The NPR Politics Podcast: Roundup on Immigration Policies and New Surgeon General Nominee

Release Date: May 9, 2025

In this episode of The NPR Politics Podcast, NPR's seasoned political reporters delve into significant developments surrounding U.S. immigration policies and the controversial nomination of a new Surgeon General. The discussion provides listeners with in-depth analysis, critical insights, and expert perspectives on these pressing issues.

I. Immigration Policies: Deportations to Libya and Beyond

A. Introducing the Third Country Policy

The episode kicks off with an exploration of the United States' latest immigration strategy: deporting migrants to third countries, such as Libya. Ximena Bustillo, who covers immigration policy, explains the mechanics behind this policy.

"The idea of a third country is that you already have migrants here in the United States. You're trying to deport them back home... so then that means those people, if the United States wants to remove them, they need to go to a third country."
— Ximena Bustillo [02:27]

B. Administration's Justification and Strategies

The hosts discuss how the Trump administration has historically leveraged third country agreements to manage migrant deportations, citing the $6 million deal with El Salvador as a prominent example. The conversation highlights the administration's overarching goal to remove unauthorized migrants from U.S. borders by any means necessary.

"The administration has made it very clear that they want to get people out of the United States who don't belong here... by any means necessary."
— Tamara Keith [04:36]

C. Challenges and Criticisms

Susan Davis raises concerns about the ethical implications of sending migrants to countries with unstable governments and poor human rights records, such as Libya.

"Libya is notoriously known for, you know, having a poor human rights record, particularly when it comes to migrants who are trying to pass through it to get to European countries."
— Ximena Bustillo [03:35]

The discussion also touches upon legal battles, including lawsuits filed in Massachusetts aiming to halt deportation flights to Libya, emphasizing the contentious nature of these policies.

II. New Surgeon General Nominee: From Withdrawal to Controversy

A. Withdrawal of Dr. Jeanette Neshawat

The episode transitions to the White House's decision to withdraw its initial Surgeon General nominee, Dr. Jeanette Neshawat. Will Stone provides a detailed account of the reasons behind this withdrawal, citing concerns over misrepresented medical credentials and backlash from far-right figures.

"She had come under fire recently partially because of a pattern of misrepresenting her medical credentials... and she had also come under fire from the far right."
— Will Stone [11:49]

B. Introduction to Dr. Casey Means

Following the withdrawal, Dr. Casey Means emerges as the new nominee. Her background as a Stanford-trained physician and bestselling author is discussed, along with her focus on lifestyle and wellness over traditional medical practices.

"Casey Means herself is a Stanford trained physician. She went to undergrad and medical school there... What really brought her into the mainstream area is that she published a bestselling book called Good Energy."
— Will Stone [12:55]

C. Controversies and Qualifications

The hosts critically evaluate Dr. Means' qualifications, noting her departure from surgical residency and her advocacy for unconventional health practices. Susan Davis and Will Stone highlight concerns regarding her promotion of raw milk, skepticism about hormonal birth control, and involvement in the wellness industry.

"She kind of gets pretty woo and she even uses that word to describe herself. I mean, talking about speaking to trees and spiritual mediums and full moon ceremonies, plant medicine."
— Will Stone [17:02]

Tamara Keith discusses the administration's lack of a clear justification for her nomination and the potential hurdles she may face during confirmation.

"Based on Will's reporting, this may not be an easy confirmation either."
— Tamara Keith [15:25]

The conversation underscores the complexities of the Surgeon General role in the modern era, emphasizing its transformation into a prominent public health communicator rather than a position with direct public health enforcement authority.

III. Farewell to Asma Khalid: A Fond Goodbye

In a heartfelt segment, the podcast bids farewell to Asma Khalid, a longstanding White House correspondent who is leaving to join NPR and WBUR's Here and Now. Hosts reflect on her contributions and the camaraderie built over years of covering intensive political landscapes together.

"When you cover the news together for the better part, or at least the entire last decade... we've lived some lives together."
— Susan Davis [19:52]

Tamara Keith reminisces about Asma's dedication during the pandemic, highlighting her commitment to reporting from the field despite personal challenges.

"I remember you were very pregnant, going out and telling stories. She is committed to this when you are willing to go out there."
— Susan Davis [24:17]

Asma Khalid expresses gratitude and fondness for her colleagues, emphasizing the enduring bonds formed through shared experiences in the newsroom.

"So guys, even though I'm leaving, you're stuck with me forever."
— Asma Khalid [23:40]

The farewell serves as a poignant reminder of the personal relationships behind political reporting and the human side of news production.

Conclusion

This episode of The NPR Politics Podcast offers a comprehensive analysis of the U.S. immigration policies' latest maneuvers and the contentious nomination process for the Surgeon General. Additionally, it provides an emotional farewell to a key member of the NPR team, underscoring the podcast's blend of hard-hitting political analysis and personal storytelling.

Listeners are left with a nuanced understanding of the challenges and controversies shaping current U.S. policies and the impactful roles played by those who report them.

Notable Quotes:

• "Libya is notoriously known for, you know, having a poor human rights record..." — Ximena Bustillo [03:35]

• "The administration has made it very clear that they want to get people out of the United States who don't belong here... by any means necessary." — Tamara Keith [04:36]

• "She kind of gets pretty woo and she even uses that word to describe herself..." — Will Stone [17:02]

• "So guys, even though I'm leaving, you're stuck with me forever." — Asma Khalid [23:40]

This detailed summary encapsulates the episode's critical discussions, providing clarity and context on complex political issues for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.