Up First from NPR: Congress Returns, Trump's Justice Department, Biden's Global Bind

NPR’s Up First delivers a comprehensive overview of the most pressing news stories shaping the day. In the episode titled "Congress Returns, Trump's Justice Department, Biden's Global Bind," hosts Michelle Martin and A Martinez delve into the intricate dynamics of the U.S. political landscape as Congress reconvenes, the impending changes within the Justice Department under President-elect Donald Trump, and President Joe Biden’s strategic maneuvers on the global stage amid Trump's resurgence.

1. Congress Returns: GOP Leadership Contenders and Trump's Influence

As Congress resumes its sessions, the Republican Party faces pivotal decisions in leadership selections, with President-elect Donald Trump actively seeking to shape the Republican majority.

Republican Leadership Shake-Up:

• Key Players: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is stepping down from his leadership role, prompting a search for his successor.

• Front-Runners: Senators John Cornyn (Texas) and John Thune (South Dakota) emerge as primary candidates due to their leadership experience and peer respect.

  "They're both well liked by their peers. They both have leadership experience."
  — Barbara Sprunt, NPR Congressional Correspondent [02:42]

• Trump’s Push for Rick Scott: Despite the strong standing of Cornyn and Thune, there is a significant campaign from Trump loyalists advocating for Florida Senator Rick Scott to assume the top leadership position.

  "He's a Trump loyalist, previously ran against McConnell two years ago, got less than a dozen votes then."
  — Barbara Sprunt [03:12]

Impact of Trump’s Pressure:

• Limited Influence: Most GOP senators, not seeking immediate re-election, remain resistant to Trump's overt influence, valuing their autonomy and the traditional selection processes.

  "The odds that this campaign changes the hearts and minds of most GOP senators is slim."
  — Barbara Sprunt [03:37]

• Potential for Recess Appointments: Trump has pressured senators to agree to recess appointments, allowing him to bypass the Senate's confirmation process for his nominees.

  "Any GOP senator wanting the leadership job has to agree to recess appointments."
  — Donald Trump Tweet [04:00]

House of Representatives:

• Narrow GOP Majority: Republicans maintain a slender lead in the House, with leadership elections underway and Mike Johnson expected to retain the Speaker’s gavel.

  "Mike Johnson is expected to keep the gavel."
  — Barbara Sprunt [05:20]

2. The Future of the Justice Department under Trump

With Trump's impending administration, significant transformations within the Department of Justice (DOJ) are anticipated, reflecting his campaign criticisms of the FBI and DOJ.

Importance of the Attorney General Role:

• Central Figure: The Attorney General is deemed the most crucial position after the President, overseeing over 100,000 personnel and steering key legal and enforcement policies.

  "The attorney general leads more than 100,000 people."
  — Kerry Johnson, NPR’s Justice Department Correspondent [06:35]

Potential Candidates:

• Diverse Pool: Names such as Senator Mike Lee, Jeff Clark, Todd Blanch, and Mark Paoletta are under consideration, each bringing distinct backgrounds and affiliations.

  "Mark Paoletta is a longtime D.C. lawyer who's been advising the transition."
  — Kerry Johnson [07:12]

DOJ's Upcoming Priorities:

• Handling Ongoing Cases: Special Counsel Jack Smith is actively working to resolve federal cases against Trump, including potential pardons for January 6 riot participants.

  "Special counsel Jack Smith is already unwinding the two federal criminal cases against Donald Trump."
  — Kerry Johnson [07:35]

• Policy Shifts: Potential maneuvers include reducing federal grants to non-compliant local police, enforcing stricter abortion-related laws, reinstating federal capital punishment, and restructuring the FBI’s accountability.

  "He could try to cut federal grant funds for local police who won't go along with his immigration plans."
  — Kerry Johnson [07:53]

FBI Leadership Dynamics:

• Term Constraints: FBI Director Chris Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, holds a 10-year term designed to insulate the bureau from political pressures.

  "The 10 year term was imposed by Congress after J. Edgar Hoover..."
  — Kerry Johnson [08:45]

• Potential Dismissal: Given the strained relationship between Trump and Wray, legal advisors predict a possible dismissal in the near future, although Wray continues to manage daily operations effectively.

  "It sounds to me like if Trump wants Wray to go, he's going to have to fire him."
  — Kerry Johnson [09:10]

3. President Biden’s International Trip: Navigating Trump's Return

Amid President-elect Trump's return to the political forefront, President Joe Biden embarks on a crucial foreign trip to Peru and Brazil, aimed at reaffirming U.S. global commitments.

Objectives of the Trip:

• International Engagement: Biden targets significant summits like APEC in Lima and the G20 in Rio, seeking to consolidate alliances and address pressing global issues.

  "It's his last big foreign trip where he'll meet a large group of world leaders..."
  — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR White House Correspondent [09:46]

Challenges Posed by Trump’s Resurgence:

• Shifting Global Dynamics: Trump's populist and protectionist tendencies pose a challenge to Biden’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen international alliances.

  "Trump is back with his same worldview that was threatening broad based tariffs on friends and foes."
  — Asma Khalid [10:18]

Biden’s Messaging Strategy:

• Reassuring Allies: Biden is expected to emphasize the enduring commitment of the U.S. to global partnerships, countering any instability introduced by Trump’s policies.

  "You don't know exactly how Trump will govern and engage with the world, but he says that is not the message Biden can give."
  — Asma Khalid [11:23]

Impact on U.S.-China Relations:

• Consistent Policy Stance: Biden maintains many of Trump’s China policies, including tariffs, while enhancing cooperation with allies like India, Japan, and Australia to counterbalance China’s influence.

  "Biden has not drastically broken with Trump on China policy. He largely maintained the Trump era tariffs on China..."
  — Asma Khalid [12:32]

• Strategic Messaging: Biden may highlight the tangible consequences of Trump’s protectionist approach to urge China and other nations to adhere to global trade norms.

  "One practical message Biden could try to make this week is that the threat of more tariffs from Trump is real..."
  — Asma Khalid [13:05]

Conclusion

The episode of Up First from NPR provides an insightful analysis of the evolving political and global landscape as the U.S. prepares for a transition of power. From the strategic battles within Congress influenced by Trump's ambitions, the anticipated overhaul of the Justice Department under Trump's administration, to Biden's delicate balancing act on the international stage amid Trump's return, listeners are offered a nuanced understanding of the challenges and developments shaping the nation's future.

Notable Quotes:

• "The most important job after president of the United States and the next administration, it's not me, it's who we select as attorney general."
  — A Martinez [00:34]

• "Senators John Cornyn of Texas and John Thune of South Dakota are seen as the frontrunners going into this."
  — Barbara Sprunt [02:42]

• "It's a huge priority, and you don't need to take my word for it."
  — Kerry Johnson [06:15]

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and expert insights presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven’t tuned in.