Trump Economy, Federal Reserve December, Afghan Fighters' Struggles

Summary

Up First from NPR: Podcast Summary

Episode Title: Trump Economy, Federal Reserve December, Afghan Fighters' Struggles
Date: December 10, 2025
Hosts: Michelle Martin, Leila Fadel
Guests: Tamara Keith, Scott Horsley, Brian Mann

Overview

This episode covers three major stories:

1. President Trump's messaging on the economy and voters' contrasting negative perceptions.
2. The Federal Reserve's looming interest rate decision, amid internal divisions and incomplete economic data.
3. The struggles of CIA-affiliated Afghan "Zero Unit" fighters in the U.S., including mental health crises and immigration issues.

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1. President Trump’s Economy Narrative vs. Public Sentiment

Key Discussion Points

• President Trump claims the economy is "thriving" with falling inflation and rising wages.
  • [00:05] Donald Trump: “We're getting inflation, we're crushing it, and you're getting much higher wages.”
• At a Pennsylvania rally, Trump prioritized "making America affordable again," blaming prior administrations for high prices.
  • [02:20] Donald Trump: “They caused the high prices and we're bringing them down. It's a simple message.”
• Trump’s messaging focused on “lower prices, bigger paychecks,” but offered no significant new policies.
  • [02:52] Tamara Keith: “There were no new policies and not a lot of new material… Trump spent much of this 90 minute speech going through the greatest hits…”
• Trump highlighted stock market gains but ignored that many Americans do not benefit directly from those increases.
  • [03:40] Donald Trump: “…The only thing that you—it’s really going up big. It’s called the stock market and your 401ks is going up.”
  • [04:05] Tamara Keith: “The stock market is not the economy.”
• Voters remain pessimistic: A recent Fox News poll found 75% view the economy negatively, 2:1 blaming Trump over Biden.
• Trump appears indifferent to this mood, assigning blame to the former president and dismissing concerns over affordability.
  • [05:20] Donald Trump: “They have a new word, you know, they always have a hoax. The new word is affordability.”
  • [05:25] Tamara Keith: “He says that he inherited a mess. In other words, don't blame me, blame the former guy.”

Notable Moments & Quotes

• [03:58] Michelle Martin: “Okay, that might be true. Stock values are up, but a lot of people, actually more than a third of Americans, don't have money in the stock market.”
• [05:01] Scott Horsley (on Trump’s self-assessment):
  • Leila Fadel: “I wonder what grade you would give.”
  • Scott Horsley (quoting Trump): “A plus. A plus. Plus plus plus plus.”
• [05:25] Tamara Keith (on Trump’s gas price claims): “Prices are down about 8 cents on average a gallon from a year ago...not really enough savings to make up for higher grocery prices and utility bills and health care costs.”

---

2. Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Decision

Key Discussion Points

• The Fed is expected to cut rates today, but its committee is sharply divided.
  • Some members prioritize combating rising unemployment, others see inflation as the bigger threat.
  • [06:19] Scott Horsley: “We have seen a real slowdown in the job market in recent months and a number of Fed policymakers are very concerned about that. Over the summer, we saw a net loss of jobs in both June and August.”
• Pro-rate cut argument: Slowing job market and warning signs highlighted by Fed Governor Chris Waller.
  • [06:43] Donald Trump (characterizing the labor market): “The labor market is still weak and near stall speed.”
• Counter argument: Prices are still climbing faster than desired, and recent tariffs could worsen inflation.
  • [07:04] Scott Horsley: “We’ve still got the specter of inflation...some policymakers think getting prices under control is a bigger concern right now…”
  • [07:41] Michelle Martin (quoting Susan Collins, Boston Fed): “Absent evidence of a notable labor market deterioration, I'd be hesitant to ease policy further, especially given the limited information on inflation due to the government shutdown.”
• Government shutdown means October and November data gaps—Fed is making decisions with less information.
  • [07:53] Scott Horsley: “Policy makers are a bit of a handicap here as they try to steer the economy through thicker than usual fog.”
• Unusually high division within the Fed: Multiple potential dissents likely.
  • [08:21] Scott Horsley: “It is unusual to have a lot and in particular to have disagreement in both directions…last Fed meeting, we had two dissents…It’s been 33 years since there were four dissents. It’s possible we could see that many today.”
• Looking ahead: More rate cuts possible, but the outlook is uncertain.
  • [08:53] Scott Horsley: “President Trump is certainly calling for more, but we'll see…Investors think there is a better than even chance that we could see more rate cuts next year.”

Notable Quotes

• [06:19] Scott Horsley: “The labor market is still weak and near stall speed.”
• [07:41] Michelle Martin (quoting Susan Collins): “Absent evidence of a notable labor market deterioration, I'd be hesitant to ease policy further, especially given the limited information on inflation due to the government shutdown.”

---

3. Afghan “Zero Unit” Fighters in the U.S.: Struggles and Crisis

Key Discussion Points

• After serving with CIA-backed “Zero Unit” special forces, many Afghan fighters face severe struggles since resettling in the U.S.
  • [09:27] Michelle Martin: “A community of Afghan soldiers who fought against the Taliban for the CIA now feel abandoned by the agency.”
• One, Rahmanullah Leckinwal, is accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers in D.C.—raising awareness of deep trauma and isolation in this community.
  • [09:33] Leila Fadel: “NPR spoke to people involved in the zero units and learned some have struggled with mental health since coming to the U.S.; at least four soldiers have died by suicide.”
• Zero Units were CIA-led and tasked with highly dangerous operations against the Taliban.
  • [10:18] Former CIA agent Geeta Bakshi: “These guys were the tip of the spear. They were out on the front so that American personnel didn't have to be.”
• Many feel abandoned by the CIA and ensnared in a lengthy immigration limbo, with broken expectations.
  • [11:40] Daoud (Zero Unit veteran): “It's like that feeling of like you did something, but nobody is appreciating. And the promise…by your employer was a fake promise.”
• Severe isolation and stress led some to self-harm or suicide.
  • [12:35] Daoud: “Four people took their lives. We usually do a religious funeral for them just on their behalf, saying a prayer. But, yeah, unfortunately this happened.”
  • [12:57] Geeta Bakshi: “Individuals from the zero units unfortunately suffer death by self harm…we saw a direct connection to prolonged immigration delays.”
• The vetting process for Afghan immigrants is now frozen due to the Leckinwal shooting, leading to fear and uncertainty for families.
  • [13:15] Brian Mann: “The immigration process for all Afghans has been frozen by the Trump admin because of the Leckinwal case…President Trump has suggested many of these Zero Unit fighters may not be allowed to stay in the U.S.”

Notable Quotes & Moments

• [10:18] Geeta Bakshi: “They were the ones that were facing the maximum danger on the battlefield and taking the maximum risk due to their affiliation with US Intelligence.”
• [11:40] Daoud: “The promise that was given to you by your employer was a fake promise.”
• [12:57] Geeta Bakshi: “We raised this issue to the Biden administration, and it was one that we were very concerned about…we saw a direct connection to prolonged immigration delays.”

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Trump Economy/Narrative: [00:02]–[05:48]
• Federal Reserve Interest Rate Debate: [05:55]–[09:20]
• Afghan Zero Unit Fighters’ Struggles: [09:27]–[13:35]

---

Tone & Style

The episode maintains NPR’s trademark even-handed, fact-based tone, with moments of pointed commentary, especially regarding the human costs of political and economic policy decisions.

---

For more information or help:

• [13:38] Michelle Martin: “If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.”

---

Summary by: NPR Up First Podcast Summarizer (2025-12-10)

Transcript

[Michelle Martin]

President Trump insists the economy is thriving.

[Donald Trump]

We're getting inflation, we're crushing it, and you're getting much higher wages.

[Leila Fadel]

So how does he explain why so many voters view the economy negatively?

[Michelle Martin]

I'm Michelle Martin. That's Leila Fadel. And this is up first from NPR News.

[Leila Fadel]

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates today, but members of the Fed's rate setting committee are divided on whether to make the call. Will concerns over inflation keep rates as is, or will unemployment worries prompt another cut?

[Michelle Martin]

Plus, the unraveling of the Afghan man accused of gunning down two National Guard members. He was in a military unit that worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, and he wasn't the only one struggling with his mental health. As a result, we get into why so many feel abandoned by the CIA. Stay with us for the news. You need to start your day.

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[Leila Fadel]

President Trump told a rally crowd in Pennsylvania Tuesday night that he has no higher priority than making America affordable again.

[Donald Trump]

They caused the high prices and we're bringing them down. It's a simple message. If I had one message tonight, you know this is being covered like all over the world. This because I haven't made a speech in a little while. You know, when you win, when you win, you say, I can now rest.

[Leila Fadel]

He talked about a whole lot of other things, too.

[Michelle Martin]

And NPR senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith is here to help us decipher what the president had to say. Good Morning, Tam.

[Tamara Keith]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

So did the President have some new message or some policy prescriptions for Americans who are upset about the high cost of living?

[Tamara Keith]

The banners on the stage said lower prices, bigger paychecks. And that was the message. In essence, Trump insists prices are coming down and brought up on the stage a handful of people who stand to benefit from the tax cuts he signed into law earlier this year. There were no new policies and not a lot of new material, but if you go to see the Village People, you'd be disappointed not to hear YMCA. So Trump spent much of this 90 minute speech going through the greatest hits, talking about how members of his cabinet are straight out of central casting, d denigrating Somali immigrants, weaving all over the place, joking about how it would be boring if he stuck to the teleprompter and occasionally making it back to the economy.

[Donald Trump]

Lower prices, bigger paychecks. We're getting inflation, we're crushing it. And you're getting much higher wages. I mean, the only thing that you. It's really going up big. It's called the stock market and your 401ks is going up.

[Michelle Martin]

Okay, that might be true. Stock values are up, but a lot of people, actually more than a third of Americans, don't have money in the stock market.

[Tamara Keith]

Yeah. And as our friends at Marketplace always say, the stock market is not the economy. A recent Fox News poll found three quarters of voters view the economy negatively, and two to one they blame Trump for the current economy rather than former President Biden. The economy used to be Trump's strength, but at the moment it's a major weakness. And Democrats are certainly making the most of it. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro posted on social media that Trump spent his speech, quote, telling Pennsylvanians not to believe what they can see with their own two eyes, the skyrocketing cost of living and rising prices at the grocery store.

[Michelle Martin]

So how is the president squaring the sour mood that voters are in with his pitch that he has ushered in a golden age for this country?

[Tamara Keith]

He's not really. Take this from an interview he did this week with POLITICO's Dasha Burns.

[Leila Fadel]

I wonder what grade you would give.

[Scott Horsley]

A plus.

[Leila Fadel]

A plus.

[Scott Horsley]

A plus. Plus plus plus plus.

[Tamara Keith]

You know, Trump typically has strong instincts for appealing to his base, but he does risk looking out of touch here.

[Michelle Martin]

And how does he respond when confronted with those concerns?

[Tamara Keith]

Last night, yet again, he mocked the preoccupation with affordability.

[Donald Trump]

They have a new word, you know, they always have a hoax. The new word is affordability.

[Tamara Keith]

He says that he inherited a mess. In other words, don't blame me, blame the former guy. And he says things are already cheaper. In particular, he talks a lot about gas prices. According to Gas Buddy, prices are down about 8 cents on average a gallon from a year ago. But that's not really enough savings to make up for higher grocery prices and utility bills and health care costs, that.

[Michelle Martin]

Is NPR's Tamara Keith. Tam, thank you.

[Tamara Keith]

You're welcome.

[Michelle Martin]

The Federal Reserve is expected cut interest rates today, but the path to that decision could be bumpy.

[Leila Fadel]

Yeah, the central bank is trying to keep a lid on both inflation and unemployment, and members of the Fed's rate setting Committee are divided over which of those goals is more urgent.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Scott Horsey is with us now to tell us more about this. Good morning, Scott.

[Scott Horsley]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

So why do forecasters expect a rate cut today?

[Scott Horsley]

We have seen a real slowdown in the job market in recent months and a number of Fed policymakers are very concerned about that. Over the summer, we saw a net loss of job jobs in both June and August. The unemployment rate has been inching up, Fed Governor Chris Waller has been saying for months. Now the warning signs are flashing on the job market and the central bank should lower interest rates to prevent a further deterioration.

[Donald Trump]

The labor market is still weak and near stall speed.

[Scott Horsley]

The Fed already cut its benchmark interest rate in September and October, and a third cut would make it a little bit cheaper to borrow money. So consumers might spend a bit more and businesses in turn might need to hire more people.

[Michelle Martin]

So that's the argument for cutting rates. But it sounds like it's not a slam dunk.

[Scott Horsley]

It's not because we've still got the specter of inflation out there. That's the other part of the Fed's job. And some policymakers think getting prices under control is a bigger concern right now than the softening job market. Prices are still climbing faster than the Fed would like. Just yesterday we got some survey data showing that a lot of small businesses are raising prices. There's concern that the president's tariffs will continue to push prices up in the new year. Susan Collins, who heads the Boston Fed Federal Reserve bank, voted for rate cuts in both September and October, but she says the bar is pretty high before she would vote for a third cut this week.

[Michelle Martin]

Absent evidence of a notable labor market deterioration, I'd be hesitant to ease policy further, especially given the limited information on inflation due to the government shutdown.

[Scott Horsley]

Because of that six week shutdown, we don't know what the unemployment rate was in October and we don't know what the inflation rate was that month because the federal workers who were furloughed were unable to gather that data. What's more, the numbers for November, which the Fed would ordinarily have in its hands at this meeting, won't come out until next week. So policymakers are a bit of a handicap here as they try to steer the economy through thicker than usual fog.

[Michelle Martin]

How unusual is it to have this much division on the rate setting committee?

[Scott Horsley]

You know, the Fed likes to operate by consensus. It's not uncommon to have some disagreement, but it is unusual to have a lot and in particular to have disagreement in both directions. At the last Fed meeting, we had two dissents. One from a committee member who thought the Fed was cutting rates, two agreements aggressively, and another who thought the Fed wasn't moving fast enough. It's been six years since there were three dissents on a Fed vote and it's been 33 years since there were four dissents. It's possible we could see that many today.

[Michelle Martin]

And before we let you go, should we look for more rate cuts in the future?

[Scott Horsley]

President Trump is certainly calling for more, but we'll see. You know, Fed officials will update their forecast today of where they think interest rates are likely to go next year. Back in September, the average Fed policymaker was projecting only 1/4 point rate cut in 2026. We'll see if that outlook has changed at all. Right now, investors think there is a better than even chance that we could see more rate cuts next year.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Scott Horsley. Scott, thank you.

[Scott Horsley]

You're welcome.

[Michelle Martin]

A community of Afghan soldiers who fought against the Taliban for the CIA now feel abandoned by the agency.

[Leila Fadel]

One member of that community, Rahmanullah Leckinwal, is accused of shooting two National Guard soldiers last month. NPR spoke to people involved in the zero units and learned some have struggled with mental health since coming to the U.S. at least four soldiers have died by suicide.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Brian Mann has our exclusive reporting this morning. Good morning, Brian.

[Brian Mann]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

Michelle La Conwell was part of an Afghan zero unit. What does that mean?

[Brian Mann]

These were Afghan special Forces fighting against the Taliban, but they didn't work for Afghanistan's government. They worked directly for the CIA. They were led by CIA operatives. I spoke with Geeta Bakshi. She's a former CIA agent who spent four years in Afghanistan, often working with these zero unit troops.

[Geeta Bakshi]

These guys were the tip of the spear. They were out on the front so that American personnel didn't have to be. They were the ones that were facing the maximum danger on the battlefield and taking the maximum risk due to their affiliation with US Intelligence.

[Brian Mann]

And their tactics were often brutal. Groups like Human Rights Watch accused them of engaging in torture and illegal killings. Thousands of these Zero Unit soldiers, including Lackawall, were evacuated to the US in 2021 after the Taliban took control of Afghanistan.

[Michelle Martin]

You have learned that many of these Zero Unit fighters are struggling. Why is that?

[Brian Mann]

NPR reported last week, Michelle, that before the attack in Washington, D.C. lackawall appeared to be experiencing a personal crisis. He's since pleaded not guilty to murder and other crimes. Now, people involved in these units tell me that many of Lackwall's fellow Zero Unit fighters have felt similar stress and isolation and despair. They describe feeling betrayed and abandoned by the CIA after years of that frontline combat service. They expected to be treated with respect in the US Given a chance to start new lives here. Instead, they found themselves tangled in a complicated immigration process, often stuck without permanent asylum or work visas for years. And I spoke about this with one Zero Unit fighter named Daoud.

[Daoud]

It's like that feeling of like you did something, but nobody is appreciating. And the promise that you that was given to you by your employer was a fake promise.

[Brian Mann]

Now, Davood agreed to speak with NPR if we agreed to only use his first name. He said he fears for the safety of his family still living in Afghanistan under the Taliban. He told me when Zero Unit fighters living in the US Reached out to the CIA for help, they often got no response. NPR also reached out to the CIA and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services to ask about all this. Both agencies declined to comment.

[Michelle Martin]

You found that some of these Zero Unit fighters were so frustrated they threatened to harm themselves. What's your sense of how widespread this is?

[Brian Mann]

Yeah, people who've been working with these Afghan soldiers say it's been really widespread. Dawoud told me he's scrambled repeatedly to help fellow soldiers who feel hopeless. But he said some didn't make it.

[Daoud]

Poor people took their lives. We usually do a religious funeral for them just on their behalf, saying a prayer. But, yeah, unfortunately this happened.

[Brian Mann]

And Geeta Bakshi, the former CIA agent, she now leads an aid group for Afghans called famil. She says her organization also started working to prevent suicides as early as 2023.

[Geeta Bakshi]

Individuals from the zero units unfortunately suffer death by self harm. We raised this issue to the Biden administration, and it was one that we were very concerned about. Again, we saw a direct connection to prolonged immigration delays.

[Brian Mann]

And now, again, Michelle, these Zero Unit fighters and their families are facing new fear and uncertainty. The immigration process for all Afghans has been frozen by the Trump admin because of the lack in Wall case. Afghan refugees are being vetted once again and President Trump has suggested many of these Zero Unit fighters may not be allowed to stay in the U.S. that.

[Michelle Martin]

Is NPR's Brian Mann. Brian, thank you.

[Brian Mann]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

And let me mention that if you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. That's 988-and-that's up first for Wednesday, December 10th. I'm Michelle Martin.

[Leila Fadel]

And I'm Layla Falden. Consider Consider this from npr. We Hear It Up First. Give you the three Big Stories of the Day. Our Consider this colleagues take a different approach. They dive into a single news story and what it means to you. Learn about a Big Story of the Day in less than 15 minutes. Listen now on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Rebecca Metzler, Rafael Nam, Louise Clemens, Alice Wolfley and Arzu Rezvani. It was produced by Katie Klein, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. US we get engineering support from Stacy Abbott and our technical director is Carly Strange. Our supervising producer is Michael Lipkin. We hope you'll join us again tomorrow.

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