NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas - Saturday, December 20, 2025

Episode Date: December 21, 2025

U.S. Coast Guard intercepts second vessel off Venezuelan coast; Some Epstein documents released by the Justice Department no longer available; Storms threaten record-setting holiday travel; and more on tonight’s broadcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Breaking tonight, the new U.S. operation off the coast of Venezuela, the Trump administration announcing a second tanker with sanctioned oil has been intercepted just days after U.S. forces seized another ship, the late developments tonight, and what it could mean in the escalating showdown between the U.S. and Venezuela. The Justice Department facing pushback and tough questions over its release of the Epstein files, the new details about his criminal scheme and the young women he victimized. And tonight, what happened to the files about Donald Trump that were released yesterday and now appear to be missing? The long airport lines on this record holiday travel weekend, and now a threatening mix of snow, wind, and rain just in time for that last minute getaway, what to expect as you head out the door. New developments tonight about Nick Reiner now facing first-degree murder charges in his parents' deaths, what we're learning tonight about his mental health condition, and the changes to his medication before his parents were killed. A longtime children's pastor now facing life in prison after an NBC News report uncovered decades of missed warnings, the charges he is facing tonight, breaking barriers in the final frontier.

We are in space. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. We'll hear from the first person in a wheelchair to visit space. He's shot to fame making us laugh as an iceberg, a hippo, and even the vice president tonight. S&L's Bowen Yang is preparing for his final show. Meet the Montana family on a mission to save lives who they are reaching out to. And there is good news tonight about one city's special visitor every holiday season

and her commitment to make sure no letter goes unanswered. This is NBC Nightly News with Jose Diaz Ballard. Good evening. I'm Peter Alexander, in for Jose. Tonight, President Trump is escalating his pressure campaign against Venezuela's authoritarian leader, Nicholas Maduro, with U.S. forces today, stopping a second massive tanker off that country's coast that U.S. officials say was carrying sanctioned oil. It comes just days after the president announced what he called a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going in and out of Venezuela. And just hours after the president told NBC News in an exclusive interview that he is not ruling out the possibility of war with the South American country.

We begin with NBC's Julie Circon traveling with the president in Florida tonight. Tonight, the Coast Guard intercepting a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, the military observing the operation and assisting overhead, according to two U.S. officials. NBC News has learned this tanker is not on a list of vessels sanctioned by the U.S., according to someone familiar. with the list. DHS Secretary Kristy Noem says in this case they're going after sanctioned oil used to fund narco-terrorism. It comes more than a week after a sanctioned oil vessel known as the skipper was seized by the United States and transported to Texas, the cargo being removed, President Trump threatening a total and complete blockade on all sanctioned oil boats from entering and leaving Venezuela. Not going to let anybody going through that shouldn't be going through.

Part of a campaign U.S. officials say is designed to exert pressure on Venezuelan regime leader Nicholas Maduro. Blockades are considered an act of war under international law. In a phone call with NBC News this week, Mr. Trump did not rule out going to war with Venezuela. They took our royal rights and we want it back. The Pentagon conducted at least 28 strikes on boats the White House says are used to traffic drugs, killing 104 people. The White House also on offense in Syria. where on Friday, the military launched retaliatory strikes against ISIS facilities. U.S. missiles hitting at least 70 targets and killing five of its fighters.

I ordered a massive strike on the terrorists that killed our three great patriots last week. Two soldiers, one interpreter, all great people. Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth describing Operation Hawkeye Strike as a declaration of vengeance, an act that depending on how ISIS responds, according to a U.S. could last weeks or even months. And Julie Serkin joins me now from West Palm Beach. I want to drill down on Venezuela, Julie. There is a lot more questions tonight about what happens next there.

And a key question, Peter, from Democrats and even some of the president's allies, Republican allies on the Hill, is how does this end? Senator Lindsey Graham told me this week that administration officials did not say whether they plan to overthrow Maduro. Peter? Julie Serkin, with the very latest from Florida tonight. Julie, thank you. Also tonight NBC News has learned Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to brief President Trump about options for striking Iran again, a person with direct knowledge of the plans, as well as four former U.S. officials say Israeli leaders have grown increasingly concerned that Iran is building nuclear sites that the U.S. bombed last summer and expanding its ballistic missile program, President Trump and Netanyahu, are set to meet later this month. New questions tonight about that massive release of documents and photos associated with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Tonight, leading lawmakers are asking why some of the files about Donald Trump now appear to be missing. Ryan Noble's reports.

Tonight, questions for the Department of Justice around their initial release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. More than a dozen photos that were available on the DOJ site Friday have disappeared without explanation, including, a photo of President Donald Trump, one of the few examples of Trump appearing in the documents release. NBC News has asked DOJ why the files were deleted and have not heard back. It comes as the Department of Justice released never-before-seeing grand jury testimony, including from a witness who described how Epstein and his partner Galane Maxwell lured her into their orbit. The unnamed victim, recalling a situation in 2005, where at the age of 14, Epstein convinced her to give him a massage for $200. The massage quickly turned sexual.

And she was told, quote, the more you do, the more you make. Stories like this, a reminder of the horror of Epstein's crimes for the survivors demanding transparency. Some saying at this point, they feel like it's not enough. It failed in our book. We haven't received full transparency. It's heavily redacted. And it's an incomplete release of the files.

Some Republicans, Democrats, and survivors are warning the DOJ that they're not living up to the law passed almost unanimously by Congress. The department says they'll release all the files within the next two weeks. An NBC News analysis of the material shows that in the first release, more than 680 pages have been redacted. So no surprise at all that we saw heavy redactions from DOJ because they had a lot of editorial discretion in this case. But Congress believes they deserve an explanation and plan to keep the pressure on the DOJ to make sure everything that should be made public is. I do think there's more here and it's worth more investigations to get to the bottom of this and put this to rest and respect the victims. And Ryan joins me now. Ryan, what if any recourse to lawmakers have who want to see all of the documents? Well, Peter, in the short term, not very much.

independent groups and Epstein survivors could file lawsuits, but that could take months, even years to resolve. The real threat is if Democrats take control of Congress or the White House in the future, they could then go back and prosecute members of the DOJ who did not follow the law. Ryan, nice to be with you in person. Thank you very much. And by the way, Kristen Welker has a big lineup on Meet the Press tomorrow morning right here on NBC. Just days to Christmas, the holiday Travel Rush is well underway this weekend, already breaking records. And just in time, a triple threat of snow, wind, and rain could cause headaches for millions of travelers. NBC's Ryan Chandler is at the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport tonight. That was one of the trouble spots.

Ryan, good evening. Peter, good evening. It was a rough start to the holiday travel rush. More than 11,000 delays yesterday. But tonight, we're seeing some relief. Not nearly as many delays today with the weather letting up, but still some very long lines at major hubs. like here in Dallas. Some 122 million Americans are set to be on the move over the holidays. That's the most in over a decade. But the majority of us are opting to drive. Still some snags in the forecast could persist through the week out west, though. Some heavy rain of flash flood risks in the forecast could cause more delays at places like Seattle and San Francisco. Peter. Ryan Chandler, thank you. And whether you're traveling or staying put, there is a new warning about the

rapid rise of flu cases. The CDC shares this map. Take a look at it. The agency says flu cases are picking up. You can see the darker areas there. They indicate where they are seeing the highest numbers of cases. That's places like the New York metro area, parts of New England, states like Colorado and Louisiana also seeing some pretty big numbers too. The CDC warns there have already been more than four and a half million flu cases this season. We are learning new details tonight about Nick Reiner's mental health as he stands accused of killing his parents Rob and Michelle Reiner. Sources tell NBC News the couple's son had undergone treatment for a serious psychiatric disorder. Liz Croix has the very latest. Tonight we're learning more about the mental

state of Nick Reiner, now charged with two counts of first degree murder for the killings of his parents, Hollywood actor and director Rob Reiner and his wife Michelle. A judge in Reiner's case signed a sealed medical order on Friday. According to three sources with direct knowledge of the case, the 32-year-old was being treated for a serious psychiatric disorder at the time of the crime. The sources tell NBC News, Reiner had been diagnosed some years ago with schizophrenia and was on medication, which had been changed or adjusted before the killings. How does this new information in what we're learning potentially impact the case moving forward? It's almost certain that mental health will either be a defense or an issue that's raised right now as far as Nick Reiner's competency to move forward

with the legal proceedings. Nick Reiner did not enter a plea during his first court appearance Wednesday, his attorneys standing to obscure his face and later urging the public not to rush to judgment. There are very, very complex and serious issues that are associated with this case. Legal analysts say if Reiner does stand trial, his defense may be setting the stage for an insanity plea, means that the defendant says, I did it, but I was insane at the time. That is an incredibly high bar. And Peter, we're also learning tonight that the LA coroner's office has completed the autopsies and the bodies of Rob and Michelle Reiner have been returned to the family. Peter. Liz, Croyce from Los Angeles tonight. Liz, thank you. Now to the fallout after an NBC

news report that uncovered decades of missed warnings about a prominent children's pastor who has ministered thousands of kids. That pastor is in police, custody tonight charged with child sexual abuse. Kate Snow has more. For decades, Joe Campbell preached to thousands of children. Tonight, he's behind bars charged with rape following an in-depth NBC News investigation earlier this year. I would have never dreamed that it would be over 40 years later, but it is, and I'm glad. Carrie Jackson told us Campbell began abusing her in the early 1980s when he was in assemblies of God preacher in Oklahoma. He molested and raped me from the time I was nine until I was 12.

Oklahoma authorities opened an investigation into Campbell after our reporting revealed a pattern of sex abuse allegations against him. Five women told NBC News Campbell sexually abused them as children in the 1970s and 80s. Nine others accused him of sexual misconduct. Oklahoma's Attorney General announcing the 68-year-old has been charged with first-degree rape. and lewd or indecent acts involving two children. The crimes taking place in 1984, according to the indictment. If there are these two victims, there are probably many more that went unreported or were reported and covered up.

Assemblies of God expelled Campbell in 1989, a year after it says it first learned about the allegations. The church says it's grateful for all who have bravely shared their stories. We continue to pray that justice will be served. In recent years, Campbell has continued preaching while running a summer camp with his wife. It's unclear if he has an attorney. He's now in jail. He was kind of untouchable for all of those years, surprisingly. So now for him to be held accountable is probably a shock to even him. Jackson says she feels relieved and finally heard more than 40 years later. Kate Snow, NBC News.

Still ahead tonight, we will hear from the astronaut who made history today as the first person in a wheelchair to visit space. An S&L breakout star Bowen Yang set to mark his last show as a cast member tonight. Today, a historic first in space when a young woman blasted off on a blue origin rocket ride officially becoming the first person who uses a wheelchair to go into space. And now back on the ground safely, she is sharing her unforgettable experience. with our Valerie Castro. In West Texas today, Blue Origin launching its ninth flight of the year. But for the first time, carrying a crew member to space, unlike any before her. We are in space.

Hans, go here. Oh, my God. Oh, my God. 33-year-old Mishaela Benthouse, an engineer from Germany, becoming the first wheelchair user in space. floating inside the capsule and looking down on earth. Emerging triumphantly after a 10-minute flight. How are you feeling right now? I feel pretty excited.

Sophie, it's like I dreamed it. Benthouse, who became a wheelchair user after a mountain bike accident seven years ago left her paralyzed, describing the challenges she faces in this promotional video provided by Blue Origin. I really, really figured out how inaccessible. All the world still is and how sometimes socially excluding which it can be. Those limitations momentarily erased as she experienced weightlessness.

How did it feel to be unconstrained by gravity? It's super nice. I'm trying to turn upside down, you know. Blue Origin says the New Shepard flight program is designed to make space more accessible. Benthouse hoping her flight raises awareness about inclusivity for people with disabilities, not just in space, but also down on earth. I hope that it kind of shows people that you should never give up on your dreams. Valerie Castro, NBC News.

Pretty good message there. We are back with one group's powerful mission, the message that they are hand delivering to save lives. Next. It is a bittersweet night for the fans of breakout SNL star Bowen Yang. Midway through his eighth season, tonight will be Yang's last show. He started as a writer in 2018, then joined the kids. cast a year later, the show's first Asian cast member. Yang shot to start him with

unforgettable roles like the celebrated hippo, Moudang, Charlie X-E-X, even the unappreciated iceberg that sank the Titanic. Okay, fine. You want to do this? Let's do this. First of all, you came to where I live and you hit me. Yang picked a big night to go out with Ariana Grande, who he starred with In Wicked hosting and musical guest, Share. It's a familiar refrain when loved ones leave the house. Be careful out there, especially during the holidays when incidents of drunk driving spike. But one Montana family is now taking a unique approach to try to keep others safe. One thank you note at a time.

Camilla Bernal has a closer look. With 77,000 miles of spectacular roadside views, there's a limitless amount of Montana's famous big sky to take in. But in just this one short stretch of road, 29 crosses, each for someone killed in a traffic crash, and in a state where more than a third of all traffic fatalities are alcohol-related, you can begin to see a problem, which is where this little envelope comes in. I'm walking up and I'm just dreading picking up that piece of paper because I know it's a ticket. But it wasn't a ticket, instead a note. Thank you for doing your part to keep our community safe by getting a sober ride. And a card for a free cup of coffee from the Montana bar fairies who look for cars left overnight outside bars across Montana to say, thank you.

We move quickly and on to the next bar. Rachel Partha Sarthi found one the day after she played it safe and got a ride home with friends. And I opened it and right on top was a photo of Bobby. Bobby is Bobby Dubry, killed by a drunk driver on his 21st birthday crossing the street to meet his sober ride home. He was a good person with a really good heart and he loved people and he took care of people. After his death in 2023, Mom Beth McBride and sister Carly Seymour wanted to thank drivers who made the right choice. It's just a little moment of sweetness. There are no strings attached. It's not our intention to be judgmental of people.

Each of the bar fairies on this morning have lost a child to a drunk driver. Our hope is it's not a wild. a shame to go get your car the next morning. You're proud that you left your car. Her son's story working to change culture and also state law. Beginning this fall, prison time is automatic for anyone in Montana who kills someone while driving drunk with a blood alcohol level twice the legal limit. But Dubry's family hopes the real motivation to do the right thing comes with a thank you. If we were to make change and make it better and safer for all Montanans, then Bobby's death wasn't in vain. Camila Bernal, NBC News, Whitefish Montana. And when we come back,

there was good news tonight about how Mrs. Claus is helping her husband out. There is good news tonight about one community's special holiday tradition and the lovely visitor who makes it all happening. Just shy of Christmas in Rockford, Illinois. The lights are up and the anticipation is building, but the most joyful place, it turns out, is inside City Hall. We'll have to check with the elves. While Santa has his hands full, Mrs. Claus is busy with her own work.

Well, this mailbox has a direct route to the big guy, Mr. Claus. For years, beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving, hundreds of kids drop letters into this mailbox for St. Nick, each with a very special wish. Santa, can I please have headphones? I want hot wheels, a dragon, a monster truck, peace on earth. Santa, can I please have Barbie dolls? Her Christmas commitment that every one of them gets a handwritten reply.

We get as much joy in responding and reading the letters every year. All of our previous letters. Santa's beloved partner has been doing this a long time. And for her, the reward is sweeter than Milk and, cookies. It's kindness. A little magic in the mailbox to go with what's under the tree. I want a scooter, an electric one. I also want people around the world to have a good Christmas. I want a new elf toy. I trip to LA with my friend and my mom. I don't think you just write a letter to Santa to write a letter to Santa. I think you secretly hope that someone is actually reading

them and will write back. Often the asks are for something much more meaningful. than a toy. I want my family and friends to be safe and healthy this year. I would also like to help the homeless people and my dad to retire so he can spend his life with me. And with Christmas around the corner Mrs. Claus doesn't just reply to those

letters. Oh, ho, how is everyone? There you go. She delivers cheer directly to your door. No chimney needed. Thank you. Thank you for writing. It's unforgettable to be able to put a smile on a new faith. It just means so much. A simple gift to make the holiday bright. It's our role as

citizens of the world to share kindness and fulfill people's dreams where we can. Now that's how you celebrate Christmas. That is nightly news for this Saturday. Hally Jackson will be here tomorrow night. I'm Peter Alexander for all of us at NBC News. We appreciate your watching. Have a great night. Thank you for writing. Thank you so much.