Fox News Hourly Update – 1AM ET 02/20/2026

Host: Chris DiMaio (FOX News)
Date: February 20, 2026
Duration: ~5 minutes

Episode Overview

In this hourly newscast, FOX News provides updates on key political, economic, and cultural stories. The focus centers on President Trump's economic messaging and response to recent comments on aliens, the death of actor Eric Dane, updates on the US trade deficit and stock markets, developments in the UK with Prince Andrew, and a political clash in California over proposed tax policies.

Key Discussion Points

President Trump Rallies in Georgia and Addresses Economic Policy

[00:02–00:53]

• Trump’s Economic Focus:

  • Coverage of President Trump’s rally in Northwest Georgia, highlighting economic achievements.
  • Trump visits a restaurant and steel facility in Rome, GA, emphasizing tariffs and tax cuts.

• Tariffs & Supreme Court:

  • Trump voices frustration over the Supreme Court's pending decision on his authority to impose emergency tariffs.
    • Trump Quote [00:26]:

      "Without tariffs, what would you do? You know what? Everybody would be bankrupt. Everybody, the whole country would be bankrupt. And I have to wait for this decision. I've been waiting forever."

  • Indicates concern about economic setbacks without tariff authority.

• Affordability & Tax Cuts:

  • Responds to critics on affordability, insisting he supports it.
    • Trump Quote [00:39]:

      "I want affordability. I had to go out and talk about it."

  • Promotes the "big beautiful bill," touting tax cuts as drivers for increased business investment.

Presidential Response to Obama’s Alien Comment

[00:53–01:41]

• Obama’s Alien Statement:

  • Former President Obama, in a podcast, mentioned he believes aliens are real but hasn’t seen them.

• Trump’s Directive on UFO Files:

  • Trump instructs Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and others to release files on alien life and unidentified aerial phenomena.
    • Accuses Obama of potentially revealing classified information by talking about aliens.

• Trump’s Own View on Aliens:

  • When pressed, Trump is noncommittal.
    • Trump Quote [01:30]:

      "I don't have an opinion on it. I never talk about it. A lot of people do. A lot of people believe it."

  • Secretary Hegseth humorously responds with an alien and saluting emoji on social media.

Headlines: Obituary, Economy, and International Scandal

[01:41–02:02; 02:32–02:47]

• Eric Dane Passes Away:

  • Actor known for "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Euphoria" dies at age 53 after battling ALS.

• US Trade Deficit:

  • 2025 trade deficit eases by $4 billion, standing at $901 billion.

• Prince Andrew Arrested:

  • In England, Prince Andrew is arrested and detained over misconduct in public office, linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
    • King Charles issues a statement: "the law must take its course."

Stock Market Update

[02:47–03:25]

• Market Overview:

  • Markets close down amid US-Iran tensions and AI sector volatility.
  • Tech and Financials suffer, while Industrials and Energy gain.

• Notable Figures:

  • Dow drops 267 points; Nasdaq down 71; S&P 500 down 19.
  • Winners: Caterpillar, Johnson & Johnson, UnitedHealth.
  • Decliners: Goldman Sachs, Sherwin Williams, Boeing.

California Tax Policy Clash: Newsom vs. Sanders

[03:25–04:21]

• Tax Proposal:

  • Debate over a proposed 5% tax to cover healthcare costs in California—estimated at $100 billion.
  • Labor unions are actively collecting signatures ($10 per signature) for the November ballot.

• Sanders’ Stance:

  • Bernie Sanders frames the tax as an issue of fairness; criticizes billionaires' luxury spending while workers struggle for healthcare.
  • California already imposes a high tax: Top 1% pay nearly half of all state income taxes.

• Economic Implications:

  • If billionaires left due to the tax, California stands to lose around $900 million annually.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump on Tariffs [00:26]:

  "Without tariffs, what would you do? You know what? Everybody would be bankrupt. Everybody, the whole country would be bankrupt. And I have to wait for this decision. I've been waiting forever."

• President Trump on Affordability [00:39]:

  "I want affordability. I had to go out and talk about it."

• President Trump on Aliens [01:30]:

  "I don't have an opinion on it. I never talk about it. A lot of people do. A lot of people believe it."

• William Lajeuness on California Taxes [03:36]:

  "Supporters say this proposed 5% tax, worth about $100 billion, is needed to offset rising health care costs... Bernie Sanders told the crowd it's about fairness that California's 250 resident billionaires should not be spending their money on luxuries like yachts and real estate. While state workers can't afford health care now..."

Memorable Moments & Tone

• The exchange about aliens injects a humorous and surreal note into otherwise serious political discourse, especially with Secretary Hegseth's emoji response.
• The tone is brisk and concise, matching the rapid-fire news update style, punctuated by serious coverage of political disputes and cultural losses.

Segment Timestamps

• Presidential Rally and Economic Remarks: 00:02–00:53
• Aliens/UFO Discussion: 00:53–01:41
• Headlines/Obituary/Trade Deficit: 01:41–02:02
• Prince Andrew Arrested: 02:32–02:47
• Stock Market Update: 02:47–03:25
• Newsom vs. Sanders Tax Debate: 03:25–04:21

This summary covers news content only; advertisements and sponsor mentions are omitted.