Fox News Hourly Update: 11PM ET 12/22/2025 Newscast

Host: Ted Lindner (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: December 23, 2025

Episode Overview

This late-night edition of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers concise reports on the top news stories as of December 22, 2025. The episode covers heightened U.S. actions against Venezuela, global diplomatic changes by the Trump administration, escalating tensions following an anti-Semitic attack in Australia, a tragic Mexican naval plane crash, a major settlement with Mercedes Benz, and the latest Powerball jackpot.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. U.S. Escalates Pressure on Venezuela

• [00:02] Ted Lindner opens with a report on the Trump administration’s crackdown on Venezuelan oil tankers as part of ramped-up sanctions against President Nicolas Maduro’s regime.
• [00:16] Madison Scarpino details U.S. efforts:
  • The Coast Guard and War Department are actively working to seize a third oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast.
  • Dramatic video captured a Coast Guard special reaction team boarding a tanker from a Navy helicopter.
  • Despite bipartisan opposition to Maduro at home, “there are some critics” of the aggressive U.S. stance.
  • Russia pledges unequivocal support for Venezuela amid the crisis.

Notable Quote:

• Madison Scarpino: “The Coast Guard and the War Department are working to seize a third oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela… and while the Trump administration isn't backing down on its aggressive action against Venezuela… there are some critics.” [00:16]

2. Announcement of U.S. "Golden Fleet" Warships

• [00:43] President Trump, speaking at Mar-a-Lago, unveils plans to build the “Golden Fleet” — touted as the “fastest, the biggest and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.”

Notable Quote:

• Ted Lindner quoting President Trump:
  “These are the best in the world. They'll be the fastest, the biggest and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.” [00:43]

3. Outrage in Australia Over Anti-Semitic Attack

• [00:43] The episode shifts to Sydney, where public anger is mounting over the government’s response to a anti-Semitic shooting at a Hanukkah celebration.

• [01:09] Steve Harrigan reports:

  • Citizens accuse leaders of failing to seriously address anti-Semitism.
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was booed at a commemoration event and did not speak.
  • Critics point to ongoing anti-Semitic incidents such as synagogue fires, destruction of Jewish businesses, and hateful rhetoric at protests.
  • The recent attack is portrayed as a result of this growing hostility.

Notable Quote:

• Steve Harrigan:
  “We’re sick and tired of hearing about the government blaming gun laws or, you know, other things instead of really addressing the main issue about anti-Semitism.” [01:09]

  “[Critics point to] an atmosphere that made an attack like Sunday’s almost inevitable.” [01:09]

• [01:49] Authorities recovered undetonated explosives and ISIS flags from the suspects’ vehicle.

4. Mexican Naval Plane Crash Off Texas Coast

• [02:32] At least five people have died in a Mexican naval plane crash near Galveston, Texas.
  • The plane was on a medical support mission carrying a young patient and seven others (four Navy officers, four civilians, including a child).

5. U.S. Recalls 29 Ambassadors

• [02:53] Jessica Rosenthal reports:
  • The Trump administration is recalling chiefs of mission in 29 countries.
  • The State Department describes this as “standard process in any administration,” allowing the president to advance a so-called “America first agenda.”
  • Among the locations affected: several African countries (Somalia, Nigeria, Rwanda), Philippines, Vietnam, Guatemala, and Egypt.

Notable Quote:

• Jessica Rosenthal:
  “Ambassadors are personal representatives of the president and it is the president’s right to ensure he has people in place who advance an America first agenda.” [02:53]

6. Mercedes Benz Emissions Settlement

• [03:30] Gernall Scott breaks down a major legal development:
  • Mercedes Benz and parent Daimler AG settle for nearly $150 million with most U.S. states and territories over allegations of rigged emissions tests in 211,000 vehicles.
  • As part of the deal, the automaker must report pollution levels promptly and cease misleading marketing.
  • This follows a 2020 federal and California settlement over similar issues.

Notable Quote:

• Gernall Scott:
  “The company said the agreement Monday ends its legal emissions issues with the rest of the country.” [03:37]

7. Powerball Jackpot Update

• [04:19] Ted Lindner notes that the latest Powerball jackpot stands at a massive $1.6 billion, making it the second-largest of the year.

Memorable Moments and Quotes

• [01:09] (Steve Harrigan, on Australia):
  “There is anger over what many say was a failure of the current government to protect its citizens… Prime Minister Albanese was greeted by raucous boos from the crowd.”
• [00:43] (President Trump, via Lindner):
  “They'll be the fastest, the biggest and by far 100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built.”
• [02:53] (Jessica Rosenthal):
  “Ambassadors are personal representatives of the president and it is the president’s right to ensure he has people in place who advance an America first agenda.”

Key Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment Summary | |-----------|--------------------------------------------------| | 00:02 | U.S. action against Venezuelan oil tankers | | 00:16 | U.S. Coast Guard details, Russia’s response | | 00:43 | Trump unveils “Golden Fleet” warships | | 01:09 | Outrage in Australia after anti-Semitic attack | | 01:49 | Explosives, ISIS flags recovered in Australia | | 02:32 | Mexican naval plane crash near Texas | | 02:53 | U.S. recalling 29 ambassadors | | 03:30 | Mercedes Benz emissions settlement | | 04:19 | Powerball jackpot update |

Tone and Language

The episode maintains Fox News' direct, brisk, and urgent reporting style, balancing hard news with concise quotes and occasional dramatic language (e.g., "bipartisan opposition," "100 times more powerful than any battleship ever built," "atmosphere that made an attack like Sunday’s almost inevitable"). Each reporter delivers focused updates without editorial commentary.

This summary provides a comprehensive snapshot of the 11PM ET 12/22/2025 Fox News Hourly Update, capturing top world and U.S. headlines with pivotal quotes, insights, and precise timestamps.