NPR News Now: January 23, 2025, 8 AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Producer: NPR
Release Date: January 23, 2025

President Trump Defends January 6 Pardons

In a significant development, President Donald Trump has come under scrutiny for his decision to pardon approximately 1,500 individuals convicted for crimes related to the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol four years ago. During a comprehensive interview with Fox's Sean Hannity, Trump articulated his rationale behind the pardons, simultaneously addressing his personal legal challenges and criticizing the Biden administration.

Trump stated, “I went through four years of hell. I spent millions of dollars in legal fees and I won. But I did it the hard way. It's really hard to say that they shouldn't have to go through it. Also, it is very hard to say” (00:42). This statement underscores his belief in the hardships he faced and his perspective on negotiating pardons for others involved.

Franco Ordonez of NPR reported that Trump not only defended his pardoning actions but also leveled criticisms against President Biden’s administration. Trump faulted Biden for what he described as "preemptive pardons of his family and allies," suggesting a misuse of presidential pardon powers. Additionally, he criticized the Biden administration’s handling of hurricanes, alleging inefficiency, and propagated several misleading or false claims regarding foreign governments allegedly "emptying their prisons into the U.S." (00:59).

Episcopal Bishop Appeals for Compassion Amidst Political Tensions

Amidst the controversy surrounding the pardons, Stuart Rhodes, founder of the far-right group Oath Keepers, was released and appeared at Capitol Hill yesterday. Rhodes is actively seeking the release of another January 6 rioter who remains incarcerated.

Bishop Marion Edgar Buddy of Washington, D.C., has been vocal in her appeals to the Trump administration, emphasizing the need for compassion towards vulnerable populations, including immigrants and transgender individuals. In a sermon attended by Trump, she stated, “I asked him to show mercy to people who include immigrants and transgender people” (01:14).

However, President Trump responded harshly to the bishop’s appeals, resorting to personal insults and demanding an apology. Bishop Buddy stood her ground, expressing regret over the negative reactions her plea elicited. “I don't feel the need to apologize. I regret it was something that has caused the kind of response that it has in the sense that it's it actually confirmed the very thing that I was speaking of earlier, which is our tendency to jump to outrage and, and not speak to one another with respect. But no, I, I, I won't, I won't apologize” (01:51). Her steadfastness highlights the ongoing tension between religious leaders advocating for compassion and political figures responding defensively.

Suspension of Refugee Admissions Draws Criticism

In a move that has sparked considerable debate, the Trump administration has announced a suspension of all refugee admissions to the United States. This suspension notably affects Afghans who played pivotal roles during America's longest war. NPR's Michelle Kellerman reports that the State Department has instructed agencies involved in refugee resettlement to halt all arrivals and cancel previously planned travels (02:15).

The suspension has left thousands of refugees, already cleared for relocation, in an uncertain state. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has urged the administration to reconsider this decision. She expressed deep concern over the cancellation of flights for more than 1,600 Afghans who were poised to resettle in the U.S. “The US should not turn its back on them or on others in need, including refugees fleeing violence in Sudan and Burma” (02:30), Shaheen emphasized, highlighting the humanitarian implications of the suspension.

Anticipation Builds for Oscar Nominations Announcement

Shifting gears to the entertainment industry, this morning marks the announcement of this year's Oscar nominations in Los Angeles. NPR’s Chloe Weiner provides insights into the potential frontrunners based on recent Golden Globe outcomes.

While the Golden Globes are not always a definitive predictor of Oscar nominees, they offer valuable indicators of current voting trends. Notably, Netflix's queer Spanish-language musical "Emilia Perez" and A24's epic "The Brutalist" secured top prizes at the Globes, suggesting strong contenders for Academy Awards. Additionally, the Academy has revealed shortlists in various categories, including nominations for "Gladiator 2," "Wicked," "Romulus," and "Dune Part 2" in Best Visual Effects and Sound (03:27).

The Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for its traditional date, Sunday, March 2nd, with Conan O'Brien slated to host the event. A notable change this year is the shift in the Best Original Song category, which will forego live performances in favor of spotlighting songwriters exclusively. This adjustment aims to honor the creative minds behind the music rather than the performers (03:27).

Wildfires and Winter Storms Impact the United States

Environmental challenges continue to plague the nation as new wildfires ignite in the greater Los Angeles region. The Hughes Fire, which erupted yesterday morning, spreads across both LA and Ventura counties, already scorching over 15 square miles. The rapid spread has necessitated the evacuation of thousands of residents (04:12).

Concurrently, the Gulf Coast and the southeastern United States are grappling with the aftermath of a severe winter storm. Unexpectedly, cities like New Orleans have experienced significant snowfall, with the city receiving more than 8 inches of snow. In Alabama, the heavy snow burden led to the collapse of a civic center dome in Mobile, resulting in several fatalities attributed to the storm (04:12).

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