Israel Strikes Gaza, Trump And The Courts, Takeover At US Institute Of Peace

Summary

Up First from NPR – March 18, 2025

NPR's Up First delivers the most important stories to start your day. In this episode, hosts Leila Fadel and Amy Martinez delve into escalating violence in Gaza, legal battles surrounding deportations of Venezuelans, and a contentious takeover at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Additionally, the episode touches on President Trump's impending conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the Ukraine ceasefire. Below is a comprehensive summary of the key discussions and insights from the episode.

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1. Israel’s Strikes on Gaza Amid Ceasefire Negotiations

Overview: Overnight, Israel launched a series of intense and deadly airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties. These actions occur against the backdrop of fragile ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns about the potential re-escalation of conflict.

Key Details:

• Casualties and Impact: According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 300 Palestinians have been killed, and hundreds more injured. Scenes of devastation were vividly described, including a harrowing account from a Gaza City hospital:

  "Dozens of bodies lay on every corner here in front of me, wrapped in winter blankets brought by relatives or maybe some ambulances. Women and children, entire families laid in front of me here. The relatives are wailing. The smell of blood mixed with gunpowder and burning flesh is returned once more in Gaza."
  (Eneas Baba, 04:24)

• Ceasefire Breakdown: The attacks signify the most severe violence since the ceasefire commenced in January. The initial phase involved the release of hostages and prisoners, but subsequent negotiations have faltered.

• Statements from Officials: NPR's Hadil El Shadchi in Tel Aviv explained that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pressuring Hamas to release more hostages. An Israeli Defense Minister threatened dire consequences if Hamas did not comply:

  "The gates of hell will open in Gaza if all the hostages are not returned."
  (Hadil El Shadchi, 03:44)

• Humanitarian Concerns: Israel has blocked all aid to Gaza, including essential food and medical supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

Analysis: While it's still early to determine the full implications of these strikes on the overall ceasefire, the pattern suggests a strategic attempt by Israel to pressure Hamas into negotiations. The limited response from Hamas and the overwhelming humanitarian toll highlight the fragile state of peace in the region.

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2. Legal Scrutiny Over DOJ’s Deportation of Venezuelans

Overview: A federal judge has compelled the Department of Justice (DOJ) to provide explanations for deporting hundreds of Venezuelans despite court orders to halt such actions. This situation underscores a potential constitutional conflict between the executive and judicial branches.

Key Details:

• Court Orders and Deportations: A judge has requested a sworn declaration from the DOJ by noon detailing why planes carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members were allowed to depart the U.S. for El Salvador, defying earlier orders to stop the flights.

• Legal Debate: The central issue revolves around whether the DOJ knowingly ignored a court order. The timing of the order's issuance is contested, with the DOJ claiming that the written directive came after the flights had already taken off, while verbal orders were reportedly given earlier.

  "So part of this debate is over the timing of the order. The White House says the written order was issued after the flights had taken off, but the earlier the judge did give a verbal order."
  (Justin Levitt, 06:39)

• Political Ramifications: The Trump administration is facing accusations of stretching executive powers, with legal experts warning of a possible constitutional crisis if the DOJ is found to have defied the court.

  "It is clear the Trump administration is attacking the judicial branch in alarming ways."
  (Justin Levitt, 08:09)

Quotes and Insights:

• Justin Levitt (Law Professor): Highlighted the administration’s strategy of “playing footsie” with court orders without outright defiance, suggesting a nuanced approach to challenging judicial authority.

  "So what I see them doing so far is playing footsie with the notion of defying a court order rather than actually defying a court order."
  (Franco Ordonez, 08:29)

• Legal Perspectives: Levitt emphasized that this case should not be viewed in isolation but as part of a broader pattern of the White House attempting to extend its powers, challenging both legislative and judicial boundaries.

Conclusion: The DOJ’s deportation actions, if proven to have intentionally defied court orders, could ignite a significant constitutional confrontation. The administration maintains that it has adhered to legal protocols, but ongoing legal battles will determine the extent of any overreach.

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3. Hostile Takeover at the U.S. Institute of Peace

Overview: A dramatic incident unfolded at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), a non-profit think tank funded by Congress. Officials from the Department of Government Efficiency, accompanied by D.C. police, forcibly entered the institute's offices to install new leadership, leading to a standoff with the current director, George Moose.

Key Details:

• The Takeover: D.C. police were deployed to seize control of the USIP building, escorting out Director George Moose after attempts to install a new president led to resistance.

  "D.C. police showed up at my office and said, it's time for you to go."
  (George Moose, 04:49)

• George Moose’s Response: Moose condemned the takeover, emphasizing the institute’s mission to promote peace and conflict resolution.

  "This building really was built not just as a platform for the work that we do. It was built as a symbol of the aspiration of the American People to be peace builders in the world. That's why it is as beautiful as it is."
  (George Moose, 12:21)

• Legal Challenges: Legal representatives argue that the takeover is unlawful, as USIP is a non-governmental entity funded by Congress with its own governance structures. The Trump administration contends authority to remove board members, but only for cause, which they allege was met.

Quotes and Insights:

• George Foote (Lawyer for USIP): Asserted the illegality of the takeover, stating that the administration cannot lawfully remove board members without just cause.

  "It was built as a symbol of the aspiration of the American People to be peace builders in the world ... this is being done illegally."
  (George Moose, 12:21)

• Administration’s Stance: The White House labeled Moose as a “career bureaucrat” resistant to accountability, reflecting ongoing tensions between the administration and established institutions.

Analysis: The hostile takeover of the USIP signals a broader attempt by the Trump administration to undermine institutions that promote soft power and diplomacy. The legal battles that will ensue could set significant precedents for executive authority over non-profit, government-funded entities.

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4. President Trump to Speak with Putin on Ukraine Ceasefire

Overview: The episode briefly covers President Trump's planned phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, focusing on a potential ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, the largest armed confrontation in Europe since World War II.

Key Details:

• Ceasefire Negotiations: Ukraine has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, seeking prisoner exchanges and the return of thousands of children reportedly taken by Russia. Russia’s conditions include lifting international sanctions and preventing Ukraine’s NATO membership.

  "Ukraine wants peace more than anyone. But we cannot accept peace at any price."
  (Aide to Ukrainian President Zelensky, 13:41)

• Strategic Implications: If a ceasefire is achieved, it could pave the way for more sustainable peace talks. However, the divergent demands from both sides complicate the negotiation process.

Conclusion: The impending conversation between Trump and Putin underscores the delicate balance required to mediate peace in Ukraine. The outcome of these discussions will significantly impact the geopolitical landscape in Europe.

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Final Notes

The episode underscores a day marked by significant geopolitical tensions and domestic legal battles. From the resurgence of conflict in Gaza and potential constitutional crises in the U.S., to the strategic maneuvers in the Ukraine ceasefire negotiations, NPR's Up First provides a comprehensive overview of the most pressing issues shaping the global and national news landscape.

Support NPR: To continue supporting in-depth journalism, consider subscribing to Up First+ for sponsor-free listening.

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For more updates and detailed reporting, subscribe and listen to Up First on your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Amy Martinez]

Hundreds of Palestinians were killed or injured in surprise overnight attacks by Israel. The punishing strikes on Gaza come in the midst of fraught ceasefire negotiations.

[Layla Fadel]

Does this mean the war is back on?

[Amy Martinez]

I'm Amy Martinez. That's Layla Fadel. And this is up first from NPR News. A judge is asking the Justice Department to explain why it ignored orders to stop the deportation of hundreds of Venezuelans.

[Franco Ordonez]

So what I see them doing so far is playing footsie with the notion of defying a court order rather than actually defying a court order.

[Amy Martinez]

How far will the White House try to stretch its powers?

[Layla Fadel]

And the Department of Government Efficiency broke into the U.S. institute of Peace offices with the help of police.

[George Moose]

D.C. police showed up at my office and said, it's time for you to go.

[Layla Fadel]

Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day foreign.

[Michelle Kellerman]

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[Layla Fadel]

In Gaza overnight, a series of punishing and deadly Israeli airstrikes took Palestinians by surpr.

[Amy Martinez]

A Palestinian woman in Gaza City there screaming for her children. That was a scene in a hospital in the north. More than 300 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more injured, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The strikes are the most intense violence since a tenuous ceasefire began in January between Israel and Hamas as they negotiated an end of the war.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Hadil El Shad. She joins us now from Tel Aviv with The latest. Good morning, Hadil.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Good morning.

[Layla Fadel]

So why is Israel launching this attack now?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Well, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been threatening this whole time to go back to war if Hamas did not release more hostages this time. Israel says it is targeting Hamas militant commanders, wants to degrade Hamas's ability to rearm. That's according to an Israeli official who wasn't authorized to speak publicly. Just a reminder, the first phase of the ceasefire ended on March 1. Over six weeks, Hamas release 33 hostages. Israel freed almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. The second phase was supposed to see a total withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a permanent end to the war. But instead of starting those second phase talks, Israel came back and said it wanted an extension of the first phase where Hamas would return half the living hostages still held in Gaza.

[Layla Fadel]

So what did Hamas say?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Well, Hamas said that it had held up its end of the first phase of the deal and wanted to start second phase deal talks, refused the extension which is led to these attacks. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that, quote, the gates of hell will open in Gaza if all the hostages are not returned. And then we also know that the White House spokesperson, Caroline Levitt confirmed that Israel consulted the Trump administration before the strikes.

[Layla Fadel]

And what are we hearing from inside Gaza?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

I mean, explosions could be heard across the Strip. The Gaza Health Ministry says hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, including children. NPR's Gaza producer Eneas Baba was at Al Ahli Hospital this morning.

[Eneas Baba]

Dozens of bodies lay on every corner here in front of me, wrapped in winter blankets brought by relatives or maybe some ambulances. Women and children, entire families laid in front of me here. The relatives are wailing. The smell of blood mixed with gunpowder and burning flesh is returned once more in Gaza.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

Also, an Israeli military spokesman warned residents in several Gaza neighborhoods to start evacuating immediately.

[Layla Fadel]

So we heard there Enes describe really what sounds like war again. Do these strikes mean the ceasefire is done and the war is back on?

[Hadil El Shalchi]

So it might be a little too early to tell if the war is fully back on or what these strikes mean exactly for the ceasefire. You know, in recent weeks, Israel has been steadily increasing strikes in Gaza. Hamas hasn't yet responded with its own strikes. But today's assault is, of course, a pressure tactic by Israel to get Hamas to accept that extension. And they're a huge step back. Israel has blocked all aid, including food and medical supplies, three weeks ago. So aid groups are rationing quickly, dwindling supplies. And of course, you know, what does this mean? For the fate of the hostages still inside Gaza. Israel says 59 remain held by Hamas, 24 of whom are still believed to be alive.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Hadil El Shalchi in Tel Aviv. Thank you for your reporting, Hadil.

[Hadil El Shalchi]

You're welcome.

[Layla Fadel]

A federal judge wants the Justice Department to explain its actions in deportations that took place over the weekend.

[Amy Martinez]

A judge asked for a sworn declaration from the DOJ by noon today detailing how planes carrying alleged Venezuelan gang members were flown from the US To El Salvador despite a judge's orders to turn the planes around. A hearing yesterday saw a heated debate unfold about when exactly the orders were issued and whether they had to be in writing to restrain government action. The incident is bringing the administration closer, closer to a constitutional face off.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Franco Ordonez is here with more about how President Trump is testing his executive powers. Good morning, Franco.

[Justin Levitt]

Good morning.

[Layla Fadel]

So this story really blew up over the weekend. What's the controversy here?

[Justin Levitt]

Well, I mean, the controversy is whether the US Government defied a legal court order, which would be a potential breakdown between the executive branch and the judicial branch. And many legal experts say this would create a major constitutional crisis. Now, the White House says they did not ignore court, and they're painting this as a counter terrorism operation. They say most of the migrants on the plane were members of a Venezuelan gang known as Treinda de Agua. Others were from the Salvadoran gang, Ms. 13. But really, as you noted, part of this debate is over the timing of the order. The White House says the written order was issued after the flights had taken off, but the earlier the judge did give a verbal order.

[Layla Fadel]

Okay, so before we talk about the legal issues, how does the White House view the politics of this issue?

[Justin Levitt]

I mean, politically, they see this as a winning issue. I mean, it's one Trump campaigned on. And they're claiming this operation is him carrying out that promise. I mean, they feel that most Americans care more that violent gang members are being removed from the country. I mean, they even made light of the controversy yesterday and over the weekend, reposting a note by the Salvadoran president who wrote online, quote, oopsie, too late, after the judge called back the plane. And they're also posting on social media video of tattooed migrants with their hands chained boarding planes to different kinds of music.

[Layla Fadel]

So making light of this really important question of whether or not the Trump administration defied the court order, what did the Trump administration say about that?

[Justin Levitt]

Well, they say they did not. And I did speak with Justin Levitt, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University who served in the Biden White House. He said it's clear the Trump administration is attacking the judicial branch in alarming ways. But he said it was not clear whether the administration was actually violating those orders yet.

[Franco Ordonez]

So what I see them doing so far is playing footsie with the notion of defying a court order rather than actually defying a court order. They're getting cute. They're getting up to the line, you.

[Justin Levitt]

Know, he adds that they talk tough on TV and press briefings. Vice President Vance has attacked judges saying they're not allowed to control executive branch. Just yesterday, the borders are. Tom Homan said on Fox he didn't care what judges think. But so far, Levitt says a Trump administration has complied with the orders, albeit reluctantly.

[Layla Fadel]

And how does this test of Trump's power fit with other moves the administration's making?

[Justin Levitt]

I mean, this is a case that should not be looked at in a vacuum. The question at hand is not whether or not these people are dangerous and should be in the country, but the process of their removal. Is it legal? And specifically, did the administration knowingly ignore this order? This is just another example, though, of how the White House is working to stretch its powers. And we have seen this with the legislative branch, and we're now seeing it in the judicial branch.

[Layla Fadel]

Thanks, Franco.

[Justin Levitt]

Thank you.

[Layla Fadel]

That's White House correspondent Franco Ordonez. The US Institute of Peace was the scene of a hostile takeover by the Department of Government Efficiency.

[Amy Martinez]

They were helped by D.C. police.

[George Moose]

D.C. police showed up at my office and said, it's time for you to go.

[Amy Martinez]

That's George Moose, who had been running the institute, which is a think tank funded by Congress.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Michelle Kellerman spoke to him on the steps of the institute just across from the State Department, and she joins us now. Good morning, Michelle.

[George Foote]

Good morning, Layla.

[Layla Fadel]

So, Michelle, you were right there. Once Doge forced their way into the building, what did you see?

[George Foote]

Yeah, I mean, they tried several times to get in to install a new president, and they finally made it in at the end of the day. The White House says Moose was fired last week along with most of the board members. Moose is challenging that, and he was holed up in his office for a while yesterday after he says Doge broke in, but police caught up with him and escorted him out. He called it a sad day, and he talked about the work that he and his colleagues do there.

[George Moose]

This building really was built not just as a platform for the work that we do. It was built as a symbol of the aspiration of the American People to be peace builders in the world. That's why it is as beautiful as it is. And I have to believe that in the long term, that purpose, that mission will be reaffirmed and that we will, in one way or another be allowed to continue it.

[George Foote]

He says it's a mission that should be in line with the Trump administration. You know, they try to come up with ideas to resolve conflicts and promote peace. Moose, like many of the employees at usip, is a retired diplomat. He seems really shocked by the way that the Trump administration has been dismantling parts of America's soft power, starting with the lead U.S. aid agency and now coming to the U.S. institute of Peace.

[Layla Fadel]

Michelle, the question I have, and I think so many people have, is, is this legal? Can the Trump administration do this? Because this isn't a government agency. Right. It's a nonprofit funded by Congress.

[George Foote]

Yeah. I mean, Doge says that D.C. police escorted in his replacement after Moose refused to let in the replacement. A White House official called Moose a, quote, career bureaucrat who wants to be unaccountable to the American people. But a lawyer for USIP says that all of this is being done illegally, that President Trump, you know, he can fire board members, but only for cause. And the lawyer, George Foote, also explains that USIP is not a government agency. It has a bit of a different legal status and it also owns the building. He spoke to me outside the building yesterday.

[George Moose]

So the building has been seized by force by police officers with guns, acting under the authority of a resolution that we're going to have a court declare to be invalid.

[Layla Fadel]

So this seems to be a pattern with Doge, right? An attempt to cut funds without consulting Congress, only for it to all land in court.

[George Foote]

Yeah, I mean, Foote told me that Doge is using their usual playbook here, but he's convinced that the law is on USIP side. We'll have to see, though, what the courts decide and see if USIP employees can get back to their building and regain access to their computers. It'll also be interesting, Leila, to see if anyone in Congress steps in. After all, Congress created the U.S. institute of Peace and funds it.

[Layla Fadel]

That's NPR's Michelle Kellerman. Thank you, Michelle, thank you. Today, President Trump will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone. The US Is pursuing a ceasefire deal in Russia's war on Ukraine, the largest armed conflict in Europe since the Second World War.

[Amy Martinez]

Ukraine has already agreed to a 30 day ceasefire. Kyiv says it wants an exchange of prisoners and a return of the thousands of children it says Russia has illegally taken, but Russia has its own conditions before it agrees.

[Layla Fadel]

Among Putin's demands an end to international sanctions on Russia and no NATO membership for Ukraine. If a ceasefire is reached, the two sides say a more sustainable peace can be discussed. An aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this week that Ukraine wants peace more than anyone. But, he said, we cannot accept peace at any price. And that's up first for Tuesday, March 18th.

[Amy Martinez]

I'm Layla Faldick and Amy Martinez There is an easy way to stay connected to news and podcasts from the NPR network, the NPR app. You can hear community coverage from your local stations, stories from around the world, and podcast suggestions based on what you like. So download the NPR app in that App Store.

[Layla Fadel]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Jerry Holmes, Roberta Rampton, Russell Lewis, Alice Wolfley and Janay Williams. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Destiny Adams and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent and our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.

[Michelle Kellerman]

This message comes from Mint Mobile. Mint Mobile took what's wrong with wireless and made it right. They offer premium wireless plans for less and all plans include high speed data, unlimited talk and text and nationwide coverage. See for [e-mail] Switch support for this podcast and the following message come from Indeed. You just realized your business needed to hire someone yesterday. Indeed's sponsored jobs helps you stand out. According to Indeed data, sponsored jobs posted directly on indeed have 45% more applications than non sponsored jobs. Speed up your hiring right now with Indeed and get a $75 sponsored job credit to get your jobs more visibility@ Indeed.com NPR terms and conditions apply. Hiring Indeed is all you need.

[Franco Ordonez]

This message comes from NPR Sponsor 1Password Secure access to your online world from emails to banking, so you can protect what matters most with 1Password. For a free two week trial, go to 1Password.com NPR.