Trump's Dynamic First Day and Media Missteps on Elon Musk Gesture

Trump's High-Energy Start to Second Term

On January 21, 2025, just a day after his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump hit the ground running with a flurry of executive actions that underscored his commitment to fulfilling campaign promises. In a detailed discussion on The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly, joined by Charles C.W. Cooke and Rich Lowry of National Review, highlighted the impressive pace and energy of President Trump’s first day in office. They noted that dozens of executive orders were signed, reflecting a determination to address key issues facing the nation right out of the gate.

One of the most significant moves discussed was President Trump’s decision to pardon nearly all individuals involved in the January 6 protests and riots. This action sparked immediate controversy, with debates arising over the implications of such a broad pardon. Cooke and Lowry pointed out the perceived hypocrisy in how legal actions are taken against those who attack law enforcement, depending on political affiliations. At around the 15:30 mark of the video, Kelly emphasized the boldness of this move, aligning with Trump’s promise to rectify what he sees as injustices from prior administrations.

Media Misrepresentation of Elon Musk’s Gesture

Another focal point of the episode was the media’s reaction to a gesture made by Elon Musk during a speech at a Trump rally. Certain outlets spun the moment as an offensive “salute,” drawing unfounded comparisons to historical symbols. At the 25:10 mark, Megyn Kelly called out this narrative as ridiculous, with Cooke and Lowry agreeing that it represented a clear double standard. They noted that prominent Democrats have used similar hand gestures without facing such scrutiny, highlighting a bias in media coverage.

The discussion underscored how quickly narratives can be distorted to fit preconceived notions, rather than reflecting the actual context of Musk’s actions. Kelly and her guests stressed the importance of pushing back against such misrepresentations to ensure fair discourse, especially when it involves influential figures like Musk who are closely tied to the administration’s initiatives.

Inauguration Highlights and Personal Reflections

Megyn Kelly opened the show with personal anecdotes from her experience at President Trump’s inauguration weekend, sharing behind-the-scenes details of the pre-inaugural rally on Sunday and the inaugural balls. She described logistical challenges, including freezing conditions that made events difficult to navigate, but also expressed joy in meeting fans and witnessing the historic moment firsthand. Around the 5:45 mark, Kelly painted a vivid picture of the energy surrounding the events, reflecting the enthusiasm of supporters for Trump’s return to the White House.

The conversation also touched on the style and presence of First Lady Melania Trump, with Kelly and her guests praising her class and elegance during the inauguration events. They contrasted this with comments on Lauren Sanchez’s social media persona, which they described as self-focused, illustrating differing public images among prominent figures associated with the administration.

Broader Cultural and Political Observations

The episode didn’t shy away from addressing cultural critiques during the inauguration events. Kelly, Cooke, and Lowry discussed a prayer service where a bishop lectured President Trump on various social issues during the ceremony. At approximately the 35:20 mark, they expressed frustration with what they saw as an inappropriate platform for such commentary, arguing that it detracted from the unifying spirit of the occasion.

Additionally, the trio touched on Vivek Ramaswamy’s exit from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), though specifics were limited in the discussion. They framed it as part of the broader shifts within the administration as it sets its agenda for the coming term. The focus remained on President Trump’s proactive approach, with Kelly noting his ability to maintain momentum despite the complexities of transitioning into power.

President Trump’s first day actions, as discussed on The Megyn Kelly Show, signal a clear intent to prioritize campaign pledges and address contentious issues head-on. From sweeping pardons to navigating media controversies like the Elon Musk gesture, the administration is setting a tone of decisiveness. This episode provided a window into both the policy moves and the cultural battles that are likely to define this term, all while celebrating the energy of a leader determined to make an immediate impact.