The Megyn Kelly Show
The Megyn Kelly Show
April 13, 2026

Trump's Blockade Threat and Jesus-Like Post, with Brandon Weichert, and the TRUTH About Swalwell

Quick Read

Megyn Kelly and Brandon Weichert dissect the escalating US-Iran conflict, President Trump's controversial actions and declining poll numbers, and the sudden downfall of Eric Swalwell amid sexual misconduct allegations, questioning the motives and implications of each development.
Failed US-Iran peace talks, driven by Israeli demands, led to Trump's 'act of war' blockade threat, risking economic and geopolitical fallout.
President Trump's controversial 'Jesus' meme and erratic policy statements coincide with a significant drop in his approval, especially among his base.
Eric Swalwell's swift exit from the California gubernatorial race amid sexual misconduct claims reveals political opportunism and complex victim narratives.

Summary

The episode critically examines the fallout from failed US-Iran peace negotiations, attributing the collapse to Israeli demands and President Trump's inconsistent messaging. Trump's subsequent threat to blockade the Strait of Hormuz is analyzed as an act of war with severe economic repercussions, including spiking oil prices and inflation, and potential for global conflict involving China. The hosts also scrutinize Trump's controversial AI-generated 'Jesus' meme and his plummeting approval ratings, particularly among his white working-class base. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the rapid political demise of Eric Swalwell, who withdrew from the California gubernatorial race following multiple sexual misconduct allegations. Megyn Kelly offers a nuanced, skeptical take on the accusers' narratives, highlighting inconsistencies and questioning the timing and political motivations behind the revelations, while acknowledging Swalwell's 'disgusting' behavior.
This episode highlights the immediate and long-term consequences of current US foreign policy decisions, particularly the escalating conflict with Iran, which directly impacts global energy markets and domestic economic stability. It also exposes the fragility of political careers in the face of scandal and the complex, often politically charged, nature of sexual misconduct allegations, prompting critical thought on media narratives and personal responsibility. The analysis of President Trump's political standing and controversial actions underscores the volatile landscape of American politics and its potential impact on future elections and international relations.

Takeaways

  • US-Iran peace negotiations collapsed after 21 hours due to Iranian refusal to meet US demands, particularly ending uranium enrichment, which was framed as an Israeli-driven 'non-starter'.
  • President Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, later clarified by US Sentcom to apply only to Iranian ports, an action considered an 'act of war' under international law.
  • The blockade is predicted to cause oil prices to surge to $110-$130 a barrel, leading to 5-6% inflation and potential stagflation, severely impacting the American economy.
  • Trump's approval ratings are plummeting, with significant disapproval for his handling of Iran and a 40-point deficit with his white working-class base since February 2025.
  • Trump posted and later deleted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, an act Megyn Kelly labeled 'blasphemous' and a sign of desperation.
  • Eric Swalwell dropped out of the California gubernatorial race following multiple sexual misconduct allegations, which Megyn Kelly suggests were strategically leaked by Democrats to consolidate support for another candidate.
  • Megyn Kelly critically analyzed the Swalwell accusers' stories, highlighting inconsistencies and questioning their repeated decisions to engage with him while heavily intoxicated, alongside acknowledging Swalwell's 'disgusting' behavior.

Insights

1US-Iran Negotiations Collapse and Blockade Escalation

After 21 hours of talks, US Vice President JD Vance failed to secure a permanent peace deal with Iran. The negotiations reportedly collapsed because Iran refused US demands to end uranium enrichment and remove existing enriched uranium, a requirement framed as an Israeli demand that was a 'non-starter' for Iran. In response, President Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which was later clarified by US Sentcom to apply only to vessels entering or departing Iranian ports. This action is considered an 'act of war' under international law and is expected to have severe economic consequences.

Vice President Vance's statement on failed negotiations (), Megyn Kelly's analysis of Israeli demands (), Trump's Truth Social announcement (), US Sentcom clarification (), Brandon Weichert's assessment of blockade as an act of war ().

2Economic Fallout: Oil Prices and Inflation Surge

The escalating conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade are projected to cause significant economic damage. Oil prices are expected to rise to $110-$130 per barrel, leading to a 5-6% inflation rate by summer. This is not seen as a temporary blip but a sustained economic crisis, potentially leading to stagflation, as energy costs impact all sectors of the economy. The host and guest argue this directly contradicts the American public's desire for focus on affordability and inflation.

Eric Bowling's prediction of oil prices and inflation (, ), Brandon Weichert's agreement on inflation and stagflation risk (, ), polling data showing public disapproval of inflation and Trump's economic handling ().

3Trump's Controversies and Declining Political Standing

President Trump engaged in a public feud with Pope Leo XIV and posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, which he later deleted and attempted to reframe as a 'doctor'. These actions, coupled with his foreign policy decisions, are seen as contributing to a 'downward spiral' in his poll numbers. Polling data indicates significant disapproval of his job performance, particularly among independents, Hispanics, blacks, young people, and crucially, a 4-point deficit with his white working-class base, a 40-point swing since February 2025.

Trump's feud with Pope Leo XIV (), his Truth Social post and subsequent denial (, ), Megyn Kelly's analysis of his 'spiraling downward' (, ), CBS News/YUGV poll numbers (, ), observation of muted reception at a UFC event ().

4Eric Swalwell's Political Downfall and Media Scrutiny

Eric Swalwell withdrew from the California gubernatorial race following multiple allegations of sexual harassment and assault. The host, Megyn Kelly, suggests the timing of these revelations was a strategic political maneuver by Democrats to clear the field for another candidate. While acknowledging Swalwell's 'disgusting' behavior, Kelly critically examines the accusers' narratives, highlighting inconsistencies, lack of evidence (e.g., screenshots of bruises), and the accusers' repeated decisions to engage with Swalwell while heavily intoxicated, questioning the 'unwanted' nature of some encounters in a legal context.

Swalwell dropping out of the race (, ), Megyn Kelly's theory on political maneuvering (, ), detailed recounting of accusers' stories and Kelly's critical analysis ( - ), Swalwell's denial (), House Ethics probe announcement ().

Bottom Line

The US's 'special ally' Israel is perceived by the host and guest as actively undermining US peace efforts with Iran by introducing impossible demands, effectively ensuring the continuation and escalation of conflict.

So What?

This suggests a significant divergence in strategic objectives between the US and Israel regarding Iran, with Israel prioritizing maximalist demands over diplomatic resolution, potentially at the expense of US economic and geopolitical stability.

Impact

For policymakers, this highlights the need for a more independent US foreign policy that prioritizes national interests and avoids being dictated by allied demands that may not align with broader US strategic goals, potentially exploring alternative diplomatic channels (e.g., with Russia) to de-escalate regional conflicts.

The 'escalation trap' theory, where initial limited strikes lead to an opponent lashing back and gaining leverage, is manifesting in the US-Iran conflict, with Iran now controlling the Strait of Hormuz and imposing tolls.

So What?

This demonstrates that initial military actions, intended to weaken Iran, have inadvertently granted them a powerful economic weapon, turning a perceived 'easy takedown' into a costly quagmire for the US and its allies.

Impact

Military strategists and political leaders should re-evaluate the predictability and unintended consequences of 'smart bomb' and limited strike strategies, emphasizing comprehensive risk assessment that includes potential for asymmetric responses and long-term geopolitical shifts. This also points to opportunities for non-military solutions to regain economic leverage.

The timing of Eric Swalwell's sexual misconduct allegations and his subsequent withdrawal from the California gubernatorial race is framed as a deliberate political 'kneecapping' by the Democratic Party to consolidate support behind a single candidate.

So What?

This suggests that sensitive personal allegations can be weaponized as strategic tools in high-stakes political races, raising questions about the ethics of political opposition research and media complicity in shaping narratives.

Impact

Voters should maintain a critical perspective on politically timed scandals, demanding transparency and thorough investigation rather than immediate acceptance of narratives. For political parties, it highlights the constant threat of internal and external opposition research, necessitating rigorous vetting of candidates and proactive management of potential vulnerabilities.

Lessons

  • Critically evaluate political narratives, especially those surrounding foreign policy and scandals, by seeking out diverse sources and questioning the timing and motivations behind information releases.
  • Understand the potential economic impacts of geopolitical conflicts, such as rising oil prices and inflation, and consider how these might affect personal finances and broader market stability.
  • For individuals in positions of power, recognize the ethical implications of power differentials in professional relationships and ensure all interactions are consensual and appropriate, avoiding situations that could lead to allegations of misconduct.
  • For young professionals, especially women, prioritize personal safety and make responsible decisions regarding alcohol consumption and interactions in professional or quasi-professional settings, even when feeling flattered or pressured.

Notable Moments

US-Iran peace negotiations collapse due to Israeli demands for Iran to end uranium enrichment, a 'non-starter' condition.

This highlights a significant divergence in strategic interests between the US and Israel, with Israel's maximalist demands potentially sabotaging US diplomatic efforts and prolonging conflict.

President Trump announces a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, later clarified to target only Iranian ports, an act deemed equivalent to 'boots on the ground' and an act of war.

This escalates the conflict, risks direct confrontation with major powers like China, and is predicted to cause severe global economic disruption, including spiking oil prices and inflation.

President Trump posts an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus, then deletes it and claims it was meant to portray him as a 'doctor'.

This controversial act is seen as blasphemous by the host and indicative of Trump's 'spiraling' political state, contributing to his declining approval ratings and alienating segments of his base.

Eric Swalwell drops out of the California gubernatorial race following multiple sexual misconduct allegations.

This event is framed as a politically motivated 'kneecapping' by the Democratic Party to consolidate support, raising questions about the ethical use of opposition research and the complexities of sexual misconduct claims in the political arena.

Polling data reveals President Trump is 'underwater' by 4 points with his white working-class base, a 40-point swing since February 2025.

This significant decline among his core supporters indicates a potential fracturing of the MAGA coalition, driven by economic concerns and dissatisfaction with his foreign policy focus, posing a major threat to Republican electoral prospects.

Quotes

"

"It's almost as if somebody intentionally wanted to queer the deal by insisting that that be put in there."

Megyn Kelly
"

"We literally removed a president, President Biden, for bringing inflation up. The last inflation number we just saw, Steve, has inflation tripling, energy inflation tripling month over month from February to March."

Eric Bowling
"

"Pope Leo is weak on crime and terrible for foreign policy."

Donald Trump (via Truth Social)
"

"That is what he's doing. And it is blasphemous by any definition of that word."

Megyn Kelly
"

"White working class. I really look forward to the people who purport to speak for the white working class... updating their reporting to tell us what's actually happening among the Trump base now because they want him to focus on the economy, on inflation, not on Iran."

Megyn Kelly
"

"This is a disaster of our own making. Uh we are now escalating. You were right to bring up Dr. uh Pap's uh theory on escalation trap. The United States is choosing rather than deescalate, we are choosing to escalate."

Brandon Weichert
"

"I have also instructed our navy to seek and interdict every vessel in international waters that has paid a toll to Iran."

Donald Trump (quoted by Megyn Kelly)
"

"The Iranians have escalation dominance. They've proven that this entire war."

Brandon Weichert
"

"If you are about to have sex with a woman who's completely passed out, blacked out drunk, that's there's no consent. You're a rapist. Don't do that."

Megyn Kelly
"

"These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen. They have never happened. and I will fight them with everything that I have."

Eric Swalwell
"

"What are the chances that three or four women independently who never met each other would have similar experiences with one person? So either Ari, this person committed these horrific acts or he is the single unluckiest person in the world."

Eric Swalwell (from past comments quoted)

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