NPR News Now: February 13, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens
Producer: NPR
Duration: Five minutes
International Relations: Trump-Putin Talks and Ukraine Conflict
President Trump's Potential Meeting with Putin
President Donald Trump has announced his intention to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Speaking to NPR’s Deepa Shivaram, Trump expressed optimism about the talks and hinted at reciprocal visits between the two nations.
Deepa Shivaram reported, “Trump didn’t provide a date for when he’ll first meet with Putin. He also did not commit to traveling to Ukraine, though he said he would think about it.”
NATO Membership Controversy
Trump also addressed the long-standing issue of Ukraine's potential NATO membership, stating his stance against it, which contrasts with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's position. In his words at [00:57], Trump remarked:
"They've been saying that for a long time that Ukraine cannot go into NATO, and I'm okay with that."
This stance highlights the ongoing tension between U.S. support for Ukraine and Russia’s opposition to NATO expansion.
Domestic Policy: Immigration and Government Operations
ACLU Lawsuit Over Migrant Detention
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit seeking access to deported migrants housed at the U.S. Detention Facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The ACLU alleges that the isolation of migrants violates their constitutional rights to due process.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt responded to these claims at [01:48]:
"We believe that the injunctions that have been issued by these judges have no basis in the law and have no grounds. And we will again, as the president said very clearly yesterday, comply with these orders. But it is the administration's position that we will ultimately be vindicated."
Levitt defended the administration’s actions, attributing the legal challenges to unfavorable court rulings.
Deferred Resignations Program and Belarus Prisoner Exchange
A federal judge has declined to block the administration’s deferred resignations program, facilitating reductions in government size. This program allows federal employees to resign in exchange for continued pay and benefits through the current fiscal year.
In a related development, the White House confirmed a prisoner exchange deal with Belarus. According to NPR’s Michelle Kellerman, the U.S. released a convicted Russian money launderer in return for an American teacher who was jailed for smuggling medical marijuana into Russia. Additionally, two individuals from Belarus, including an employee from Radio Free Europe, were freed.
At [02:40], Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated:
"It speaks to President Trump's deal making ability. And we can confirm the safe release of one American and two individuals from Belarus, one of whom worked for Radio Liberty."
Economic and Environmental Updates
Stock Market and Political Developments
U.S. futures are trading higher in after-hours sessions on Wall Street. In political news, Senate Democrats are actively working to block or delay the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the position of Health Secretary. Meanwhile, former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed by the Senate as the head of National Intelligence.
EPA's EJScreen Tool Removed and Restored
President Trump's administration removed the EPA’s EJScreen tool, an essential resource for communities to access pollution data and demographic information. In response, the environmental justice group Edgy has archived and worked to restore the tool. NPR’s Nate Perez highlighted the significance of this move:
Eric Noss from the nonprofit stated at [04:10]:
"Making these kinds of complaints and protests to say, hey, there's something going on here. We're an overburdened community. The tool says so. The resources, the data we have say so."
Edgy aims to make EJScreen functional again, ensuring that communities continue to have access to vital environmental data.
Local News: Fremont's New Ordinance on Public Camping
The City Council of Fremont, California, has passed a new ordinance by a 6 to 1 vote, criminalizing camping on public property. Under this law, individuals found aiding or setting up homeless camps may face up to six months in jail and fines reaching $1,000. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect in 30 days, following the Supreme Court’s decision that bans on sleeping in public spaces do not constitute cruel and unusual punishment.
Stay informed with NPR News Now for concise and comprehensive updates on the latest developments.