The Megyn Kelly Show

AM Update – March 19, 2026
Host: Emily Jashinsky (for Megyn Kelly) | SiriusXM

Episode Overview

This AM Update covers a high-tension day in US politics and culture, including:

• Senate intelligence hearings on the Iran conflict and US security threats
• The contentious confirmation hearing for Markwayne Mullen as Homeland Security Secretary
• President Trump’s tribute to fallen service members
• Inside drama detailing the unraveling of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Netflix deal

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Intel Chiefs Testify on Iran & U.S. Security Threats

Segment: 00:44 – 06:37

• Key US intelligence and security officials testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee on mounting worldwide threats, focusing heavily on Iran.
  • Major participants included:
    • Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
    • CIA Director John Ratcliffe
    • FBI Director Cash Patel
• Over the past several weeks, US and Israeli strikes have targeted more than 7,000 Iranian sites, killing dozens of senior regime officials, severely degrading Iran’s military capabilities.
  • Quote:
    • “The regime in Iran appears to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities… Iran's strategic position has been significantly degraded.” — Intelligence Community Analyst (03:08)
• Internal debate surfaced after National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent resigned, arguing Iran was not an imminent threat; CIA Director Ratcliffe refuted that:
  • Quote:
    • “No. In fact, the intelligence reflects the contrary.” — CIA Director John Ratcliffe (04:07), in response to whether Iran's ambitions had diminished
  • “I think Iran has been a constant threat to the United States for an extended period of time and posed an immediate threat at this time.” — CIA Director Ratcliffe (04:35)
• Officials highlighted a rise in Islamist-inspired, decentralized terrorism threats in the US (attacks in Austin, New York, Old Dominion University, and a synagogue in recent weeks).
  • Quote:
    • “Less indicators of large scale organized complex threats or attacks and instead efforts focused on individuals… radicalized by Islamist propaganda and may not have ever had contact with ISIS or Al Qaeda…” — Intelligence Community Analyst (05:13)
• FBI Director Patel detailed interagency efforts to counter violence and terrorism, citing recent crime reductions in New Orleans:
  • Quote:
    • “…First time that Mardi Gras in its entire history had not one homicide.” — FBI Director Cash Patel (05:45)

2. Senator Markwayne Mullen's Contentious DHS Confirmation Hearing

Segment: 06:37 – 12:10

• Senator Mullen was questioned before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, seeking to replace Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary amidst department funding turmoil.
• Hearing was notably tense with Senator Rand Paul, who revisited Mullen’s past comments apparently excusing violence against Paul after a notorious 2017 assault.
  • Quote:
    • “You told the media that I was a freaking snake and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted... Tell it to my face... why you believe I deserve to be assaulted from behind.” — Senator Rand Paul (07:34)
    • “I did not say I supported it. I said I understood it. There’s a difference.” — Senator Mark Wayne Mullen (08:11)
• Mullen pointed to a reconciled relationship with Teamsters Union head Sean O'Brien (with whom he had once nearly fought), showcasing his ability to “settle differences.”
• Mullen’s support for DHS funding and law enforcement tactics came under scrutiny, particularly regarding two fatal ICE operations in Minnesota and a controversial “justified” officer-involved shooting.
  • Quote:
    • “Senator, it's very clear that an officer had to make a split decision in that case as a car was running towards him and did strike him. At that point, that car becomes a lethal weapon.” — Senator Mark Wayne Mullen (09:50)
• Senator Gary Peters challenged Mullen about a mysterious 2015 classified overseas trip, to which Mullen provided minimal details, insisting it was official and classified (10:17–11:10).
• Despite skepticism (notably from Rand Paul), Mullen received bipartisan gestures of goodwill:
  • Quote:
    • “You will be confirmed, you will have the job and you’re going to make this country safer and better.” — Senator John Cornyn (12:04)
  • Senator Fetterman (D–PA) was identified as the key swing vote likely to support Mullen.

3. President Trump Honors Fallen Troops and Rebukes NATO Allies

Segment: 13:30 – 16:22

• President Trump attended a solemn Dignified Transfer Ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for six US service members killed during Operation Epic Fury against Iran.
  • The KC135 Air Force refueling aircraft crash is under investigation; not attributed to hostile fire.
  • At least 13 US military deaths and 200 wounded since operations began three weeks ago.
• Ongoing conflict has depressed global shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil over $100/barrel and spiking US gas prices ($3.84/gallon).
• President Trump aired public frustration at NATO’s lack of military support:
  • Quote:
    • “We have thousands of soldiers in different countries all over the world and they don't want to help us, which is amazing… I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake and I've long said that… we don't need them… this was a great test because we don't need them.” — President Trump (15:35)

4. Harry & Meghan’s Netflix Drama Intensifies

Segment: 16:22 – End (~19:55)

• New reporting from Variety details Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s floundering partnership with Netflix:
  • The couple signed a headline-stealing, $30–100 million deal in September 2020, aiming to launch a multimedia production empire.
  • Early missteps included blindsiding Netflix with the Oprah interview and subsequent release of Harry’s memoir Spare overlapping with Netflix’s own docuseries.
  • “Harry & Meghan” drew Netflix's largest documentary premiere (81 million hours in 4 days), but Archewell Productions has since failed to deliver another hit.
  • Netflix has now distanced itself from Markle’s lifestyle brand (As Ever) and canceled “With Love, Meghan” as a regular show, though it may return for occasional specials.
  • The streamer is left with over $10 million in unsold associated products.
  • Quote/Insight:
    • Variety reports increasing frustration among Netflix executives, though the company denies formally “losing faith.”
    • Two book adaptations remain in development, but five years on, the larger vision remains unrealized.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intel Chiefs on Iran and Domestic Terror: 00:44 – 06:37
• Senator Mullen’s Hearing: 06:37 – 12:10
• Trump Honors Fallen Troops; Rebukes NATO: 13:30 – 16:22
• Harry & Meghan’s Netflix Woes: 16:22 – End (~19:55)

Notable Quotes

• “No. In fact, the intelligence reflects the contrary.” — CIA Director John Ratcliffe (04:07)
• “You told the media that I was a freaking snake and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted.” — Senator Rand Paul (07:34)
• “I did not say I supported it. I said I understood it. There’s a difference.” — Senator Mark Wayne Mullen (08:11)
• “We have thousands of soldiers in different countries all over the world and they don't want to help us, which is amazing… I think NATO is making a very foolish mistake and I've long said that… we don't need them.” — President Trump (15:35)
• “Netflix now left with more than $10 million worth of unsold as ever products...” — Emily Jashinsky summarizing Variety report (18:30)

Memorable Moments

• The emotionally charged confrontation between Rand Paul and Markwayne Mullen over past public comments about political violence.
• FBI Director Patel’s milestone: the first homicide-free Mardi Gras in New Orleans history, attributed to joint FBI/DHS task force work.
• President Trump’s blunt scolding of NATO allies for not participating in the US-led operation against Iran.
• Details on the scale of Harry and Meghan's media failures and Netflix’s growing impatience, symbolizing the challenges of celebrity-turned-media ventures.

For more AM Updates, listen live on SiriusXM or subscribe where you get your podcasts.