vatican crypt, instead opting to be buried in rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major, about three miles from the Vatican. The process to now choose a successor, known as a conclave, will begin 15 to 20 days after the pope's death. The College of Cardinals, the most senior officials under the pope, convene in the Vatican to begin the highly secretive deliberations. Of the 252 cardinals, 135 are eligible to cast ballots. Only those under the age of 80 may vote. The new pope must secure a two thirds majority. During the voting process, cardinals are cut off from the outside world. No phones, no Internet, no newspapers, much like a sequestered jury. Deliberations take place in the Sistine Chapel, which will be swept for listening devices throughout the process. Secret ballots cast up to four times per day until a new pope is agreed on. The process typically taking several days. Pope Francis elected on the fifth ballot in just two days of voting. One of the shortest conclaves in history, the longest of the 20th century, spanning five days in 1922, electing Pope Pius XI. Each day, the world's 1.2 billion Catholics will watch the Vatican closely, waiting for the only official update, a plume of smoke. The secret ballots are burned twice daily, first after the morning session, then again in the afternoon. Black smoke signals no decision has been reached until finally white smoke rises announcing a new pope has been chosen. Within the hour, the new pope will select his papal name, then step on the balcony overlooking St. Peter's Square. The senior most cardinal will announce to the crowd, habemus papem Latin for we have a pope coming up. New reporting alleges widespread dysfunction from within the Pentagon. The Trump administration calls this revenge from disgruntled former employees. And IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley promoted to acting IRS commissioner but in half a Scaramucci then losing the post. What's really going on inside the irs?

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[Megyn Kelly]

Several new reports zeroing in on one of the media's favorite punching bags in the Trump administration. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, NPR reporting the White House is looking for a new secretary of Defense Press Secretary Caroline Levitt responding on X quote, the NPR story is total fake news based on one anonymous source who clearly had no idea what they are talking about. NPR not exactly known for its big Trump exclusives. NPR's reporting following a weekend media blitz targeting Secretary Hegseth. Here's cbs, MSNBC and cnn. Signal gate is back and the White.

[Caroline Levitt]

House is pushing back against the fallout.

[Sean Parnell]

New alarming reports reveal deepening turmoil at the Pentagon under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This does punctuate a period of chaos inside the Pentagon and inside the inner circle of Pete Hegseth.

[Megyn Kelly]

The New York Times publishing a report reading, quote, defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared detailed information about forthcoming strikes in Yemen on March 15 in a private Signal Group chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer. According to four people with knowledge of the chat. The Times acknowledges Mr. Hegseth's brother Phil and lawyer Tim Parlatore are employed by the Pentagon. The newly reported signal chat is separate from the original Signal Gate incident first reported by the Atlantic in March when reporter Jeffrey Goldberg claimed he was mistakenly added to a group chat discussing war plans against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. That initial controversy setting off a firestorm in the media and among Democrats, both eager to pin the blame on a senior Trump official. President Trump admitted that including a reporter in a secure chat was not ideal, though dismissed it as a teachable moment. A review later determining Mr. Goldberg's number had been inadvertently saved under the wrong contact in National Security Adviser Mike Waltz's phone. The New York Times reporting that this second signal chat created by Secretary Hegseth was typically used for, quote, routine administrative or scheduling information. The Times alleging Mr. Hegseth shared sensitive military planning in that chat. Around the same time, similar information appeared in the group mistakenly reported on by the Atlantic Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell releasing a statement reading in part, quote, another day, another old story back from the dead. The Trump hating media continues to be obsessed with destroying anyone committed to President Trump's agenda. There was no classified information in any Signal Chat, no matter how many ways they try to write the story. The Times later defending its reporting, pointing out it did not allege the use of classified information in this latest Signal account, only sensitive information. President Trump on Monday standing firmly behind Secretary Hegseth from the White House.

[Donald Trump]

Ask the Houthis how he's doing. Ask the Houthis how much dysfunction has done. Pete's doing a great job. Everybody's happy with him. We have the highest recruitment numbers I think they've had in 28 years. No, he's doing a great job. It's just fake news. They just bring up stories. I guess it sounds like disgruntled employees. You know, he was put there to get rid of a lot of bad people and that's what he's doing.

[Megyn Kelly]

After record lows, military recruiting has rebounded. According to The Pentagon, after two years of only pulling in 75% of the soldiers needed, the army is on pace to hit 115% of its annual recruiting goals. That's the biggest increase in 15 years. The Navy too only hit 88% of its goal last year. It is currently pacing at 105% of its goals. The Air Force as well says recruiting numbers are the best they have been in 15 years. Over the past week, however, several senior Pentagon officials placed on leave amid an investigation into leaks from within the Pentagon. Politico on Sunday publishing a piece by former chief Pentagon spokesman John Elliot, who last week reportedly was forced to resign. Mr. Elliott writing in a left wing publication portraying himself as a MAGA supporter, writing, quote, even strong backers of the secretary like me must admit the last month has been a full blown meltdown at the Pentagon and it's becoming a real problem for the administration, end quote. Mr. Elliott predicting Secretary Hegseth will soon be out of a job. The president's eldest son Don Jr. Reacting to Mr. Elliott's Politico piece, writing on X, quote, this guy is not America First. I've been hearing for years that he works his ass off to subvert my father's agenda. That ends today. He is officially exiled from our movement. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, Monday on Fox.

[Caroline Levitt]

This is what happens when the entire Pentagon is working against you and working against the monumental change that you are trying to implement. And unfortunately, there have been people at that building who don't like the change the secretary is trying to bring. So they are leaking and they are lying to the mainstream media. We've seen this game played before. The secretary is doing a tremendous job and the president stands strongly behind him.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary Hegseth also directly challenging reporters himself on Monday from the White House.

[Pete Hegseth]

You know what a big surprise that a bunch of a few leakers get fired and suddenly a bunch of hit pieces come out from the same media that peddled the Russia hopes. And as they peddle those lies, no one ever calls them on it. See, this is what the media does. They take anonymous sources from disgruntled former employees and then they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations. Not going to work with me because we're changing the Defense Department, putting the Pentagon back in the hands of war fighters and anonymous smears from disgruntled former employees. On old news doesn't matter.

[Megyn Kelly]

IRS whistleblower Gary Shapley now out as acting commissioner just four days after taking the job. However, there appears to be no performance issue. Mr. Shapley rising to national prominence in 2023, publicly accusing the DOJ of slow walking his IRS investigation into Hunter Biden. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant instead tapping Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Michael Falkinder to take the role. CNN citing three sources saying Mr. Shapley had the support of Congressional Republicans and of Elon Musk, but had not been approved by Secretary Besant prior to his appointment by President Trump. Secretary Besant was out of the country when Shapley's appointment was announced. According to NBC, Besant was later granted authority by President Trump to reverse the move after learning Shapley had been appointed without the secretary's knowledge. Secretary Bessant posting on X quote, gary Shapley's passion and thoughtfulness for approaching ways by which to create durable and lasting reforms at the IRS is essential to our work. And he remains among my most important senior advisors at the US treasury as we work together to rethink and reform the IRS. Secretary Bessant saying Mr. Shapley and Joseph Ziegler, the other IRS whistleblower in the Hunter Biden tax probe, will both be placed in senior government roles following the conclusion of their investigation into alleged political interference in the Hunter Biden case. The media reporting on the story as another sign of great division between Elon Musk and other senior White House officials. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt downplaying any conflict, releasing a statement saying, quote, it's no secret President Trump has put together a team of people who are incredibly passionate about the issues impacting our country. Disagreements are a normal part of any healthy policy process and ultimately everyone knows they serve at the pleasure of President Trump. President Trump's nominee to permanently head this office, former Missouri Congressman Billy Long, remains stalled in the Senate with no hearing yet scheduled. 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 Megyn Kelly and on all podcast platforms.