Fox News Hourly Update – 2AM ET 08/31/2025 Newscast

Host: Angelo Bavaro (FOX News Podcasts)
Date: August 31, 2025

Episode Overview

This newscast covers major breaking news in politics, international affairs, and U.S. policy:

• A federal appeals court ruling challenges President Trump’s tariffs.
• Updates on the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
• Chicago’s mayor fights federal immigration/crime policies.
• President Trump eyes renaming the Department of Defense.
• Latest developments in the Ukraine conflict.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Court Ruling on Trump’s Tariffs

• [00:03] Host Angelo Bavaro introduces the uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s tariff policy after a federal court ruling.
• [00:16] Alexandria Hoff clarifies:
  • Trump’s tariffs remain in effect until at least October 14th, to allow time for potential Supreme Court appeal.
  • The court’s opinion highlighted the president’s broad emergency powers, but stated:
    “None of these actions explicitly include the power to impose tariffs, duties or the like, or the power to tax.”
  • President Trump’s official response:
    • “A highly partisan appeals court incorrectly said that our tariffs should be removed, but they know the United States of America will win in the end. If these tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the country. It would make us financially weak and and we have to be strong.” (Donald Trump, [00:43])
• [00:57] Tariffs are described as a lever to compel trading partners to renegotiate deals.

2. Israel’s Offensive in Gaza & Humanitarian Crisis

• [01:07] Chanley Painter reports:
  • Israel will restrict humanitarian aid into northern Gaza amid a new offensive against Hamas.
  • “That means stopping airdrops and slowing aid trucks entering into Gaza City.”
  • IDF preparing for evacuation of “hundreds of thousands of residents”—Gaza City called “one of Hamas’s last strongholds.”
  • Notably: The world’s leading authority on food crisis has declared famine in Gaza City.

3. Powerball Jackpot Update

• [01:35] No winner in the latest Powerball draw; jackpot climbs to $1.1 billion. Three ‘Match Five and Power Play’ tickets won $2 million each.

4. Chicago’s Immigration, Crime Policy Standoff

• [02:29] Angelo Bavaro summarizes:
  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signs an executive order opposing the Trump administration’s law enforcement actions in the city.
  • Johnson states:
    • “He is reckless and out of control. He is the biggest threat to our democracy that we’ve experienced in the history of our country.” (Mayor Brandon Johnson, [02:36])
  • Trump’s rejoinder:
    • “Chicago is a mess and residents are, quote, screaming for us to come.” (Donald Trump, [02:46])

5. Department of Defense Name Change Proposal

• [03:11] Jill Nado reports:
  • Trump administration planning to rename ‘Department of Defense’ to ‘Department of War.’
  • Trump’s rationale:
    • “So it used to be called the Department of War and it had a stronger sound. And as you know, we won World War I, we won World War II, we won everything. Now we have a Department of Defense with defenders.” (Donald Trump, [03:22])
  • Congressional approval may be required; White House exploring alternatives.
  • Historical context: The Department of War (est. 1789) was renamed Defense in 1949.

6. Latest Russian Strikes on Ukraine

• [03:55] Angelo Bavaro reports:
  • At least one dead, dozens wounded (including children) in Russian aerial attacks.
  • Five-story apartment building struck; Ukraine claims to have neutralized over 500 drones and 38 missiles.
  • Comes shortly after international summits involving President Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Zelensky.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump on Court Ruling:

  • “A highly partisan appeals court incorrectly said that our tariffs should be removed... If these tariffs ever went away, it would be a total disaster for the country. It would make us financially weak and and we have to be strong.” ([00:43])

• Mayor Brandon Johnson on Federal Policy:

  • “He is reckless and out of control. He is the biggest threat to our democracy that we've experienced in the history of our country.” ([02:36])

• President Trump on Renaming the Pentagon:

  • “So it used to be called the Department of War and it had a stronger sound... Now we have a Department of Defense with defenders.” ([03:22])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump's Tariffs & Legal Challenge: [00:03]–[00:57]
• Israel-Gaza Aid & Offensive: [01:07]–[01:35]
• Powerball Update: [01:35]
• Chicago–Trump Policy Conflict: [02:29]–[03:11]
• Department of Defense Name Change: [03:11]–[03:55]
• Russian Attack on Ukraine: [03:55]–[04:29]

This episode offers a rapid rundown of legal, political, international, and humanitarian headline news, centering on actions by the Trump administration and their global ripple effects.