NPR News Now: February 13, 2025 – Detailed Summary

Host: Korva Coleman

US-India Relations: President Trump Welcomes Prime Minister Modi

[00:16]
Korva Coleman opens the episode from Washington, reporting that President Trump is hosting India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. The primary agenda centers on the impact of tariffs on both nations' economies.

[00:28]
NPR's Omkar Khandekar provides insights from Mumbai, highlighting that Narendra Modi is among the first foreign leaders to meet with Trump since his return to the White House. This meeting underscores India's significance to the U.S. Modi and Trump previously enjoyed a close relationship during Trump's first term. However, tensions arise from Trump's concerns over high Indian tariffs. Analysts suggest that Trump aims to address India's substantial $50 billion trade surplus by encouraging India to increase U.S. arms purchases and investments. Concurrently, India appears interested in expanding legal migration channels to the United States.

US-Mexico Trade Tensions Escalate Over Tariffs

[01:02]
President Trump emphasizes the implementation of reciprocal tariffs, claiming to rectify unfair trade practices where other nations tax American exports. He asserts, "Any retaliatory tariffs would come on top of tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that Trump declared this week."

[01:37]
Conversely, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum opts for diplomacy over confrontation. NPR's Ada Peralta reports that Sheinbaum is advocating for dialogue before implementing retaliatory tariffs. "Sheinbaum wants U.S. and Mexican officials to talk," Peralta notes. The Mexican government remains optimistic that Trump's proposed tariffs on aluminum and steel will not materialize, labeling them as "unjust" due to Mexico's trade deficit with the U.S. Sheinbaum expressed readiness for "coordination and collaboration," emphasizing a stance against "interference or subordination."

Controversy Surrounding Trump's Education Secretary Nominee

[02:17]
Korva Coleman shifts focus to domestic affairs, highlighting the Senate confirmation hearing of Linda McMahon, President Trump’s nominee for Education Secretary. McMahon, formerly at World Wrestling Entertainment, faces scrutiny over her educational qualifications. NPR's Janaki Mehta elucidates that while McMahon has not amassed extensive experience in education, Trump's objective appears to be the "dismantling of the Federal Education Agency." Mehta remarks, "The elimination of the department would require an act of Congress," and notes Trump's statement, "I hope she will work herself out of a job."

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Confirmation for Health and Human Services Sparks Opposition

[02:52]
The Senate prepares for a confirmation vote on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the role of Health and Human Services Secretary. Despite passing an initial Senate test vote, Kennedy faces strong opposition from Senate Democrats. Their primary contention lies in his longstanding stance against vaccines, a position that raises concerns about his suitability for the role overseeing public health.

Diplomatic Efforts Amidst the Ukraine Conflict

[02:52]
President Trump announces that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Munich to facilitate discussions regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. This move follows Trump's extensive hour and a half conversation with Russian President Putin the previous day. Additionally, Trump communicated via phone with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, with administration officials expressing skepticism about Ukraine's ability to reclaim all territories occupied by Russia during the invasion.

DOJ Sues New York Over Immigrant Driver’s License Law

[03:57]
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) initiates a lawsuit against New York Governor Kathy Hochul, State Attorney General Letitia James, and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder. The lawsuit challenges a 2019 state law that permits migrants to obtain driver's licenses using foreign documents. Attorney General Pamela Bondi condemned the law, stating, "New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops. It stops. Today." In response, Governor Hochul dismissed the suit as "smoke and mirrors," defending the law's legality and its repeated upholding in courts.

Severe Weather Alerts Across the Central United States

[04:37]
Forecasts indicate extreme frigid conditions enveloping the central U.S., with wind chills dropping below zero in the Texas Panhandle. A formidable storm system is moving through the southern regions, unleashing heavy rainfall and prompting flood watches and warnings. Residents are advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions against the adverse weather conditions.

This comprehensive overview encapsulates the key developments reported in the February 13, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with essential insights into international relations, domestic policy debates, legal battles over immigration, and severe weather alerts affecting the United States.