Fox News Hourly Update: 4AM ET 07/17/2025

Release Date: July 17, 2025

1. Clawback Bill Passes in the Senate

Sue Guzman opens the newscast with breaking legislative news:

"[00:02]... a bill early this morning that would claw back about $9 billion in spending, including funds for public broadcasting and foreign aid."

The bill narrowly passes the Senate with a 51-48 vote, marking a significant move as it's the first instance in decades where Congress has rescinded already approved spending. Ashley Stromire provides further insights:

"[00:20]... the first time in decades that Congress rescinded spending that was already approved. The GOP effort will effectively codify a small portion of the Department of Government efficiency spending cuts."

Key points from Stromire include:

• Removal of Controversial Cuts: Republicans have eliminated a proposed $400 million reduction feared to impact the President's emergency plan for AIDS relief.

• Legislative Timeline: Both the Senate and House need to pass the bill by Friday. This urgency is driven by an obscure presidential budget law designed to bypass the filibuster, preventing delays or the need to restart the legislative process.

2. President Trump Addresses Jeffrey Epstein Investigation

Transitioning to national security and political intrigue, Sue Guzman reports on President Trump's comments regarding the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein investigation:

"[00:56]... President Trump says Republicans are being duped by a Jeffrey Epstein hoax."

Jared Halpern delves deeper into the administration's stance:

"[01:01]... focusing on the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking investigation are doing the work of Democrats. President Trump says he's dead, he's gone."

Trey Gowdy emphasizes the bipartisan nature of the issue:

"[01:15]... certain Republicans got duped by the Democrats and they're following a Democrat playbook for days."

Key Highlights:

• Defense of Attorney General Pam Bondi: President Trump defends Bondi's handling of the case, asserting:

  "[01:29] Pam Bondi's handling... 'What more can she do than that?'"

• Justice Department's Findings:

  "[01:38]... investigators found no evidence of a client list kept by Epstein at the White House."

This segment underscores the tension between Republican leaders and ongoing Democratic investigations, with Trump and his allies dismissing the investigation as unfounded while facing internal party skepticism.

3. Gulf Coast Braces for Tropical Moisture

Sue Guzman shifts focus to weather concerns impacting the Gulf Coast:

"[01:46]... The storm called Invest 93L. Inching closer, forecaster Saint New Orleans and the Texas Louisiana border could see flash flooding and 10 inches of rain."

Key Details:

• Forecasted Impact: Regions from Southern Texas to New Orleans are under threat of significant flash flooding, with rainfall amounts potentially reaching 10 inches.

• Safety Advisory: The segment serves as a crucial alert for residents to prepare for possible severe weather conditions.

4. New York City Democratic Mayoral Nominee Zoram Mamdani Meets with Lawmakers

Sue Guzman reports on a significant political event involving New York City's mayoral race:

"[03:08]... Democratic mayoral nominee Zoram Mamdani met with Democratic lawmakers during a breakfast event in Washington yesterday."

Rich Edson provides an in-depth analysis:

"[03:18] Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez organized the reception for Zoran Mamdani, mostly progressive Democrats, though there were some moderates there, too."

Key Points:

• Controversial Phrases: Mamdani has been a contentious figure due to his use of the phrase "globalize the intifada." While he reportedly assured business leaders he would discourage such language, he has yet to explicitly condemn it.

• Party Dynamics: Some Democrats, including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, withhold their endorsements pending further discussions. Jeffries stated:

  "[03:55]... 'I need to meet Mandani first.'"

• Support from Progressive Leaders: Despite controversies, figures like Senator Bernie Sanders have expressed strong support:

  "[03:55]... 'He's deeply impressed by Mamdani's campaign.'”

• Election Landscape: Mamdani is competing against current Mayor Eric Adams, independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa, positioning himself within a diverse and competitive field.

5. President Trump Criticizes Senator Adam Schiff Over Alleged Mortgage Fraud

In a heated political exchange, Sue Guzman covers President Trump's latest offensive against Senator Adam Schiff:

"[04:25]... President Trump posting this to Truth Social, quote, 'Adam Schiff said that his primary residence was in Maryland to get a cheaper mortgage and rip off America when he must live in California because he was a congressman from California. Mortgage fraud is very serious and crooked. Adam Schiff, now a senator, needs to be brought to justice.'”

Trey Gowdy weighs in with strong language:

"[04:42]... 'Adam Schiff is a serious lowlife.'"

Jackie Heinrich reports Schiff's rebuttal:

"[04:48]... 'Since I led his first impeachment, Trump has repeatedly called for me to be arrested for treason. So in a way, I guess this is a bit of a letdown and this baseless attempt at political retribution won't stop me from holding him accountable, not by a long shot.'”

Key Insights:

• Allegations Against Schiff: President Trump accuses Schiff of mortgage fraud, suggesting illicit financial benefits derived from residency claims.

• Schiff's Defense: Schiff counters by highlighting his role in leading Trump's first impeachment and dismissing the allegations as politically motivated attempts to discredit him.

• Political Fallout: This exchange underscores the deepening rift between Trump and Schiff, reflecting broader partisan tensions and the use of legal accusations as political weapons.

Conclusion

The Fox News Hourly Update for July 17, 2025, provided a comprehensive overview of significant legislative actions, political controversies, and impending weather threats. From the Senate's decisive move to reduce federal spending to high-stakes political battles involving prominent figures like President Trump and Senator Schiff, the episode encapsulated critical developments that hold national and local implications. Additionally, the weather alert serves as a timely reminder of the immediate natural challenges facing the Gulf Coast.

For listeners seeking detailed and timely information, this update offers valuable insights into the current political landscape and urgent public safety matters.

This summary is intended for those who have not listened to the original podcast episode and aims to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the key topics discussed.