Overview of "Trump's Warning After Weekend of Anti-ICE Riots, Landmark "Trans" Malpractice Verdict: AM Update 2/2"
This SiriusXM AM Update (hosted by Megyn Kelly) covers three main stories: nationwide anti-ICE protests and President Trump’s stern response; the courtroom appearance and release of YouTube host (and former CNN anchor) Don Lemon after his arrest for allegedly disrupting a church service; and a landmark New York medical-malpractice verdict awarding $2 million to a detransitioner who had a double mastectomy at age 16. The show mixes on-scene reporting, legal detail, and commentary about likely legal and industry fallout.
Key events covered
- Large anti-ICE protests and some violent clashes across multiple U.S. cities (Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Eugene, others) following January confrontations involving ICE officers.
- President Trump’s public posts and comments promising strong federal protection of federal buildings and warning that protestors who assault federal personnel will “have to suffer.”
- Don Lemon’s arrest and Friday afternoon court appearance in Los Angeles related to an alleged January 18 disruption of a church service; he was released on his own recognizance and allowed overseas travel.
- A Westchester County jury awarded $2 million to Fox Varian, a 22-year-old who detransitioned, finding two doctors liable for malpractice in performing a double mastectomy at age 16—the first U.S. jury verdict for a detransitioner malpractice suit.
Detailed summaries
Anti-ICE protests & President Trump’s response
- Scope: Thousands protested coast to coast calling to “abolish ICE” and staged a “national shutdown” (encouraging skipping school/work/shopping).
- Incidents:
- Los Angeles: Protests escalated; objects thrown at federal agents outside the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building, a dumpster was used as a barricade; LAPD declared tactical alert; multiple arrests (eight reported initially; later dozens).
- Eugene, OR: Protesters breached a federal building; tear gas used by federal agents; local police declared a riot but did not deploy munitions, per the report.
- Minneapolis: Continued as a locus of anti-ICE activity; Bruce Springsteen made a surprise rally appearance (commented on live).
- Trump’s stance:
- Posted on Truth Social criticizing local police responses and said federal forces will strongly guard federal buildings.
- Told reporters on Air Force One that agitators who “do anything bad to our people… will have to suffer,” and suggested permitted use of force if people spit on or assault U.S. personnel.
- Said he instructed Gov. Kristi Noem that federal forces will not participate in “poorly run Democrat cities” unless asked (and expecting the word “please”).
Don Lemon — arrest and arraignment details
- Charges: Arrested overnight Friday on two charges tied to a Jan. 18 incident disrupting a religious service in St. Paul; transcript references alleged FACE Act and Ku Klux Klan Act violations (as presented on the show).
- Court appearance in Los Angeles:
- Released on his own recognizance; magistrate denied prosecutors’ requests for $100,000 bond and travel restrictions.
- Allowed travel to Minneapolis, New York, and overseas travel this summer (reported personal trip to France).
- Arraignment scheduled for Feb. 9 in Minnesota.
- Public statements and reaction:
- Lemon said he will continue covering news: “I will not stop now. I will not stop ever.”
- Attorney General Pam Bondi and prosecutors described the church incident as terrorizing parishioners, with blocked exits and injured attendees.
- The show highlighted press coverage and social reaction, including Lemon’s public appearances and media opportunities since the incident.
Landmark malpractice verdict — Fox Varian vs. two doctors
- Verdict: Westchester County jury awarded $2 million to a detransitioner (Fox Varian): $1.6M for pain & suffering, $400K for future medical expenses.
- Defendants found liable: Psychologist Kenneth Einhorn and plastic surgeon Simon Chin.
- Case facts and critical evidence:
- Varian identified as female, later presented as male and underwent “top surgery” (double mastectomy) at 16 (Dec 2019).
- Varian had prior psychiatric issues (including autism); she saw Dr. Einhorn and later was referred to an LGBTQ clinic (Pride Center in Albany).
- At the Pride Center (four and a half months pre-op), Varian reportedly expressed uncertainty about her gender identity and said she was influenced by others — information not obtained by Einhorn or shared with Dr. Chin.
- Defense initially argued no clear standard of care existed in this emerging field; under cross-examination they ultimately acknowledged some standards (e.g., recommendation that a minor have at least six months of stable gender identity before irreversible surgery).
- Surgeon met with Varian twice and relied on referral letter rather than probing records or direct communication with the psychologist; plaintiff testified immediate regret after surgery and eventual detransition.
- Trial reporting:
- Independent journalist Benjamin Ryan (Hazard Ratio Substack) was the only reporter present for the entire three-week trial and provided on-the-ground insights to the host.
- Broader implications noted:
- This is the first U.S. malpractice jury win by a detransitioner; roughly 28 similar lawsuits reportedly exist.
- Potential downstream effects: more lawsuits, higher malpractice insurance costs, possible chilling effect on some providers of gender-affirming care.
Notable quotes
- President Trump: “If they do anything bad to our people, they will be, they will have to suffer.”
- President Trump (on assaults/spitting): “If somebody spits in your face, that will not be a pleasant thing for the person that spits.”
- Don Lemon (outside court): “I will not stop now. I will not stop ever.”
- Prosecutor/AG characterization of the church incident: described as terrorizing parishioners; reports of blocked exits, injured congregants, and frightened children.
- Trial observation: Defense conceded there should be “at least six months” of stable gender identity before surgery on a minor.
Implications & takeaways
- Public safety and federal response: The administration signals a tougher posture toward protest-related attacks on federal property and personnel; expect heightened federal protection around federal sites and sharper rhetoric about consequences for protestors.
- Legal and medical consequences for gender-affirming care:
- The malpractice verdict could encourage more detransition lawsuits and alter risk calculus for clinicians who perform gender-related surgeries on minors.
- Courts may increasingly scrutinize documentation, inter-provider communication, informed consent, and standards of care in gender-affirming treatment.
- Media and legal attention: Don Lemon’s case will continue to draw public and media scrutiny as the arraignment and proceedings move forward.
Additional notes
- Host and outlet: Megyn Kelly on SiriusXM’s The Megyn Kelly Channel; this is an AM Update segment promoting her noon program.
- The broadcast included multiple sponsor/read ads (Riverbend Ranch, Pure Talk Wireless, Edible) interspersed with news segments.