4AM ET 09/26/2025 Newscast

Summary

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Fox News Hourly Update – 4AM ET 09/26/2025

Host: FOX News Podcasts | Aired: September 26, 2025
Summary by: [Your Name]

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Episode Overview

This episode delivers the top headlines in U.S. politics and world affairs. Main topics include the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, resolution of TikTok’s U.S. ownership, looming government shutdown threats, President Trump’s diplomatic moves with Turkey, and ongoing crises in Israel and Haiti. The tone is brisk and urgent, matching the news format.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. James Comey Indicted on Federal Charges

[00:02–01:11]

• Breaking News:
  Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted for obstruction and making false statements during his testimony to Congress regarding the Russia investigation.

• Comey's Response:

  • Statement on Instagram expressing heartbreak for the DOJ but confidence in the judicial system:

    “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I’m innocent.”
    —James Comey [00:20–00:27]

  • Added:

    “So let’s have a trial and keep the faith.”
    —James Comey [00:27–00:30]

• Department of Justice Statement:
  The Attorney General, via X (formerly Twitter):

  “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.”
  —Attorney General (read by Jason Chaffetz) [00:34–00:46]

• Background:
  Comey has long been a focal point for President Trump since his 2017 dismissal. Trump has regularly criticized Comey since then.

• President Trump's Reaction:
  He told Fox News Digital:

  “Comey’s alleged actions placed a cloud over the entire nation.”
  —President Trump [01:11]

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2. TikTok Moves Under U.S. Control

[01:11–01:56]

• Deal Reached:
  President Trump and China’s leader sign off on a deal transferring majority ownership of TikTok to American investors. It’s a move to address national security concerns over data.

• Deal Details:

  • Ownership shift to U.S.-based board focused on data and security.
  • TikTok valued at approximately $14 billion.

• Notable Quote:

  “It’s going to be as secure as you can be because of the ownership and the people…they have a big investment. You know it’s to their advantage to make sure it’s good and safe.”
  —Jason Chaffetz [01:37–01:45]

• Background:

  • Congress banned TikTok last year, prompting this negotiation.

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3. Government Shutdown Looms

[03:18–04:06]

• Deadline Approaching:
  Congress must reach an agreement by September 30th to avoid a partial federal government shutdown.

• White House Action:
  Federal agencies are advised to prepare for mass firings if a shutdown occurs.

• Key Political Tensions:

  • Rep. Greg Stube (R-FL) on Fox Business urges bypassing Senate’s 60-vote threshold.
  • Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pushes for health care measures in the funding package, while Republicans argue for a separate debate.

• Notable Quote:

  “Why should Chuck Schumer determine and negotiate what happens to the American people when we have the majority?”
  —Rep. Greg Stube (R-FL) [03:32–03:39]

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4. U.S.–Turkey Relations and the Russia-Ukraine War

[04:06–04:47]

• Diplomacy Efforts:
  President Trump met with Turkish President Erdogan to press for an end to Turkey’s support for Russia.

• Possible U.S. Concessions:

  • Trump is considering lifting 2019 sanctions on Turkey and selling F-35 fighter jets—blocked as a consequence of Turkey buying Russian missiles.
  • These are conditional on Turkey’s role in facilitating an end to Russia’s war on Ukraine.

• Notable Quotes:

  “I think he [Erdogan] could have a big influence if he wants to.”
  —President Trump [04:13–04:15]

  • Regarding Erdogan’s UN remarks about ending the war:

    “I will finish the Russia-Ukraine war.”
    —President Erdogan [04:36]

  • On timelines:

    “Teaser sanctions against Turkey could be very soon.”
    —President Trump [04:42–04:46]

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5. Middle East and Haiti Updates

[04:47–05:16]

• West Bank Annexation:
  President Trump states the U.S. will not allow Israel to annex parts of the West Bank. Israel is considering the move after the UK and Canada recognize a Palestinian state.

• Haiti Crisis:
  The head of Haiti’s transitional Presidential Council pleads for international aid to quell surging gang violence.

  • Over 3,100 people have died due to gang violence from January to June 2025.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• James Comey on His Indictment:

  “My heart is broken for the Department of Justice, but I have great confidence in the federal judicial system and I’m innocent.” [00:20]

• Attorney General on Accountability:

  “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…” [00:34]

• Rep. Greg Stube on Shutdown Talks:

  “Why should Chuck Schumer determine and negotiate what happens to the American people when we have the majority?” [03:32]

• President Trump on U.S.–Turkey Diplomacy:

  “I think he [Erdogan] could have a big influence if he wants to.” [04:13]

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Timeline of Important Segments

• 00:02 — James Comey indicted & reactions
• 01:11 — TikTok ownership deal details
• 03:18 — Government shutdown negotiations
• 04:06 — U.S.–Turkey-Russia-Ukraine diplomacy
• 04:47 — Israel-West Bank and Haiti violence updates

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This episode delivers urgent updates with direct quotations from primary figures, giving a concise yet comprehensive look at the latest U.S. and global political developments. For those needing the facts at a glance, the Fox News Hourly Update delivers with clarity and briskness.

Transcript

[Sue Guzman]

James Comey, Response I'm Sue Guzman, Fox News reaction from former FBI Director James Comey after he was indicted by a federal grand jury Thursday on charges of obstruction and making false statements during testimony to Congress about the Russia investigation. My heart is broken for the Department.

[Ryan Schmelz]

Of Justice, but I have great confidence.

[James Comey]

In the federal judicial system and I'm innocent.

[Ryan Schmelz]

So let's have a trial and keep the faith.

[Sue Guzman]

From Comey's post to Instagram there and more from Fox's David Spont, the attorney.

[Jason Chaffetz]

General of the United States just posting on 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. James Comey has been on the radar of President Trump for years. He was the FBI director when President Trump came to Washington in January 2017, and Comey was out of a job by that summer. And since then he's been a thorn in the side of President Trump. And President Trump has mentioned Comey dozens and dozens of times since 2017.

[Sue Guzman]

President Trump telling Fox News Digital Comey's alleged actions placed a cloud over the entire nation. TikTok has been saved. President Trump and his Chinese counterpart signing off on a deal putting the popular app under U.S. control. Fox's Jared Halpern.

[Jason Chaffetz]

The agreement implemented by President Trump would give a majority of TikTok's ownership to a group of American investors run by a board committed to protecting data and national security.

[James Comey]

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.

[Jason Chaffetz]

Under the deal, TikTok is valued at about $14 billion. Last year, Congress passed a law shutting down TikTok in the America's Listening to.

[Sue Guzman]

Fox News.

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[Sue Guzman]

Lawmakers have until September 30th to reach a deal on government funding or face a partial government shutdown. This the White House telling federal agencies to plan for mass firings if a shutdown occurs. We have more from Fox's Ryan Schmelz.

[Ryan Schmelz]

Florida Republican Congressman Greg Stube on The Fox Business Network's Mornings with Maria says the Senate should bypass the 60 vote threshold needed to break the filibuster on a Republican plan to keep the government open. Why should Chuck Schumer determine and negotiate what happens to the American people when we have the majority? Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wants certain health care provisions attached to the package to get votes from Democrats. Republicans argued the those issues should be dealt with separately. The government funding deadline is September 30th. In Washington. Ryan Schmelz, Fox News President Trump met.

[Sue Guzman]

With Turkish President Erdogan Thursday to urge him to end support for Russia. Fox's Jackie Heinrich @ the White House has more.

[James Comey]

I think he could have a big influence if he wants to.

[Fox News Correspondent]

President Trump told Turkey's leader he's open to lifting the 2019 sanctions he put in place after Turkey bought Russian missiles. And he's also willing to sell Turkey American F35 fighter jets that were blocked as a result. But first, Trump wants help ending Russia's war on Ukraine. Some tension lingering after Erdogan said this at the UN when he said I.

[James Comey]

Will finish the Russia Ukraine war.

[Sue Guzman]

Did it end?

[Fox News Correspondent]

It still goes on despite this.

[James Comey]

Teaser sanctions against Turkey could be very soon.

[Fox News Correspondent]

No announcements yet.

[Sue Guzman]

President Trump vowing not to allow Israel to annex any parts of the West Bank. Israel has floated the annexation plan in response to Western countries like the UK And Canada moving to recognize a Palestinian state. And the head of Haiti's transitional Presidential Council pleading for the world to assist his country in dealing with surging gang violence. More than 3,100 people have died from gang violence in Haiti between January and June of this year. I'm Sue Guzman. This is FOX News.

[Jason Chaffetz]

This is Jason Chaffetz from the Jason in the House podcast. Join me every Monday to dive deeper into the latest political headlines and chat with remarkable guests. Listen and follow [e-mail] or wherever you download podcasts.