The Megyn Kelly Show — AM Update (Jan 19, 2026)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode delivers a morning rundown of major political and legal developments in the U.S., focusing on:

• DOJ investigations into Minnesota Democrats Tim Walz and Jacob Frey
• Clashes between ICE, protestors, and local politicians in Minneapolis
• President Trump’s escalating campaign to acquire Greenland and impacts on transatlantic relations
• A dramatic reversal by Michael Cohen, former Trump “fixer,” involving high-profile Trump prosecutions

The tone is brisk, incisive, and characteristically provocative, with Megyn Kelly weaving together breaking news, quotes from key figures, and pointed commentary.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minneapolis: ICE Operations, Protests, and DOJ Scrutiny (00:39 – 13:41)

Escalating Federal Immigration Enforcement

• Homeland Security and ICE, directed by Secretary Kristi Noem, have intensified efforts in Minnesota, focusing on arresting criminal illegal aliens.
  • “DHS tasking ICE with targeting the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in the Twin Cities.” (03:16)
  • Noem claims: “70% of the people that we have detained have charges against them or have been convicted of charges and they need to be brought to justice.” (03:54)

Activist Resistance & Tensions

• Protesters mobilize through “ICE Watch” rapid response networks, aiming to disrupt ICE activity. Sometimes these efforts misidentify civilians as agents, causing confrontations (05:19).
  • “Within 15 minutes, dozens of protesters arriving, surrounding the diner and confronting the group...” (05:23)
  • Memorable exchange:
    • Protestor: “Do I look like an ICE agent?”
    • Counter: “Yeah, you look like a ICE agent.”
    • Protestor: “I don’t support ICE either. I’m just trying to enjoy my lunch.” (05:23)

Federal and Local Government Showdown

• President Trump holds off (for now) on invoking the Insurrection Act but readies military deployment (1500 troops from 11th Airborne Division) should unrest escalate (06:00–06:55).
• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz mobilizes the National Guard in a standby, non-deployed capacity, while Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey doubles down on anti-ICE rhetoric.
  • Frey: “If the goal were safety… I can give you a very antidote to some of the violence that we’re seeing is have them leave.” (07:40)

DOJ Investigation

• The DOJ is investigating whether Gov. Walz and Mayor Frey’s public comments constitute unlawful obstruction of federal officers under statutes forbidding conspiracy to impede federal operations.
  • “A grand jury reportedly authorizing subpoenas last week…” (08:18)
• Examples of “provocative comments” include:
  • “Get the fuck out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here… the desire to get out and protest. That is a patriotic duty…” (09:50)
  • Walz compares ICE to “the modern day Gestapo.”

Legal Debate & Reaction

• Legal expert Ellie Honig dismisses the DOJ theory:

  • “Absolutely not. This is core protected First Amendment political speech… If they bring an indictment for obstruction, I promise you they will lose.” (10:53)

• Mayor Frey describes the DOJ move as chilling:

  • “This whole dynamic is deeply concerning because supposedly they would be coming for me and targeting me for something that is core and critical to my job as mayor…” (11:27)

• Gov. Walz’s response: accuses the federal government of weaponizing investigations.

  • “Weaponizing the justice system against your opponents is an authoritarian tactic.” (12:12)

• Deputy AG Todd Blanche draws a hard line:

  • “No matter who you are, whether you're a governor, a mayor, or somebody out there on the streets assaulting ICE, you cannot, under federal law, you cannot impede a federal officer doing their job.” (12:43)

2. Trump, Greenland, and Transatlantic Turbulence (13:41 – 18:14)

Trump Escalates Pressure on Europe

• Trump seeks acquisition of Greenland, calls it essential for US national security.
• Announces new escalating tariffs (10%, rising to 25% by June 1) on Denmark and other resistant European nations until a deal is made (15:45).
  • Trump: “Now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back. World peace is at stake. China and Russia want Greenland and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.” (15:45)

International Reaction

• Europe decries US strategy, stating, “We stand in full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland. [Tariff threats] undermine transatlantic relations.” (16:10)

Trump Administration's View of Security

• Treasury Secretary Scott Besant:
  • “If we look for years, for over a century, American presidents have wanted to acquire Greenland… We are not going to outsource our national security.” (16:33)

Historical Perspective

• Morten Halperin (foreign policy official):
  • “Our alternative is not to use military force. Our alternative is to leave NATO. And our position has always been we will tell you what we need to remain in the alliance...” (17:57)

3. Michael Cohen’s Stunning Reversal (18:14 – 24:30)

The Flip

• Michael Cohen, once Trump’s legal fixer and star witness in multiple Trump prosecutions, now alleges he was coerced into testifying against Trump by prosecutors Letitia James and Alvin Bragg.

  • “There are moments when silence becomes complicity… This is one of those moments.” — Michael Cohen (Quoted by Megyn Kelly at 21:57)

• Cohen now claims cooperation was driven by prosecutorial pressure and desire to mitigate his prison sentence, accuses James and Bragg of politically motivated prosecutions.

  • “Both used their platforms to elevate their profiles to claim the mantle of the officials who took down Trump… they blurred the line between justice and politics, and in that blur, the credibility of both suffered.” (23:00)

• Cohen further admits he would, of course, welcome a presidential pardon, but says he’s also advocating for mass clemency for non-violent felons (23:50).

Aftermath

• Cohen’s podcast is dropped by the progressive network Midas Touch in response.
• Megyn Kelly closes with cutting commentary:
  • “We know the rest of us have been saying this for years. You were on the other side, sir… Good luck with that.” (23:30)

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• ICE Vs. Protestors
  • ICE Agent: “We’re here to arrest a child sex offender and you guys are out here honking…That’s who you guys are protecting. Insane.” (02:59–03:16)
• On Protester Error
  • Protester: "Do I look like an ICE agent?"
    Protest Leader: "Yeah, you look like a ICE agent."
    Protester: "I don’t support ICE either. I’m just trying to enjoy my lunch." (05:23)
• Mayor Frey on Federal Overreach
  • “If you have 3,000 ICE agents…and this supposed threat of 1500 military…you outnumber local police officers five and six to one, that is the vibe.” (07:05)
• Walz's Fiery Rhetoric
  • “Get the fuck out of Minneapolis. We do not want you here…that is a patriotic duty at this point in time.” (09:50)
• Legal expert Ellie Honig
  • “Absolutely not. This is core protected First Amendment political speech... If they bring an indictment for obstruction, I promise you they will lose.” (10:53)
• Deputy AG Todd Blanche
  • “…No matter who you are, whether you’re a governor, a mayor, or somebody out there on the streets assaulting ICE, you cannot, under federal law… impede a federal officer doing their job.” (12:43)
• Trump on Greenland
  • “Now, after centuries, it is time for Denmark to give back. World peace is at stake. China and Russia want Greenland and there is not a thing that Denmark can do about it.” (15:45)
• Cohen on His Regret (from prior testimony)
  • “I regret the day I said yes to Mr. Trump... He is a racist, he is a con man and he is a cheat.” (19:40)
• Cohen’s 2026 Reversal
  • Cohen: “Both used their platforms to elevate their profiles to claim the mantle of the officials who took down Trump…they blurred the line between justice and politics, and in that blur, the credibility of both suffered.” (23:00)

Segment Timestamps

• ICE vs. Protestors in Minneapolis: 00:39–08:18
• DOJ Investigation & Legal Responses: 08:18–13:41
• Trump, Greenland, and EU Tariffs: 13:41–18:14
• Michael Cohen’s Flip: 18:14–24:30

Tone & Final Impressions

Megyn Kelly delivers a sharp, adversarial overview, targeting both the intense backlash against ICE in Minneapolis and what she describes as the weaponization of the legal system against political figures. The show blends detailed reporting, critical analysis, and pointed skepticism—especially as Michael Cohen’s credibility and the integrity of ongoing prosecutions come under fire.

This summary captures the primary news stories, contentious debates, and underlying political narratives shaping the day’s news as covered by Megyn Kelly, providing key quotes and context for listeners who missed the episode.