The Megyn Kelly Show - Dems Fight Over Possible Platner Swap, Farage Resigns, Charlie Kirk Case DNA Reveal: AM Update 7/8

Episode Date: July 8, 2026

Democratic socialists gain momentum in deep-blue primaries, as the left begins a fight over possible new candidates to take the place of Graham Platner. Nigel Farage resigns from Parliament and immediately launches a campaign to win back the same seat as he fights allegations involving millions of dollars in undisclosed financial support. Prosecutors reveal that Lance Twiggs’ DNA was found along with Tyler Robinson’s on a screwdriver and the towel wrapped around the suspected weapon used to murder Charlie Kirk. Prince Harry loses every claim in another major case against the British press and could now be left with a share of a massive legal bill.   Cozy Earth: Visit https://www.CozyEarth.com & Use code MEGYN for up to 20% off    Supersure Insurance: Upgrade your business insurance to a year-round SuperAgency at https://Supersure.com/Megyn Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Good morning, everyone. I'm Emily Dershinsky, host of AfterParty and the Megan Kelly wrap-up show on Sirius XM Channel 111. It's Wednesday, July 8th, 2026, and this is your AM update. Democratic Socialists gaining ground in blue state primaries as the party confronts a much tougher test in the swing races that will decide the midterms. Let me be absolutely clear. I have done nothing wrong. I have not broken the law in any way at all. Nigel Farage pushing back against financial allegations, but also resigning his seat. Item 8 sub 1 was interpreted as originating from two individuals, one of whom is Twigs. A major DNA revelation in the Charlie Kirk murder case,

as prosecutors reveal Tyler Robinson's so-called transgender lover and roommate, was also linked to key evidence recovered during the investigation. And Prince Harry loses another major battle against the British press, and now faces a potentially massive legal bill. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM update. Summer is officially in full swing, and if you are looking to upgrade your warm weather routines, cozy earth has you covered. You can completely refresh your home with their incredible, luxurious products. Seriously, they're awesome.

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That's code Megan for an exclusive 20% off your order. And if you see a post-purchase survey, tell them that you heard about cozy earth right here. Some Democrats heading into the midterms increasingly convinced that the path back to power requires candidates who are angrier, more confrontational, and considerably furthered, the left. A string of recent primary victories giving the party's Democratic socialist wing new momentum, while raising a far more consequential question, can the movement that is thriving in some of America's bluest districts actually win the competitive races that will determine control of Congress and key state governments? New York City's socialist mayor Zora Mamdani, in a recent interview with ABC News, pointing to the success of several congressional candidates,

he endorsed as evidence voters are embracing the movement's message. When we're talking about these incredible congressional candidates, they won their races and they won their races with the vision of what politics should be and one that actually speaks to working people. And for a lot of people who ask themselves, what does democratic socialism mean? And you can tell them the answer at a theoretical level. It's the choice to extend democracy from the ballot box the rest of their lives. Those candidates, however, were running in heavily Democratic districts where winning the primary essentially guarantees victory in November. The real test, coming in the races where Democrats still have to win over the middle. In Wisconsin, Democratic Socialist state representative Francesca Hong competing for the Democrat nomination for governor,

arguing that an unapologetically progressive economic agenda can succeed statewide. The New York Times reporting Hong's growing strength alarming, more moderate Democrats, who fear a candidate embraced by the socialist left, may struggle to capture the political middle in one of the country's most closely divided states. Hong making opposition to new data centers, a centerpiece of her campaign, an issue attracting voters across traditional party lines. Her past positions, however, are fueling concerns about whether that appeal can survive a statewide general election. Hong previously called for defunding and eventually abolishing the police. Comments that have resurfaced as moderate Democrats questioned whether her brand of politics can win enough voters in the middle.

Meanwhile, Democrats are already fighting over who should replace Senate nominee Graham Platner, even before he has agreed to leave the race. Platner, a far-left progressive, now facing calls to withdraw after a former girlfriend accused him of sexual assault, an allegation he categorically denies. Democrats are demanding he withdraw before a July 13th deadline that could allow the party to replace him on the ballot. The Times reporting, the top Democrat super PAC

now threatening to redirect $24 million in main advertising to other states if Platner remains in the race. Now, many on the left insisting that party leaders cannot simply erase the result of a primary in which voters rejected the more establishment option and selected Platterner. Independent journalist Glenn Greenwald posting to X, quote, it would be anti-democratic in the extreme to nominate some establishment hack with Democrat governor Janet Mills's politics rather than the agenda Maine voters ratified when nominating Plattner.

The fight in Maine, adding to a broader democratic struggle over whether the party's progressive energy can translate beyond safe blue territory. President Trump now working to make that question central to the midterms, repeatedly tying the Democratic Party's socialist wing to communism. Here, several recent speeches. Communism is very easy to sell. It destroys everything, but it's very easy. I mean, the problem is, after two or three years,

the country is a disaster area. The country fails. They always do. We're social Democrats, they say. They're not social. They're communists. They want to destroy our country. We're not going to let that happen. Communism is the enemy of free people everywhere, everywhere in the world.

I think it's the biggest threat to our nation. There is, maybe since our founding. That includes World War I, World War I, World War II, September 11th. It includes the Pearl Harbor attack. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigning from Britain's parliament, only to immediately announce he will run for the same seat again, asking voters to sell. the growing controversy surrounding millions of dollars in financial support he received before taking office. Farage, one of the principal architects of Brexit, spending more than two decades in the European Parliament before finally winning his seat in Britain's House of Commons in 2024.

His anti-mass immigration reform UK party has led or placed near the top of British opinion polling for much of the past year. Farage stepping down as the member of parliament representing Clacton yesterday, triggering a special election known in Britain as a by-election. The dramatic political gamble coming as Farage faces increasing scrutiny over gifts and other financial benefits that critics argue should have been disclosed. Parliament's Standards Commissioner, roughly the British equivalent of a congressional ethics watchdog, is investigating whether Farage improperly failed to declare a five-million pound gift worth roughly $6.7 million from cryptocurrency billionaire Christopher Harbourn. Farage receiving the money in early 2024 when he was not serving in any elected

office, making him, as he argues, a private citizen when he accepted the gift. Farage describing the money as an unconditional personal gift, insisting it had nothing to do with his subsequent candidacy or political work and did not violate any disclosure rules. The controversy expanding over the weekend, the Times reporting that Farage also received extensive support from longtime political ally George Cottrell. Cotrell previously serving eight months in an American prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud. Farage addressing the investigations and his political future yesterday in a brief speech. It seems to me that the establishment have now decided that they can't beat us fairly, so they've chosen to use foul means. Let me be absolutely clear. After the Furori and the media

pile on, well not just the media, the other political parties too. Let me be absolutely clear. I have done nothing wrong. I have not broken the law in any way at all. I have not misused public money. And you know, for the first two years of being an MP, my personal MP expenses are zero. Not of course that you'll read about that in mainstream media. And yes, of course, Parliament has its rules about how members ought to behave. And I believe I've absolutely obeyed those rules and done so under getting good legal advice. Farage arguing the financial assistance now under examination was necessary because of persistent threats against him and his family. For over 20 years now, I have been subject to constant demonization by the press.

And I am the most physically and verbally attacked public figure or politician of modern times. Repeatedly over the years, I asked the Home Secretary for help. I was rejected again and again. And in that period, when I wasn't in elected politics, between 2021 and 24, I ran up personally very, very substantial bills to make sure that I was safe. When I became an MP, Parliament said, yes, we will help you with security. But almost unbelievably, just a couple of days after the murder of Charlie Kirk, 70% of that security funding was withdrawn. I am going to need security for the rest of my life, and I cannot even tell you how grateful I am to Christopher Harbourn,

because now I will never, ever need to worry about whether I've got the resource. Farage also directing his anger at Britain's news media, accusing the Times of London of endangering his family while investigating his finances and property holdings. Farage triggering a special election to fill his now vacancy. The move raising an obvious procedural question, what happens to the investigations if Farage leaves Parliament, then wins the same seat back? British outlet LBC explaining how that could play out. It's jolly, technical and complicated, but as I understand it, once he ceases to be an MP, the parliamentary investigation into him also ceases. And therefore he comes back, re-elected as an MP,

and would not expect to face the same kind of test by the parliamentary authorities that he's facing now. I don't think that, to be honest, is at the centre of this? It's part of it, I'm quite sure. I think sometimes we have to take people at their word. I think he's genuinely, absolutely livid about what happened to his daughter. Coming up, a new major DNA

revelation in the Charlie Kirk murder case comes out at the preliminary hearing. And Prince Harry dealt a sweeping courtroom defeat in his war against the British press with a bill for the failed case still to come. When you sign your insurance policy for some brokers, that's the finish line, handshake, they get their commission, and then they're kind of done with you. You may not hear from them again until it's time for renewal, in which case, once again, they're your best friend. That's annoying. But your business runs all year. And so do the gaps and the risk. And things happen. And this is why I want to tell you about SuperSure. If your company has more than 25 employees, whether you're the owner, the CFO, or the HR manager, it can be too complex to just buy a policy online.

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back in a Utah County courtroom yesterday for day two of his preliminary hearing. Prosecutors continuing their effort to persuade Judge Tony Graff, they have enough evidence to take Robinson to trial on seven charges, including aggravated murder. The hearing producing a significant new revelation involving Robinson's so-called trans-fury lover and roommate, Lance Twiggs. prosecutors revealing that Twiggs' DNA was found along with Robinson's on both the screwdriver recovered during the investigation and the towel wrapped around the suspected murder weapon. Twigs lived with Robinson and was reportedly romantically involved with him at the time of Charlie Kirk's murder, later turning over messages and other evidence to investigators as he

began cooperating with authorities. Prosecutors maintain that Robinson acted alone and Twigs has not been charged in connection with the killing. Authorities granting Twigs limited immunity for a statement he gave investigators in April, meaning that statement cannot be used against him in any future prosecution. That statement will be played this week during the hearing. The DNA findings surfacing as Jennifer Famina, a sergeant who worked with Utah's State Bureau of Investigation at the time of the shooting, walked the court through portions of an FBI forensic report. Yes, male DNA was obtained from item 7 sub 1.

Item 7 sub 1 was interpreted as originating from two individuals, one of whom is twigs. The DNA results from item 7 sub 1 and are 1.7 octillion times more likely if twigs and T. Robinson are contributors than if twigs and an unknown, unrelated person, are contributors. Thank you. Let's skip down to item 8.1. Do you see that bolded and underlined line there? Yes. And this is relating to swabs of the handle. area of the screwdriver. Is that right? Yes. Will you read those same two paragraphs there, male DNA

ending with contributors? Male DNA was obtained from item 8 sub 1. Item 8 sub 1 was interpreted as originating from two individuals, one of whom is twigs. The DNA results from item 8 sub 1 are 30 quintillion times more likely if twigs and T. Robinson are contributors than if twigs and an unknown an unrelated person or contributors. A quieter moment unfolding inside the courtroom with Charlie's widow, Erica Kirk, once again attending the hearing. The Associated Press reporting that Deney Branch, who had lined up with friends at midnight to secure one of the limited public seats, began tearing up during the proceedings. Erica reportedly reaching over and offering her a tissue. Branch, later telling the AP,

quote, she didn't know if I was a friend or not, and she showed love. Branch saying she had watched Erica cry at times and fidget with her bracelet and found herself becoming emotional as she watched Kirk's widow absorb another difficult day of testimony. Prince Harry suffering a major defeat in his years-long crusade against the British press, a judge dismissing every claim brought by Harry and six other prominent figures against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail on Sunday. The group accusing the company of gathering private information through illegal methods, including phone hacking, intercepted voicemails, and investigators allegedly using

deception to obtain confidential records. The publisher denying the accusations, maintaining its reporters relied on legitimate sources. For Harry, the verdict brings a bruising conclusion to the last major case in a legal campaign. He launched against several British newspaper groups beginning in 2019. The Telegraph's Deputy Royal Editor, Victoria Ward, explaining why Harry entered this case expecting another victory. Well, there's a huge amount at stake here because for Prince Harry himself, it was the culmination of a seven-year legal fight against the tabloid press. Obviously, he won against Mirugut newspapers, he won against newsgroup newspapers. He got a settlement on the eve of trial with that one in January 2025.

This was his last big hurrah in this moral crusade that he launched in 2019, and he had expected to win. His claim comprised 14 articles that were published between 2001 and 2013. He had made it clear that he only needed one victory in that raft of stories to show that he proved that Associated newspapers had been acting unlawfully and that would have been cast as a victory. The judge concluding Harry failed to prove unlawful conduct in a single one of those 14 stories.

He brought the case alongside Elton John and his husband, David Furnish, actresses Elizabeth Hurley and Sadie Frost, former lawmaker Simon Hughes and Baroness Doreen Lawrence. The central problem was not proving. the stories contained private information. It was proving the Daily Mail obtained that information illegally, Ward pointing to one example that hurt his case. He had claimed that various pieces of private information

that had found its way into the newspapers could only have been obtained through hacking or other unlawful activity. But the journalists involved made it very clear that they were picking up bits and pieces of this information from legitimate sources, from Harry's friends, from his associates, from his wider social network. And they had some examples of how that had happened. We saw these Mr. Mischief emails that had been sent between Prince Harry

and Mail on Sunday journalist Charlotte Griffith, which showed the level of, they were kind of on intimate terms. They were flirtatious. They were flirtatious. It was flirtatious, absolutely. So that seemed to go kind of go against what Harry was trying to claim that he didn't fraternise with journalists at all. journalist Tim Stanley reading from the decision.

Mr. Justice Nicklin said the allegations are serious and required more convincing evidence before they could be said to be proven, but the claimants had failed to prove allegations of unlawful information gathering. Rejecting the argument that simply because they could not demonstrate where the information came from does not mean that it was gathered illegally. He concluded adding that as with each of the claimants, Prince Harry has limited evidence to give on the contentious matters in disputes. In other words, he's not saying Harry was lying.

He's not saying that the evidence he brought was false, but rather it's not sufficient. Associated newspapers celebrating the ruling in a statement, quote, The reputations of our decent and hardworking journalists were terribly impugned, and today they have been exonerated. Harry and another member of the lawsuit responding with Fury, calling the decision a, quote, complete and obvious whitewash.

Harry is already in the UK this week for a series of charity appearances. The legal fight is not quite. quite over. Attention now turning to the enormous cost of the case and how much of that bill could fall on Harry and the other claimants. The telegraphs Tim Stanley asking Deputy Royal Editor Victoria Ward, who could be left paying the enormous legal bill? Let's talk about the costs of this trial. Very, very expensive. The figure that I have in front of me is an estimated 50 million pounds. Who is going to pay that? Well, it now looks like the amount, the, the, the, the of the cost that going to land with the claimants, which is absolutely terrifying, I imagine,

for all seven of them. Well, especially for poor Simon Hughes. I can't imagine that the former Lib Dem MP has got that kind of cash. They all had some kind of special insurance that covered them to a certain extent. But whether it goes to this extent, we're yet to find out there's a cost hearing that's already been scheduled for July the 29th and 30th where these issues are going to be thrashed out. But at a hearing, a cost hearing, last year, the judge was a judge.

Judge specifically warned that this case could spiral out of control and he expressed some concern about the seven claimants and wanted to know whether they fully understood the risks because he was concerned they weren't fully abreast of exactly the financial cost and the implications if they lost. Sounds like Prince Harry is going to need another Netflix deal. That'll do it for your AM update. I'm Emily Dershinsky, host of After Party. Catch the Megan Kelly show live on Sirius XMs, the Megan Kelly Channel, 11 at New on YouTube.com slash Megyn Kelly and all podcast platforms.