Up First from NPR – July 16, 2025

NPR's "Up First" delivers the three biggest stories of the day with in-depth reporting and analysis. In this episode, hosts Steve Inskeep and Sarah McCammon delve into pressing issues: the interplay between tariffs and inflation, the resurgence of Epstein-related conspiracy theories among Trump supporters, and the contentious Senate debate over public broadcasting funding.

1. Tariffs and Inflation: An Ongoing Economic Tug-of-War

Overview: The episode opens with a discussion on the current economic climate, focusing on the persistent inflation and the role of tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. President Trump has been vocal in his criticism of the Federal Reserve, urging Chairman Jerome Powell to lower interest rates to stimulate the economy.

Key Points:

• Inflation Forecast: Scott Horsley projects that inflation will continue to rise slowly over the next six months, potentially stabilizing between 3% and 3.5% by year's end. “I think people are in for at least another six months or so of slowly increasing inflation...” [05:56]

• Impact of Tariffs: Sarah McCammon highlights that the tariffs enacted by President Trump on imported goods, such as toys, clothing, and appliances, have contributed to the uptick in inflation. “A new report from the Labor Department shows inflation heated up last month.” [02:21]

• Federal Reserve's Stance: Despite presidential pressures, experts like Stephen Cates from Bankrate believe the Fed will likely maintain current interest rates at their upcoming meetings, citing the recent inflation data. “Rising inflation makes Powell and his colleagues almost certain to hold interest rates steady...” [04:22]

• Potential Future Tariffs: The discussion touches on the president’s threats to implement additional tariffs, which could exacerbate inflation if enacted. However, there is skepticism among investors about the likelihood of these new tariffs coming to fruition. “If Trump actually were to triple the import tax on goods from the European Union... there would likely be a big sell off in the stock market.” [05:10]

Notable Quotes:

• “Interest rates should be coming down. We have a very, very successful country. We should have the lowest interest rate anywhere in the world, and we don't.” – President Trump [03:48]

2. Epstein Conspiracy Theories: Fueling Political Divides

Overview: The conversation shifts to the controversial topic of Jeffrey Epstein and the conspiracy theories surrounding his death and connections. Speaker Mike Johnson has called for the Trump administration to release more information about Epstein, stirring debates among Trump supporters who are entrenched in conspiracy narratives.

Key Points:

• Demand for Transparency: Speaker Johnson urges the administration to disclose more details about Epstein, despite the Department of Justice's stance that there is no extensive file to release. “It's a very delicate subject, but we should put everything out there and let the people decide it.” [06:36]

• Conspiracy Theories and QAnon: Pam Bondi explains how Epstein's case has been co-opted by conspiracy theorists, particularly within the QAnon movement, who view Epstein as part of a larger "satanic cabal." “Jeffrey Epstein's story is really this striking example of what they believe is a satanic cabal of pedophiles...” [08:06]

• Administration's Backtracking: The administration's inability to release new information has led to inner conflicts among supporters, prompting theories that blame other political figures like President Obama or Hillary Clinton for withholding information. “He spun up a new baseless conspiracy theory that actually the Epstein files were created by President Obama, Hillary Clinton, and the Biden administration.” [08:51]

• Impact on Trump’s Image: The ongoing conspiracy theories challenge President Trump's narrative of battling the "deep state," as his administration's actions appear contradictory to the promises made during his campaign. “Even as Trump is telling his supporters to forget about Epstein, they are demanding that the administration release whatever it is that they have on him.” [09:57]

Notable Quotes:

• “It's trying to reconcile two things that both cannot be true at the same time and finding a way to make both of them true.” – Mike Rothschild [09:05]

3. Public Broadcasting Cuts: Senate's Tight Vote and Its Implications

Overview: The final segment addresses the Senate's deliberation on a measure to rescind previously approved funding for foreign aid and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). The proposal, driven by Republicans in Congress, faces significant opposition due to concerns over its impact on public radio and television.

Key Points:

• Close Senate Vote: The Senate narrowly passed the rescission bill with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. “Really close. In fact, Vice President Vance had to break a 50-50 tie.” [10:51]

• Bipartisan Opposition: Prominent Republicans like Mitch McConnell, Lisa Murkowski, and Susan Collins joined Democrats in opposing the cuts, citing the essential role of public broadcasting in providing information and emergency alerts. “Murkowski defended the foreign aid programs, but ahead of yesterday's vote, she also expressed support for public broadcasting.” [11:42]

• Impact on NPR and CPB: NPR relies on CPB for a substantial portion of its funding. The proposed cuts threaten to defund CPB for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, which would have a cascading effect on public radio and TV stations nationwide. “The Corporation for Public Broadcasting will lose the funding that Congress appropriated for it for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.” [13:29]

• Legislative Process: Should the Senate pass the bill, it must undergo further scrutiny by the Senate parliamentarian and then return to the House for a final vote. The uncertainty leaves the future of CPB funding in flux. “If it passes, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting will lose the funding...” [13:27]

Notable Quotes:

• “If you don't like what's going on within NPR, you think that there's too much bias there. We can address that, but you don't need to gut the entire Corporation for Public Broadcasting.” – Lisa Murkowski [11:54]

Conclusion: This episode of "Up First from NPR" provides a comprehensive analysis of the intertwined issues of economic policy, political conspiracies, and the survival of public broadcasting in the current political landscape. Through expert insights and direct quotes, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of how tariffs are influencing inflation, the persistence of conspiracy theories within certain political factions, and the precarious state of funding for public media institutions.

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