Fox News Hourly Update — 11AM ET, 12/20/2025

Host: Paul Stevens, with reporting from Ainsley Earhart, David Spunt, Madeleine Rivera, and commentary from Secretary of State Marco Rubio

Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update covers major breaking news and political developments, including U.S. military strikes against ISIS in Syria, controversy over the DOJ’s release of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, Rep. Elise Stefanik’s exit from New York gubernatorial and congressional races, President Trump’s economic messaging heading into election season, and an extended press conference by Secretary of State Marco Rubio touching on military, foreign, and economic policy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Retaliatory Strikes in Syria

• [00:02–00:30]

  • The U.S. conducted airstrikes against over 70 ISIS targets in Syria, retaliating after three Americans (two Iowa National Guard members and a civilian interpreter) were killed last weekend.
  • Jordan’s air force also participated in the attacks.
  • The Pentagon has not disclosed casualty numbers from Friday’s strikes.

  Notable Quote:

  “The US Launching retaliatory strikes in Syria in response to last weekend's killing of three Americans… The U.S. hit more than 70 sites targeting ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites.”
  — Ainsley Earhart, 00:08

2. Justice Department’s Jeffrey Epstein Files Release

• [00:30–01:28]

  • Public criticism mounts over the DOJ’s problematic release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s sex trafficking investigations.
    • Issues: website glitches, missing files, heavy redactions, lack of labeling or context for photographs.
    • Several photos of former President Bill Clinton appear in the documents; however, key contextual information is missing, and some faces are redacted “to protect any potential victims.”
    • Notably, a photo includes Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, again without context.

  Notable Quote:

  “There are plenty of photographs, but many have no names, dates or location… Now there are several photos of former President Bill Clinton. Within the first few documents, he's recognizable, unlike many others in many photos.”
  — David Spunt, 00:53

3. Rep. Elise Stefanik Withdraws from Governor and Congress Races

• [01:28–02:00]

  • Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) has ended her campaigns for both New York governor (2026) and for re-election to Congress, citing family reasons.
    • She had only formally declared her gubernatorial run in November.

  Notable Quote:

  “Elise Stefanik ending her bid to become New York state's next governor and also saying she will not seek reelection to Congress… citing her family as the main reason for stepping out.”
  — Paul Stevens, 01:28

4. President Trump’s Economic Push in North Carolina

• [02:31–03:12]

  • President Trump appeared in Florida after a campaign rally in North Carolina—the final rally of the year—touting his economic record.
    • Messaging focused on tax refunds, “warrior dividend” payments to service members, and housing reforms.
    • Trump aims to boost GOP prospects in a key Senate race.

  Notable Quote:

  “…trying to convince voters his economic approach is working and they'll reap the bulk of the benefits next year. He says that will be in the form of large tax refunds, Warrior dividend checks for service members and housing reforms.”
  — Madeleine Rivera, 02:38

5. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Press Conference

• Military Actions:

  • The U.S. has targeted suspected drug-running boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific; Rubio says nothing so far has warranted congressional notification or crossed a “threshold into war.”
    • “To this point, nothing has happened that requires us to notify Congress… or cross the threshold into war.”
      — Marco Rubio, 03:27

• Venezuela Policy:

  • Rubio rules out negotiations with “dictator Nicolas Maduro.”
    • “It's hard to have and do a deal with someone who never keeps a deal.”
      — Marco Rubio, 03:41

• China Relations:

  • Rubio describes China as a permanent and powerful factor in global geopolitics.
    • The U.S. must find areas for cooperation while managing competition.
    • “China is going to be, is and it will continue to be a rich and powerful country and a factor in geopolitics. And we have to deal with them… find the things we are able to work together on.”
      — Marco Rubio, 03:50

• Personal Record:

  • Rubio, lightly joking, remarks on his own dealings with China:
    • “I think I've been nice to China.”
      — Marco Rubio, 04:01

• Gaza Ceasefire:

  • Rubio also notes the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza since October.

6. Vatican News and Catholic Appointments

• [04:06–04:28]
  • The Vatican has confirmed all Catholic cardinals will convene on January 7–8, 2026.
    • Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet, Illinois, appointed next Archbishop of New York, by Pope Leo XIV.

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• Retaliatory Strikes:
  “The U.S. hit more than 70 sites targeting ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites.”
  — Ainsley Earhart, 00:08

• Epstein Files Release:
  “Many [files] have no names, dates or location. And context is really empty in some of them.”
  — David Spunt, 00:53

• Stefanik Withdrawal:
  “Citing her family as the main reason for stepping out of the 2026 race to unseat Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul.”
  — Paul Stevens, 01:28

• Military Operations:
  “Nothing has happened that requires us to notify Congress or get congressional approval or cross the threshold into war.”
  — Marco Rubio, 03:27

• Negotiation with Maduro:
  “It’s hard to have and do a deal with someone who never keeps a deal.”
  — Marco Rubio, 03:41

• On China:
  “China is going to be, is and it will continue to be a rich and powerful country and a factor in geopolitics.”
  — Marco Rubio, 03:50

• Self-Assessment:
  “I think I’ve been nice to China.”
  — Marco Rubio, 04:01

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S. retaliatory strikes: 00:02–00:30
• Epstein files controversy: 00:30–01:28
• Elise Stefanik announcement: 01:28–02:00
• President Trump’s rally and economic focus: 02:31–03:12
• Marco Rubio’s press conference: 03:12–04:06
• Vatican/Cardinals update: 04:06–04:28

Final Note

The episode delivers a fast-paced summary of top headlines, providing updates on U.S. military actions, political intrigue, high-profile investigations, election dynamics, and global religious news with the crisp, urgent tone characteristic of Fox News newscasts.