Up First from NPR – May 29, 2025
NPR's "Up First" delivers the three biggest stories of the day with in-depth reporting and analysis. In this episode, host Michelle Martin covers the federal court's decision to block most of President Trump's tariffs, the increasing tension between Trump and Vladimir Putin amidst the Ukraine conflict, and the significant right-wing political gathering taking place in Hungary.
1. Federal Court Blocks Most Trump-Imposed Tariffs
Overview
A significant legal setback for President Trump occurred when a federal court blocked nearly all of his recently imposed tariffs. These tariffs targeted imports from almost every country, marking the highest such taxes since the Great Depression. The ruling challenges Trump's authority to unilaterally impose these taxes, asserting that only Congress holds the power to regulate trade and impose tariffs.
Key Points
-
Court Ruling: The U.S. Court of International Trade unanimously ruled that Trump overstepped his authority by imposing tariffs on a wide range of imports (02:24). The court determined that the 1977 emergency law Trump cited does not grant the president unrestricted power to levy these taxes.
-
Impact on Tariffs: While the sweeping tariffs on items like coffee, bananas, French wine, and Chinese toys are struck down, industry-specific taxes on steel, aluminum, cars, and auto parts remain intact (05:35). Trump has indicated a willingness to add more tariffs on products such as computer chips and pharmaceuticals based on different statutes.
-
Economic and Market Reactions: Financial markets responded positively to the court's decision. Asian stocks rose sharply, and U.S. stock futures increased by 1-2% following the announcement (03:56). Investors generally view the removal of tariffs as favorable for global trade and economic stability.
-
Administrative Response: The White House quickly announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing that national emergencies should not be subject to judicial intervention. They criticized the court's decision, highlighting that the judges had diverse presidential appointments (05:08).
Notable Quotes
-
Dan Rayfield, Oregon Attorney General: “We as consumers, we as families, people that are working day in, day out to try and pay their bills don't have the flexibility in their budget to afford it. And economists were showing this was going to be a $3,800 increase to average household budgets every year. That is a tax on all of us. Right. But it's hidden and disguised as a tariff.” (04:38)
-
Scott Horsley, NPR: “The White House maintains he could reimpose them anytime with just a social media post.” (02:54)
2. President Trump’s Growing Frustration with Vladimir Putin Amid Ukraine Conflict
Overview
President Trump's frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin has been mounting due to Russia's ongoing military actions in Ukraine. Trump's outspoken criticism of Putin, labeling him as "absolutely crazy," raises questions about the prospects for peace negotiations and the broader geopolitical ramifications.
Key Points
-
Trump’s Statements: Demonstrating increasing irritation, Trump recently accused Putin of erratic behavior in response to Russia's airstrikes in Ukraine. He emphasized that a resolution to the conflict is being hampered by Russia's actions (06:13).
-
Kremlin's Response: Russian officials have dismissed Trump's claims as misinformation, highlighting that Ukraine's drone attacks contribute to the conflict's escalation. Despite these tensions, Russia has expressed readiness to resume peace talks, proposing a meeting in Istanbul, Turkey (07:38).
-
Potential for Negotiations: While Russia shows willingness to engage in peace talks, Ukraine remains skeptical, citing ongoing Russian troop movements and historical aggression patterns. The complexity of negotiations is underscored by comparisons to prolonged conflicts, such as Russia's 21-year war with Sweden in the 1700s (08:54).
-
U.S. Involvement: Trump's potential direct involvement in negotiations, including the possibility of meeting with Putin and Ukrainian President Zelensky, introduces a new dynamic to the conflict resolution efforts. However, the effectiveness of Trump's approach remains uncertain given the current geopolitical landscape (09:30).
Notable Quotes
-
Donald Trump: “If I think I'm close to getting a deal, I don't want to screw it up by doing that. Let me tell you, I'm a lot tougher than the people you're talking about. But you have to know when to use that.” (07:20)
-
Charles Mains, NPR: “The clear message there is that no matter how long it takes, we'll get what's ours.” (08:26)
3. Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Hungary: A Gathering of Right-Wing Movements
Overview
CPAC Hungary marks the fourth consecutive year of hosting one of the largest right-wing political gatherings in Eastern Europe. The conference serves as a platform for American and European conservatives, populists, and nationalists to exchange ideas, strategies, and forge alliances.
Key Points
-
Event Highlights: The conference kicked off with remarks from Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, and features prominent speakers including Chad Wolf and John Eastman. Discussions will focus on strategies similar to those employed by Trump, such as challenging media narratives and pushing conservative agendas (09:41).
-
Global Conservative Alliances: Leila Fadel reports on the deepening ties between the American MAGA movement, Orban's Fidesz party, and other European right-wing groups. These alliances are built on shared sentiments of institutional distrust and a belief that their democratic opponents are the true undemocratic forces (11:35).
-
Policy Parallels: Similarities between Trump and Orban include anti-immigration stances, attacks on academic autonomy, and efforts to control the independent press. Both leaders have centralized power and utilized state resources to align institutions with their political objectives (12:16).
-
Media and Public Perception: CPAC Hungary emphasizes a narrative that frames their political opponents as autocratic, even as Hungary faces penalties from the European Union for anti-democratic policies, such as banning Pride celebrations. The movement views media and judicial systems as biased against conservative values (12:38).
Notable Quotes
-
Matt Schlapp, CPAC Chairman: “I felt like America's institutions were definitely in an autocratic slide. I felt like people who have CPAC type values couldn't get a fair shake in the major national media. We couldn't get a fair shake in the big city courtrooms. We couldn't get a fair shake when it came to having corporations be neutral on politics. They seemed to all get involved in every left wing political cause of the day.” (12:16)
-
Viktor Orban: “The Trump tsunami swept through the world and changed the entire world. It gave back hope to the world.” (09:55)
Conclusion
This episode of "Up First" provides a comprehensive look at pivotal issues affecting the United States and the global landscape. From significant legal decisions impacting economic policies, escalating geopolitical tensions, to the rise of international conservative movements, listeners are equipped with nuanced insights into the unfolding events shaping today’s world.
Timestamps Reference: