Fox News Hourly Update

Episode: Pentagon Watchdog Announces Results of "Signal-Gate" Investigation

Date: December 3, 2025
Host: Lisa Licera (FOX News Podcasts)

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire summary of the day’s top stories, focusing on the Pentagon Inspector General’s (“Signal-Gate”) report regarding the secure messaging practices of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Other highlights include international diplomacy updates related to Ukraine and Russia, a sentencing in the Matthew Perry case, a major cheese recall, and the latest in cultural and political developments.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pentagon “Signal-Gate” Investigation (00:02–00:52)

• Main Finding:
  The Pentagon Inspector General’s investigation concluded that US personnel and missions were put at risk due to Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app to relay information about airstrikes in Yemen.
• No Improper Declassification:
  The report states Secretary Hegseth "has the ability to declassify material and did not do so improperly."
• Exoneration:
  Pentagon spokesperson describes the report as "a total exoneration for Hegseth" and considers the matter closed.
• Incident Revealed:
  Use of Signal came to light when a journalist was inadvertently added to an official chat group.
• Notable Quote:
  • Pentagon Spokesperson: "Both US troops and the overall mission were put at risk when Secretary Pete Hegseth used the Signal messaging app to update officials about airstrikes against terrorists in Yemen." (00:13)
  • "The department now considers the matter resolved and the case closed." (00:32)

2. Political Fallout & Analysis (00:52-01:06)

• Democratic Criticism:
  House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries calls Hegseth "the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history."
• Call for Resignation:
  Jeffries adds, "The sooner he’s gone, the better off the American people." (00:57)
• Notable Quote:
  • Political Analyst: “Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history. The sooner he’s gone, the better off the American people.” (00:57)

3. Ukraine-Russia-US Diplomacy (01:06–01:24)

• Ukraine’s President Prepares for Meetings:
  Volodymyr Zelensky posts on X (Twitter) about diplomatic meetings in the US.
• Envoys in Moscow:
  Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, aiming to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.
• Trump’s Positive Spin:
  Donald Trump comments, "I thought they had a very good meeting yesterday with President Putin. We'll see what happens." (01:24)
• Upcoming Talks:
  Witkoff and Kushner plan to meet Ukraine’s chief negotiator in Miami later this week.

4. Matthew Perry Overdose Case Sentencing (01:24–01:46)

• Prison Sentence:
  Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who sold ketamine to Matthew Perry ahead of the actor’s 2023 fatal overdose, is sentenced to 2.5 years in prison, plus two years probation.
• Legal Impact:
  The case closes a high-profile investigation into celebrity drug access methods.

5. Financial News: Stock Market Gains (01:46–01:53)

• Stocks Surge:
  The Dow climbs 408 points, NASDAQ up 40, attributed to near-record Wall Street performance.

6. House GOP Issues Special Counsel Subpoena (02:29–03:18)

• Subpoena for Special Counsel Jack Smith:
  Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan demands a deposition from Jack Smith, who oversaw Trump’s election and classified documents cases.
• GOP Focus:
  Investigating "Operation Arctic Frost," which allegedly sought GOP lawmakers’ phone records.
• Democratic Response:
  Jamie Raskin criticizes the subpoena, suggesting it’s a GOP effort to “spin, distort and cherry pick” Smith’s testimony.
• Notable Quote:
  • Political Analyst: “Republicans have zeroed in on Operation Arctic Frost, which allegedly involved looking at the phone records of several GOP lawmakers.” (02:44)
  • “Republicans aren’t giving Smith a chance to speak publicly and behind closed doors they can spin, distort and cherry pick his remarks through press leaks.” (03:05)

7. Major Shredded Cheese Recall (03:18–03:55)

• Recall Details:
  More than 260,000 cases of shredded cheese recalled in 31 states and Puerto Rico due to potential metal fragments.
• Brands Affected:
  Great Lakes cheese, including Happy Farm’s Italian blend and mozzarella.
• Health Risk:
  Classified as "Class 2" recall: expected health risks are temporary or reversible; no illnesses reported.
• Guidance:
  Consumers advised to check and discard affected products.
• Resource:
  Full recall details available on FDA website.
• Notable Quote:
  • Matt Murphy: "The FDA says over 260,000 cases of shredded cheese have been recalled... because they may contain metal fragments... No illnesses have been reported, but customers should check their packages and discard any affected items." (03:23)

8. Spotify Wrapped – Bad Bunny Overtakes Taylor Swift (04:01–04:23)

• Artist Rankings:
  Bad Bunny leads Spotify’s annual "Wrapped" list, surpassing Taylor Swift.
• User Engagement:
  Listeners can review personal data—top artists, genres, and more.
• Cultural Note:
  Indicates shifting music trends and listening habits.
• Notable Quote:
  • Lisa Licera: "Bad Bunny is at the top of Spotify Wrapped this year, dethroning Taylor Swift, who held the spot for two years." (04:06)

Most Memorable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• "Both U.S. troops and the overall mission were put at risk when Secretary Pete Hegseth used the Signal messaging app to update officials about airstrikes against terrorists in Yemen."
  —Pentagon Spokesperson (00:13)

• "Pete Hegseth is the most unqualified secretary of defense in American history. The sooner he’s gone, the better off the American people."
  —Political Analyst citing House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (00:57)

• "I thought they had a very good meeting yesterday with President Putin. We'll see what happens."
  —Donald Trump (01:24)

• "The FDA says over 260,000 cases of shredded cheese have been recalled... because they may contain metal fragments."
  —Matt Murphy (03:23)

• "Bad Bunny is at the top of Spotify Wrapped this year, dethroning Taylor Swift, who held the spot for two years."
  —Lisa Licera (04:06)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamps | |---------|-------------| | Pentagon IG Report – “Signal-Gate” | 00:02–00:52 | | Political Reactions | 00:52–01:06 | | Ukraine-Russia-US Diplomacy | 01:06–01:24 | | Matthew Perry Case Sentencing | 01:24–01:46 | | Financial Update: Stock Market | 01:46–01:53 | | House GOP subpoenas Jack Smith | 02:29–03:18 | | Shredded Cheese Recall | 03:18–03:55 | | Spotify Wrapped: Bad Bunny | 04:01–04:23 |

Tone and Language

The episode maintains FOX News’ characteristic brisk, no-nonsense delivery, blending breaking news with succinct analysis and frequent direct attribution to named officials and public figures.

Ideal for listeners who want a clear, concise, and up-to-date rundown of major U.S. and global headlines.