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.
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)
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.
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)
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.”
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.