NPR News Now: March 13, 2025, 2 AM EDT

NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on significant global and domestic issues in its March 13, 2025, episode. The summary below encapsulates the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and structured for clarity.

1. U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs: International Retaliation

Host: Dwahali Sai Kowtow

President Donald Trump's implementation of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum has sparked swift retaliation from major trading partners, notably Canada and the European Union.

• European Response: Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, expressed strong disapproval, stating, "We deeply regret this measure" (00:17). She emphasized the EU's readiness to engage in negotiations despite the tensions.

• Trump's Stance: Responding to the backlash, Trump asserted, "The European Union treats us very badly... But the European Union has been very tough. And it's our turn, too. You know, we get a turn at that also" (00:44), signaling possible escalation with further global tariffs slated for the following month.

• Other Nations' Reactions: Australia and Japan are seeking exemptions from the tariffs, while South Korea has entered an "emergency response mode" after the U.S. extended tariffs to all steel and aluminum products (01:04). NPR's Anthony Kuhn detailed South Korea's strategic adjustments, including advising corporations to move production to the U.S. or explore new export markets to mitigate the impact (01:26).

2. Ethical Concerns Over Trump's Promotion of Tesla

Host: Dwahali Sai Kowtow

The Trump administration faced scrutiny for its apparent favoritism towards Tesla, owned by Elon Musk, a significant Trump campaign donor.

• Event Overview: President Trump showcased Tesla vehicles, including the cybertruck, on the White House South Lawn alongside Musk, eliciting criticism for blending governmental duties with corporate promotion (02:06).

• Expert Opinion: Richard Painter, a former ethics lawyer under George W. Bush, criticized the event, stating, "The limits of what is ethical in the White House are being stretched... government's gonna pick Tesla as the winner" (02:23). He warned of a potential shift towards an economy influenced by personal favoritism and selective government support.

• Market and Public Reaction: Concurrently, Tesla's stock experienced a decline, and vandalism incidents targeted Tesla storefronts and superchargers nationwide. In response, Trump declared that "violence against Tesla dealerships will be labeled as domestic terrorism" (02:23), underscoring the administration's unwavering support for the company despite growing challenges.

3. Ukraine-Russia Conflict: Military Developments

Host: Dwahali Sai Kowtow

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia saw significant developments, with Ukraine confirming a strategic retreat from parts of a Russian province.

• Military Movements: Ukrainian forces are withdrawing from key areas, including the town of Suzha in Kursk, as Russian troops advance, reclaiming approximately two-thirds of the contested land (03:05). This shift has been tracked by Ukrainian military analysts using open-source mapping tools.

• Ukrainian Leadership's Statement: President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the situation, noting, "The Russians are trying to put maximum pressure on our troops... our military command is doing what it can to save lives" (03:36). He also highlighted that Russia's involvement of North Korean soldiers in retaking territories has embarrassed the Kremlin.

• Economic Impact: Concurrently, China's and Hong Kong's stock markets experienced declines, with the Shanghai Composite Index dropping by 4 points, reflecting regional economic strains amid the conflict (03:05).

4. EPA Deregulation Initiatives Under Lee Zeldin

Host: Dwahali Sai Kowtow

The Trump administration's new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head, Lee Zeldin, announced plans to roll back over two dozen environmental regulations established during the Biden administration.

• Proposed Changes: These deregulations include the removal of wastewater rules for coal and other power plants and the elimination of climate-friendly greenhouse gas reporting requirements (04:16).

• Official Statement: Zeldin defended the initiatives, claiming, "These announcements represent the greatest and most consequential day of regulation in the history of the US" (04:16).

• Criticism: Critics argue that such deregulation could lead to environmental chaos, undermining efforts to combat climate change and protect natural resources.

Conclusion

The episode of NPR News Now on March 13, 2025, provided listeners with a succinct yet detailed overview of pressing international trade tensions, ethical debates within the U.S. administration, the evolving Ukraine-Russia conflict, and significant policy shifts in environmental regulation. Through expert reporting and direct quotations from key figures, the segment offered valuable insights into the complex interplay of global and domestic affairs shaping the current geopolitical landscape.

Timestamps Reference:

• 00:17: Introduction to international reactions to U.S. tariffs.
• 00:44: Trump's remarks on the European Union.
• 01:04: Overview of Australia's, Japan's, and South Korea's responses.
• 01:26: Anthony Kuhn on South Korea's strategies.
• 02:06: Introduction to Trump and Tesla event.
• 02:23: Bobby Allen's report and Richard Painter's commentary.
• 03:05: Economic impacts and Ukraine-Russia conflict update.
• 03:36: Joanna Kakissis on Ukraine's military situation.
• 04:16: EPA deregulation announcement by Lee Zeldin.