Up First from NPR – July 1, 2025

Episode: Megabill Wrangling, State Of Democracy Poll, USAID Ends

1. Megabill Wrangling: Senate Republicans Push Through President Trump’s Tax and Spending Bill

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The episode opens with Michelle Martin introducing the intense negotiations surrounding President Donald Trump's ambitious tax and spending bill. Senate Republicans are nearing a final vote after months of protracted discussions and numerous close calls.

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Layla Fadel highlights the ongoing efforts of the Republican-led Senate, which has been in session overnight to debate potential amendments to the bill. Claudia Grisales, NPR’s Congressional correspondent, joins the conversation to provide deeper insights.

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Domenico Montanaro explains that the central focus of the legislation revolves around extending the tax cuts established during Trump's first term, with projected costs reaching into the trillions. To finance this, Republican fiscal hawks are advocating for significant cuts to Medicaid, a crucial healthcare program for low-income and disabled Americans. These proposed reductions have sparked opposition not only from Democrats but also from moderate Republicans concerned about the potential negative impact on rural hospitals.

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The implications for Medicaid are profound. Montanaro cites a nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimate projecting that approximately 12 million Americans could lose their health insurance under the current Senate version of the bill. This underscores the bill's extensive reach and potential to alter the lives of millions who depend on Medicaid.

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Beyond Medicaid, the "mega bill" encompasses a broad spectrum of provisions. These include maintaining the current level of the child tax credit, eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, and increasing defense spending. Additionally, the bill seeks to bolster immigration enforcement, particularly along the U.S.-Mexico border, and promote investments in traditional energy sources while rolling back many climate initiatives introduced under President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.

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Looking ahead, Montanaro outlines the next steps: the House must approve the Senate's version of the bill before it can reach President Trump's desk. However, with the House currently on recess and potential internal conflicts over Medicaid cuts and spending, the path forward remains uncertain. Montanaro also emphasizes the urgency of lifting the debt ceiling by summer to avoid catastrophic financial consequences.

2. State of Democracy Poll: Americans Express Deep Concerns

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As the nation approaches Independence Day, Michelle Martin introduces a startling new poll revealing that three-quarters of Americans believe democracy is under serious threat. Additionally, a similar majority identifies politically motivated violence as a significant problem.

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Zohran Mamdani, NPR’s political editor and correspondent, delves into the poll results. He notes that an overwhelming 76% of respondents feel democracy is seriously threatened, with 89% of Democrats, 80% of independents, and 57% of Republicans sharing this sentiment. This division highlights the deep political polarization currently gripping the country.

Timestamp: [07:21]

On the issue of political violence, 73% of Americans recognize it as a major problem. While support for this view is relatively consistent across political parties, Mamdani points out variations along racial and age lines. For instance, Latino and Black voters, as well as younger individuals, are less likely to view politically motivated violence as a significant issue compared to their white and older counterparts. Notably, white women across all education levels are the most vocal about their concerns regarding threats to democracy and political violence.

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The poll also sheds light on the waning faith in political leaders. Mamdani reveals that public confidence in both Republican and Democratic leaders is notably low. President Trump holds a 43% approval rating, with particularly low marks in areas such as immigration (43%), foreign policy (41%), and economic handling (39%). Similarly, congressional Republicans receive a modest 35% approval, the highest since the polling began in 2011. In contrast, congressional Democrats are facing their lowest approval ratings in seven years, with only 67% support. This decline is partly attributed to Democrats' internal struggles, as only 44% of Democrats approve of their party’s approach in Congress compared to 73% of Republicans who approve of their own party.

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Michelle Martin concludes this segment by directing listeners to NPR’s website for a comprehensive breakdown of the poll results.

3. USAID Shuts Down: Implications for Global and Domestic Affairs

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The discussion shifts to the closure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Layla Fadel notes that nearly six months after the Trump administration prioritized dismantling USAID, the agency has officially ceased operations, with remaining employees transferring to the State Department.

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Fatima Tanis, who has been covering this story, describes the emotional environment within USAID as staff bid farewell to colleagues. Many expressed deep commitment to the agency’s mission of assisting people worldwide, lamenting the loss of the USAID identity that symbolized American support through programs ranging from clinics to food aid.

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Tanis emphasizes the monumental impact of USAID’s shutdown. As the largest U.S. donor in global health and development, USAID managed thousands of programs, over 80% of which are now terminated. While the State Department will assume control of some initiatives, the administration has not presented a clear vision for the future of U.S. foreign assistance, aligning instead with an "America First" policy.

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The cessation of USAID has dire consequences, including the termination of programs addressing critical health issues like malaria and HIV/AIDS, as well as humanitarian efforts to combat child malnutrition. Tanis references a tragic case in Nigeria, where the closure of a USAID-funded clinic led to a child’s death due to the lack of available medical care. A study published in The Lancet projects that USAID cuts could result in 14 million preventable deaths by 2030.

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Domestically, there are growing concerns about the repercussions of reduced foreign assistance. During a recent Senate hearing, Senator Mitch McConnell highlighted the dual benefits of foreign aid: preventing diseases from entering the U.S. and exercising "soft power" to foster global stability and positive relationships. McConnell criticized the administration's approach to foreign aid as "unnecessarily chaotic," suggesting that it has created opportunities for China to fill the vacuum left by the U.S.

4. Zohran Mamdani's Mayoral Campaign: A New Force in New York Politics

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The episode culminates with a spotlight on Zohran Mamdani, a relatively unknown figure who has recently emerged as a significant contender in New York City’s mayoral race. At just 33 years old, Mamdani is a Democratic Socialist of Indian descent and Muslim faith, running without the support of his party's establishment.

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Despite initial skepticism, Mamdani has defied expectations by securing the presumptive win in the Democratic primary. Michelle Martin recounts how the New York Times’ editorial board had previously advised against voting for him, citing concerns over his experience and policy proposals. Additionally, Mamdani faced personal attacks and unfounded allegations linking him to promoting Islamic law and anti-Semitism.

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In an interview, Mamdani addresses these attacks head-on, expressing frustration over the misrepresentations and slander he has endured. He reflects on the challenges of campaigning under such conditions, acknowledging that negative portrayals could deter voters who are unfamiliar with his true character and policy intentions.

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Layla Fadel notes that despite these obstacles, many New Yorkers have rallied behind Mamdani, valuing his focus on affordability and rejecting the misleading narratives against him. His success in the primary marks a significant step toward potentially becoming the mayor of the nation's largest city.

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Listeners are encouraged to tune into MORNING EDITION for a more in-depth conversation with Mamdani, where he discusses what his campaign can teach party leaders and his vision for New York City.

Conclusion

In this episode of Up First, NPR delves into critical issues shaping the political and social landscape of the United States. From the high-stakes negotiations over President Trump’s expansive tax and spending bill, public anxieties surrounding the state of democracy, the significant shutdown of USAID and its global repercussions, to the rise of a new political figure in New York City’s mayoral race, listeners gain a comprehensive overview of the challenges and transformations occurring in the current U.S. political arena.

For a more detailed exploration of these topics and additional insights, subscribe to Up First+ and support your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.