Fox News Hourly Update – 7AM ET, December 20, 2025

Main Theme

This episode provides a fast-paced roundup of major national and global news events, focusing on the U.S. response to ISIS attacks, the controversy over newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents, significant political moves in New York, record holiday travel projections, President Trump's latest economic efforts, and statistics on border control and immigration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Retaliatory Strikes on ISIS in Syria

• Summary: The U.S. launched large-scale airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria in response to a deadly attack that killed three Americans—two Iowa National Guard soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter—last weekend.

• Details:

  • Over 70 ISIS-related sites were targeted, including fighters, infrastructure, and weapons facilities.
  • The operation was characterized by War Secretary Pete Hegseth as a “declaration of vengeance.”

• Context:

  • President Trump alleged that the Syrian government supported the ISIS attacks.
  • Three other American soldiers were reported wounded.

  “Dozens of ISIS targets hit yesterday… in what War Secretary Pete Hegseth called a declaration of vengeance.”
  — Paul Stevens [00:03]

  “The US Launching retaliatory strikes in Syria in response to last weekend’s killing of three Americans… The U.S. hit more than 70 sites targeting ISIS fighters, infrastructure and weapons sites.”
  — Chanley Painter [00:12]

2. Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell Documents Release Criticized

• Summary: The Justice Department’s effort to release documents related to the Epstein-Maxwell sex trafficking case faces criticism for lacking transparency and clarity.

• Details:

  • Complaints revolve around unspecified website glitches, missing documents, and heavy redactions.
  • Many of the released photographs are poorly labeled, lacking names, dates, or context.
  • Notably, several photos of former President Bill Clinton are included but provide no context or explanations, with faces of others blacked out for victim protection.
  • One mentioned image includes Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, also contextless.

  “The documents are not labeled with any great detail… context is really empty in some of them. Some of the photos are of mature content.”
  — David Spunt [00:57]

  “Now there are several photos of former President Bill Clinton. Within the first few documents, he’s recognizable, unlike many others in many photos. But the photos of Clinton don’t have any context.”
  — David Spunt [01:08]

3. Elise Stefanik Ends Bid for NY Governor & Will Not Seek Reelection

• Summary: Congresswoman Elise Stefanik announced her withdrawal from both the New York gubernatorial race and her current House seat's reelection.

• Details:

  • She cited her family as the primary reason for stepping down.
  • Stefanik had declared candidacy for governor in November and has actively campaigned in 2025.

  “Congresswoman Elise Stefanik ending her bid for New York State’s governor and also will not seek reelection to another two year House term… citing her family as her reason for stepping out.”
  — Paul Stevens [01:32]

4. Record Holiday Travel Forecast

• Summary: A record-setting number of Americans are expected to travel during the holidays, with predictions exceeding last year’s tallies.

• Details:

  • Over 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home, up 2.2% from the previous year.
  • While most will travel by car, around 8 million are expected to fly—a 200,000 person increase.
  • Experts suggest arriving at airports three hours early, and urge advanced planning.

  “AAA is predicting more than 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home… about 200,000 more than last year.”
  — Mike Emanuel [03:10]

5. President Trump’s Economic Initiatives & Allusions to Immigration Policy

• Summary: President Trump continues to tout economic achievements and border control as key leadership successes.

• Details:

  • Held a rally in North Carolina, echoing recent messaging from his year-end addresses.
  • Announced new “most favored nations” drug pricing; pharmaceutical companies agree to lower prices for Americans to match the lowest price paid worldwide.
  • Department of Homeland Security reported over 2.5 million illegal immigrants left, a 93% reduction in illegal border crossings year-over-year, fentanyl trafficking cut in half, and hundreds of thousands of arrests or deportations of criminal illegal immigrants.

  “Much like his year end address earlier in the week… the commander in chief put a lot of emphasis on the economy with signs reading bigger paychecks and lower prices behind him.”
  — Jeff Paul [03:56]

  “Whatever the lowest price is worldwide, if it’s what Germany pays or the UK Pays, that’s what Americans are going to pay.”
  — Jeff Paul [04:18]

  “DHS claiming that illegal border crossings have plunged in 93% year over year. Fentanyl trafficking cut in half…”
  — Paul Stevens [04:38]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A declaration of vengeance”—Paul Stevens quoting War Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the U.S. response to ISIS: [00:03]
• David Spunt’s criticism of DOJ’s Epstein document release methods: [00:57–01:32]
• Elise Stefanik’s public stepping-down, a rare dual withdrawal from both a gubernatorial and current House race: [01:32]
• Holiday travel expert advice on arriving early and planning ahead: [03:10]
• President Trump’s “most favored nations” drug pricing plan visualization: [03:56–04:27]
• DHS statistics about falling illegal border crossings and fentanyl seizure: [04:38]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• U.S. Strikes on ISIS, Retaliation & Deaths: 00:03–00:34
• Epstein-Maxwell DOJ Document Release Problems: 00:34–01:32
• Elise Stefanik Drops Out of NY Governor & Congress Race: 01:32–01:59
• Record Holiday Travel Trends & Tips: 02:58–03:48
• President Trump’s North Carolina Rally & Drug Price Policy: 03:48–04:27
• Border Security Statistics from DHS: 04:27–04:58

This concise, fact-focused update encapsulated the primary political and societal headlines shaping U.S. news on December 20, 2025, offering listeners an informed and timely snapshot of the day’s top stories.