Will Ghislaine Maxwell Speak Publicly, Next Russiagate Docs, Mamdani's Wedding Bash: AM Update 7/28

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode Summary Title: Will Ghislaine Maxwell Speak Publicly, Next Russiagate Docs, Mamdani's Wedding Bash: AM Update 7/28
Host: Megyn Kelly
Release Date: July 28, 2025

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1. Ghislaine Maxwell’s Cooperation with the DOJ

Overview:
Megyn Kelly opens the episode by discussing recent developments concerning Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell has been cooperating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and has engaged in extensive questioning regarding her involvement and that of others.

Key Points:

• Maxwell met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche for a two-day interview to discuss potential uncharged associates linked to Epstein.
• Her attorney, David Oscar Marcus, praised her cooperation, stating, “She literally answered every question... she didn’t hold anything back” (03:04).
• Maxwell is appealing her conviction and may consider testifying before Congress, although discussions about a pardon remain speculative.

Notable Quotes:

• David Oscar Marcus (Maxwell’s Attorney): “I think Glenn did a wonderful job. She was asked maybe about 100 different people. She answered questions about everybody and she didn’t hold anything back.” (03:04)
• Megyn Kelly: “Maxwell, currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse and her own misconduct, is currently appealing her conviction.” (03:21)
• John Ratcliffe (CIA Director): “If it's something I haven’t thought about, it's really something recommended, it's something I'm allowed to do it, but it's something I have not thought about.” regarding a pardon for Maxwell (03:46)
• Mike Johnson (House Speaker): “I think 20 years was a pittance. I think she should have a life sentence at least.” (04:58)

2. House Actions on Epstein Files

Overview:
The discussion moves to the House of Representatives' efforts to obtain the Epstein files from the DOJ. Various factions within the House are pursuing subpoenas to compel the release of these documents.

Key Points:

• A House oversight subcommittee approved a subpoena for the Epstein files, with details on its scope pending (05:35).
• Congressman Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) and Congressman Ro Khanna (D-California) are leading a bipartisan initiative to force the DOJ to release the Epstein files, ensuring victim information and child sexual abuse material remains redacted.
• Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the proposed discharge petition, citing concerns over releasing potentially false information and the protection of innocent individuals’ reputations (06:23).

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Johnson: “The Massie and Khanna discharge petition does not have adequate protections... It requires the DOJ to release grand jury testimony. They are prohibited by law from doing so.” (06:23)
• John Ratcliffe: “I think when we get back we can get the signatures required to force this to the floor... It will pass.” (07:58)
• Tulsi Gabbard: “All of these hoaxes that happened were done by the same people in many cases...” condemning the actions of intelligence and media operatives involved in the Russiagate narrative (11:37)

3. Declassification of Russiagate Documents

Overview:
CIA Director John Ratcliffe discusses the impending release of more declassified documents that shed light on the origins of the Russiagate narrative, particularly implicating Hillary Clinton and the FBI’s role.

Key Points:

• The recently declassified 2020 House Intelligence Committee report reignites scrutiny over the Obama administration’s involvement in shaping the Russian interference narrative.
• Ratcliffe alleges that parts of the Russiagate probe were orchestrated by Hillary Clinton and the FBI to support the Steele dossier, a claim he characterizes as fraudulent.
• This revelation has intensified calls for accountability, with figures like Devin Nunes advocating for prosecution without concern for the statute of limitations.

Notable Quotes:

• John Ratcliffe: “The intelligence shows that part of this was a Hillary Clinton plan, but part of it was an FBI plan to be an accelerant to that fake Steele dossier...” (09:17)
• Tulsi Gabbard: “I mean, Mueller and that team of witch hunters should also be looked at... and then what happens? We get this fake whistleblower...” (11:37)
• Devin Nunes: “There is no statute of limitations on conspiracy.” (11:25)

4. Zoran Mamdani’s Lavish Wedding Bash

Overview:
The episode shifts focus to Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist and New York City mayoral candidate, who has come under scrutiny for hosting an extravagant wedding ceremony abroad, raising questions about his stance on defunding the police.

Key Points:

• Mamdani hosted a luxurious three-day wedding in Uganda, complete with military-style security, which contradicts his previous calls to defund the NYPD.
• The New York Post reported on the opulent nature of the event, highlighting the discrepancy between his public policies and personal lifestyle.
• Mamdani has slightly moderated his stance, proposing a Department of Community Safety to handle nonviolent crimes and address issues related to mental health and homelessness.

Notable Quotes:

• John Ratcliffe (Humorous Suggestion): “Miss me? He’s Kampalalitly crazy.” (14:04)
• Megyn Kelly: “The radical progressive appearing to try to get ahead of the story last week posting this video to social media.” (14:04)
• Megyn Kelly: “He says he doesn’t believe should exist...[Mamdani] is currently taking incoming for this trip from his former Democratic primary opponent...” (14:04)

5. Closing Remarks and Advertisements

Overview:
The episode concludes with brief promotional content for Grand Canyon University and DSW shoes, interspersed with light-hearted commentary from the guests.

Key Points:

• Advertisement segments are presented, promoting educational opportunities at Grand Canyon University and footwear from DSW.
• The show wraps up with motivational statements from John Ratcliffe and Tulsi Gabbard about possibilities and pursuing one’s dreams.

Notable Quotes:

• John Ratcliffe: “Possibility means you have a chance.” (16:27)
• Tulsi Gabbard: “Passion opens the door to all possibilities.” (16:29)
• Megyn Kelly: “I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on Sirius XM Triumph channel 111...” (16:55)

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Conclusion:
This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show delves into high-stakes political and legal developments, including Ghislaine Maxwell’s cooperation with the DOJ, the contentious push by House members to access the Epstein files, and explosive claims surrounding the origins of the Russiagate narrative. Additionally, the show scrutinizes the apparent contradictions in Zoran Mamdani’s campaign activities. Through engaging discussions and impactful quotes, Megyn Kelly provides listeners with a comprehensive update on these pressing issues.

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Timestamp Reference

• 03:04: David Oscar Marcus on Maxwell’s cooperation
• 03:21: Megyn Kelly introduces Maxwell’s appeal
• 03:46: John Ratcliffe on potential pardon
• 04:05: Maxwell’s attorney on pardon prospects
• 04:46: Mike Johnson’s views on Maxwell’s sentencing
• 05:35: House actions on Epstein files
• 06:23: Mike Johnson criticizes discharge petition
• 07:31: John Ratcliffe on releasing information
• 07:50: Bipartisan support for subpoena
• 08:13: Growing calls for accountability
• 09:17: John Ratcliffe on declassified intelligence
• 10:09: DNI Ratcliffe on DOJ and FBI conspiracies
• 11:25: Devin Nunes on conspiracy statute
• 11:37: Tulsi Gabbard on ongoing hoaxes
• 14:04: John Ratcliffe’s humorous headline suggestions
• 16:27: Closing motivational quotes

Transcript

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[Megan Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megan Kelly. It's Monday, July 28, 2025, and this is your AM update.

[Ghislaine Maxwell's Attorney]

I think Ghislaine did a wonderful job. She was asked maybe about a hundred different people. She answered questions about everybody.

[Megan Kelly]

Will Ghislaine talk? Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell meets with the DOJ as questions surface about a potential pardon in exchange for further cooperation.

[John Ratcliffe]

What that intelligence shows is that part of this was a Hillary Clinton plan, but part of it was an FBI plan to be an accelerant to that fake Steele dossier.

[Megan Kelly]

CIA Director John Ratcliffe teases that more declassified documents relating to how the 2016 Russian interference narrative took off are on the way, this time implicating Hillary Clinton and New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist throws an elaborate wedding bash overseas with military style security, raising eyebrows and accusations of his hypocrisy. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update. If you are stressed about back taxes, maybe you missed the April deadline or your books are a mess. Don't wait. The IRS is cracking down. Penalties add up fast. 5% a month, up to 25% just for not filing. But there is help. You don't have to handle this alone. Tax Network USA can take the burden off your shoulders and stop the spiral before it gets worse. They have helped thousands of Americans, whether you're an employee, a small business owner, or you haven't filed in years. Messy books? No problem. They've seen it all. Tax Network USA has direct access to powerful IRS programs and expert negotiators on your side. You'll get a free consultation, and if you qualify, they may even be able to reduce or eliminate what you owe. More importantly, they will help protect you from wage garnishments or bank levies. So don't wait for the next irs letter. Call 800-958-1000 or visit tnusa.com Megan to talk to a real expert at Tax Network USA. Take the pressure off. Let Tax Network USA handle your tax issues. Convicted Jeffrey Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell sitting with the DOJ for a two day interview late last week. Sharing knowledge with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about other potential uncharged Epstein associates. Maxwell's attorney, David Oscar Marcus, sharing some details of the meeting with reporters on Friday.

[Ghislaine Maxwell's Attorney]

I think Glenn did a wonderful job. She literally answered every question. She didn't say, you know what, don't ask me that. I'm not going to talk about this person. She was asked maybe about 100 different people. She answered questions about everybody and she didn't hold anything back.

[Megan Kelly]

Maxwell, currently serving a 20 year prison sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein's sexual abuse and her own misconduct, is currently appealing her conviction. ABC News reporting. Maxwell answered questions for about nine hours after being granted a limited form of immunity for her cooperation. Speculation mounting as to whether Maxwell will trade further cooperation for clemency. On Friday morning, President Trump brushing off.

[John Ratcliffe]

The question, would you consider a pardon or a commutation for Elaine Maxwell? If it's something I haven't thought about, it's really something recommended, it's something I'm allowed to do it, but it's something I have not thought about.

[Megan Kelly]

Maxwell's attorney saying the prospect of a pardon has not yet been raised. While they consider potentially testifying before Congress.

[Ghislaine Maxwell's Attorney]

Next month, of course everybody knows Ms. Maxwell would welcome any relief. She's been in very difficult conditions for five years. There have been no asks and no promises and nothing like that has been, has been made. We haven't spoken to the President or anybody about a pardon just yet. And you know, listen, the President this morning said he had the power to do so. We hope he exercises that power in the right and just way. Congress has subpoenaed her to testify. We have to make a decision about whether she will do that or not. That's been scheduled for the week of August 11th and, and we haven't gotten back to them yet on, on whether we'll do that.

[Megan Kelly]

And also in the House on Sunday, House Speaker Mike Johnson managing calls from within House ranks to take further action in relation to the Epstein files, sharing his stance on any potential pardon for Maxwell.

[Mike Johnson]

Well, I mean, obviously that's a decision of the President. He said he had not adequately considered that. I won't get in front of him. That's not my lane. If you're asking my opinion, I think 20 years was a pittance. I think she should have a life sentence at least. I mean, think of all These unspeakable crimes, as you noted earlier, probably a thousand victims. I mean, you know, this, this is, it's hard to put into words how evil this was and that she orchestrated it and was a big part of it, at least under, under the criminal sanction, I think is an unforgivable thing. So again, not my decision, but I have great pause about that as any reasonable person would.

[Megan Kelly]

Various House factions currently pursuing multiple avenues in obtaining the Epstein files from the doj. A House oversight subcommittee last week approving a subpoena requesting the files, though Chairman Comer has yet to take further action in actually issuing that subpoena. A source close to the committee telling us at AM update that details on the scope of the subpoena will soon be released. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna of California spearheading a bipartisan effort to force a vote legally compelling the DOJ to, to release the entirety of the Epstein files with redactions, protecting victims information and removing child sexual abuse material. Speaker Johnson Sunday on NBC saying the Mass Econna discharge petition is flawed because.

[Mike Johnson]

You have to protect innocent people's names and reputations whose names might be, as you noted at the outset of the program, intertwined into all these files. The Massey and Khana discharge petition would require the DOJ and FBI to release information that they know is false, that is based on lies and rumors and, and was not even credible enough to be entered into the court proceedings. And that would be a dangerous thing. Our main concern here though is the protection of the innocent victims. I mean these are minors in many cases who are subjected to unspeakable crimes, abject evil. They've already suffered great harm. We do not need them need their names being unmasked. The Massie and the Khana discharge petition does not have adequate protections, for example, in the way that it was drafted. They cite that they don't want child abuse sex abuse information uncovered, but they cite the wrong provision of the federal code and so it makes it unworkable. It requires the DOJ to release grand jury testimony. They are prohibited by law from doing so. So it is not the right approach.

[Megan Kelly]

Congressman Khanna Sunday on NBC, downplaying those concerns.

[John Ratcliffe]

Now there's a reason the Justice Department usually doesn't release information before charging people. And I understand the sensitivity of and I think the American people are fair. They're going to be able to distinguish between someone who got a grant from Jeffrey Epstein to do cancer research versus rich and powerful men who were abusing underage girls.

[Megan Kelly]

Congressman Massie and Khanna telling NBC they believe they will have the support needed to bring the vote following this August recess.

[John Ratcliffe]

I think when we get back we can get the signatures required to force this to the floor, speaker Mike Johnson said. Do the right thing and just bring it to the floor and not require us to force it. Congressman Khan, I'm out of time. But yes or no, will it pass? It will pass.

[Megan Kelly]

Calls for accountability growing amid bombshell declassifications by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard over the past several weeks. A newly declassified 2020 House Intelligence Committee report reigniting scrutiny of the Obama administration's role in shaping the Russian interference narrative that dominated the first Trump administration. DNI gabbered last week, releasing the long buried report, finding top intel officials used flawed and selectively filtered intel to construct the President Obama directed 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment, or ICA. That report famously and perhaps infamously claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin, quote, aspired to help then candidate Trump win the presidency in 2016. Sunday on Fox News, CIA Director John Ratcliffe saying the agency is working to declassify more documents that will reveal cooperation between the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Obama administration's FBI to boost the bogus Steele dossier.

[John Ratcliffe]

Part of what came out last week was about how John Brennan, Clapper, Comey, they all pushed the known fake Steele dossier into intelligence community assessments and as the basis for Crossfire, Hurricane and all that. But what hasn't come out yet, and what's going to come out is the underlying intelligence that I have spent the last few months making recommendations about final declassification and sent that to the Department of Justice that will come out in the John Durham report classified annex. And what that intelligence shows, Maria, is that part of this was a Hillary Clinton plan, but part of it was an FBI plan to be an accelerant to that fake Steele dossier, to those fake Russia collusion claims by pouring oil on the fire, by amplifying the lie and bearing the truth of what was what Hillary Clinton was up to.

[Megan Kelly]

These revelations renewing calls for accountability from Trump allies with demands to investigate and prosecute those involved for what DNI Gabbard calls a quote, years long coup against President Trump. But questions remain about what, if anything, can still be prosecuted given the statute of limitations on the potential crimes. Director Ratcliffe saying there's still time.

[John Ratcliffe]

John Brennan testified to John Durham in August of 2020. He also testified to the House Oversight Committee in 2022. Hillary Clinton testified before John Durham under oath in 2022. James Comey testified before the Senate committee in September 2020. All of that's within the last five years. And much of that testimony is frankly, completely inconsistent with what our underlying intelligence that is about to be declassified in the Durham annex, what that reflects. And so, you know, Pam Bondi does have a strike force. It is a different Department of Justice, a different FBI, and an opportunity to look at how these people really did conspire to run a hoax, a fraud on the American people and against Donald Trump's presidency. And so coming forward, we understand that they did this, but now we need to understand how they did this.

[Megan Kelly]

Former head of the House Intel Committee, Devin Nunes, who ordered the 2020 intel report, analyzing the ICA on Sunday, telling Fox News there is no statute of limitations on conspiracy.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

All of these hoaxes that happened were done by the same people in many cases, and one led to the other. So you had Hillary starts the collusion hoax, Obama continues the collusion hoax, Mueller continues the collusion hoax. I mean, Mueller and that team, that team of witch hunters should also be looked at. Everything that they did then when Mueller completely flames out, why? Because there was no intelligence that tied Trump to Russia, then what happens? We get this fake whistleblower from inside the agencies that says that Trump's doing something weird with, with Ukraine. And so you end up with that. And then you get to the Hunter Biden laptop and then you get to the raid at Mar a Lago. All of that, all of that is happening with, with basically the same two dozen people and media operatives that are all involved in perpetuating, perpetuating these hoaxes.

[Megan Kelly]

Coming up. Defund for the security for me. New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, who previously called for defunding the police, raises eyebrows with a luxurious wedding bash protected by military style security. Too bad you can't have it. Grand Canyon University, a private Christian university in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona, believes we are endowed by our Creator with certain unalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. GCU believes in equal opportunity and that the American Dream starts with purpose. By honoring your career calling, you can impact your family, friends and community. Change the world for good by putting others before yourself. Whether your pursuit involves a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, GCU's online on campus and hybrid learning environments are designed to help you achieve your unique academic, personal and professional goals. With over 340 academic programs as of September 2024, GCU meets you where you are and provides a path to help you fulfill your dreams. The pursuit to serve others is yours. Let it flourish. Find your purpose at Grand Canyon University. Private christian affordable visit gcu.edu far left socialist Democrat nominee for New York City mayor Zoran Mamdani taking a short break from the campaign last week to celebrate his new marriage with friends and family in his native Uganda. The radical progressive appearing to try to get ahead of the story last week posting this video to social media.

[John Ratcliffe]

And since you will undoubtedly read about this trip in the New York Post, insha' Allah on the front page, here are a few of my humble suggestions for headlines. Mia Mamdani in Africa Uganda Miss me? He's Kampalalitly crazy. The AFRA can't be serious. Carl Kampala Neely investigates Mamdani Zo running.

[Megan Kelly]

Away the New York Post indeed reporting on the trip, discovering the candidate who previously called for defunding the police hosted a quote, lavish three day affair at his family's ritzy secluded Ugandan compound, complete with masked security guards and a cell phone jamming system. The property reportedly sitting in a wealthy neighborhood with homes easily valued at more than a million dollars and at least one billionaire neighbor. You know, the kind Mamdani says he doesn't believe should exist. According to the Post, the Mamdani family, quote sits on 2 acres of lush gardens surrounded by trees, has breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Victoria and features at least three security gates. The report raising eyebrows given Mamdani's past support for abolishing private property and defunding and dismantling the NYPD as a mayoral candidate. Mamdani somewhat softening that stance, focusing on other promises like freezing the rent in terms of policing. Mamdani kind of backing off calls to defund, though proposing a Department of Community Safety, he says will be tasked with dispatching social workers to address nonviolent crimes and problems with the mentally ill and homeless. He apparently does not consider domestic violence to be violent because those calls too he wants handled by social workers. Mamdani taking incoming for this trip from his former Democratic primary opponent, the disgraced former governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, who's now running as an independent in the mayoral race. Cuomo's social media team posting a poll on X responding to the New York Post exclusive, asking whether to call the hypocrisy champagne socialism or trust fund socialism. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the Megyn Kelly show live on Sirius XM Triumph channel 111@nunes on YouTube.com MeganKelly and on all podcast platforms.

[John Ratcliffe]

Possibility means you have a chance.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

Passion opens the door to all possibilities.

[John Ratcliffe]

When I feel like anything's possible, I feel kind of giddy.

[Megan Kelly]

I want to be an astronaut, an.

[John Ratcliffe]

Artist, an actress to visit another country.

[Tulsi Gabbard]

All I need is a backpack and a pair of shoes, and I'll find.

[John Ratcliffe]

A way I'm able to do anything I set my mind to. I've never felt like more things are possible than right now. In the right shoes, anything is possible.

[Megan Kelly]

DSW countless shoes at bragworthy prices.

[John Ratcliffe]

Imagine the possibilities.