NPR News: 01-20-2025 1PM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: January 20, 2025, 1PM EST

Hosted by Lakshmi Singh

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President Donald Trump's Inauguration Marks a New Chapter

[00:13] NPR's Lakshmi Singh reported from Washington, D.C., announcing the culmination of President Donald Trump's four-year campaign to reclaim the White House. Less than an hour into his new term, Trump stood before the nation to deliver his inaugural speech.

[00:48] Lakshmi Singh: "Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts administered the oath of office to President Trump less than an hour ago in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda."

Trump's speech emphasized resilience in the face of opposition. Addressing the nation's challenges, he stated:

[01:03] Donald Trump: "My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal and all of these many betrayals that have taken place and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom."

The speech was met with standing ovations from supporters, though it drew minimal applause from a small group of left-leaning individuals. Notably, former President Joe Biden remained seated, displaying little emotion despite his previous critiques of Trump.

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Ambitious Energy Policies Aim to Transform U.S. Resources

In his initial days back in office, President Trump signaled a significant shift in energy policy. NPR's Asma Khalid provided insights into the forthcoming executive orders aimed at revitalizing the nation's energy sector.

[01:56] Asma Khalid: "Trump aims to cut red tape and regulations in the energy industry and enable the United States to produce more coal. He also intends to sign a specific executive order aimed at Alaska's natural resources."

These measures are part of a broader strategy to declare a national energy emergency, with the goal of boosting natural resource production. Despite high energy prices being a concern, the administration has yet to specify target prices. The initiative also seeks to end President Biden's electric vehicle mandates and remove restrictions on consumer choices, such as gas stoves and dishwashers.

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Controversial Executive Actions on Immigration and Citizenship

President Trump's agenda includes sweeping changes to immigration policy, which are expected to ignite fierce legal battles. NPR's Tamara Keith elaborated on these potential actions.

[02:45] Tamara Keith: "It is guaranteed that this is going to be challenged in court as soon as it is signed and that this is going to be a big legal battle. I think the broader effort here by the Trump White House is essentially a shock and awe on day one to sign a big stack of executive actions to say, he's president, he's here, he's going to rescind what Biden did. He is going to keep his promises."

Key among these actions are plans for mass deportations and the termination of birthright citizenship—a constitutional right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. These moves reflect Trump's commitment to reversing policies from the Biden administration and fulfilling campaign promises related to immigration reform.

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Mixed Public Reactions Highlight Divisions

The inauguration festivities highlighted the nation's deep political divisions. Personal accounts reveal a shift in public sentiment since Trump's previous tenure.

Amanda Travis, a supporter who traveled from Arizona to Washington, D.C., shared her experiences:

[03:24] Amanda Travis: "When we came in 2017, we had a lot of hate and people would chase us down through the street. Yeah. And then people scream at us, 'We hate you. Scum of the earth.' We were really afraid. And then now. No."

Travis noted a significant decrease in overt anti-Trump hostility compared to the tumultuous atmosphere of 2017, suggesting a possible easing of tensions or changes in public discourse.

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Former President Biden's Final Moves and Reflections

In the waning moments of his presidency, former President Joe Biden took steps to protect his family from ongoing threats and scrutiny.

[03:37] Lakshmi Singh: "In his final moments of office, former President Biden pardoned several members of his family, including James Biden, Sarah Jones Biden, Valerie Biden Owen, saying that they have been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats that he does not foresee ending."

These pardons reflect Biden's efforts to shield his family from political backlash and ensure their safety amid intense public and media scrutiny.

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Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Amid Political Transition

As the nation observes the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., reflections on his enduring legacy were highlighted alongside the commencement of a new presidential administration. NPR's Kristen Wright provided coverage of the celebrations and sentiments expressed by King's family.

[04:21] Martin Luther King III: "We've seen a lot of chaos, some of it constructive, some of it destructive. I think dad would always want an ear on the side of how do we create constructive engagement, how do we build the beloved community. He'd be quite disappointed, quite frankly, that we are where we are. Probably wouldn't be surprised."

King III emphasized the need for constructive engagement and unity, expressing disappointment in the nation's current state while maintaining hope that younger generations can bridge the divides. The day of service not only honors Dr. King's life but also serves as a call to action for societal cohesion and progress.

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Conclusion

The January 20, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of President Trump's return to the White House, outlining his ambitious policy agendas and the polarized reactions they have elicited. From energy reforms and immigration policies to personal narratives and national reflections on Dr. King's legacy, the episode captured the multifaceted dynamics shaping the current political landscape.

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For more updates and in-depth coverage, visit NPR News Now.

Transcript

[Carvana]

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[Lakshmi Singh]

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Lakshmi Singh. President Trump's four year battle to get back to the White House is complete.

[Donald Trump]

I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear.

I, Donald John Trump, do solemnly swear.

That I will faithfully execute.

That I will faithfully execute.

The office of President of the United States.

The office of President of the United States.

And will to the best of my ability.

And will to the best of my.

Ability, preserve, protect and defend.

Preserve, protect and defend.

[Lakshmi Singh]

Chief justice of the United States John Roberts, administering the oath of office to President Trump less than an hour ago in the U.S. capitol Rotunda. Trump then delivered a speech that noted in part, overcoming a series of attempts to silence him.

[Donald Trump]

My recent election is a mandate to completely and totally reverse a horrible betrayal and all of these many betrayals that have taken place and to give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom.

[Lakshmi Singh]

His remarks drew standing ovations except from a small group to his left. Now, former President Biden, among other former presidents, remains seated. Biden showed little emotion as he listened to the men he'd repeatedly described as a person who consistently puts his own interests above country and poses a threat to the future of US Democracy. Trump plans to sign an executive order that will declare a national energy emergency. NPR's Asma Khalid reports. It's all part of a broader vision to boost natural resource production in the.

[Asma Khalid]

U.S. trump aims to cut red tape and regulations in the energy industry and enable the United States to produce more coal. He also intends to sign a specific executive order aimed at at Alaska's natural resources. This is all according to an incoming White House official who spoke to reporters on a conference call to preview the announcements. The official said energy prices are currently too high but declined to name a target price. In recent years, US Oil and gas production has hit record levels. Trump also plans to end what he refers to as Biden's electric vehicle mandate and end efforts to limit consumer choices on items like gas stoves and dishwashers. Asma Khalid, NPR News.

[Lakshmi Singh]

Other executive actions Trumps threaten are mass deportations and, as NPR's Tamara Keith reports, an end to birthright citizenship.

[Tamara Keith]

It is guaranteed that this is going to be challenged in court as soon as it is signed and that this is going to be a big legal battle. I think the broader effort here by the Trump White House is essentially a shock and awe on day one to sign a big stack of executive actions to say, he's president, he's here, he's going to rescind what Biden did. He is going to keep his promises.

[Lakshmi Singh]

NPR's Tamara Keith reporting. You're listening to NPR News. Well, Amanda Travis traveled from Arizona to be in Washington, D.C. she says she has not encountered as much anti Trump animosity as she first did in 2017.

[Amanda Travis]

When we came in 2017, we had a lot of hate and people would chase us down through the street. Yeah. And then people scream at us, we hate you. Scum of the earth.

[Lakshmi Singh]

Yeah.

[Amanda Travis]

We were really afraid. And then now. No.

[Lakshmi Singh]

In his final moments of office, former President Biden pardoned several members of his family, including James B. Biden, Sarah Jones Biden, Valerie Biden, Owen, saying that they have been subjected to unrelenting attacks and threats that he does not foresee ending. Today, the nation observes the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year, the federal holiday coincides with the beginning of a presidential administration. Here's NPR's Kristen Wright.

[Kristen Wright]

The day of service honors the life and legacy of the civil rights leader who only lived to see 39. Many years and presidential administrations later, the country remains deeply divided. Dr. King's son, Martin Luther King III, spoke to NBC's Meet the Press Sunday.

[Martin Luther King III]

We've seen a lot of chaos, some of it constructive, some of it destructive. I think dad would always want an ear on the side of how do we create constructive engagement, how do we build the beloved community. He'd be quite disappointed, quite frankly, that we are where we are. Probably wouldn't be surprised.

[Kristen Wright]

King said he hopes that young people can help bring the country together. Kristen Wright, NPR News, Washington.

[Lakshmi Singh]

It's npr.

[Carvana]

Listen to this podcast sponsor, free on Amazon Music with a Prime membership or or any podcast app by subscribing to NPR News Now. [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org.