NPR News Now: April 3, 2025, 3PM EDT

On April 3, 2025, NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on the day's most pressing global and national issues. This summary delves into the top stories covered in the episode, highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes to provide a clear understanding of the events shaping our world.

1. Investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's Use of Messaging App

Timestamp: [00:26]

NPR’s Lakshmi Singh reported that the Pentagon watchdog is set to investigate Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app. Acting Inspector General Stephen Stebbins announced that his office would scrutinize Hegseth’s utilization of this commercial texting platform to discuss military actions against Houthi targets in Yemen. The investigation was prompted last month when a journalist was inadvertently included in the group chat, raising significant security concerns. Notably, NPR CEO Catherine Maher, who chairs the board overseeing Signal, finds herself indirectly linked to the situation, highlighting potential conflicts of interest.

2. President Trump Implements New Tariffs Amid Market Turmoil

Timestamp: [01:17]

The economic landscape took a sharp turn as President Trump announced a series of new tariffs, sparking significant reactions in the financial markets. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick addressed CNN, emphasizing the administration's stance on global trade reordering. He stated:

"If you're angry and you fight back to the greatest customer in the world, you're going to lose. We are the sumo wrestler of this world. We are the biggest economy, the biggest customer. You can't fight back against your customer."
— Howard Lutnick [01:17]

These tariffs included a 10% levy on all countries, additional reciprocal tariffs on select trading partners, and a 25% tax on imports of cars and parts, all of which took effect on the day of the announcement. Critics warn that these measures could lead to increased consumer prices, reduced purchasing power, and potentially drive the U.S. economy into a recession.

3. French President Macron Urges Caution on U.S. Investments

Timestamp: [02:04]

In response to President Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, French President Emmanuel Macron has called on French businesses to pause their investments in the United States until there is greater clarity regarding the new trade duties. NPR’s Rebecca Rossman reported that Macron characterized the tariffs as "brutal and unfounded" during his address to French business leaders. He advised:

"…suspend investment in the US until the trade duties are clarified, stating that continuing investments while facing these penalties would send the wrong message."
— Emmanuel Macron [02:04]

Under the new tariffs, all European Union countries face a 20% tax on their goods entering the U.S. Macron’s recommendation is one of the strongest responses from EU leaders, suggesting a strategic European backlash that may include imposing a tax on digital services targeting U.S. tech giants profiting from European markets.

4. Legal Challenge to Trump Administration's Use of the Alien Enemies Act

Timestamp: [02:45]

A significant legal challenge is underway as U.S. District Judge James Boasberg reviews the Trump administration’s application of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. This law grants the president the authority to detain or deport nationals from enemy nations during times of war or invasion and had not been utilized since World War II. President Trump previously invoked this act to deport hundreds of migrants to Central America, labeling them as members of violent gangs and foreign terrorist organizations. The judge’s decision could have far-reaching implications for immigration policy and executive power.

5. Changes to Broadband Expansion Affect Rural America

Timestamp: [03:37]

Efforts to expand high-speed broadband to rural America are encountering obstacles as the Trump administration alters federal program guidelines. NPR’s Bobby Allen reported that the administration is shifting focus from fiber optic infrastructure to satellite services, particularly favoring Elon Musk’s Starlink. Under a $42 billion grant program initiated by Congress in 2021, fiber optic cables were slated to reach underserved areas. However, policy analyst Drew Garner criticized the move:

"He is trying to take your tax dollars for himself, and in return, he will give you slower, more expensive Internet service."
— Drew Garner [03:58]

Trump officials argue that satellite services like Starlink offer a more efficient solution for bringing Internet to remote communities after years of delays in fiber optic projects. Despite these claims, critics express concern over the quality and cost-effectiveness of satellite-based Internet compared to traditional broadband infrastructure.

6. Hungary Withdraws from the International Criminal Court Amid Netanyahu's Visit

Timestamp: [04:13]

In a significant geopolitical development, Hungary has officially withdrawn from the International Criminal Court (ICC) following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s arrival in Budapest. NPR’s Rob Schmitz reported that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a populist leader, extended an invitation to Netanyahu just a day after the ICC issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli leader for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Despite being a founding member of the ICC, Orbán declared that Hungary would not comply with the court's mandate, signaling a defiant stance against international judicial authority.

7. Stock Markets Plunge Amid Tariffs and Political Uncertainty

Timestamp: [04:57]

The financial markets reacted swiftly to the unfolding political and economic events. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by approximately 1,400 points, S&P 500 dropped over 4%, and the Nasdaq declined by 5%. These significant downturns reflect investor anxiety over President Trump’s new tariffs, potential retaliatory measures from international partners, and broader concerns about the U.S. economy’s trajectory.

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a day marked by intense political maneuvers, economic policy shifts, and international tensions. From high-stakes tariff announcements and their global repercussions to legal battles over immigration policies and strategic infrastructure changes, the stories highlight the interconnected nature of contemporary governance and global affairs.