6AM ET 06/25/2025 Newscast

Summary

Fox News Hourly Update - 6AM ET | June 25, 2025

Released on June 25, 2025

NATO Summit and Defense Spending

The international spotlight was on the recent NATO summit held in the Netherlands, where leaders from the 32-member alliance convened to discuss significant defense strategies. NATO's leader described the gathering as a "transformational summit," to which former President Donald Trump echoed his support, emphasizing the necessity of equalizing defense spending among member nations.

Donald Trump stated at [00:18] MM:SS, "We will be equalized very shortly and that's the way it has to be. It's going to be a lot of money, too, a lot of defense, but." This statement aligns with the anticipated approval of new targets requiring each member nation to increase its defense spending to 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

However, not all members are in agreement. Mike Tobin reported at [00:24] that Trump expressed some reservations about the U.S. commitment to NATO's mutual defense guarantees during his journey to the Netherlands. Trump is also slated to engage in additional bilateral meetings with global leaders throughout the day, indicating ongoing negotiations and discussions.

Iran and Israel's Conflict Updates

The summit discussions also touched upon Middle Eastern tensions, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program and its implications for regional security. Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, declared progress in diminishing Iranian threats, asserting that Iran's nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile capabilities have been significantly weakened.

At [00:57], Netanyahu proclaimed, "Two existential threats to the Jewish state have been removed: the Iranian nuclear program and the ballistic missile arsenal that belonged to Iran." This declaration comes amidst reports from Reuters, cited by Mike Tobin at [00:59], indicating that the Iranian nuclear program has been delayed by months rather than years, suggesting a short-term setback rather than a long-term solution.

Additionally, the ceasefire in the Gaza conflict remains fragile, with reports of ongoing violence resulting in the death of seven Israeli soldiers. The situation underscores the persistent instability in the region despite diplomatic efforts.

US Political Landscape: Democratic Primary and NYC Mayoral Race

Shifting focus to domestic politics, the Democratic primary race continues to unfold with Zoran Mamdame declaring victory. However, the final results are pending due to the use of ranked-choice voting, which will require additional time to finalize the tally. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has conceded defeat but is considering an independent run, a move that Mayor Eric Adams is already undertaking.

At [01:39], Trump was quoted saying, "Their power to reject Donald Trump's fascism," highlighting the intense political climate and the challenges within the Democratic ranks.

US Budget Negotiations

The U.S. Senate is actively working on passing a comprehensive budget bill that was initially passed by the House. Republican Senator Steve Daines emphasized the importance of the bill in funding the Trump administration's priorities, which include increased border security and the extension of the 2017 tax cuts. At [02:43], he remarked, "I've yet to meet an American that wants to see their taxes go up. And let's just keep in mind this bill stops the largest tax increase in American history."

However, discrepancies between the Senate and House versions of the bill have led to tensions among Republicans, with some senators advocating for more substantial spending cuts to prevent an increase in national debt. Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized the bill at [03:05], stating, "Costs will go up everywhere. The cost to buy a car, the cost to start a business, the cost to build a home... The cost to retain some debt on your credit card bills."

Federal Reserve and Economic Outlook

In economic news, the Federal Reserve Chairman, Jerome Powell, is set to testify before the Senate. Despite previous assurances from the Fed about the economy's solid position, Powell acknowledged at [03:18] the persistent uncertainties surrounding the impact of Trump's tariffs. He indicated that the Fed is adopting a cautious approach, opting to "wait and see" before making any decisions on cutting interest rates.

Stock Market Update

The stock market saw significant activity, with Wall Street experiencing notable gains following a period of volatility. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged by 507 points the day after experiencing substantial gains, reflecting investor confidence amidst the ongoing economic and political developments.

Conclusion

Today's Fox News Hourly Update provided a comprehensive overview of pivotal international and domestic events, including NATO's defense strategies, Middle Eastern geopolitical tensions, the evolving U.S. political landscape, critical budget negotiations, and the current state of the economy. With influential leaders like Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu making impactful statements, the episode underscored the dynamic and often contentious nature of global and national affairs.

For more detailed insights and continuous updates, listeners are encouraged to follow Fox News Radio's ongoing coverage.

Transcript

[Dave Anthony]

It's a transformational summit. I'm Dave Anthony, FOX news. That's what NATO's leader is saying. And President Trump sitting next to him in the Netherlands agrees as leaders of the 32 Country alliance are expected to approve a new target for each nation's defense spending to be raised to 5% of GDP.

[Donald Trump]

We will be equalized very shortly and that's the way it has to be. It's going to be a lot of money, too, a lot of defense, but.

[Mike Tobin]

It isn't a done deal yet. Yesterday, while on his way to the Netherlands, Trump cast some doubt over whether the US Would abide by the mutual defense guarantees outlined in the NATO treaty. He's scheduled to participate in other bilateral meetings with world leaders throughout the day today.

[Dave Anthony]

That's Fox's Brook Singer. The president also insists the U.S. airstrikes on three Iran nuclear facilities were a huge success, saying at the summit, I.

[Donald Trump]

Believe it was total obliteration. I believe they didn't have a chance to get anything out because we acted fast. If it would have taken two weeks, maybe, but it's very hard to remove that kind of material.

[Dave Anthony]

But Fox's Mike Tobin reports from Tel.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Aviv contrary reporting that the Reuters news agency citing US Intelligence officials saying that the Iranian nuclear program was set back a matter of months, not years. Still, in light of that, you have the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming victory, saying two existential threats to the Jewish state have been removed the Iranian nuclear program and he claims that they have decimated the ballistic missile arsenal that belonged to Iran.

[Dave Anthony]

This as the Iran Israel cease fire holds in the war in Gaza. Seven Israeli soldiers have been killed. A socialist, maybe the next mayor of New York City. And it's where the mayor will use.

[Donald Trump]

Their power to reject Donald Trump's fascism.

[Dave Anthony]

Zoran Mamdame declares victory in the Democratic primary, though with ranked Joyce voting the final tally will take a while. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo conceded defeat but may run as an independent, something current Mayor Eric Adams is already doing. America's listening to FOX News.

[Unknown (Public Service Announcement)]

What is daddication?

[Unknown (Fatherhood PSA)]

The thing that drives me every day as a dad is Dariona. We call him Day D for short. Every day he's hungry for something, whether it's attention, affection, knowledge. And there's this huge responsibility in making sure that when he's no longer under my wing that he's a good person. I want him to be able to sit back one day and go, we worked together. We did a good job.

[Unknown (Public Service Announcement)]

That's dedication. Find out [e-mail] brought to you by the U.S. department of Health and Human Services and the Ad Council News.

[Dave Anthony]

The Senate keeps working on what the House passed and the president calls one big, beautiful budget bill that funds the Trump administration from increased border security to extending the 2017 tax cut set to expire. Republican Senator Steve Daines tells FOX Business.

[Unknown (Public Service Announcement)]

I've yet to meet an American that wants to see their taxes go up. And let's just keep in mind this bill stops the largest tax increase in American history.

[Dave Anthony]

But the Senate version has different tax cut provisions than the House, upsetting some Republicans there. And other GOP senators keep demanding more spending cuts, fearful the bill will increase U.S. debt. Democrats agree and oppose the bill. Here's Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

[Chuck Schumer]

Costs will go up everywhere. The cost to buy a car, the cost to start a business, the cost to build a home. Buy a home. The cost to retain some debt on your credit card bills.

[Dave Anthony]

Now the Senate held a hearing into the Navy's proposed budget.

[Brian Schatz]

Hawaii Democratic Senator Brian Schatz said the proposed funding is not enough following a year of operating under continuing resolutions, failing to address the current shortfalls caused by the CR means that the Navy will not be able to successfully deter the threats posed by China. John Phelan, the secretary of the Navy, testified he always asks this question concerning every dollar. What is the impact to our readiness and does it increase or does it add to it? If the answer is no, we will not spend that dollar. He added that the Navy has to rebuild its eroded shipbuilding infrastructure. It is a national security imperative. Kevin Uretsky, FOX News.

[Dave Anthony]

The Federal Reserve chairman will testify at the Senate that after saying at a House hearing, despite elevated uncertainty, the economy is in a solid position. But Jerome Powell also said there's still uncertainty about the effect of Trump tariffs on the economy. So the Fed can continue to wait and see before cutting interest rates. The president is demanding a big cut on Wall street stock futures not moving much. The day after big gains, the Dow surged up a 507 points. I'm Dave Anthony. This is Fox News.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Hey, I'm Trey Gowdy, host of the Trade Gaddy Podcast. I hope you will join me every Tuesday and Thursday as navigate life together and hopefully find ourselves a little bit better on the other side.

[Dave Anthony]

Listen and follow now@fox newspodcast.com.