The 5 Biggest 'Fox News Breaking' Stories Right Now: Political Firestorms, Record Ratings, And The Lawsuits That Won't End

As of December 2025, the "Fox News Breaking" landscape is dominated by a powerful convergence of political firestorms, record-shattering business success, and lingering legal challenges. The network is not only setting new benchmarks for viewership in a non-election year but is also at the epicenter of the most critical debates in Washington, D.C., covering everything from a Presidential address to high-stakes Congressional votes. The current news cycle is a blend of high-profile political action—including significant moves by President Trump and Speaker Johnson—and the unprecedented business achievement of the Fox News Channel, which is on track to finish 2025 as the most-watched network on both cable and broadcast television. This unique position ensures that any "breaking" story on the network immediately becomes a major talking point across the entire media ecosystem.

The Record-Shattering Business of Fox News in 2025

Fox News Channel is concluding 2025 with a massive victory, delivering its highest-rated non-election year in history. This remarkable performance has solidified its dominance over the cable news landscape, with the network even on track to surpass major broadcast channels like NBC in weekday primetime viewers.

1. Crushing the Competition: Ratings Dominance

The network's success is not just marginal; it is overwhelming the competition. Fox News nearly doubled the combined ratings of its main rivals, CNN and MSNBC, for the year. This market dominance is a key factor in understanding the power and reach of any story labeled "Fox News Breaking." * Primetime Power: In the highly coveted weekday primetime window, Fox News averaged an astounding 3.2 million viewers for the duration of 2025. * Top 12 Programs: For the entire year, Fox News programs claimed all of the Top 12 spots in cable news viewers. * Star Anchors: The success is heavily driven by key opinion hosts. The network's top-rated programs include *The Five*, *Jesse Watters Primetime*, *Gutfeld!*, and *Hannity*. Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld, in particular, have been credited with leading the network's best non-election year ratings ever.

2. Political Firestorms: Trump’s Address and Congressional Battles

The political news cycle remains intense, with Fox News providing 24/7 coverage and expert analysis on the latest developments from the White House and Capitol Hill. The network is the primary source for many viewers seeking updates on the actions of the Republican-led House and the former President.

The White House and DOJ Focus

In December 2025, the political news has been highly focused on the actions of President Trump. The network provided extensive coverage and reactions after President Trump addressed the nation on critical issues, including his "game plan in Venezuela" and ongoing economic concerns. Concurrently, a major behind-the-scenes battle is unfolding over a key legal document. The Fox News Politics Newsletter recently highlighted a push by House Democrats to compel the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reveal a "hidden Jack Smith report," while House Republicans prepare for a deposition related to the matter. This story underscores the ongoing tension between political parties and the legal system, a central theme in the network's coverage.

3. Culture War Headlines: The House Health Bill Vote

A significant breaking story on Capitol Hill involved a highly controversial vote that has ignited the culture war debate. On December 17, 2025, over 200 House Democrats voted against a bill that would criminalize transgender-related healthcare. This vote, which directly addresses a deeply divisive social issue, became a major headline across Fox News programming, illustrating the network's focus on stories that resonate with its conservative audience base. The network’s coverage of such issues ensures they remain at the forefront of national political discourse.

4. The Lingering Shadow of Defamation Lawsuits

Despite its ratings success, Fox News continues to navigate the fallout from high-profile legal battles stemming from the aftermath of the 2020 election. The network was sued for defamation by voting machine companies Dominion Voting Systems and Smartmatic. These lawsuits allege that the network's hosts and guests knowingly disseminated disinformation regarding the election results. While the Dominion case resulted in a massive settlement, the legal and public relations fallout continues to shape the network's image and editorial decisions, serving as a constant backdrop to its breaking news coverage. The network remains under intense scrutiny for its reporting standards and commitment to factual accuracy.

5. The Tucker Carlson Text and Media Bind

Another enduring controversy impacting the network’s reputation stems from the revelation of an offensive text message sent by former star host Tucker Carlson in January 2021. The text, which came to light in May 2023, was a factor in his eventual departure and continues to be referenced in discussions about the network’s internal culture and handling of sensitive issues.

The Trump-Murdoch Dynamic

The network also faces a complex political bind regarding its relationship with former President Donald Trump and the broader Murdoch media empire. While many of the network's opinion hosts—such as Sean Hannity—are staunchly pro-Trump, the relationship is nuanced. The network must balance its coverage of Trump's political moves with the editorial demands of its parent company, creating an internal tension that occasionally surfaces in its reporting. This dynamic is a critical factor in how political breaking news is framed and presented to the public.

The Future of "Fox News Breaking"

The current state of Fox News in late 2025 is one of unparalleled business strength coupled with intense political and legal pressure. Its record-breaking ratings confirm its status as the most influential voice in conservative media, making its "breaking news" headlines essential viewing for millions. The network’s ability to drive the national conversation on issues like the House health bill, the Jack Smith report, and the ongoing legal battles ensures that Fox News will remain a central, and often controversial, figure in the American media landscape well into the next election cycle.