NPR News Now – February 25, 2026, 2AM EST

Main Theme

This tightly-packed five-minute news update presents the highlights from President Trump’s State of the Union address and the Democratic response, bipartisan moments on Capitol Hill, Home Depot’s latest financial results, and global headlines including heightened security in Mexico and upbeat Asian markets. The episode focuses on the political divide in Washington, economic challenges for Americans, and notable global developments.

Key News Segments and Insights

President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Reported by Deepa Shivaram (00:14–01:20)

• President Trump’s address to Congress balanced celebration of his administration’s achievements with pointed criticism of Democrats and Joe Biden.
• Trump criticized Democrats for not applauding along with Republicans, but did earn some bipartisan praise for supporting a ban on congressional insider trading.
• Announced a new retirement plan: starting next year, employees whose employers do not offer matched retirement contributions would be eligible for up to a $1,000 benefit, aiming to give access comparable to federal employees.
  • Quote: “My administration will give these often forgotten American workers—great people, the people that built our country—access to the same type of retirement plan offered to every federal worker.” – Donald Trump (00:57)
• Immigration and border policy remained a flashpoint. Trump accused Democrats of “destroying the country,” which drew strong reactions.
  • Memorable Moment: Heightened partisan divide in the chamber during immigration remarks.

Democratic Response and Protests

Reported by Giles Snyder & Elena Moore (01:20–02:52)

• Several Democratic lawmakers skipped the address. Texas Rep. Al Green was escorted out after unfurling a protest sign, his second such incident in consecutive years.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson praised Trump’s performance and criticized Democratic disruptions.
  • Quote: “It’s shameful what the Democrats did tonight. The display should be beneath any member of Congress, and I think it’s something they’ll regret.” – Mike Johnson (01:34)
• Other Democrats organized a “People’s State of the Union” event on the National Mall.
• Abigail Spanberger’s Official Democratic Response:
  • Delivered live from Virginia, Spanberger contested Trump’s positive economic assessment, emphasizing widespread struggles with affordability.
  • Key campaign preview: Democrats plan to shift focus to cost-of-living concerns for the midterms, a contrast with 2024 when Trump dominated economic perceptions.
  • Quote: “And I heard the same pressing concern everywhere. Costs are too high in housing, health care, energy and childcare. And I know these same conversations are being had all across this country.” – Abigail Spanberger (02:20)

Bipartisanship on Capitol Hill

Host Segment (02:52–03:30)

• Congress united in celebration, giving standing ovations to both the U.S. men’s and women’s Olympic hockey teams for their gold medal wins at the Winter Olympics in Milan.
  • Notable as a rare bipartisan moment during a tense evening.

Home Depot’s Financial Results

Reported by Marlon Hyde (03:30–04:12)

• Home Depot sales fell nearly 4% for the quarter amid cutbacks on home remodeling by consumers.
• Despite this, full-year sales for 2025 increased over 3%, and the company beat earnings expectations.
• CFO Richard McPhail attributed consumer caution to economic uncertainty, including concerns about inflation, jobs, and higher financing costs.
  • Quote: “Our customers also tell us they have concerns over general economic uncertainty, including inflation, growing job concerns and higher financing costs.” – Richard McPhail (03:48)
• The company is monitoring implications of President Trump’s new tariffs and preparing significant corporate layoffs (approx. 800 jobs).

Global News Briefs

Host: Giles Snyder (04:12–04:54)

• Portuguese football officials are closely watching security in Mexico after the Mexican army killed a drug cartel leader, which triggered violence ahead of a scheduled World Cup warm-up match.
• Asian financial markets traded higher, with Japan’s Nikkei reaching an all-time high and South Korea’s index topping 6,000 for the first time.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Trump on Retirement Access: “...give these often forgotten American workers... access to the same type of retirement plan...” (00:57)
• Mike Johnson on Democratic Protest: “It’s shameful what the Democrats did tonight...” (01:34)
• Spanberger on Affordability: “Costs are too high in housing, health care, energy and childcare.” (02:20)
• McPhail on Economic Anxiety: “Our customers also tell us they have concerns over general economic uncertainty...” (03:48)
• Bipartisan Standing Ovations: Congressional unity over Olympic hockey triumphs was a bright spot in a divided evening (02:52).

Key Timestamps

• 00:14 – Giles Snyder introduces the lead story
• 00:34 – Deepa Shivaram recaps Trump’s speech, including insider trading legislation
• 00:57 – Trump announces new retirement plan (audio clip)
• 01:20 – Lawmaker protests and Democratic absences
• 01:34 – Speaker Mike Johnson’s response
• 02:10 – Elena Moore covers Spanberger’s Democratic response
• 02:20 – Spanberger audio clip: focus on high costs
• 02:52 – Congressional recognition of Olympic hockey teams
• 03:30 – Home Depot earnings and layoffs (Marlon Hyde)
• 03:48 – McPhail on economic concerns (audio clip)
• 04:12 – Security concerns in Mexico; Asian markets surge

Overall Tone

Straightforward, measured, and brisk—typical of NPR’s news bulletins. Reporting is factual and balanced, punctuated by direct quotes from political leaders and business executives. The episode emphasizes both conflict and moments of unity, offering a quick snapshot of a complicated national moment.