NPR News Now: March 4, 2025, 4PM EST

Host: Jeanine Herbst

1. President Trump's Upcoming Address to Congress

In tonight's episode, Jeanine Herbst opens with significant political news:

[00:13] Jeanine Herbst: "Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Jeanine Herbst. President Trump gives an address to a joint session of Congress tonight, his first since returning to the White House for his second term. He's expected to lay out his agenda on the economy and foreign policy."

NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben delves deeper into the dynamics surrounding President Trump's impending speech:

[00:29] Danielle Kurtzleben: "There's a pretty unusual dynamic hanging over this speech. This Congress, which is narrowly controlled by Republicans, they have been remarkably acquiescent to Trump's norm-shattering moves. And that acquiescence has come even as Trump has consolidated wide-ranging governmental powers into the executive branch, including powers that Congress historically has had, things like imposing tariffs."

Kurtzleben highlights the tension between the executive and legislative branches, emphasizing Trump's increasing control over policies traditionally managed by Congress.

2. Escalation of the Trade War

The episode shifts focus to the escalating trade tensions initiated by President Trump's recent policies. Scott Horsley reports on the implementation of new tariffs:

[01:06] Scott Horsley: "Both the Chamber of Commerce and the Farm Bureau Federation are hoping for a quick reversal of the tariffs. Bob Hemesoth, who raises corn and hogs in eastern Iowa, worries that rural communities will pay a heavy price for the trade war if international customers take their business elsewhere."

Bob Hemesoth expresses concern over the sustainability of agricultural exports:

[01:22] Bob Hemesoth: "We saw this the last go around with China. They went to South America, to Brazil and Argentina. And once you lose those export markets, it's awful hard to get them back."

Horsley continues to explain the immediate economic repercussions of the tariffs:

[01:32] Scott Horsley: "President Trump's decision to tax imports from three of America's biggest trading partners has already led to a sharp sell-off in the stock market, along with warnings from economists of higher prices for U.S. consumers."

The segment underscores the broader economic impact, including market instability and potential consumer cost increases.

3. International Retaliation to US Tariffs

Jeanine Herbst reports on the swift retaliatory measures taken by affected countries:

[01:46] Jeanine Herbst: "And China, Mexico, and Canada plan to retaliate. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he's levying tariffs on U.S. goods."

Justin Trudeau specifies the extent of Canada's response:

[01:54] Justin Trudeau: "Canada will be implementing 25% tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods."

Further retaliation includes China's move to impose tariffs on U.S. farm products and Mexico's announcement of its retaliatory tariffs set to take effect on Sunday. These actions collectively heighten the complexity and intensity of the ongoing trade war.

4. Veterans Affairs Staffing Cuts

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), one of the country's largest veterans groups, voices concerns over proposed cuts to Veterans Affairs (VA):

[02:18] Al Lippard: "In a congressional hearing, VFW Commander Al Lippard condemned the cuts of thousands of VA staff as indiscriminate."

Quill Lawrence, representing veterans, emphasizes the need for careful consideration:

[02:25] Quill Lawrence: "When I was wounded in Vietnam with shrapnel, instead of just taking my arm off, the medics took the time to just pick out the pieces. That's the way that we need to be addressing these issues—it needs to be with a scalpel and not just a saw."

Lippard reinforces the legal obligations:

[02:45] Al Lippard: "Congress has given veterans these benefits by law."

[02:49] Quill Lawrence: "This is not an ask. Honor the contract."

Lippard responds to the proposed changes:

[02:56] Al Lippard: "The new secretary of the VA says cutting staff and hundreds of contracts will improve VA services."

This exchange highlights the tension between budgetary constraints and the commitment to veterans' benefits.

5. Supreme Court Case: Mexico vs. US Gun Manufacturers

The Supreme Court is currently reviewing oral arguments in a significant case brought by Mexico against U.S. gun manufacturers. Mexico alleges that American gun dealers are liable for:

• Aiding and abetting the illicit flow of weapons into Mexico.
• The resultant increase in violence, which Mexico attributes to these weapons.

The lawsuit claims that gun dealers frequently sell firearms to buyers who operate as strawmen, facilitating the trafficking of these weapons across the border. This case could set a pivotal legal precedent regarding international liability and gun control.

6. Broadway's Mamma Mia Returns

Jeff London reports on the much-anticipated return of the popular musical Mamma Mia to Broadway:

[03:51] Jeff London: "Mamma Mia! Opened on Broadway in October of 2001, a little over a month after the 9/11 terror attacks. And its mixture of pop tunes and an escapist story set on a Greek island proved irresistible to audiences. It ran for 5,773 performances, making it the ninth longest-running show in Broadway history."

Producer Judy Kramer shares insights into the show's return:

[04:13] Judy Kramer: "Mamma Mia."

London elaborates on the production's themes and appeal:

[04:16] Jeff London: "After 10 years away in numerous productions around the world and on cruise ships, it's coming back, producer Judy Kramer told the New York Times. It celebrates women. It's about second chances. It's about hope. And it's not political. It brings audiences together. For NPR News, I'm Jeff London in New York."

The revival aims to capture the original's charm while resonating with contemporary audiences through its universal themes.

7. Market Closing Summary

As the trade war intensifies, Wall Street experiences a significant downturn:

[03:05] Jeanine Herbst: "Just at the close. The Dow down 670 points, Nasdaq down 65. You're listening to NPR News."

Jeanine Herbst provides a final market summary:

[04:36] Jeanine Herbst: "And as the trade war escalates, Wall Street lower at the close, the Dow down 670, NASDAQ down 65s and P500 down 71. I'm Jeanine Herbst, NPR News, NPR in Washington."

This decline reflects investor anxiety over the trade tensions and their potential long-term economic implications.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now delivers a comprehensive update on pressing national and international issues, including President Trump's legislative agenda, the escalating trade war and its global repercussions, concerns over Veterans Affairs funding, a landmark Supreme Court case involving gun manufacturers, and cultural news with the return of Mamma Mia to Broadway. Additionally, the episode highlights the immediate economic impact of these developments, notably the significant downturn in the stock market.