2AM ET 07/15/2025 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update: 2AM ET, July 15, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary

Release Date: July 15, 2025

1. Escalating Tensions Between the U.S. and Russia Over Ukraine Conflict

The episode opens with Sue Guzman addressing the intensifying pressure on Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. President Donald Trump has been increasingly vocal in his criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin, reflecting broader Western dissatisfaction with Russia's stance.

• Trump's Criticism and Ultimatum: During a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, President Trump expressed significant frustration with Putin's reluctance to engage in peace negotiations. An unnamed analyst highlighted, “[00:14] He was really, I think, irritated his last phone call with Putin, who is not serious, it seems, about getting into peace deals and two peace negotiations.”

• Potential Economic Measures: The White House is considering imposing steep secondary tariffs on Russia's remaining trading partners if no peace deal is reached within 50 days. Sue Guzman reports, “[00:44] The president says if Russia won't reach a peace deal in 50 days, the US will impose steep secondary tariffs, likely targeting Russia's remaining trading partners.”

• Military Support to Allies: Additionally, President Trump has secured European allies' commitment to purchase billions of dollars' worth of U.S. military equipment, including Patriot missile systems, to replenish stocks being transferred to Ukraine. Jared Halpern from the White House elaborates on these developments.

2. Supreme Court Ruling on Education Department Staffing

In a significant move affecting the Department of Education, the Supreme Court has sanctioned the Trump administration's plan to terminate 1,400 employees within the agency.

• Linda McMahon’s Statement: Education Secretary Linda McMahon commented on the ruling, stating, “[01:14] This lifts the handcuffs off of what we've been trying to do, which really is to get education back to the states where the president believes it does belong. The best education is that closest to the student.”

• White House Objectives: The administration aims to dismantle the Department of Education entirely, a plan that has met strong opposition from teacher unions and Democratic lawmakers.

3. Severe Weather Causes Flash Flooding in New York and New Jersey

The update also covers severe thunderstorms leading to major flash flooding across New York and New Jersey on Monday night.

• Impact and Response: Significant areas like Scotch Plains and Plainfield in central New Jersey were heavily affected, with rescue workers assisting individuals trapped in vehicles. In New York, major roadways were flooded, resulting in the suspension of commuter train services. Officials are urging residents to avoid traveling on affected roads.

4. Former President Joe Biden Addresses Pardon Controversies

Former President Joe Biden has publicly dismissed allegations regarding a decline in his cognitive abilities during his tenure, particularly concerning the use of the "auto pen" for pardons in his final days in office.

• Biden’s Defense: Madeleine Rivera reports, “[03:21] Former President Biden says he made every clemency decision at the end of his term, rejecting Republican claims that his aides abused the auto pen, saying, I was deeply, deeply involved. I laid out a strategy how I want to go about these dealing with pardons and commutations.”

• Republican Concerns: Despite Biden’s assurances, Republicans argue that the involvement of his chief of staff, Jeff Saenz, who authorized the use of the auto pen, suggests executive actions were taken without Biden’s direct approval. This controversy highlights the ongoing partisan tensions surrounding presidential pardons.

5. Record Tariff Revenues and Potential New Duties

Max Gordon provides insights into the U.S. tariff revenue under President Trump’s administration, noting a record influx due to existing tariffs and the possibility of additional duties.

• Tariff Revenue Statistics: “[04:12] In a record amount of money from tariffs last month, around $27 billion and more tariffs could be on the way.”

• Future Tariff Plans: President Trump has indicated plans to impose an additional 30% duty on Mexico’s non-USMCA goods and extend similar tariffs to the European Union by August 1st. He justifies these measures as responses to ongoing border issues with Mexico, including insufficient action against drug cartels and the inflow of fentanyl into the U.S. Additionally, tariffs on the EU are aimed at addressing trade imbalances, with Trump stating, “[04:12] The U.S. president said they are working toward an agreement by August 1st, but also said proportionate countermeasures would be coming if required.”

6. Community Response to Natural Disasters

Sue Guzman highlights Fox News’ initial contributions to the Kerk County Flood Relief Fund, noting the overwhelming support from listeners across Fox platforms, which helped raise $6.5 million for communities in Central Texas affected by flooding.

Conclusion

The 2AM ET update from Fox News Radio on July 15, 2025, provided a comprehensive overview of significant geopolitical tensions, domestic policy shifts, natural disaster responses, and ongoing political controversies. Key discussions included the U.S. stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, internal government restructuring efforts, extreme weather impacts, presidential pardon debates, and economic measures through tariffs. The segment effectively conveyed critical information, enriched with direct quotes and insights from relevant figures, ensuring listeners remain informed on pressing national and international issues.

Transcript

[Sue Guzman]

New pressure on Russia. I'm Sue Guzman. Fox News. President Trump ramping up his criticism of Russian leader Vladimir Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on. And he is not alone.

[Unnamed Analyst]

He was really, I think, irritated his last phone call with Putin, who is not serious, it seems, about getting into peace deals and two peace negotiations.

[Sue Guzman]

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the president is giving the Kremlin an ultimatum.

[Unnamed Analyst]

During a meeting with NATO secretary General, President Trump again voiced anger at Russian President Vladimir Putin for failing to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

My conversations with him are always very pleasant. They say, isn't that very lovely conversation? And then the missiles go off that night.

The president says if Russia won't reach a peace deal in 50 days, the US will impose steep secondary tariffs, likely targeting Russia's remaining trading partners. President Trump also agreed to European allies buying billions of dollars in US Military equipment like Patriot missile systems to replenish stockpiles quick being transferred to Ukraine. At the White House, Jared Halpern, FOX News.

[Sue Guzman]

The Supreme Court allowing the Trump administration to fire 1,400 employees at the Education Department.

[Linda McMahon]

This lifts the handcuffs off of what we've been trying to do, which really is to get education back to the states where the president believes it does belong. The best education is that closest to the student.

[Sue Guzman]

Education Secretary Linda McMahon. The White House goal is to completely dismantle the department, something strongly opposed by teacher unions and Democrats. Severe thunderstorms resulting in major flash flooding in New York and New Jersey Monday night. State of emergency declared in New Jersey. Scotch planes and Plainfield in central New Jersey hard hit as rescue workers helped those that were trapped in cars. Major roadways in New York also flooded as commuter train suspended service. Officials urging people to stay off the roads. America's listening to FOX News.

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[Sue Guzman]

Former President Joe Biden rejecting speculation about a decline in his mental acuity during his time at the White House, claiming he was in control when he signed off on pardons in his final days in office. Fox's Madeleine Rivera has more.

[Madeleine Rivera]

Former President Biden says he made every clemency decision at the end of his term, rejecting Republican claims that his aides abused the auto pen, saying, I was deeply, deeply involved. I laid out a strategy how I want to go about these dealing with pardons and commutations. He did not individually approve each name for the categorical pardons for large groups of people, but he did sign off on the criteria for them. His aides then ran the final list through with an auto pen. Republicans, though, say the new information bolsters their argument that Biden's team took executive action without his approval. While Biden reportedly spoke with his aides about his decisions, it was his chief of staff, Jeff Saenz, who ultimately replied to staff, writing, I approve the use of auto pen for the execution of all the following pardons.

[Sue Guzman]

President Trump says the US Is bringing in a record amount of money because of tariff revenue. Fox Business Max Gordon the US Brought.

[Max Gordon]

In a record amount of money from tariffs last month, around $27 billion and more tariffs could be on the way. President Trump is saying the US will impose additional 30% duties on Mexico's non USMCA goods and the EU by August 1st. In a letter to Mexico' President Trump said the tariffs on that country are in response to border issues and that Mexico hasn't done enough to stop drug cartels and from fentanyl getting into the U.S. meanwhile, President Trump says he's targeting the EU with additional tariffs because of trade imbalances. The U.S. president said they are working toward an agreement by August 1st, but also said proportionate countermeasures would be coming if required.

[Sue Guzman]

Following Fox's initial donation to the Kerk County Flood Relief Fund, our generous listeners have answered the call to action across all Fox platforms, helping to raise six and a half million doll Central Texas communities. I'm Sue Cosman. This is Fox.

[Will Taint]

It's Will Taint Country. Watch it live at noon Eastern Monday through Thursday at foxnews. Com or on the Fox News YouTube channel and don't miss the show. Listen and follow the podcast five days a week at foxnewspodcasts. Com or wherever you download your favorite podcasts.