NPR News Now: March 27, 2025, 2AM EDT

Live from Washington, NPR delivers the latest headlines and in-depth analysis across a range of critical issues shaping the world today.

U.S. Imposes 25% Tariffs on Foreign Automakers

[00:18] Host Shea Stevens introduces the segment on President Trump's recent decision to impose a 25% tariff on imported vehicles. This move targets foreign automakers, aiming to bolster domestic production and increase government revenue.

[00:30] NPR's Scott Horsley provides further details, explaining that the tariffs are set to take effect the following week. President Trump asserts that this policy is designed not only to generate revenue but also to encourage the growth of the American automobile industry.

[00:39] In a statement, Donald Trump declares, "I think our automobile business will flourish like it's never flourished before." This optimistic projection follows a decline in stock prices for domestic automakers observed before the tariff announcement.

[00:43] Horsley notes that the 25% tariff aligns with existing charges on imported trucks. Additionally, Trump has indicated intentions to apply similar import taxes to lumber, pharmaceuticals, and other goods. Economists warn that these tariffs may lead to higher prices for U.S. consumers and provoke retaliatory measures from foreign trading partners, potentially impacting U.S. exports.

Leaked Group Chat Reveals Details of U.S. Attack in Yemen

[01:08] The Trump administration addresses the release of group chat messages related to a recent U.S. military operation in Yemen, clarifying that the conversations were not classified. Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, who was inadvertently included in the chat, has published the transcripts.

[01:23] NPR's Greg Myhre reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth communicated in real-time about the mission's launch on March 15. He sent updates indicating that F-18 warplanes and Reaper drones had been deployed for attacks, while also acknowledging the risks posed by the Houthis' drone defenses. Hegseth was unaware that Goldberg was part of the group chat and that it was not conducted on a secure government network.

Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Ghost Guns

[01:58] The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a Biden-era regulation banning the sale of "ghost guns," which are typically assembled from online kits and lack serial numbers, making them untraceable.

[02:15] NPR's Nina Totenberg elaborates on the decision, highlighting that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) had reclassified these kits as firearms under the 1968 Gun Control Act due to their rise in use at crime scenes. Although gun manufacturers had contested this classification, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the ATF's broader interpretation, allowing requirements for serial numbers, sales records, and background checks. However, the regulation remains vulnerable, as President Trump might seek to rescind it.

Supreme Court Reviews Funding for Broadband Expansion

[02:57] The Supreme Court is currently evaluating arguments surrounding the continuation of funding for the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Universal Service Fund. This fund allocates approximately $8 billion annually to enhance internet and phone services in underserved areas, including schools, libraries, and rural communities.

U.S. Deportees in El Salvador Face Human Rights Concerns

[02:57] Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited a high-security prison in El Salvador where deported Venezuelans are being held. The Trump administration has accused these migrants of belonging to a Venezuelan gang and utilized an antiquated wartime law to facilitate their transfer. Critics argue that the deportees are confined in facilities plagued by human rights abuses.

Trump Comments on Russian Involvement in Ukraine Ceasefire

[02:57] President Trump has suggested that Russia may be delaying a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict to negotiate favorable terms, a statement reported by NPR's Eleanor Beardsley. This assertion follows weeks of stalled negotiations between Russian and Ukrainian delegates in Saudi Arabia.

[03:57] In an interview with Newsmax, Trump stated, "I think that Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be they're dragging their feet."

[04:10] Ukrainian parliamentarian Oleksandr Merezko responded, "They violated all possible ceasefires which we had under Minsk accords." He expressed skepticism about President Putin's willingness to honor negotiations, emphasizing the need for increased pressure rather than continued talks.

[04:28] Merezko further contended, "To deal with Putin, you don't need negotiations, you just need to exert more pressure upon him." He anticipates that over time, President Trump may come to agree with his perspective.

EU Summit in Paris Plans Military Support for Ukraine

[04:40] European Union nations are convening in Paris to deliberate on establishing a proposed military force to support Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions with Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron indicated that the EU's force should be developed in conjunction with a potential peace agreement, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to any Russian aggression.

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