Up First from NPR: Grading Trump's First 100 Days, Presidential Retaliation, Detained Student Speaks

Release Date: April 29, 2025

1. Grading President Trump's First 100 Days

In the latest episode of NPR's Up First, host Steve Inskeep discusses a significant NPR PBS News Marist poll involving over 1,400 Department of Labor respondents who were asked to grade President Trump's first 100 days in office [00:02]. The results revealed a stark division among voters:

• Failed Grade (F): 45% of respondents rated Trump's performance as an F, indicating a failing mark.
• Excellent Grade (A): Approximately 25% awarded him an A, reflecting strong approval.

Domenico Montanaro, NPR's senior political editor, provides deeper analysis [02:21]. He attributes the high disapproval rates primarily to Trump's handling of tariffs and the economy. Only 39% of voters approved of his economic management—the lowest since his first term. Moreover, 34% supported his tariffs, while nearly 60% believed these tariffs would harm the economy further. Montanaro emphasizes that the economy remains the paramount concern for voters, cutting across age and gender lines [02:36].

Montanaro also highlights Trump's overall approval rating at 42%, marking one of the lowest scores at the 100-day mark historically. He notes the polarized political climate, suggesting that while Trump's base remains steadfast, the broader electorate conveys a clear message of dissatisfaction with his economic policies [03:24].

2. Presidential Retaliation and Government Retargeting

Transitioning from the poll results, the episode delves into President Trump's campaign promise of retribution and its actualization within his administration [05:31]. Tom Dreisbach, an NPR investigative reporter, outlines the breadth of Trump's targeting tactics [06:07]. The President has directed the U.S. government to take action against a wide array of individuals and institutions, including:

• Lawyers and Law Firms: Often associated with Democrats or involved in investigations against Trump.
• Political Opponents: Individuals who have worked on inquiries into Trump or related events like the January 6th riots.
• Media Companies and Universities: Entities that are perceived as critical of Trump's administration.

Notable Actions:

• Criminal Investigations: Initiated directly from the Oval Office, targeting figures such as Christopher Krebs, a former cybersecurity official dismissed by Trump for affirming the 2020 election's integrity [06:36].

  Steve Inskeep: "He's the fraud. He's a disgrace. So we'll find out whether or not it was a safe election. And if it wasn't, he's got a big price to pay." [06:58]

• Department of Education Actions: Investigating universities, including NPR, for perceived biases.

• Immigration Enforcement: Detaining and deporting international students advocating for Palestinian rights, as explored later in the episode.

Tom Dreisbach points out the irony in Trump's accusations against President Biden for using the Justice Department against him, while Trump himself is actively engaging in similar tactics. The administration's stance claims these investigations are about "accountability," despite widespread belief in their unconstitutional nature. Legal challenges have already seen some orders blocked, with judges denouncing them as abuses of power [07:38].

3. Detained Student Mohsen Madawi Speaks

A significant segment of the episode features Mohsen Madawi, a Columbia University student detained in Vermont. Host Leila Fadel reports from the Northwest State Correctional Facility in St. Albans, Vermont, marking the first journalistic meeting with a detained student [09:38].

Mohsen Madawi's Story:

• Background: Madawi, a green card holder and permanent resident, was detained under the guise of a routine naturalization interview [10:11].
• Experiences: Despite maintaining his composure and faith in the justice system, Madawi faces accusations under a rarely used section of the Immigration Act. The government alleges his presence adversely affects U.S. foreign policy and undermines efforts against anti-Semitism, though specifics are scant [12:17].

His lawyer argues that the government's charges are unfounded and that the administration is punishing Palestinian rights advocates unjustly [12:50]. Madawi awaits a federal court hearing in Vermont, where his request for immediate release will be considered.

Mohsen Madawi: "I have faith that justice will prevail." [10:33]

This story underscores the administration's aggressive stance against international advocacy, highlighting concerns over civil liberties and due process.

4. Election of Mark Carney as Canada's Prime Minister

Shifting focus internationally, the episode covers the projected election of Mark Carney as Canada's new Prime Minister, succeeding Pierre Poilievre [13:27]. This political shift is interpreted as a referendum on handling relations with the United States under President Trump’s administration.

Key Points:

• Campaign Dynamics: Carney's victory is partly attributed to diminishing momentum for Poilievre following Justin Trudeau's resignation, which invigorated the Liberal Party.
• Impact of U.S. Trade Policies: Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canada and sharp rhetoric, including threats to annex Canada as the 51st state, ignited Canadian nationalism and influenced voter sentiment [13:48].

Carney's leadership is seen as a response to maintain Canadian sovereignty and manage the economic strains caused by Trump's protectionist policies.

Conclusion

This episode of Up First provides a comprehensive overview of President Trump's contentious first 100 days, marked by economic dissatisfaction and authoritarian tendencies in targeting opponents. It also sheds light on individual stories like that of Mohsen Madawi, illustrating the personal impacts of broader political strategies. Additionally, the international reverberations of U.S. policies are evident in Canada's recent political changes, reflecting the intertwined nature of North American politics.

For those seeking in-depth analysis and balanced reporting on current events, NPR's Up First continues to deliver essential news to start the day informed.