Up First from NPR VP Vance In Israel, Shutdown Politics, White House Under Construction
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Oct 22, 2025 Vice President JD Vance expresses optimism about a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting humanitarian needs and security measures. Meanwhile, the U.S. government shutdown enters its fourth week, with layoffs looming and pressure mounting on congressional negotiations. There's heated discussion around the White House's demolition of the East Wing for a lavish ballroom project, raising ethical concerns over funding and preservation. This mix of hope and tension sets the stage for a complex political landscape.
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Ceasefire Is Fragile But Progressing
- Vice President J.D. Vance says the ceasefire is largely holding and doing better than expected despite flare-ups.
- The U.S. is building a coordination center and pushing for phased steps like aid, security, and governance in Gaza.
Hard Steps Ahead For Stabilization
- The next phase requires Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and international troops as a stabilizing force.
- Past ceasefires have failed, so US involvement risks long-term entanglement despite claims to avoid 'forever wars.'
Ownership Versus Avoidance Tension
- Trump claims credit for negotiating the ceasefire while also promising to avoid open-ended conflicts.
- That mix of ownership and disengagement echoes past presidential misreads of Middle East complexity.