Paris Emergency Summit, Marco Rubio in the Middle East, Trump's First Month

Summary

Up First from NPR: Detailed Summary

Episode Title: Paris Emergency Summit, Marco Rubio in the Middle East, Trump's First Month
Release Date: February 17, 2025
Hosts: Layla Fadel, A. Martinez, Tamara Keith

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1. European Emergency Summit in Paris

Overview: European leaders convened for an urgent summit in Paris to address the precarious future of Ukraine and broader European security concerns. The summit's significance is underscored by the exclusion of the United States and Russia from direct negotiations, raising tensions and uncertainties about the region's stability.

Key Discussions:

• U.S. Influence and Absence: The absence of the U.S. and Russia at the table has led European leaders to question the future trajectory of peace negotiations in Ukraine. A. Martinez highlights the European fears:
  “The future of Ukraine's on the line and wider European security is also under threat. So what do they have to fear from the US Meeting with Russia if they are not also at the table?” (00:17)

• Impact of Trump’s Policies: Eleanor Beardsley, NPR's correspondent in Paris, explains how recent actions by the Trump administration have destabilized long-standing security frameworks in Europe:
  “The post-war security order in Europe that's been in place 80 years is no more.” (02:47)

Notable Insights:

• Shift in U.S. Commitment: Eleanor Beardsley details U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's remarks indicating a pivot of U.S. priorities towards Asia, suggesting Europe must now independently ensure its security (03:03).

• European Unity and Military Spending: Leaders from eight nations, including France, Germany, and the Netherlands, are focused on increasing military expenditures and potentially overriding EU budget deficits to support a sustainable peace agreement (04:49).

Notable Quotes:

• Vice President J.D. Vance’s Criticism:
  “European democracy is fascist and anti-European.” – J.D. Vance (03:03)

• President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Call for Autonomy:
  “Europe’s future depends only on Europeans and decisions about Europe are made in Europe.” (05:51)

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2. Marco Rubio’s Middle East Mission

Overview: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a critical tour of the Middle East, commencing in Israel. His agenda includes promoting President Trump’s controversial plan to transform Gaza into a real estate development, displacing Palestinians, and engaging with regional and Russian officials to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict.

Key Discussions:

• Meeting with Israeli Leadership:
  Hay Batrawi, NPR’s international correspondent in Dubai, reports on Rubio’s discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
  “Gaza has been described as the biggest open-air prison, but that people there now should have the choice to leave.” (08:06)

• Saudi Arabia and UAE Engagements: Rubio is slated to meet with Saudi and Emirati officials to garner support for Trump's Gaza plan and to facilitate discussions with Russian delegations about Ukraine (08:53).

Notable Insights:

• Regional Sentiments: Public opinion in the Gulf has hardened against Israel due to extensive Palestinian casualties, complicating Rubio’s efforts to secure Arab support for the Gaza redevelopment plan (08:53).

• Russia and U.S. Negotiations: Saudi Arabia and the UAE are positioning themselves as mediators between the U.S. and Russia, potentially hosting a Trump-Putin summit to negotiate Ukraine’s future without Ukraine’s direct involvement (09:55).

Notable Quotes:

• Netanyahu on Trump’s Gaza Vision:
  “Trump's vision for Gaza is revolutionary and aligns with our long-term goals.” (08:06)

• Hay Batrawi on Saudi Arabia’s Stance:
  “Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince has described Israel’s war in Gaza as a genocide.” (08:30)

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3. Donald Trump’s First Month in Office

Overview: President Trump's inaugural month has been marked by swift and sweeping changes to the federal government. His administration has focused on reshaping governmental structures through executive actions, facing both political support and judicial challenges.

Key Discussions:

• Government Restructuring:
  A. Martinez outlines Trump’s efforts to reshape the federal government, including the confirmation of controversial cabinet members and attempts to eliminate entire agencies. However, some actions have been stalled by court rulings questioning their legality and constitutionality (10:07).

• Expanding Executive Authority:
  Tamara Keith, NPR’s senior White House correspondent, scrutinizes Trump's expansive view of executive power:
  “He is taking a very expansive view of his executive authority... trying to redefine birthright citizenship... freezing federal funds...” (10:45)

Notable Insights:

• Judicial Pushback: Courts have begun to curb some of Trump’s executive actions, with federal judges challenging the administration’s authority on several fronts, including unfreezing federal funds (11:44).

• Foreign Policy Shifts: Trump's administration is distancing itself from traditional alliances, demonstrating skepticism towards NATO and international organizations, and introducing unpredictable policies such as tariff threats and territorial ambitions (12:30).

Notable Quotes:

• Trump’s Statement on Law and Authority:
  “He who saves his country does not violate any law.” (10:32)

• Tamara Keith on Trump’s Constitutional Challenges:
  “The theme this time around is that he is challenging laws and the common understanding of the balance of power laid out in the Constitution.” (12:25)

Public and Political Reactions:

• Support and Opposition: Trump's actions have solidified support among his base, while Democrats have expressed strong opposition. Tamara Keith notes that many were unprepared for the rapid and extensive changes implemented within the first month (13:18).

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Conclusion

The episode of Up First delves into critical geopolitical shifts marked by Europe’s urgent meeting in Paris without U.S. participation, Marco Rubio’s controversial initiatives in the Middle East under the Trump administration, and the latter’s ambitious and contentious first month in office. The discussions reflect a world in flux, grappling with shifting alliances, security challenges, and unprecedented executive actions that may redefine international and domestic landscapes.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Layla Falded:
  “But will Arab allies be supportive of Trump turning Gaza into a seaside real estate development?” (00:48)

• Eleanor Beardsley:
  “Trump followers hint at bypassing Europe to negotiate peace deals directly with Russia.” (04:27)

• Layla Falded:
  “Change in the Middle East.” (06:38)

• Layla Falded:
  “Cycle where we repeat over and over.” (07:50)

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Transcript References

For detailed references, each timestamp corresponds to specific moments in the provided transcript, ensuring accurate attribution of quotes and insights as outlined in the summary.

Transcript

[Layla Falded]

Did you notice that we're working on President's Day? Did you agree to this?

[A. Martinez]

I made it part of my renegotiation.

[Layla Falded]

That you work every federal holiday like.

[A. Martinez]

Me with Layla Fadel.

[Layla Falded]

European leaders hold an emergency summit in Paris today.

[A. Martinez]

The future of Ukraine's on the line and wider European security is also under threat. So what do they have to fear from the US Meeting with Russia if they are not also at the table?

[Layla Falded]

I'm Layla Falded. That's a Martinez. And this is up first from NPR News. The U.S. secretary of State is in the Middle east promoting President Trump's vision to push Palestinians in Gaza out and take it over.

[Tamara Keith]

The president's also been very bold about.

[A. Martinez]

His view of what the future for Gaza should be.

[Tamara Keith]

Not the same tired ideas of the past.

[Layla Falded]

But will Arab allies be supportive of Trump turning Gaza into a seaside real estate development?

[A. Martinez]

And here in the US Trump follows through on promises to reshape the federal government on this President's Day. We take a look at his first four weeks in office. State with us. We've got all the news you need to start your day.

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[A. Martinez]

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[A. Martinez]

American and Russian delegations are expected to gather in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. European leaders are meeting in Paris today after being cut out of those negotiations.

[Layla Falded]

After Trump officials traveled to Europe last week, it became clear the post war security order in Europe that's been in place 80 years is no more.

[A. Martinez]

We go now to NPR's Eleanor Beardsley in Paris to hear more about this. So, Eleanor, why has this shook up Europe?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, you know, Europeans knew the Trump administration was going to be a rougher ride than the Biden administration, but they still held out hope that the US And Europe could work together, especially on ending the war in Ukraine. But that illusion burst this week. First, there was US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's visit to NATO. He basically told European allies the US has bigger priorities in Asia and Europe needs to take care of itself. That was followed by the Munich security conference this weekend where Vice President J.D. vance gave a scathing criticism of European democracy, a speech one European leader called quote, fascist and anti European. Vance also met with a far right opposition leader in Germany while refusing to meet with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Then there were the comments of US Adviser to Ukraine and Russia General Keith Kellogg, who told the Europeans, we'll take your interests into account, but you won't be at the negotiating table to end the war.

[A. Martinez]

Now, what about President Trump? How was his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin received there?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, that was the cherry on the cake. A President Trump gave no heads up to European allies or Ukraine before holding by all accounts, what was a friendly hour and a half phone call with Putin, who Europeans consider an aggressor and pariah. Trump even went so far as to speak of lifting sanctions and bringing Russia back into the fold of nations. Leaders left Munich yesterday morose and stunned. Ellie Tenenbaum told me he's a security expert at the French Institute for International Relations. Let's listen.

[A. Martinez]

So this has been their sort of nightmare scenario that they were going to be bypassed by the United States to negotiate a peace deal over the heads.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

And he says without its European allies by its side, the US Might try to strong arm Ukraine into a bad deal.

[A. Martinez]

All right, now, big meeting today in Paris. Who's going to be there? What's on the agenda?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, the leaders of eight nations are, meaning it's streamlined so they can move quickly. France, Britain, Poland, Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands and Denmark, plus two top EU officials and the head of NATO. On the agenda is increasing military spending, which might mean discarding long established EU limits on budget deficits and authorizing massive spending they will speak of how to guarantee any peace. In an editorial in a British newspaper yesterday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain would be ready to send troops to ensure a peace deal with. This morning, Sweden said it too could send troops. And France has also said it would send troops. But it will take more than a couple nations to guarantee a peace. Tenenbaum told me.

[A. Martinez]

What about Ukraine? What have they said about this?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke forcefully at the Munich conference as soon as he saw what was happening. He says Europe must be at the negotiating table and he's pushing Europeans to join with battle hardened Ukraine to build a European fighting force. Let's listen.

[A. Martinez]

We must build the armed forces of.

[Layla Falded]

Europe so that Europe's future depends only on Europeans and decisions about Europe are made in Europe.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

You got applause for that, eh? French officials describe today's meeting as informal and there'll be no final communique. They're trying to tamp down expectations for what is actually a very crucial meeting.

[A. Martinez]

That's Eleanor Beardsley in Paris. Thanks a lot.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Thank you.

[A. Martinez]

Marco Rubio is in the Middle east and his first stop as secretary of state in the region was Israel. Here's what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had to say about their meeting. We talked about how do we complete the change in the Middle East?

[Layla Falded]

Change in the Middle East. Rubio today is in Saudi Arabia where he will be discussing President Trump's plan to turn Gaza into a seaside real estate development and displace all the Palestinians. He'll also meet a Russian delegation about ending the war in Ukraine.

[A. Martinez]

Let's bring in NPR international correspondent in Dubai. So first, walk us through Secretary Rubio's discussions in Israel.

[Hay Batrawi]

Hey, good morning. So his main message is pushing Trump's plan for Gaza and ensuring the ceasefire there holds long enough to release all Israeli hostages held there by Hamas. And he made clear the US Israeli alliance has never been stronger, particularly under Trump. Of course. Now, he arrived in Israel the day after another exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees took place place and prisoners. And this ceasefire deal, it expires in two weeks. All right, so Trump officials are saying now that there will be a second phase of this deal to bring home more hostages. So while Rubio's visit is to see all of this through on the Israeli side, he's also in the region to reinforce Trump's plan after the ceasefire to rebuild Gaza under US Ownership and permanently displace Palestinians outside. And after meeting Netanyahu in Israel yesterday, Rubio doubled down on the planet.

[A. Martinez]

It may have shocked and surprised many.

[Tamara Keith]

But what cannot continue is the same.

[A. Martinez]

Cycle where we repeat over and over.

[Tamara Keith]

Again and wind up in the exact same place.

[A. Martinez]

So displacing Palestinians outside Gaza was an idea relegated to the far right in Israel until recently. I mean, now has the backing of Israel's prime minister. Tell us, what's he saying?

[Hay Batrawi]

Well, Netanyahu has called Trump's vision for Gaza revolutionary and says it did not come as a surprise because they'd spoken about it before it was announced by Trump earlier this month. And while addressing the conference of major American Jewish organizations yesterday in Israel, Netanyahu said Gaza has been described as the biggest open air prison, but that people there now should have the choice to leave. And he said this, the possibilities that.

[A. Martinez]

Loom today before us have never been before us before have never been available to us as they are now. And we intend to pursue them to the full. So the thing is, I mean, the plan for Gaza will need Arab buy in, especially from the wealthy Arab Gulf states. Tell us what Secretary Rubio might be hearing when he talks to leaders in Saudi Arabia for the UAE meeting today and tomorrow.

[Hay Batrawi]

Well, today a actually marks 500 days of this war since the deadly October 7th attack by Hamas on Israel in 2023. And public sentiment here in the region has turned even harder on Israel. And that's because of the tens of thousands of Palestinians killed by Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since. Now, Saudi Arabia's crown prince was close to establishing ties with Israel two years ago, but he has since described Israel's war in Gaza as a genocide. And so there's really no indication that ties with Israel and Saudi Arabia are on the horizon, at least for the moment. Now, the thing to keep in mind is that Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries rely on U.S. military support and they have business ties with Trump and his son in law, Jared Kushner, but they also have an oil pact and business ties with Russia. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also positioning themselves as brokers between the US And Russia. Now, you know, Rubio is leading a team of White House officials today to Saudi Arabia, where he will meet with Kremlin officials during their time there to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Now, these talks are ahead of what could be a Trump Putin summit in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine says they're not part of the talks today, but Ukraine's president is in the UAE right now and he's expected to head nest to Saudi Arabia.

[A. Martinez]

All right, that's Hay Batrawi in Dubai. Thank you very Much.

[Hay Batrawi]

Thanks a lot.

[A. Martinez]

President Trump was sworn into office four weeks ago today, and in those four.

[Layla Falded]

Weeks, he has gotten the Senate to confirm even his most controversial cabinet picks. His executive actions have forced dramatic changes in the federal government, and he's even tried to eliminate entire agencies. The courts have put a pause on some actions where there are very real questions about whether what Trump wants to do is legal or even constitutional.

[A. Martinez]

NPR senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith has been following all this. Tam. So over the weekend, Donald Trump posted on social media, quote, he who saves his country does not violate any law. What do you make of that?

[Tamara Keith]

Well, this is one of the biggest themes of the second Trump term. President Trump is taking a very expansive view of his executive authority. He is blowing past statutes like the the law requiring 30 days notice to Congress before firing inspectors general and running straight into significant constitutional questions. He's trying to redefine birthright citizenship, something enshrined in the Constitution. He's freezing federal funds and trying to erase agencies that were created by Congress without going back to Congress for the authority to do it. And I should say he's trying to do much more, much faster and going it alone in a way that he didn't in his first term. But he has a lot less to lose this time. He isn't running for reelection. And the Supreme Court has given presidents broad legal immunity for laws that are broken in the course of doing their jobs.

[A. Martinez]

Sure, but what happens if courts do decide to step in and decide what the president is trying to do is maybe illegal or unconstitutional?

[Tamara Keith]

We're likely going to find out, and perhaps sooner than later. President Trump did say last week that he will abide by the courts. But already in at least one case, a federal judge has found that the Trump administration defied a temporary order to unfreeze federal funding. The administration has appealed. You know, if a theme of the first Trump administration was that he was challenging norms, the theme this time around is that he is challenging laws and the common understanding of the balance of power laid out in the Constitution. Yesterday, he shared an article on social media that argued the real threat to democracy is Democrats and federal judges trampling on the president's authority.

[A. Martinez]

So, okay, in terms of foreign affairs now, what is the message that the Trump administration is sending the world so far?

[Tamara Keith]

There's a new sheriff in town, and he is nothing like Joe Biden. Biden was all about strengthening alliances. Trump is coming at it from a very different perspective. He is skeptical of international organizations like NATO and doesn't think alliances are worth much unless they are directly helping the US this week, we're expecting that meeting in Saudi Arabia with Russian officials and U.S. diplomats to discuss the end of the war in Ukraine. At this point, Europe isn't at the table, and it's not clear just yet what Ukraine's role will be. Add to this Trump's many tariff threats, the latest being reciprocal tariffs on friends and rivals alike, his talk of wanting to take back the Panama Canal or Greenland or even take control of Gaza. I think it's safe to say the era of predictability in American foreign policy is over.

[A. Martinez]

Seems so, yeah. So how is all this playing with his supporters?

[Tamara Keith]

Well, generally speaking, his supporters are cheering him on all the way and Democrats are beside themselves. But if you paid attention to what he said on the campaign trail, none of what's happened in this first month should be much of a surprise. It's just a lot of people didn't believe he was going to do all these things, or certainly not all at once.

[A. Martinez]

That's Tamara Keith Tam, thanks.

[Tamara Keith]

You're welcome.

[A. Martinez]

And that's up first for Monday, February 17th. I'm A. Martinez.

[Layla Falded]

And I'm Layla Falden. Make youe 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 or wherever you get your podcasts.

[A. Martinez]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Rylan Barton, D. Schanke, Krishnadev Calamore, Reena Advani, and Adriana Gallardo, was produced by Ziar Butch, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Carly Strange, joining us again tomorrow. Tomorrow.

[Unknown]

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