NPR News Now: May 8, 2025
Host: Shea Stevens
Release Date: May 8, 2025
Duration: 5 minutes
President Trump to Announce Trade Deal
In today's top story, President Donald Trump has announced that he will reveal a new trade agreement on Thursday morning via his social media platform, Truth Social. While he has not specified which country is involved, this deal marks the first major agreement since Trump imposed significant tariffs on global imports. The announcement comes amid ongoing trade negotiations, as representatives from the United States and China are scheduled to hold talks this weekend in Switzerland.
Federal Reserve Maintains Interest Rates Amid Trade Uncertainty
The Federal Reserve Board has decided to keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged, a move that has bolstered Wall Street stocks. NPR's Scott Horsley reports that the central bank is adopting a "wait and see" approach in response to President Trump's escalating trade war.
Scott Horsley [00:53]: "The Federal Reserve says the worldwide tariffs President Trump ordered last month raised the risk of higher inflation, higher unemployment, or in the worst case scenario, both."
Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs' long-term impact on the economy. He stated,
Jerome Powell [01:14]: "Look at the state of the economy. The labor market is solid. Inflation is low. We can afford to be patient as things unfold. There's no real cost to our waiting at this point."
Despite Trump's repeated calls for lower interest rates, Powell reaffirmed that the Federal Reserve remains focused on economic performance rather than political pressures.
Trump Appoints Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General
President Trump has revised his appointment for the position of Surgeon General, selecting Dr. Casey Means after previously nominating Fox News contributor Dr. Jeanette Neshwat. NPR's Will Stone provides insight into the new nominee's background.
Dr. Means, a Stanford Medical School attendee, gained recognition through her bestselling book on metabolic health. Although she began a residency program in surgery, she left before completion, citing frustrations with mainstream medicine. She co-founded Levels, a biotech and wellness company that offers continuous glucose monitoring devices.
Chief Justice Roberts Champions Judicial Independence
U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts underscored the importance of an independent judiciary in a speech commemorating the 125th anniversary of the U.S. District Court for Western New York. Amidst increasing criticisms from President Trump towards federal judges, Roberts highlighted the judiciary's role in maintaining constitutional checks and balances.
John Roberts [02:36]: "In our Constitution, judges and the judiciary is a co-equal branch of government separate from the others, with the authority to interpret the Constitution as law and strike down obviously acts of Congress or acts of the president. And that innovation doesn't work if it's not the judiciary is not independent."
Court Orders Transfer of Immigration Detention Case
A federal appeals court has mandated the Trump administration to transfer Tufts University doctoral student Ramesa Ozturk from Louisiana back to Vermont for the continuation of her immigration detention. Ozturk, who was apprehended near her Vermont residence last month, faces potential deportation to Turkey due to her pro-Palestinian activism.
Xi Jinping Strengthens Ties with Russia in Moscow Visit
China's President Xi Jinping is currently in Moscow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, as reported by NPR's Emily Fang. In an essay published in Russian media, Xi lauded the enduring friendship between China and Russia, describing it as a "friendship forged with blood."
Emily Fang [03:49]: "Xi praised China's relationship with Russia as, quote, a friendship forged with blood in an essay published in Russian media this week."
The visit aims to bolster the strategic partnership between China and Russia, especially as Russia faces international sanctions following its invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, China has expressed willingness to mediate a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, aligning with U.S. efforts to broker negotiations.
Wall Street After-Hours Trading Steady
U.S. futures remain largely unchanged in after-hours trading following gains in Asian markets. Notably, shares in Hong Kong rose by 1%, reflecting a stable outlook on Wall Street.
This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on May 8, 2025. For more detailed information, please refer to the full podcast transcript.