Inauguration Day, Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, TikTok

Summary

Up First from NPR – January 20, 2025

Episode Topics: Inauguration Day, Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, TikTok

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1. Inauguration Day: Donald Trump’s Swearing-In and Immediate Plans

Overview: The episode begins with a focus on the inauguration of President Donald Trump for his second term. Hosted by Amy Martinez and Layla Foden, the segment delves into the unconventional nature of the ceremony, the logistical adjustments due to inclement weather, and Trump's ambitious agenda for his presidency.

Key Points:

• Ceremony Adjustments:

  • Indoor Venue: Due to below-freezing temperatures in Washington D.C., the inauguration was moved to the Capitol Rotunda. Hundreds of thousands who initially planned to attend in person were relocated to the Capitol One Arena.
  • Crowd Management: NPR’s Danielle Kurtzleben reports that supporters had to adapt to the new venue, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Trump rally.

• President Trump’s Promises:

  • Aggressive Agenda: At a pre-inaugural rally, Trump declared, “[...] I will act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country” ([00:29]).
  • Executive Orders: Plans include mass deportations and pardoning individuals convicted for actions related to the January 6 riot ([06:13]).
  • Focus on MAGA Movement: Emphasis on portraying supporters as underdogs fighting against perceived adversaries. Kurtzleben notes, “This win reflects a compelling call to action by the American people to act on our behalf, to not be beholden to the political establishment” ([04:18]).

• Notable Attendees and Speakers:

  • Elon Musk: The SpaceX founder delivered an impromptu speech, adding a high-profile presence to the event.
  • Megyn Kelly: The political commentator delivered a harsh critique of Democrats and Vice President Kamala Harris, igniting strong reactions from the crowd.
  • Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth: Received significant cheers despite recent controversies regarding allegations of drinking and sexual misconduct ([05:18]).

Notable Quotes:

• Danielle Kurtzleben on Trump’s rally atmosphere: “This win reflects a compelling call to action by the American people to act on our behalf, to not be beholden to the political establishment” ([04:18]).

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2. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Emotional Reunions and Future Prospects

Overview: The podcast covers the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the emotional reunions of hostages and detainees, the return of displaced Palestinians to Gaza, and the uncertain path forward.

Key Points:

• Release of Hostages and Detainees:

  • Israeli Hostages: Three Israeli women hostages were released by Hamas, leading to tearful reunions with their families ([00:52]).

    • Emily Damari, Romy Gonin, and Doron Steinbrecher: Aged between 24 and 31, their release was met with overwhelming joy at Tel Aviv hospital ([08:07]).
    • Family Reactions: Adil Al Shalchi describes the situation as “the craziest emotional rollercoaster for the families” ([08:27]).

  • Palestinian Detainees: Dozens of Palestinian detainees, including women and minors, were freed in the deal. Families in the West Bank greeted them with Palestinian flags, singing, and celebrations despite bitter cold ([06:34]).

• Scenes on the Ground:

  • Gaza and the West Bank:
    • Reunions in Gaza: Displaced Palestinians began returning to their destroyed homes, greeted by both relief and the continued presence of Hamas authorities.
    • West Bank Celebrations: Families awaited the detainees' release overnight, culminating in jubilant gatherings as detainees arrived ([07:36]).

• Ceasefire Details and Future Steps:

  • First Phase: The ceasefire is set for six weeks, with a potential swap of additional hostages expected later in the week ([09:41]).
  • Humanitarian Efforts: Over 600 trucks of aid have entered Gaza, providing desperately needed relief to the population ([08:42]).
  • Hamas’s Role: Despite the ceasefire, Hamas maintains control in Gaza, organizing aid distribution and patrolling streets, indicating their continued influence ([08:42]).

Notable Quotes:

• Adil Al Shalchi on the emotional impact: “It's been the craziest emotional rollercoaster for the families” ([08:27]).
• Juliana Kim on Palestinian sentiments: “This phase of the ceasefire is six weeks. Another swap is expected on Saturday” ([09:41]).

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3. TikTok Ban Lifted: Implications for Users and Tech Companies

Overview: The episode transitions to the reinstatement of TikTok in the United States after a brief federal ban. The discussion explores the legal and political maneuvers behind the decision, the app's uncertain future, and the potential repercussions for tech companies involved.

Key Points:

• Ban and Its Reversal:

  • Initial Ban: Enacted by President Biden, the ban required TikTok to sever ties with its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, citing national security risks ([11:12]).
  • Trump’s Intervention: President-elect Trump vowed to pause the ban, stating intentions to issue an executive order to delay its enforcement ([11:38]). However, legal experts question the efficacy of using an executive order to override existing legislation.

• Impact on Users and Availability:

  • User Experience: Approximately 170 million American users were affected by the 14-hour blackout, leading to frustration and confusion upon the app’s sudden return ([10:19]).
  • App Stores: Apple and Google have not reinstated TikTok on their platforms, preventing new downloads and hindering essential updates ([12:11]).

• Legal and Financial Ramifications:

  • Executive Actions: Trump proposed a 90-day window to negotiate a deal, but adherence to legislative requirements remains uncertain ([12:04]).
  • Potential Penalties: Republican Senator Tom Cotton warned that companies like Apple and Google could face substantial fines—“hundreds of billions of dollars”—if they proceed without proper certification from the White House ([12:51]).

• Corporate Responses:

  • Assurances from Trump: Promises that companies aiding TikTok’s return would not be held liable, though skepticism persists regarding the enforcement of these assurances.
  • Awaiting Next Steps: Tech giants are poised to take action based on Trump’s forthcoming decisions, balancing regulatory compliance with user demands.

Notable Quotes:

• Danielle Kurtzleben on user reactions: “[...] users are relieved that it's back, but also feeling some kind of whiplash” ([10:42]).
• Senator Tom Cotton’s warning: “Companies working with TikTok before it splits from ByteDance could face hundreds of billions of dollars in fines” ([12:51]).

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR's Up First provides a comprehensive overview of significant events shaping the early hours of 2025. From the high-stakes inauguration of Donald Trump and his immediate policy intentions to the fragile peace between Israel and Hamas, as well as the tumultuous reinstatement of TikTok, listeners are presented with in-depth analysis and firsthand accounts. Notable quotes and expert insights enrich the narratives, offering clarity and context to these unfolding stories.

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Produced by: Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas, and Milton Gavada
Edited by: Anna Yukoninoff, Denise Rios, Jerome Sokolovsky, Olivia Hampton, and Alice Wolfley
Engineering Support: Arthur Laurent
Technical Director: Stacy Abbott

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Support NPR: Support NPR's reporting by subscribing to Up First+ and unlock sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org/upfirst.

Transcript

[Layla Foden]

Good morning. A. Have you gotten your village people itch out of the system?

[Martinez]

Oh, it's been out since 1983.

[Layla Foden]

Really? Because on Friday you were all about your one joke.

[Martinez]

And to me, a one joke.

[Layla Foden]

Martinez, just do it for Milton one more time.

[Martinez]

Milton, are you listening to me? I said, Milton.

[Layla Foden]

A new American president takes over today.

[Martinez]

And Donald Trump is making lofty prom for his second term.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

I will act with historic speed and strength and fix every single crisis facing our country.

[Martinez]

What to expect on day one.

[Layla Foden]

I'm Layla Falden with a Martinez and this is up first from NPR News. The first Israeli hostages to be released in the ceasefire deal with Hamas are now home.

[Adil Al Shalchi]

It's just been the craziest emotional rollercoaster for the families.

[Layla Foden]

Dozens of Palestinian detainees also freed in the deal were reunited with their families. This as displaced Palestinians return to destroyed homes in Gaza. What lies ahead?

[Martinez]

And TikTok is back online after a brief weekend pause. Trump is taking credit and the popular video app is giving it to him. So is the app back for good? Stay with us. We've got all the news you need to start your day.

[Charles Schwab]

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[Jon Stewart]

This message comes from Comedy Central's the Daily Show. Jon Stewart and the Daily show news team are kicking off 2025 with brand new episodes covering a brand new administration and a not quite brand new president. While it may feel like history is repeating itself, it it's never been covered like this. With Jon Stewart behind the desk kicking off every week, Comedy Central's the Daily show, new weeknights at 11 on Comedy Central and streaming next day on Paramount. This message comes from HubSpot. As a marketer, you have to generate leads, create content and make your brand go viral. It's a lot. Thankfully, there's Breeze, HubSpot's suite of AI tools. Now you can turn one piece of content into all the assets you need. Find the best leads and beef up your reporting all in one place. Visit HubSpot.com marketers to see how companies like yours are generating 110% more leads in just 12 months.

[Martinez]

President elect Donald Trump will get sworn in today for his second term in the White House.

[Layla Foden]

Now he's a president who has proved unconventional. At a rally last night, he promised, quote, quite a show on his first Day in office.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Oh, you're gonna have a lot of fun watching television.

[Layla Foden]

But his inauguration will be a little pared down. It had to be moved into the rotunda because of the below freezing weather in Washington D.C. and the hundreds of thousands of people who showed up to see him in person will have to squeeze into the Capitol One arena instead.

[Martinez]

Danielle Kurtzleben is covering the inauguration and includes Trump's pre inaugural rally yesterday. So, Danielle. Yeah, I mean, the high today is supposed to be what, 25, 26 at most? Ye. So can't blame them for what they're doing. Can you tell us more about what to expect today?

[Adil Al Shalchi]

Yeah, well, it's a full day of activities and I'll mention just some of them. Following a service at St. John's Church, which is right next to the White House, the Bidens welcome the Trumps to the White House. And then midday, there's that official swearing in ceremony. And again, like you said, it's in the Capitol because it's chilly outside today here in Washington. Many supporters, however, will be watching that live stream in Capital One arena downtown again because of the cold. Then after that, Trump has a ceremony midday that could involve signing executive orders. And then in the afternoon, the inaugural parade has also been moved to the arena, which is where last night's rally was also held. So all that time spent cheering in an arena, it's really going to maybe fittingly feel like a lot of time at a traditional Trump rally.

[Martinez]

Yeah, Trump previewed some of those day one actions during that rally last night at the Capitol One Arena. What else did he say that stood out to you?

[Adil Al Shalchi]

Well, there was very much this pervasive feeling that the underdogs had won. That's definitely the story that a lot of speakers told. At least it was celebratory, but also in very Trumpian fashion. There was a lot of focus on how the MAGA movement has a lot of enemies, as they said, and needs to keep fighting them. And supporters outside told me that this win just feels bigger right now than the win in 2016 because they think they have more of America behind them this time. After all, Trump did win the popular vote, unlike in 2016. Now, here is Cindy Pugh. I spoke with her as she stood in line. She came to D.C. from her home in the Minneapolis suburbs.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

This win reflects a compelling call to action by the American people to act on our behalf, to not be beholden to the political establishment. So it does feel different to me.

[Martinez]

Now, inside the rally, there were a lot of people besides Trump. So were There any other speakers who made a mark?

[Adil Al Shalchi]

Yeah, quite a few. I mean, There was billionaire SpaceX founder Elon Musk. He gave an impromptu speech. Political commentator Megyn Kelly really stood out. She gave this very harsh speech that insulted Democrats and their famous supporters. She insulted Vice President Kamala Harris herself. And besides all of that, in his speech, Trump called out cabinet members he's picked. The crowd had big cheers, especially for Pete Hegseth, who is the defense nominee, who was questioned at his hearing recently about allegations of drinking in the job and sexual misconduct. Hegseth has denied all of those.

[Martinez]

Yeah. Now, Trump last night spoke about many of his priorities, including border security and boosting US Production of energy. So what else are we expecting from him today and also in the coming days as he comes back to the White House?

[Adil Al Shalchi]

Well, he's talked about doing a lot of executive orders, for example, he talked about carrying out mass deportations. And he also talked about pardoning people convicted of their actions during the January 6 riot four years ago.

[Martinez]

All right, that's NPR's Danielle Kurzleben. Thanks a lot, Danielle.

[Adil Al Shalchi]

Thank you.

[Martinez]

All right, Turning now to the Middle east, where there was a chaotic scene of celebration in the west bank last night.

[Adil Al Shalchi]

Yeah.

[Layla Foden]

Thousands of people greeted busloads of Palestinian prisoners and detainees freed from Israeli jail. That was after three Israeli women hostages held by Hamas were released earlier in the day. And they had emotional reunions with their families. And this is just the start of the first phase of what's being called a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

[Martinez]

NPR's Adil Al Shalchi has been covering the events from Tel Aviv, joins us now. So what was it like being there Yesterday?

[Juliana Kim]

Well, after 15 months of grief, everyone was actually nervous it wouldn't happen. But then from the moment the ceasefire did go into effect, almost three hours late, you could feel this collective sigh of relief just blanket the country. It was a day of tears, jubilation, embraces for Israelis seeing the three hostages released, for Palestinians in Gaza who got a respite from the fighting, and for those in the west bank reuniting with their imprisoned relatives.

[Martinez]

Yeah, we just heard what it sounded like in that moment. What about the release of Palestinian detainees, which included women and minors in the West Bank?

[Juliana Kim]

Well, it was bitterly cold there and families bundled up waiting for hours waving Palestinian flags. There was singing, people held balloons. People had also been confused for a long time about when and how the detainees were going to be released. My colleague Kat Lonsdorf was in Ramallah and told us that around two in the Morning buses pulled up, and dozens of detainees got out. And then the crowd pushed and pulled, chanted, danced, and fireworks decorated the sky.

[Martinez]

And you were in Israel at the hospital earlier when the three hostages were taken there from Gaza. What did you see there?

[Juliana Kim]

Yeah, so the hostages were Emily Damari, Romy Gonin, and Doron Steinbrecher, all between the ages of 24 and 31. They were brought in on helicopters. Some of their friends were. And we could hear these shouts of happiness ring in the hospital halls when they saw each other. Emily Cohen spoke on behalf of the Damari family.

[Adil Al Shalchi]

It's been the craziest emotional rollercoaster for the families. It's only three of them that have.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Come out, and so it's kind of bittersweet.

[Martinez]

Okay, so now the ceasefire has held for more than 24 hours. What are you hearing from Palestinians inside Gaza?

[Juliana Kim]

Well, in the morning, when the ceasefire took effect, Palestinians blasted their music from their homes. They cheered, honked their car horns, and then the skies went silent for the first time in months. The past few days had actually been some of the deadliest, with dozens killed in Israeli airstrikes. Also, we know that more than 600 trucks of desperately needed aid rolled into Gaza, according to the United Nations. And as Israeli troops partially withdrew from parts of the north, some displaced Palestinians made their way back to see what was left of their homes. Our producer in Gaza, Eneas Baba, spoke with one of them. Here's Tamer Al Akul. It's an unimaginable happiness, he says, like, I stumbled on a million dollars. But Hamas was very quick to send a message that it's still in charge of Gaza. We saw videos of Hamas police organizing aid distribution, patrolling the streets, and there were massed militants parading in the neighborhoods.

[Martinez]

All right, so all this feels like a lot, Hadeel, but what do we expect to happen in the coming days?

[Juliana Kim]

This phase of the ceasefire is six weeks. Another swap is expected on Saturday. Hamas is supposed to release four more hostages and. But, you know, a. Palestinians in Gaza have suffered so much loss and devastation, Israelis are desperate to start healing from the worst attack on their country. So many people here just want the war to end.

[Martinez]

Yeah, that's NPR's A Deal Al Shulhi in Tel Aviv. Thank you.

[Juliana Kim]

You're welcome.

[Martinez]

TikTok is back online in the US after going dark for about 14 hours starting Saturday night.

[Layla Foden]

Yeah, the blackout affected 170 million American users. And then it after President elect Donald Trump vowed to pause the federal ban. But the app isn't fully back to normal.

[Martinez]

Here to talk about this moment in TikTok limbo, we're joined by NPR's Juliana Kim. So, Juliana, TikTok is up and running again. I imagine users are at least happy about that.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Yeah, you know, a lot of users are relieved that it's back, but also feeling some kind of whiplash. I mean, leading up to the ban, I'd see videos on TikTok of people saying goodbye to the app with tears in their eyes. Then on Saturday night, the app just stopped working earlier than expected. It left TikTok users feeling shocked, grief, confusion. But yesterday, surprise, again, it was back.

[Martinez]

Yes. Yes, it was back. So remind us again why the ban was triggered in the first place.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Congress passed a law last year basically requiring TikTok to shut down in the US unless it cut ties from its China based owner, ByteDance. The concern being that China could manipulate TikTok in ways that would pose a risk to American security.

[Martinez]

Okay, President Biden signed the ban. Incoming President Trump sought the ban in his first term. And then he made that about face and said he wanted to save the app. And he addressed that. Right. I mean, what else did he say about this?

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Trump said he's going to issue an executive order to pause the ban once he's sworn in. So sometime today, though, it's worth noting that legal experts have questioned whether Trump can even use an executive order as an end run around a law Congress has already passed. Trump says he wants to give his administration more time to work out a deal. And he didn't mention a timeline, but he did tell NBC News that he was considering around 90 days.

[Martinez]

Okay, 90 days. So during those 90 days, what does that mean for TikTok and the companies that are involved with the app? Like maybe Apple and Google?

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Yeah, I mean, it's unclear, which is why Apple and Google haven't allowed TikTok back on their app stores after removing it. It's left new users unable to download TikTok. It also means the app can't receive important software updates, you know, to fix bugs and other glitches. The law says the White House has to certify to Congress that a TikTok sales before it can pause the ban. Otherwise, Apple, Google, and other companies could potentially face hefty financial penalties. And it's why for now, legal experts told my colleague Bobby Allen that Apple and Google are waiting to see Trump's next steps.

[Martinez]

So on those penalties, has Trump spoken on those penalties at all?

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Yeah, I mean, Trump assures companies that they won't be held liable if they helped bring TikTok back online. But not everyone is sure that companies will be let off the hook that easily. Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who's also the chief chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, warned about this on X. He said companies working with TikTok before it splits from ByteDance could face hundreds of billions of dollars in fines, not just from the Justice Department, but from shareholder lawsuits and state attorneys general.

[Martinez]

All right. That's NPR's Juliana Kim. Juliana, thanks a lot.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Thank you.

[Martinez]

And that's the first for Monday, January 20th. I'm Amy Martinez.

[Layla Foden]

And I'm Layla Foden. Make your next listen. Consider this the team behind NPR's All Things Considered goes deep into a single news story in just 15 minutes. Listen now on the NPR app.

[Martinez]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Anna Yukoninoff, Denise Rios, Jerome Sokolovsky, Olivia Hampton and Alice Wolfley was produced by Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas and Milton Gavada. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Stacy Abbott. Join us again tomorrow.

[Charles Schwab]

Want to hear this podcast without sponsor breaks? Amazon prime members can listen to up first sponsor free through Amazon Music. Or you can also support NPR's vital journalism and get up first [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org this message comes from Mint Mobile. From the gas pump to the grocery store, inflation is everywhere. So Mint Mobile is offering premium wireless starting at just $15 a month. To get your new phone plan for just $15, go to mintmobile.com Switch this message comes from Warby Parker. What makes a great pair of glasses at Warby Parker? It's all the invisible extras without the extra cost, like free adjustments for life. Find your [e-mail] or visit one of their hundreds of stores around the country.