The Fox News Rundown

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has announced a major overhaul of the State Department, including dissolving offices and positions in the department, aimed at cutting bureaucratic decisions and programs that the administration doesn't agree with. Critics say it will weaken efforts to combat extremism, encourage human-rights and to shine light on war crimes. Secretary Rubio says the changes will greatly empower our diplomats and help them refocus on U.S. interests around the world. FOX’s Ryan Schmelz speaks with Rich Edson, senior national correspondent for the FOX News Channel, who says these changes were first planned in President Trump's first term under then Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Since the Hamas terror attack in October 2023, pro-Palestinian protests have emerged on college campuses across the United States, particularly at Harvard and Columbia University. While not all of these protests have been violent, many of the behaviors have raised concerns about student safety. In response, the Trump administration is working to remove federal funding from schools that fail to protect students from dangerous antisemitism on their campuses. FOX News contributor and former federal prosecutor Andy McCarthy joins the Rundown to discuss the legal challenges facing Harvard University, as well as the administration's actions. The Department of Education has announced that it will resume collections on defaulted student loans starting May 5th, 2025. Millions of borrowers must make payments before the government takes further action. FOX Business correspondent Gerri Willis joins the podcast to discuss the rising costs of colleges and universities, which have contributed to the student debt crisis. Gerri explains why now, more than ever, students and parents need to make informed and responsible decisions about affording an education. Plus, commentary from New York Post columnist and co-author of "Stolen Youth," Karol Markowicz. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump war against the media has intensified during his second term with a constant stream of insults of reporters, news outlets, restrictions on access and lawsuits against certain news agencies. Within a week of taking office in January President Trump accused the press, also known as the 5th pillar of our Democracy, of being 'the enemy of the people.' A byproduct of the fighting between the White House and traditional media has driven Americans to alternate ways of following the news. FOX’s Eben Brown speaks with Jared Halpern, FOX News Audio White House reporter and host of the 'From Washington' podcast, who shares with us the challenges and the positives of covering President Trump's second term. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pope Francis passed away from a stroke Monday morning at the Vatican at the age of 88 years old, his last public appearance being on Easter Sunday at St. Peter’s Square. Around the globe, Catholics now mourn the death of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, who leaves behind a legacy of humility and unity. Theologian and FOX News contributor Jonathan Morris joins the Rundown to reflect on how history will remember Pope Francis, his impact on the Catholic Church, and the conclave soon to take place. President Donald Trump continues to face more and more resistance from Democrats, over three months after returning to office. Several blue states have challenged some of the president's actions in court, yet they face an uphill battle in Congress, where Republicans hold the majority. Democrats don't have the votes to block Republicans from passing a massive budget bill that cannot be filibustered in the Senate. Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY) joins the Rundown to discuss the budget battle, controversial deportations, and the passing of Pope Francis. Plus, commentary by Copenhagen Consensus President and 'Best Things First' author, Bjorn Lomborg. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Last month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order which calls for the dismantling of the U.S. Education Department, fulfilling a campaign promise to take apart the agency long criticized by conservatives. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon is fully behind the plan for deep cuts to the agency saying its time to do 'something different'. FOX’s Eben Brown speaks with Linda McMahon, United States Secretary of Education, who says we need to return to the basics of learning and give the local level the lead on educating their students. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America must confront a new problem in our trade war with China: where to source our rare earth minerals. Just last week Beijing retaliated against the President's tariffs by suspending the export of these minerals to the United States. Fox Business correspondent Gerri Willis speaks with President and CIO of Equinox Partners, Sean Fieler, about what these minerals are, how China has been bulding their rare earth minerals infrastructure for decades, and the need for federal action on mining and mineral deals to overcome our reliance on Beijing. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next week will mark President Donald Trump's 100th day in office. It has been a busy start to his second term, and the administration has already addressed issues like wasteful spending and illegal border crossings. He is also using tariffs to negotiate trade deals and boost domestic production. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins to discuss what President Trump has accomplished since taking office. The college admissions process promises a fair shot for every student, but a high-stakes scandal exposed the price some parents were willing to pay. At the center: college counselor Rick Singer, who offered wealthy families a backdoor into elite universities through bribes, faked test scores, and fabricated athletic profiles. Prosecutors uncovered the scheme thanks to a single unexpected lead, launching a national investigation that pulled in celebrities, coaches, and college officials. Co-host of the Big Money Show, Brian Brenberg, joins to discuss his new FOX Nation Special, Scandalous: Varsity Blues. Plus commentary from managing partner of The Bahnsen Group, David Bahnsen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump’s first 100 days are nearing their end, and Democrats are still divided on how best to respond to the White House’s fast-paced style of government management. The party is openly feuding over whether it should go more left, move to the center, abandon identity politics, or fight even harder for groups it thinks need to be fought for. FOX News Rundown host Chris Foster discussed this with Martha MacCallum the other day. The Anchor and Executive Editor of “The Story with Martha MacCallum” and the host of the Untold Story podcast discussed how the Democrats have picked up some questionable causes since President Trump took office and weighed in on the emergence of New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as a party leader. MaCallum also discussed the start of President Trump’s second term, his biggest accomplishments, and what issues will be key to the Republicans' success in the 2026 and 2028 elections. We often must cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might like to hear the full interview. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share our entire interview with FOX NEWS’ Martha MacCallum and get even more of her take on the Democrats’ disarray and the President’s first 100 days. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has become one of the most influential figures in American politics thanks to his significant role in the second Trump administration. Despite his lack of political experience, Musk has become the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency, participates in some cabinet meetings, and even spent millions on federal and state elections. And though Musk's relationship with the White House may be unusual, it's not unprecedented. Senior Fellow at the Ronald Reagan Institute and former Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Tevi Troy looks back at other political outsiders who played key roles in influencing presidents throughout history. President Trump's top domestic priority is the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” which includes key parts of his agenda like strengthening the border, bolstering defense capabilities, and extending the Trump tax cuts. While Republicans control both the House and Senate and seem broadly united on getting many—or all—of the items done, passage is not inevitable. Florida Republican Congressman Byron Donalds discusses the “Big, Beautiful Bill” and how it will wind up on the President’s desk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The debate over President Trump’s mass deportation plan erupted this past week. Much of the focus was on Kilmer Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant in Maryland, who the government admits was wrongfully deported to El Salvador last month. The Supreme Court ruled that Abrego Garcia’s release and return should be “facilitated”. However, the Trump administration says it is up to the El Salvadorian President Nayib Bukele if the illegal immigrant is sent back to the United States. Earlier this week, FOX News Rundown host Gurnal Scott spoke with author, law professor, and FOX News Contributor Jonathan Turley about the back-and-forth over this case and the other legal fights related to the president’s deportation policies. Turley also weighed in on the white house’s decision to freeze over two billion in funding to Harvard over the university’s decision to reject the white house’s demands regarding combating antisemitism on campus. We often must cut interviews short during the week, but we thought you might like to hear the full interview. Today on Fox News Rundown Extra, we will share our entire interview with FOX NEWS Contributor and legal scholar Jonathan Turley and get even more of his take on some of the recent legal battles the White House is engaged in. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thursday evening, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) traveled to El Salvador to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the 29-year-old man deported from Maryland earlier this month. Van Hollen claims the Trump administration acted unlawfully. In response, Congressional Republicans are pushing back against his claims and coming to the White House's defense. FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joins to discuss the politics surrounding immigration and the challenges the democratic party faces. Then, Congressman Andy Harris (R-MD) joins to discuss why he agrees with the administration's tough immigration policies and their decision to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the morning of April 19th, 1995 homegrown terrorists detonated a truck filled with fertilizer outside a federal building in Oklahoma City killing 168 people including 19 children, injuring nearly 700 others and destroying or damaging 300 buildings. Two friends described as anti-government extremists and white supremacists, Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, were apprehended, charged and convicted of the crime. Three decades later the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum still teaches us the long-lasting impacts of the attack, honors those that died FOX’s Tonya J. Powers speaks with Kari Watkins, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, who says, after all these years, the memorial stands to honor those who lost their lives and to teach people violence is not the answer in a democracy. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump lashed out at Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell this week after Powell signaled he’s in no rush to cut interest rates. Now, the President is saying, “Powell’s termination cannot come fast enough.” FOX Business correspondent Lydia Hu speaks with Payne Capital Management President Ryan Payne about the tension over interest rates, market volatility, and the feasibility of the President “firing” Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After weeks of reported turmoil within the Democratic Party, progressives appeared to be seizing the reins, with Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and NY Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez drawing large crowds to their recent rallies across the country. Meanwhile, Democratic infighting continues, with the DNC Vice Chair vowing to help an outside organization mount primary challenges on incumbent Democrats. Martha MacCallum, anchor and executive editor of The Story, joins the Rundown to explain the soul-searching of the Democratic Party and how the Trump administration has paved “an extraordinary first 100 days” filled with policies and actions. Artificial intelligence continues to integrate itself into our daily lives. From chatbots to drive-thrus, AI technology is everywhere. Lawmakers are encouraging the nation to enhance its AI capabilities to stay competitive on a global scale. However, that can have profound implications for the American worker. Recently, Shopify's CEO, Tobias Lütke, informed would-be employees that they must demonstrate their value or risk being replaced by technology. Tech journalist Kurt Knutsson joins the podcast to discuss the full scope of artificial intelligence's capabilities and highlight key areas to watch for. Don't miss the good news with Tonya J. Powers. Plus, commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless on Outkick,” Tomi Lahren. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump Administration is facing multiple legal challenges in their efforts to deport illegal migrants in our country. A large focus is being put on the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a suspected member of the MS-13 gang, that a judge has ordered brought back to the United States. In another legal challenge, federal Judge James Boasberg announced he has cause to hold members of the administration in criminal contempt for defying his order to return planes full of suspected illegal gang members. FOX’s Ryan Schmelz speaks with David Spunt, Washington D.C. based correspondent for FOX News Channel (FNC), who breaks down the court challenges and what the Trump Administration is saying to defend their moves. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a trans athlete won the Maine State girls' pole-vaulting championship, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the Justice Department will be suing Maine for disregarding the President’s executive order banning trans athletes in women’s sports. They argue Maine has violated Title IX by allowing trans athletes to compete and has “deprived women and girls of fair athletic opportunities.” Maine State Representative Laurel Libby joins the Rundown to share why she’s unsurprised by the Maine Governor’s liberal agenda and why she believes the people of Maine support the trans athlete ban for the sake of fairness. It has been just over five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the unknown nature of the virus had global implications, including much of the world shutting down its schools and businesses for weeks or even months. The new FOX Nation special, 'Nation Under Lockdown’, looks back at that period and discusses some of the decisions made by government and health officials that are still being questioned today. Senior Medical Analyst Dr. Marc Siegel discusses the special, what mistakes were made, what we got right in the spring of 2020, and the current state of the virus five years later. Plus, commentary from FOX News contributor and host of The Jason In The House podcast, Jason Chaffetz. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The deportation of El Salvadoran man living in Maryland, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, has garnered a lot of attention from both parties and the American public. Garcia has been accused of being a member of the international gang MS-13 by immigration courts but the Trump Administration still describes his deportation as an administrative mistake and has no intentions of facilitating his return. Democrats are up in arms about the deportation citing a lack of due process but Republicans are praising the move calling it a focus on the safety of Americans citizens. FOX’s Ryan Schmelz speaks with Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) who says Garcia entered the country illegally and he agrees with his deportation. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration's mass deportations remain a major focus of the President's first 100-day agenda, making headlines by sending illegal migrants and alleged gang members to a prison in El Salvador. Recently, federal judges have pushed back on President Trump's executive powers to execute these deportations. Fox News contributor and George Washington University Law Professor Jonathan Turley joins the Rundown to discuss legal disputes surrounding President Trump's deportation powers and some Americans' concerns about due process. The United States' military advantage over China continues to shrink both in the air and the sea. The Trump administration considers China our top national security threat, and earlier this week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the country needs to invest more in the military in the event of a war with Beijing. Former speechwriter for President George W. Bush and author of “The Fate of the Generals: MacArthur, Wainwright, and the Epic Battle for the Philippines,” Jonathan Horn, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of military readiness. Plus, commentary by Orthodox Rabbi, lawyer, and digital strategist Sam (Shlomo) Bregman. Photo Credit: AP Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beijing has suspended the export of all rare-earth elements as the trade war with the United States intensifies. The demand for rare earth elements, or metals, is growing as the world uses more clean energy sources and more higher-end microchips for the next generation of processors. Rare earth magnets, made by the elements, are used in electric cars, fighter jets and other new and evolving computer technology. FOX’s Eben Brown speaks with Bret Manley, Executive Director of the Energy Fair Trade Coalition and former Naval Intelligence Officer, who says the United States has to expedite the search, extraction and processing of rare earth elements or we will fall too far behind China in the development of new technologies. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today is officially Tax Day, and parts of the tax code have changed significantly over the years. One significant change occurred during President Donald Trump's first term with the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Currently, Republicans hold a supermajority, and it's time to renew many of the cuts established in 2017 that are set to expire soon. While many GOP members advocate for maintaining these cuts, some are seeking modifications. FOX Business Anchor David Asman joins the Rundown to explain what these tax cuts entail, why many in the business community believe they'd be beneficial to remain in effect, and why extending them may still be a political challenge. Many police departments across the U.S. have a shared problem: not enough officers. In one survey by the International Association of Police Chiefs, nearly two-thirds of responding departments are reducing services---or specialized units--to meet patrol needs. This can also mean that police can respond to calls or solve crimes. Criminologist Alex del Carmen discusses how negative publicity about police work has made the nationwide police shortage worse, and what he thinks can be done to help recruitment. Plus, commentary from columnist David Marcus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices