Politics

In an interview on "The Final 5", Matt Schruers, President and CEO of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, discussed the recent federal court ruling in a major antitrust case against Google. Unlike the historic Microsoft case, the court rejected sweeping Department of Justice proposals to break up Google services like Chrome and Android, instead barring certain exclusive contracts and requiring limited data sharing to boost competition. Schruers noted that while the ruling will likely be appealed, consumers will see minimal immediate changes, though privacy concerns remain over anonymized data sharing.

On The Final 5, panelists Brittany Martinez of Principles First and Democratic strategist and FOX 5 contributor Kevin Walling weighed in on Congress?s high-stakes September session. With a government shutdown deadline fast approaching, Martinez argued Republicans must show unity to avoid political fallout, while Walling said Democrats remain ready to negotiate but need Speaker Johnson to lead. The two also weighed in on calls for releasing Jeffrey Epstein?s files?a rare issue uniting lawmakers across party lines?and debated the future direction of both parties as governors like Gavin Newsom and J.B. Pritzker raise their national profiles.

On "The Final 5", Eric Michael Garcia, Washington Bureau Chief for The Independent, broke down a packed September on Capitol Hill. From the first release of Epstein files to Republican fractures over Rep. Thomas Massie?s discharge petition, Garcia noted that GOP leaders remain in control of Congress?s direction despite Democratic pushback. He also highlighted looming deadlines on government funding, new White House rescissions, and conservative resistance to short-term spending bills. Beyond legislation, Garcia addressed speculation over President Trump?s health, calling it more a product of media overcorrection than credible concern.

On The Final 5, Dr. Adam Brown of ABIG Health voiced concern over HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?s decision to cut vaccine research funding and scale back access to mRNA COVID vaccines. His warning comes after nine former CDC directors issued an open letter accusing Kennedy of endangering public health, following the abrupt dismissal of CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez. Brown stressed that conflicting guidance from federal agencies is fueling confusion, while Kennedy?s actions risk eroding trust in vaccines and scientific institutions?jeopardizing decades of progress in disease prevention. He urged Americans to seek evidence-based guidance from trusted medical organizations.

On The Final 5, author Leta McCollough Seletzky discussed the recent release of classified files ordered by former President Trump, which referenced her father?the undercover Memphis police officer captured in the iconic photo kneeling beside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. after his assassination. Seletzky, author of "The Kneeling Man", said the disclosure reopened old wounds but also helped dispel lingering conspiracy theories about her father?s role. She reflected on the personal and historical impact of the revelations, the intersection of conspiracy and culture today, and how her son?s perspective gave her hope for how future generations understand history.

Former Virginia Gov. Douglas Wilder joined The Final 5 to discuss a new Wilder School poll showing Virginians divided on the state?s direction. Wilder stressed that cost of living, education, and government accountability remain top voter concerns?issues little changed since his time in office.

Abigail Spanberger discusses her vision for the state of Virginia and her message to the GOP constituents in the state.

Jeff Mason, Reuters White House correspondent, discusses this week in politics with Tom Fitzgerald, including Trump's executive order to terminate collective bargaining agreement at several agencies, the president's takeover of DC and Union Station, and his 3-hour long Cabinet meeting.

Jon Hilsenrath, visiting Duke scholar, joins Tom Fitzgerald for FOX 5's "On the Hill" to discuss Trump's latest move to try and fire Fed Gov. Lisa Cook.