Fox News Hourly Update: February 3, 2026

Main Theme:
This episode centers on President Trump signing a $1.2 trillion spending bill, ending a brief partial government shutdown, with additional coverage on federal reforms, Harvard University funding disputes, international news, and Olympic updates.

1. Government Shutdown Ends – Trump Signs Spending Bill

Key Discussion Points:

• President Trump signed a $1.2 trillion spending bill to fund the government through September and end the brief shutdown.
• The House passed the measure by a narrow vote (217–214), with notable bipartisan crossover: 21 Republicans opposed and 21 Democrats supported the bill.
• The bill only provides a short-term extension for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), covering two additional weeks.

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump:

  “It’s signed. It’s signed.” (00:07)
  “We’ve succeeded in passing a fiscally responsible package that actually cuts wasteful federal spending while supporting critical programs for the safety, security and prosperity of the American people.” (00:17)

• Lisa Lacera (on the vote):

  “21 Republicans sided with Democrats in voting against it while 21 Democrats voted in favor. But the fight is not over. The package only funds the Department of Homeland Security for two weeks.” (00:29)

Timestamps:

• [00:02] – Shutdown ends announcement
• [00:07] – President Trump signs the bill
• [00:12] – Funding through September / breakdown of vote
• [00:29] – DHS only funded for two weeks

2. Ongoing DHS Reform & Immigration Policy

Key Discussion Points:

• Democrats call for more reforms within the DHS, while President Trump emphasizes his own priorities.
• New immigration enforcement policy: ICE agents in Minneapolis to begin wearing body cameras, with national rollout planned as funding allows.
• Debate continues over nationalizing election administration; President Trump urged Congress for greater federal election oversight.

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump:

  “They do have some good ideas, I think, but I’ve got a better idea.” (00:49)
  “If a state can’t run an election, I think the people behind me should do something about it.” (01:17)

Timestamps:

• [00:49] – Trump on Democratic reforms
• [00:53] – Policy updates: sanctuary cities; ICE body cams
• [01:17] – Trump pushes for federal elections role

3. Election Oversight and Voter ID Laws

Key Discussion Points:

• The president seeks a bigger federal role in election administration, sparking constitutional debate.
• Some Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, oppose nationalizing elections but support stricter voter ID requirements.

Quote:

• Lisa Lacera (on Republican sentiment):

  “Some Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, have said they’re not in favor of that but are in favor of stricter voter ID laws.” (01:21)

Timestamps:

• [01:21] – Republican stance on voter ID

4. Breaking News – Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

Key Discussion Points:

• Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today Show” anchor Savannah Guthrie, has gone missing with signs of forced entry at her home and possible abduction.
• Law enforcement has not confirmed or denied reports of a ransom note.

Quote:

• Lisa Lacera:

  “There are signs of forced entry at Nancy Guthrie’s home… Authorities believe she was taken against her will. There are reports of a ransom note.” (01:41)

Timestamps:

• [01:41] – Missing person developments

5. President Trump’s Dispute with Harvard University

Key Discussion Points:

• President Trump demands a $1 billion settlement from Harvard to restore federal funding, escalating from a previous $200 million demand.
• Trump calls for criminal (rather than civil) investigations into the university.
• Context: In September, a federal judge restored over $2 billion in federal research funding to Harvard, which is now being appealed by the government.
• Other Ivy League institutions have signed deals with the Trump administration.

Notable Quotes:

• Tanya J. Powers:

  “President Trump wants Harvard to pay a billion dollar settlement to restore federal funding… Trump said investigations of Harvard should now be quote, criminal, not civil.” (03:05)

Timestamps:

• [03:01] – Introduction to dispute
• [03:05] – Tanya J. Powers details latest escalation

6. International News – Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Killed

Key Discussion Points:

• Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Libya’s former dictator Muammar Gaddafi, has reportedly been killed by gunmen at his home in Zintan.

Timestamps:

• [03:42] – Announcement of Gaddafi’s death

7. Olympics Updates

Team USA Flag Bearers:

• The US Olympic Team names speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca as its flag bearers for the 25th Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy.
• Erin Jackson: First Black woman to win a Winter Olympics gold medal in an individual sport (500m speedskating, 2022).
• Frank Del Duca: Second Olympics appearance.

Athlete Health Update:

• Skier Lindsey Vonn, despite a ruptured ACL four days prior, says she is confident she can still compete in the Winter Games.

Quotes:

• Jared Max:

  “Team USA announced Tuesday that its contingency of 232 athletes… will be led into the stadium Friday in the Parade of Nations by flag bearers, speed skater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca.” (04:01)

Timestamps:

• [04:01] – Team USA announcements
• [04:41] – Lindsey Vonn’s health update

Memorable Moments & Speaker Highlights

• President Trump’s assertive declaration while signing the bill:

  “It’s signed. It’s signed.” (00:07)

• Emphasis on bipartisanship and continued contention over DHS funding:
  • 21 Republicans defected; package is only a partial solution.
• Escalation against Harvard, calling for criminal probes:
  • “Harvard should now be… criminal, not civil.” (03:05)
• Touching Olympic stories:
  • “Erin Jackson… became the first black American just to medal in speed skating.” (04:01)
• Ongoing concern for high-profile missing persons:
  • “Authorities believe she was taken against her will.” (01:41)

Summary Table of Major News Segments

| Segment | Topic | Time | |--------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|---------| | Government Shutdown Ends | Trump signs funding bill, DHS extension | 00:02–00:29 | | Immigration/Election Reform | ICE body cams; national election oversight debate | 00:49–01:21 | | Missing Person | Savannah Guthrie’s mother abducted | 01:41 | | Harvard Funding Dispute | Trump escalates demands/accusations against Harvard| 03:01–03:42 | | International | Saif al-Islam Gaddafi reported killed in Libya | 03:42 | | Winter Olympics News | Flag bearers, athlete highlights | 04:01–04:41 |

Overall Tone:
Urgent and authoritative, with matter-of-fact updates and quotes from primary sources, reflecting the fast-paced nature of the FOX News Hourly Update.