Fox News Hourly Update: 12PM ET – July 22, 2025 Newscast
Released on July 22, 2025
Trade Developments: U.S.-Philippines Negotiations
Lisa Brady opens the newscast focusing on President Donald Trump's ongoing trade negotiations with the Philippines.
- President Trump's Statement ([00:09]):
"We're very close to finishing a trade deal, big trade deal, actually. And we do a lot of business with you. It's a lot of, it's a lot of income coming in for both, for both groups. But I was surprised to see the kind of numbers. They're very big and they're going to get bigger under what we're doing and what we're proposing."
Trump emphasizes the significance of the impending trade agreement, highlighting mutual economic benefits and anticipated growth under the proposed terms.
Trade Stalemate Warning ([00:27]): Brady warns that without a finalized deal, a 20% tariff on goods from the Philippines is set to take effect on August 1. This impending tariff adds urgency to the negotiations, underlining the high stakes involved for both nations' economies.
Economic Insights: AstraZeneca's U.S. Investment
In the same segment, President Trump highlights AstraZeneca's major investment plans in the United States.
- AstraZeneca Announcement: The pharmaceutical giant has announced a $50 billion investment by 2030, including the establishment of a new manufacturing plant in Virginia. This investment is poised to create numerous jobs and bolster the U.S. pharmaceutical industry.
Jeffrey Epstein Files Controversy
Thomas Massie, a Kentucky Republican Congressman, defends his resolution demanding the release of all files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
- Massie's Statement ([00:58]):
"People have wanted these files for years. And then, you know, the president's staff, administration, his own children, his vice president have promised that these files would come out. And now we're being told it's a hoax."
Massie challenges the Justice Department's memo, which concluded Epstein committed suicide and denied the existence of a client list, suggesting potential cover-ups and fueling ongoing public skepticism.
Deputy Attorney General's Update ([01:10]): A deputy attorney general announces plans to seek a meeting with Epstein's convicted co-conspirator, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently incarcerated. This development adds complexity to the ongoing investigations into Epstein's activities.
President Trump's Response ([01:22]):
"Know that they were going to do it. I don't really follow that too much. It's, it's sort of a witch hunt, just a continuation of the witch hunt."
Trump dismisses the investigations as a continuation of a broader "witch hunt," indicating his stance against the current DOJ inquiries.
Intelligence and Homeland Security Concerns
Focus Shift by the President ([01:30]): President Trump urges the press to concentrate on recent referrals to the Justice Department from the Director of National Intelligence. These referrals suggest potential misconduct by the Obama administration concerning allegations of Russian interference in U.S. elections.
Homeland Security Update ([01:30]): Homeland Security officials inform a Senate hearing that there have been over 3,000 drone incidents near American airports since 2021. Notably, 11 aircraft in the current year reported taking evasive action to prevent drone collisions, highlighting growing security concerns in U.S. airspace.
Colorado Wildfire Investigation
Lisa Brady reports on a significant wildfire along the Colorado-Utah border.
- Jeff Manasso ([02:36]):
"It was human caused."
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office in Colorado has identified a suspect responsible for the Deer Creek fire, which has scorched over 17,000 acres since July 10th and destroyed at least 10 structures, including homes. The fire is currently over 50% contained. Details regarding the exact cause and potential arrest of the suspect remain undisclosed.
International Law Enforcement Updates
Anti-Whaling Activist's Status ([03:08]): Interpol has removed Paul Watson, the 74-year-old former head of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, from its international most-wanted list. Watson is renowned for his direct action tactics against whaling vessels and was previously sought by Japan for his 2010 confrontation with a Japanese research ship.
Espionage Conviction ([03:38]): Jonathan Savage reports on the conviction of Howard Phillips, a 65-year-old British national dubbed a "James Bond wannabe," who was found guilty of spying for Russia.
- Court Testimony: Phillips' ex-wife testified that he aspired to emulate James Bond but instead engaged in espionage against the United Kingdom. Believing he was aiding a foreign intelligence agency, Phillips attempted to pass information about a former British defense secretary to Russian agents. However, the individuals he approached were undercover British operatives. Phillips is set to be sentenced later this year.
Stock Market Overview
Lisa Brady provides a snapshot of the current stock market landscape.
- Market Performance ([04:11]): The stock market exhibits mixed results amid varied earnings reports. General Motors (GM) reported stronger-than-expected profits but forecasts a multibillion-dollar loss due to tariff impacts. The Dow Jones Industrial Average is up by 27 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq are trading in the red, reflecting the volatile economic environment.
Closing Remarks
The newscast concludes with a brief promotion from Jeff Manasso of the FOX News Podcasts Network, followed by Kennedy promoting his podcast, "Kennedy Saves the World," available five days a week on various platforms.
Note: This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights presented during the 12PM ET newscast on July 22, 2025. For detailed information and updates, tuning into the full episode is recommended.
