Intel Chiefs Grilled Over Iran, Tense Mullin Hearing, Harry & Meghan's Netflix Drama: AM Update 3/19

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0:32Good morning, everyone. I'm Emily Jashinsky, host of After Party and the Megan Kelly Wrap-Up Show on SiriusXM Channel 111. It's Thursday, March 19th, 2026. And this is your AM Update. The regime in Iran appears to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities. Top intel officials testifying in front of the Senate Intelligence Committee yesterday on worldwide threats to the U.S. You told the media that I was a freaking snake and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted. Senator Mark Wayne Mullen appears in an at times contentious confirmation hearing for DHS secretary.

1:10President Trump paying tribute to U.S. service members killed in the campaign against Iran at a dignified transfer ceremony. And new reporting from Variety shining light on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's deteriorating relationship with Netflix. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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2:07All Riverbend Ranch cattle are born and raised right here in the USA. They never use growth hormones or antibiotics, and the beef is processed at their ranch in their award-winning USDA-inspected facility. No shortcuts, no middlemen. Just incredible, healthy, flavorful beef shipped directly to your home. Order today at RiverbendRanch.com and use the promo code MEGAN for$20 off your first order. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, FBI Director Kash Patel, and two other top officials appearing yesterday before the Senate Intelligence Committee testifying on threats to the U.S.

2:44from adversaries around the world. Much of the hearing centering on Iran as the U.S. continues its military operation targeting the regime's capabilities. Officials saying that over the last several weeks, U.S. and Israeli forces striking more than 7 ,000 targets and killing dozens of senior Iranian leaders. Director Gabbard offering the latest assessment of the intelligence community, also known as the IC. The IC assesses the regime in Iran appears to be intact but largely degraded due to attacks on its leadership and military capabilities. Its conventional military power projection capabilities have largely been destroyed, leaving limited options.

3:23Iran's strategic position has been significantly degraded. Even if the regime remains intact, the IC assesses that internal tensions are likely to increase as Iran's economy worsens. Earlier this week, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent resigning over his opposition to the war, writing that Iran did not pose an imminent threat to the U.S., Senator John Cornyn, Republican from Texas, pressing CIA Director Ratcliffe on that claim. Is there anything to indicate that Iran had ceased in its nuclear ambitions or in its desire to continue to build ballistic missiles capable of threatening American troops and allies in the Middle East?

4:06Senator, no. In fact, intelligence reflects the contrary. So you disagree with Mr. Kent? I do. I would think any fair-minded assessment of the situation, even based on open sources, would reflect the danger Iran regime poses to the United States. Isn't it true they've basically been at war with the West since 1979 during the Iranian Revolution and have American blood on their hands? That's absolutely correct. I think Iran has been a constant threat to the United States for an extended period of time and posed an immediate threat at this time. Officials also warning of a shifting terrorism threat landscape inside the United States.

4:50In recent weeks, multiple Islamist-inspired attacks reported across the country, including a shooting in Austin, an attempted IED attack in New York, a classroom shooting at Old Dominion University, and a vehicle attack targeting a synagogue preschool. Director Gabbard describing a trend toward more decentralized threats. Where increasingly we are seeing less indicators of large scale organized complex threats or attacks and instead efforts focused on individuals either who have been radicalized by Islamist propaganda and may not have ever had contact with ISIS or al-Qaeda, for example, and others who have had contact of which we are able to have more indications of.

5:39Director Patel asked about the FBI's collaboration with DHS in countering terror threats to the U.S. Well, we have stood up around the country of 59 Homeland Security Task Forces in 59 separate locations. So the FBI owns 56 Joint Terrorism Task Forces in each of our field offices. On top of that, we have 59 HSTFs, which are co-led by the FBI, and DHS. And what that allows us to do is things like we did down in New Orleans just over the holiday period where we surged for a six-week period of time and where we dropped the murder rate by double-digit points and also it was the first time that Mardi Gras in its entire history had not won homicide.

6:18So when you bring the powers of the Homeland Security folks, DHS, and the FBI together, this is the purpose of it, to get after not just the terrorism threat but the violence and the criminal activity in our cities. And that's why we're in 59 cities across the country. And it's working in places like Memphis and every other city we have it. Senator Mark Wayne Mullen, Republican from Oklahoma, appearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee yesterday for his confirmation hearing to replace outgoing DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. President Trump reassigning Secretary Noem to the role of Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas, a Western Hemisphere security initiative effective March 31st.

6:59The president making the move amid a string of controversies for Noam, including allegations of an affair, spending$220 million on an ad campaign, and fallout over her handling of an ice surge in Minnesota. Senator Mullen facing a tough round of questioning from committee chair, Republican Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. Senator Paul describing an assault he suffered from a neighbor in 2017, leaving the senator with broken ribs and months of complicated recovery. The senator then bringing up comments made by Senator Mullen to others amid a disagreement between the two about a piece of legislation.

7:33You told the media that I was a freaking snake and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted. I was shocked that you would justify and celebrate this violent assault. That caused me so much pain. I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force. You have never had the courage to look me in the eye and tell me that the assault was justified. So today you'll have your chance. Tell it to my face. If that's what you believe, tell it to me today. Tell the world why you believe I deserve to be assaulted from behind.

8:11Senator Mullen responding. I did not say I supported it. I said I understood it. There's a difference. So that means you really didn't approve of it. Just completely understand it. What do you think most people would interpret completely understand to be? support for or a condemnation of the violence? Sir, as I said, we can have our differences. It's not going to keep me from doing my job as Secretary of Homeland Security. I'm going to secure Kentucky and take care of Kentucky as much as I am. Appearing behind Senator Mullen in support of his nomination, head of the Teamsters Union, Sean O 'Brien.

8:47Senator Mullen went challenging O 'Brien to a fight during a Senate hearing, the two nearly coming to blows, but later going on to talk out their differences and becoming unlikely friends. Mr. Mullen pointing to that relationship as an effective example of settling differences. In his opening statement, Senator Mullen emphasizing the importance of passing a funding bill for the department he hopes to run. Lawmakers at an impasse since February 14th, leaving DHS in shutdown mode. Essential employees like TSA agents still expected to work, but without pay until a bill is passed. Senator Mullen also questioned several times about ICE operations in Minnesota, including two fatal confrontations involving agitators who inserted themselves into law enforcement operations.

9:34Democrat Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut questioning Mr. Mullen about the officer-involved shooting of Rene Good. You were asked whether you believed the shooting was justified, and you replied, quote, absolutely. Do you regret that statement as well? Senator, it's very clear that an officer to make a split decision in that case as the car was running towards him and did strike him. At that point, that car becomes a lethal weapon. Senators also questioning Mullen about a mysterious 2015 overseas trip who revealed for the first time it was part of a classified assignment while serving in Congress.

10:12Here in exchange with Democrat Senator Gary Peters of Michigan. This is official trip and it is classified. but in 2015 I was asked to train with a very small contingency and go to a certain area which was scheduled for 2016. During that time I was asked to go through had to meet certain training qualifications, certain qualifications, had to go through tier training and there was nothing in the report to the committee. Actually, it said you do not have to claim any official trips. And like I said, that was an official trip that is classified. This is an official trip while you were a member of Congress?

10:56Yes. So where was that trip? I just said it's classified, sir. It's classified. So the letter that we sent to you said that we need to have information of any of these activities. It said not official trips. We will want to find out more information about that. That's perfectly okay, Senator. It's important to have the truth here and that you're portraying yourself in a truthful way. The senator agreeing to share more information with the committee in a classified setting. Despite some contentious exchanges, including those with Senator Paul, who has said he will not vote for his colleague, Mullen also scoring bipartisan praise.

11:32Here, Senator John Fetterman, Democrat from Pennsylvania, who offered an early endorsement of Mr. Mullen and is likely to be the key vote advancing his nomination out of committee. and Republican Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio. My experience with you has been consistent kindness and professionalism. I just want to thank you for showing up. And I'm going to engage and I'm going to remain with an open mind throughout all this. And I just want the American people to know you're a good man. You will be confirmed. You will have the job. And you're going to make this country safer and better. And for that, I thank you and thank your family for supporting you.

12:09The committee could vote as early as today. If successful, it would then go to a full Senate vote, where Senator Mullen is expected to be confirmed. Coming up, President Trump honoring fallen U.S. service members at a dignified transfer ceremony. And new reporting from Variety on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's deteriorating Netflix relationship.

12:36our sponsor the electronic payments coalition says washington politicians are always getting in your wallet and 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 durbin and roger marshall want to change the nation's payment system to benefit corporate megastores like walmart and target at the expense of everyday Americans. Credit cards can keep your payments secure and provide rewards that families use to help make everyday purchases more affordable. The Electronic Payments Coalition says the Durbin Marshall mandates would let corporate megastores cut corners on credit card processing, routing transactions over cheaper untested networks with weaker security and fewer protections.

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13:30President Trump yesterday at Dover Air Force Base, attending the dignified transfer service of six U.S. service members, killed amid Operation Epic Fury against Iran. All six crew members aboard a U.S. Air Force KC-135 refueling aircraft killed last week when it went down over friendly airspace in western Iraq. U.S. Central Command, or CENTCOM, stating the crash involved another airplane, which landed safely and was, quote, not due to hostile or friendly fire. The incident is under investigation. Three of the deceased assigned to the 6th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, 33-year-old Major John Alex Klinner of Alabama, 31-year-old Captain Ariana Savino of Washington, and 34-year-old Technical Sergeant Ashley Pruitt of Kentucky.

14:18The other three deceased assigned to the 121st Air Refueling Wing at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base in Columbus, Ohio. 38-year-old Captain Seth Koval of Indiana, 30-year-old Captain Curtis Angst of Ohio, and 28-year-old Master Sergeant Tyler Simmons, also of Ohio. At the request of the families, no cameras were present for the solemn ceremony, the transfer marking the second time President Trump has attended such a ceremony since the start of Operation Epic Fury late last month. At least 13 members of the military killed since the beginning of the campaign against Iran. According to the Pentagon, around 200 more wounded, including 10 with severe injuries, in the nearly three weeks since the operation began.

15:01The strikes continuing. CENTCOM on Tuesday announcing the targeting of Iranian anti-ship missile sites with 5 ,000-pound bunker buster bombs near the Strait of Hormuz. Global shipping through the critical waterway down dramatically since the beginning of the conflict, due to threats of Iranian attack. This declined, sending oil prices to more than$100 per barrel. Most NATO allies so far failing to volunteer to help keep the strait open, despite President Trump's calls for assistance. The president slamming those countries, especially NATO allies, Tuesday from the Oval. All of our NATO allies were very much in favor of what we did.

15:39They thought it was very important that we take out the nuclear threat from Iran, and we've done that very strongly, very powerfully. You know, despite the fact that we helped them so much, we have thousands of soldiers in different countries all over the world, and they don't want to help us, which is amazing. I mean, amazing. And I didn't do a full court press, because I think if I did, they probably would be, but we don't need help. So I think NATO's making a very foolish mistake. And I've long said that, you know, I wonder whether or not NATO would ever be there for us. So this is a this was a great test because we don't need them, but they should have been there.

16:23Yesterday morning, the president posting to True Social, quote, I wonder what would happen if we finished off what's left of the Iranian terror state and let the countries that use it, we don't, be responsible for the so-called straight. That would get some of our non-responsive allies in gear and fast. Rising oil prices driving up consumer costs here at home. The national gas price averaged yesterday hitting$3.84 per gallon, the most expensive since September 2023. Last month, a gallon averaging$2.92. A new report from Variety finding Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship with Netflix deteriorating as the couple struggles to turn early buzz into lasting Hollywood success.

17:07The former royals signing their headline-making deal with Netflix back in September 2020, reportedly worth anywhere from$30 million to north of$100 million, with the expectation they would build out a full-scale entertainment empire under their company Archwell Productions. At the center of that deal, a docuseries examining their departure from the British royal family. According to Variety, Netflix caught off guard early on when Harry and Meghan sat down with Oprah, effectively scooping their own series. Variety reporting the streamer only learned about the interview at the last minute. A Sussex spokesperson denies that claim, saying Netflix was aware of the interview.

17:49Netflix reportedly surprised again to learn of Penguin Random House's plans to publish Harry's January 2023 memoir, Spare, covering much of the same ground as the docuseries. Variety reporting Netflix ultimately moved up the release of the show to December 2022, ensuring it premiered ahead of the book. Harry and Meghan going on to draw more than 81 million hours viewed in its first four days, becoming the biggest documentary debut in Netflix history. Since then, Archwell Productions failing to produce another smash hit. Most recently, Netflix stepping back from Markle's lifestyle brand as ever, a venture tied closely to her flailing series With Love, Megan, a cooking and lifestyle show featuring celebrity cameos and product tie-ins.

18:37That show premiering last March, briefly landing in Netflix's top 10. The second batch of episodes, filmed at the same time as the first but presented as a second season, falling flat. Variety reporting Netflix now left with more than$10 million worth of unsold as-ever products, some of which they have resorted to giving away. With Love, Megan was not picked up for a third season, though a spokesperson for the Sussexes tells Variety the series will continue as seasonal specials. Three sources telling the outlet, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and chief content officer Bella Baharia have grown frustrated with the partnership.

19:17A Netflix spokesperson telling Variety it is inaccurate that the executives have lost faith in the couple. More than five years into the deal, Harry and Meghan yet to deliver the scripted projects originally envisioned, though two book adaptations remain in development. That'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Emily Jashinski, host of After Party. Catch The Megyn Kelly Show live on SiriusXM's The Megyn Kelly Channel, 111 at noon east on youtube.com slash megynkelly and all podcast platforms.

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