The Fox News Rundown

Democrats say voter frustration over high prices gives them a clear opening to win back the House in 2026, while Republicans argue relief is coming as President Trump’s sweeping tax and spending package begins to take effect next year. With inflation easing but polls still showing economic unease, both parties are sharpening their messaging ahead of a looming midterm fight. FOX News Sunday anchor and host of the Livin’ the Bream podcast, Shannon Bream, joins the Rundown to discuss the upcoming political and policy battles ahead as we look to the new year. The dangers of Artificial Intelligence extend beyond online social media, as AI-powered toys are now exposing children to inappropriate content. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) joins the Rundown to discuss concerns over AI-powered toys and chatbots engaging children in inappropriate conversations, the use and storage of data by companies, and her proposed Kids Online Safety Act aimed at protecting children’s online safety. Plus, commentary by National Security Expert, Dr. Rebecca Grant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump signed an executive order directing the reclassification of marijuana, but the order doesn’t legalize it. It is an attempt to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug moving it to a Schedule 3, alongside Tylenol instead Schedule 3 drugs like LSD and heroin. It is also expected to expand its medical use, ease restrictions purchasing and selling marijuana, and possibly make it easier for cannabis businesses to deal with banks. FOX’s John Saucier speaks with Mark Meredith, Washington D.C.-based correspondent for the FOX News Channel (FNC), who explains what this executive order does and reaction from both lawmakers and Trump supporters on the decision. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump delivered a primetime address to the nation from the White House, laying out what he says are his administration’s key accomplishments over the past year and his plans for the future. FOX’s Jessica Rosenthal and Jared Halpern break down the speech, including his economic claims, messaging on tariffs and inflation, and his administration’s efforts to secure the border. The push to make more prescription drugs in the U.S. is accelerating, with new pharmaceutical manufacturing investments now expanding in various states including North Carolina. After years of shortages tied to overseas production, the Trump administration is leaning on incentives, tariffs, and faster approvals to bring drugmaking back home. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary joins the Rundown to explain how quickly new facilities can come online, and what it could mean for supply stability and drug prices.  Plus, commentary by David Marcus, FOX News Digital columnist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, President Trump signed an executive order declaring fentanyl and its precursor chemicals as weapons of mass destruction (WMD), saying the drug poses a threat more comparable to a chemical weapon than just a narcotic. The order describes it as "closer to a chemical weapon' noting an almost undetectable amount can cause death. Hundreds of thousands of Americans have died from fentanyl overdoses and the organized criminal networks that distribute it pose a serious national-security threat. FOX’s John Saucier speaks with David F. Lasseter, Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) in President Trump's first administration, and founder of Horizons Global Solutions, who says the move will agencies like the Pentagon and Department of Justice more weapons to fight the influx of the deadly substance. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week’s string of violent headlines, from the shooting at Brown University to the Bondi Beach attack and an alleged bomb plot in Los Angeles, are renewing the question: are we safe and how can authorities make us believe that? Former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker joins to discuss recent data on the number of mass shootings in the US, the investigations into the shooting at Brown University and the FBI thwarting a possible New Years Eve terror attack, and the broader global terror threat highlighted by a recent ISIS-inspired attack in Australia. Hollywood is still in shock following the murder of actor and famed movie director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michelle. The suspect accused of stabbing them to death is their 32-year-old son, Nick, who has a history of mental health issues and addiction. including at least 18 trips to rehab and times when he was homeless. The tragedy has put a bigger spotlight on America’s drug and mental health crisis. Dr. Daniel Bober, a forensic psychiatrist and an addiction medicine physician, joins the Rundown to discuss the Reiner case, and the challenges families face as they cope with the peril of addiction and mental illness. Plus, commentary by Orthodox Rabbi, lawyer, and digital strategist Sam (Shlomo) Bregman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices