NPR News Now: February 28, 2025 – 7 AM EST

Host: Korva Coleman

Ukrainian President Zelensky to Meet President Trump: Resource Exchange Proposal

At the outset of the episode, Korva Coleman reports on a significant diplomatic engagement: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to visit the White House to meet with President Donald Trump. The primary agenda of this meeting revolves around a preliminary deal that would grant the United States access to Ukraine's abundant natural resources.

Joanna Kakis delves deeper into the details, explaining that the concept of exchanging revenue from Ukraine's natural resources for sustained U.S. support originated from Zelensky himself last year. This proposal is seen as a strategic move to facilitate the end of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kakis elaborates, “Zelensky says the deal on the table today is a framework rather than a final agreement, and it says the US and Ukraine will jointly develop deposits of rare earth metals and critical minerals” (00:31).

Legal Challenges to the Trump Administration’s Federal Workforce Layoffs

Korva Coleman shifts focus to domestic affairs, highlighting a recent legal decision impacting the federal workforce. A federal judge in California has deemed the Trump administration's mass layoffs of federal employees as likely illegal. The judge has ordered a cessation of the firings within certain agencies and mandated that these layoffs be rescinded, with a follow-up hearing scheduled for the next month.

The narrative then transitions to the controversial dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Reporter Michelle Kellerman narrates the unfolding events where USAID headquarters in Washington have been closed for weeks, with employees only recently permitted to clean out their desks.

Former USAID Administrator Samantha Power provides a firsthand account of the situation: “Employees who have been fired or put on administrative leave were told to show up at the Ronald Reagan Building at an appointed time and given 15 minutes to clear their desks” (01:30). Power criticizes the administration's approach, stating, “The manner in which this is being done is the exact opposite of USAID's mission,” and “This is about trampling it at every turn” (01:44, 01:53). She accuses the Trump administration of employing an “ultimate shock and awe approach,” bypassing legal processes and disregarding support systems within USAID and Capitol Hill (01:57).

FBI Director Proposes Partnership with UFC to Boost Physical Fitness

In an unexpected move, FBI Director Kash Patel announced a potential partnership between the FBI and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), aiming to enhance the physical fitness of FBI agents. This development was shared during a weekly call with the bureau's 55 field office leaders.

Joanna Kakis reports that while the specifics of this partnership remain unclear, the FBI has always emphasized intensive physical training at its Quantico, Virginia academy. The UFC's head, Dana White, known for his close ties to President Trump, acknowledged his acquaintance with Patel but clarified that the company is unaware of any formal collaboration plans (02:32). This proposal has sparked interest due to the UFC's reputation in mixed martial arts and its potential influence on federal law enforcement training programs.

Education Department's NDEI Website Sparks Controversy Over DEI Initiatives

The Education Department has introduced a new platform named NDEI, designed for the public to file complaints regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public schools. This initiative aligns with President Trump's stance, who has threatened federal funding cuts for educational institutions that continue to implement DEI programs.

Korva Coleman highlights that in Kentucky, college students are actively protesting against DEI-related policies. These demonstrations are a response to a proposed state law that seeks to prohibit the allocation of public funds to DEI initiatives at public colleges and universities.

Joanna Kakis provides context by explaining that Kentucky House Bill 4 specifically targets DEI programming and other policies deemed “discriminatory and differential.” Bri Yates, a junior at Morehead State University and president of Alliance, an LGBTQ student organization, emphasized the importance of visibility: “Yates says supporters want to be seen” (03:59). The protests are widespread, occurring across all eight public universities in Kentucky, reflecting significant opposition to the proposed legislation.

An accompanying voiceover underscores the community impact: “There are people in Kentucky, all around Kentucky who care very deeply about DEI and will be affected by it if there are changes and cancellations to the program” (04:19).

Ramadan Observance Marks Global Muslim Community

Concluding the news cycle, Korva Coleman notes the beginning of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month marked by prayer and fasting. The commencement date varies by country, contingent on the sighting of the crescent moon. Ramadan is a period of spiritual reflection and communal solidarity for Muslims worldwide.

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the February 28, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a detailed overview of international diplomacy, domestic legal battles, federal agency reforms, educational policy debates, and cultural observances.