DOJ Puts Don Lemon On Notice, 2028 Dem Contenders Go Quiet, Arctic Blast Incoming: AM Update 1/20

What this episode is about

The DOJ is investigating Don Lemon for his involvement in disrupting a Christian service, while the Democratic Party faces challenges ahead of the 2028 election due to their inability to address key issues. Additionally, a significant Arctic blast is forecasted, impacting much of the country, and a controversial segment aired on 60 Minutes regarding SECOT prison raises further discussions.

Key takeaways

• Lemon's church disruption raises a question: when does reporting become political protest?
• The DOJ's scrutiny of Lemon highlights a precarious line between journalism and activism.
• The 'Face Act' isn't just legal jargon; it embodies the clash between civil rights and protest tactics.
• Corporate political maneuvers risk tightening consumer credit protections—what's good for Walmart may not be for you.
• In today's polarized landscape, religious freedom is entangled in issues of identity, race, and entitlement.

Who speaks in this episode?

• Megan Kelly (Guest) · 13 min speaking
• Don Lemon (Guest) · 3 min speaking
• Dylan (Guest) · 2 min speaking
• Jacob Fry (Guest) · 1 min speaking
• Tim Walls (Guest) · 1 min speaking
• Keith Ellison (Guest) · 1 min speaking

What is discussed, and when

1. 0:00 – 3:00: Electronic Payments Coalition, SECOT Prison, Jennifer Welsh, SECOT Prison
2. 3:00 – 6:00: Face Act
3. 9:00 – 12:00: Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC)
4. 12:00 – 15:00: Relief Factor, Trenda Arawa

Notable quotes from "DOJ Puts Don Lemon On Notice, 2028 Dem Contenders Go Quiet, Arctic Blast Incoming: AM Update 1/20"

• Our sponsor, the Electronic Payments Coalition, says Washington politicians are always getting in your wallet and that now they're messing with your credit card. They say your credit card.

  about Electronic Payments Coalition · at 0:46

• Anti-ICE cause. A move now drawing scrutiny from DOJ officials probing possible criminal charges. Yesterday, Lemon running to the left's favorite new podcast lady, the very…

  about Jennifer Welsh · at 2:08

• Attorney General for Civil Rights Har Dylan announcing an investigation into potential violations of the Face Act, a federal law making it illegal to use force, threats, or…

  about Face Act · at 3:09

• And hormones? And what is your response to the question, can a man become a woman? Eight high-profile Democrats declining to answer, including former Vice President Kala…

  about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) · at 9:20

• To feel good. You start thinking maybe this is just my life now. But it doesn't have to be. With Relief Factor you can break up with pain just like Anthony did. He wrote quote…

  about Relief Factor · at 12:11

• CBS News finally airing its delayed report on El Salvador's Secott Prison.

  about SECOT Prison · at 13:02

Who and what is mentioned in this episode?

People

• Jennifer Welsh — Person · Referenced media figure (podcast host) · 1 mention · first at 2:18
  Identified as the podcast host Lemon goes to for a sympathetic interview; used to frame Lemon’s response and rhetoric about Christianity.
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) — Person · Referenced political figure (potential 2028 contender list item) · 1 mention · first at 9:30
  Listed among prominent Democrats who declined to answer Axios questions about transgender sports, youth medical interventions, and sex/gender definitions.

Companies & orgs

• Electronic Payments Coalition — Company · 2 mentions · first at 0:46

Concepts & topics

• Trenda Arawa — Concept · Key argument · 1 mention · first at 13:23
  Mentioned in the context of gang dismantling efforts by the Trump administration.
  The segment focusing on the Trump administration's decision to transfer certain deported illegals, many accused of gang ties into the terrorism confinement center, SECOT, in El…
• Face Act — Concept · 3 mentions · first at 3:14
• Klu Klux Klan Act — Concept · 1 mention

Places & events

• SECOT Prison — Event · Case study · 1 mention · first at 0:30
  Discussed in the context of the Trump administration's policies on immigration and gang dismantling.
• SECOT Prison — Place · 1 mention · first at 0:30
  Their inability to answer a simple question. 60 Minutes finally airs its much discussed SECOT prison story and stirs up new controversy. And bundle up, much of the country set…

Sponsors

• Relief Factor — Product · Sponsor · 2 mentions · first at 12:15
  Advertised as a solution for daily aches and pains, targeting individuals seeking pain relief.

Full transcript with timestamps

0:02 Good morning everyone. I'm Megan Kelly. It's Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, and this is your AM update. Nobody should think in the United States that they're going to be able to get away with this.

0:12 Trump DOJ officials investigating Don Lemon and a group of agitators for the planned disruption of a Christian religious service. Democrats heading into 2028 facing a growing problem. Their inability to answer a simple question. 60 Minutes finally airs its much discussed SECOT prison story and stirs up new controversy. And bundle up, much of the country set to experience an Arctic blast this weekend. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update. Our sponsor, the Electronic Payments Coalition, says Washington politicians are always getting in your wallet and that now they're messing with your credit card. They say your credit card and the security it offers are under attack and that senators Dick Durban and Roger Marshall want to change the nation's payment system in a way that would benefit corporate mega stores like Walmart and Target at the expense of everyday Americans. Credit cards can

1:09 keep your payments secure and they can provide rewards that families use to help make everyday purchases more affordable. The Electronic Payments Coalition says the Durban Marshall mandates would let corporate mega stores cut corners on credit card processing, routing transactions over cheaper, untested networks with weaker security and fewer protections. Find out more at guardyoucard.com and consider telling Congress to guard your card. Previously semifamous TV host Don Lemon now lashing out at Christians after accompanying an anti-ICE mob that deliberately disrupted a Sunday service at city's church in St. Paul, Minnesota, confronting a Baptist preacher mid worship and turning the sanctuary into a political ambush. Lemon, now styling himself as an independent journalist, joining agitators who said they were there to hold parishioners accountable for refusing to endorse the disruptors anti-ICE cause. A move now drawing

2:11 scrutiny from DOJ officials probing possible criminal charges. Yesterday, Lemon running to the left's favorite new podcast lady, the very angry Jennifer Welsh, casting himself as the real victim here. I think people who are, you know, in the religious groups like that, it's not the type of Christianity that I practice, but I think that they're entitled and that that entitlement comes from a supremacy, a white supremacy. And they think that this country was built for them, that it is a Christian country when actually we left England because we wanted religious freedom. It's religious freedom, but only if you're a Christian and only if you're a white male, pretty much. And so, yeah, I absolutely 100%, but it's an intimidation tactic. And you know, I said, I don't understand how I become the face of it when I was a journalist. I do understand that I'm the biggest name there. And I'm also, as I

2:59 was on with my producers this morning, I said, "How did I become the face of this?" And my producer said, "Don, you're a gay black man in America." Within hours of the disgusting church harassment going viral, US Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Har Dylan announcing an investigation into potential violations of the Face Act, a federal law making it illegal to use force, threats, or intimidation to interfere with individuals exercising their right to worship inside a church. Yesterday on the Benny Johnson show, Dylan outlining a range of additional federal charges under review that may also cover Lemon's involvement as a quote unquote journalist. The Face Act is just the start. Like I said, you have material support for disruptive activities. You have conspiracy to violate civil rights. You have potentially the use of other instrumentalities to commit crimes. And so some of these folks who did this have

3:52 self-identified. Don Lemon himself has come out and said he knew exactly what was going to happen inside that facility. He went into the facility and then he began quote unquote committing journalism. Uh and as if that's sort of a shield from being a part an embedded part of a criminal conspiracy. It isn't. And so, you know, we're getting our ducks in a row. We're putting the facts together. And this is a very serious matter. Come next Sunday, nobody should think in the United States that they're going to be able to get away with this.

4:24 Everyone in the protest community needs to know that the fullest force of the federal government is going to come down and prevent this from happening and put people away for a long, long time.

4:35 Dylan explaining another potential tool at the DOJ's disposal to enact justice. The Ku Klux Clan Act. The Clan Act is one of the most important federal civil rights statutes and it goes back to the time when President Lincoln um emancipated the slaves and yet the southern states dixierats mainly were refusing to give them equal rights. In fact, that uh you had sheriffs and you had law enforcement harassing uh the newly freed slaves. So, the Clan Act is a law that makes it illegal to terrorize citizens to violate their civil rights, to get together and conspire to violate the civil rights. What the Biden administration did is if three grandmas got together to pray outside an abortion clinic, they would say, "Oh, that's not just a violation of the Clan Act. That's a conspiracy to violate the civil rights of women going in there to get abortions. And so we're going to add additional charges and punish that more

5:29 and make it from a misdemeanor under the Face Act to a felony under the Clan Act. Lemon continuously defending his role in the intimidation, releasing a statement to Fox News, quote, "It's notable that I've been cast as the face of a protest I was covering as a journalist, especially since I wasn't the only reporter there." That framing is telling. Gee, I wonder what he's referring to. Deputy AG Todd Blanch yesterday on Fox saying lemon crossed the line.

5:59 Freedom of the press extends to a lot of different areas. It does not extend to somebody just trespassing and being embedded with a group of riers and being part of the group that storms inside of a church. So, as as our assistant attorney general said yesterday, we are absolutely investigating that conduct and and the fact that that that man that Mr. Lemon thought that that was a good idea to do that and then to race away from it saying it was freedom of the press. Well, we'll see. We'll see.

6:26 Minnesota leadership remaining remarkably quiet on the targeting of Christian worshippers. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry saying nothing. Governor Tim Walls too crickets. However, through a spokesperson, the governor releasing one tepid statement. Quote, "The governor has repeatedly and unequivocally urged protesters to do so peacefully. While people have a right to speak out, he in no way supports interrupting a place of worship. Can you spare it? Deputy A.G. Blanch reacting to that statement yesterday on Fox.

6:58 Today, the governor just throws his hands up and says, "Oh, I've always said you should peacefully protest." That is just completely made up. You can listen to what that man has been saying for the past 3 weeks. He has not been encouraging people to peacefully protest. He's been encouraging people to do exactly what they did. And what happened yesterday is a consequence of the governor's words. Period. Even more remarkably, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. This is the state's top law enforcement officer appearing on Lemon's podcast endorsing the riotist behavior.

7:30 The protest is fundamental to American society. This country started in a protest and uh you know it's freedom of expression. People have a right to lift up their voices and make their peace. And uh none of us are immune from the voice of the of the public.

7:48 Pro tip, Keith. There is absolutely not a right to enter a church, which is private property, uninvited and to harass and intimidate churchgoers even after you've been told to leave. We'll have more on this later today on the Megan Kelly Show. As the 2026 midterm season approaches, Democrats with presidential ambitions will begin jockeying for a position, backing midterm candidates, building alliances, and laying the groundwork for a presidential run. But one vulnerability Dems still struggle to navigate questions about basic biological realities from women's sports to medical interventions for minors. It was a defining issue in President Trump's 2024 victory repeatedly used to hammer Democrat candidate Kala Harris with this viral line.

8:34 Kamala is for they them. President Trump is for you. I'm Donald J. Trump and I approve this message.

8:40 Even as public opinion moves away from progressive gender ideology, many Democrats eyeing 2028 still appear unwilling to engage. A March New York Times poll finding 79% of Americans believe male athletes should not be allowed to compete in women's sports. Among Democrats, 67% support sex segregated sports. Axios asking about 20 potential Democrat contenders three very simple questions. Should quote transgender girls, translation folks that means boys, be allowed to compete in girls sports? Do you believe transgender youths under 18 should be able to be placed on puberty blockers and hormones? And what is your response to the question, can a man become a woman? Eight high-profile Democrats declining to answer, including former Vice President Kala Harris, Congresswoman AOC from New York, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Senator from New Jersey Cory Booker, Kentucky Governor Andy Basher, Senator from

9:37 Connecticut Chris Murphy, Congressman from California Ro Kana, and California Governor Gavin Nuome. Cat got your tongue? Just three going on the record. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, former transportation secretary Pete Buddhajed, and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Shapiro's office pointing Axios to past remarks suggesting decisions about transgender athletes should be left to local sports officials while also backing a lawsuit aimed at protecting access to permanent disfiguring medical procedures for minors. Buddha Judge's spokesperson emphasizing compassion, saying sports decisions should be handled by leagues rather than politicians. And Rahm Emanuel, the only one with courage of the bunch, offering no such ambiguity, reiterating his position has not changed since this July appearance on the Megan Kelly show. Do you believe boys should be able to play in girl sports?

10:31 No. Should we be putting men in female prisons? Men claiming they're women? No. And all right, here's my last one for you. Can a man become a woman?

10:43 Can a man become a woman? Uh, not. No. It's really not so hard. Axios reporting. Democrats looking to avoid clarity on the issue altogether, pointing to newly inaugurated Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger as the model. In her campaign last year, Spamberger deflecting questions about her personal views, framing her support for boys competing in girl sports as an effort to get politics out of the schools. Democrats 2028 motto, don't tell voters how you really feel. For the love of God, hide it. A new Yuggov poll showing Democrat front runner Gavin Newsome slipping from 23% support in September down to 17, which drops him into second place behind Kla Harris, who ticked up slightly from 19 to 20%. Go Kamla, go. Every other potential Democrat contender trailing well behind in the single digits.

11:36 Coming up, after weeks of controversy, 60 Minutes finally airs its shelved report on El Salvador's Secott prison, revealing not much has changed at all about the original report. And the nation gears up for an Arctic blast heading this way.

11:59 Ever been in a bad relationship? You know the kind it just wears you down. You settle in even though deep down you know this is not how it's supposed to be. Well that is what daily aches and pains can feel like. You stop expecting to feel good. You start thinking maybe this is just my life now. But it doesn't have to be. With Relief Factor you can break up with pain just like Anthony did. He wrote quote I was dealing with debilitating pain and fatigue. I've been taking Relief Factor for about 2 months and now I'm back to running my business, fishing, gardening, doing the things that really matter to me. And listen, maybe it's your back pain, knee issues, or stiffness that's slowing you down.

12:35 Well, Relief Factor may help give you your mobility back. Relief Factor is 100% drug-free, and it targets the inflammation that causes pain so you can move better, you can feel better, and actually enjoy your life again. Try the 3-week quick start for just 1995. Go to reliefacctor.com or call 8004 the number four relief. 8004 relief. Break up with pain and get back to what matters. CBS News finally airing its delayed report on El Salvador's Secott Prison. The segment focusing on the Trump administration's decision to transfer certain deported illegals, many accused of gang ties into the terrorism confinement center, SECOT, in El Salvador as part of a broader effort to dismantle violent transnational gangs like Trenda Arawa. Back in December, CBS editor-inchief Barry Weiss abruptly pulling the piece just hours before broadcast, triggering a reported newsroom revolt and accusations of censorship. Weiss, who took over

13:36 editorial leadership of CBS News last year, defending the decision at the time, finding the report not ready for air, citing alleged concerns over editorial balance and lack of an on camera response from the Trump administration, which CBS staffers found an odd reason to spike a 60 Minutes piece because it effectively gives a subject veto rights over a story, allowing the government to avoid a tough piece by never giving an on camera response. Correspondent Sharon Alfonsi, who reported the piece, sending an internal memo challenging the decision, writing, quote, "The public will correctly identify this as corporate censorship." 60 Minutes anchor Scott P accusing Weiss, who has no television producing experience, of spiking the piece without having bothered to attend any one of the five previous screenings of it. The controversy landing as Weiss herself struggles to establish credibility among her new staffers with

14:31 critics viewing her appointment, a promotion from the small politically moderate online outlet, The Free Press, as an attempt to signal political moderation and also as a move meant to plate President Trump by choosing an editorial chief who is nonwoke, at least sort of, ahead of a Sky Dance acquisition of CBS, which needed government approval. Since taking over, Weiss facing pressure with experimental town halls, including one she hosted, which failed in the ratings and overseeing the relaunch of CBS Evening News with Tony Dokapool, whose nightly programs ratings are already headed in the wrong direction. Fast forward to this week, after all that halaloo, CBS finally airing its much debated SECOT piece, zeroing in on two illegals deported to the El Salvadoran prison.

15:19 The big changes, an odd nearly 3minute anchor tag quoting bits and pieces of Trump administration written statements, but still not featuring an on camera comment. Alonsi remaining clearly skeptical of the administration's framing that these two illegals were Venezuelan gang members. Alonsi questioning whether a swastika tattoo on one of the men suggests gang involvement and quoting gang experts who say the symbol is irrelevant to the trenda gang. K. In other words, the big delay and ugly internal fight was all ultimately just to add a long tag that did more attempted undermining of the administration's arguments. Welcome to the new CBS, same as the old one.

16:05 Brace yourself for plummeting temperatures this weekend as winter tightens its grip on much of the country. Meteorologist Ryan Shop of 3 News in Corpus Christie, Texas, reporting confidence is growing that a powerful blast of Arctic air is set to engulf much of the nation with multiple forecast models now in agreement. The Northern Plains and Midwest already experiencing bitter cold, set to remain locked in Arctic temperatures through next week. Winintry conditions already leading to an over 100 vehicle pileup in Michigan. Miraculously, local officials reporting no fatalities. Rescue crews there requiring snowmobiles to access stranded passengers from the lengthy crash site. Beginning Friday, the cold front is forecast to push farther south, arriving in Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky before racing into Texas, Louisiana, and the Southeast by Friday night. That surge of frigid

17:02 air bringing strong winds and what could be the coldest temperatures many southern states have seen so far this season. Shop also saying some parts of the south, particularly from North Texas into Oklahoma and eastward could see snow depending on the track of the storm system. NBC reporting parts of the Northeast by Sunday could experience wind chills as cold as 30 below zero with areas as cold as 50 below zero. 50 I say. Along with the potential for ice and snow, hazardous travel conditions could impact millions of Americans this weekend. Bundle up and stay safe out there. And don't forget to make arrangements for your elderly relatives just in case the power goes out.

17:47 That'll do it for your AM update. I'm Megan Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on SiriusXM's The Megan Kelly channel 111 at noon east on youtube.com/megan kelly and on all podcast platforms.

Questions about this episode

Who speaks in "DOJ Puts Don Lemon On Notice, 2028 Dem Contenders Go Quiet, Arctic Blast Incoming: AM Update 1/20"?

Megan Kelly (Guest), Don Lemon (Guest), Dylan (Guest), Jacob Fry (Guest), Tim Walls (Guest), Keith Ellison (Guest).

What is "DOJ Puts Don Lemon On Notice, 2028 Dem Contenders Go Quiet, Arctic Blast Incoming: AM Update 1/20" about?

The DOJ is investigating Don Lemon for his involvement in disrupting a Christian service, while the Democratic Party faces challenges ahead of the 2028 election due to their inability to address key issues. Additionally, a significant Arctic blast is forecasted, impacting much of the country, and a controversial segment aired on 60 Minutes regarding SECOT prison raises further discussions.

What is mentioned in this Megyn Kelly episode?

9 people, works and ideas are mentioned, including SECOT Prison, Trenda Arawa, Jennifer Welsh, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), Face Act, Electronic Payments Coalition. Each one on this page links to its own page with every episode that mentions it.

How long is "DOJ Puts Don Lemon On Notice, 2028 Dem Contenders Go Quiet, Arctic Blast Incoming: AM Update 1/20"?

The episode runs 18 min; the transcript is about 2,910 words in 28 timestamped sections.

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