Fox News Hourly Update: "Chants of 'Death to America' in Iran"

Date: January 12, 2026
Host: Dave Anthony and Ainsley Earhart, FOX News Podcasts

Overview

This episode covers escalating tensions in Iran following mass protests and harsh crackdowns on dissent, broader unrest within the U.S. tied to immigration enforcement, financial-political friction between President Trump and the Federal Reserve, updates on the fragile Gaza ceasefire, and a series of international and cultural headlines.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Protests and Crackdown in Iran

• Pro-Regime Counter-Demonstrations:
  In response to ongoing protests against Iran’s leadership, significant state-supported rallies emerge, with crowds chanting “Death to America.”
• US Response and Possible Action:
  • President Trump claims Iranian officials have reached out to propose negotiations but warns the US “might have to act before they ever meet” as Iran approaches his "red line."

    “Iran is starting to cross his red line.” — Ainsley Earhart [00:18]

• Human Rights Violations:
  • Over 500 protesters have reportedly been killed. Iranian authorities have shut down Internet and phone services to stifle dissent.
  • Questions arise about the legitimacy and brutality of Iran’s rulers.

    “There seem to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed. These are violent—if you call them leaders... I don’t know if they’re leaders or just they rule through violence.” — Dave Anthony [00:33]

Notable Moment:

• Vehicular Attack in Los Angeles:
  • A U-Haul was driven into a crowd of anti-Iran demonstrators in Los Angeles.
    • One person was hit (not seriously injured).
    • Protesters chased the vehicle, which was later stopped and the driver apprehended.

    “The truck, whose windows and side mirrors were shattered, was stopped several blocks away and surrounded by police cars.” — Ainsley Earhart [00:55] “That driver was taken into custody.” — Dave Anthony [01:07]

2. Immigration Protests and Law Enforcement

• Anti-ICE Protests in Minneapolis:
  • Protests expand in the wake of an incident where an immigration agent shot and killed a woman alleged to have driven toward him.
  • Homeland Security defends agent actions and reinforces law enforcement presence.

  “If they conduct violent activities against law enforcement, if they impede our operations, that’s a crime.” — Secretary Kristi Noem [01:26]

  • Announcement: Hundreds more agents to be sent to Minneapolis.

3. Federal Reserve Tensions and Investigation

• President Trump vs. Jerome Powell:
  • Trump has labeled Fed Chair Jerome Powell “a moron” over rate policies and is unhappy with the pace and scale of interest-rate cuts.
  • Powell is under criminal investigation regarding Congressional testimony about Federal Reserve renovations.
    • Powell addresses the situation directly:

      “This is about if the Fed can be independent or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.” — Jerome Powell, [01:50]

4. Gaza Ceasefire and Political Transition

• Ceasefire Status:
  • Ceasefire remains nominally in place; Israel launched a deadly anti-terror operation over the weekend.
  • Hamas preparing to hand over Gaza governance to a politically independent committee per US-brokered peace plan.
  • Details remain unclear; Hamas calls for expedited transition.

    “The names of those technocrats have yet to be revealed and it’s still not clear when that group will be in place.” — Jonathan Savage [02:44]

5. International and Cultural Headlines

Venezuela Political Developments

• Vatican Meeting: Pope Leo meets with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado regarding Venezuela’s future post-Maduro.
  • Machado has emerged from hiding; mentions potentially giving her Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump.

Markets & Entertainment

• Stock Market Downturn:
  • Wall Street expected to drop, Dow futures down more than 300 points at the open.
• Golden Globes Recap:
  • "One Battle After Another" (Political Satire/Comedy) sweeps four awards including Best Picture, Musical or Comedy.
  • "Hamnet" wins Best Picture, Drama.
  • “Adolescents” picks up four awards for limited series.

    “Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another about the deep political battles in America took home four awards, including best picture, musical or comedy.” — Michelle Paulino [03:50]

NFL Playoffs Update

• Winners: San Francisco (def. Philadelphia), New England (def. LA Chargers), Buffalo (def. Jacksonville).
• Next: Pittsburgh vs. Houston.

Notable Quotes

• “There seem to be some people killed that aren’t supposed to be killed...”
  — Dave Anthony, on Iran crackdown [00:33]
• “Iran is starting to cross his red line.”
  — Ainsley Earhart [00:18]
• “If they conduct violent activities against law enforcement, if they impede our operations, that’s a crime.”
  — Secretary Kristi Noem [01:26]
• “This is about if the Fed can be independent or whether instead monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation.”
  — Jerome Powell [01:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Iran Protests and Crackdown: 00:03–01:07
• Immigration Protests and ICE: 01:07–01:32
• Fed Investigation: 01:32–01:58
• Gaza Ceasefire: 02:26–03:17
• Venezuela and Nobel Prize: 03:17–03:46
• Golden Globes Recap: 03:46–04:13
• NFL Playoffs Update: 04:13–04:27

Overall Tone

The tone is urgent and serious, covering fast-moving international crises, national unrest, and high-profile news, with clear emphasis on consequences, official statements, and government responses.