Up First from NPR Trump Pushes Hamas Disarmament, Ukraine Peace Talks, A Year Of DOGE
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Dec 30, 2025 
Michelle Kellerman, an NPR correspondent in Jerusalem, shares insights on Trump's push for Hamas disarmament after his meeting with Israel's prime minister, raising concerns about Iran's nuclear program. Joanna Kakis, stationed in Kyiv, discusses Ukraine's plea for U.S. security guarantees amid ongoing peace talks with Russia, revealing the complexities of the situation. Stephen Fowler reviews the first year of the DOGE initiative, highlighting unexpected outcomes such as rising federal spending and ongoing data access issues despite a supposed push for government efficiency.
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Public Unity Masks Unfinished Gaza Plan
- Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu publicly presented unity on moving Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan forward and on pressuring Iran.
- Despite public praise, key elements like who runs Gaza and an international force remain undefined, keeping the plan stalled.
Operational Holes Stall Phase Two
- Trump has not named the board or leadership for Gaza and suggested an international force could disarm Hamas despite differing views from potential troop contributors.
- That gap means phase two of the ceasefire plan cannot realistically start until those operational details are resolved.
Trump's Warning To Iran Holds Ambiguity
- Trump warned Iran against rebuilding its nuclear or missile capabilities and suggested the U.S. would act if needed.
- Israeli analysts heard this as a potential U.S. green light for Israeli action against Iran's missile program.