The Megyn Kelly Show: DOJ Resignations, Activist Investigations & the Greenland Diplomatic Standoff
AM Update | January 15, 2026 | Host: Emily Jashinsky (SiriusXM)
Episode Overview
This AM Update, hosted by Emily Jashinsky, delivers a fast-paced rundown of the latest political and legal developments, focused on three main stories:
- DOJ resignations in Minnesota linked to an investigation into activist involvement in a fatal ICE shooting
- High-level, tense diplomatic talks at the White House over President Trump's push to acquire Greenland
- Dramatic new numbers on the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown and a nationwide Verizon cellular outage
Throughout, the tone is urgent and forthright, with direct quotes from administration officials, analysts, and newsmakers to capture the moment’s gravity and complexity.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. DOJ Resignations Over Activist Investigation
[02:42–06:36]
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Resignations:
- Six federal prosecutors in Minnesota, including top deputy Joseph H. Thompson, resigned after DOJ pressure to investigate Becca, partner of Renee Goode, who was fatally shot by an ICE agent. Tension arose over investigating activist groups versus pursuing fraud cases.
- Disagreements focused on the Justice Department’s refusal to cooperate with state officials, leading to further friction.
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Incident Background:
- Renee Goode was part of "Minnesota ICE Watch," a group encouraging activists to intervene in ICE operations.
- During a recent confrontation, ICE agents shot Goode when she drove her car into an agent. Her partner, Becca, was heard on video urging her to flee.
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Federal Perspective:
- Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed multiple agencies are probing activist groups, with a particular focus on those hindering law enforcement.
Notable Quote:
“...when you have organized criminal gangs, which these are... that are organizing groups to... impede or obstruct law enforcement operations... that's a criminal act.”
— Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director [03:58]
DOJ’s Position:
- Deputy AG Todd Blanche said there is no basis for a DOJ civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting.
Victim’s Family Response:
- Renee Goode’s late husband’s father offered a compassionate but conflicted view of the tragedy and its motivations.
Notable Quote:
“I don't blame us. I don't blame Rebecca. I don't blame Renee. I just... wish that, you know, if we're walking the spirit of God, I don't think she would have been there.”
— Good’s Father [05:07]
President Trump's Comment:
- Trump defended ICE, contextualized Goode’s actions, and doubled down on claims that prior administration “open border” policies led to more violent criminals in the US.
Notable Quote:
“ICE is working very hard to get them out. Their job is being made very, very difficult. And... there are a couple of versions of that tape that are very, very bad.”
— President Trump [05:54]
2. Diplomatic Clash Over Greenland
[06:36–09:27]
- US Ambitions:
- Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Greenlandic and Danish officials regarding Trump’s high-profile attempt to acquire Greenland.
- President Trump continues to press for US control over Greenland, claiming security threats from Russia and China.
Notable Quote:
“NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. If we don't, Russia or China will and that is not going to happen.”
— President Trump (via Truth Social) [07:19]
- Allied Pushback:
- Denmark’s Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen insisted Greenland’s security is best served within the existing Kingdom of Denmark structure, underlining strong opposition to turning Greenland over to the US.
- Meeting lasted just 90 minutes and ended with the formation of a working group but no meaningful progress or softened positions.
Notable Quote:
“We... have a fundamental disagreement, but we also agree to disagree and therefore... we will however continue to talk.”
— Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Danish Foreign Minister [08:11]
Greenland’s Position:
- Greenland’s government has near-unanimous support from its population to remain under Danish governance.
Notable Quote:
“It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. We made it very, very clear that this is not in the interest of the Kingdom.”
— Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Danish Foreign Minister [09:00]
3. Historic Immigration Policy Shifts
[10:53–12:24]
- Statistical Turning Point:
- For the first time in 50 years, more immigrants left the US than arrived in 2025.
- Data attributes the shift to a near-halt in new arrivals at the southern border and reductions in humanitarian and refugee admissions after Trump’s policies took effect.
Notable Quote:
“For the past seven months, zero illegal aliens have been allowed into our country, a feat which everyone said was absolutely impossible.”
— President Trump [11:58]
- Data Points:
- Brookings Institution reports up to 315,000 deportations and over 400,000 voluntary exits in 2025, with DHS officials reporting even higher totals since Trump’s inauguration.
- The State Department has announced a freeze on visa processing for 75 nations deemed high-risk under the Immigration and Nationality Act (countries include Somalia, Russia, Afghanistan, Brazil, Iran, Nigeria, Yemen).
Notable Policy Development:
- State Department’s indefinite visa freeze begins January 21, 2026.
4. Nationwide Verizon Cellular Outage
[12:24–15:26]
- Impact:
- Widespread outages started around 12:30pm, taking down mobile voice and data for thousands nationwide, with considerable reporting on Down Detector.
- No official cause given by Verizon; some online speculation about a possible foreign cyberattack, though no official word connects the event to international actors.
Notable Event:
- Verizon took nearly two hours to publicly acknowledge and address the outage; no confirmation of foreign involvement or hacking, even as tensions with Iran remain high.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Todd Lyons, Acting ICE Director
[03:58]
“We’re investigating these and people are going to be held accountable because you can't organize groups to go out and impede law enforcement.” -
Good’s Father (on CNN) [05:07]
“I don't blame us. I don't blame Rebecca. I don't blame Renee. I just... wish that, you know, if we're walking the spirit of God, I don't think she would have been there.” -
President Trump (on CBS and Truth Social) [05:54]
“ICE is working very hard to get them out. Their job is being made very, very difficult.” [07:19]
“NATO should be leading the way for us to get it. If we don't, Russia or China will... Anything less is unacceptable.” -
Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Danish Foreign Minister [08:11 & 09:00]
“We, the Kingdom of Denmark, continue to believe that... the long term security of Greenland can be ensured inside the current framework... It’s clear that the president has this wish of conquering over Greenland. We made it very, very clear... this is not in the interest of the Kingdom."
Timestamps for Important Segments
- [02:42] — Minnesota DOJ resignations and investigation background
- [03:58] — ICE Director Lyons details investigation into activist groups
- [05:07] — Good’s family reflects on tragedy
- [05:54] — President Trump responds to ICE shooting
- [06:36] — Diplomatic meeting preview and Trump’s stance on Greenland
- [07:19] — Trump’s Truth Social post on Greenland
- [08:11] — Danish Foreign Minister on ‘frank’ meeting
- [09:00] — Denmark and Greenland reject US acquisition overture
- [10:53] — Brookings: Net negative immigration for first time in 50 years
- [11:58] — Trump lauds immigration crackdown
- [12:24] — Verizon outage nationwide, speculation about cyberattack
Overall Tone & Takeaways
The episode is brisk, no-nonsense, and packed with straight reporting and direct statements. Emily Jashinsky’s delivery underscores the high stakes and contentious atmosphere—from DOJ drama and activist crackdowns to the new Arctic “Great Game” and sweeping immigration reversals under Trump. The show captures both the immediacy and complexity of these current events, offering key commentary without editorializing—a fit for listeners seeking to stay informed on explosive political and legal developments.
