NPR News Now: February 20, 2025, 7AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman
Producer: NPR
Release Date: February 20, 2025

1. Tensions Rise Between European Leaders and President Trump Over Ukraine Dispute

Timestamp: [00:17]

In the early segment, Korva Coleman reports on the strained relations between European leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump following his characterization of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as a dictator. Zelensky has accused Trump of amplifying Russian disinformation, a claim that has sparked significant backlash in Europe. This discord emerges amidst high-level negotiations between the U.S. and Russia aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. Notably, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, were excluded from these talks.

Notable Quote: Franco Ordonez explains, “The big worry across Europe is that even if a deal is reached, it won't be lasting and that Russia will likely invade again and possibly another European nation.” ([00:45])

2. Pentagon Implements $50 Billion Budget Cuts Amid Strategic Shifts

Timestamp: [01:10]

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed the U.S. military to identify $50 billion in budget cuts for the upcoming fiscal year as the Pentagon prepares for potential layoffs. NPR's Ryland Barton highlights that these cuts, representing approximately 8% of the Defense Department's $850 billion budget, are intended to realign funding with President Trump's priorities. These include securing national borders, developing an "Iron Dome for America" missile defense system, and eliminating "radical and wasteful government DEI programs."

Notable Quote: Pentagon spokesperson Robert Solesis stated, “The cuts would shift funding to Trump's priorities, which include securing the country's borders... and ending... DEI programs.” ([01:25])

The proposed budget reductions may face opposition from congressional Republicans advocating for increased defense spending. Additionally, the Defense Department has been instructed to submit lists of probationary employees to Elon Musk's Doge Service, part of a broader wave of federal workforce reductions.

3. Trump Administration Moves to Eliminate DEI Programs

Timestamp: [02:04]

In a continuation of restructuring efforts, the Defense Secretary has ordered the cessation of all agency celebrations tied to identity months, such as Black History Month. This directive aligns with the Trump administration's broader initiative to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs within the federal government. Contrarily, President Trump is set to host a White House reception honoring Black History Month, creating a juxtaposition in administrative actions.

4. Hamas Returns Bodies of Israeli Hostages

Timestamp: [02:35]

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages, including three members of the Bibaz family, who have become symbols across Israel. NPR's Hadil El Shalchi reports that a large crowd of Palestinians attended a solemn ceremony in Khan Younis, south of Gaza, where the coffins were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Notable Quote: NPR's Gaza producer Enez Bhabha described the scene: "The stage was like a theater, closed with black curtains, and behind it there was two missiles and four coffins. There was a portrait of Netanyahu himself with blood all over his face and with his own teeth. That's like a vampire." ([02:48])

Israeli officials have confirmed receipt of the coffins, stating that the bodies will undergo forensic testing to confirm their identities.

5. Senate Confirms Kelly Loeffler as New SBA Chief

Timestamp: [03:14]

The U.S. Senate has confirmed former Georgia Senator Kelly Loeffler as the new head of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Loeffler is recognized for her leadership in conservative voter registration initiatives and fundraising efforts for Republican candidates over recent years. Her appointment signals a continuation of the Trump administration's influence within federal agencies.

6. Potential Cancellation of NASA's Artemis Moon Program

Timestamp: [03:27]

Concerns are growing that the Trump administration, possibly in collaboration with billionaire Elon Musk, may seek to cancel NASA's Artemis program. This initiative, launched in 2008 and revitalized in 2017, aims to return astronauts to the moon for the first time in over five decades and serves as a precursor to eventual missions to Mars. Despite SpaceX's contractual role in constructing the lunar lander, skepticism remains about the program's future viability.

Notable Quote: Todd Harrison, a space policy expert with the American Enterprise Institute, commented, “If the SLS is canceled, it means the Artemis program as envisioned by the first Trump administration, is effectively dead.” ([04:08])

Furthermore, Boeing, the primary contractor for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket integral to the Artemis mission, has recently warned its employees to prepare for potential layoffs, indicating financial instability within the program's infrastructure.

7. SS United States to Become World's Largest Artificial Reef

Timestamp: [04:27]

In a remarkable transformation, the historic ocean liner SS United States has departed from Pennsylvania for Mobile, Alabama. The ship is slated for preparation before being towed to Florida and subsequently sunk to form the world's largest artificial reef. Launched in 1951, the SS United States once held the transatlantic speed record. Developers aim for the submerged vessel to become a prominent diving attraction, blending maritime history with marine conservation.

Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now episode covers a spectrum of critical global and national issues, including geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine, significant defense budget adjustments under the Trump administration, ongoing conflicts involving Hamas and Israel, shifts in federal leadership, potential setbacks to ambitious space exploration programs, and innovative environmental projects like the transformation of the SS United States into an artificial reef. Each segment provides insightful analysis and firsthand accounts, ensuring listeners are well-informed about the latest developments shaping our world.