Tariffs View From The EU, Ukraine Weapons Plan, Texas Flood Update

Summary

Up First from NPR – July 14, 2025

NPR's Up First provides the essential news to kickstart your day. In this episode, hosts Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, and A Martinez delve into three major stories: the imposition of new U.S. tariffs on the European Union and Mexico, the United States' plans to supply additional weapons to Ukraine, and the devastating flood in central Texas.

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1. U.S. Tariffs on the EU and Mexico: European Response and Business Implications

The episode opens with a discussion on President Trump's recent decision to impose higher tariffs on major trading partners, notably the European Union (EU) and Mexico. This move has stirred significant tension in international trade relations and has substantial implications for businesses reliant on cross-border transactions.

Impact on Businesses: Sarah McCammon introduces the topic by highlighting the concerns of European exporters facing potential tariff increases. A French winemaker, Pierre Van Song Girardin, expresses his apprehension:

"I have some talks with my distributors, and if the tariffs go above 20%, they just can't buy. I think by being protectionist and nationalist, you won't really put the US Wines higher." ([05:36])

Frank Morris elaborates on the looming threat to exporters:

"He says it'll just keep people from having the products they want and upend trade." ([06:16])

European Negotiators’ Response: NPR’s Eleanor Beardsley, reporting from Paris, provides insight into the EU's reaction. She explains that the European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has opted to suspend retaliatory tariffs in hopes of negotiating a favorable trade deal by the end of the month:

"We have always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution." ([04:21])

However, not all EU leaders share the same conciliatory approach. French President Emmanuel Macron takes a firmer stance, warning of the potential for a full-scale trade war:

"Europe is not only threatened by the war in Ukraine, but...there is a threat to its economic model." ([04:47])

The tension underscores the fragile nature of U.S.-EU trade relations, with significant economic repercussions poised should the tariffs escalate as proposed.

2. U.S. and NATO’s Weapon Supply to Ukraine: Moscow’s Perspective

The podcast shifts focus to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, particularly the United States' commitment to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities through NATO. President Trump is set to announce significant support, including the deployment of Patriot missile systems.

President Trump's Announcement: Charles Mainz, NPR's Russia correspondent based in Moscow, provides an overview of Trump's planned announcement:

"He says he's cut a deal by which NATO will purchase American weapons for Ukraine, including Patriot missile systems, to help Ukraine defend itself from what's really become nearly nightly onslaughts of Russian drone and missile attacks." ([07:03])

Russian Reaction: Mainz discusses the Kremlin's cautious stance amidst these developments. Russia appears to be evaluating whether the U.S. will introduce more offensive weapons or new sanctions alongside the arms supply:

"The Kremlin is taking a wait and see approach...they're also curious to see whether Trump includes new sanctions in his announcement today." ([08:34])

Furthermore, Mainz highlights internal challenges within the Trump administration, noting that Trump's fluctuating opinions towards Russia make the Kremlin wary:

"Russia sees various groups around Trump trying to influence his decisions, and he's often influenced by whoever has his ear last." ([08:25])

Escalation of Conflict: The discussion also touches upon the intensifying conflict in Ukraine, with increased Russian attacks compelling stronger support for Ukrainian defenses:

"It seems the war is ramping up, not down. Maybe this was always naive for Trump to think that he could negotiate a peace quickly..." ([09:31])

Mainz concludes that Trump's strategy, which initially leaned towards leveraging personal relations with Putin, has not yielded the desired diplomatic breakthroughs, leading to a heightened state of military engagement.

3. Central Texas Flood Update: Aftermath and Community Resilience

Shifting to domestic news, the episode covers the aftermath of the catastrophic flood in Kerr County, Texas, which occurred on July 4th. The flooding led to over 132 fatalities and more than 100 people missing, marking one of the most tragic natural disasters in recent U.S. history.

Extent of the Disaster: Frank Morris reports from Central Texas, detailing the severe weather conditions:

"It rained 10 inches of rain on parts of the Texas hill country...the Guadalupe river flooded so catastrophically on July 4th." ([10:07])

Community Impact and Recovery Efforts: The flood’s impact on local infrastructure is profound, particularly concerning the water supply:

"The flood dumped all kinds of stuff into [Nimitz Lake], including sewage and gasoline from RVs that went down the river." ([11:54])

Local authorities are grappling with the extensive cleanup required to restore safe drinking water and rebuild affected areas. Kerr County Commissioner’s Court is actively addressing these challenges, including the imminent need to dredge the polluted Guadalupe River.

Human Toll and Emotional Aftermath: Frank Morris offers a poignant glimpse into the human suffering caused by the flood:

"Most people in town know someone who died. All the bodies of the flooding victims have gone to Grimes Funeral Chapel... over 100 bodies, including at least 36 children, all of them died violently." ([12:30])

The emotional strain on the community is palpable, with residents grappling with loss and the daunting task of recovery. Frank emphasizes the resilience of the community and the relentless efforts of first responders and local officials in the wake of such devastation.

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Up First continues to provide comprehensive coverage of these critical issues, ensuring listeners are well-informed about both global and local events shaping our world.

Transcript

[Steve Inskeep]

I just want to say welcome to Hammond.

[Sarah McCammon]

It's good to be here. Always.

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm glad you could come this early in the morning.

[Sarah McCammon]

Yeah.

[Steve Inskeep]

Studio 31.

[Sarah McCammon]

I'm glad you finished editing because we need to record some stuff now.

[Steve Inskeep]

Oh, we have to work.

[Sarah McCammon]

Yeah.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. Let's do it.

[Sarah McCammon]

A French winemaker says tariffs may push him out of the US Market.

[Frank Morris]

I have some talks with my distributors, and if the tariffs go above 20%, they just can't buy.

[Steve Inskeep]

How are European negotiators responding?

[Sarah McCammon]

I'm Sarah McCammon with Steve Inskeep. And and this is up first from NPR News. The president promised an announcement today about Russia regarding its war with Ukraine. He's been talking of sending more American weapons, and in this case, Europeans would pay for them. What more can we expect?

[Steve Inskeep]

Also, crews in central Texas face the aftermath of a flood. The latest priority is clearing out the debris from a disaster.

[Sarah McCammon]

We had many RVs that went down the river. They broke up. You've got sewage, you've got you name it.

[Steve Inskeep]

Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day.

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[Steve Inskeep]

President Trump has sent out more tariff letters. He's been copying and pasting similar language in letters to multiple countries promising higher tariffs beginning August 1st.

[Sarah McCammon]

He then posted those letters on social media. And the targets included Mexico, one of the most important U.S. trading partners. The president blamed Mexico for not doing enough to stop the fentanyl trade. President Trump also issued a letter to the European Union promising a tarif and demanding changes to European trade policies.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Eleanor Beardsley is covering the European response from Paris. Hi there, Eleanor.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Good morning, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so the president says now a 30% tariff will be imposed on the Europeans, even though they were in the middle of negotiating all this at the time. How have Europeans responded?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, they were stunned, even though by now they're used to these Trump shocks. But many know it's a negotiating tactic, but there's a lot at stake. So there was anger. You know, the EU US Trade is around a trillion dollars a and this could be upended if 30% tariffs would come into effect. The European Union includes 27 countries with more than 450 million consumers. And as you said, they had been negotiating furiously. They thought an acceptable deal was being made for both sides, and they clearly expected to keep tariffs at 10%. So yesterday, they held an emergency meeting in Brussels, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke afterwards. Now the Commission negotiates for the EU members. She did not hit back. She said the EU would actually suspend retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods that were scheduled to take effect today. This in the hopes of reaching a trade deal by the end of the month. And she spoke about stability and a constructive transatlantic partnership. Here she is.

[Steve Inskeep]

We have always been very clear that we prefer a negotiated solution.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

This remains the case, though she did say we will protect Europe's interests and the EU is ready to respond with countermeasures.

[Steve Inskeep]

This is very interesting. Not immediately responding with pushback, perhaps presuming that the United States States will back off on the tariffs, as Trump has repeatedly done all year long. But are all Europeans on board with this approach?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, not completely. And there's a feeling that Trump is trying to exploit possible divisions. French President Emmanuel Macron had the toughest words. He warned of being ready for a trade war with Washington and said Europeans must remain united. You know, Europe is under a lot of pressure, Steve. They've already agreed to hugely increase defense spending in NATO because of pressure from President Trump, but also because of the war on the Continent. And last night, Macron spoke ahead of today's Bastille Day, France's national holiday. He said Europe is not only threatened by the war in Ukraine, but he said there is a threat to its economic model. Let's listen. He said when companies think they're states and states act like empires, he said, taking lands and confiscating resources and capturing world markets.

[Steve Inskeep]

What do business leaders think of all this?

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Well, you know, I was actually talking to winemakers in Burgundy before this latest announcement, and they are huge exporters to the US and they say they've had zero tariffs for decades and even centuries, and they just don't get this. Winemaker Pierre Van Song Girardin says the US Is his biggest market. Americans love his wine. But that relationship could soon be over because of President Trump's actions. Here he is.

[Frank Morris]

I have some talks with my distributors, and if the tariffs go above 20%, they just can't buy. I think by being protectivist and nationalist, you won't really put the US Wines higher.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

He says it'll just keep people from having the products they want and upend trade.

[Steve Inskeep]

Well, maybe he can just pour himself a drink. Eleanor, thanks so much.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

Thank you, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

That's NPR's Eleanor Beardsley. The Secretary General of NATO is meeting President Trump in Washington today.

[Sarah McCammon]

The members of the Western alliance seem to be more aligned in their approach to Russia than they were just a few months ago. Trump has expressed frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has continued his war in Ukraine. The president said he will make a major announcement of some kind today.

[Steve Inskeep]

So naturally, NPR Russia correspondent Charles Mainz is following all this and is on the line from Moscow. Hey there, Charles.

[Charles Mainz]

Morning.

[Steve Inskeep]

What, if anything, is known about President Trump's planned announcement?

[Charles Mainz]

Well, quite a lot, actually. For all of Trump's flair for intrigue, he's been rather open about at least part of what we can expect today. He says he's cut a deal by which NATO will purchase American weapons for Ukraine, including Patriot missile systems, to help Ukraine defend itself from what's really become nearly nightly onslaughts of Russian drone and missile attacks. Here's Trump speaking at Andrews Air Force Base last night. We will send them patriots, which they desperately need, because Putin really surprised a lot of people. He talks nice, and then he bombs everybody in the evening.

[Eleanor Beardsley]

So there's a little bit of a problem there.

[Charles Mainz]

I don't like it.

[Steve Inskeep]

The impression is given that the person who's really surprised by Putin is President Trump himself. What went wrong with the president's confidence that he could get peace in Ukraine?

[Charles Mainz]

Yeah, you know, Trump seemed convinced he could leverage his personal relationship with Putin to, if not secure a peace agreement, then at least stop the fighting and work towards one. Moreover, you know, think back to when Trump came into office he seemed to really embrace Russian positions when it came to Ukraine. Remember, he blamed Ukraine for provoking Russia into the war. He suggested Moscow should be able to keep territory seized by force. And he outright rejected any future membership of Ukraine in NATO. You know, the problem has been that Putin wants more. He rejected Trump's efforts even for a temporary ceasefire, seemingly convinced that he could secure even better terms, if not outright victory through military means.

[Steve Inskeep]

Continues to say things about addressing the root causes, meaning what Russia wants out of the war. Now that President Trump is talking differently, what do Russians think?

[Charles Mainz]

Well, at least the Kremlin is taking a wait and see approach, perhaps waiting also to see whether these US Arms deliveries through NATO include more offensive weapons that could strike inside Russia. I think they're also curious to see whether Trump includes new sanctions in his announcement today. In that sense, you know, it's been interesting to see Moscow remain fairly deferential to Trump turning the other cheek, for example, even when Trump has used profane language to call Putin unserious about negotiations. I asked Sergei Politayev of the analysis group VAT for here in Moscow about this, and he argues that in part that's driven by an awareness that whatever Trump says today may not be what he thinks tomorrow. So here Politaev says that Russia sees various groups around Trump trying to influence his decisions, and he's often influenced by whoever has his ear last. So Politayev says, who knows when Trump's opinion towards Russia might change again?

[Steve Inskeep]

Well, when President Trump says that Putin bombs Ukraine in the evening, what is Russia doing in Ukraine lately?

[Charles Mainz]

Well, it seems to ramping up the attacks more and more. So the war seems to be ramping up, not down. Maybe this was always naive for Trump to think that he could negotiate a peace quickly, but it does seem like we're at the end of this period where there was at least an attempt to find a diplomatic solution. You know, Trump's efforts here fell short because Putin seems convinced that time and numbers are on Russia's side. As one military analyst here in Moscow who no longer gives interviews due to wartime censorship laws, told me the other day, you know, negotiations are over. This will now be settled on the Battlefield.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Charles Mains. Thanks for your insights as always. Really appreciate it.

[Charles Mainz]

Thank you.

[Steve Inskeep]

The search for victims from the July 4th flood in Kerr County, Texas, had to be suspended for several hours yesterday.

[Sarah McCammon]

That's because there was another flash flood emergency along the Guadalupe River. Crews had to retreat in case water cascaded down the valley again. Right now the death toll is at least 132 people, with more than 100 listed as missing.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Frank Morris has been in Central Texas, part of a large NPR team that's been covering this story day by day. Frank, good morning to you, sir.

[Frank Morris]

Morning, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

How bad has the weather been in Kerr county over the weekend?

[Frank Morris]

Well, it rained buckets for a while. It rained on 10 inches of rain on parts of the Texas hill country here. First responders rescued dozens of people around Lampasas, Texas. Streams across the region swelled, including the Guadalupe river, which flooded so catastrophically on July 4th. Kerr County Judge Rob Ke issued an emergency order, mostly closing off the main road along the river here and ordering most volunteers out of the disaster zone. That took a lot of volunteers out of service on the last day. They would be here to help out before needing to get back to work at their paying jobs. The cleanup resumed after the river receded, but it was a stark reminder of what happened on July 4th.

[Steve Inskeep]

So what do local governments, the people who now have to remain and try to help the local population, what are they doing now that we're more than a week past?

[Frank Morris]

Well, the Kerr County Commissioner's Court meets this morning, and it's got a lot to discuss. The water supply, for one. Kerrville gets most of its drinking water from Nimitz Lake, which is a reservoir on the Guadalupe River. Used to, anyway, because former Kerrville Mayor Judy Eichner says the flood dumped all kinds of stuff into that lake.

[Sarah McCammon]

It's hard to say, but from animals to possibly humans and gasoline and everything that comes from automobiles. And, you know, we had many RVs that went down the river. They broke up. You've got sewage, you've got you name it.

[Frank Morris]

Eichner says the city has wells it can draw on for now, but says eventually the lake and maybe also the river is going to have to be dredged.

[Steve Inskeep]

Frank, I'm just thinking about what people have been through. You have this night of terror. You have days of horror afterward of finding out how severe the damage was. How are people doing now?

[Frank Morris]

You know, it varies, of course. Steve. Most of Kerrville didn't have any flooding at all, but it seems like most people in town know someone who died. And all the bodies of the flooding victims have gone to Grimes Funeral Chapel in Kerrville. It's a quiet but intense focal point of this tragedy. John Onstadt, the funeral director there, says generally this place may see zero to maybe five deceased people a week since July 4th. First responders have brought more than 100 bodies, including at least 36 children here, all of them died violently. It's an unimaginable tragedy and more than anyone would ever expect in their lives to encounter. So, of course, even the most seasoned and professional people are going to be we all are overcome. Onslaught staff isn't involved in identifying victims. That works done by state and county agencies, but employees here have talked to a steady stream of distraught people hoping to lay eyes on their lost family members or friends.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Frank Morris, thanks for being there. Thanks for talking to people face to face so that Americans can hear each other. Really appreciate your work.

[Frank Morris]

You bet, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

And that's up first for this Monday, July 14th, Bastille Day. I'm Steve Inskeep.

[Sarah McCammon]

And I'm Sarah McCammon. Here's something good to know. The NPR app lets you keep public radio in your pocket. You'll find a mix of local, national and international news, plus a selection of the best podcasts from the NPR Network. Download the NPR app in your App Store today.

[Steve Inskeep]

Can I get Sarah McCammon stories on this app?

[Sarah McCammon]

You can get the NPR Politics podcast. Can I make a plug for that?

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm looking forward to that. Today's up first was edited by Miguel Macias, Ryland Barton, Russell Lewis, Janaya Williams and Lisa Thompson. It was produced by Ziad Bach, Nia Dimas and Christopher Thomas, our patient director who is hanging on as we do things late. We get engineering support from Damien Herring and our technical director is Zoe Vangenhoven. Join us tomorrow.

[NPR Sponsor]

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