Fox News Hourly Update – 9AM ET, 12/20/2025

Overview

This 9AM Fox News newscast, anchored by Paul Stevens and featuring reports from Ainsley Earhart, Chanley Painter, Mike Emanuel, and others, covers breaking developments in US military action against ISIS, updates in the Epstein-Maxwell document release controversy, a notable political announcement, record holiday travel, ongoing US military operations in the Caribbean, and key statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The episode closes with news from the Vatican about a major upcoming convocation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. US Retaliatory Strikes Against ISIS in Syria

• Summary:
  The United States launched extensive military strikes in Syria, targeting over 70 ISIS sites in response to the killing of three Americans (two Iowa National Guard members and a US civilian interpreter) last weekend. This action was characterized as a "declaration of vengeance."
• Details:
  • Strikes addressed fighters, infrastructure, and weapon sites ([00:14]).
  • The incident took place in eastern Syria, where US forces are part of an anti-ISIS coalition.
  • Three additional US soldiers sustained injuries in the ISIS attack ([00:36]).
  • President Trump alleged Syrian government support for these strikes.

Notable Quote:
"Dozens of ISIS targets destroyed yesterday and with what War Secretary Pete Hegseth calls a declaration of vengeance."
— Paul Stevens [00:02]

2. Epstein-Maxwell DOJ Document Release

• Summary:
  The Department of Justice's release of Epstein-Maxwell documents has come under scrutiny for technical issues, missing files, heavy redactions, and a general lack of context.
• Details:
  • Many files lack clear labels, names, dates, or locations.
  • Several photos are included, some mature in content, with minimal contextual information.
  • Multiple photos feature former President Bill Clinton, though their significance is unclear.
  • Faces of individuals other than Clinton are often blacked out; DOJ cites victim protection.
  • A photo includes Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, again with no explanation provided.

Notable Quote:
"The documents are not labeled with any great detail. There are plenty of photographs, but many have no names, dates or location. And context is really empty in some of them."
— Chanley Painter [00:59]

Quote:
"One of the photos shows the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger sitting around a table. But again, no context is provided."
— Chanley Painter [01:16]

3. Rep. Elise Stefanik’s Political Announcement

• Summary:
  Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of New York announced she will not pursue the governorship nor seek re-election for her House seat, citing family reasons.
• Details:
  • Decision announced on X (formerly Twitter).
  • Ends her campaign to challenge Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul ([01:34]).

4. Record Holiday Travel in 2025

• Summary:
  AAA forecasts a record 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home during the holiday season, continuing an upward trend post-COVID.
• Details:
  • 2.2% increase from last year.
  • Most travelers by car; 8 million expected to fly (200,000 more than last year).
  • Travel experts advise booking early and arriving at the airport three hours before flights.

Notable Quote:
"AAA is predicting more than 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home, a 2.2% increase from last year."
— Mike Emanuel [02:37]

5. US Military Operations in the Caribbean & Pacific

• Summary:
  Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended US actions against drug-running vessels and made strong statements regarding negotiations with Venezuela and strategies for dealing with China.
• Details:
  • Military strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific described as routine, not war escalations ([03:14]).
  • Rubio rules out negotiations with Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro: "It's hard to...do a deal with someone who never keeps a deal." ([03:39])
  • Rubio discusses pragmatic engagement with China and touts US diplomatic efforts.
  • He also highlights progress in achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.

Notable Quotes:
"Nothing has happened that requires us to notify Congress or get congressional approval or cross the threshold into war."
— Marco Rubio [03:25]

 "It's hard to have and do a deal with someone who never keeps a deal."  
 — Marco Rubio [03:39]
 
 "China is going to be, is and it will continue to be a rich and powerful country and a factor in geopolitics. And we have to deal with them and we have to find the things we are able to work together on."  
 — Marco Rubio [03:48]

6. Upcoming Vatican Convocation

• Summary:
  All Catholic cardinals are set to gather at the Vatican on January 7–8, 2026, to discuss the future of the Catholic Church.
• Details:
  • Announcement follows Pope Leo XIV appointing Bishop Ronald Hicks as the next Archbishop of New York ([04:04]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Dozens of ISIS targets destroyed yesterday and with what War Secretary Pete Hegseth calls a declaration of vengeance."
  — Paul Stevens [00:02]

• "The documents are not labeled with any great detail. There are plenty of photographs, but many have no names, dates or location."
  — Chanley Painter [00:59]

• "AAA is predicting more than 122 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home, a 2.2% increase from last year."
  — Mike Emanuel [02:37]

• "Nothing has happened that requires us to notify Congress or get congressional approval or cross the threshold into war."
  — Marco Rubio [03:25]

• "It's hard to have and do a deal with someone who never keeps a deal."
  — Marco Rubio [03:39]

• "China is going to be, is and it will continue to be a rich and powerful country and a factor in geopolitics. And we have to deal with them..."
  — Marco Rubio [03:48]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• US Retaliatory Strikes in Syria: [00:02]–[00:36]
• Epstein-Maxwell DOJ Document Controversy: [00:36]–[01:34]
• Rep. Elise Stefanik Announcement: [01:34]–[01:59]
• Record Holiday Travel Forecast: [02:32]–[03:14]
• Secretary Marco Rubio’s End of Year Conference: [03:14]–[04:04]
• Upcoming Vatican Convocation: [04:04]–[04:28]

This newscast offers a concise yet comprehensive update on pressing US and world events, military actions, high-profile legal developments, political news, and cultural updates, maintaining a factual tone with direct source attributions and relevant quotes for context.