Fox News Hourly Update — 10PM ET, April 2, 2026

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: April 3, 2026

Episode Overview

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers the top stories shaping national and international headlines. Major themes include the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi amid controversy over the Jeffrey Epstein client list, NASA’s Artemis II mission milestone, President Trump's military strike on Iran, significant changes in Army leadership, and a contentious White House construction project.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Attorney General Pam Bondi Fired

• Summary: President Trump terminated Attorney General Pam Bondi’s tenure. The dismissal follows lingering controversy and dissatisfaction stemming from her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

• Background: Bondi appeared on Fox News in February 2025 regarding the Epstein case.

• Key Points:

  • No incriminating Epstein client list was released despite expectations.
  • Document dump from DOJ contained millions of pages, but lacked a definitive client list.
  • President Trump was reportedly infuriated by the lack of closure.
  • Bondi is expected to return to the private sector.

• Notable Quote:

  “The DOJ may be releasing the list of Jeffrey Epstein’s clients. Will that really happen?”
  [A, 00:20]

• Timeline:

  • 00:02 – 00:45

2. Artemis II Heads Toward the Moon

• Summary: NASA’s Artemis II mission has cleared a significant hurdle and is now en route to orbit the moon, after addressing in-flight plumbing issues.

• Key Moments:

  • Astronauts coordinated with Houston on toilet troubleshooting before continuing.
  • The crucial "translunar injection burn" succeeded, putting the crew on course.
  • The mission will send astronauts farther from Earth than ever before (approx. 250,000 miles).

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Houston on one, whenever you’re ready, we do have some toilet troubleshooting actions for you.”
    [B, 01:00]
  • “They’re heading out into deep space… about 250,000 miles away.”
    — NASA administrator Jared Isaacman [B, 01:24]

• Timeline:

  • 01:00 – 01:36

3. Markets Recap

• Summary: Markets ended mixed for the day.

  • Dow: Down 61 points
  • Nasdaq: Up 38 points
  • S&P 500: Up 7 points

• Timeline:

  • 01:36 – 02:00

4. U.S. Military Strike on Iran & Rising Middle East Tensions

• Summary: President Trump took credit for a major military strike on Iranian infrastructure, escalating tensions between the U.S., Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran.

• Key Points:

  • Israel's defense minister issued a direct threat to new Hezbollah leadership in response to rocket attacks during the holy days.
  • President Trump posted a video of Iran's "biggest bridge" collapsing; Iran retaliated by listing other potential targets.
  • Iranian media reports: 8 killed, 95 wounded in the attack.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “You will be deep at the bottom of hell together with Nasrallah, Khomeini, Sinwar and all the eliminated members of the axis of evil.”
    — Israel’s defense minister [A, 02:59]
  • “President Trump posted a video he says shows the biggest bridge in Iran tumbling down with the message: ‘It is time for Iran to make a deal before it is too late.’”
    [C, 03:06]

• Timeline:

  • 02:40 – 03:25

5. Army Leadership Shake-Up

• Summary: In another significant leadership change, Army Chief of Staff General Randy George has been asked to retire immediately by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.

• Key Points:

  • The dismissal is part of a broader trend of senior military firings under President Trump.
  • No specific reason for George's removal was provided.
  • General George held his post since August 2023.

• Notable Quote:

  • “The secretary is grateful for George’s service, but it was time for a leadership change in the Army.”
    — Senior Pentagon official [E, 03:36]

• Timeline:

  • 03:25 – 04:10

6. White House Ballroom Construction Approved Amid Legal Controversy

• Summary: The National Capital Planning Commission approved President Trump’s contentious White House ballroom project, despite a judge’s order halting construction pending Congressional approval.

• Key Points:

  • Project is described as the biggest structural change to the White House in over 70 years.
  • Legal and political contention remains unresolved.

• Notable Quote:

  • “The agency tasked with approving construction on federal property in the D.C. region went ahead with a vote despite a federal judge recently ordering a halt to construction unless Congress approves.”
    [A, 04:10]

• Timeline:

  • 04:10 – 04:37

Memorable Moments

• The Artemis II crew’s candid exchange with Houston over toilet repairs before reaching lunar trajectory (01:00–01:12).
• Israel's defense minister’s fiery rhetoric against Hezbollah and Iran (02:59).
• President Trump’s direct engagement on social media regarding the Iran strike (03:06).

[End of Content Recap]