Fox News Hourly Update – 7AM ET 01/03/2026 Newscast

Overview

This episode delivers major breaking news and rapid updates on global and domestic security events. The highlight is the dramatic US military operation resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, coupled with escalating developments in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas. Other major stories include a thwarted terrorism plot in North Carolina and updates on US federal contract reductions and a blocked semiconductor deal with Chinese links.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Military Operation Captures Venezuelan Leader

• Host Paul Stevens opens with breaking news:
  "The leader of Venezuela has been captured in a US Military operation in West Palm Beach, Florida..." (00:03)
• Lucas Tomlinson reports via President Trump’s Truth Social post:
  • Trump confirms a "large scale strike against Venezuela" and the "capture" of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
  • "This operation was done in conjunction with US Law enforcement..." (00:13–00:31)
  • News conference scheduled for 11am at Mar-a-Lago.
  • Airstrikes began around 1 AM ET (2 AM Caracas time), targeting major military bases and coastal ports.
  • Quote: “Major military bases from Maduro’s forces were hit in the capital as well as Venezuela’s large port on the coast.” (00:42)

2. Aftermath and International Reaction

• Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to Fox News:
  • Announces Maduro’s arrest by US personnel and forthcoming US trial.
• Chantley Painter offers scene reporting from Caracas:
  • “Explosions have been heard in Caracas, Venezuela... a military base is without electricity. Airplanes are also reportedly heard in the skies... columns of smoke can be seen in several areas.” (01:11–01:23)
  • Associated Press notes at least seven explosions and low-flying aircraft.
• Venezuelan Government's Response:
  • Official statement denounces the operation:
    • "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejects, repudiates and denounces to the international community the very serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America against the Venezuelan territory." (01:34)

3. Domestic Security: Foiled Terror Attack in North Carolina

• Paul Stevens updates:
  • Arrest of 18-year-old Christian Sturtevant in connection with a planned New Year’s Eve attack at a grocery store. (02:41)
• Fox’s David Spund in DC:
  • Sturtevant pledged support to ISIS online, but all contacts were undercover law enforcement.
  • He had been monitored since January 2022 and received court-ordered psychological care.
  • Now charged with attempting to provide material to a foreign terrorist organization; faces up to 20 years.
  • Quote: “Sturtevant allegedly planned to use butcher knives and hammers in the attack.” (03:29)

4. Federal Contracts & Security Measures

• Chris DiMaio details US government savings and contract changes:
  • Federal agencies reduced 55 contracts, saving $542 million out of $1.6 billion in three days.
  • Department of Defense (DOGE) listing includes deals pertaining to Somalia and US support for Somali forces.
  • Quote: "Much of the framework of DOGE remains active despite the high profile involvement of Elon Musk early on in President Trump's second term." (03:41–04:02)

5. US Blocks Semiconductor Deal With Chinese Connection

• Paul Stevens reports executive order:
  • President Trump blocks HiFO Corp.—owned by a PRC citizen—from acquiring semiconductor assets from EMCOR Corp., citing national security concerns. (04:12)
  • Quote: “Ordering the unraveling of a $2.9 million computer chip deal that he concluded threatened US security interests.” (04:12)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President Trump’s Statement via Lucas Tomlinson:

  • “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country...” (00:13–00:25)

• Venezuelan Government’s Official Statement:

  • “The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela rejects, repudiates and denounces to the international community the very serious military aggression perpetrated by the current government of the United States of America...” (01:34)

• Chantley Painter, live update from Caracas:

  • “Airplanes are also reportedly heard in the skies over the Venezuelan capital and columns of smoke can be seen in several areas.” (01:17)

• On the North Carolina terror plot:

  • “He received psychological care ordered by a state judge in North Carolina. Four years later, though, he’s charged with attempting to provide materials to a foreign terrorist organization.” (02:51–03:13)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:03 — Breaking: Venezuelan President Maduro captured by US military.
• 00:13 — Trump statement on operation, details on airstrikes.
• 00:56 — Secretary Marco Rubio: Maduro will stand trial in US.
• 01:11–01:34 — Reports from Caracas following military strike.
• 01:34 — Venezuelan government’s condemnation.
• 02:41–03:29 — Arrest and background of NC terrorism suspect.
• 03:41 — US government contract reductions, DOGE update.
• 04:12 — Trump executive order blocking semiconductor deal.

Overall Tone

The newscast delivers information in the concise, rapid-fire style characteristic of Fox News’ hourly updates. The language is direct, with emphasis on official statements and urgent breaking details, reflecting the gravity and immediacy of international and domestic events.