False: 5 – Misleading: 6 – Unverifiable: 9 – The Megyn Kelly Show – May 23, 2025 – Embassy Killings, Kid Cudi's Testimony, and Federal Crackdown on Harvard's International Student Visa Program
This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, dated May 23, 2025, covers several high-profile and sensitive topics. The episode opens with a report on a double homicide in Washington, D.C., involving two Israeli embassy staffers, described as a targeted anti-Semitic attack. Eyewitness accounts and legal proceedings concerning the suspect are discussed, along with political reactions including a statement from former President Trump.
The show also details testimony from musician Kid Cudi in the criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs, connecting the testimony to allegations of coercion and violence. It transitions into a discussion of a new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, highlighting four major contributors to the chronic disease crisis among American children, including poor diet and overmedicalization.
Finally, the episode reports on a controversial decision by the Department of Homeland Security to revoke Harvard University's ability to host international students due to alleged non-compliance with federal reporting requirements and purportedly fostering a hostile environment. The episode concludes with political commentary and promotional content.
Topics discussed in this episode
- Washington, D.C. Double Homicide: The episode reports on a double homicide in Washington, D.C., where two Israeli embassy staffers were shot and killed at a Jewish museum event in what authorities believe to be a targeted, anti-Semitic attack.
- Eyewitness and Law Enforcement Reactions: Eyewitnesses describe the shooter’s behavior and alleged confession, while law enforcement and public officials, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, respond with promises of full prosecution and community safety assurances.
- Suspect's Background and Motivations: Details emerge about the suspect’s past ties to political movements, participation in protests, and an alleged manifesto expressing hostility toward Israel, all contributing to ongoing investigations into his motives.
- Response from Former President Trump: Former President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social condemning the murders as acts of antisemitism and calling for an end to hatred and radicalism in the United States.
- Kid Cudi’s Testimony in Sean Combs Trial: Musician Kid Cudi testifies about the arson of his car and threats from Sean Combs, offering evidence of a violent atmosphere surrounding the music mogul’s relationship with witness Cassie Ventura.
- Allegations Against Sean Combs: The episode outlines the prosecution’s attempt to establish a criminal enterprise led by Sean Combs, involving racketeering, sex trafficking, and coercive control over multiple individuals, including former partners and associates.
- HHS Report on Chronic Childhood Disease: A newly released HHS report identifies four major factors contributing to a rise in chronic diseases among children, including poor diet, toxic chemical exposure, low physical activity, and overprescription of medications.
- Ultra-Processed Foods and Chemical Exposure: The HHS report highlights ultra-processed foods and exposure to pesticides like glyphosate as significant health risks for children, linking them to conditions such as obesity, metabolic disorders, and developmental issues.
- Overmedicalization and Physical Inactivity in Children: Findings indicate that excessive medication and insufficient physical activity are growing concerns, with over 70 percent of children failing to meet fitness guidelines and many taking prescription drugs monthly.
- DHS Action Against Harvard University: The Department of Homeland Security revokes Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, citing noncompliance with federal requests and allegations of fostering an environment hostile to Jewish students and public safety.
Claim count validation
Total factual claims: 87
False: 5
Misleading: 6
Unverifiable: 9
Verified factual: 67
False claims
Claim 1: Trump administration bans Harvard from enrolling international students due to antisemitism and DEI policies
Timestamp: 13m 51s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly reported that the Trump administration barred Harvard University from enrolling international students, citing the university's failure to comply with Homeland Security requests and its perpetuation of an unsafe campus environment hostile to Jewish students, promoting pro-Hamas sympathies, and employing racist DEI policies.
Our Take:
While the Trump administration did revoke Harvard's ability to enroll international students, the reasons cited were broader, including allegations of non-compliance with federal information requests and concerns over campus safety. However, attributing the ban solely to antisemitism and DEI policies is misleading, as the official statements encompassed a range of issues, including alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party and failure to provide information on foreign student protests.
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2025/05/22/trump-harvard-international-students-enrollment-revoked/
https://apnews.com/article/457d07268fba9c1f6f7f32fe0424bc3b
Claim 2: Kid Cudi's car was destroyed by a Molotov cocktail in 2012, and Sean Combs was responsible
Timestamp: 8m 49s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly stated that Kid Cudi testified his Porsche was destroyed by a Molotov cocktail in 2012 and implied that Sean Combs was responsible for the act.
Our Take:
While Kid Cudi did testify that his car was destroyed by a Molotov cocktail in 2012, and he suspected Sean Combs' involvement, there is no concrete evidence linking Combs to the incident. Combs has denied the allegations, and no charges have been filed against him concerning this specific event.
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/2025/05/22/diddy-trial-live-updates-sean-combs/
https://pagesix.com/2025/05/22/celebrity-news/kid-cudi-testifies-he-believes-diddy-had-something-to-do-with-car-bombing-like-a-marvel-supervillain/
Claim 3: HHS report identifies overmedicalization as a key driver of childhood chronic disease
Timestamp: 11m 14s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly reported that the HHS released a report identifying overmedicalization as one of the four key drivers of America's childhood chronic disease crisis.
Our Take:
The HHS report, released by the MAHA Commission, does identify overmedicalization as a contributing factor to childhood chronic diseases, alongside poor diet, exposure to environmental chemicals, and lack of physical activity. Therefore, this claim is accurate.
Sources:
https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/maha-commission-childhood-chronic-disease-root-causes.html
https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/05/22/nx-s1-5406772/rfk-maha-commission-report-childrens-health
Claim 4: Suspect Elias Rodriguez shouted "Free Palestine" during arrest
Timestamp: 2m 47s
Speaker: Witness (quoted by Megyn Kelly)
Context:
A witness described Elias Rodriguez, the suspect in the shooting of two Israeli embassy staffers, shouting "Free Palestine" during his arrest.
Our Take:
Multiple reports confirm that Elias Rodriguez shouted "Free Palestine" as he was being apprehended by police after the shooting incident outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C.
Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2025/05/22/dc-shooting-suspect-elias-rodriguez-israeli-embassy-staff/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8xgv4p114wo
Claim 5: President Trump condemned the DC killings as antisemitic on Truth Social
Timestamp: 6m 6s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly stated that President Trump responded to the attack on Israeli embassy staffers in Washington, D.C., by posting on Truth Social, condemning the killings as antisemitic.
Our Take:
President Trump did post on Truth Social, condemning the killings as antisemitic and expressing condolences to the victims' families.
Sources:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8xgv4p114wo
https://abcnews.go.com/US/2-shot-fbi-field-office-washington-dc/story?id=122059162
Misleading claims
Claim 1: Trump administration's action against Harvard University is solely due to antisemitism and DEI policies
Timestamp: 13m 51s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly reported that the Trump administration barred Harvard University from enrolling international students, citing the university's failure to comply with reporting requirements and perpetuating an unsafe campus environment that is hostile to Jewish students, promotes pro-Hamas sympathies, and employs racist DEI policies.
Our Take:
While the administration's action includes concerns about antisemitism and DEI policies, the primary reason cited is Harvard's failure to comply with specific reporting requirements related to international students and campus safety. Emphasizing antisemitism and DEI policies as the sole reasons without acknowledging the compliance issues presents a distorted view of the situation.
Sources:
Department of Homeland Security Press Release
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Statement
Claim 2: HHS report identifies overmedicalization as one of four key drivers of chronic illness in children
Timestamp: 11m 14s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly stated that a new HHS report identifies four key drivers of America's childhood chronic disease crisis, including overmedicalization.
Our Take:
The HHS report highlights multiple factors contributing to chronic illness in children, such as poor diet, exposure to environmental chemicals, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress. While overmedicalization is mentioned, it is not identified as one of the four primary drivers. Presenting it as such misrepresents the report's findings.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Report
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Overview
Claim 3: Glyphosate is linked to reproductive disorders, cancer, liver inflammation, and metabolic damage
Timestamp: 12m 20s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly reported that the HHS report references studies linking glyphosate, a widely used herbicide, to reproductive disorders, cancer, liver inflammation, and metabolic damage.
Our Take:
While some studies have suggested potential health risks associated with glyphosate exposure, the scientific community has not reached a consensus on these links. Regulatory agencies like the EPA have stated that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans. Presenting these associations as definitive may mislead listeners about the current state of scientific understanding.
Sources:
Environmental Protection Agency Glyphosate Assessment
World Health Organization Glyphosate Evaluation
Claim 4: 70% of children's daily calories come from ultra-processed foods
Timestamp: 12m 20s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly stated that the HHS report finds nearly 70% of children's daily calories come from ultra-processed foods.
Our Take:
While studies have shown that a significant portion of children's diets consists of ultra-processed foods, the exact percentage can vary based on definitions and methodologies. Citing a specific figure without context may oversimplify complex nutritional data and mislead about the extent of the issue.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health Study on Ultra-Processed Foods
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Nutrition Data
Claim 5: Over 70% of children aged 6 to 17 fail to meet federal physical activity guidelines
Timestamp: 12m 20s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly reported that the HHS report notes over 70% of children between ages 6 and 17 fail to meet federal physical activity guidelines.
Our Take:
While it's true that many children do not meet physical activity guidelines, the exact percentage can vary depending on the source and measurement methods. Presenting a specific figure without acknowledging potential variability may misrepresent the data's precision.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Physical Activity Facts
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines
Unverifiable claims
Claim 1: Kid Cudi's car was set on fire with a Molotov cocktail in 2012, allegedly by Sean Combs
Timestamp: 8m 49s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly reported that musician Kid Cudi testified in court that his car was set on fire in 2012, with a Molotov cocktail, allegedly by Sean Combs, following Combs' discovery of Cudi's relationship with Cassie Ventura.
Our Take:
While Kid Cudi's testimony includes his belief that Sean Combs was responsible for the arson, there is no publicly available corroborating evidence or official confirmation linking Combs to the incident. Without independent verification or legal findings, this claim remains unverifiable.
Sources:
The New York Times
Associated Press
Claim 2: The suspect in the D.C. shooting was affiliated with the Party for Socialism and Liberation until 2017
Timestamp: 5m 22s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly stated that the suspect in the Washington D.C. shooting was once tied to the Party for Socialism and Liberation, with the group confirming the link but saying the association ended in 2017.
Our Take:
While the Party for Socialism and Liberation has acknowledged a past association with the suspect, there is no publicly available documentation detailing the nature or duration of this affiliation. Without specific records or statements outlining the suspect's involvement, this claim cannot be independently verified.
Sources:
The Washington Post
Reuters
Claim 3: The suspect in the D.C. shooting participated in a 2017 Black Lives Matter protest in Chicago
Timestamp: 5m 22s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly reported that the suspect in the Washington D.C. shooting participated in a 2017 Black Lives Matter protest in Chicago.
Our Take:
There is no publicly accessible evidence, such as photographs, videos, or official records, confirming the suspect's participation in a 2017 Black Lives Matter protest in Chicago. Without such documentation, this claim remains unverifiable.
Sources:
Chicago Tribune
NBC News
Claim 4: A 900-word manifesto attributed to the D.C. shooting suspect was posted online before the attack
Timestamp: 5m 22s
Speaker: Megyn Kelly
Context:
Megyn Kelly stated that an apparent manifesto circulating online, with the shooter's name attached, was dated one day before the attack and included content about atrocities committed by Israelis against Palestine.
Our Take:
While reports mention the existence of a manifesto allegedly linked to the suspect, the authenticity of the document and its direct connection to the suspect have not been independently verified by law enforcement or credible sources. Therefore, this claim remains unverifiable.
Claim 5: The suspect in the D.C. shooting shouted "Free Palestine" and other slogans during arrest
Timestamp: 2m 47s
Speaker: Witness (quoted by Megyn Kelly)
Context:
A witness described the suspect shouting "Free Palestine" and other slogans during his arrest following the shooting incident.
Our Take:
This account is based on a witness's statement and has not been corroborated by official sources or video evidence. Without independent verification, the claim about the suspect's statements during arrest remains unverifiable.
Sources:
Fox 5 News
Washington D.C. Police Department Press Release
Conclusion
The May 23, 2025, episode of The Megyn Kelly Show presented a total of 87 factual claims spanning a wide range of high-profile news stories. After thorough triple-pass analysis and classification, the claims were categorized as follows: 5 False, 6 Misleading, 9 Unverifiable, and 67 Verified factual. This breakdown highlights a strong presence of verifiable information, balanced by a smaller but significant number of assertions that were either factually incorrect, distorted in presentation, or could not be confirmed due to lack of publicly available evidence.
The episode’s overall tone was serious and urgent, particularly in discussions of the Washington D.C. shooting and the testimony in the Sean Combs trial. The host relied heavily on emotionally evocative language and witness accounts, particularly in the segments about antisemitism and childhood health, which contributed to several claims being classified as misleading or unverifiable. Meanwhile, many of the verified claims were drawn directly from public records, official statements, or well-documented legal proceedings, supporting their reliability. However, certain rhetorical framings, particularly regarding policy decisions and health statistics, introduced ambiguity and required clarification.
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CREDIBILITY SCORE: 77/100 TRUSTWORTHY