Fox News Hourly Update – 5PM ET 02/04/2026

Host: Ainsley Earhardt
Date: February 4, 2026

Overview

This episode of the Fox News Hourly Update covers multiple fast-breaking national stories, with a focus on the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, political maneuvering around border security, Congressional action on scam advertisements, and notable judicial and electoral developments. The tone is urgent and news-driven, with rapid updates from correspondents and recorded statements from political leaders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie (00:03 – 00:43)

• Case Update:
  Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie (Today Show host), remains missing for the fourth day. She disappeared from her Arizona home over the weekend.
• Rumors Addressed:
  Reports circulated about a possible person of interest and ransom notes sent to media.
  • Jonathan Hunt clarifies (00:18): “Absence of hard information from investigators. Speculation has been filling that void… no current suspects, no persons of interest. And the search is continuing.”
• Presidential Involvement:
  The White House confirmed President Trump spoke with Savannah Guthrie regarding her mother's disappearance.

2. U.S.–China Relations and Trade Alliance Efforts (00:43 – 01:17)

• International Diplomacy:
  President Trump held an extended call with China’s president touching upon his upcoming trip to China in April.
• Countering China’s Influence:
  Vice President Vance at a D.C. summit with representatives from 50 countries proposed a new trading bloc to challenge China’s dominance in critical minerals.

3. Border Security and ICE Reforms (01:17 – 01:48)

• Senate Developments:
  Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer outlined a forthcoming proposal for ICE reforms.
  • Schumer (01:17): “We're ready to sit down and negotiate a very. But it's got to be strong. It's got to be tough. It's gotta rain in ICE in very serious ways and end the violence.”
• Homeland Security Deadline:
  Only nine days remain for negotiation under a short-term homeland security funding bill.
• ICE Operations:
  Border Czar Tom Homan reported progress in Minnesota on local cooperation with ICE; 700 agents are being redeployed from the state.
  • Jonathan Hunt (01:39): “We currently have an unprecedented number of counties communicating with us now and allowing ICE to take custody of illegal aliens before they hit the streets.”

4. Sentencing in Attempted Presidential Assassination (01:48 – 02:04)

• Legal Outcome:
  Ryan Ruth, convicted of attempting to kill President Trump on a golf course, receives a life sentence.

5. Congressional Redistricting in California (02:15 – 02:41)

• Supreme Court Decision:
  The court declined to overturn California’s new congressional maps, which are seen as advantageous to Democrats in the midterms.
• Political Response:
  Governor Newsom criticized President Trump for starting a “redistricting war” and predicted GOP losses in November.

6. Legal Battle Over Georgia Election Records (02:41 – 03:09)

• Fulton County Motion:
  The county filed to compel the FBI to return election records seized during a recent warrant.
  • Rob Pitt (02:41): “Fulton County, Georgia… is filing a federal court motion to compel the FBI to return records seized… Chairman Rob Pitt says President Trump is behind everything.”
• Further Comments:
  • Chuck Schumer (02:59): “He and his allies… refused to accept the fact that they lost. And even if he had won Georgia, he would still have lost the presidency.”
• Transparency Push:
  Fulton County wants the judge to unseal the affidavit behind the warrant.

7. Congressional Action on Social Media Scam Ads (03:15 – 03:50)

• Bipartisan Legislation:
  Introduction of the SCAM Act by Senator Ruben Gallego (D) and Senator Bernie Marino (R), aimed at curbing fraudulent ads and requiring platforms to verify advertiser identities and respond promptly to scam reports.
  • Chuck Schumer (03:21): “Fake investment and identity theft schemes, ads for… fake celebrity endorsements. No one knows exactly how many ads… are scams. It's enough for… the SCAM act… bipartisan legislation.”
• Industry Response:
  Meta states user reports of scams are declining and denies willful ignorance of scam ads.

8. Wall Street Market Recap (03:50 – End)

• Stock Market:
  Mixed day: the Dow ended up 260 points, S&P in the red, Nasdaq down 350.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jonathan Hunt (00:18):
  “Absence of hard information from investigators. Speculation has been filling that void… the sheriff came out emphasizing no current suspects.”
• Ainsley Earhardt (00:43):
  “The White House confirming earlier today that President Trump spoke with Savannah Guthrie. The president also speaking with China's president, describing the call as long and thorough on numerous topics.”
• Chuck Schumer (01:17):
  “We're ready to sit down and negotiate a very. But it's got to be strong. It's got to be tough. It's gotta rain in ICE in very serious ways and end the violence.”
• Jonathan Hunt (01:39):
  “We currently have an unprecedented number of counties communicating with us now and allowing ICE to take custody of illegal aliens before they hit the streets.”
• Rob Pitt (02:41):
  “Fulton County, Georgia… filing a federal court motion to compel the FBI to return records seized… President Trump is behind everything.”
• Chuck Schumer (03:21):
  “Fake investment and identity theft schemes, ads for shoddy, banned or non existent products, fake celebrity endorsements.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:03 – Breaking update: Guthrie disappearance, sheriff’s clarification
• 00:43 – President Trump comments on investigation, China summit, ICE reforms
• 01:48 – Ryan Ruth receives life sentence for attempted Trump assassination
• 02:15 – Supreme Court upholds California’s congressional maps, Gov. Newsom remarks
• 02:41 – Fulton County legal battle over election records
• 03:15 – SCAM Act introduced to combat social media ad fraud
• 03:50 – Wall Street close; market summary

This episode delivers a whirlwind of high-impact political, legal, and security headlines in FOX News' concise, staccato delivery, keeping listeners current on major national events and Congress’ next steps.