NPR News Now: Episode Summary – February 21, 2025
Released on February 22, 2025
Supreme Court Declines to Uphold Trump’s Firing of Independent Ethics Watchdog
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Reporter: Stephen Fowler
The Supreme Court has chosen not to consider the Trump administration's appeal to sustain the removal of an independent ethics watchdog. This decision is procedural and does not delve into the substantive arguments presented by President Trump regarding executive authority.
Key Points:
- Court's Procedural Decision: The Supreme Court declined to block a February 12 court order that reinstated the head of the Office of Special Counsel for two weeks pending a larger case. (Stephen Fowler, [00:20])
- Administration’s Legal Strategy: Despite the short duration of the court order, Trump’s legal team pursued the appeal after the D.C. Court of Appeals also refused to intervene. (Stephen Fowler, [00:20])
- Broader Legal Argument: The administration asserts that the president holds absolute authority over executive agencies, including those designated as independent. However, this latest court decision does not address this more extensive claim. (Stephen Fowler, [00:20])
President Trump’s First Month: Executive Actions and Waning Support
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Reporter: Domenico Montanaro
President Trump, now a month into his term, has been actively reshaping the federal government through numerous executive actions and orders. These efforts have led to significant layoffs and funding cuts across various federal agencies, sparking opposition from federal worker unions and state attorneys general who are challenging these measures in court.
Key Points:
- Government Restructuring: Trump's executive actions aim to remodel the federal landscape, resulting in thousands of layoffs and reduced funding for multiple agencies. (Jeanine Herbst, [00:54])
- Legal Challenges: Federal worker unions and state attorneys general are litigating against the administration’s policies to halt these government changes. (Jeanine Herbst, [00:54])
- Polling Insights: Recent polls indicate that Trump’s initial approval may be diminishing. A majority of respondents from CNN and Ipsos polls believe he is overstepping presidential powers, particularly regarding immigration policies and economic measures. (Domenico Montanaro, [01:21])
- Notable Quote: “It looks like that the honeymoon for Trump appears to be over.” (Domenico Montanaro, [01:21])
- Additional Findings: 62% of CNN poll participants feel Trump hasn’t done enough to lower the cost of goods. (Domenico Montanaro, [01:21])
Legal Battle Over Trump Administration’s NIH Funding Cuts
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Reporters: Priyanka Thyal McCluskey and Heather Pierce
A federal judge in Boston has maintained a temporary halt on President Trump’s policy to reduce billions in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This decision preserves the status quo while the judge reviews the case further.
Key Points:
- Court’s Interim Ruling: Judge Angel Kelly has continued the pause on the NIH funding cuts, pending a decision on a potential injunction. (Priyanka Thyal McCluskey, [02:06])
- Legal Opposition: Twenty-two states, along with colleges, universities, and other institutions, have filed lawsuits against the federal policy change, which targets indirect costs such as research facilities and staff expenses. (Priyanka Thyal McCluskey, [02:06])
- Impact of Funding Cuts: Heather Pierce from the Association of American Medical Colleges highlighted the immediate negative effects on researchers, patients, and families awaiting medical advancements. (Heather Pierce, [02:25])
- Notable Quote: “The impact to cutting federal funding for research is felt immediately by not just researchers, but by patients, by families, by anyone who is waiting for medical progress. And that's all of us.” (Heather Pierce, [02:25])
- Judicial Proceedings: Judge Kelly has committed to issuing a ruling swiftly on whether to grant the injunction, keeping the funding cuts on hold in the meantime. (Priyanka Thyal McCluskey, [02:38])
Market Downturn, Arrest of Former Proud Boys Leader, and Passing of Jerry Butler
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Reporter: Noah Jennings
The financial markets closed sharply lower, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping 748 points, Nasdaq down 438 points, and the S&P 500 falling by 104 points. In other news, Enrique Theriault, the ex-leader of the far-right Proud Boys group who was pardoned by President Trump, was arrested for simple assault after a confrontation near the U.S. Capitol. Additionally, R&B legend Jerry Butler passed away at the age of 85.
Key Points:
- Stock Market Decline: The Dow fell by 748 points, Nasdaq by 438 points, and the S&P 500 by 104 points by the end of trading. (Jeanine Herbst, [02:50])
- Arrest of Enrique Theriault: Theriault was apprehended following an altercation during a Proud Boys press conference on cryptocurrency and potential legal action against the Justice Department. He had previously been pardoned for his role in the January 6th insurrection. (Jeanine Herbst, [02:50])
- Passing of Jerry Butler: The iconic R&B singer, known for his work with Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions, died at 85. Butler’s career, deeply influenced by his faith, achieved significant success with 38 Billboard Hot 100 hits and a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 1991. (Jeanine Herbst, [02:50]; Noah Jennings, [03:51])
- Notable Quote from Butler: “The first place mother usually takes a young son is to church. And no matter how off key or out of key that young person sings, somebody's going to say amen. And so you get this encouragement out of the church.” (Jerry Butler, [03:58])
- Legacy Highlight: Butler credited the church for inspiring his musical journey, leading to a prolific solo career and enduring influence in the music industry. (Noah Jennings, [04:12]; [04:29])
Crude Oil Prices Decrease
Host: Jeanine Herbst
Crude oil prices saw a significant decline, closing down by 3% at $70.25 per barrel. This drop impacts various sectors, including energy markets and consumer prices.
(Jeanine Herbst, [04:29])
This episode of NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive overview of critical developments ranging from high-stakes legal battles and shifting political landscapes to significant market movements and notable passings in the music industry. The discussions provided listeners with timely insights into the interplay between government actions, public opinion, and economic indicators shaping the nation's trajectory.