Fox News Hourly Update – 7AM ET 12/30/2025 Newscast

Host: Dave Anthony (FOX News)
Date: December 30, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced roundup of overnight and early morning news, focusing on ongoing U.S. military operations against drug trafficking, international diplomacy involving President Trump, escalating tensions near Taiwan, Minnesota's Medicaid fraud scandal, and major sports highlights from the NFL and NBA. The tone is urgent, straightforward, and packed with updates from both anchors and notable soundbites from key world leaders.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Military Operations Against Drug Trafficking

Timestamps: 00:03–00:38

• Main Story: The 30th U.S. maritime strike since September targeted illegal drug operations near Venezuela, resulting in the deaths of two alleged narco-terrorists (total now at 107).
• Expansion: A recent U.S. attack targeted a dock area inside Venezuela, believed to be critical for drug loading, though details of whether the operation was military or CIA-led remain undisclosed.

Notable Quote:

• [00:28] Donald Trump (speaking at Mar-a-Lago):
  "We hit all the boats and now we hit the area, the implementation area. That's where they implement and that is no longer around."

2. Trump’s Foreign Policy: Israel, Gaza & Iran

Timestamps: 00:38–01:15

• Middle East Diplomacy: President Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, discussing the new phase of the Gaza ceasefire that paused recent hostilities.
• On Hamas: Trump reaffirms the U.S. position, warning of consequences if Hamas fails to comply with disarmament agreements.
• On Iran: The President signals readiness for possible future military action against Iran, aligning with Netanyahu’s concerns over potential acceleration of Iran's missile program.

Notable Quote:

• [00:59] Donald Trump:
  "If they don't disarm as they agreed to do, they agreed to it, then they'll be held to pay."

3. Ukraine Peace Talks

Timestamps: 01:15–01:42

• Update: Following talks at Mar-a-Lago, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces agreement on 90% of a U.S.-brokered peace plan with Russia.
• Sticking Point: Territorial concessions remain unresolved; Zelensky is firm against giving up land where civilians reside, emphasizing the human cost of surrender.

Notable Quote:

• [01:34] Volodymyr Zelensky (to Fox’s Brett Baier):
  "They can't give up land. People live there. 300,000 people live there. We can't lose just people. We can't go out because 100,000 have been wounded."

4. Rising Tensions in East Asia

Timestamps: 01:42–02:04

• China’s Wargames: China continues aggressive military drills near Taiwan, deploying ships, jets, and troops in live-fire exercises aimed at discouraging Taiwanese independence after a fresh U.S. arms sale to Taipei.
• Chinese Statement: The drills are intended to "prevent anything that tries to split Taiwan" from China.

5. Minnesota Medicaid Fraud Scandal

Timestamps: 02:17–03:09

• Investigation: Federal prosecutors and the FBI are probing what they describe as just "the tip of the iceberg" over Medicaid fraud in Minnesota, allegedly perpetrated by groups in the Somali community.
• Political Fallout: Republicans, including House Speaker Lisa Daymith, urge Democratic Governor Tim Walz to step down, claiming prolonged negligence on the issue.
• Governor’s Response: Walz’s office asserts efforts to enhance oversight and investigations, following reports that significant portions of $18 billion in state Medicaid spending may have been stolen.

Notable Quotes:

• [02:24] Lisa Daymith:
  "Governor Tim Walz should step aside..."
• [02:42] Madeleine Rivera:
  "The Walz administration had years to address these issues, but has frequently ignored or downplayed the issues at every turn."

6. Financial & Sports Roundup

Timestamps: 03:09–03:52

• Market Update: Stock futures dip after Wall Street’s prior-day selloff.
• NFL: The Atlanta Falcons upset the L.A. Rams (27–24); kicker Zayn Gonzalez makes a last-minute 51-yard field goal.
  • Bijan Robinson sets a franchise record with a 93-yard touchdown run (part of 195 total rushing yards).
• Playoff Implications: Rams can still clinch a high playoff seed with a win and help.
• NBA: The Denver Nuggets lose to the Miami Heat (123–147). Star Nikola Jokic leaves the game with a left knee injury and will undergo an MRI.

Notable Quote:

• [03:27] Dave Anthony (excited call):
  "He got it. Split the uprights."

Memorable Moments

• Trump’s Veiled Strike Details: The President’s ambiguous comments on whether attacks are military or intelligence-led add intrigue to the anti-narcotics campaign.
• Direct Leader Soundbites: The episode features statements from both Trump and Zelensky, underscoring the gravity of foreign policy decisions.
• High-Stakes Sports Commentary: The dramatic sports recap—especially the Falcons’ surprise win and Robinson’s historic touchdown—adds energy to the news hour.
• Political Tension: Clashes over the Minnesota fraud scandal are sharply drawn, featuring dueling party perspectives.

Segment Timestamps

• 00:03 – 00:38 – U.S. strikes on narco-trafficking in Venezuela
• 00:38 – 01:15 – Trump’s talks with Netanyahu; Iran and Hamas warnings
• 01:15 – 01:42 – Ukraine/Russia peace plan update with Zelensky’s comments
• 01:42 – 02:04 – Chinese military drills encircle Taiwan
• 02:17 – 03:09 – Minnesota Medicaid fraud scandal & political fallout
• 03:09 – 03:52 – Wall Street update; NFL & NBA highlights

With rapid-fire updates and direct soundbites from world leaders and politicians, this episode captures the urgency and complexity of today’s top national, international, and sports stories, offering listeners a concise but thorough morning briefing.