The NPR Politics Podcast - Episode Summary: "Roundup: Trump Vs. The Fed; Harvard Fights Back"

Release Date: April 18, 2025

In this episode of The NPR Politics Podcast, hosts Ashley Lopez, Danielle Kurtzleben, and Domenico Montanaro delve into two major developments shaping the political and economic landscape: President Donald Trump's ongoing tariff strategies and his administration's escalating confrontation with elite educational institutions, notably Harvard University.

Trump’s Tariff Policies and Conflict with the Federal Reserve

The episode kicks off with an in-depth analysis of President Trump's persistent push for tariffs, particularly targeting goods from China. Danielle Kurtzleben explains the recent shake-up in tariff exclusions:

Danielle Kurtzleben [02:50]: "The White House came out and clarified that goods now excluded from tariffs are still subject to a 20% tariff on Chinese goods. We are still going to start the process of putting tariffs on semiconductors again from all these overseas markets, as well as pharmaceuticals and critical minerals."

This move has introduced significant uncertainty into the markets. Domenico Montanaro highlights the economic repercussions:

Domenico Montanaro [03:54]: "What it means is higher prices in the short term, which is what the Fed Chairman, Jerome Powell, said is highly likely this week."

The conversation shifts to the friction between Trump and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell. Trump’s public dissatisfaction with Powell’s cautious approach to monetary policy has intensified, sparking speculation about the potential termination of Powell. Ashley Lopez probes into the constitutional ramifications:

Ashley Lopez [06:31]: "Can Trump just up and fire Powell if he wants to? Like, what are the sort of mechanisms available to him here to deal with Powell if he wants to?"

Domenico references the 1935 Supreme Court precedent, Humphreys Executor v. United States, suggesting that any attempt to dismiss Powell without cause may lead to a constitutional showdown:

Domenico Montanaro [06:31]: "Trump is likely to test this at the Supreme Court... That's not generally the spirit of what we're thinking about when we're thinking about what Trump wants, which is control."

Danielle adds that the current Supreme Court majority may be receptive to limiting presidential power over independent agencies, though the outcome remains uncertain:

Danielle Kurtzleben [07:03]: "Existing precedent does seem to be on Powell's side here, but who knows exactly how the Supreme Court would rule."

Harvard University’s Battle with the Trump Administration

Transitioning from economic policy to education, the hosts examine the Trump administration's aggressive stance against higher education, focusing on Harvard University. Alyssa Nadworny provides a detailed account of the conflict:

Alyssa Nadworny [10:09]: "This stems from a civil rights investigation from the Education Department looking into anti-Semitism... Harvard was given a list of demands to reinstate $2.2 billion in federal funding, which they refused."

These demands include overseeing academic departments more tightly, reducing the autonomy of students and faculty, and reporting misconduct by international students to federal authorities. Harvard's refusal has led to the freezing of substantial research grants, impacting vital studies in health and science:

Alyssa Nadworny [11:01]: "Some of the money went to things like studying ALS, new vaccines for tuberculosis... Harvard Medical School said that this is going to lead to them having to cut jobs and lay people off."

Domenico discusses the broader implications of this confrontation, noting Trump's willingness to leverage the IRS against opponents, a tactic previously criticized by conservatives when used against liberals:

Domenico Montanaro [11:32]: "Trump has shown that he's willing to use the IRS against his enemies... Here we are on the other side of it with it explicitly being done."

Harvard stands out among universities for its decision to fight back, unlike others such as Columbia University, which have opted not to resist the administration's demands. This resistance is partly due to Harvard's prominent status and substantial endowment, providing it with the resources to challenge federal actions.

Legal and Constitutional Implications

The ongoing battle between Harvard and the Trump administration is set against a backdrop of potential legal confrontations. Alyssa Nadworny emphasizes the legal challenges ahead:

Alyssa Nadworny [16:11]: "I'm watching what Domenico just talked about with that tax-exempt status. And then also two lawsuits to see if the courts are going to weigh in on whether or not this is legal."

Domenico underscores the gravity of these developments, suggesting that they may escalate into a constitutional crisis if the Supreme Court rules against the administration:

Domenico Montanaro [16:29]: "If the Trump administration defies the Supreme Court, then we're at a point where most people would say we are at a constitutional crisis."

The hosts also touch upon the administration’s attempts to cut funding for programs like Head Start, a critical early childhood education initiative for low-income families, further illustrating the administration's broader agenda to influence educational curricula and policies.

Can’t Let It Go: Cultural Highlights

Shifting gears to lighter topics, the "Can’t Let It Go" segment features personal reflections from the hosts. Danielle Kurtzleben shares her fascination with Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket flight, which included celebrities like Katy Perry and Gayle King:

Danielle Kurtzleben [18:21]: "It was my soap opera for the week. Can't Let It Go."

Ashley Lopez expresses her excitement about the 20th-anniversary re-release of the 2005 Pride and Prejudice movie, highlighting its enduring popularity and the community of dedicated fans.

Domenico Montanaro discusses the inspiring story of former baseball star Ken Griffey Jr., who has successfully transitioned into a professional photographer, capturing iconic moments like Rory McIlroy’s Masters victory.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with acknowledgments to the production team and a brief promotion of other NPR podcasts, maintaining the informative and engaging tone characteristic of The NPR Politics Podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Danielle Kurtzleben [02:50]: "We are still going to start the process of putting tariffs on semiconductors again from all these overseas markets, as well as pharmaceuticals and critical minerals."

• Domenico Montanaro [07:03]: "Existing precedent does seem to be on Powell's side here, but who knows exactly how the Supreme Court would rule."

• Alyssa Nadworny [10:09]: "Harvard was given a list of demands to reinstate $2.2 billion in federal funding, which they refused."

• Danielle Kurtzleben [18:21]: "It was my soap opera for the week. Can't Let It Go."

This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the complex political and economic issues at play.