Up First from NPR – Episode Summary

Date: February 21, 2026
Episode: Court Invalidates Tariffs, Military Options Regarding Iran, Olympic Matchup Preview
Hosts: Ayesha Rascoe & Scott Simon

Episode Overview

This Up First episode dives into three top stories—each with major impacts domestically and globally:

1. The Supreme Court's invalidation of President Trump's signature tariffs, and what economic and political fallout is anticipated
2. The tense military and diplomatic standoff between the U.S. and Iran, with military options on the table
3. A preview of the marquee USA vs. Canada men's hockey gold medal game at the Milan Olympics

1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs

[01:52–06:42]

Discussion & Insights:

• The Supreme Court ruled President Trump’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPA) to impose broad tariffs was unconstitutional.
• At a press briefing, President Trump sharply criticized the court, especially justices who voted against him, and immediately vowed new tariffs under different statutes.

Key Details:

• Trump plans to sign an executive order for a 10% global tariff under Section 122, which allows a limited timeframe and requires congressional approval after 150 days.
• Some tariffs remain, including those under Section 232 (steel, aluminum, cars).

Analysis by NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben:

• Tariffs have been central to Trump's economic agenda—and his persona as a “tough negotiator.”
• Tariffs are economically and politically controversial: data shows they haven’t reduced the trade deficit as promised.
• These moves create dissonance with Trump’s messaging about lowering the cost of living, since tariffs act as a tax on businesses and consumers.
• Republican Party is divided, with some members openly critical of continued tariffs.

Notable Quotes & Moments:

• President Trump (responding to the ruling):

  “It’s my opinion that the court has been swayed by foreign interests and a political movement that is far smaller than people would ever think. … I won by millions of votes. We won in a landslide.”
  —President Trump, [02:38]

• Danielle Kurtzleben on tariff policy:

  “…it’s about economics and it's about everything else. He constantly frames tariffs as the thing that will make the American economy. … He likes to talk about tariffs as a way of casting himself as this master tough negotiator.”
  —Danielle Kurtzleben, [03:23]

• Trump on Fox Business (archival):

  “We were honestly, we were stupid people run by stupid people.”
  —President Trump, [03:59]

• On policy headaches:

  “If he continues to lean hard into tariffs, that will really affect what political appetite the country has for supporting the GOP in the midterms.”
  —Danielle Kurtzleben, [06:00]

2. US-Iran Tension: Diplomacy & Military Options

[06:48–10:42]

Discussion & Insights:

• The U.S. has built a significant military presence in the Middle East amid stalled nuclear negotiations with Iran.
• President Trump has not announced a decision about launching a military strike, but the military buildup is unmistakable.
• Diplomatic talks continue but are at an impasse; Iran offers limited concessions while the U.S. demands deep cuts to Iran’s nuclear and missile programs.

Key Military Points (Greg Myre, NPR):

• Current U.S. force posture includes two aircraft carriers, a dozen+ warships, and hundreds of warplanes.
• Military options range from a brief, punitive strike to large-scale operations.
• Trump is considering limited strikes but has not ruled out a broader campaign; a ground war is not on the table, minimizing prospects of regime change.

Regional Analysis:

• Tehran expects it can weather airstrikes without threat of regime collapse due to lack of U.S. ground forces.
• The administration has not made a public case for war, nor rallied international allies (except Israel), taken the question to Congress, or addressed the American people.

Notable Quotes & Moments:

• Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas, on NBC’s Morning Joe:

  “There is no military solution for Iran’s nuclear program. The only solution is diplomacy. This is why the US is back in the table of negotiation and is seeking a deal.”
  —Foreign Minister Abbas, [07:30]

• Middle East Institute analyst Alex Vatanka:

  “The boots on the ground option is not being taken very seriously in Tehran, which means the US can hurt them badly. But … you get hit hard, you're bloodied, but you will rise again and you move on.”
  —Alex Vatanka, [09:27]

• Greg Myre on Trump’s ambiguity:

  “The president has been intentionally vague about his ultimate goal. Some days it sounds like the aim is a nuclear deal. Other times the emphasis seems to be on ousting Iran’s theocratic leaders.”
  —Greg Myre, [10:20]

3. Olympic Showdown: USA vs. Canada Men’s Hockey Final

[10:50–15:31]

Storyline & Stakes:

• The U.S. men’s ice hockey team beat Slovakia and now faces Canada in the gold medal final—one of the most anticipated games in recent history.
• NHL players are participating for the first time since 2014, stacking both sides with superstar talent.

Analysis by NPR’s Becky Sullivan:

• This is considered the most exciting Olympic hockey matchup since the 2010 final in Vancouver.
• Both teams have been impressive—Canada scraped through two tight elimination games, the U.S. dominated Slovakia after a tough quarterfinal.
• Canada boasts a “super line” of Connor McDavid, Nathan McKinnon, and Macklin Celebrini; the U.S. is led by goalie Connor Hellebuck and captain Auston Matthews.

Notable Quotes & Moments:

• US star Matthew Tkachuk:

  “This is the pinnacle to sport. This is as good as it gets. And a rivalry, that’s as good as it gets.”
  —Matthew Tkachuk, [12:20]

• Becky Sullivan on Canada’s top line:

  “…Connor McDavid, he’s the best player in hockey. Next to him, Nathan McKinnon, who this season is the NHL’s top goal scorer. Next to them, Macklin Celebrini, 19 years old, easily the best young player in the league. … When those three guys are on the ice at the same time, I mean, it’s just like, it’s madness.”
  —Becky Sullivan, [12:33]

• On the US perspective:

  “…the Americans have been thinking a lot about [these matchups] since then. They are looking to rewrite the story this time and it really just should be electric.”
  —Becky Sullivan, [15:14]

• Reference to political background, edge to rivalry:

  “He was making all these comments at the time about, you know, making Canada the 51st state. He was putting these tariffs on Canada. … Canadian fans booing the Star Spangled Banner. There were three fights in the first nine seconds of the game.”
  —Becky Sullivan, [14:28]

Key Moments with Timestamps

• [02:38] — President Trump denounces the Supreme Court decision and accuses justices of foreign influence
• [03:59] — Trump explains his economic worldview on Fox Business
• [06:00] — Kurtzleben on the conflict between tariffs and rising costs of living
• [07:30] — Iran's foreign minister on diplomacy-only solution
• [09:27] — Analyst on why Iran expects to survive US airstrikes
• [12:20] — Matthew Tkachuk: “This is the pinnacle to sport.”
• [12:33] — Becky Sullivan on Canada’s dominant top line
• [14:28] — Political heat in US-Canada hockey rivalry, with recent “51st state” barb and hockey brawl

Takeaways

• The Supreme Court ruling is a major blow to Trump’s economic strategy but leaves room for new (narrower) tariffs, as he doubles down heading into the next election.
• The US-Iran standoff remains in flux, with massive US military force in place but no clear justification for war presented to the American people or Congress.
• The anticipated US vs. Canada men’s hockey final at the Olympics isn’t just a sports event but comes loaded with political undertones and decades of rivalry—making it a can’t-miss spectacle for millions.