The Fox News Rundown

This week, Republicans were able to breathe a sigh of relief after winning a congressional special election in Tennessee. With an already slim majority, a loss would have been a major blow to the GOP and their ability to accomplish anything in the House of Representatives. The victory comes as members of Congress race to finalize a healthcare deal before the end of the year. However, both Republicans and Democrats remain at a standstill, despite the government reopening last month. FOX News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joins us to break down whether an agreement can be reached on healthcare and why it could hurt lawmakers if they fail to get a deal done by January 1st. Later, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joins us to discuss the ongoing debate over health care reform in Congress and the U.S. military's recent operation targeting suspected drug trafficking boats off the coast of Venezuela. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration is ready to roll out new limits on asylum seekers, refugee processing, and even green card reviews after a suspected radicalized Afghan national was charged in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. President Trump and Homeland Security officials say the move is part of an effort to tighten vetting and shift the burden of proof for those already in the U.S., including refugees admitted during the Biden years. Ken Cuccinelli, former USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) director and current Senior Fellow for Homeland Security, joined host Jessica Rosenthal on the Rundown this past week to explain what these new rules mean for Afghan refugees and the other 19 travel ban countries. Cuccinelli described the vetting system as needing improvement, saying that certain migrants from certain countries cannot be effectively vetted and should not be allowed into America. And in some cases, if they’re already here, they should be deported. 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 Ken Cuccinelli, former USCIS director. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The White House spent the week defending its Venezuelan drug boat strikes, including a September 2nd ‘double-tap’ strike on a boat allegedly trafficking narcotics. Critics say that the second strike, which eliminated survivors of the first strike, may have been illegal. Senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich joins the FOX News Rundown From Washington to discuss the questions and political fallout surrounding the boat strikes. Plus, Jacqui previews President Trump's economic tour next week, where he will focus on the issue of affordability.Later, Congressman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL) joins to discuss the biggest challenges facing Republicans in their effort to reform the Affordable Care Act. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You may know Perdue Farms for their chickens … and their commercials. But they also have a longstanding tradition of community involvement and support, particularly during the holiday season. For four decades, Perdue Truckers have been delivering holiday cheer to the Holly Center in Maryland, a residential facility for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. This initiative highlights the company's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities. Additionally, Perdue Farms participates in Wreaths Across America, a program that honors veterans by delivering thousands of wreaths to cemeteries across the East Coast. This effort underscores the company's dedication to recognizing and supporting veterans. Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms, emphasizes the importance of giving back during the holidays. He discusses how the family-owned company, with over a century of history, continues to grow and contribute to feeding America. Through these initiatives, Perdue Farms demonstrates its commitment to community service and support for veterans, aligning with its values of family and community engagement. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this week, Realtor.com released its 2026 housing forecast, and there is some good news. Mortgage rates are expected to fall to 6.3% from an average of 6.6%. The survey also predicts modest increases in sales, prices, and inventory, but also declining rents. After a bruising 2025 that saw the housing market sink to 30-year lows, even this modestly improving forecast is welcomed news, especially as Americans grow increasingly concerned about affordability. Realtor.com's Chief Economist Danielle Hale joins FOX Business' Gerri Willis to break down the numbers and explain what to expect in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minnesota is under scrutiny after prosecutors uncovered an estimated billion dollars in COVID-era fraud tied to a nonprofit that billed the state for meals and services that were never provided. President Trump publicly criticized Minnesota’s Somali community in response, while Governor Tim Walz pushed back and said targeting an entire population goes too far. FOX News Sunday anchor Shannon Bream joins the Rundown to explain how the fraud probe has escalated and why it now involves federal funding, immigration cooperation, and oversight questions in the state.The World Cup 2026 Final Draw is today, as soccer fans around the world will be watching to see who plays who next year. FOX Sports analyst Alexi Lalas joins the Rundown to discuss the hype already building around next year’s World Cup, what America will gain by being one of the host countries, and how President Trump is proving to be a great ambassador for the sport. Plus, commentary from Jason Chaffetz, FOX News contributor and host of the Jason In The House podcast on FOX News Radio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump launched the "Trump Accounts" savings program for children. With a $6.25 billion investment from Michael and Susan Dell and the passage of the "Big Beautiful Bill" this past summer, every newborn becomes eligible for $1,000, which is invested in the stock market by private firms. This money can be accessed when the child turns 18. The Trump administration and its supporters say the program will help children from low-income households build wealth and even plan for retirement. Fox Business contributor Gary Kaltbaum joins the FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition to break down the Trump Accounts, how they could improve America's financial literacy, and whether they could encourage families to have even more children. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A House Homeland Security Committee hearing turned tense as lawmakers clashed over the source and impact of violent rhetoric toward law enforcement. Democrats focused on January 6th and ICE conduct, while Republicans and union officials warned that rising threats, including last week’s fatal shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., show officers are facing unprecedented danger. Colorado Congressman and former police officer Gabe Evans joins the Rundown to discuss why he believes there are consequences to this rhetoric and how it's affecting recruitment, safety, and public trust.Democrats are saying they have reason to celebrate too, even after Republican Matt Van Epps won Tuesday’s special congressional election in Tennessee. That’s because his opponent, Democrat State Rep. Aftyn Bain, lost by nine percentage points in a district President Trump won by more than 20 points last year. Democrats see this as a sign they have momentum, but should the GOP actually be worried? Fox News contributor and former Deputy Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush, Karl Rove, joins the Rundown to discuss the implications of the Tennessee election result for the upcoming midterm elections and what the GOP needs to focus on if they want to keep control of the House and Senate. Plus, commentary from the host of “Tomi Lahren is Fearless" on Outkick, Tomi Lahren. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Admiral Frank Bradley is set to be questioned by lawmakers on Capitol Hill this week about the military strikes on suspected cartel boats in the Caribbean, following reports that he was in charge of a September 2nd "double tap" strike—where allegedly two wounded men were killed after the initial strike.   The Trump administration has been ramping up pressure on Venezuela and President Nicolás Maduro, accusing the country of flooding America with drugs.   Congress has been at odds over how the Trump administration has handled Maduro. The majority of Republicans are backing the President, while Democrats allege that the Commander-in-Chief is steering the U.S. toward a foreign war.   House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Brian Mast joins the FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition to discuss the escalating conflict with Venezuela, as well as the Pentagon watchdog report on 'Signalgate' and his bill that he says will help honor the sacrifice of American troops. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Congress faces an impending deadline as lawmakers confront the year-end expiration of Obamacare tax credits and renewed battles over healthcare reform. Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) joins the Rundown to discuss the expiration of Obamacare tax credits and the debate around reform. Plus, his proposal to make individuals the consumers of healthcare rather than insurance companies, and the ongoing operations by the US military off the coast of Venezuela targeting suspected drug trafficking boats.The Trump administration is ready to roll out new limits on asylum seekers, refugee processing, and even green card reviews after a suspected radicalized Afghan national was charged in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. President Trump and Homeland Security officials say the move is part of an effort to tighten vetting and shift the burden of proof for those already in the U.S., including refugees admitted during the Biden years. Ken Cuccinelli, former USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) director and current Senior Fellow for Homeland Security, joins the Rundown to explain what these new rules mean for Afghan refugees and immigration policy heading into the new year. Plus,  commentary by FOX News Contributor Liz Peek. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices