Trump's Warning After Weekend of Anti-ICE Riots, Landmark "Trans" Malpractice Verdict: AM Update 2/2

2 Feb 2026 · 20 min · 10 chapters

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The Megyn Kelly Show - Episode Summary

Episode Information

  • Title: Trump's Warning After Weekend of Anti-ICE Riots, Landmark "Trans" Malpractice Verdict: AM Update 2/2
  • Date: February 2, 2026
  • Host: Megyn Kelly
  • Description: The episode covers President Trump's warning to anti-ICE protestors following nationwide riots, the arrest of Don Lemon, and a significant landmark verdict in a medical malpractice case involving a detransitioner.

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Key Topics Discussed

  1. Trump's Warning on Anti-ICE Protests
  2. Protests Overview:
  3. Thousands of people participated in nationwide protests, labeled as a 'national shutdown.'
  4. Protests escalated into violence in multiple cities, particularly in Los Angeles and Minneapolis.
  • Trump's Statement:
  • Trump issued a stern warning, stating that if protestors harmed federal agents, they would face severe consequences.
  • He emphasized that federal buildings would be protected and hinted at retaliatory measures against aggressors.
  1. Don Lemon's Arrest
  2. Details of Arrest:
  3. Don Lemon was arrested on charges related to a January church riot in Minnesota and released on his own recognizance without entering a plea.
  4. The arrest sparked media attention, with Lemon asserting the importance of independent media.
  • Court Proceedings:
  • Prosecutors sought a $100,000 bond, but the request was denied.
  • Lemon's behavior during the church incident was described as provocative and confrontational, leading to significant backlash from churchgoers and authorities.
  1. Landmark Malpractice Verdict for Detransitioner
  2. Case Overview:
  3. A New York jury awarded $2 million to a 22-year-old detransitioner (Fox Varian) after finding doctors liable for malpractice for performing a double mastectomy when she was 16.
  • Key Details:
  • The case marks the first successful medical malpractice lawsuit related to gender-affirming care in the U.S.
  • The jury determined that the doctors did not meet the standard of care when recommending the surgery.
  • Insights from Journalist Benjamin Ryan:
  • He covered the trial and highlighted the lack of established medical standards for such procedures at the time.
  • The plaintiff's attorney successfully argued that the doctors failed to ensure that Varian had a stable gender identity before proceeding with the surgery.
  1. Broader Implications
  2. Future of Detransition Lawsuits:
  3. Legal experts predict this case could embolden more detransitioners to pursue similar lawsuits, potentially affecting malpractice insurance rates and healthcare providers' willingness to perform gender-affirming procedures.

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Key Takeaways

  • Civic Unrest: The protests reflect a growing divide in public opinion on immigration enforcement and the responses by government officials.
  • Media Attention: Don Lemon's legal troubles have reignited discussions about the role of media figures in protests and the ethics surrounding such actions.
  • Medical Standards in Transitioning Care: The landmark verdict may signal a shift in how gender-affirming care is viewed legally, highlighting the need for stringent medical guidelines.

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Conclusion The episode provides a comprehensive overview of critical contemporary issues involving immigration, media ethics, and healthcare practices related to gender identity. It underscores the complexities and tensions present in today's sociopolitical landscape.

For further discussions and updates, tune in to the Megyn Kelly Show on SiriusXM or various podcast platforms.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

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Trump's Warning to Anti-ICE Agitators

0:45 to 2:10

Discussion about Trump's stern message towards anti-ICE protesters following nationwide unrest.

“performed on a 16-year-old in a first-of-its-kind detransitioner case.”

Weekend Protests Nationwide

2:31 to 5:36

Recap of the protests across the U.S., including violence and arrests in cities like LA and Minneapolis.

“By nightfall, the protests devolving into violence.”

Don Lemon's Arrest and Court Appearance

5:36 to 7:39

Details surrounding Don Lemon's arrest and his court proceedings after a protest incident.

“any federal buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid lunatics, agitators, and insurrectionists.”

The Impact of Don Lemon's Actions

7:39 to 11:26

Discussion on the repercussions of Lemon's actions during the protest and the reactions from public figures.

“calling him, quote, one of the most well-known figures in the world.”

Landmark Detransitioner Case Verdict

13:13 to 14:03

Coverage of a historic jury verdict in a medical malpractice case involving a detransitioner.

“Again, that's puretalk.com slash Kelly to make the switch to Pure Talk.”

Introduction to Varian's Case

14:03 to 15:43

Learn about the groundbreaking malpractice verdict and its implications.

“This case marking the first time in the U.S.”

Trial Dynamics and Defense Arguments

15:43 to 17:31

Explore the courtroom strategies and arguments presented during the trial.

“She's a personal injury attorney in White Plains.”

Expert Assessments and Miscommunication

17:31 to 18:39

Understand the failures in communication and diagnosis that played a role in the case.

“Simon Chin never bothered to speak directly with Dr.”

Varian's Regret and Experience

18:39 to 18:51

Hear about Varian's immediate regret post-surgery and her journey back to accepting her identity.

“Ryan says more trials like this one are coming.”

Future Implications of the Verdict

18:51 to 19:15

Consider the potential impact of this case on future lawsuits and the medical field.

“I've spoken with some legal experts who say that this will encourage other lawsuits to come forward, they'll feel more emboldened.”
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Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:02Good morning, everyone. I'm Megan Kelly. It's Monday, February 2nd, 2026. And this is your AM update. If they do anything bad to our people, they will be, they will have to suffer. President Trump with a stern message for anti-ice agitators after thousands take to the streets from coast to coast. I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. A narcissistic, loving every minute of his newfound infamy, Don Lemon, released on his own recognizance without entering a plea following his arrest for alleged Face Act and Klan Act violations. And in a landmark verdict, a jury finds two doctors liable for medical malpractice tied to a double mastectomy performed on a 16-year-old in a first-of-its-kind detransitioner case.

0:53We talked to the only journalist in the courtroom for the entire trial. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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1:42All 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 the ranch in their award-winning USDA-inspected facility. No shortcuts, no middlemen, just incredible, healthy, and flavorful beef shipped directly to your home. Order today at riverbendranch.com and use the promo code MEGAN, M-E-G-Y-N, for 20 bucks off your first order. Thousands taking to the street this weekend in cities large and small across the country, part of a so-called national shutdown, urging anti-ice activists to skip school, stop shopping, and for the few who actually have jobs, to leave work.

2:25In Los Angeles, thousands turning out during the day on Friday, chanting and marching with signs reading, abolish ICE and ICE out of LA. By nightfall, the protests devolving into violence. Agitators gathering outside of the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building in downtown LA, throwing objects at federal agents guarding the facility and vandalizing the building. Because nothing says peaceful protest like trying to hurt a federal agent. Social media video showing a group of agitators dragging a dumpster in front of a loading dock as federal agents deployed tear gas and pepper balls in an effort to disperse the crowd.

3:02The LAPD also there, declaring a tactical alert, ordering officers to remain on duty regardless of scheduled shift end times. Police say eight people were arrested, six for failure to disperse, one for assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer, and one for a curfew violation. On Saturday, the unrest flaring up again, rioters clashing with police, this time leading to dozens of arrests. Back in Minneapolis, ground zero for anti-ice agitation in the wake of two fatal January confrontations with ice officers. Bruce Springsteen on Friday night making a surprise appearance at a rally, playing his truly terrible melodramatic anthem titled Streets of Minneapolis.

3:58Snowfield streets, how it's pretty in Renee Good. Was Renee Good showing mercy when she almost ran over an ICE agent, Bruce? Friday night in Eugene, Oregon, local police declaring a riot, which effectively recognizes an event as an unlawful assembly, after agitators there breached a federal building. Despite their riot declaration, the locals apparently did nothing to contain the crowd. As in other cities, the day starting off uneventfully with tensions building as nightfall came. Protesters banging on the doors of the building where ICE agents waited inside. The feds deploying tear gas to pushback rioters, reports Oregon Public Broadcasting.

4:42Eugene police were on the scene, though according to Chief Chris Skinner, local police, quote, did not use any munitions. It's unclear if there were any arrests, but the event, leading to a lengthy Truth Social post from President Trump, quote, Last night in Eugene, Oregon, these criminals broke into a federal building and did great damage, also scaring and harassing the hardworking employees. The post continuing, quote, Local police did nothing in order to stop it. We will not let that happen anymore. The president revealing that he has, quote, Instructed Kristi Noem that under no circumstances are we going to participate in various poorly run Democrat cities with regard to their protests and or riots unless and until they ask us for help, noting he expects to first hear the word please.

5:32Mr. Trump adding that the feds, quote, will however guard and very powerfully any federal buildings that are being attacked by these highly paid lunatics, agitators, and insurrectionists. Mr. Trump expanding on consequences for agitators who attack federal property and agents late Saturday night on Air Force One. Mr. President, back to your post on ICE protests, what did you mean when you said people will suffer an equal or greater consequence? If they do anything bad to our people, they will have to suffer. I'm sorry. If they start spitting in people's faces, punching our people, punching our soldiers, our patriots, they will get taken care of in at least an equal way.

6:18They're not going to do that like, you know, you see it, the way they treat our people. And I said, you're allowed, if somebody does that, you can do something back. You're not going to stand there and take it. If somebody spits in your face, that will not be a pleasant thing for the person that spits. We're not letting people spit in our soldiers' face as they stand in attention and they're not allowed to do anything. If they throw bricks at a car and, you know, one of our vehicles, and our very expensive vehicles, they're going to be bent with very, very serious force. YouTube host Don Lemon appearing in a federal courthouse in Los Angeles on Friday afternoon.

6:59Lemon arrested overnight on Friday on two charges in relation to his participation in a January 18th riot, disrupting a religious service at a Christian church in St. Paul. In the courtroom, Lemon wearing the same cream-colored suit he wore at a pre-Grammys party the night before, he was arrested at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Upon entering the courtroom, Lemon reportedly making eye contact with supporter L.A. Mayor Karen Bass, who winked at him. Prosecutors requesting a$100 ,000 bond and requesting to limit Lemon's travel to Minneapolis and New York. Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski arguing her client is not a flight risk, calling him, quote, one of the most well-known figures in the world.

7:43Is he? Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue denying both requests from prosecutors, even agreeing to allow Lemon to travel overseas this summer for what he called his annual trip to France. The proceeding lasting about 30 minutes, with Lemon released on his own recognizance and without even entering a plea. So no plea, no bail, winks with the mayor, and permission to jet off to France, just like any accused felon, right? The arraignment now set for February 9th in Minnesota, Lemon speaking to a gaggle of reporters outside the courthouse, thrilled to learn that people are finally mildly interested in him.

8:22I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now. In fact, there is no more important time than right now, this very moment, for a free and independent media that shines a light on the truth and holds those in power accountable. Again, I will not stop now. I will not stop ever. Attorney General Pam Bondi Saturday on Fox describing the scene in the church that day and the terror of the people Lemon sought to hold accountable. They all come in. They were caravanning their cars bumper to bumper. All of them, the nine we indicted, all caravanning together. They storm in that church from all directions, start screaming chants in unison, horrible chants.

9:11One man screams, this ain't the house of God. This is the house of the devil. A little girl later recounted that she thought her mom and dad were going to be killed. Parents were blocked from getting upstairs to get their children out of Sunday school. Some of the lucky women ran out the side door, falling on the ice, legs up in the air. One woman hurt her arm so badly she had to go to the hospital. Parishioners were blocked from exiting the church. Don Lemon, on video, blocked one of them, screaming, yelling at the pastor. That's illegal in this country. When we say God bless America, we mean it.

9:47We're going to protect America. And if you do that in any house of worship in this country, we're going to find you. We're going to indict you. And I'm going to prosecute you. President Trump Saturday night on Air Force One responding to the arrest. I don't know anything about the Don Lemon thing, but he's a sweet smack. Everyone's known that. He's a washout. Probably from his standpoint, the best thing that could happen to him. He's getting, you know, he had no viewers. He was a failure, he was a failed host, and now he's in the news. I didn't know anything about it. Lemon, in addition to allegedly blocking parishioners while yelling at their pastor, disrupted the Sunday service and then refused to leave, even when explicitly told to do so by the pastor, wrongly declaring that the Constitution allows a protest to occur anywhere, at any time, demanding to have his questions answered, and arguing that the churchgoers, whom he later baselessly accused of being white supremacists, needed to be made, quote, uncomfortable because anti-ICE protesters are feeling, quote, upset and angry.

10:51As Lemon watched scared congregants rush to their cars once the service had been prematurely terminated, thanks to Lemon and his pals, trying to evade the angry mob inside, he told his audience that, quote, trauma is, quote, what protesting is about. Even the Washington Post in an editorial over the weekend, refusing to call Lemon a journalist, instead labeling him an internet provocateur, offering nothing but scorn for his trauma musings, writing, quote, traumatizing children as they practice their faith? That's what it's about? Still, the fired CNN anchor has been capitalizing on the attention, reportedly receiving a standing ovation at a pre-Grammys party on Saturday and hitting the red carpet at the awards show last night.

11:39Next up, Lemon's set to appear where else but on Jimmy Kimmel Live tonight. Coming up, a New York jury awards a detransitioner$2 million in a landmark medical malpractice case against so-called gender-affirming care. An exclusive interview with the only reporter to watch the full trial.

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12:42So when you call, you're talking to someone right here at home. We all know they're trying to find a polite way not to say you're calling India and speaking with somebody in Bangladesh or someplace like that. Pure Talk uses the same towers as the big carriers, so enjoy superior 5G coverage without the inflated price. Just$25 a month for talk, text, and plenty of data. No contract, no cancellation fee. What are you waiting for? Go to puretalk.com slash Kelly, and you'll get 50%, 5-0, off your first month. Again, that's puretalk.com slash Kelly to make the switch to Pure Talk. In a landmark New York case, a jury awarding a 22-year-old biological woman who, for a time, declared herself male, but later detransitioned$2 million after finding two doctors liable for medical malpractice tied to a double mastectomy performed when the girl was just 16.

13:38Jurors were not asked to weigh in on the morality of so-called gender-affirming care, but to decide whether the doctors here met medical standards of care when recommending and performing this permanent and life-altering procedure on the plaintiff Fox Varian. A Westchester County jury finding psychologist Kenneth Einhorn and plastic surgeon Simon Chin liable for medical malpractice for failing to meet the standard of care when approving and carrying out the surgery for Varian. This case marking the first time in the U.S. that a detransitioner has brought a medical malpractice case to a jury and won.

14:16Jurors awarding Varian$1.6 million for pain and suffering and an additional$400 ,000 for future medical expenses. In December of 2018, at age 15, Varian, a girl with a number of psychiatric issues, including autism, told Dr. Einhorn she might be transgender. Soon after, she began publicly presenting as a male wearing a chest binder. Nine months later, Dr. Einhorn wrote a referral letter for a double mastectomy, or so-called top surgery. After just two meetings with plastic surgeon Dr. Simon Chin, only 11 months after she had first decided to live as a boy, Varian's breasts were surgically removed at age 16, before she could vote, before she could legally have a beer.

15:07We spoke exclusively to independent journalist Benjamin Ryan of the Hazard Ratio Substack, the only reporter to sit in the courtroom throughout the entire three-week trial. He tells us the defense initially argued there were no firm standards of care in this field. It was very difficult to try to pin down the defendants to try to get them to admit there even was a standard of care. Both of them said, well, there isn't a standard of care because this is such a novel and experimental treatment, giving these mastectomies to minors for gender dysphoria. But ultimately, they got worn down by the very aggressive bulldog tactics of the plaintiff's attorney.

15:43His name is Adam Deutsch. She's a personal injury attorney in White Plains. And they ultimately admitted that there were some standards that ultimately they did violate. And the one thing that they really agreed upon was that a young person before having this type of surgery should have a stable gender identity for at least six months. Six months. This is nuts. Ryan says Dr. Einhorn referred Varian to an LGBTQ clinic in Albany to seek specialty care. And at that clinic, Varian opened up about how she was really feeling about her identity. The real smoking gun in this case was the fact that the psychologist, whose name is Kenneth Einhorn, he was really out of his depth.

16:25And he acknowledged that he really didn't have expertise in treating transgender young people. And so he said to Fox Varian and to her mother, you should go to seek specialist transgender care at what's called the Pride Center up in Albany. It was a very long drive. He went there only twice because it was such a burden to get there. But while she was there, this was in July of 2019, four and a half months before the surgery, she told the Pride Center things that she hadn't told her mother and that she really hadn't been honest about with her psychologist. She said that she was unsure about her gender identity and crucially, she felt fresher to decide by people all around her.

17:01Ryan tells us those comments should have raised some red flags.

17:31Ryan tells us plastic surgeon Dr. Simon Chin never bothered to speak directly with Dr. Einhorn. He met with her twice during the nine-week period leading up to the mid-December 2019 mastectomy that he performed on Fox Ferry. So, and he was very proud of himself. He said, oh, understand, I met with her not only once, but twice before I had her breasts removed when she was in her mid-teens. And he just looked at this letter and he made a presumption. And that was a huge indictment upon him by the plaintiff's attorney that both he and Einhorn, the psychologist, made assumptions and inferences and didn't bother to communicate with each other directly.

18:10He just presumed, oh, the correct diagnosis must be gender dysphoria, but neither he nor Dr. Einhorn ever wrote the diagnosis gender dysphoria anywhere in their case notes, despite the fact that it is widely accepted that that is the required diagnosis for having this very surgery. Varian testifying to feeling immediate regret from the moment she took off the bandages. The shock of the procedure, combined with embarrassment, kept her from being open about her feelings for three years before ultimately deciding to embrace reality that she is, of course, a girl. Ryan says more trials like this one are coming.

18:47There are a lot of detransitioners who are waiting in the wings. They filed lawsuits, about 28 all told. I've spoken with some legal experts who say that this will encourage other lawsuits to come forward, they'll feel more emboldened. And then that could in turn drive up malpractice insurance rates and make this feel more forgiving financially for people to work in. And it might also scare away certain providers who are afraid of reputational damage and just the general stress and horror of being sued. Good. Let's pray that's true. Wow. And 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 Megyn Kelly Channel, 111 at noon east, on youtube.com slash Megyn Kelly, and on all podcast platforms.

From the publisher

President Trump issues a blunt warning to anti-ICE agitators after a weekend of nationwide protests turns violent in multiple cities. Don Lemon is released on his own recognizance without entering a plea after his arrest on federal charges tied to a January church riot in Minnesota. A New York jury awards $2 million to a 22-year-old detransitioner in a landmark medical malpractice verdict, finding two doctors liable for approving and performing a double mastectomy when she was just 16 - independent Substack journalist Benjamin Ryan, the only reporter who saw the full trial, joins us for an exclusive interview.

Link to Benjamin's report: https://www.thefp.com/p/a-legal-first-that-could-change-gender

 

 

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