Fox News Hourly Update
Episode: 12PM ET 08/25/2025 Newscast
Host: FOX News Podcasts (Various correspondents)
Date: August 25, 2025
Episode Overview
This midday newscast brings updates on immigration enforcement involving an alleged MS-13 member, President Trump’s latest executive actions and controversies, new information released in the Ghislaine Maxwell–Jeffrey Epstein investigation, further developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, and U.S. political maneuvers regarding crime and policing in American cities.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Immigration Enforcement: MS-13 and Human Smuggling (00:02–01:18)
-
Kilmar Abrego Garcia Case:
- Homeland Security confirms Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, alleged MS-13 member and human smuggler, is set to be deported to Uganda after surrendering to ICE at a Baltimore facility.
- Garcia, who is awaiting trial in Tennessee on federal human smuggling charges, is the plaintiff in a new federal lawsuit.
- A 6:30am rally of about 150 supporters took place outside the Baltimore ICE facility; the event was peaceful, with music and singing.
Quote:
"We know that he was taken into custody pretty much immediately after he walked into this federal building for that ICE check."
— David Spunt (00:21) -
Homeland Secretary's Comments:
- Homeland Secretary Kristi Nam and President Trump take a tough stance, emphasizing not allowing "this illegal alien, MS-13 member, human trafficker, serial domestic abuser and child predator to terrorize American citizens any longer." (00:50)
- President Trump signs an order threatening to eliminate cashless bail by cutting federal funds.
-
Baltimore Crime Controversy:
- Trump criticizes Baltimore for high crime, calling it "number four capital for crime."
- In response to Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s challenge to walk the streets, Trump retorts:
Quote:"As president, I would much prefer that he clean up this crime disaster before I go for a walk there. Stop talking and get to work, Wes. Then I'll see you on the streets."
— (Narrator, 01:21–01:46)
2. Presidential Law Enforcement Initiatives (01:18–01:46)
- Widening federal intervention considered in cities like Chicago, described by Trump as "a disaster."
- Ongoing local-federal disputes over control of police forces, particularly in D.C. and Maryland.
- Local leaders claim crime rates are falling post-pandemic.
3. Ghislaine Maxwell and the Epstein Investigation (02:23–03:29)
-
DOJ Interview Released:
- Newly released DOJ transcript features Maxwell from federal prison in Texas; she maintains there is "no client list" and speculates on the source of related rumors.
- Maxwell denies witnessing former President Bill Clinton or President Trump in any inappropriate setting.
Quote:
"I actually never saw the president in any type of massage setting. I never witnessed the president in any inappropriate setting in any way. The president was never inappropriate with anybody."
— Ghislaine Maxwell (via Fox News Announcer, 02:54) -
Epstein’s Death:
- Maxwell casts doubt on Epstein’s suicide, while seeking a pardon or commutation for her 20-year sentence for her role in underage sex trafficking.
-
Legal Team’s Response:
- Maxwell’s attorney, David Marcus, praises DOJ’s transparency, stating:
Quote:"People could judge for themselves."
— Kristen Goodwin reporting (03:05)
- Maxwell’s attorney, David Marcus, praises DOJ’s transparency, stating:
4. Russia-Ukraine War and Ukraine's Independence Day (03:29–04:07)
-
Ukraine’s Military Tactics:
- Ukraine steps up drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, reportedly causing rising fuel prices in Russia.
- Russia accuses Ukraine of an attack on a nuclear plant; fire was quickly controlled.
-
Global Support:
- On Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day, world leaders including President Trump and Chinese President Xi send support messages.
5. Executive Actions: Flag Desecration and Legal Challenges (04:07–04:24)
-
Flag Protection Order:
- President Trump signs an executive order requiring the prosecution of flag desecration.
- Legal experts anticipate a Supreme Court challenge, as flag burning has First Amendment protections.
Quote:
"President Trump signing several executive orders today, including one against desecrating the American flag by mandating prosecution for acts including flag burning, which may face a Supreme Court challenge."
— Therese Crowley (04:07)
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
David Spunt (on ICE arrest):
"We know that he was taken into custody pretty much immediately after he walked into this federal building for that ICE check." (00:21)
-
President Trump’s retort to Gov. Wes Moore (via narrator):
"As president, I would much prefer that he clean up this crime disaster before I go for a walk there. Stop talking and get to work, Wes. Then I'll see you on the streets." (01:21)
-
Ghislaine Maxwell (via Fox News Announcer):
"I actually never saw the president in any type of massage setting. I never witnessed the president in any inappropriate setting in any way. The president was never inappropriate with anybody." (02:54)
-
Kristen Goodwin (on DOJ interview release):
"Her lawyer, David Marcus, praising the DOJ for releasing the transcript and audio, saying people could judge for themselves." (03:05)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:02 – Immigration: Kilmar Abrego Garcia surrender and lawsuit
- 00:50 – Trump’s executive order on bail, Baltimore crime debate
- 01:18–01:46 – Baltimore/Chicago federal law enforcement, local-federal tension
- 02:23–03:29 – Ghislaine Maxwell DOJ interview, claims about Clinton, Trump, Epstein
- 03:29–04:07 – Ukraine’s attacks on Russia, world leaders’ reactions on Independence Day
- 04:07–04:24 – Trump signs executive order on flag desecration
Takeaway
This compact update covers major national and international news: strong federal action on crime and immigration, a high-profile DOJ release on Epstein’s associate, shifts in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and executive orders pushing the envelope on First Amendment rights. The tone is urgent and direct, keeping listeners abreast of breaking news and ongoing controversies.