Government Shutdown Looms, UNGA: Trump Slams Russia, Jimmy Kimmel Returns

Summary

Up First – September 24, 2025

Government Shutdown Looms, UNGA: Trump Slams Russia, Jimmy Kimmel Returns

---

Episode Overview

This episode delivers the three top news stories of the day: a looming government shutdown and failed negotiations in Washington, President Trump’s dramatic shift on Russia at the United Nations General Assembly, and Jimmy Kimmel’s emotional return to late-night television after controversy. The episode unpacks partisan standoffs in Congress, how U.S. foreign policy is fluctuating under Trump, and free speech debates in entertainment.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Looming Government Shutdown

Timestamps: 02:25–06:07

• Negotiations to prevent a government shutdown are stalled.
  • President Trump cancels talks with Democratic leaders.
  • Democrats led by Hakeem Jeffries prioritize health care provisions.
  • Congressional reporter Deirdre Walsh clarifies dynamics.
• Demands: Democrats want to extend Affordable Care Act tax credits and roll back Medicaid changes from a Trump tax bill signed in July.
• Republican Position: Propose a straight extension (continuing resolution) with no extra provisions, which lacks Senate support.
• Standoff Dynamics:
  • Democrats’ “base” is pushing for a hardline on health care.
  • “Denying Republicans the vote they need to advance a bill in the Senate is really the only power they have in the minority.” — Deirdre Walsh (05:28)
  • Both parties are entrenched; Republicans dub it the “Schumer shutdown.”
• Congress is on recess, with another Senate vote on a stopgap bill scheduled for next week.

Notable Quote:
“Our position is not complicated. Cancel the cuts, lower the costs, save health care.”
— Hakeem Jeffries (via Jimmy Kimmel), 02:49

---

2. Trump Shifts on Russia at the United Nations

Timestamps: 06:15–09:41

• President Trump reverses his stance on Russia, now calling Russia a “paper tiger.”
  • Recommits U.S. weapons support for Ukraine.
  • After meetings with Zelensky and European leaders, adopts a tougher line.
• Zelensky at the U.N.:
  • Calls Putin the obstacle to peace.
  • Criticizes Russia’s use of veto power at the UN Security Council.
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio hints at more sanctions and potential U.S. weapons sales to Ukraine.
• Russia’s response:
  • Putin absent from the UN, sends Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
• Broader context:
  • Syria addresses the UN General Assembly for the first time since 1967; focus on new Syrian leader Ahmed Al Sharra after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad.

Notable Quotes:
“It could be that Russia is a paper tiger.”
— Steve Inskeep, 00:40

“He called Russia, quote, a paper tiger and says he now believes Ukraine, with European help, can win back all of its territory.”
— Michelle Martin, 06:23

“Russia does this with impunity, using its veto power, buying influence and keeping peace on hold.”
— Volodymyr Zelensky (via Michelle Kellerman), 08:02

---

3. Jimmy Kimmel Returns After Suspension

Timestamps: 09:41–13:26

• ABC reinstates Jimmy Kimmel a week after his show’s suspension over remarks deemed offensive following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
• Kimmel delivers an emotional monologue:
  • Thanks ABC, fellow hosts, and supporters, even those like Senator Ted Cruz.
  • Reflects on free speech and American privileges.
• Addresses controversy:
  • States it was never his “intention to make light of the murder of a young man.”
  • Expresses compassion for Kirk’s family and clarifies he did not mean to blame any group for the assassination.
  • Praises the forgiveness shown by Kirk’s widow: “That is an example we should follow.” (11:51)
• Trump responds on social media, claiming Kimmel’s return is good for ratings but threatening ABC with further legal action (“this one sounds even more lucrative”).
• Kimmel makes a pointed joke: “He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. That backfired bigly.” (12:35)
• Kimmel opens his return echoing Jack Paar’s iconic Tonight Show return: “As I was saying before I was interrupted.” (13:20)

Notable Quotes:
“You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”
— Jimmy Kimmel, 11:05

“On Sunday, Erica Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow.”
— Jimmy Kimmel, 11:51

---

Additional Noteworthy Moments

• Nostalgic TV References:
  • Kimmel’s return mirrors legendary TV history, referencing Jack Paar’s reaction to NBC censorship in 1960.
• Political and Media Interplay:
  • Trump and Kimmel’s social media sparring and the overlap of White House attention to late-night comedy.
• International Turning Points:
  • Possible U.S. escalation of support for Ukraine, emergence of new Syrian leadership at the UN.

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:25] Government shutdown debate begins
• [03:02] Deirdre Walsh discusses Congressional negotiations
• [06:15] Trump’s shift on Russia at the UN
• [07:45] Zelensky’s statement at the Security Council
• [09:41] Jimmy Kimmel’s return and controversy
• [11:05] Kimmel’s on-air apology
• [13:20] Kimmel reopens show with Jack Paar reference

---

Tone & Style

The conversation balances urgency, insight, and a touch of humor, reflecting NPR’s calm yet engaging approach to daily news. The hosts maintain a conversational yet authoritative tone, and moments of levity (especially around late-night TV) break up heavier political analysis.

---

Conclusion

This episode threads together critical U.S. governance challenges, urgent international developments, and the cultural pulse of the nation—all before 7 a.m. It is especially valuable for listeners seeking a concise yet thorough breakdown of high-stakes stories shaping the day.

Transcript

[Steve Inskeep]

Yeah, I think that's roughly right.

[Michelle Martin]

Good enough.

[Steve Inskeep]

I mean, in terms of time, obviously the facts were always exactly right.

[Michelle Martin]

That's what I'm saying.

[Steve Inskeep]

Absolutely correct.

[Michelle Martin]

President Trump cancels talks with Democrats as a shutdown deadline nears. Democrats say their demands are simple.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

Cancel the cuts, lower the costs, save health care.

[Steve Inskeep]

How does the standoff end?

[Michelle Martin]

I'm Michelle Martin. That's Steve Inskeep. And this is up first from NPR News. The president changed his stance on Russia, saying they are losing on the battlefield and the US Will keep sending weapons for Ukraine.

[Steve Inskeep]

It could be that Russia is a paper tiger.

[Michelle Martin]

How could he back that up?

[Steve Inskeep]

And also, Jimmy Kimmel returned to abc.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man.

[Steve Inskeep]

He said the president mocked him for low ratings, but that just guaranteed big ratings for him last night. Stay with us. We've got the news. You need to start your day.

[ADT Announcer]

This message comes from adt. Your long awaited PTO is here. You pack up, walk out the door, stick the key under the mat. Just one problem. You're being safe ish. Putting the key under the mat or leaving the lights on may not actually keep you Safe. Instead, let ADT's technicians install a custom security system with 24. Seven monitoring and cameras you can check from your phone. Don't settle for Safe ish. Visit ADT.com to learn more support for.

[Strawberry Me / Shopify Announcer]

This podcast and the following message come from Strawberry Me. Be honest. Are you happy with your job? Are you stuck in a job you've outgrown or never wanted in the first place? Are your reasons for staying really just excuses for not leaving? Let a career coach from Strawberry Me help you get unstuck. Discover the benefits of having a dedicated career coach in your corner and claim a special offer@Strawberry Me NPR. This message comes from NPR sponsor Shopify. Start selling with Shopify today. Whether you're a garage entrepreneur or IPO ready Shopify. Shopify is the only tool you need to start, run and grow your business without the struggle. Go to shopify.com npr we have not.

[Steve Inskeep]

Said much up to now about the threat of a government shutdown at the end of the month. There is so often a threat at this time of year, and it doesn't always happen. But we have reached the point where we need to pay attention.

[Michelle Martin]

That's in part because President Trump canceled a meeting with Democratic leaders to discuss a possible government funding deal. Negotiations seem to be stuck. The top House Democrat, Hakeem Jeffries, insists any funding bill must address health care.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

Our position is not complicated. Cancel the cuts, lower the costs, save health care.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR congressional correspondent Deirdre Walsh joins us once again. Deirdre, good morning.

[Deirdre Walsh]

Good morning, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so they should have been passing a one year appropriations. They're not doing that. They're talking about a short term extension. And Democrats want to add this, this thing on health care. And why did the president pull out of the meeting?

[Deirdre Walsh]

Well, he posted a lengthy message on social media as he does, saying that demands from Democrats about attaching those health care provisions were, quote, unserious. And he said no meeting could possibly be productive. Hill Republicans propose what Democrats have voted for in the past, a straight extension of current funding levels through November 21st to get to this broader spending deal that narrowly passed in the House last week. But it didn't get the 60 votes it needs in the Senate.

[Steve Inskeep]

Oh yeah. Thanks for the reminder. Republicans have the majority, but in the Senate you need more than a majority. So what are the demands that Democrats are making?

[Deirdre Walsh]

Well, they put out an alternative bill that also failed to advance last week. They want to extend tax credits that are part of the Affordable Care Act. Those help middle and working class Americans buy health care plans and they expire on December 31st. Democrats also want to roll back the Medicaid changes that were part of the president's tax bill that he signed in July. The president says those are all non starters.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. Is there any way to avoid a shutdown then?

[Deirdre Walsh]

It seems unlikely. You know, Congress can work sometimes at the very last minute facing a deadline to get something done. But there are no talks at this point. Republicans insist Democrats just have to back the seven week funding bill without other policy demands on it. Congress is on recess this week, but next Monday when they get back in the Senate, the majority leader John Thune says he's going to bring up that stopgap bill again for a vote. They need seven Democrats to get to 60 votes. So far they only have one. There are some Republicans who agree with Democrats that Congress needs to do some kind of extension of health care subsidies. But since those don't expire until December, they say that debate shouldn't be linked to this funding bill. That issue could be some kind of off ramp to this stalemate.

[Steve Inskeep]

Oh, okay. Well, thanks for telling us. There might be something, even though we don't exactly know. But let's talk this through. The dynamic in recent years, many recent years, is that Republicans seem eager to shut the government down or partial shutdown. Sometimes they actually go through with it and they do it. They lead the the way sometimes they even say they like it. They've even done it when they had full control of government. But this time it is the Democrats who are making an extra demand and saying they might be willing to shut it all down. What changed?

[Deirdre Walsh]

I mean, the politics are really the driving factor right now for Democrats. Back in March, the top Senate Democrat, Chuck Schumer, infuriated the base when he helped Republicans avoid a shutdown. Now he's arguing that Democrats are fighting to protect health care. The base really does want this fight. And denying Republicans the vote they need to advance a bill in the Senate is really the only power they have in the minority. So I anticipate we're going to just see this continued messaging war. Republicans are branding this a Schumer shutdown. If a shutdown happens, both sides are pretty hard line in their different positions. So it's going to be difficult to see how we could get out of it.

[Steve Inskeep]

And Pierce, Deirdre Walsh, thanks for your insights as always.

[Deirdre Walsh]

Thanks, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

The president has again adjusted his stance toward Russia. He has sometimes reached out and sometimes threatened President Vladimir Putin.

[Michelle Martin]

Before backing off at the United nations yesterday, Trump seemed to revert to the old bipartisan approach taken by President Biden, get weapons to Ukraine and let them fight it out with Russia. He called Russia, quote, a paper tiger and says he now believes Ukraine, with European help, can win back all of its territory.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR diplomatic correspondent Michelle Kellerman has been covering the United nations meeting in New York.

[Michelle Kellerman]

Michelle Gambler, Good morning, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

What changed here?

[Michelle Kellerman]

Well, mostly who he was meeting with. He met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders at the UN and, you know, it wasn't so long ago that Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to a summit in Alaska and told the world that they made progress. And he touted this fantastic relationship with Putin that he had. Since then, Putin has ramped up attacks on Ukrainian cities, sent drones and fighter jets over Poland and Estonia. Both NATO countries and the Europeans have said that this clearly shows that Russia is not interested in diplomacy. Trump seemed to take in that message. He also seems to realize that Russia is not winning. It's taking a lot of losses on the battlefield and Russia's economy is suffering.

[Steve Inskeep]

Well, this is very interesting. So Trump ends up closer to Zelensky's view of the situation after meeting with Zelenskyy. And I guess the Ukrainian president also spoke in public yesterday, right?

[Michelle Kellerman]

Yeah, he was at the UN Security Council. And he too painted Putin as the obstacle to peace. Let's listen to just part of his remarks to the Security Council, one of the prominent members of this council is.

[Mandali del Barco]

Doing everything to prolong the largest war in Europe since World War II.

[Michelle Kellerman]

Russia does this with impunity, using its veto power, buying influence and keeping peace on hold. And he said he thinks Russia would listen to the U.S. he said he had good talks with Trump about that. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was also there at the council. And he said, well, Trump is a very patient man. That patience is not infinite. He said the US Might impose more sanctions on Russia or might sell more weapons, including offensive weapons, Rubio said to Ukraine. And that might be some of what Trump was hinting at in that social media post when he called Russia a paper tiger and said that Ukraine could fight to get back all of its territory or even more, he hinted.

[Steve Inskeep]

What are you hearing from the Russians about all of this?

[Michelle Kellerman]

Well, Vladimir Putin doesn't come to the U.N. he sent his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, who will be addressing the General assembly later this week. And he's expected to meet with Rubio today.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. So one other thing, Michelle, to ask about. You're there at the United nations, leaders from all over the world show up even if Vladimir Putin does not. Who else are you paying attention to?

[Michelle Kellerman]

Well, today for the first time since 1967, a Syrian leader is going to be addressing the General Assembly. That's Ahmed Al Sharra. He's a rebel leader who actually set up the Syrian affiliate of Al Qaeda before rebranding himself as more moderate. And he took over after Bashar al Assad was ousted and fled to Moscow. And he's been kind of on a charm offensive here. So all eyes are going to be on him today.

[Steve Inskeep]

Well, we'll listen for more of your reporting then as the days go on. Michelle, thanks so much.

[Michelle Kellerman]

Thank you.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Michelle Kellerman is covering the United nations in New York. Jimmy Kimmel returned to the airwaves last.

[Michelle Martin]

Night, at least he did in most cities. ABC brought back the comic a week after suspending his show over remarks after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. There was so much anticipation. Even fellow late night host Stephen Colbert joked on his show that everyone but his wife was watching Kimmel.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Mendelee del Barco was watching Kimmel from Los Angeles. Hi there, Mendelee. Hello. I should note two major groups of affiliates refuse to air this in some cities. So people need to know what happened.

[Mandali del Barco]

Well, at times, Jimmy Kimmel was very emotional. He thanked the network and also those who supported his free speech rights, including those he doesn't always agree with. Like Senator Ted Cruz. Kimmel also thanked his fellow late night hosts, past and present. And he said some comedians in other countries don't enjoy America's freedoms.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

What is important is that we get to live in a country that allows us to have a show like this.

[Steve Inskeep]

That was part of the criticism of the criticism here. He was attacked by the fcc, which pressured abc. But what did he say about the lines that made people angry?

[Mandali del Barco]

Well, Kimmel said that he wanted to clear up what he had said about Charlie Kirk and his alleged assassin last week.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

You understand that it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don't think there's anything funny about it. I posted a message on Instagram of the day he was killed sending love to his family and asking for compassion. And I meant it and I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what it was obviously a deeply disturbed individual. That was really the opposite of the point I was trying to make. But I understand that to some that felt either ill timed or unclear or maybe both. And for those who think I did point a finger, I get why you're upset.

[Mandali del Barco]

And Kimmel choked up about Charlie Kirk's grieving widow.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

On Sunday, Erica Kirk forgave the man who shot her husband. She forgave him. That is an example we should follow.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so Kimmel is back. Although President Trump had celebrated his departure and seemed to want other late night hosts out. How's he responding?

[Mandali del Barco]

Yeah, well, on Truth Social, Trump posted that he couldn't believe ABC let Kimmel back on the air. He thought the show had been canceled. Last year, ABC settled a defamation lawsuit with Trump. And now the president seemed to be threatening the network again. He wrote, quote, last time I went after them, they gave me $16 million. I this one sounds even more lucrative. But you know, Steve, for his part, Jimmy Kimmel continued to mock Trump.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

He tried, did his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show that backfired bigly. He might have to release the Epstein files to distract us from this now.

[Mandali del Barco]

And Steve, I want to mention one other thing that happened last night. It was a nod to the past. In 1960, Jack Par was hosting the Tonight Show. And the story goes that he made a joke that NBC didn't like. The executives edited it out. And Par was so furious about being censored that he walked off the set of his next show. Three weeks went by. NBC reportedly apologized to Parr. And when he returned to the show.

[Deirdre Walsh]

He said this as I was saying.

[Michelle Kellerman]

Before I was interrupted.

[Mandali del Barco]

Those were also the first words Jimmy Kimmel said when he came back, as.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

I was saying before I was interrupted.

[Steve Inskeep]

And there's Mandali del Barco. Thanks so much.

[Mandali del Barco]

Thank you.

[Jimmy Kimmel]

Now, a lot of people have been asking me if there are conditions for my return to the air. And there is one. Disney has asked me to read the following statement and I agreed to do it. Here we go. To reactivate your Disney and Hulu account.

[Steve Inskeep]

And that's a first for this Wednesday, September 24th. I'm Steve Inske.

[Michelle Martin]

And I'm Michele Martin. There's an easy way to stay connected to news and podcasts from the NPR network. It's the NPR app here. Community coverage from your local station, stories from around the world, and podcast suggestions based on what you like. Download the NPR app in your App Store.

[Steve Inskeep]

Today's up first was edited by Kelsey Snell, Tara Neal, Kevin Drew, Mohamed El Bardisi and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Bach, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support, support from Damien Herring. And our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us tomorrow.

[ADT Announcer]

This message comes From NPR sponsor 1Password. Protect your digital life with 1Password. If you're tired of family members constantly texting you for the passwords to streaming services, 1Password lets you securely share or remove access to logins access from any device anytime. 1Password lets you securely switch between iPhone, Android, Mac and PC with convenient features like autofill for quick sign ins. Right now, get a free two week trial for you and your family at 1Password.com NPR this message comes from Warby Parker.

[Strawberry Me / Shopify Announcer]

Prescription eyewear that's expertly crafted and unexpectedly affordable. Glasses designed in house from premium materials starting at just $95, including prescription lenses. Stop by a Warby Parker store near you.

[ADT Announcer]

This message comes from bombas. You need better socks and slippers and underwear because you should love what you wear every day. One purchased equals one donated. Go to bombas.com NPR and use code NPR for 20% off.