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Up First from NPR

Trump Addresses Nation, Congress ACA Vote, Venezuela Oil Tankers

Up First from NPR

NPR

Daily News, News

4.552.8K Ratings

🗓️ 18 December 2025

⏱️ 16 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In a nationwide address, President Trump says the U.S. is poised for an economic boom and that high prices are falling rapidly. Four Republicans joined Democrats to force a vote on a three year extension of the enhanced healthcare subsidies. And, President Trump has ordered a ban on all sanctioned oil tankers going to and from Venezuela.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, Kelsey Snell, Andrew Sussman, Lisa Thomson and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.


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Transcript

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0:00.0

In a prime time address to the nation, President Trump defended his economic record,

0:06.4

insisting prices are falling and an economic boom is on the way.

0:09.9

Our policies are boosting take-home pay at a historic pace.

0:14.1

Does that ring true to voters?

0:15.9

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

0:22.0

A group of swing district Republicans have sided with Democrats to force a vote on extending

0:26.6

health care subsidies.

0:27.9

This doesn't need to be in all or nothing zero-sum game.

0:30.7

We can't come to the center and build consensus.

0:33.2

Will that encourage Congress to act before lawmakers head home for the holidays?

0:36.6

And President Trump is escalating with Venezuela ordering a ban on some oil tankers.

0:42.3

It's a blow to a country dependent on oil exports.

0:46.1

Stay with us.

0:46.7

We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

0:53.8

This message comes from Wise, the app for using money around the globe.

0:58.4

When you manage your money with Wise, you'll always get the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees.

1:04.5

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

1:09.7

This message comes from Subaru, celebrating the 18th annual Subaru Share the Love Event going on now through January 2nd.

1:17.3

For every new Subaru purchased or leased during the event, Subaru will donate a minimum of $300 to charities, like the ASPCA, make a wish, Meals on Wheels, or the National Park Foundation.

1:29.6

To learn more, go to Subaru.com slash share.

1:33.4

Subaru, more than a car company.

1:36.3

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

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