Trump Threatens Insurrection Act, Mahmoud Khalil Faces Setback, Twiggs Family Speaks: AM Update 1/16 - The Megyn Kelly Show Recap
Podcast: The Megyn Kelly Show
Published: 2026-01-16
Duration: 22 minutes
Guests: Mike Davis
Summary
President Trump considers the Insurrection Act amid escalating tensions in Minnesota, while Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil faces deportation setbacks, and a family member of Lance Twiggs speaks out about the Charlie Kirk murder case.
What Happened
President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in response to violent clashes in Minnesota that involved ICE agents. This act would permit the deployment of military forces to control the unrest, particularly after a recent ambush on an ICE agent by three individuals. Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noam detailed the incident, highlighting the dangers ICE agents face and the role of local leadership in perpetuating such violence.
In a significant legal update, Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil's release from immigration detention has been overturned by a federal appeals court. Khalil, accused of activities that could harm U.S. foreign policy interests, remains in the U.S. despite a deportation order. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously identified Khalil's actions as a threat, citing his alleged ties with groups like Hamas.
The episode also highlights the contentious Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, where two national security nominees faced questions about unlawful military orders. Democrats focused on ensuring nominees understand the legal boundaries of military commands, reflecting ongoing concerns about potential misuse of military power.
A family member of Lance Twiggs, associated with the alleged murderer of Charlie Kirk, Tyler Robinson, offers new insights into the investigation. This relative disputes previous claims that Twiggs fully cooperated with authorities, suggesting that his involvement was more coerced than voluntary.
The episode underscores the heightened political and legal tensions surrounding immigration and national security. With Trump's administration taking a firm stance on immigration enforcement, figures like Mahmoud Khalil become focal points in broader debates about policy and individual rights.
Finally, the podcast delves into the media's portrayal of ICE activities, with a White House press briefing revealing the polarized views on immigration enforcement. The administration defends its actions as necessary for public safety, while critics highlight incidents of misconduct and question the agency's practices.
Key Insights
- The Insurrection Act, if invoked, would allow the deployment of military forces to manage civil unrest, a measure President Trump threatened to use in response to violent incidents involving ICE agents in Minnesota.
- A federal appeals court has reversed the release of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil from immigration detention, maintaining his detention due to accusations of activities threatening U.S. foreign policy, despite a prior deportation order.
- The Senate Armed Services Committee is scrutinizing national security nominees to ensure they understand the legal limits of military orders, reflecting concerns about potential misuse of military power.
- Contrary to previous reports, a relative of Lance Twiggs claims his cooperation with authorities in the investigation of Charlie Kirk's alleged murder was coerced, suggesting a more complex involvement than initially portrayed.