Fox News Hourly Update — 2AM ET, October 25, 2025

Host: Debra Valentine
Reporters: David Smart, Marianne Rafferty, Gillian Turner, Alexandria Hoff
Episode Purpose:
A fast-paced roundup of key U.S. and global news stories including President Trump's trip to Asia, ongoing U.S. government shutdown impacts, moves in the trade war with China and Canada, as well as fresh developments in the war on drugs.

Main Themes

• President Trump’s diplomatic trip to Asia, with trade and security in focus
• Escalating U.S.-China trade tensions and threats of tariffs
• Prolonged U.S. government shutdown and its domestic toll
• Fresh U.S. military action against drug cartels in the Caribbean
• Suspension of trade talks with Canada over a controversial ad

Key Discussion Points & Insights

President Trump’s Asia Visit

• Trip Itinerary and Agenda

  • President Trump embarks on a week-long trip to Asia, including Malaysia, Japan, South Korea.
  • Major topics: Economic deals (notably minerals), a push for ceasefire agreements, and preparations for a high-stakes meeting with China’s President Xi in Seoul.
  • “The biggest ticket item of the week: that face to face meeting with his Chinese counterpart President Xi.” — David Smart [00:20]

• Trade and Tariffs

  • Trade agreements and tariff threats loom large, with the U.S. investigating potential Chinese violations of a 2019 deal.
  • Tensions rise as China tightens export controls on rare earth minerals and the U.S. threatens dramatic tariff hikes.
  • “President Donald Trump has already threatened to tariff Chinese imports at 100%...” — Debra Valentine [00:51]

U.S. Government Shutdown Effects

• Aviation and Social Safety Nets Under Strain
  • Strain intensifies as the shutdown drags through its fourth week.
  • Air travel disruptions loom: “Many more flights could be delayed as air traffic controllers head into their first week without a paycheck.” — Marianne Rafferty [01:13]
  • Millions risk losing SNAP food benefits.
  • Military pay in jeopardy; Pentagon to use a $130 million anonymous donation (approx. $100 per service member), pending Congressional approval.
  • “While generous, that only comes out to about $100 per service member and Congress may have to get involved in order to get it approved.” — Marianne Rafferty [01:34]
  • President Trump says a friend made the donation, raising ethical questions. [01:50]

U.S.-China Trade War Escalation

• Tariffs and Diplomatic Frictions
  • Amid deepening disputes, the U.S. considers steep new tariffs following China's restrictions on mineral exports.
  • Chinese Embassy in Washington “not happy” with the current investigation, signaling potential for further escalation. [00:44]

War on Drugs Moves Closer to Home

• Expansion from Sea to Shore
  • U.S. Navy intensifies anti-drug operations in the Caribbean following a series of strikes; a carrier strike group (Gerald R. Ford) is rerouted to the area.
  • “The Pentagon... is deploying a US Aircraft carrier... Its primary task is to detect, monitor and disrupt illicit activity that threatens the homeland.” — Gillian Turner [03:36]
  • Latest action leaves six alleged cartel members dead, targeting the Tren de Aragua organization.
  • FBI Director signals readiness to expand arrests and takedowns on U.S. soil. [04:04]

U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions

• Trade Talks Suspended Over ‘Misleading’ Ad
  • President Trump cancels trade negotiations following a Canadian commercial using a Ronald Reagan radio address to criticize current U.S. trade policy.
  • Trump, in a social media post, labels the ad “fake,” escalating tensions with Canada.
  • “As a result, all trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated.” — Alexandria Hoff, quoting President Trump [04:29]
  • The Ronald Reagan Foundation clarifies Reagan’s actual 1987 free but fair trade position.
  • Canadian PM Mark Carney expresses hope for resumption of talks. [04:57]

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “The biggest ticket item of the week: that face to face meeting with his Chinese counterpart President Xi.” — David Smart [00:20]
• “President Donald Trump has already threatened to tariff Chinese imports at 100%...” — Debra Valentine [00:51]
• “Many more flights could be delayed as air traffic controllers head into their first week without a paycheck.” — Marianne Rafferty [01:13]
• “While generous, that only comes out to about $100 per service member and Congress may have to get involved in order to get it approved.” — Marianne Rafferty [01:34]
• “The Pentagon... deploying a US Aircraft carrier... to detect, monitor and disrupt illicit activity that threatens the homeland.” — Gillian Turner [03:36]
• “All trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated.” — Alexandria Hoff, quoting President Trump [04:29]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump’s Asia Trip and China Relations — [00:02–00:51]
• Government Shutdown Impacts — [01:13–01:50]
• Drug War Military Actions — [03:12–04:04]
• U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute — [04:17–04:57]

This episode covers fast-moving issues with broad implications for U.S. foreign relations, domestic stability, and public policy, highlighted by direct administration actions and strongly worded public statements from the president and officials.