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Up First from NPR

Trump Economy, Federal Reserve December, Afghan Fighters' Struggles

Up First from NPR

NPR

Daily News, News

4.552.8K Ratings

🗓️ 10 December 2025

⏱️ 16 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

President Trump insists the economy is thriving. So, how does he explain why so many voters view the economy negatively? Also, the Federal Reserve considers whether to cut interest rates today. Will concerns over inflation keep rates as is or will unemployment worries prompt another cut? Plus, the unraveling of the Afghan man accused of gunning down two National Guard members. How are other Afghans in the US who fought for the CIA navigating the stress and despair that commonly haunt frontline soldiers?

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Rafael Nam, Luis Clemens, Alice Woelfle, and Arezou Rezvani.

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Transcript

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0:00.0

President Trump insists the economy is thriving.

0:05.0

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

0:10.0

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

0:14.0

I'm Michelle Martin, that's Laila Faddle, and this is up first from NPR News.

0:19.0

The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates today, but members of the Fed's

0:25.2

rate-setting committee are divided on whether to make the call.

0:28.8

Will concerns over inflation keep rates as is, or will unemployment worries prompt another cut?

0:34.0

Plus, the unraveling of the Afghan man accused of gunning down to National Guard

0:38.0

members. He was in a military unit that worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, and he wasn't the only

0:42.8

one struggling with his mental health as a result. We get into why so many feel abandoned

0:47.3

by the CIA. Stay with us for the news you need to start your day.

0:56.9

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1:01.5

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Join millions of customers and visit Wise.com. T's and C's apply.

1:12.8

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transparency, and results that can be proven again and again. It's the approach that mapped

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It transformed farming to help feed billions of people. It produces countless innovations that improve lives worldwide. This approach is integral to every breakthrough Bayer brings forward.

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Innovations that save lives and feed the world because the future depends on it. More at

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Science Delivers.com.

1:45.7

Support for NPR comes from NPR member stations and Eric and Wendy Schmidt through the Schmidt

1:51.7

Family Foundation, working to restore a balanced relationship between people and planet.

...

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