Fox News Hourly Update: "President Brings Back Fitness Council"

Release Date: July 31, 2025
Host: Fox News Podcasts

1. President Trump's Humanitarian Efforts in Gaza

The episode opens with Tom Graham addressing escalating concerns about famine in Gaza. He reports that President Trump is taking unprecedented steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn region.

Tom Graham [00:02]:
"President Trump is sending a delegation to Gaza to survey the Palestinian people amid widespread starvation in the war-torn strip."

Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy elaborates on the administration's stance, highlighting a significant break from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the famine situation.

Peter Doocy [00:12]:
"President Trump breaks with Benjamin Netanyahu on the issue of starvation in Gaza. Netanyahu has said there is none. President Trump has said he has seen pictures of starving children there."

Doocy underscores Trump's decision to dispatch his own team to Gaza as a move to independently verify and address the dire conditions, amidst disagreements with European allies. President Trump believes that recognizing a Palestinian state in Gaza would inadvertently empower Hamas terrorists, who, according to him, have sought exactly that outcome since the planning stages of the October 7th attack.

Peter Doocy [00:12]:
"The fastest way to end the humanitarian crises in Gaza is for Hamas to surrender and release the hostages."

2. Trump's Aggressive Trade Strategy

Tom Graham transitions to the White House's latest trade initiatives, detailing President Trump's ultimatum to global nations.

Tom Graham [00:48]:
"President Trump has given nations around the globe till August 1 tomorrow to strike a trade deal with the US or face steep tariffs."

Fox's Lauren Simonetti breaks down the specifics of these new trade deals and tariff impositions:

• South Korea: A 15% tariff rate is set, alongside a $350 billion investment by U.S.-selected entities. Additionally, South Korea commits to purchasing $100 billion in LNG or other energy products, emphasizing energy security.

• Pakistan: Although tariff rates remain undisclosed, the U.S. and Pakistan aim to collaborate on tapping into Pakistan's vast oil reserves. The administration is in the process of selecting the leading oil company for operations in Brazil.

• Brazil: Imposing a hefty 50% tariff on various Brazilian goods, effective August 6th, as a retaliatory measure against what Trump describes as a "witch hunt against former President Bolsonaro."

Lauren Simonetti [01:00]:
"Energy is front and center. Also in the deal with Pakistan..."

Tom Graham further notes the impending executive order that will formalize these tariff rates commencing at midnight.

3. Construction of a New Ballroom at the White House

The podcast shifts focus to domestic developments within the White House premises. Tom Graham introduces the ambitious plan to expand the White House's event hosting capabilities.

Tom Graham [02:31]:
"The president has designs for a ballroom, a big one at the White House."

Caroline Levitt, the Press Secretary, provides details on the project's scope and necessity.

Caroline Levitt [02:38]:
"Construction on a 90,000 square feet, 650 person capacity ballroom will begin on the White House grounds in September. The complex has long needed a large event space."

Levitt explains that the $200 million project is funded by the president and private donors, with additional security enhancements managed by the U.S. Secret Service. This new facility aims to replace the large temporary tents previously used for state dinners, offering a permanent and lavish venue for official events.

Caroline Levitt [02:51]:
"Administrations and the American people benefit from this large event space."

4. Streamlining Senate Confirmation Processes

Senate procedures for confirming President Trump's nominees are under scrutiny as GOP senators push for expedited methods.

Tom Graham [03:15]:
"The Senate is looking at ways to get more of President Trump's nominees confirmed quicker."

Republican Senator Jason Chaffetz advocates for altering the existing confirmation process, which currently involves multiple stages including committee hearings and floor votes.

Jason Chaffetz [03:40]:
"Would be a lot of negotiation, but I actually think it's something we should start doing."

In contrast, Democrat Peter Welsh acknowledges the need for change but expresses reservations about the timing and potential fallout.

Ryan Schmell [03:19]:
"Democrat Peter Welsh says he thinks the process needs to be changed, but not right now."

Amid these discussions, GOP leadership threatens to extend Senate sessions into the August recess to ensure timely confirmations of Trump's nominees.

5. Cancellation of Offshore Wind Development Projects

The Trump administration has decided to halt plans for developing offshore wind energy across substantial federal waters, a move that has stirred environmental opposition and affected financial markets.

Tom Graham [03:54]:
"The Trump administration is canceling plans to use large areas of federal waters for new offshore wind development. More than 3.5 million acres had been designated for the renewable energy lease."

This cancellation impacts regions off the coasts of Texas, Louisiana, Maine, New York, California, and Oregon. Environmental organizations, including the Sierra Club, have criticized the decision, arguing it undermines renewable energy progress.

The economic repercussions are evident as Wall Street reacts negatively. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by over 330 points, the S&P 500 dropped 24 points, and the NASDAQ decreased by seven points.

6. Other Notable Mentions

• Hulk Hogan's Passing: The segment briefly covers the death of wrestling icon Hulk Hogan from a heart attack, with the medical examiner's report anticipated.

• White House Expansion Funding: Additional details reveal that private donors are contributing to the ballroom's $200 million budget, ensuring the project's financial backing without draining federal resources.

This episode of Fox News Hourly Update provides a comprehensive overview of President Trump's latest foreign and domestic policies, his aggressive approach to international trade, significant infrastructure projects within the White House, and shifts in Senate procedural norms. Additionally, it touches upon the administration's environmental policy changes and their broader economic implications.

For those seeking an insightful analysis of current political dynamics and presidential initiatives, this episode delivers a thorough and engaging narrative, enriched with direct quotes and timely updates.