Good Morning America Full Broadcast —  Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided YouTube video transcript:

Key Concepts:

• Thanksgiving Travel Disruptions: Severe weather impacting millions of Americans traveling for the holiday.
• First Amendment Rights & FBI Inquiry: Controversy surrounding Democratic lawmakers' video urging service members to refuse illegal orders, leading to an FBI request for interviews.
• Ukraine Peace Deal & Controversy: President Trump's envoy's involvement in potential peace talks with Russia, complicated by leaked phone calls.
• Hong Kong High-Rise Fire: A deadly blaze in a residential tower, raising safety concerns about construction materials.
• Medicare Drug Price Negotiations: New lower prices for 15 Medicare medications resulting from government negotiations.
• Florida Boat Rescue: A miraculous rescue of four boaters stranded for 20 hours.
• Dancing with the Stars Finale & Afterparty: The conclusion of the competition, crowning Robert Irwin and Witney Carson as champions, followed by an afterparty with the finalists.
• Black Friday Sales & Consumer Spending: The kickoff of the holiday shopping season with early deals and consumer spending trends.
• Housing Market Trends: Declining mortgage rates and price reductions offering potential relief for homebuyers.
• GMA Health Alert: New research linking low thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women to an increased risk of autism.
• NBA In-Season Tournament: Updates on the ongoing tournament and upcoming games.

1. Thanksgiving Travel Turbulence

• Main Topic: Severe weather systems are causing significant disruptions to Thanksgiving travel across the United States.
• Key Points:
  • Two major storm systems are sweeping the country, affecting millions of Americans on the move.
  • Near white-out conditions are reported in the Midwest, with tractor-trailers sliding on icy roads.
  • Flights at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the world's busiest, are disrupted. The control tower was evacuated due to possible tornadoes, leading to minimal staffing.
  • United Airlines plans to operate approximately 4,500 flights daily during the holiday period.
  • An estimated 73 million people are expected to travel by road.
  • Sunday is projected to be the busiest travel day, with nearly 3.5 million passengers expected to fly, and the TSA anticipating one of its busiest days.
  • National gas prices are around $3 a gallon, with Oklahoma dipping below $2.
• Specific Details/Figures:
  • Up to 8 inches of snow in South and North Dakota.
  • Nearly 80 mph wind gusts.
  • Blizzard warnings in effect for parts of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (UP), with potential for up to 40 inches of snow.
  • Winds affecting Chicago, Indianapolis, Columbus, and Cleveland.
  • Lake effect snow is a significant concern for Thursday, especially in Western New York and Western Pennsylvania.
  • A new system developing for Friday is expected to cause problems on Saturday afternoon, particularly for Chicago.
  • Rain is expected along I-95 south of Richmond, Virginia, after noon on Sunday, becoming heavier in the evening.
• Advice: Leave early for travel, with before 11 a.m. being the best bet for road travel on Wednesday.

2. First Amendment Rights and FBI Inquiry

• Main Topic: A controversy has erupted over a video posted by six Democratic lawmakers urging U.S. service members to refuse illegal orders, leading to an FBI inquiry.
• Key Arguments/Perspectives:
  • Democratic Lawmakers: Assert that service members have First Amendment speech rights and are obligated to refuse illegal orders. They view the FBI's request for interviews as intimidation and an attempt to suppress speech.
  • President: Accused the lawmakers of seditious behavior, calling for their arrest and trial, and stating their words cannot be allowed to stand.
  • Legal Experts: State that U.S. troops are legally obligated to refuse illegal orders.
  • Republicans: Some Republicans, like Senator Lisa Murkowski, have come to the defense of the lawmakers, calling the accusations of treason and sedition reckless and wrong, and suggesting the Department of Defense and FBI have more important priorities.
  • Pentagon/CIA: The Pentagon threatened to court-martial Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (a retired Navy Captain) for his comments in the video. The CIA accused Senator Elissa Slotkin of using her credentials for a malicious political agenda.
• Supporting Evidence:
  • The video statement: "Our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution."
  • President's reaction: Accusations of seditious behavior, calls for arrest and trial.
  • Pentagon's action: Ordered a review of Senator Kelly's comments.
  • Legal experts' consensus: Troops are obligated to refuse illegal orders.
• Technical Terms:
  • First Amendment: Guarantees freedom of speech.
  • Seditious Behavior: Conduct or language inciting rebellion against the authority of a state or monarch.
  • Court-Martial: A military court for trying members of the armed forces.
• Timeline: The FBI requested interviews overnight. The Pentagon wants to be briefed on Senator Kelly's comments by December 10th.

3. Ukraine Peace Deal and Envoy Controversy

• Main Topic: Developments in the war in Ukraine, including President Trump's push for a peace deal and controversy surrounding his personal envoy, Steve Witkoff.
• Key Points:
  • President Trump is sending his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow to meet with President Putin next week to present a peace plan.
  • Witkoff is facing controversy due to leaked phone calls.
  • A Bloomberg report (unverified by ABC News) alleges Witkoff coached a top Kremlin aide on how to appeal to President Trump and suggested Russia propose a 20-point peace plan, indicating he knew "what it's going to take to get a peace deal done."
  • The alleged plan reportedly favored Russians, potentially involving Donetsk and a land swap.
  • Yuri Ushakov, Putin's top foreign policy aide, confirmed frequent conversations with Witkoff but declined to comment on their substance, stating they are confidential. He suggested leaks are coming from elsewhere.
  • President Trump dismissed questions about Witkoff, calling it a "standard thing" for a dealmaker.
  • A second alleged call between Ushakov and another Russian negotiator, Kirill Dmitriev, suggests Russians were actively trying to ensure Americans adopted their plan.
  • The Kremlin expressed unhappiness with the leaks, stating they are aimed at disrupting President Trump's peace plan.
• Key Arguments/Perspectives:
  • Trump Administration: Pushing for a peace deal to end the war.
  • Critics: Some Republican lawmakers have charged the Trump administration with appeasing Russia, with one calling for Witkoff's firing.
  • Europeans and Ukrainians: Initial suspicions that the proposed plan favored Russia are seemingly confirmed by the leaks.
• Real-World Application: The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the diplomatic efforts to resolve it.
• Technical Terms:
  • Personal Envoy: An individual appointed to represent a leader or government in specific diplomatic missions.
  • Kremlin: The seat of the Russian government.
• Data/Findings: The alleged peace plan involved 20 points.

4. Hong Kong High-Rise Fire

• Main Topic: A massive, deadly fire broke out at a high-rise building in Hong Kong.
• Key Points:
  • At least 13 people have died, and police report people are still trapped inside.
  • The fire occurred in a large housing complex with approximately 2,000 apartments and over 4,000 residents.
  • The fire appears to have started in bamboo scaffolding on one of the 31-story tower blocks, causing flames to spread.
  • Thousands of residents are being directed to local shelters.
  • The fire department was alerted at 2:50 p.m. local time, and the alert level was raised to Category Five by 6:30 p.m.
  • This is the most serious fire in Hong Kong in nearly 20 years.
• Context: Bamboo scaffolding is common in construction sites across Asia, but Hong Kong authorities had announced this year that it would be phased out for public projects due to safety concerns.

5. Medicare Drug Price Negotiations

• Main Topic: The announcement of new lower prices for 15 medications covered by Medicare.
• Key Points:
  • The government will pay drugmakers less for prescriptions for millions of Americans on Medicare, starting in 2027.
  • Medicare will pay 44% less for 15 high-cost drugs used to treat cancer, diabetes, asthma, and other chronic conditions.
  • The list includes popular weight-loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy.
  • These price cuts are a result of negotiations between the government and drugmakers, as part of a law passed in 2022 with only Democratic support.
  • This is separate from recent White House pressure on drug companies to voluntarily lower prices.
  • The pharmaceutical industry opposes government price setting for medicines.
  • The administration estimates this could save seniors on Medicare $685 million in out-of-pocket costs.
• Technical Terms:
  • Medicare: A federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease.
  • Drug Price Setting: The process by which the price of prescription drugs is determined.

6. Florida Boat Rescue

• Main Topic: A miraculous rescue of four boaters who were stranded at sea for 20 hours.
• Key Points:
  • A Florida family, including 90-year-old Clarence Woods, was rescued after their catamaran capsized nearly 30 miles off the coast.
  • The incident began as a birthday fishing outing for Dennis Wood, celebrating his 70th birthday.
  • Their 24-foot vessel, "Money Well Wasted," began taking on water and capsized in less than five minutes.
  • The men clung to the bottom of the catamaran for 20 hours.
  • The Coast Guard located them around 7:15 a.m. the following morning.
  • The rescued individuals suffered from hypothermia, and the older man had lacerations.
  • Dennis Wood stated the rescue was the best part of his birthday.
  • Family members reported the men are doing well, and Clarence Woods was expected to be released from the hospital later that day.

7. Dancing with the Stars Finale and Afterparty

• Main Topic: The conclusion of the "Dancing with the Stars" season, the crowning of the champions, and a subsequent afterparty.
• Key Points:
  • Robert Irwin and Witney Carson were crowned the Mirrorball Trophy champions.
  • The season finale saw record-breaking votes, with 72.4 million votes cast on the final night and half a billion votes throughout the season.
  • The finalists flew overnight to appear on "Good Morning America" for an afterparty.
  • Robert Irwin, following in his sister Bindi Irwin's footsteps, expressed gratitude for the experience and how it helped him process grief.
  • Witney Carson, a two-time champion, noted the difference in winning at 32 with children compared to her first win at 19.
  • Jordan Chiles' freestyle performance was praised by Carrie Ann Inaba as one of the best ever seen.
  • Elaine Hendrix, 54, made it to the finals despite a past car accident, emphasizing that "it truly never is too late."
  • Dylan, despite initial discomfort with the spotlight, embraced the performance aspect of the show.
  • Val Chmerkovskiy highlighted the show's ability to bring people together through dance, music, and positivity, calling it a forum for self-expression beyond politics.
  • The show's chemistry and partnerships were evident, with many forming strong bonds.
  • A speed round revealed Alix Earle as the most likely to make a TikTok, Dylan as the most likely to get a TikTok wrong, and Alix as the most likely to try and take home a costume.
  • Rochelle Jordan performed her song "Ladida."
• Notable Quotes:
  • Robert Irwin: "My sister said it best, thank you for changing my life."
  • Carrie Ann Inaba (on Jordan Chiles' freestyle): "That is the best freestyle I've ever seen."
  • Elaine Hendrix: "It truly never is too late... I am living, walking proof of that."
  • Val Chmerkovskiy: "It brings a lot of people of different color and source and place together over dance and music and joy and positivity."
  • Bindi Irwin (via video message to Robert): "Krobberikey, you have won 'Dancing with the Stars,' my goodness, I cannot describe how proud of you I am. We have to bring your Mirrorball Trophy home to Australian Zoo and put next to mine. Congratulations."
• Technical Terms:
  • Mirrorball Trophy: The championship award for "Dancing with the Stars."
  • Freestyle: A dance routine where contestants have creative freedom in choreography.
  • Foxtrot: A ballroom dance characterized by smooth, progressive movements.
  • Rumba: A ballroom dance known for its sensuality and romantic themes.
  • Pros: Professional dancers who partner with celebrity contestants.

8. Black Friday Sales and Consumer Spending

• Main Topic: The kickoff of the holiday shopping season with early Black Friday sales and insights into consumer spending.
• Key Points:
  • Shoppers are urged to "start your engines" for Black Friday deals.
  • Data from November 1st shows consumers have already spent $79 billion, a 7.5% year-on-year growth.
  • Household goods like appliances and storage gear have seen significant jumps in sales.
  • Early deals include Ring Doorbell ($49 from $99), a highly-rated Robo Vacuum ($349 from $649), and a Bissell cleaner ($68 from $124).
  • Everyday essentials like coffee pods and paper towels are also expected to be on discount.
  • Clothing sales include 50-60% off at Carter's and Victoria's Secret, and percentage discounts at Ulta for brands like Clinique and MAC.
  • A key saving strategy is to check online stores like Amazon and Target for previously ordered items that may now be on sale.
• Data/Figures:
  • $79 billion spent by consumers from November 1st.
  • 7.5% year-on-year growth in consumer spending.
  • Ring Doorbell: $49 (down from $99).
  • Robo Vacuum: $349 (down from $649).
  • Bissell cleaner: $68 (down from $124).
  • Carter's and Victoria's Secret: 50-60% off.

9. Housing Market Trends

• Main Topic: Encouraging news for potential homebuyers with declining mortgage rates and price reductions.
• Key Points:
  • 30-year mortgage rates are averaging 6.2%, near three-year lows.
  • Lower rates can significantly reduce monthly mortgage payments.
  • For a $425,000 home with 20% down, monthly payments could be around $2428 today, compared to $2654 in January when rates were higher, saving over $200 per month.
  • Some sellers are lowering prices, with typical price cuts around $10,000.
  • Homes are sitting on the market longer, leading to multiple price reductions.
  • Typical listings saw 25% price cuts in October.
• Data/Figures:
  • 30-year mortgage rates averaging 6.2%.
  • Monthly savings of over $200 on a $425,000 home.
  • Typical price cut: $10,000.
  • 25% price cuts on typical listings in October.
• Advice: For those considering refinancing, aim to save 1-2% on the interest rate and ensure savings cover refinance fees.

10. GMA Health Alert: Thyroid Hormone and Autism Risk

• Main Topic: New research suggests a link between low thyroid hormone levels in pregnant women and an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in their children.
• Key Findings:
  • The study, conducted at the Fisel Center, analyzed data from 51,000 births.
  • Mothers with chronic hypothyroidism before pregnancy showed no association with autism in their children.
  • However, mothers with chronic hypothyroidism who developed it gestationally had a two times higher risk of their children developing ASD.
  • The lower the thyroid hormone level in the third trimester, the higher the risk for the child developing ASD.
• Key Arguments/Perspectives:
  • Researchers: Highlight the association found and the need for further studies.
  • Medical Professionals: Emphasize that this is an association, not causation, and other factors may be involved.
• Technical Terms:
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder characterized by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors.
  • Thyroid Hormone: Hormones produced by the thyroid gland that regulate metabolism.
  • Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone.
  • Gestational Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism that develops during pregnancy.
  • IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): A medical procedure used to treat infertility.
• Context: There is no universal screening recommendation for first-trimester thyroid levels in pregnant women. Women with high risk factors for thyroid disorders should consider a blood test. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be non-specific (fatigue, hair changes, temperature intolerance).

11. NBA In-Season Tournament

• Main Topic: Updates on the NBA's inaugural in-season tournament.
• Key Points:
  • The Lakers won the "Battle of Los Angeles" against the Clippers.
  • Luka Dončić outscored LeBron James in that game.
  • The Magic beat the 76ers convincingly, with Anthony Black scoring a career-high 31 points.
  • A full slate of games is scheduled for tonight, including a tripleheader on ESPN.
  • The Pistons are aiming for a franchise-record 14th straight win against the Celtics.
  • The Minnesota Timberwolves (17-1 record) will host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a matchup of top Western Conference teams.
  • The Rockets will play the Golden State Warriors, but the Rockets will be without Durant due to personal reasons.
  • The championship trophy and a $500,000 prize per player are at stake.
• Schedule: Tripleheader tonight starting at 5:00 PM Eastern.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

The transcript covers a wide range of current events, highlighting the significant impact of severe weather on Thanksgiving travel, the complex political and legal ramifications of free speech in the military context, and ongoing international diplomatic efforts. It also touches upon critical public safety issues like the Hong Kong fire and the importance of health awareness through the thyroid hormone and autism research. The entertainment segments, particularly the "Dancing with the Stars" finale and afterparty, showcase the culmination of dedication and talent, while the consumer and housing market segments offer practical insights for viewers. The overarching theme is one of both disruption and resilience, with individuals and institutions navigating challenges while striving for positive outcomes.