Fox News Hourly Update
Episode: 5AM ET 02/03/2026 Newscast
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Date: February 3, 2026
Episode Overview
This newscast covers a range of pressing national issues as of February 3, 2026, including changes to federal law enforcement policy, ongoing protests and their aftermath in Minneapolis, developments in congressional investigations, immigration policy rulings, Congressional dynamics impacting a government shutdown, and substantial updates on U.S. trade and resource security. The coverage maintains FOX’s characteristic brisk and direct news delivery, balancing immediate headlines with a sense of national urgency.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. DHS Policy Change: ICE Body Cameras in Minneapolis
[00:03–00:50]
- Secretary Kristi Noem’s Decision: All ICE officers in Minneapolis will be equipped with body cameras.
- Broader Rollout Planned: Plan to eventually expand body cameras to ICE officers nationwide, contingent on federal funding.
- Reason for Policy: Follows mass protests against ICE presence and public outcry over the recent fatal shooting of protesters.
- Protests Escalate: Thousands march, demanding ICE’s removal from Minneapolis, with targeted protests at Target’s headquarters.
“DHS Secretary Kristi Noem posted on social media and said that all ICE officers here in Minneapolis are going to be given these body cameras.” — Brooke Taylor [00:15]
2. Deadly Protest Incident & Coroner’s Ruling
[00:50–01:15]
- Recent Tragedy: Shooting deaths of two protesters by federal officers, inciting further outrage.
- Identification and Cause of Death: Anti-ICE protester Alex Preddy’s death ruled a homicide by the Hennepin County coroner, citing multiple gunshot wounds from ICE agents on January 24.
- Ongoing Unrest: These findings further fuel demonstrations and demands for policy change.
3. Congressional Investigation: Clintons to Testify on Epstein
[01:15–01:40]
- Subpoena Compliance: Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will testify before the House Oversight Committee regarding their knowledge of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
- Contempt Deliberations Paused: Lawmakers pause criminal contempt proceedings amid negotiations for the Clintons’ testimony.
- Broader Inquiry: The investigation has subpoenaed ten individuals as part of the Epstein probe, led by Rep. James Comer.
4. Immigration Protection for Haitians Upheld
[01:40–02:02]
- Federal Court Ruling: U.S. District Judge Anna Reyes blocks the Trump administration's effort to end TPS (Temporary Protected Status) for roughly 350,000 Haitians.
- Legal Process: The suspension remains while a lawsuit contesting the policy is ongoing, ensuring Haitians’ ability to live and work in the U.S. for now.
5. Congressional Dynamics & Potential Shutdown
[02:32–03:22]
- House Majority Shrinks: Democrat Christian Menifee is sworn in, reducing the GOP’s House majority by one and complicating votes on a crucial government funding bill during a partial shutdown.
- Voices on the House Floor:
- “I’m going to consider the issues very thoughtfully and cast a vote that matches my…” — Christian Menifee [02:45]
- “We have a one vote margin now, so what could go wrong?” — Unnamed Speaker (with a wry tone) [02:51]
- Immediate Stakes: The new bill only funds DHS until Friday the 13th; a lapse would lead to DHS closure and no pay for TSA workers.
- Political Strategy: A top Democrat supports the funding to buy time for ICE reforms.
“One top Democrat will vote yes. That buys time to get reforms at ICE." [03:03]
6. Critical Minerals Emergency Stockpile
[03:22–04:10]
- Trump Administration Policy: Launches a $12 billion stockpile of critical minerals to prevent shortages for manufacturers, especially for electronics.
- Funding Mix: Project Vault is financed by private investment and a $10 billion Export-Import Bank loan.
- Strategic Goals: The initiative is the first civilian-use reserve, supplementing military reserves and reducing reliance on Chinese imports.
“For years, American businesses have risked running out of critical minerals during market disruptions. President Trump’s Project Vault is funded through a combination of private investments and a $10 billion loan from the Export Import Bank.” — Jared Halpern [03:33]
7. U.S.-India Trade Deal
[04:10–04:28]
- Major Trade Announcement: President Trump unveils a new trade deal that cuts tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% and eliminates an additional 25% tariff imposed in August.
- Intended Effects: The move aims to boost bilateral trade and economic cooperation between the U.S. and India.
Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)
-
Brooke Taylor on ICE Policy:
“DHS Secretary Kristi Noem posted on social media and said that all ICE officers here in Minneapolis are going to be given these body cameras.” [00:15] -
Chad Pergrim on House Dynamics:
“We have a one vote margin now, so what could go wrong?” [02:51]
(Captures the precariousness of the House majority with wit.) -
Jared Halpern on Mineral Stockpile:
“For years, American businesses have risked running out of critical minerals during market disruptions. President Trump’s Project Vault is funded through a combination of private investments and a $10 billion loan from the Export Import Bank.” [03:33]
Important Segment Timestamps
- ICE Body Cameras in Minneapolis: [00:03–00:50]
- Protest Deaths & Coroner Report: [00:50–01:15]
- Clinton-Epstein Testimony News: [01:15–01:40]
- TPS Protections for Haitians: [01:40–02:02]
- House Swearing-In & Shutdown Vote: [02:32–03:22]
- Critical Minerals Reserve Launch: [03:22–04:10]
- Trump-India Tariff Reductions: [04:10–04:28]
Tone & Delivery
The update moves briskly, with a clear, factual, and occasionally wry tone—especially in references to political maneuvering in Congress. Each segment is concise, focusing on headline events and key impacts with little editorializing.
This summary captures the major news updates and context from the 5AM ET newscast, providing an accessible briefing for those who missed the episode.
