NPR News Now – May 9, 2025, 9 AM EDT

Host: Korva Coleman
Source: NPR
Release Date: May 9, 2025

1. President Trump Endorses 80% Tariffs on Chinese Imports

Timestamp: [00:16]

NPR's Korva Coleman opens the episode with significant developments in U.S.-China trade relations. President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed an 80% tariff on imported Chinese goods, deeming it a necessary measure to protect American industries. Trump emphasized, “An 80% tariff on imported Chinese goods seems right” ([00:16]), signaling a potential escalation in the trade war between the two economic superpowers.

Trump further delegated the implementation of these tariffs to Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, who is scheduled to meet with Chinese economic officials over the weekend. This move underscores the administration's firm stance on addressing what it perceives as unfair trade practices by China.

2. Impact of US-UK Trade Deal on British Businesses

Timestamp: [00:39]

Lauren Frayer reports from London on the mixed reactions among British businesses following a new U.S.-UK trade agreement. The deal has yielded a positive response from major British car manufacturers—Rolls Royce and Aston Martin—whose stocks surged after the announcement that the agreement reduces U.S. tariffs on most British cars.

Additionally, the pact entirely removes tariffs on British steel and aluminum, and decreases UK tariffs on ethanol imported from the U.S. However, President Trump noted that certain aspects remain unresolved. He stated, “Other details are still being written up” ([00:39]), highlighting uncertainties surrounding exemptions for U.S. e-commerce giants like Amazon from the UK’s Digital Services Tax.

The head of the UK's central bank, speaking at a conference in Iceland, described the trade deal as “good news” ([00:39]) but cautioned that tariffs remain higher than pre-Trump administration levels.

3. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Migrant Deportation

Timestamp: [01:18]

In a contentious discussion with the Senate, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the case of Kilmer Abrego Garcia, an individual deported to El Salvador in March. Noem asserted that Garcia would not return to the U.S., despite a Supreme Court directive for his expedited repatriation.

During the Senate panel, Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen confronted Noem:

• Senator Chris Van Hollen: “Are you taking any action to facilitate his return or are you not?” ([01:42])

• Kristi Noem: “This administration is following and complying with all federal court orders to make sure...” ([01:46])

• Senator Chris Van Hollen: “That we so you are so because the court ordered that you facilitate his return, so you are facilitating its return, Sir.” ([01:51])

Noem responded by labeling advocacy for Garcia as “alarming,” calling him “a human smuggler” ([01:58]). The exchange highlighted deep political divisions over immigration enforcement and due process rights.

Democrats countered, arguing that Garcia’s case underscores the denial of due process as guaranteed by the Constitution, rather than citizenship status.

4. Pope Leo XIV Celebrates First Public Mass

Timestamp: [02:14]

NPR’s Jason DeRose reports from Rome on the historic first public Mass of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV. Celebrating his inauguration, Pope Leo conducted the Mass in the Sistine Chapel with readings in English, Spanish, and Latin. Notably, two readings were delivered by women, marking a significant moment for gender representation within the Church.

In his homily, initially delivered in English before transitioning to Italian, Pope Leo emphasized the continuous blessings bestowed upon humanity. “I invite you to recognize the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessings that the Lord continues to pour out upon all of us,” he proclaimed ([02:45]).

The Pope focused his sermon on the Gospel of Matthew, particularly the passage where Jesus tells Peter, “You will build your church upon him, the rock,” and warned against the dangers of practical atheism—the notion of living life without regard to God’s presence and guidance.

5. Defense Department Moves to Remove Transgender Military Personnel

Timestamp: [03:12]

In a swift policy shift, the Defense Department is actively working to eliminate transgender individuals from the U.S. military. This action follows a Supreme Court ruling that upholds President Trump’s executive order mandating the removal of transgender service members.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed the issue in a video posted on platform X (formerly Twitter), stating that “people who are known to be trans will be removed” ([03:12]). He further declared that individuals exhibiting symptoms of gender dysphoria would also be excluded from service. Those not complying voluntarily would face forced removal.

This policy reversal has sparked significant discussion and legal challenges, as it directly impacts the rights and lives of transgender service members.

6. Maine Legislators Push to Ban Transgender Athletes in Sports

Timestamp: [03:57]

Maddie Smith reports from Portland on legislative efforts in Maine to prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls' and women's sports. Republican lawmakers within the Democratic-controlled legislature are advocating for bills that target the Maine Human Rights Act, specifically its provisions on gender identity protections.

The GOP argues that allowing transgender athletes to compete against cisgender women is unfair and violates the spirit of Title IX, a 1972 federal law designed to ensure equal opportunities for women in education and athletics. “Most of the bills take aim at the Maine Human Rights Act and gender identity protections that have existed for years but have recently garnered national attention,” Smith notes ([03:57]).

Democrats counter that such bans exacerbate the vulnerabilities faced by the transgender community, denying them essential protections and recognition. The controversy escalated when Maine Governor Janet Mills confronted President Trump during a governors' meeting at the White House, leading to the Trump administration initiating a lawsuit to retract Maine's federal education funding of $250 million.

7. Los Angeles Braces for a Mini Heat Wave

Timestamp: [04:42]

In a brief weather update, Maine forecasters warn that the Los Angeles area is set to experience a mini heat wave this weekend. Temperatures are expected to soar into the high 90s Fahrenheit through Sunday ([04:42]), prompting residents to prepare for unusually hot conditions.

Notable Quotes

• President Donald Trump: “An 80% tariff on imported Chinese goods seems right.” ([00:16])

• Senator Chris Van Hollen: “Are you taking any action to facilitate his return or are you not?” ([01:42])

• Pope Leo XIV: “I invite you to recognize the marvels that the Lord has done, the blessings that the Lord continues to pour out upon all of us.” ([02:45])

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: “People who are known to be trans will be removed.” ([03:12])

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of significant national and international issues, including U.S.-China trade tensions, the implications of a new U.S.-UK trade agreement, immigration policy debates, a landmark event in the Catholic Church, military policy changes affecting the transgender community, and legislative actions in Maine. The segment concludes with a timely weather forecast affecting the Los Angeles area.

End of Summary