Up First (NPR) — December 24, 2025

Main Theme:
A fast-paced news roundup covering three of the day’s biggest stories: newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents, the Supreme Court blocking National Guard deployment in Chicago, and strong U.S. GDP growth despite economic anxieties.

1. New Jeffrey Epstein Documents Released

Overview:
The Department of Justice (DOJ) continues releasing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein after a legal deadline, revealing more about Epstein's connections and generating fresh controversy, particularly involving President Trump.

Key Points:

• 30,000 New Pages:
  DOJ's latest release includes flight logs (noting trips by Trump and his family), references to other high-profile individuals, and documents of questionable authenticity.
• Guilt by Association:
  The documents reinforce Epstein’s extensive connections, including with President Trump and former President Clinton. Neither has been accused of wrongdoing, but the files highlight their relationships with Epstein and raise questions about what they may have known.
• Questionable/Fake Documents:
  A letter purportedly from Epstein to Larry Nassar, referencing the President, was flagged as fake by the FBI.
  • The DOJ also spotted other fakes in the collection, such as a supposed video of Epstein's death.
• Political & Public Reaction:
  • President Trump has denounced the scrutiny over these documents as “guilt by association."
  • DOJ issued a statement defending Trump:

    “These files...contain untrue and sensationalist claims against him.” (Sarah McCammon, 05:56)

• Disclosure Compliance:
  DOJ missed its Friday deadline, trickling out files instead, intensifying criticism from both political parties.
  • The ambiguity and sensational contents are largely embarrassing, particularly for the president, but not incriminating.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Zidynick (Economist):

  “Never bet against the American consumer. We're always willing to spend money we don't have on things we don't need.” (12:01)

• Sarah McCammon (on DOJ filings):

  “The contents of the files appear to be, if nothing else, embarrassing for the president and potentially a lot of other people.” (06:30)

Timestamps:

• Jeffrey Epstein updates discussion: 02:49 – 06:37

2. Supreme Court Blocks National Guard in Chicago

Overview:
The Supreme Court issued an interim ruling against President Trump's move to deploy federalized National Guard troops in Chicago without the governor’s consent, marking a rare rebuke by the conservative-majority court.

Key Points:

• Ruling Details:
  • Decision was 6–3 against Trump, emphasizing the President’s failure to justify circumventing the Posse Comitatus Act (which prohibits using military for domestic law enforcement).
  • Conservative Justices Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch dissented, focusing on the narrowness of the administration's case.
• Case Background:
  • Stems from Trump federalizing the National Guard in September 2025, against Illinois Governor Pritzker’s wishes, citing immigration enforcement needs.
  • Lower courts blocked the deployment, leading to this Supreme Court emergency appeal.
• Implications:
  • The ruling applies only to Illinois but could sway lower courts on similar cases.
  • Deployments approved by governors, such as Louisiana's, are legally distinct.
  • Raises ongoing questions about executive authority to use federalized troops domestically.

Memorable Moments:

• Expert Legal Analysis:
  Elizabeth Goytin, Brennan Center:

  “It’s difficult to see how any lower courts would be able to uphold a deployment of federalized National Guard forces under this law in the future.” (09:54)

Timestamps:

• SCOTUS ruling and analysis: 06:46 – 10:23

3. U.S. GDP Grows Faster Than Expected

Overview:
Despite economic concerns, new Commerce Department data (delayed by the government shutdown) shows robust U.S. economic growth in Q3 2025, powered by continued consumer spending and investments in AI.

Key Points:

• GDP Data:
  • Economy grew at a 4.3% annual rate, among the highest in recent years.
  • Key drivers: Businesses and individuals investing in AI technologies and related hardware.
• “Defying Gravity” Narrative:
  • Growth persists despite low consumer confidence, stock market anxiety, inflation, and tariffs.
  • Consumers continue to spend, though often outpacing their actual income.
• Who is Spending?:
  • Higher-income consumers are driving much of the spending, often relying on savings and credit.
• Economic Concerns:
  • Personal disposable income is stagnant; unemployment is creeping up, and the labor market is softening.
  • Uncertainty about sustainability: Spending continues despite unease and wage stagnation.
• Looking Ahead:
  • The outlook hinges on wage growth and job market stability in the coming year. A soft labor market could limit workers’ power to push for higher wages.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Zidynick:

  “The fact that real spending has outpaced real income so much means that people are drawing down on savings... The people who can do that are the people who have those savings.” (12:32)

• Steve Inskeep:

  “It's almost like two economies: people with higher incomes, people with lower incomes.” (12:20)

Timestamps:

• GDP and economic analysis: 10:31 – 13:52

Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On fake Epstein letter:
  Sarah McCammon:

  “The FBI has confirmed this alleged letter from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar is fake.” (04:37)

• On SCOTUS National Guard decision:
  Kat Lonsdorf:

  “It was an unsigned opinion, and it was really technical. But basically, the court wrote that the president failed to explain why the situation in Chicago warranted an exception to what's called the Posse Comitatus Act.” (07:13)

Structure & Flow

• Each segment introduces a major headline, dives deeper with reporting or expert analysis, and frames the broader relevance—offering listeners a concise but rich survey of national headlines.
• The tone is matter-of-fact, brisk, and analytical, with moments of dry humor and candid perspective—especially in economic commentary.

For further detail, see full episode transcript or listen on the NPR app. Up First delivers a rapid yet comprehensive scan of stories shaping the day's national agenda.