Trump's Board Of Peace, Former Prince Andrew Arrested, Zuckerberg Defends Meta

Summary

Up First from NPR: Trump’s Board Of Peace, Former Prince Andrew Arrested, Zuckerberg Defends Meta

Date: February 19, 2026
Episode Summary:
This episode covers President Trump's launch of the Board of Peace and the complexities of Gaza’s future, the arrest of former Prince Andrew in connection with the Epstein files, and Mark Zuckerberg’s defense of Meta regarding social media addiction and underage Instagram use. Below is a detailed breakdown of the discussion, including key quotes, moments, and timestamps.

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Main Theme

The episode spotlights three major news stories:

• The first meeting of President Trump’s Board of Peace focused on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis in Gaza
• An arrest involving former Prince Andrew amid new revelations in the Epstein case
• Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony in the first ever trial over social media addiction and Meta’s responsibility toward young users

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1. President Trump’s Board of Peace and the Gaza Situation

[02:01 - 06:06]

Key Points and Insights

• Board Introduction: Trump convenes the inaugural Board of Peace in Washington, D.C., to oversee his Gaza ceasefire plan.

  • The board comprises leaders and diplomats from 40 countries (including Israel and Arab states, but not including any Palestinians).
  • France and the UK are only sending observers, citing concerns about Russia’s involvement.
  • Meeting hosted at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute for Peace.

• Purpose and Skepticism:

  • Some fear the Board is meant to “undermine the United Nations.”
  • The UN Security Council rescheduled its Gaza meeting so dignitaries could attend both.

• Impact and Challenges:

  • Trump announced "$5 billion has already been pledged by member states for Gaza reconstruction." — Layla Fadel [02:07]
  • Aya Batrawi notes that $5 billion "is a fraction needed" and that aid would only reach areas under Israeli control, not the sliver of land where 2 million Palestinians still live in “dire conditions.”
  • Israel controls Gaza’s borders, restricting entry of aid and building materials.

• Ceasefire and Stabilization Force:

  • The ceasefire is “shaky”—over 600 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks during the past four months.
  • Key proposal: an international stabilization force, acting as a buffer (not a policing force) between Israel and Hamas.
    • Indonesia has offered troops; Turkey’s offer objected to by Israel; Egypt hesitates.
  • Hamas Disarmament:
    • Israel and the US demand complete disarmament, including small arms.
    • Netanyahu: “Hamas must not only give up heavy weapons like rockets and mortars, but also small arms like Kalashnikov rifles…” [paraphrased, 05:15]
    • Israel has given Hamas “60 days to give up all its weapons or Israel will resume full military operations," threatening Trump’s ceasefire.

Notable Quotes

• “Some fear that Trump’s Board of Peace could be used to undermine the United Nations.” — Aya Batrawi [02:55]
• “Gaza right now is split in two. Israeli forces occupy more than half... 2 million Palestinians are living in dire conditions in a sliver along the sea where Hamas still governs.” — Aya Batrawi [03:55]
• “This week, Israel said Hamas has just 60 days to give up all its weapons or Israel will resume full military operations…” — Aya Batrawi [05:48]

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2. Former Prince Andrew Arrested in Epstein Files Probe

[06:15 - 08:24]

Key Points and Insights

• UK police arrested a man in his 60s for “misconduct in public office,” reported by British media to be King Charles’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor (the former Prince Andrew).
• Investigation centers on whether Andrew, as a former UK Trade envoy, shared confidential government materials with Jeffrey Epstein.
• The probe was triggered by newly released files from the US Justice Department (“the latest batch of documents”).
• King Charles issued a statement about cooperating with police if requested.
• Police searched addresses in Berkshire (where Windsor Castle is) and Norfolk (location of Sandringham Estate, where the arrest took place).

Notable Quotes

• “Andrew was good friends with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein… He strenuously denies any wrongdoing. He was nevertheless stripped of his royal title...” — Lauren Frayer [06:47]
• “This month, after the latest release of Epstein’s files from the US Justice Department, police here in the UK started investigating whether Andrew passed confidential government information to Epstein...” — Lauren Frayer [07:08]

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3. Mark Zuckerberg Defends Meta in Social Media Addiction Trial

[08:36 - 11:48]

Key Points and Insights

• Mark Zuckerberg testified in Los Angeles in the first trial over social media addiction, accused of knowing that underage kids were using Instagram but not stopping it.

• Plaintiff: a 20-year-old California woman who says she became addicted to social media as young as 6, causing depression and body image issues.

• Evidence: Internal Meta document showed “about 30% of 10 to 12 year olds in the US were using Instagram.” Strategy document: "If we want to win big with teens, we must bring them in as tweens."

• Zuckerberg’s Defense:

  • Denied wrongdoing, claimed memos are “being misrepresented.”
  • Admitted age verification is difficult—“many young people lie about their age.”

• Memorable courtroom moment:

  • Plaintiff’s lawyer displayed a massive poster with hundreds of her childhood Instagram selfies, questioning Meta’s oversight.
  • Zuckerberg was asked if Meta ever investigated her posts for unhealthy use; he “avoided the question.”

• Lawyers referenced internal guidance encouraging Zuckerberg to be “more empathic and relatable and more human… not to be fake and corporate and cheesy.” Zuckerberg’s self-deprecating response:

  • “I think I’m actually well known to be very bad at this.” — Mark Zuckerberg, via Bobby Allen [11:09]

• Broader Impact:

  • This case is tied to 1,600 other pending cases (by parents and school districts) consolidated in one suit over social media and mental health.
  • Billions of dollars and future regulatory changes are at stake.

Notable Quotes

• “A strategy document showed how, quote, if we want to win big with teens, we must bring them in as tweens.” — Bobby Allen [09:22]
• “I think I’m actually well known to be very bad at this.” — Mark Zuckerberg (as described by Bobby Allen) [11:09]
• “This case is tied to 1600 other pending cases… meaning there’s billions of dollars in monetary damages on the line and potentially major changes to the social media landscape.” — Bobby Allen [11:28]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Board of Peace & Gaza Discussion: 02:01 – 06:06
• Former Prince Andrew Arrest Story: 06:15 – 08:24
• Mark Zuckerberg Social Media Trial: 08:36 – 11:48

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Memorable Moments & Tone

The tone throughout is urgent and analytical, with empathy for those affected by conflict and social media issues, and a critical eye toward political and corporate leaders. Humor and vulnerability peek through in Zuckerberg’s testimony, providing a humanizing note in a serious courtroom drama.

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Credits

Correspondents: Aya Batrawi (Dubai), Lauren Frayer (London), Bobby Allen (Los Angeles)
Hosts: Layla Fadel, Michelle Martin
Editors and production staff listed at end of transcript

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For listeners: This episode provides a concise but deep look at pivotal global and tech news, blending investigative reporting, sharp questioning, and on-the-ground insights.

Transcript

[Layla Faldil]

President Trump's Board of Peace meets for the first time today over Gaza.

[Michelle Martin]

There are big questions about rebuilding the future of Palestinians in the territory and whether Hamas will disarm and Israel will withdraw.

[Layla Faldil]

I'm Layla Faldil. That's Michelle Martin. And this is up first from NPR News. British media report the former Prince Andrew has been arrested for suspected misconduct in public office. Police have been investigating whether Andrew shared confidential government material with his friend Jeffrey Epstein.

[Michelle Martin]

Also, how did Mark Zuckerberg defend against accusations that Meta knew underage kids were using Instagram and didn't stop it? We'll tell you what he testified in court and why this trial could reshape social media. Stay with us. We'll give you news you need to start your day.

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[Michelle Martin]

President Trump is convening the first ever meeting of the Board of Peace Today in Washington, D.C. now, Trump says he

[Layla Faldil]

created the group to oversee his ceasefire plan in Gaza. And he says $5 billion for reconstruction in Gaza has already been pledged by member states.

[Michelle Martin]

Joining us to tell us more about today's meeting and the hurdles ahead for Gaza is NPR international correspondent Aya Batrawi. She's in Dubai. Good morning, Aya.

[Aya Batrawi]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So remind us of what this Board of Peace is about and who is expected to attend this meeting today.

[Aya Batrawi]

Sure. So the Board of Peace is chaired by Trump, and the group was formally established only last month. And so this is their first meeting. Now Trump will be addressing a room full of heads of states and top diplomats from around 40 countries, including also the European Union. The meeting will have dignitaries from Argentina and Hungary to places like India and Vietnam. Meanwhile, France and the UK which have not joined the board out of concerns that Russia could be a part of this new group, will be sending absolutely observers to this meeting today. However, Israel and Arab states are part of this board, and they too will be at the meeting. But there are no Palestinians on the Board of Peace now. The event is being held at the newly renamed Donald J. Trump US Institute for Peace in Washington. And some fear that Trump's Board of Peace could be used to undermine the United Nations. Actually, a UN Security Council meeting on Gaza was moved a day earlier in order to accommodate diplomats being able to attend both meetings.

[Michelle Martin]

And as you mentioned, this board was first created to oversee Trump's ceasefire plan for Gaza. So where, where does the ceasefire stand now?

[Aya Batrawi]

So the ceasefire that Trump pushed through last October is shaky. Palestinian health officials say more than 600 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in Israeli attacks in these four months of ceasefire. And the next steps of the ceasefire plan are still unclear. And that's why this meeting today is significant, Michelle. Countries are expected to be making some big, tangible pledges. Trump has talked about $5 billion in pledges toward reconstruction. We could hear which countries made those initial pledges today, but that $5 billion is a fraction needed. And it would be going toward the Trump administration's vision for a new Gaza in areas still under Israeli military control. You know, Gaza right now is split in two. Israeli forces occupy more than half of this tiny territory, and some 2 million Palestinians are living in dire conditions in a sliver along the sea where Hamas still governs. And so reconstruction funds would not be going to those areas where Palestinians are living. And Israel still tightly controls the borders of what can come in regarding reconstruction materials and aid.

[Michelle Martin]

So given everything you've just told us, how might the this Board of Peace actually ensure progress?

[Aya Batrawi]

All right, so a crucial part of this next phase of Trump's ceasefire plan is the deployment of thousands of international troops to Gaza. This international stabilization force would not be policing the streets of Gaza, but it would be more of a buffer between Israel and Hamas to try to keep the peace and monitor violations of the ceasefire. Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, says it's ready to send troops. And we could hear similar commitments at today's meeting from other countries. But Israel does not want to give up control of Gaza, and it has objected, for example, to Turkey's offer to send troops. And that's also delayed Egypt signing up as well and saying that they would go in. So the other key part of the plan also hinges on Hamas disarming. Now, this is a key demand by Israel as well as the United States and several Arab countries who don't want to pour money into Gaza without assurances that Hamas no longer rules in a war won't resume. Now, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a couple days ago said Hamas must not only give up heavy weapons like rockets and mortars, but also small arms like Kalashnikov rifles. He's insisting on this even as Israel is arming rival Palestinian militias and clans that are fighting Hamas in Gaza. And this week, Israel said hamas has just 60 days to give up all its weapons or Israel will resume full military operations, which obviously would blow up Trump's ceasefire and resume a war that has decimated Gaza and killed entire families there. So, Michelle, there's a lot to discuss at this meeting and a lot riding on this first meeting of Trump's Board of Peace.

[Michelle Martin]

Yeah. So much to keep track of. That is NPR's Aya Betraawi in Dubai. A. Thank you.

[Aya Batrawi]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Layla Faldil]

King Charles's brother, the former Prince Andrew, has been arrested in an investigation into the Epstein files. Police in England say they arrested a man in his 60s for, quote, misconduct in public office. They are not naming the suspect, but British media report it is the king's brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Lauren Frayer joins us from London with the latest. Good morning, Lauren.

[Lauren Frayer]

Good morning, Layla.

[Layla Faldil]

Okay, so just tell us what's going on.

[Lauren Frayer]

So Andrew was good friends with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He settled a lawsuit with one of Epstein's underage victims, but he has said he strenuously denies any wrongdoing. He was nevertheless stripped of his royal title, prince over those Epstein ties, booted out of a royal cottage on the grounds of Windsor Castle. And then this month, after the latest release of Epstein's files from the US Justice Department, police here in the UK Started investigating whether Andrew passed confidential government information to Epstein when Andrew was a UK Trade envoy.

[Layla Faldil]

So the UK didn't have this information before the public drop of documents by the U.S. department of Justice.

[Lauren Frayer]

We believe this was triggered by that latest batch of documents. And now there's been an arrest in that investigation. It's also worth noting that the king recently issued a statement saying he would cooperate with police on this if asked about his brother. We don't know, though.

[Layla Faldil]

If police did approach him, what else do we know?

[Lauren Frayer]

UK Media are showing lots of cars amassing at the Sandringham Estate this morning. That's where Andrew had recently moved after being evicted from that royal cottage in Windsor. Police later put out a statement that they arrested a man on suspicion of misconduct in public office. They're not naming him. That's completely normal. Whether the suspect is royal or not. Police say they're also carrying out searches of various ACT addresses both west and east of London in Barkshire and in Norfolk. So Norfolk is where Sandringham Estate is and where this arrest happened, but Barkshire is where Windsor Castle is, and there's no confirmation on whether it's the castle they're searching or another property in that same county.

[Layla Faldil]

That's Lauren Frayer in London. Thank you. You're welcome.

[Michelle Martin]

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had to explain to a jury on Wednesday why Instagram targeted children under 13 for years because

[Layla Faldil]

that would violate the company's own policies and a family suing Meta says it shows the company designed social media apps with the intention of hooking young people early.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR's Bobby Allen was in the Los Angeles courtroom for Zuckerberg's testimony in the first ever trial over social media addiction. He's here to tell us more about it. Good morning, Bobby.

[Bobby Allen]

Hey, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So what did Mark Zuckerberg say from the witness stand?

[Bobby Allen]

Well, he was on the defensive. A lawyer for the family suing Meta drew his attention to several internal documents obtained through discovery. And one of them showed how Meta knew about 30% of 10 to 12 year olds in the US were using Instagram. And a strategy document showed how, quote, if we want to win big with teens, we must bring them in as tweens. Zuckerberg now said, you know, his words were being taken out of context and that some of these memos were being misrepresented. But he did admit, though, that many young people lie about their age to get on Instagram and that cracking down is just really hard.

[Michelle Martin]

Did you get a sense of how Zuckerberg's testimony was landing with the jury?

[Bobby Allen]

Yeah, they seemed engaged, but it's hard to say for sure if they found Zuckerberg convincing. Remember, their goal in this trial is to determine if Meta's Instagram and Google's YouTube substantially contributed to the mental health issues of the plaintiff. She is a 20 year old California woman who says she got addicted to social media apps as a child. As young as six years old, she says she developed depression and body image issues. She was also at the trial sitting in the gallery. There was a striking moment. Michelle when her lawyer asked Zuckerberg if he had reviewed any of her Instagram posts, he said his staff had shared some of them. Yes. Then five lawyers unspooled this massive poster with a collage of hundreds of selfies she posted as a child. The lawyer then asked Zuckerberg if Meta ever investigated her account for unhealthy use, and he avoids the question.

[Michelle Martin]

Any other moments stand out to you from his testimony?

[Bobby Allen]

Yeah. At one point, the family's lawyer brought out an internal document about how Meta's staff has pushed Zuckerberg to be more empathic and relatable and more human in public appearances and, you know, not to be fake and corporate and cheesy. These are their words, you know, during events like court appearance. And Zuckerberg responded by, you know, showing some human vulnerability. He said, quote, I think I'm actually well known to be very bad at this.

[Michelle Martin]

Well, so. So where does this trial go from here?

[Bobby Allen]

Yeah. There are four more weeks of witness testimony, then the jury begins deliberations. This case is tied to 1600 other pending cases.

[Michelle Martin]

1600?

[Bobby Allen]

Yeah. It's a lot. They were filed by parents, by school districts, all of them saying that social media caused all these mental health issues. They've been consolidated into one case. And depending on how this verdict in Los Angeles comes down, you know, that could potentially shape outcomes in all these other cases, meaning there's billions of dollars in monetary damages on the line and potentially major changes to the social media landscape.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR technology correspondent Bobby Allen. Bobby, thank you.

[Bobby Allen]

Thanks, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

And we should note Google, which owns YouTube, is a financial supporter of NPR. That's up first for Thursday, February 19th. I'm Michelle Martin.

[Layla Faldil]

And I'm Layla Fodel. Can't get enough of the Olympics? Check out Up First Winter Games, a new video podcast from the team that brings you up first. Find it every [e-mail] NPR.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Rob Griffiths, Miguel Macias, Tina Kraia, Brett Neely, Mohammed El Bardisi and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch and Nia Dumas. Our director is Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness. And our technical director is Carly Strange. Our deputy executive producer is Kelly Dickens. And we hope you'll join us again tomorrow.

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