Fox News Hourly Update: “Another Push for Peace in Ukraine”

Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Dave Anthony (with contributions from Bret Baer, Eben Brown, Ainsley Earhart, Jared Halpern, Madeline Rivera, Ryan Schmell)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers an up-to-the-minute roundup on global diplomacy, national security, political figures, and breaking news. The main focus centers on new efforts for peace in Ukraine, high-profile diplomatic encounters involving President Trump, and updates on U.S. military actions and domestic legal proceedings. Political dynamics and emerging stories from Congress also feature prominently.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Renewed Push for Peace in Ukraine

• European Diplomatic Efforts

  • European leaders are meeting virtually to discuss a U.S.-brokered peace plan aimed at stopping Russia’s war in Ukraine.
  • This comes amid Ukraine’s denial of Russian allegations about a drone strike purportedly targeting President Putin’s residence.
  • (00:03)

• Zelensky Meets Trump at Mar-a-Lago

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Donald Trump in Florida to discuss the conflict.
  • During a subsequent interview with Fox’s Bret Baer, Zelensky addressed Ukraine’s dependence on U.S. support:

    "No, because we can't. First we will think about all the soldiers who think only about their families. And without American support, we can't defend this guy."
    — Volodymyr Zelensky, 00:24

  • Zelensky expressed support for “90% of the peace plan” but stated a major sticking point is Ukraine’s refusal to cede territory to Russia.

2. Middle East Updates: Israel, Hamas, and Iran

• Trump’s Stance on Hamas

  • Trump issued warnings following discussions with Israeli PM Netanyahu:

    "If they don't disarm, as they agreed to do. They agreed to it and then they'll be held to pay."
    — Donald Trump, 00:49

• Concerns Over Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

  • After U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian facilities, Trump hinted at further consequences if Iran resumes its nuclear program:

    "It hasn't been confirmed, but if it's confirmed, look, they know the consequences. You know, consequences will be very powerful."
    — Donald Trump, 01:10

  • Trump promises potential new strikes if Iran resumes weapons work. (01:18)

3. U.S. Military and Security Actions

• Counter-Narcotics Operations

  • U.S. military destroyed another drug trafficking boat off the coast of Venezuela, killing two alleged “narco-terrorists.”
  • Trump linked a previous U.S. strike to dismantling drug smuggling infrastructure.
  • When asked for details about these strikes, Trump remained vague, refusing to specify military or CIA involvement.
    • (Details recapped by Ainsley Earhart at 01:37 and Dave Anthony at 01:49)

• ISIS Operations in Syria

  • The U.S. military claims to have captured or killed about two dozen ISIS operatives since a December 19 strike.
  • (01:49–01:59)

4. U.S. Legal Update: Bomb Threat Prosecution

• Pipe Bomb Case (2021 Capitol Riot)
  • Brian J. Cole, Jr. appears in a D.C. federal court for allegedly placing pipe bombs outside both Democratic and Republican HQs on January 5, 2021—eve of the Capitol riot.

    "[Cole] felt relieved the bombs didn't explode, but that he detests both political parties, insisting no one knows his personal politics but that he felt a need to speak up for for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen."
    — Eben Brown, 02:22

  • Prosecutors released documents aiming to prove Cole’s responsibility.

5. Political Fallout: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Exit from Congress

• Rep. Greene’s Criticism of Trump
  • Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a staunch Trump ally, now criticizes the former president:

    "Loyalty to President Trump is a one way street and it ends like that whenever it suits him."
    — Marjorie Taylor Greene, 03:10

  • Greene alleges sexualization of women in the MAGA movement and claims the president lacks faith.
  • The White House responds, accusing Greene of “quitting on her constituents” and fostering “petty bitterness in Washington.”
    • (03:10–03:51)

6. Other Headlines

• Market Update: Stock futures were slightly down before the opening bell. (03:51)
• Sports: Falcons beat Rams 27–24 with a last-minute field goal on Monday Night Football. (03:51)

Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• Zelensky on U.S. Support:

  "No, because we can't. First we will think about all the soldiers who think only about their families. And without American support, we can't defend this guy."
  — Volodymyr Zelensky, 00:24

• Trump Warning to Hamas:

  "If they don't disarm, as they agreed to do. They agreed to it and then they'll be held to pay."
  — Donald Trump, 00:49

• Trump on Iran:

  "It hasn't been confirmed, but if it's confirmed, look, they know the consequences. You know, consequences will be very powerful."
  — Donald Trump, 01:10

• Eben Brown on Pipe Bomb Defendant:

  "[Cole] felt relieved the bombs didn't explode, but that he detests both political parties..."
  — Eben Brown, 02:22

• Marjorie Taylor Greene on Trump:

  "Loyalty to President Trump is a one way street and it ends like that whenever it suits him."
  — Marjorie Taylor Greene, 03:10

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Opening & Ukraine Peace Efforts: 00:03–00:49
• Trump’s Comments on Hamas and Iran: 00:49–01:18
• Drug Trafficking Operations: 01:18–01:49
• ISIS Strike in Syria: 01:49–01:59
• Pipe Bomb Defendant Court Appearance: 02:22–03:04
• Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trump, and GOP Rift: 03:10–03:51
• Stocks & Sports: 03:51–End

Tone and Style

The episode maintains FOX News’ rapid-fire, headline-driven tone. Commentary is brisk and at times pointed, especially when relating direct quotes and contentious political developments. The language is urgent, factual, and occasionally combative.

This summary synthesizes the key news and soundbites, designed to keep listeners informed about major global and U.S. events, significant interviews, and the current political landscape.