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Megyn Kelly, who's had her own battles with President Trump, is shockingly in his corner ... at least when it comes to the anonymous New York Times op-ed author showing his or her face!

The "Today" host was leaving NBC Studios in NYC Thursday when we asked about the contentious letter which claims Trump staffers are actively working to undermine 45. Megyn says the author of the letter is gutless, and needs to come out and speak publicly against Trump ... instead of working in the shadows.

Considering her rocky history with Trump, it's interesting to hear Megyn echo the administration's message regarding the anonymous piece.

She did say shortly after the election she and Trump were good.

President Trump's administration's come up with a clever way to sniff out the source of that NY Times anonymous letter -- it involves what they perceive as an alleged physical threat to POTUS ... TMZ has learned.

Sources connected to the White House tell us there are multiple West Wing staffers who believe the op-Ed letter -- reportedly written by a "senior administration official" -- contains one troubling sentence that reads like a threat to Trump's life. The line goes ..."So we will do what we can to steer the administration in the right direction until -- one way or another -- it's over."

We're told the staffers think the Secret Service needs to investigate because that line could refer to a possible assassination plot. However, at least one source told us the real endgame is finding out who's behind the letter ... which the Prez has called "gutless."

Truth is that line could refer to any of 3 legit ways for a U.S. President to leave office -- impeachment, the 25th Amendment, or resignation. Then again, we know the Secret Service has investigated for less ... including perceived threats from Kathy Griffin and "Stuttering John."

8:18 AM PT -- Booker just released a batch of emails between Kavanaugh and other officials that date back to his early days in George W. Bush's administration as an associate of the White House Counsel at the time, Alberto Gonzales.

A lot of the emails appear to be internal communication from 2002 and include discussions on deciding how to screen people at airports and elsewhere in response to 9/11. Kavanaugh makes clear that racial profiling was on the table as an immediate -- and potential long-term -- option.

They also discuss a race-neutral system as ideal, but appear to acknowledge that using racial profiling in the interim would be most effective. Kavanaugh and his associates also seem to note legal loopholes they could invoke to get away with racial profiling and avoid liability. No word yet if Booker has been sanctioned for his actions.

Senator Cory Booker says he's willing to be thrown out of the United States Senate for releasing a confidential document allegedly showing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh is guilty of promoting racial profiling ... but Booker says it's the right thing to do.

Booker dropped the bombshell Thursday morning at the Senate hearing. He said there's an email which is confidential because of national security concerns. In the email, Booker says there's evidence Kavanaugh, when he was an aide to President George W. Bush, suggested it was appropriate to racially profile people to blunt post-911 terrorism.

Booker says he intends to release the email knowing the consequences to him could be severe -- ouster from the Senate. After the hearing he told us why he's willing to go down with the ship.

Senator John Cornyn read the potential charge against Booker at the hearing, and the Democratic Senator from New Jersey responded bluntly, "Then apply the rule and bring the charges."

Booker had support from Senator Dick Durbin, who said, "If there is going to be some retribution against the Senator from New Jersey, count me in."

Jeff Bezos, the richest man in the world, is throwing around some serious cash ... and it's politically motivated.

The founder and CEO of Amazon, is donating $10,000,000 to help veterans get elected to Congress ... and that's not a typo, it's really that many zeroes.

Jeff and his wife, MacKenzie, are giving the huge sum to the With Honor Fund, a super PAC supporting military vets running for Congress who promise to take a down-the-middle approach to politics.

With midterm elections 2 months away, the group has endorsed 33 candidates for office, including 14 Republicans and 19 Democrats.

Jeff is catching heat from both sides of the political spectrum, most notably President Trump and Bernie Sanders.

Bernie introduced legislation Wednesday aimed at Amazon, calling for higher taxes on the company and large corporations like it -- Sanders even named it the BEZOS Act!!!

Trump frequently attacks Bezos on Twitter, accusing Amazon of not paying enough taxes, underpaying the Postal Service for deliveries, and bashing Jeff's ownership of The Washington Post.

Maybe Bezos figures $10 million for vets is enough to get opponents off his back.

Vanilla Ice was one of more than 500 passengers aboard a double-decker plane from Dubai to JFK that had to be quarantined after more than 100 passengers fell ill.

The rapper tweeted from the top floor of Emirates Flight 203 on Wednesday and was STUNNED to see the plane swarmed by emergency trucks. At first he seemed to be unaware of what was going on but quickly learned the gravity of the situation -- tons of passengers and some crew members "complained of illness including cough and some with fever," according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Vanilla later tweeted, "This is crazy. Apparently there is over 100 people sick on the bottom floor, so happy I'm up top, it's a double-decker plane 380." A total of 521 people were aboard the A380 superjumbo plane. At least 10 people were taken to a hospital.

If Brett Kavanaugh watches 'Handmaid's Tale,' he's not going to like the demonstrations outside his Supreme Court confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill.

Protesters upset over Kavanaugh's possible ascension to the highest court in the land dressed as handmaids from the TV show -- a popular form of protest among women's rights activists.

Many are fearful Kavanaugh could become a powerful swing vote in the Supreme Court, one that could eventually overturn Roe v. Wade.

Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings began Tuesday, and it's sparked waves of protests in D.C. Brett is Donald Trump's pick for the Supreme Court. Kavanaugh would replace Justice Anthony Kennedy, and would almost certainly take a conservative stance on abortion.

Tuesday's demonstrators have at least one celeb on board with the cause.

Alyssa Milano recently posted this picture of herself dressed as a handmaid, with the red robe and white hat, holding a sign comparing Kavanaugh to the authoritarian regime from the TV show.

Critics of President Trump have drawn comparisons between the fictional regime in power in 'Handmaid's Tale' and his administration's stance on abortion, LGBTQ rights and religious freedom.

Bad news for Alyssa and co. as it looks more and more like Kavanaugh will soon join the Supreme Court. Brett needs only a simple majority to be confirmed, and Republicans hold a 1-vote majority in the Senate.

Dave Chappelle says John McCain is a symbol of national unity when our country needs it most, so he paid the late Senator his respects ... and gives props to his robot dance.

We got the famed comedian on Capitol Hill Friday after he visited McCain's casket at the U.S. Capitol. Chappelle tells us he was inspired to do so after he saw a video Jamie Foxx shared on his IG this week dancing with the Navy veteran onstage at an Apollo Theater charity event.

Foxx captioned the vid, "This is another reason why senator John McCain is so loved... he made u feel like politics and being a cool human being lived separately... he shined on em that night ... and that robot move was mean! R.I.P. you are a HERO!"

Seems like Chappelle totally agrees.

Andrew Gillum, candidate for governor of Florida, is laying blame directly on President Trump for putting the campaign in the gutter -- the day after his opponent's shocking "monkey" remark.

The Democratic candidate says Trump has set a "horrible" example when it comes to racial issues, and he thinks that's why Republican candidate Ron DeSantis felt comfortable saying voting for Gillum would "monkey this up."

Gillum says DeSantis' comment was ripped right out of Trump's playbook. He adds, he doesn't want to stoop to that level and hopes DeSantis will avoid it too.

9:03 PM PT -- EA Sports has made the decision to cancel all 3 remaining Madden NFL 19 tournament qualifying events. A rep for the company tells TMZ, "We have made a decision to cancel our three remaining Madden Classic qualifier events while we run a comprehensive review of safety protocols for competitors and spectators."

The statement continues, "We will work with our partners and our internal teams to establish a consistent level of security al all of our competitive gaming events.

The next Madden NFL 19 tournament is going on as scheduled, days after the shooting in Florida, but organizers are making major changes ... TMZ has learned.

Dennis C. Wiltshire -- a rep for FIAD Entertainment Group, which is putting on the EA-sponsored event in Dulles, VA -- tells us, his organization had a knee-jerk reaction after hearing about Sunday's shooting in Jacksonville, FL that left 3 people dead, and many others injured.

He says within minutes, they started scrambling to beef up security for their event which is going down Saturday and Sunday. Wiltshire says their efforts included contacting local law enforcement and their independent security contractors for the event. The Madden tourney will be part of a larger gaming convention called GEXCon.

Wiltshire tells us, in addition to ramped-up security and police officers on site, they've strictly prohibited all guns inside the event. He wouldn't comment on specifics of security screenings, to avoid tipping their hand to the public. BTW ... Virginia's an open carry state.

As we reported ... police say 24-year-old David Katz opened fire Sunday, injuring 11 people and killing 2 others before shooting himself. Audio of the opening shots were broadcast live.

A moment of silence is being planned for the Virginia tournament. Wiltshire says EA has yet to reach out to offer any official guidance on how to proceed.

Originally Published -- 9:52 AM PDT

Love and heartfelt condolences from family, friends, fellow politicians and celebrities are pouring in for John McCain ... who died Saturday afternoon at age 81 after a year-long battle with brain cancer.

John's wife, Cindy, says ... "My heart is broken. I am so lucky to have lived the adventure of loving this incredible man for 38 years. He passed the way he lived, on his own terms, surrounded by the people he loved, in the the place he loved best."

McCain's daugther, Meghan, shared an emotional message captioned "I love you forever."

And the tributes go on, from Barack Obama to George W. Bush and many, many more.

"Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" host Robin Leach has died at the age of 76.

Leach had been hospitalized since November after suffering a stroke while in Cabo San Lucas, and passed away Friday morning in Vegas ... according to his colleague John Katsilometes at the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Katsilometes revealed before his death, Leach was in hospice care after suffering a second stroke on Monday. A family from his statement said, "Despite the past 10 months, what a beautiful life he had. Our Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and friend Robin Leach passed away peacefully last night."

The family continued, "Everyone’s support and love over the past, almost one year, has been incredible and we are so grateful. Memorial arrangements to follow. With love, Steven, Gregg and Rick Leach."

Leach -- a veteran journalist -- launched and hosted 'Lifestyles' in 1984 and it aired until 1995. The show gave viewers a sneak peek into the lives of wealthy entertainers, athletes and CEOs.

The show's success came on the heels of a burst of interest in the lives of the filthy rich back in the 80's. Even years after the show ended, Leach remained a figurehead in the world of wealth and luxury. Despite his ritzy reputation, Leach always insisted he was a normal and down-to-earth dude.

Robin moved to Las Vegas in 1999 and spent most of his final years as a journalist working for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and for the Las Vegas Sun covering celeb events on the strip.

Leach started his career earning just $6 an hour at The Harrow Observer. From there, he became the youngest editor at just 18 years old at London's Daily Mail and later worked for the New York Daily News and People magazine.

In a 2011 interview with The Las Vegas Sun, Leach said, "I wanted no other jobs than to work in newspapers."

Leach's mindset clearly changed when he broke into TV on CNN's "People Tonight" in 1980 and followed up in playing a major part in launching "Entertainment Tonight."

In 2007, Leach was the host of "The Surreal Life: Fame Games" on VH1. The show featured 10 celebs -- including Vanilla Ice, Chyna, Verne Troyer, Ron Jeremy and Brigitte Nielsen -- competing in a series of games for $100,000.

We had Vince Neil -- a longtime friend of Robin's -- on TMZ Live Friday ... who dished on Leach and his accomplishments.

He most recently appeared on an episode of VICELAND's "Most Expensivest" where 2 Chainz jetted to Vegas to sip champagne and eat caviar with Robin.

Leach was to turn 77 Wednesday.

John McCain is making a difficult decision in his year-long battle with brain cancer.

The longtime U.S. Senator from Arizona has decided to stop medical treatment for the disease ... according to the Republican's family.

As we reported ... McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer -- known as glioblastoma -- last July. He'd been receiving treatment from his home near Sedona, Arizona since December.

The 81-year-old is a 6-term Senator and was the 2008 Republican presidential nominee.

McCain's family said age is a factor in John's decision to stop getting treatment ... and he's already surpassed expectations for his survival.

A statement from McCain's family says, "John has surpassed expectations for his survival. But the progress of disease and the inexorable advance of age render their verdict. With his usual strength of will, he has now chosen to discontinue medical treatment."

The statement continues, "Our family is immensely grateful for the support and kindness of all his caregivers over the last year, and for the continuing outpouring of concern and affection from John's many friends and associates, and the many thousands of people who are keeping him in their prayers."

McCain has served in the Senate since 1986. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona in '82.

Before his political career, McCain entered the Naval Academy in 1954 and served in the Navy until '81.

Animal Crackers are now FREE ... from their cages, that is.

It took 116 years, but the packaging of Barnum's Animals no longer depicts the exotic creatures in pens.

Nabisco's popular snack now features a zebra, an elephant, a lion, a giraffe and a gorilla roaming free among grass and trees.

Previously, packaging showed animals and their young locked up in cages.

The stark change has been driven by PETA. In April 2016, the animal rights organization gave notice to Nabisco's parent company, Mondelez International, saying circuses would shock, chain, beat and whip animals in order to intimidate them and force them into performing tricks.

PETA also brought to light dubious practices like circuses separating mothers from their babies and holding animals in chains and cages.

Circuses across the country have also been undergoing change. Ringling Bros. shut down in May 2017 after 146 years in operation, the result of mounting pressure from animal welfare groups, skyrocketing operation costs, legal battles and declining ticket sales.

April Ryan is throwing some serious shade at Omarosa ... saying she never put pen to paper because she used a ghostwriter.

Ryan -- who has reported at the White House for more than 20 years -- bashes Omarosa for her secret recordings and being a backstabber.

April says her upcoming book, "Under Fire: Reporting from the Front Lines of the Trump White House," unlike Omarosa's book, is the real deal.

As for bowing down to Trump before she broke ranks ... April says O shouldn't wait for invites to the church social anytime soon.

This just in ... LESTER HOLT CAN SING!

The "NBC Nightly News" anchor got out from behind the desk Sunday night and took center stage at the Hill Country BBQ joint in NYC to sing his face off -- and it's pretty good!

Holt channeled his inner Bill Withers and belted out the 1977 hit "Lovely Day" with his band, The Rough Cuts.

The whole thing went pretty smoothly -- but Lester definitely loses some cool points for having to check his lyrics sheet a few times during the set. Come on man, it's a classic!!!

Asia Argento -- one of Harvey Weinstein's first accusers and a prominent figure in the #MeToo movement -- reportedly paid off her own accuser, a then 17-year-old boy.

The NYT cites documents it obtained outlining an agreement between Argento's lawyer and her accuser's attorney to pay former child actor Jimmy Bennett -- who once co-starred alongside Argento in a 2004 film -- $380,000 over multiple installments.

The Times reports Bennett's attorney reached out to Argento's camp late last year -- shortly before Ronan Farrow's bombshell New Yorker piece -- stating an intent to sue ... and describing alleged "sexual battery" between Argento and Bennett in 2013 -- when he was only 17 years old. He's 22 now.

According to the Times, the documents claim Jimmy met Asia at a Ritz-Carlton hotel in Marina del Rey, CA on May 9, 2013 and that she proceeded to give him alcohol, kiss him, push him back onto the bed, perform oral sex on him ... and then climb on top of him to have intercourse.

Argento has photos of her and Bennett on her social media account from the day in question. One post shows a photo of the two of them with her caption reading "Happiest day of my life reunion with @jimmymbennett xox". The Times says Bennett's lawyer claimed his client had more photos, one of which allegedly depicts both of them lying topless in bed from that day.

According to the Times ... Argento agreed to pay Bennett $200,000 this past April as an initial installment for the copyright to the risque photo that was in his possession. The Times also cites an email written to Argento from her lawyer saying ... "Ultimately, you decided against the non-disclosure [NDA] language because you felt it was inconsistent with the public messages you’ve conveyed about the societal perils of non-disclosure agreements."

The alleged email ends with this ... "Bennett could theoretically tell people his claims against you. However, under this agreement, he cannot sue you for them. Nor can he post the photo of the two of you. At the very he is not permitted to bother you for more money, disparage you or sue -- so long as you comply with your obligations in the agreement."