Summary of NPR News Now

Episode: January 20, 2025, 10 AM EST
Host: Korva Coleman
Release Date: January 20, 2025

Presidential Inauguration and Upcoming Executive Orders

In today’s episode, Korva Coleman reports on the imminent inauguration of President-Elect Donald Trump. Scheduled to take the oath of office in two hours at the U.S. Capitol, Trump, along with Vice President-Elect J.D. Vance and their families, participated in a traditional church service at St. John's Episcopal Church near the White House. Coleman notes that this century-old tradition underscores the solemnity of the presidential transition.

Later today, President-Elect Trump is expected to sign several significant executive orders. One such order will formally recognize two biologically distinct sexes, male and female, impacting official documents like passports, visas, and employee records (00:12). Another order aims to terminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the federal government (00:12). Additionally, an incoming White House official indicates that Trump plans to declare a national emergency to reduce regulations for the energy industry, specifically aiming to end the electric vehicle mandate (00:12).

Trump is also set to declare a national emergency at the U.S. border, which will include suspending refugee resettlement for four months and restoring the death penalty for individuals who illegally kill law enforcement officers in the U.S. Furthermore, he intends to challenge the constitutional amendment of birthright citizenship, a move anticipated to face immediate legal challenges (00:12).

Inauguration Celebrations Amid Weather Challenges

NPR’s Sarah McCammon provides a glimpse into the supporter's preparations for President-Elect Trump's inauguration. Many supporters traveled extensive distances to attend the event, hoping to witness history firsthand. However, due to unexpected cold weather, the inauguration was moved indoors to a downtown arena.

Sarah interviews Michael Webb from Texas and Jonathan Mahoney from Massachusetts, both military personnel stationed near Washington, D.C. (01:57) Webb expresses disappointment over the change of venue but maintains a positive outlook, stating, "You want the best for him because a successful presidency, no matter what party, is a successful country. So we hope the same for Trump" (02:28). Edwin Alas from Colorado, along with his husband Gabriel, also shares their sentiments, highlighting their desire to support the new president despite not having tickets (02:12).

Trump will take the oath inside the Capitol Rotunda, with numerous supporters watching from the indoor arena, adapting to the shift caused by the inclement weather (02:36).

President Biden’s Pardons and Legal Actions

Amid the transition, President Joe Biden has issued several pardons aimed at protecting certain Americans from politically motivated prosecutions. Coleman reports that these pardons include high-profile figures such as former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Mark Milley and Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former pandemic medical adviser to the White House (02:44). Additionally, lawmakers involved in the House January 6th Committee and their staff members have also been pardoned. Biden emphasizes that these actions are intended to safeguard individuals from undue political persecution (02:44).

Extreme Weather Warnings Across the U.S.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings about extreme cold affecting the central United States, spanning from the Canadian border down to South Texas. Concurrently, a winter storm is developing along the Gulf Coast, bringing heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain to Texas, Georgia, and Florida—regions not typically accustomed to such severe winter conditions (02:44). Coleman underscores the rarity and potential impact of this weather pattern, advising residents in the affected areas to prepare accordingly (04:31).

U.S.-Canada Trade Tensions Over Tariffs

Dan Carpentuk reports on escalating trade tensions between the United States and Canada. Canada's Internal Trade Minister, Anita Anand, warns of significant retaliatory measures if President-Elect Trump proceeds with his threatened tariffs on Canadian products (03:48). Anand states, "Retaliatory measures are ready and will be unveiled on Monday when and if Trump slaps a 25% tariff on Canadian products" (03:48). She emphasizes Canada's preparedness to protect its workers and industries, citing the united stance of cabinet ministers and provincial premiers (03:48).

Economic experts caution that Trump's tariff threats could trigger one of the largest trade wars between the U.S. and Canada in decades, potentially inflicting severe damage on both economies (03:48). Despite the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s exact plans, Anand assures that Canada has multiple rounds of counter tariffs prepared and is ready to implement them without hesitation (03:48).

Wildfires Threaten Los Angeles Amid Santa Ana Wind Conditions

Back in Washington, Coleman reports that firefighters are battling two massive wildfires surrounding Los Angeles. The situation is exacerbated by returning powerful Santa Ana winds, which have historically fueled the spread of such fires in the region. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning, indicating that the high winds are expected to persist through Thursday (04:31). The combination of ongoing firefighting efforts and adverse weather conditions poses a significant threat to the area, requiring continued vigilance and resources to manage the blazes (04:31).

This summary provides an overview of the key discussions and updates from the NPR News Now episode aired on January 20, 2025. For more detailed information, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.