The Morning Rundown: Most 2024 Trump voters remain supportive, but focus groups reveal growing splits over economic policy and immigration priorities. President Trump will host Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar‑a‑Lago after meeting Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as the U.S. pushes for ceasefires and broader peace talks. Two Week 18 NFL division games — Steelers vs. Ravens and Buccaneers vs. Panthers — will decide the final playoff spots. Additional headlines include the Hammonton helicopter crash and the death of Brigitte Bardot.
Trump Voters Break With The President On Economy And Immigration; Netanyahu Visit, Ukraine Push And Two NFL Winner‑Take‑All Games — Morning Rundown
President Trump delivers remarks on the economy at Mount Airy Casino Resort in Mount Pocono, Penn. on Tuesday, Dec. 9. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds / AFP via Getty Images)
In today’s Morning Rundown: Most voters who helped elect Donald Trump in 2024 still broadly support him, but focus groups show rising disagreement on economic policy and immigration priorities. The president will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar‑a‑Lago as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts that follow a meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Two Week 18 NFL division matchups will decide the final playoff berths.
Why Some Trump Voters Are Pulling Away
After a year of in‑person focus group conversations observed by NBC News, several fault lines have emerged inside Trump’s 2024 coalition. Researchers spoke with more than 50 voters — including Black, Hispanic and younger Trump supporters, plus some Republicans who crossed over to back Democrats in recent gubernatorial races — and identified recurring themes.
Economy Tops Voters’ Concerns. Many participants said rising costs and inflation haven’t been treated with sufficient urgency. They want clearer, more tangible progress on Trump’s pledge to lower prices and improve household budgets.
Tariffs Divide Opinion. Some voters accept short‑term disruption if tariffs bolster U.S. industry; others worry tariffs increase uncertainty and could hurt businesses and consumers.
Immigration Enforcement, But With Priorities. While most focus group members praised steps to stem illegal border crossings, many said they want enforcement to target violent offenders first rather than broad deportation efforts.
Political Outlook
Democrats still face an uphill climb to retake the Senate, but strategists see potential openings tied to Trump’s weaker economic ratings and voter concerns about health care. Analysts note roughly 10 Senate contests will likely determine control of the chamber.
Aaron Rodgers celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on December 7, 2025. (Scott Taetsch / Getty Images)
Locally, as Zohran Mamdani prepares to be inaugurated as mayor, many Muslim New Yorkers say his victory symbolizes more than a historic milestone for representation.
Diplomacy: Netanyahu Visit And Ukraine Peace Effort
President Trump will host Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar‑a‑Lago on Monday to press for progress on the Gaza ceasefire and to discuss Iran. An official said this will be Netanyahu’s sixth meeting with the president this year and follows Trump’s meeting with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy the previous day as part of U.S. efforts to pursue a negotiated end to the war with Russia.
Although the Israel‑Hamas truce that began in October reduced large‑scale hostilities, local Gaza officials report hundreds of deaths since the agreement and Israel has accused Hamas of ceasefire violations — signs that the truce remains fragile.
Sports: Two Winner‑Take‑All Games For Playoff Spots
The final two NFL playoff berths will be decided in Week 18 by two division rivalry games. The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to Baltimore; the winner takes the AFC North and the conference’s No. 4 seed. In the NFC South, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Carolina Panthers with identical stakes. Since 2020 Tampa Bay has dominated this matchup, winning nine of 11 and the division the last four seasons, but both games carry high pressure and unpredictable outcomes.
Other Headlines
Security: Prosecutors say the D.C. pipe‑bomb suspect expressed hostility toward both major parties and believed violence could be justified; they requested he remain detained pending trial.
Culture: French film star and animal‑rights activist Brigitte Bardot died at 91, her foundation announced.
A helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, Calif., on Jan. 7, 2025. (David Swanson / AFP - Getty Images file)
Accident: At least one person was killed and another critically injured after two helicopters crashed in Hammonton, New Jersey, officials reported.
Investigations: Former employees detailed an alleged scam involving a fake heiress and a television producer, according to reporting.
Photojournalism: Our photographers and illustrators highlighted striking images from 2025, from a gay rodeo to “No Kings” protests.
Feature: Rebuilding After the Palisades Fire
Nearly a year after the Palisades Fire destroyed a high school, homes, shops and assisted‑living facilities, residents and older adults are slowly rebuilding. Reporter Alicia Lozano captured the resilience and hope of those determined to return to their community despite ongoing challenges. As one senior resident said, “I believe it’s going to be good again.”
For product recommendations, our team tested and reviewed home‑fitness dumbbells and space heaters to help readers prepare for colder weather. Sign up for The Selection newsletter for hands‑on reviews and the best deals.
Original reporting and aggregation by NBC News. To receive Morning Rundown in your inbox, sign up on NBCNews.com.
