Fox News Hourly Update – 11PM ET, December 20, 2025

Host: Chris DiMeo
Reporters: Lucas Tomlinson, Steve Harrigan, Brooke Taylor
Special Guests: President Donald Trump (via rally speech), Senator Chris Van Hollen
Date: December 21, 2025

Main Theme & Purpose

This Fox News Hourly Update covers major U.S. military actions against ISIS in Syria, domestic controversy over the renaming of the Kennedy Center, Australia’s legislative response to a deadly attack, updates on a high-profile murder investigation, and U.S. military activity related to Venezuela. The episode delivers fast, fact-focused news with soundbites from key political figures and reporters.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Strikes ISIS Targets in Syria

• Operation Hawkeye Strike: U.S. military responds to the killing of three American personnel by launching precision strikes on over 70 ISIS sites in Syria.
  • Named in honor of two Iowa National Guard soldiers and their interpreter killed by a “lone ISIS gunman” (00:02–00:32).
• Presidential Remarks: President Trump praises the mission’s precision at a North Carolina rally:
  • “Massive strike on the terrorists that killed our three great patriots last week… It was precision. We hit every site flawlessly and we are restoring peace through strength.” – Donald Trump (00:32)
• Casualty Details: Pentagon remains silent on number of ISIS killed; confirms no U.S. casualties (00:51).

2. Kennedy Center Renaming Controversy

• Protests and Political Pushback: Demonstrations in Washington, D.C. against plans to rename the Kennedy Center as the “Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.”
  • Led by group Hands Off the Arts, opposing perceived government censorship and politicization (00:56).
  • Senator Chris Van Hollen voices opposition:
    • “We’ve got a president who doesn’t respect the arts. All he respects is cash from his donors and built buddies… He’s in office to enrich himself and his family…” – Chris Van Hollen (01:19)
• Political Maneuvering: Trump-appointed board approves name change; Democrats argue only Congress can make such changes (01:39).
• President’s Response: Trump says he was “honored and surprised” by the move (01:39).

3. Australia’s Crackdown Following Hanukkah Attack

• Hate Speech and Demonstrations: In response to a deadly Hanukkah attack at Bondi Beach (15 dead), Australian government plans new laws:
  • Outlawing phrases like “globalize the intifada” and hate symbols, including those of Hamas and the Nazi party (03:08–03:42).
• Gun Control: Parliament proposes voluntary gun buyback and stricter firearms regulations.
• Recognition of Heroism: Ahmed Al Ahmad rewarded over $1.5 million for bravery during the attack (03:42).

4. Brown & MIT Professor Murder Case Update

• Break in the Case: Two guns recovered from suspect linked to Brown and MIT shootings.
• Viral Tip: Homeless man’s Reddit post leads police to the suspect after six-day manhunt (03:57).
• Suspect Identified: Claudio Neves Valente, Portuguese national and former Brown PhD student; motive unknown (04:32).

5. US Military Blocks Venezuelan Vessel

• Naval Activity: Second interception in less than two weeks off Venezuelan coast.
• Linked to a broader U.S. pressure campaign and naval blockade aimed at ousting President Maduro (04:32).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Military Action
  “Massive strike on the terrorists that killed our three great patriots last week. Two soldiers, one interpreter, all great people. And it was very successful. It was precision. We hit every site flawlessly and we are restoring peace through strength. We're all over the world.”
  – Donald Trump, 00:32

• Senator Van Hollen on Kennedy Center Renaming
  “We’ve got a president who doesn’t respect the arts. All he respects is cash from his donors and built buddies. He’s in office to enrich himself and his family and the billionaires who were standing behind him when he was sworn in on Inauguration Day.”
  – Chris Van Hollen, 01:19

• Steve Harrigan on Australia’s Response
  “Lawmakers here say they're going to outlaw the phrase globalize the intifada, which means for many trying to legitimize violent attacks against Jews. They're trying to also outlaw hate symbols, flags from parties like Hamas and the Nazi party as well.”
  – Steve Harrigan, 03:08

• Brooke Taylor on Break in Murder Investigation
  “Police crediting a homeless man for posting on Reddit for really cracking this case wide open after a six day manhunt.”
  – Brooke Taylor, 03:57

Important Segment Timestamps

• U.S. Strikes ISIS, Trump’s Remarks: 00:02–00:51
• Kennedy Center Renaming and Protests: 00:56–01:39
• Australia: Hate Speech & Gun Control: 03:08–03:42
• Brown & MIT Murders Investigation Update: 03:57–04:32
• Venezuelan Naval Blockade: 04:32–04:56

This summary delivers a clear, comprehensive account of the top news events covered in the Fox News Hourly Update for 11PM ET, December 20, 2025, with timestamps, key quotes, and context to aid listeners or readers seeking an efficient briefing.