Fox News Hourly Update: U.S. Halts Immigration Visas from 75 Countries Over Public Assistance Concerns

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Lisa Brady, FOX News Podcasts

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the U.S. State Department's decision to temporarily pause visa processing from 75 countries over concerns regarding "public charge" determinations—an attempt to ensure new migrants don't become reliant on taxpayer-funded assistance. The show also covers related political and legal developments, an investigation into a viral video involving lawmakers and the armed forces, a notable double murder case in Ohio, and other international policy stories.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Freezes Immigration Visas from 75 Countries

[00:02 – 00:33]

• Lisa Brady introduces the main story:

  • "A freeze on visas. Lisa Brady, FOX News. The US State Department pausing the process for many countries while vetting procedures are reviewed."

• Fox News Reporter details the internal memo:

  • The U.S. has paused visa processing for 75 countries.
  • The pause is to ensure applicants do not become a "public charge" (i.e., likely to need taxpayer-funded benefits).
  • Examples of considered benefits: WIC, emergency Medicaid, and certain state-funded programs.
  • "Determining whether one is a public charge can take into consideration one's age, health and English proficiency."

• Jessica Rosenthal adds:

  • Affected countries include Somalia, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, among others.
  • "The second Trump administration has revoked a record number of foreign visas, mostly people who overstayed tourist and business visas."

2. Political Fallout: Senator Under Federal Investigation

[00:33 – 01:27]

• Lisa Brady transitions to a major political story intersecting with the immigration debate.

• Michigan Democrat Alyssa Slotkin voices her concerns:

  • Alleges President Trump is using the Justice Department to target political adversaries.
  • Quote: “This is the president's playbook. Truth doesn't matter, facts don't matter, and anyone who disagrees with him becomes an enemy and he then weaponizes the federal government against them,” – Slotkin [01:05]
  • Slotkin, and other lawmakers, are under investigation following a video urging military members to resist unlawful orders.
  • President Trump labeled the video “seditious.”

• Further Fallout:

  • Senator/Retired Navy Captain Mark Kelly is suing the Pentagon after being censured over this same video.
  • Articles of impeachment have been introduced against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
  • Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY): “Kristi Noem has treated the Constitution like a suggestion and our communities like a battlefield,” [01:27]
  • The Trump administration states Noem is focused on "removing violent criminals from the country."

3. Ohio Double Murder Update

[02:13 – 02:59]

• Lisa Brady and Jeff Manaso provide an update:
  • The suspect in the double homicide of Monique and Spencer Tempe has been identified as Michael McKee.
  • Police Chief Elaine Bryant calls the incident a "targeted domestic violence attack."
  • Key evidence centers around McKee’s vehicle, found in Illinois.
  • "Investigators are doing data searches through McKee's electronics as McKee awaits extradition from Illinois, where he lived and was captured, back to Columbus.” – Jeff Manaso [02:42]

4. California Investigates X AI’s ‘Grok’ Over Deepfake Harassment

[02:59 – 03:28]

• California’s Attorney General launches an inquiry into Elon Musk’s X AI model, "Grok":
  • Investigation prompted by “an avalanche of reports about non-consensual deep fake images being used to harass women and girls.”
  • Musk claims, “he’s not aware of any naked, underage images generated by the chatbot,” but new safeguards are being implemented.
  • Similar investigations are underway internationally.

5. Britain Retreats from Digital ID Card Rollout

[03:28 – 04:05]

• Ainsley Earhart and Lisa Brady on UK domestic policy:
  • UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reverses plan for mandatory digital ID cards after heavy public backlash.
  • Cards were intended to curb illegal migration and streamline public services but met resistance over privacy and liberty concerns.
  • "Britain has not had compulsory identity cards for ordinary citizens since shortly after World War II." – Therese Crowley [04:05]
  • Widespread concern about protecting citizens’ information and civil liberties in light of already “curtailed” freedoms in Britain.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A public charge is someone who is likely to rely on taxpayer funded benefits like WIC or emergency Medicaid or certain programs funded by individual states. Determining whether one is a public charge can take into consideration one age, health and English proficiency.”
  – Fox News Reporter [00:11]

• “Truth doesn’t matter, facts don’t matter, and anyone who disagrees with him becomes an enemy and he then weaponizes the federal government against them.”
  – Alyssa Slotkin, Michigan Democrat [01:05]

• "Kristi Noem has treated the Constitution like a suggestion and our communities like a battlefield.”
  – Rep. Nydia Velazquez (NY) [01:27]

• "Police Chief Elaine Bryant calling the double murder a targeted domestic violence attack..."
  – Jeff Manaso [02:26]

• “Britain has not had compulsory identity cards for ordinary citizens since shortly after World War II.”
  – Therese Crowley [04:05]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Visa Freeze & Public Charge Policy
  00:02 – 00:33

• Senate Investigation & Impeachment Articles
  00:33 – 01:27

• Ohio Double Murder Case
  02:13 – 02:59

• AI Deepfake Investigation
  02:59 – 03:28

• UK Digital ID Card Backlash
  03:28 – 04:05

Summary

This Fox News Hourly Update delivers a rapid overview of major U.S. and international headlines with a focus on the U.S. halting immigration visas from 75 countries to reassess public assistance risks, political friction over a viral video and impeachment efforts, a double murder investigation in Ohio, AI-driven deepfake harassment, and the UK’s retreat from digital ID mandates. The episode offers direct reporting and pointed commentary in Fox’s quick-paced, authoritative style.