Fox News Hourly Update — 6AM ET, August 26, 2025

Host: Sue Guzman
Podcast: Fox News Hourly Update
Date: August 26, 2025

Episode Overview

This concise Fox News Radio newscast delivers the critical stories shaping America on the morning of August 26, 2025. Key topics include the unprecedented removal attempt of a Federal Reserve governor by President Trump, the administration’s clampdown on flag desecration, a Congressional spotlight on Jeffrey Epstein’s estate, North Korea diplomatic developments, new executive orders on bail reform, and a major wildfire threatening Oregon.

Key Discussion Points & Highlights

1. President Trump Attempts to Remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook

[00:02–00:53]

• Sue Guzman reports President Trump has announced the firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook over mortgage fraud allegations.
• Kristin Goodwin elaborates:
  • Trump posted a letter on Truth Social detailing the removal, citing a criminal referral from FHFA Director Bill Pulte that accuses Cook of falsifying property records and claiming multiple primary residences for mortgages in 2021.
  • Quote from Trump’s letter:

    "In light of your deceitful and potentially criminal conduct in a financial matter, I do not have such confidence in your integrity." (Kristin Goodwin quoting Trump, 00:42)

  • Cook was appointed by President Biden for a term ending in 2038.
• Sue Guzman notes Cook refuses to step down, arguing the President lacks authority for her removal, as the Federal Reserve’s independence insulates it from executive action.

2. White House Clampdown on Flag Desecration and Free Speech Tension

[00:53–01:33]

• An army veteran was detained for flag burning outside the White House, shortly after President Trump signed new executive orders demanding prosecution for desecrating the American flag.
• President Trump’s statement:

  "When you burn the American flag, it incites riots at levels that we've never seen before. People go crazy in a way, both ways. There are some that are going crazy for doing it. There are others that are going to angry angry about them doing it." (President Trump, 01:17)

• Despite the orders, Guzman recalls the Supreme Court precedent that flag burning is protected First Amendment speech.

3. House Oversight Committee Targets Jeffrey Epstein’s Estate

[01:33–01:59]

• Lawmakers have subpoenaed Epstein’s estate for documents that might clarify his connections and reveal possible misconduct by prosecutors—part of an ongoing Congressional push for transparency.

4. Diplomatic Efforts: Renewed Push for a North Korea Summit

[03:10–03:46]

• Jared Halpern reports Trump is pursuing another summit with Kim Jong Un, reviving first-term engagement strategies.
• Quoting the President on his rapport with Kim:

  "I get along with him really well. I think he has a country of great potential, tremendous potential." (President Trump, 03:25)

• President Trump welcomes South Korea’s President Lee Jae Meng, with both expected to finalize a trade deal lowering tariffs.
• Another Trump remark:

  "We love what they do. We love their product. We love their ships. We love a lot of the things that they make." (President Trump, 03:38)

5. Executive Orders: Bail Reform and Crime Crackdown Nationwide

[03:55–04:43]

• Jeff Manasseh covers Trump’s executive orders:
  • End federal cashless bail.
  • Direct police to charge and detain federal suspects prior to trial.
• Trump touts crime reduction in D.C.:

  "Days, we've had no murders here in." (Trump, 04:24)

• Chicago is the next target for the crackdown, though local leaders dispute the White House’s narrative; Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker claim Trump is “manufacturing a crisis.”

6. Oregon Wildfire Emergency

[04:43–05:07]

• The Flat Fire, Oregon’s largest, has burned over 22,000 acres, destroyed at least four homes, and is only 5% contained.
• Thousands evacuated; officials fear shifting winds could worsen conditions. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported.

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• President Trump on Lisa Cook:
  "In light of your deceitful and potentially criminal conduct in a financial matter, I do not have such confidence in your integrity." (00:42, quoted by Kristin Goodwin)
• Lisa Cook’s Response:
  She "will not step down," arguing the President "does not have the authority to remove her." (00:53, paraphrased by Sue Guzman)
• On Flag Burning:
  "When you burn the American flag, it incites riots at levels that we've never seen before..." (President Trump, 01:17)
• On Kim Jong Un:
  "I get along with him really well. I think he has a country of great potential, tremendous potential." (President Trump, 03:25)
• On South Korea Trade:
  "We love what they do. We love their product. We love their ships. We love a lot of the things that they make." (President Trump, 03:38)
• Crime Reduction Boast:
  "Days, we've had no murders here in." (President Trump, 04:24)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:02] - Fed Board firing and fraud allegations
• [00:53] - Flag desecration crackdown and First Amendment discussion
• [01:33] - Epstein estate subpoena by House Oversight
• [03:10] - North/South Korea summit and trade diplomacy
• [03:55] - Executive orders on bail and crime; pushback in Chicago
• [04:43] - Oregon wildfire update

Summary

This Fox News update covers a fast-moving news cycle with top-level political, legal, and emergency headlines. The episode captures the assertive tone of President Trump’s policy directives, the ongoing debate on institutional independence, free speech, and intensifying U.S. diplomatic and law enforcement strategies—all delivered in a brisk, direct Fox News style.