Fox News Hourly Update: 4AM ET 07/23/2025 Newscast Summary

Released on July 23, 2025

The latest episode of the Fox News Hourly Update, hosted by Sue Guzman, delves into several pressing national issues ranging from the ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's associates to President Trump's latest policy announcements. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the broadcast.

1. Epstein Investigation Intensifies

Sue Guzman opens the newscast with a focus on the escalating investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted child sex offender. Reporting details provided by Matt Finn, the segment highlights significant developments within the Department of Justice (DOJ).

• DOJ Contacts Ghislaine Maxwell: "The Justice Department has contacted Ghislaine Maxwell, the longtime convicted associate of Jeffrey Epstein thought to possibly still possess secrets and names related to Epstein's crimes." (00:16)

• Attorney General's Stance: Deputy U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche emphasizes the DOJ's commitment, stating, "No one is above the law and no lead is off limits now." He adds that Attorney General Pam Boddy has indicated intentions to meet with Maxwell imminently.

• Public Access to Grand Jury Transcripts: President Trump has ordered the release of Epstein's grand jury transcripts, with a judge setting a deadline of next Tuesday, the 29th, for this disclosure.

2. President Trump Accuses Obama of Treason

A significant political controversy emerges as President Trump publicly accuses former President Barack Obama of treason.

• Trump's Accusation: According to Sue Guzman, Trump claims that the Obama administration "manufactured intelligence that eventually prompted the Trump Russia collusion probe." (00:51)

• Obama's Response: Alexandria Hoff reports that Obama's spokesperson dismissed the allegations as "outrageous enough to merit one," labeling them "bizarre" and "ridiculous." (01:10)

• Intelligence Community Reaction: Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, comments that Trump's statement "doesn't address the issue at hand," emphasizing a disconnect between the accusation and relevant national security concerns.

• Democratic Backlash: Democrats on Capitol Hill have criticized Trump's rhetoric, particularly his use of the term "treason," viewing it as an overreach and politically motivated attack.

3. Sentencing of Brian Kohberger

The criminal justice system makes headlines with the sentencing of Brian Kohberger, who admitted to fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students in 2022.

• Plea and Sentencing: Sue Guzman reports that Kohberger chose to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty, marking a pivotal moment in a high-profile case that has gripped the nation.

4. President Trump Announces New Trade Frameworks

In international trade developments, President Trump unveils a series of new trade agreements aimed at bolstering American jobs and adjusting import tariffs.

• Trade with Japan: Imposition of a 15% tax on goods imported from Japan. Trump asserts that "the deal will create thousands of jobs in the US." (03:08)

• Trade Agreements with Philippines and Indonesia: A 19% tariff is set on goods from the Philippines and Indonesia, while American-made products will face no import taxes, establishing a reciprocal trade environment.

• AI Plan Announcement: Concurrently, Trump is set to present his comprehensive plan on artificial intelligence, signaling a significant policy initiative in technology and economic competitiveness.

5. Trump’s AI Action Plan Revealed

Chad Pergrim provides an in-depth analysis of Trump's forthcoming AI strategy, focusing on enhancing America's competitiveness in the technology sector.

• Regulatory Rollbacks: The plan includes "rolling back a number of environmental requirements and loosening of permitting regulations," aiming to expedite the construction of AI data centers.

• Infrastructure Strengthening: Emphasis is placed on "strengthening US Infrastructure to compete with China," reflecting a strategic move to maintain technological leadership.

• Potential Political Pushback: The proposed changes may face resistance from Democrats, who are increasingly concerned about environmental impacts and sustainable development.

• Congressional Involvement: Highlighting the bipartisan efforts, Pergrim notes that the previous Congress established AI working groups to formulate future regulatory frameworks, indicating a collaborative approach to emerging technologies.

6. Senate Holds Hearing on Illegal Immigration

Immigration remains a contentious issue as Senate lawmakers convene a hearing to scrutinize illegal immigration policies.

• Republican Perspectives: Republicans aim to demonstrate how they believe the Biden administration's border policies have adversely affected the country. "They say the echoes of that border policy still resonate," explains Sue Guzman (04:11).

• Testimonies Highlighting Risks: Among those testifying is the mother of Javier Vega Jr., a slain Border Patrol agent killed by an MS-13 gang member. Her testimony underscores the personal and national security risks associated with lax border policies.

• Democratic Counterarguments: Democrats argue that Trump's immigration crackdowns were overreaches and that such stringent measures were not what voters desired. They contend, "people did not vote for the types of immigration crackdowns carried out by the Trump administration." (04:17)

7. President Trump's Focus on Immigration Enforcement

Concluding the immigration segment, Sue Guzman emphasizes that President Trump has made "immigration enforcement a key element of his second term." Trump's administration seeks to implement robust immigration policies to secure national borders and ensure public safety.

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update provides listeners with a thorough examination of current events impacting national security, political dynamics, international trade, technological advancement, and immigration. Through detailed reporting and expert analysis, the program offers a comprehensive overview of the issues shaping the nation's discourse.

Note: Advertisements and non-content segments, including the business advertisement for NetSuite by Oracle and the interactive quiz, were omitted from this summary to maintain focus on the substantive news content.