NPR News Now: May 23, 2025 – Comprehensive Summary

Released May 24, 2025

1. President Trump Downsizes the National Security Council

[00:18] Jack Speier:
In a significant move, President Donald Trump is reportedly reducing the size of his National Security Council (NSC). According to NPR’s Quill Lawrence, a substantial number of staff members were abruptly terminated on the afternoon of May 23.

[00:31] Quill Lawrence:
"Trump appears to be cutting the size of the National Security Council back to where it was during his previous term," Lawrence reported, citing anonymous sources familiar with internal discussions. One affected official disclosed that “news of terminations came at 4:30pm with instructions to leave the office by 5pm.”

The NSC, composed of subject matter experts, plays a crucial role in advising the president on a wide range of national security issues. This downsizing follows previous instances where Trump dismissed NSC members, influenced by far-right activist Laura Loomer. Notably, Trump’s first national security adviser, Mike Waltz, was removed within 100 days after leaking military plans to a journalist. Currently, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is serving as the acting national security adviser.

2. Trump Signs Executive Orders to Boost Nuclear Power

[01:16] Jack Speier:
President Trump has enacted several executive orders aimed at revitalizing the nuclear power sector. NPR’s Jeff Bromfield delves into the implications of these orders, highlighting concerns about potential safety compromises.

[01:26] Jeff Bromfield:
"Some of the orders encouraged the building of new test reactors and mining uranium," Bromfield explained, adding that the most contentious aspect involves the reorganization of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

[01:52] Allison McFarland:
Allison McFarland, a former NRC chair, voiced strong opposition: “I'm very concerned this will affect nuclear safety in the US. Very concerned.”

Despite these concerns, proponents argue that the executive orders will accelerate the development of new reactors, which could support emerging technologies such as data centers for artificial intelligence applications.

3. Luxury Jetliner Gifted to the U.S. to Become the Next Air Force One

[02:08] Jack Speier:
A luxury jetliner recently gifted to the U.S. Government is poised to undergo a specialized overhaul to potentially serve as the next Air Force One. NPR’s Kat Lansdorf provides an in-depth look at this development.

[02:24] Kat Lansdorf:
"President Trump has suggested the plane could be converted quickly, but experts say it will likely take years to rework it to meet the current standards set for Air Force One," Lansdorf reported. Doug Berkey, executive director of the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Space Studies, added, "The plane from Qatar is likely more luxurious than the current Air Force One, but there's no way it has any of the necessary communications or self-defense features required."

[02:46] Jack Speier:
"Installing those is not an easy thing. I mean, you have to deconstruct the aircraft a fair amount to do that," Speier commented.

Lansdorf further noted that the conversion would be a costly endeavor, estimated to run into hundreds of millions of dollars. Meanwhile, Boeing is already producing two new planes intended to replace Air Force One, though these are experiencing significant delays.

4. Stock Market Declines Amid Trump Tariff Threat

[03:03] Jack Speier:
As the nation heads into a long holiday weekend, stock markets experienced a downturn influenced by President Trump’s latest tariff threats. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 256 points, while the NASDAQ dropped by 188 points.

5. Billy Joel Cancels Concerts Due to Medical Diagnosis

[03:03] Jack Speier:
In entertainment news, legendary musician Billy Joel has announced the cancellation of all his scheduled concerts following a recent medical diagnosis. NPR’s Jennifer Vanasco provides the details.

[03:25] Jennifer Vanasco:
"A statement on Billy Joel's website says that he has a brain condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus. Excess fluid collects in the brain, leading to problems with hearing, vision, and balance," Vanasco reported. Joel is currently undergoing physical therapy, and his doctor has advised him to halt performing activities to facilitate recovery.

The cancellations affect concerts nationwide, where Joel was set to perform alongside other prominent artists such as Rod Stewart, Stevie Nicks, and Sting. Despite a prolific career spanning since the 1970s, Joel had not released new pop music in decades—this changed with his 2024 single, "Turn the Lights Back On," performed live at the Grammy Awards.

6. Paris Jury Sentences Individuals in Kim Kardashian Robbery Case

[04:09] Jack Speier:
A Parisian jury has delivered verdicts in the high-profile 2016 armed robbery of reality star Kim Kardashian. The ringleader and seven other individuals have been found guilty, while two others were acquitted.

The court imposed a range of sentences, with the 69-year-old leader receiving eight years in prison, though five of those years are suspended. Three additional individuals were also sentenced to prison terms. The convicted group was responsible for forcibly entering Kardashian’s apartment, tying her up, and stealing jewelry valued at millions of dollars.

7. Crude Oil Prices Rise Ahead of Holiday Weekend

[04:56] Jack Speier:
In the energy sector, crude oil prices saw an uptick as buyers took advantage of the impending long holiday weekend to stock up. Prices increased by 33 cents per barrel, reaching $61.53 a barrel in New York markets.

Note: This summary has been crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the key stories covered in the NPR News Now episode from May 23, 2025. For detailed reporting and further updates, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.