Up First from NPR – May 24, 2025

Episode: National Security Council Shakeup, George Floyd Murder and Political Extremism
Hosts: Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, and A Martinez
Description: NPR's Up First provides the three biggest stories of the day, offering in-depth reporting and analysis to start your day. This episode delves into the recent upheaval within the National Security Council, the five-year anniversary of George Floyd's tragic death, and the ensuing political extremism that has shaped the current socio-political landscape.

1. National Security Council Shakeup

Hosts: Scott Simon and Ayesha Rascoe
Key Guests: Marco Rubio, NPR’s Greg Myhre

The episode opens with a significant announcement concerning the National Security Council (NSC). Scott Simon introduces the topic, highlighting a major shakeup at the White House where dozens of NSC staff members were dismissed abruptly.

Marco Rubio, the newly appointed National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, provides insights into the situation:

Marco Rubio [02:28]: "Dozens of staffers at the National Security Council were abruptly dismissed on Friday afternoon. They were informed at 4:30 pm and told to leave by 5."

Rubio elaborates on the role and recent changes within the NSC, explaining that the organization, which typically houses 200 to 300 staffers, is experiencing a dramatic restructure aimed at eliminating bureaucracy and duplication. Despite the lack of official comments from the White House, Rubio suggests that this move is part of an ongoing effort to streamline national security processes under his dual role.

Greg Myhre, NPR’s national security correspondent, further explains:

Marco Rubio [03:23]: "The NSC works out of the White House. It plays a key role in developing and implementing the President's foreign policy..."

Rubio also touches upon the new restrictions imposed by Defense Secretary Hegseth, which require reporters to be escorted when leaving Pentagon media areas. This marks a significant shift in Pentagon's media policy, perceived by many as an attack on press freedom:

Marco Rubio [05:10]: "Hegseth has taken a number of moves to limit contact between journalists and military officials."

This restructuring comes just three weeks after Rubio assumed his role, indicating possible ongoing adjustments within the administration’s approach to national security.

2. Five Years Since George Floyd's Murder: Rise of Conspiracies and Political Extremism

Hosts: Ayesha Rascoe and Scott Simon
Key Guests: Odette Youssef, Pete Simi

Five years after George Floyd's murder, the United States remains deeply divided on issues of race and policing. The episode explores how what began as a moment of national unity transformed into a breeding ground for conspiracies and political extremism.

Pete Simi, a sociology professor at Chapman University, provides a retrospective:

Pete Simi [06:54]: "I think it's fair to say that [radicalizing forces] won."

Simi attributes the shift to factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which heightened public uncertainty and frustration. The lockdowns led to increased emotions and limited outlets for expression, making communities more susceptible to extremist influences.

He recounts the transformation of protests following Floyd's death, where initially peaceful demonstrations faced interference from groups like the Proud Boys, as shared by Kimmy Hull:

Kimmy Hull [08:58]: "We needed help and protection from... racist Ku Klux Klans."

The episode delves into the AutoZone arson incident, which marked a turning point from peaceful protests to lawlessness. Although a suspect linked to white supremacist groups was identified, no arrests have been made, fueling narratives that frame the violence as predominantly left-wing, despite data suggesting otherwise.

Pete Simi highlights the misrepresentation of events by authorities:

Pete Simi [10:19]: "The Department of Homeland Security... stated that the violent protesters in Portland were connected to or motivated by antifa, even though his analysts had no evidence of that."

Joe Kent, now appointed by Trump to direct the National Counterterrorism Center, is cited for promoting the narrative that groups like Antifa and Black Lives Matter (BLM) are threats:

Joe Kent [12:22]: "We need to treat antifa and BLM like terrorist organizations."

The discussion underscores the decline in support for BLM, referencing a Pew survey indicating a 15-point drop in support since Floyd's death. Concurrently, the Department of Justice's decision to end consent decrees on police misconduct is examined as part of the broader debate on racial issues and policing.

Pete Simi warns against the dangers of ignoring systemic racism:

Pete Simi [13:45]: "People see social inequity... and if we're not talking about the history and current factors, it just leaves explanations that are pseudoscientific, disproven and racist."

The episode concludes by addressing the Trump administration's stance on race, including an executive order challenging the concept of race as a social construct, a move criticized for echoing eugenic ideologies:

Pete Simi [14:24]: "This is the stuff of eugenics and it goes against decades of scientific consensus."

Odette Youssef summarizes the enduring impact of Floyd's legacy amidst ongoing racial and political tensions.

Conclusion

This episode of Up First offers a comprehensive exploration of the current shifts within the National Security Council and the long-term societal impacts following George Floyd's murder. Through expert interviews and thorough analysis, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between national security policies and the evolving landscape of political extremism in America.

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