Fox News Hourly Update: 2AM ET 09/26/2025 Newscast

Host: Sue Guzman (FOX News Podcasts)
Air Date: September 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights high-profile political developments, national security issues, and international affairs. The major themes include the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, updates on TikTok’s U.S. ownership changes, a looming government shutdown, President Trump’s diplomatic negotiations, and international crises in Israel/Palestine and Haiti.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. James Comey Indictment & Reactions

Timestamps: 00:02 – 01:09

• Headline: Former FBI Director James Comey indicted by a federal grand jury on obstruction and making false statements to Congress regarding the Russia investigation.
• Comey Responds:
  • Shared emotional reaction in a video statement via Instagram.
    • Quote: “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system. I'm innocent. So let's have a trial and keep the faith.” – James Comey [00:17]
• DOJ Reaction:
  • The Attorney General emphasized that “no one is above the law” and reinforced the DOJ’s resolve to hold people accountable for abuse of power.
    • Quote: “Today's indictment reflects this Department of Justice's commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.” – U.S. Attorney General [00:33]
• Political Context:
  • James Comey has been a longstanding adversary of President Trump, fired by him in 2017.
  • President Trump responded on Truth Social, calling the indictment “justice for America.”

2. TikTok Deal Approved by Trump

Timestamps: 01:09 – 01:56

• Executive Order:
  • President Trump greenlights a deal placing controlling ownership of TikTok with American investors.
• National Security Focus:
  • The ownership board is tasked with protecting data and ensuring national security.
  • Quote: “It's going to be as secure as you can be because of the ownership and the people and they have a big investment. You know it's to their advantage to make sure it's good and safe.” – Donald Trump [01:32]
• Deal Details:
  • TikTok now valued at ~$14 billion.
  • Originates from law requiring a Chinese divestment for operation in the U.S.
  • Reported by Jared Halpern from the White House.

3. Impending Government Shutdown

Timestamps: 02:31 – 03:17

• Shutdown Deadline:
  • September 30th, 2025 is the deadline for a funding agreement.
  • The White House instructs agencies to prepare for mass firings if a shutdown occurs.
• Political Divisions:
  • Florida Rep. Greg Stube (R) calls for bypassing the Senate’s 60-vote filibuster threshold to pass a Republican plan.
    • Quote: “Why should Chuck Schumer determine and negotiate what happens to the American people? We have the majority.” – Rep. Greg Stube [02:44]
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pushes for healthcare provisions needed to secure Democratic votes, causing dispute over the scope of the funding package.
  • Coverage by Ryan Schmelz.

4. Trump-Erdogan Meeting on Russia & Turkey

Timestamps: 03:17 – 03:58

• Strategic Talks:
  • President Trump meets with Turkish President Erdogan, urging reduced support for Russia.
  • Trump open to lifting 2019 sanctions and selling American F-35s to Turkey if Turkey assists with the war in Ukraine.
    • Quote: “I think he could have a big influence if he wants to.” – Donald Trump [03:25]
• Erdogan’s Position:
  • Erdogan previously claimed at the U.N. he would “finish” the Russia-Ukraine war, but fighting continues.
    • Quote: “Said, I will finish the Russia Ukraine war. Did it end? It still goes on.” – Recep Tayyip Erdogan [03:47]
• No Immediate Sanctions Decision:
  • Ongoing tension with possible sanctions against Turkey pending.

5. U.S. Policy on Israel's West Bank Annexation

Timestamps: 03:58 – 04:11

• Trump Position:
  • President Trump asserts he will not allow Israel to annex parts of the West Bank.
• International Context:
  • Israel proposes annexation in reaction to Western nations (UK, Canada) moving to recognize a Palestinian state.

6. Crisis in Haiti

Timestamps: 04:11 – 04:28

• Haiti’s Plea:
  • The head of Haiti's transitional Presidential Council urgently calls for international help due to escalating gang violence.
  • Over 3,100 deaths linked to gang activity in the first half of 2025.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• James Comey (Instagram Video):

  “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system. I'm innocent. So let's have a trial and keep the faith.” [00:17]

• Attorney General (Statement via X):

  “No one is above the law. Today's indictment reflects this Department of Justice's commitment to holding those who abuse positions of power accountable for misleading the American people. We will follow the facts in this case.” [00:33]

• Donald Trump (TikTok Deal):

  “It's going to be as secure as you can be because of the ownership and the people and they have a big investment. You know it's to their advantage to make sure it's good and safe.” [01:32]

• Rep. Greg Stube (Government Shutdown):

  “Why should Chuck Schumer determine and negotiate what happens to the American people? We have the majority.” [02:44]

• Donald Trump (Erdogan Meeting):

  “I think he could have a big influence if he wants to.” [03:25]

• Recep Tayyip Erdogan (UN Speech Reference):

  “Said, I will finish the Russia Ukraine war. Did it end? It still goes on.” [03:47]

Important Segment Timestamps

• Comey Indictment & Reaction: 00:02 – 01:09
• TikTok Deal Approved: 01:09 – 01:56
• Government Shutdown Update: 02:31 – 03:17
• Trump-Erdogan Russia Talks: 03:17 – 03:58
• Israel West Bank Annexation Stance: 03:58 – 04:11
• Haiti Gang Violence Appeal: 04:11 – 04:28

Tone and Delivery

The newscast is delivered in FOX News’ trademark brisk, authoritative style, focused on presenting factual updates with statements directly from principal sources and officials. Each segment transitions smoothly, maintaining an urgent and serious tone, fitting the gravity of the topics covered.

For listeners who missed the episode, this summary covers all the main developments with key quotes and time markers for deeper context.