Up First from NPR – April 7, 2025 Episode: Global Markets Plummet, Wrongful Deportation Deadline, Second Measles Death

Global Markets in Turmoil Amid Trade War Escalation

The episode opens with host Steve Inskeep addressing the concerning decline in global markets triggered by President Trump's intensified trade war. At [00:03], Inskeep notes, “President Trump's trade war prompted even more market declines, which he dismissed,” setting the stage for a deep dive into the economic repercussions of the administration's policies.

El Martinez further probes the situation at [00:07], stating, “I don't want anything to go down, but sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something. What's making investors panic? And why have the odds of a recession gone up?” This statement encapsulates the tension between necessary economic interventions and their immediate negative impacts.

Market Downturn Details

Maria Aspen, NPR’s financial correspondent, provides a comprehensive analysis of the market plummet at [02:55]. She explains, “By the end of last week, the Dow had fallen almost 8% with the other major indices tumbling even further. The tech-heavy Nasdaq is now in a bear market, meaning it's fallen more than 20% from a recent high.” Aspen underscores the severity of the situation by highlighting the broader implications across various sectors, including oil and Bitcoin.

The discussion progresses to the psychological impact on investors. Aspen quotes billionaire fund manager Bill Ackman at [03:55], who cautions, “The US is destroying confidence in the US as a place to do business,” advocating for a “90-day pause on tariffs to avoid what he calls economic nuclear war.” This perspective is echoed by Moody's Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi, who describes Wall Street as “panicked” [04:27].

Trump Administration’s Response

Despite mounting concerns, the Trump administration remains steadfast in its approach. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick asserts at [05:24], “the tariffs are here to stay.” When pressed by reporters about the market downturn, President Trump responds dismissively at [05:37], saying, “I think your question is so stupid. I think it's, I don't want anything to go down, but sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.”

Aspen contrasts Trump's stance by emphasizing the widespread warnings about the tariffs' detrimental effects on the economy, consumers, and global trade [05:54]. The episode highlights that investment banks like JP Morgan are forecasting a potential recession if tariffs persist, underscoring the gravity of the situation [05:54].

Wrongful Deportation: A Fateful Deadline

Shifting focus, the podcast delves into a pressing legal and humanitarian issue: the wrongful deportation of Chilmar Armando Abrego Garcia. At [06:07], Inskeep introduces the topic, mentioning a midnight deadline imposed on the Trump administration to rectify the mistake.

Case Overview

Joel Rose, NPR correspondent, elaborates on the case at [07:25]. Abrego Garcia, who had been living in Maryland for over a decade under legal protection, was mistakenly deported to El Salvador amidst a crackdown on alleged gang members. Judge Paula Zinis criticized the administration's actions, terming the deportation as “wholly lawless” and expressing that Abrego Garcia’s “ongoing detention in Salvadoran prison shocks the conscience” [07:22].

Administration’s Stance and Legal Proceedings

Despite admitting the deportation was an error, the Trump administration remains unconvinced about reversing the decision. They allege that Abrego Garcia is affiliated with the MS-13 gang—a claim his lawyers dispute, citing a lack of evidence and absence of a criminal record [07:25]. Judge Zinis pointed out the insufficiency of the administration’s evidence, stating that without a criminal indictment, the gang allegations are merely “chatter” [08:11].

A critical development occurs when the Justice Department places attorney Erez Reveni, who argued the case, on administrative leave [08:19]. Reveni had candidly responded to Judge Zinis’s inquiries about the delay in correcting the mistake, expressing dissatisfaction with the administration’s lack of satisfactory answers [08:19]. Maria Aspen adds, “I issued a memo that you are to vigorously advocate on behalf of the United States. He shouldn't have taken the case” [08:56], highlighting internal conflicts within the Department of Justice.

Implications and Future Steps

Joel Rose outlines the next steps at [09:09]. The Justice Department is appealing the judge’s order, arguing a lack of jurisdiction since Abrego Garcia is in El Salvador custody. They seek an emergency stay from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, but failure to secure one would force compliance with the midnight deadline [09:09]. The episode underscores the precariousness of bureaucratic processes and their profound human impact.

Second Measles Death in Texas Sparks Health Concerns

The final segment of the episode addresses a public health crisis: the second reported measles death in Texas within the year. At [09:44], Inskeep introduces the tragic news, noting that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the funeral of 8-year-old Daisy Hildebrand [09:48].

Details of the Tragedy

Maria Godoy provides in-depth coverage at [10:17], revealing that Daisy was unvaccinated and had no underlying health conditions. Her death resulted from “measles pulmonary failure,” a severe respiratory complication. Godoy explains that while measles is primarily a respiratory illness, it can lead to fatal lung complications like pneumonia [10:37].

Vaccination Rates and Public Health Response

Godoy highlights the broader implications of declining vaccination rates, particularly in Gaines County, Texas, where the outbreak has resulted in 481 confirmed cases [11:36]. Dr. Adam Ratner emphasizes the preventable nature of these deaths, stating, “These are deaths that vaccines could prevent” [11:21]. The resurgence of measles, declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, is alarming, with over 600 cases reported in five states this year alone [12:53].

Administrative and Political Reactions

The Trump administration’s response to the outbreak is multifaceted. Secretary Kennedy acknowledges the severity of the situation and the need for effective measures, stating, “the CDC is deploying teams to Texas to help with the outbreak” [11:59]. However, he also controversially supported the use of unproven treatments for measles [11:59]. Meanwhile, President Trump downplays the outbreak's scale but hints at stringent measures if it worsens, despite the administration's simultaneous move to cut over $11 billion in public health funding [11:59].

Looking Ahead

Maria Godoy concludes by emphasizing the critical need for vaccination to prevent further fatalities and control the outbreak. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of declining vaccination rates and underscores the importance of public health initiatives in safeguarding communities.

Conclusion

This episode of Up First meticulously covers three pivotal stories shaping national discourse: the destabilizing effects of the Trump administration’s trade policies on global markets, the harrowing case of wrongful deportation highlighting systemic flaws, and the alarming resurgence of measles underscoring public health vulnerabilities. Through insightful analysis and firsthand reporting, NPR delivers a comprehensive overview, ensuring listeners are well-informed about these critical issues.

For more in-depth exploration of these topics, consider tuning into NPR’s “Consider This” which delves deeper into individual stories and their broader implications.