Fox News Hourly Update – 5PM ET 12/31/2025 Newscast

Host: John Saucier, FOX News Podcasts
Date: December 31, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the top national and international news as 2025 draws to a close. Major stories include President Trump’s decision to withdraw National Guard troops from key cities, a growing child daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, heightened security in New York City for New Year's Eve, U.S. sanctions targeting Venezuela and Iran, ongoing protests in Iran amid currency collapse, and a major federal assistance payment error flagged by HUD.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Withdrawal of National Guard Troops from Major Cities

• Announcement by President Trump:
  • National Guard to be withdrawn from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland.
  • Trump, via Truth Social:

    “We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland despite the fact that crime has been greatly reduced. ... Federal forces could come back if crime rates soar.” (00:04)

• Context: Highlights recent policy shift; implied that troop presence contributed to crime reduction.

2. Minnesota Childcare Fraud Scandal

• Federal Action:
  • Department of Health and Human Services has frozen $185 million in funding to Minnesota’s childcare programs.
  • Small Business Administration pauses $5.5 million in state grants.
  • Justice Department: 98 people charged so far.
  • Ongoing: "A whole lot more arrests are coming." (00:49; Reporter: Fox's Gartenney)
• Congressional Response:
  • House Oversight Committee to hold two hearings (January and February).
  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz called to testify; expresses cooperation but skepticism:

    • “[The committee has] a track record of holding, quote, circus hearings.” (00:57)

3. New Year’s Eve in New York City – Security & Celebrations

• On the Ground with Alexis McAdams:
  • Massive crowds anticipated (at least 1 million people).
  • NYPD, with federal and state partners, increasing security measures.
  • New for This Year:
    • Plainclothes officers will patrol inside the crowd (not just perimeter).
    • Continued use of drones.
  • Motivation:

    "Security is top of mind as they're watching globally what's happening with terrorism." (01:38; Alexis McAdams)

  • Weather update: Near freezing temperatures and high winds at midnight. (01:50)

4. U.S. Sanctions on Venezuela’s Oil Sector

• Sanctions Target:
  • Four companies and associated oil tankers.
• Intent:
  • Increased pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
  • Connected to broader U.S. strategy amid instability in Iran.
• Economic Context:
  • Iran’s currency has hit record lows, adding pressure to international markets. (02:04)

5. Major Protests in Iran & Economic Turmoil

• Report from Jeff Paul (Tel Aviv):
  • Largest demonstrations in several years, spurred by:
    • High inflation (~40%).
    • Destabilized currency (1 USD = 1.4 million Iranian rials).
  • Protesters’ Chants:

    "Death to the dictator" and "No Gaza, no Lebanon. I will sacrifice my life for Iran." (02:50; Jeff Paul)

  • U.S. responds with more sanctions, this time targeting the Iran-Venezuela weapons trade.

6. HUD Exposes Federal Rental Assistance Payment Errors

• Findings:
  • HUD Secretary Scott Turner:
    • ~$5.8 billion in potential erroneous payments during 2024.
    • $77 million to ~30,000 deceased tenants.
    • $150 million linked to non-existent Social Security numbers.
  • Statement:

    “HUD will continue investigating the shocking results and will take appropriate action to hold bad actors accountable.” (03:37; Max Gordon)

  • Efforts underway to strengthen program integrity, citing initiatives from Trump's first term.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump (via Truth Social, 00:04):

  "We are removing the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles and Portland despite the fact that crime has been greatly reduced."

• Governor Tim Walz on Congressional hearings (00:57):

  "[The committee has] a track record of holding, quote, circus hearings."

• Alexis McAdams on NYPD security (01:38):

  "Security is top of mind as they're watching globally what's happening with terrorism."

• Jeff Paul on Iranian protests (02:50):

  "Some reportedly were chanting death to the dictator and no Gaza, no Lebanon. I will sacrifice my life for Iran."

• Secretary Scott Turner on HUD payment errors (03:37):

  "HUD will continue investigating the shocking results and will take appropriate action to hold bad actors accountable."

Timeline of Major Segments

• 00:02 – President Trump announces National Guard withdrawal
• 00:29 – Update on Minnesota’s daycare fraud investigation and federal response
• 00:57 – House Oversight Committee plans hearings; Governor Walz responds
• 01:16 – Times Square New Year’s Eve security measures (report from NYC)
• 01:50 – Weather forecast for New York
• 02:04 – U.S. imposes new sanctions on Venezuelan oil sector
• 02:38 – Protests in Iran, currency collapse, and U.S. sanctions (report from Tel Aviv)
• 03:30 – HUD Secretary details multi-billion-dollar assistance payment errors

Tone & Delivery Notes

• Language: Direct, newsy, with emphatic statements from both reporters and newsmakers.
• Atmosphere: Urgent but measured, with updates on both domestic and international fronts.

This edition of FOX News’ hourly update provides a swift, information-dense summary of major political, economic, and societal events as the year ends, spotlighting top news at home and around the world.