Fox News Hourly Update – 3AM ET 02/20/2026

Host: Chris Di Mail (Fox News Podcasts)
Date: February 20, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update delivers the latest headlines as of 3AM ET, February 20, 2026. The broadcast includes coverage of President Trump's rally in Georgia, recent statements on tariffs and aliens, notable pop culture news, U.S. achievements at the Winter Olympics, severe weather in Indiana, an ongoing partial government shutdown affecting Homeland Security, and brief economic updates.

Key Topics and Discussion Points

1. President Trump’s Georgia Rally and Economic Remarks

[00:02–00:52]

• President Trump visited Rome, Georgia, including a local restaurant and a steel plant, before addressing supporters at a rally.
• Main topics:
  • Tariffs: Trump emphasized tariffs as crucial to the U.S. economy, expressing frustration that emergency tariff powers are pending a Supreme Court decision.
    • Quote [00:25]:
      "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
  • Affordability: Trump responded to critics' discussion of affordability:
    • Quote [00:39]:
      "I want affordability. I had to go out and talk about it." — President Trump
  • Tax Cuts: He claims recent tax cuts are driving current economic growth and increased business investment.
• Reporter: Jessica Rosenthal

2. Presidential Statements on Aliens and UAPs

[00:52–01:42]

• Context: Former President Obama, on a podcast, suggested that aliens are real, though he hadn’t seen evidence firsthand.
• Trump’s response:
  • Ordered Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and other agencies to release information regarding alien life and unidentified aerial phenomena (UFOs).
  • Accuses Obama of improperly revealing classified info by implying the existence of aliens.
  • When pressed personally, Trump says:
    • 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." — President Trump
• Secretary of War Pete Hegseth responds online with an alien and a saluting emoji, signaling a mix of engagement and levity.

3. Pop Culture & Economic Briefs

[01:42–02:00]

• Eric Dane Dies:
  • Actor Eric Dane ("Grey's Anatomy", "Euphoria Store") passes away at 53 after battling ALS.
• US Trade Deficit:
  • The deficit slipped modestly by $4 billion to $901 billion in 2025.

4. U.S. Triumphs at the Winter Olympics

[02:40–03:21]

• Women’s Hockey:
  • Team USA wins gold in overtime against Canada.
    • Memorable Moments:
      • Megan Keller scores the overtime game-winner (final score 2–1).
      • Hilary Knight, in her fifth and final Olympics, ties the game with just over two minutes left.
  • Quote [02:43]:
    "It was a good day to be an American at the Winter Olympics." — Joe Morgan
• Women’s Figure Skating:
  • Alysa Liu wins gold—the first U.S. women’s Olympic figure skating gold since 2002.
    • At 20, Liu becomes the first American on the podium since Sarah Hughes.

5. Severe Weather Hits Indiana

[03:21–03:57]

• Significant structural damage reported in central Indiana due to storms; multiple counties under a tornado watch.
• On-the-ground report from Bloomington:
  • Fifth Third Bank’s roof is largely destroyed; repair crews already at work.
  • Monroe County Emergency Management Agency asks residents to stay off roads to help safety crews.
  • Quote [03:27]:
    "Part of the roof that is just completely toppled into where, you know, cars would usually file in and do their business." — Gabriela Morando

6. Government Shutdown: Department of Homeland Security

[03:57–04:25]

• Partial government shutdown continues; Department of Homeland Security (DHS) unfunded due to protests relating to ICE.
• ICE and CBP not directly affected, but other DHS functions (like cyber and Coast Guard) are under strain.
• DHS Secretary Kristi Noem:
  • Quote [04:15]:
    "We every day protect people in their communities, but also our cybersecurity is all through the Department of Homeland Security. Our Coast Guard is out doing interdictions on the water."
• Ongoing congressional disagreements over security protocols, including agent mask bans and ID requirements.

Notable Quotes

• President Trump [00:25]:
  "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 [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."

• Gabriela Morando [03:27]:
  "Part of the roof that is just completely toppled into where, you know, cars would usually file in and do their business."

• Joe Morgan [02:43]:
  "It was a good day to be an American at the Winter Olympics."

• Kristi Noem [04:15]:
  "We every day protect people in their communities, but also our cybersecurity is all through the Department of Homeland Security. Our Coast Guard is out doing interdictions on the water."

Important Segment Timestamps

• Trump Rally and Tariffs: 00:02–00:52
• Alien Files and Presidential Responses: 00:52–01:42
• Eric Dane's Passing & Economic Brief: 01:42–02:00
• U.S. Winter Olympic Wins: 02:40–03:21
• Severe Indiana Weather: 03:21–03:57
• DHS Shutdown Coverage: 03:57–04:25

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a rapid, headline-driven delivery, typical of news bulletins, with a focus on clear reporting, occasional direct quotes from key figures, and brief on-the-ground updates. Speaker attributions are maintained for authenticity.