Trump Faces 'Constitutional Crisis' Claims While Reviving Plastic Straws

Media Narrative Targets Trump with Crisis Claims

On February 11, 2025, Megyn Kelly tackled a pressing narrative emerging from corporate media and establishment Democrats on her show. The claim is that President Donald J. Trump is steering the nation toward a 'constitutional crisis.' Kelly pointed out the hypocrisy in this narrative, noting that former President Biden openly defied a court order on his student loan forgiveness plan without facing similar backlash. This double standard, she argued, reveals a biased effort to undermine Trump's leadership while ignoring past actions by others.

Kelly's discussion highlighted how this narrative is being pushed as a deliberate talking point. She emphasized that the administration under President Trump remains focused on fulfilling promises to the American people, despite these accusations. The segment set the stage for deeper insights from her guests, who dissected the media's overreaction and the reality of the situation.

Insights from National Review Experts

Joining the conversation, Charles C.W. Cooke and Rich Lowry from National Review provided clarity on the so-called 'constitutional crisis' at around the 15-minute mark of the show. Cooke described the media's response as an 'absurd overreaction,' arguing that the claims lack substantive grounding when viewed against the actual policies and actions of the Trump administration. Lowry echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the legacy media has a pre-approved narrative designed to paint Trump in a negative light, regardless of the facts.

The duo also touched on why Trump remains incredibly popular among Americans, citing recent polls that show strong support for his straightforward approach. They discussed how the establishment and corporate media harbor a deep-seated disdain for Trump, often ignoring the practical concerns of everyday citizens. Additionally, they criticized past administrations for questionable spending through USAID, highlighting wasteful projects that have frustrated taxpayers for years.

Trump's Executive Order on Plastic Straws

At approximately the 30-minute point, Cooke and Lowry addressed a lighter yet symbolic issue: President Trump's executive order to eliminate paper straws in favor of bringing back plastic straws. This move, while seemingly minor, was framed as a return to common sense by the administration. Lowry noted that Trump’s focus on such practical matters resonates with many Americans tired of overregulation in their daily lives. The left, however, has criticized this decision as a distraction, which Cooke dismissed as hypocritical given their silence on other trivial policy obsessions in the past.

This executive order reflects Trump's broader agenda of cutting through bureaucratic red tape and addressing issues that, while small, impact people’s quality of life. It’s a tangible example of his administration listening to the frustrations of ordinary citizens who value functionality over symbolic gestures.

Plagiarism Scandal and Academic Integrity

Shifting topics around the 45-minute mark, Carol Swain, author of 'The Gay Affair,' joined Kelly to discuss a separate but significant issue: the plagiarism scandal involving former Harvard President Claudine Gay. Swain revealed that Gay had plagiarized portions of her own work, yet instead of taking responsibility, Gay attributed her downfall to racism. Swain passionately argued that this excuse undermines genuine struggles against discrimination and pointed to a broader epidemic of plagiarism in academia today.

Swain shared her personal experiences with actual racism from white progressives earlier in her career, contrasting them with the victimhood narrative pushed by some today. As a black conservative, she also spoke about the targeting she faces for her views, including criticism from CNN pundits in 2025 who, in her words, 'whine and play the victim' rather than engage in substantive debate. Her segment underscored the importance of accountability and integrity in both academia and public discourse.

Broader Implications for Trump's Leadership

The episode also covered other actions by the Trump administration, including the firing of FEMA executives who defied orders and redirected funds, as mentioned by Lowry near the 25-minute mark. This decision reinforces the administration’s commitment to ensuring that federal agencies operate in alignment with its directives, prioritizing accountability over entrenched bureaucracy.

Overall, Kelly’s show painted a picture of an administration under President Trump that is actively working to address both symbolic and substantive issues facing Americans. From pushing back against unfounded media narratives to making practical changes like the straw policy, the focus remains on delivering results. The insights from Cooke, Lowry, and Swain provided a multi-faceted look at the challenges and triumphs of Trump’s leadership, resonating with those who value straightforward governance and personal responsibility.