NPR News Now — December 23, 2025, 2PM EST

Host: Dwahili Psykowtel
Length: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
This episode delivers concise updates on major U.S. political moves, international conflicts, key travel statistics for the holiday season, and the tensions shadowing regional Christmas celebrations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Seeks to Rebuild Warships Bearing His Name

• Segment: [00:01–00:32]
• President Trump plans to rebuild new warships, intending for them to bear his name, a move estimated to cost billions per ship. This follows the recent renaming of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the Trump Kennedy Center.
• The announcement was made at Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence.

Reporting by Npiers Quillorent:

• Trump declined to clarify the administration’s "end game" in Venezuela amid US sanctions and military actions:
  • Quote: “Trump didn't answer when the journalists asked what his end game was. What happens if Madur does fall? And I have to say it was reminiscent of moments 20 some years ago when people were asking what the end game plan was for Iraq post invasion.” ([00:32])
• The U.S. has launched over two dozen lethal attacks on small boats suspected of carrying drugs, causing more than 100 deaths. The Coast Guard is now seizing larger vessels, including oil tankers.

2. Career Ambassadors Recalled

• Segment: [01:04–02:03]
• The Trump administration is recalling dozens of career ambassadors, focusing on placing diplomats who will advance the president’s agenda.
• NPR’s Michelle Kellerman reports that the State Department called it a standard process, though the scale—nearly 30 embassies, many in Africa—is significant.
  • Official Comment: “An ambassador is a personal representative of the president and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals who advance the America first agenda.” ([01:35])
• Traditionally, about two-thirds of U.S. embassies are led by career diplomats, but the current administration favors political appointees.

3. Record Holiday Travel Anticipated

• Segment: [02:03–02:50]
• Americans are traveling in record numbers for the holidays.
• Reporting by Joel Rose:
  • AAA predicts over 122 million Americans to travel at least 50 miles from home.
    • Quote: “If you're heading over the river and through the woods today, you are not alone.” ([02:15])
  • 109 million will travel by car; air travel may break records, with the TSA expected to screen over 44 million passengers.

4. Stock Market Rally and Economic Growth

• Segment: [02:50–02:54]
• Stock markets move toward record highs amid strong economic growth in the third quarter, as the shortened holiday week advances.

5. Israeli Airstrikes in Southern Lebanon

• Segment: [02:54–03:54]
• Three men killed in Israeli airstrikes, including a Lebanese soldier, as per statements from both Israel and Lebanon.
• Reporting by Jawad Rizkala:
  • Israeli military claims the men were Hezbollah members working to reestablish the group’s infrastructure. One of the dead was also a Lebanese army intelligence unit member.
  • The Lebanese army mourned the fallen soldier, while Hezbollah acknowledged only two as their members.
    • Defense Minister’s Position: Claims linking Lebanese soldiers with armed groups are “slander that undermines the military."
  • Despite last year’s ceasefire, Israel continues airstrikes, with U.S. and Israel seeking Hezbollah disarmament.

6. Christmas Arrives in a Troubled Bethlehem

• Segment: [03:54–End]
• Manger Square in Bethlehem readies for Christmas celebrations, with midnight service and choir performances returning amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
• The ongoing violence looms large: since October’s ceasefire, Gaza’s health ministry reports more than 400 Palestinians killed and over 1,100 injured.
• Quote: “But all of this is under the shadow of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.” ([03:54])

Notable Quotes

• Npiers Quillorent, on Trump’s Venezuela stance:
  “I have to say it was reminiscent of moments 20 some years ago when people were asking what the end game plan was for Iraq post invasion.” ([00:32])
• Michelle Kellerman, on State Department process:
  “An ambassador is a personal representative of the president and it is the president’s right to ensure that he has individuals who advance the America first agenda.” ([01:35])
• Joel Rose, on record travel:
  “If you're heading over the river and through the woods today, you are not alone.” ([02:15])
• Dwahili Psykowtel, on Bethlehem’s Christmas:
  “But all of this is under the shadow of a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.” ([03:54])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Trump’s Military & Cultural Ambitions: [00:01–00:32]
• Ambassador Recalls: [01:04–02:03]
• Holiday Travel: [02:03–02:50]
• Stock Market Update: [02:50–02:54]
• Israeli-Lebanese Tensions: [02:54–03:54]
• Bethlehem Christmas, Gaza Conflict: [03:54–End]

Summary:
This brisk NPR News Now update covered significant shifts in U.S. diplomacy and defense under Trump, escalating Middle East tensions, soaring holiday travel predictions, promising economic signs, and the complex reality for Christians celebrating Christmas in Bethlehem amidst regional violence and a tenuous ceasefire.