Trump Defends Saudi Prince, Epstein Bill Passes, Trump Low Approval Rating

Summary

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Up First (NPR) Episode Summary

Episode: Trump Defends Saudi Prince, Epstein Bill Passes, Trump Low Approval Rating
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Layla Faldil, A Martinez, with reporting from Danielle Kurtzleben, Sam Greenglass, Domenico Montanaro
Main Theme:
A rapid roundup of the morning’s biggest stories: President Trump’s defensive posture during the Saudi crown prince’s U.S. visit and fresh controversies about Jamal Khashoggi, a landmark Congressional bill forcing release of the Jeffrey Epstein files (and the political backlash around it), and new polling indicating Trump’s precarious approval rating and its reverberations ahead of the 2026 midterms.

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1. President Trump Defends Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

[02:33–06:18]

Key Discussion Points:

• Trump’s Public Defense: President Trump, during the Saudi Crown Prince's Oval Office visit, dismissed questions about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, downplaying the US Intelligence report linking the prince to the murder.
  • Trump’s Quote: “You don't have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like US Intelligence.” (03:43)
  • On Khashoggi: "Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen, but he knew nothing about it and we can leave it at that." (03:45)
• Crown Prince’s Response: Mohammed bin Salman expressed regret but insisted on his non-involvement.
  • “We've did all the right steps of investigation, etc. in Saudi Arabia and we've improved our system to be sure that nothing happened like that... It's painful and it's a huge mistake and we are doing our best that this doesn't happen again.” (04:06–04:17)
• Contrast in Tone: NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben notes the difference: the prince showed contrition, Trump appeared dismissive.
• Khashoggi Widow’s Criticism: Khashoggi’s widow publicly condemned Trump’s comments, emphasizing there is “no justification to murder my husband.” (04:17)
• US-Saudi Agreements Announced:
  • Cooperation on nuclear energy and AI.
  • Defense deal easing US defense firms' operations in Saudi Arabia.
  • Sale of F-35 fighter jets.
  • Saudi pledge to invest $1 trillion in the US, details still emerging.
  • Saudi Arabia designated a “major non-NATO ally,” conferring special defense/financial ties.
• Abraham Accords: The Crown Prince signaled willingness to join on condition of a two-state solution, in direct opposition to Israeli PM Netanyahu’s stance. (05:45)
• Upcoming Forum: Saudi-US Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center.

Notable Quote:
Danielle Kurtzleben: “It's really notable, the two different tones there. The crown prince acting regretful about the killing, while Trump not only didn't condemn the death, but got defensive.” (04:17)

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2. Congress Forces Release of Epstein Files

[06:27–10:06]

Key Discussion Points:

• Legislative Action: Both chambers of Congress passed a bill compelling the Justice Department to release unclassified files on Jeffrey Epstein, despite Trump’s months-long efforts to block the move.
• Trump’s Position: Publicly disavows Epstein, calling the push for files a "Democratic hoax."
  • “I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert. But, and I guess I turned out to be right.” (06:47)
• Content of Files: Will unseal investigation materials from the DOJ, FBI, and US attorneys related to Epstein.
• Recent File Releases: Prior email dumps included accusations that Trump “knew about the girl,” though Trump denies any involvement.
• Bipartisan Pressure:
  • Democrat-republican alliances, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, helped force action despite GOP leadership resistance.
  • Greene: “For people that slept in their cars to go to rallies... watching this actually turn into a fight has ripped MAGA apart.” (08:12)
• Survivor Reaction:
  • Survivor Jennalisa Jones: “It is not about you, President Trump. I voted for you. But your behavior on this issue has been a national embarrassment.” (08:42)
• Vote Results: House passes 427–1; Senate expected to fast-track.
• Partisan Spin:
  • Oversight Chair James Comer (R): “Democrats have chosen to manufacture yet another anti Trump hoax instead of pursuing justice.” (09:19)
  • Robert Garcia (D): “Trump has the power to release the files today. He does not even need a vote. What is Donald Trump hiding?” (09:31–09:38)
• What Comes Next: Files must be public within 30 days after Trump signs; concerns persist over possible DOJ redactions and political fallout.

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3. Trump’s Political Peril: New Low Approval Rating

[10:15–13:44]

Key Discussion Points:

• Poll Findings: New NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows Trump’s job approval at 39% (lowest of his second term), only 24% among independents.
• Democratic Advantage: In a “generic ballot” for 2026 midterms, Democrats lead by 14 points—a number described as “massive” and not seen since the 2018 Democratic wave.
  • Domenico Montanaro: “I can't underscore enough how massive a number that is... The last time the gap was this wide was eight years ago during Trump's first term. A year later, Democrats won 40 seats.” (10:43)
• Key Political Issues:
  • Overwhelming priority: Lowering prices—57% of respondents want it as Trump’s main focus.
  • Second priority: Immigration—16%.
  • Even among Republicans, inflation dominates.
• Party Fractures:
  • Poll finds Republican voters overwhelmingly still approve of Trump (99%), but Congressional rifts becoming public.
  • The feud between Trump and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is being closely watched as a bellwether for party discipline and dissent. (12:20)
• Collapsing Faith in Institutions:
  • Americans are deeply pessimistic about Congress, the Supreme Court, the media, both parties, and even the presidency itself.
  • Polarization runs deep: members of both parties overwhelmingly believe the other is “closed minded and dishonest.”
  • Domenico Montanaro’s advice about Thanksgiving: “Maybe at Thanksgiving, stick to cooking or sports.” (13:11)

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Memorable Moments/Quotes & Timestamps

• Trump on Khashoggi (03:45): "Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen, but he knew nothing about it..."
• Crown Prince on the murder (04:06): “We've did all the right steps of investigation, etc. in Saudi Arabia...”
• Khashoggi's widow responds (04:17): “There is no justification to murder my husband.”
• Marjorie Taylor Greene (Epstein bill saga) (08:12): “Watching this actually turn into a fight has ripped MAGA apart.”
• Survivor Jennalisa Jones (08:42): “But your behavior on this issue has been a national embarrassment.”
• James Comer (GOP framing) (09:19): “Democrats have chosen to manufacture yet another anti Trump hoax...”
• Robert Garcia (Democratic framing) (09:31): “Trump has the power to release the files today...”
• Domenico Montanaro on the poll (10:43): “I can't underscore enough how massive a number that is... The last time the gap was this wide was eight years ago during Trump's first term.”
• On trust in US institutions (13:11): “People are really down on everything... Maybe at Thanksgiving, stick to cooking or sports.”

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Conclusion

This Up First episode explored the high-drama convergence of US-Saudi maneuvering and controversy, rare bipartisan alignment on government transparency in the Epstein affair (and its political stakes for Trump within his own party), and new polling underscoring Trump’s vulnerable standing heading into a pivotal midterm season. The episode is marked by candid quotes, palpable tension among political players, and a clear sense of public fatigue with institutions.

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Transcript

[Layla Faldil]

President Trump defended the crown prince of Saudi Arabia when asked about the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

[President Donald Trump]

Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen. But he knew nothing about it.

[NPR Host]

That moment overshadowed a day of billion dollar agreements.

[Layla Faldil]

I'm Layla Faldil with a Martinez, and this is up first from NPR News. Congress passed a bill to force the release of the Epstein files. Trump says he will sign it, but one survivor criticized his earlier efforts to bury the docum.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

It is not about you, President Trump. I voted for you, but your behavior on this issue has been a national embarrassment.

[Layla Faldil]

So what comes next and how much will the Justice Department redact?

[NPR Host]

And a new NPR Marist poll shows major political warning signs for the president. We'll hear about what the public wants him to focus on. Stay with us. We've got all the news you need to start your day.

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[NPR Host]

Sitting beside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office yesterday, President Trump dismissed a question about the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

[President Donald Trump]

You don't have to embarrass our guest by asking a question like US Intelligence.

[Layla Faldil]

Found that the Saudi crown prince approved the operation that led to Khashoggi's dismemberment and killing. He denies any personal involvement. The exchange highlights a tension with Saudi Arabia, an important ally in the Middle east that stretches beyond the current administration.

[NPR Host]

Here to discuss the visit is NPR White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben. Danielle, that was quite the exchange.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

It really was. And to explain it, it started during an Oval Office meeting when a journalist asked the crown prince about Khashoggi and also about 911. The journalist noted that there are families of 911 victims who were angry that the prince was visiting, as some believe the Saudi government involved in the 911 attacks. So the journalists asked why Americans should trust the crown prince. Trump jumped in and responded saying, salman has done a, quote, phenomenal job. Then he turned to the topic of Khashoggi, who is a Saudi journalist who was critical of the Saudi government.

[President Donald Trump]

You're mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial. A lot of people didn't like that gentleman that you're talking about. Whether you like him or didn't like him, things happen, but he knew nothing about it and we can leave it at that.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

But then the crown prince said that no, he would respond as well. And he had this to say, we've did all the right steps of investigation, etc.

[President Donald Trump]

In Saudi Arabia and we've improved our system to be sure that nothing happened like that.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

And it's painful and it's a huge mistake and we are doing our best.

[President Donald Trump]

That this doesn't happen again.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

It's really notable, the two different tones there. The crown prince acting regretful about the killing, while Trump not only didn't condemn the death, but got defensive. One more thing we should add, as Khashoggi's widow has criticized Trump's comments, saying, quote, there is no justification to murder my husband.

[NPR Host]

Now, other than that tense moment, it sounded like this visit was really about cooperation between the two countries very much.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

And we learned last night that Saudi Arabia and the US Signed a whole string of agreements just to tick through a few. They agreed to cooperate on creating nuclear energy, to work together on AI. There was a defense agreement which the White House said would make it easier for US defense firms to operate in Saudi Arabia. The US agreed to sell the Saudis F35 fighter jets. And the White House announced Saudi Arabia is pledging to invest a trillion dollars in the U.S. now, that's a lot of stuff that they say they signed, but also there just haven't been a lot of details on those things yet. We're still waiting on the text of Some of those agreements, for example. But there was one more big development last night. At a black tie dinner, Trump announced that Saudi Arabia is now a major non NATO ally. The US Confers that particular designation on select countries. It gives those countries special defense and financial relationships with the U.S. for example, their firms can bid on some defense contracts and they can cooperate on research.

[NPR Host]

I know the president also has hopes of getting Saudi Arabia to sign on to the Abraham Accords. Any, any progress on that?

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Well, it did come up in that Oval Office meeting. The crown prince said that he wants to sign on, but he also wants a two state solution to the conflict in Gaza. Well, the leader of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, has. There will never be a Palestinian state. So that's a fundamental roadblock.

[NPR Host]

All right, one more day on the visit. What's on the schedule?

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Well, today there's a Saudi US Investment forum at the Kennedy center, and it's set to feature executives from some major companies like Chevron, Pfizer and Nvidia. And it's possible that we'll learn more about some of these potential investments then.

[NPR Host]

That's White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben. Thanks a lot.

[Layla Faldil]

Thank you.

[NPR Host]

Both chambers of Congress have now moved to force the Justice Department to release its files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

[Layla Faldil]

The legislation went unopposed in the Senate on Tuesday and passed with a near unanimous vote in the House. President Trump has promised to sign the measure, but told reporters that the intense focus on the files is a Democratic hoax.

[President Donald Trump]

I have nothing to do with Jeffrey Epstein. I threw him out of my club many years ago because I thought he was a sick pervert. But, and I guess I turned out to be right.

[NPR Host]

NPR congressional reporter Sam Greenglass is following this story from Capitol Hill. So when we talk about releasing the Epstein files, Sam, I mean, which ones are we talking about?

[Sam Greenglass]

So this legislation applies to unclassified documents, communications or investigation materials held by the Justice Department, the FBI, and U.S. attorney's offices related to federal investigations into Epstein in New York and Florida. Now, it's worth noting that the House Oversight Committee has already released other Epstein files, including thousands of pages of emails obtained from the Epstein estate. That batch of documents included Epstein telling a journalist that Trump, quote, knew about the girl, seemingly referring to people Epstein was trafficking. As we just heard, the president has said he broke ties with Epstein years ago and has denied any wrongdoing.

[NPR Host]

Now, releasing the files has been a very divisive thing within the Republican Party. But, yeah, yesterday legislation sailed through both chambers. So take us through what changed.

[Sam Greenglass]

For months, President Trump And Republican leaders in Congress tried to thwart a vote on these files. But Democrats and some Republicans like Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, pressed ahead. Greene said Trump's refusal to release the files was a betrayal of his most ardent supporters.

[Layla Faldil]

For people that slept in their cars to go to rallies have fought for truth and transparency. Watching this actually turn into a fight has ripped MAGA apart.

[Sam Greenglass]

But once a bipartisan petition to force the issue got enough signatures, Trump reversed course. And that paved the way for Tuesday's vote in the House, which several survivors of Epstein's abuse actually watched from the gallery. Here's one of them, Jennalisa Jones, who spoke outside the Capitol before the votes.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

It is not about you, President Trump. I voted for you. But your behavior on this issue has been a national embarrassment.

[Sam Greenglass]

The House passed the legislation 427 to 1 and within a few hours, the Senate agreed to automatically advance the measure without a vote as soon as it arrives from the House. And that is expected sometime today.

[NPR Host]

427 to 1 sounds like unity, right?

[Sam Greenglass]

I mean, on paper, sure. But it's clear that many Democrats and Republicans are looking at this fight through different lenses. Just listen to House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer of Kentucky.

[Domenico Montanaro]

Democrats have chosen to manufacture yet another anti Trump hoax instead of pursuing justice.

[Sam Greenglass]

And compare that to his Democratic counterpart on that committee, Robert Garcia of California.

[NPR Host]

Trump has the power to release the files today. He does not even need a vote.

[President Donald Trump]

What is Donald Trump hiding?

[NPR Host]

So, Sam, the debate over the files, I think it's still a couple of steps to go before we get any resolution.

[Sam Greenglass]

The materials have to be made public within 30 days of Trump signing the bill. Depending on what comes out, that could fuel new conflicts. Trump, for example, has pledged to focus on Democrats whose names might come up. And depending on what the Justice Department redacts, that could spark even more questions.

[NPR Host]

All right. NPR congressional reporter Sam Greenglass, thanks a lot.

[Sam Greenglass]

Thank you.

[NPR Host]

10 months into a second term, Donald Trump appears to be in a critical moment in his presidency.

[Layla Faldil]

Yeah. New NPR PBS News Marist poll finds the president at a new low in approval. He and his party also get most of the blame for the shutdown. And overwhelmingly people say he needs to focus on lowering prices and Democrats are benefiting.

[NPR Host]

NPR senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro joins us now. Domenico, a lot in this poll. What stuck out to you?

[Domenico Montanaro]

Well, the most eye opening thing is on the question of who would you vote for if the 2026 midterm elections took place today, a Democrat or a Republican? Democrats have a 14 point advantage. And I can't underscore enough how massive a number that is. I mean, the last time the gap was this wide was eight years ago during Trump's first term. A year Later, Democrats won 40 seats, and their lead on this question back then ranged from 6 to 12 points, not 14. So this is really big. No one expects that big of a wave next year. And there's the pot that this is coming too soon for Democrats, frankly. You know, people in the poll also say they don't really like Democrats very much. So we'll see what the political landscape is like in a year. But for right now, it's Democrats advantage.

[NPR Host]

Yeah, that makes sense right now because of what happened with those elections earlier this month for Democrats. If you take a step back, though, Domenico, I mean, is there anything in the survey that shows what's leading to this?

[Domenico Montanaro]

Well, I mean, first of all, Trump's unpopular. You know, he's at just 39% job approval right now. It's only 24% among independents. All of that is the lowest of his second term in Marist polling, and it's the lowest since right after the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Trump's unpopular because of his handling of the most critical issues. You know, the elections earlier this month were all about affordability. And what jumps out in this survey is that 57% say that lowering prices should be Trump's top priority. Nothing else even came close. Controlling immigration was second at 16%. But even among Republicans, more of them say that lowering prices is most important.

[NPR Host]

Do these kind of numbers make Republicans possibly more brave to disagree publicly with Trump?

[Domenico Montanaro]

Maybe. You know, we've talked about a lot of different things that that could be the case, but certainly a president with a low approval rating, seemingly on the wrong side of many of the issues, makes it more likely that you see people cross him. There have been some major cracks between Trump and his base on the release of the Epstein files about the convicted sex offender. I'm not sure if this is a dam break moment, though. Republican voters in our survey showed no signs of abandoning this. 99% of them approve of the job he's doing. I think a lot of elected Republicans are going to be watching this feud between the president and Marjorie Taylor Greene, the congresswoman from Georgia. Does she suffer any consequences politically as he's threatened, or does she survive unscathed? You know, that could really tell you whether the door is open for others to show a bit more independence.

[NPR Host]

Now, the poll also asked how people view institutions and each other in the United states. I shudder to hear the response.

[Domenico Montanaro]

Domenico yeah, people are really down on everything. I mean, overwhelming majorities say that they have no confidence, little to no confidence in Congress, the media, the political parties, the Supreme Court and the presidency itself. It extends also, though, to how people feel about each other, really doubting where the other is coming from. You know, big majorities of people who say they're Democrats or Republicans think the opposite party is closed minded and dishonest when talking about politics. And I have to say, maybe at Thanksgiving, stick to cooking or sports.

[NPR Host]

No, that's a bad one. NPR politic correspondent Domenico Montanaro. Thanks a lot.

[Domenico Montanaro]

You got it.

[NPR Host]

And that's up first for Wednesday, November 19th. Amy Martinez, and I'm Layla Falden.

[Layla Faldil]

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[NPR Host]

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[Layla Faldil]

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