Fox News Hourly Update – 12AM ET 10/14/2025

Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: October 14, 2025

Overview

This episode delivers a rapid roundup of significant global and domestic news, focusing primarily on President Trump's breakthroughs in the Middle East, the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, shifts in U.S.-China trade relations, and education department layoffs. The tone is urgent and factual, in line with standard newscast delivery, featuring direct reporting and a few notable soundbites from political leaders.

Main Theme

Historic Progress Toward Middle East Peace & U.S. Political Developments
The episode’s central focus is on President Trump’s highly publicized pursuit of Middle East peace, particularly highlighting Israeli hostage releases, diplomatic milestones, and international reactions. Additional updates include U.S. domestic politics, with the government shutdown and its consequences, trade tensions with China, and major federal layoffs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Middle East Peace Breakthroughs

• Hostage Release in Israel:

  • President Trump addresses the Israeli Knesset following the return of 20 living Israeli hostages. This is framed as the first success of his "historic peace plan." [00:02]
  • Trump characterizes the achievement as “what everybody said was impossible” and proclaims, “At long last, we have peace in the Middle East.” [00:17–00:31]

• Trump’s Requests & Diplomatic Outreach:

  • During his Knesset speech, Trump urges Israeli President Isaac Herzog to pardon Prime Minister Netanyahu. [00:31]
  • Trump meets other world leaders in Egypt, thanking them for support in the peace process, especially Egypt’s President El Sisi and Turkey’s President Erdogan. He also acknowledges the death of three Qatari negotiators who contributed to the talks. [00:45–01:24]

• Regional Reactions:

  • Pakistani Prime Minister Shabbat Sharif publicly praises Trump, calling him a “man of peace” and credits him with saving millions of lives in South Asia and the Middle East. [01:24–01:56]

2. U.S.-China Relations & Trade

• Softening Stance:
  • President Trump signals a pivot in his approach to China, posting on Truth Social about wanting to help China amid its economic trouble, a clear change from the recent threats of steep tariffs. [02:31]
  • Trump's new rhetoric describes President Xi Jinping as a “great leader” amid hints that both leaders will meet soon in Asia. [02:48]

3. U.S. Government Shutdown

• Shutdown Extends:
  • The shutdown heads into its 14th day, with worsening impacts: federal workers miss paychecks, and public institutions like Smithsonian museums close due to lack of funds. [03:17]
  • Political Standoff: Republicans refuse to negotiate, Democrats stand firm, especially on funding for Obamacare. Republicans hope the mounting pressure will force Democrats to capitulate, but a Senate filibuster means some Democratic support is still required for resolution. [03:29–04:06]

4. Education Department Layoffs

• Mass Layoffs:
  • The Trump administration begins laying off 466 Department of Education employees, cutting the department to less than half its size compared to when Trump first took office. This specifically affects offices dealing with special education and civil rights enforcement. [04:06]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump addresses Knesset:

  “Together, we've achieved what everybody said was impossible. At long last, we have peace in the Middle East. And it's a very simple expression, peace in the Middle east. And we've heard it for many years, but nobody thought it could ever get there. And now we're there.”
  (President Donald Trump, 00:17–00:31)

• Jennifer Griffin’s Middle East Update:

  “President Trump thanked Egyptian President El Sisi...recognized the terrible loss of three Qatari negotiators who died in a tragic car accident after the deal was agreed to...20 living Israeli hostages returned home today. Four of the 28 dead hostages returned to from Hamas to their families here in Israel.”
  (Jennifer Griffin, 00:45–01:24)

• Pakistani Prime Minister Shabbat Sharif:

  “He has brought not only peace in South Asia, saved millions of people their lives. And today here in Sharm El Sheikh, achieving peace in Gaza is saving millions of lives in the Middle East. Mr. President, I would like to salute you.”
  (Prime Minister Shabbat Sharif, 01:31–01:56)

• Mike Emanuel on Trump’s shift on China:

  “A big shift there. The president saying he has a strong relationship with President Xi Jinping of China. They have a great relationship and he's a great leader. That's a big shift from what we heard late last week when the president was threatening a new 100% tariff on Chinese imports...”
  (Mike Emanuel, 02:48–03:17)

• Chad Pergram on the government shutdown:

  “The hurt from the government shutdown intensifies this week. Workers off the job, services suspended. And now many federal employees will miss paychecks... Republicans believe that turns up the pressure on Democrats to cave.”
  (Chad Pergram, 03:29–04:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:02 – 00:31: President Trump’s Knesset speech, hostages released, plea for Netanyahu pardon
• 00:45 – 01:24: World reaction: Trump’s thanks to El Sisi and global leaders, tragic loss of Qatari negotiators
• 01:24 – 01:56: Pakistani PM praises Trump as a peacemaker
• 02:31 – 03:17: Trump softens trade tone on China, hints at leadership summit
• 03:17 – 04:06: Government shutdown impacts and political stalemate
• 04:06 – 04:28: Education Department mass layoffs

Conclusion

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers a concise yet impactful overview of dramatic developments in Mideast peace, shifting global alliances, and deepening domestic challenges in the U.S. Notable quotes and high-level source attributions highlight the episode’s emphasis on global diplomacy and the personal role of President Trump in current events. The news is fast-paced, prioritizing major statements and on-the-ground consequences for listeners.