NPR News Now: February 4, 2025, 8 AM EST
Hosted by NPR
1. U.S.-China Trade Tensions Escalate
Timestamp: [00:17]
In a significant development in international trade relations, China has announced plans to impose a series of new tariffs on American imports starting next week. This move is a direct retaliation to the recent tariffs that the United States imposed on Chinese goods. The White House extended tariffs on Mexican and Canadian imports following diplomatic discussions.
Notable Quotes:
- Windsor Johnston [00:17]: "China is threatening to impose a series of new tariffs on American imports starting next week."
- Deepa Shivaram [00:49]: "President Trump posted on his social media platform that the tariffs on Canada, which were supposed to go into effect on Tuesday, would be paused to see if an economic deal between the two countries could be reached."
The tariffs on Canada were temporarily halted to allow time for potential economic agreements, while Mexico's tariffs were paused after negotiations led by Mexican leader Claudia Sheinbaum, who agreed to enhance security on the southern border.
2. White House Faces Legal Challenges Over USAID Shutdown
Timestamp: [01:27 - 02:46]
The Trump administration is under fire from lawmakers and legal experts for attempting to shut down the Agency for International Development (USAID), which they argue is unconstitutional. Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin emphasized the agency's Congressional foundation.
Notable Quotes:
- Jamie Raskin [01:44]: "Congress authorized it, Congress appropriates the money, and it is implementing congressional programs to support U.S. foreign policy and democracy and development all over the world."
- Windsor Johnston [01:55]: "The government Efficiency Cost Cutting Team led by tech billionaire Elon Musk argues that funding for the agency has been used to launch deadly programs and has called it a criminal organization without evidence."
Furthermore, the Trump administration's executive action on immigration, which prevents migrants from requesting asylum at the southern border, is being legally challenged. The ACLU has filed a lawsuit arguing that this move overrides Congressional authority.
Notable Quotes:
- Lee Gelerndt [02:22]: "Trump's move closes all avenues for asylum in the country."
- Jamie Raskin [02:39]: "That's an unprecedented power grab. We think it's unlawful and that's why we've sued."
The White House defended the action, stating that President Trump received a "resounding mandate" to reform immigration laws.
3. Clinical Trial for Ebola Vaccine Launched in Uganda
Timestamp: [03:09]
Health officials in Uganda have initiated a clinical trial for a vaccine targeting a strain of Ebola responsible for a recent fatality. Over 200 individuals exposed to the virus have been identified in this outbreak, with the Ugandan health ministry focusing on health workers and others at high risk.
4. Trump Administration Proposes Ending TPS for Venezuelans
Timestamp: [03:09 - 04:35]
The Trump administration is proposing to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 300,000 Venezuelans residing in the United States. This policy shift has sparked outrage within the Venezuelan American community, who view it as a betrayal.
Notable Quotes:
- Kristi Noem [03:54]: "Renewing temporary protected status for more than 300,000 Venezuelans is contrary to the national interest."
- Adelice Ferro [04:18]: "During the campaign, the elected officials from the Republican Party, they actually told us that it was not going to touch the documented people."
TPS has been a crucial protection for Venezuelans fleeing the authoritarian regime of Nicolás Maduro, shielding them from deportation. The proposed termination threatens to leave these individuals vulnerable and without legal status in the U.S.
5. Historic Stradivarius Violin Set for Auction
Timestamp: [04:35]
In a notable cultural event, a Stradivarius violin made in 1714 by the famed Italian craftsman Antonio Stradivari is scheduled to become the most expensive musical instrument ever sold. The auction will take place this week at Sotheby's in New York, attracting collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.
This summary captures the key discussions and insights presented in the NPR News Now episode from February 4, 2025. For more detailed coverage, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.