Trump's World Stage, El Paso Detention Deaths, Indiana College Football Champions

Summary

Up First from NPR — January 20, 2026

Episode: Trump’s World Stage, El Paso Detention Deaths, Indiana College Football Champions
Hosts: Steve Inskeep, Michelle Martin
Guests/Reporters: Danielle Kurtzleben, Angela Kocherga, Becky Sullivan

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into three major stories shaping the headlines:

1. President Trump’s Unorthodox Diplomacy at Davos: Trump’s dramatic moves at the World Economic Forum, including new tariffs, renewed talk of acquiring Greenland, and his creation of a “Board of Peace” seeking to influence the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
2. Deaths and Squalor in America’s Largest Immigration Detention Center: The crisis at a Texas ICE facility where three people have died in six weeks, with growing concerns over medical neglect and oversight.
3. Indiana’s Miracle National Championship: The Indiana Hoosiers’ unprecedented turnaround, capping an undefeated season with a historic win in college football.

The episode closes with a glimpse of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s thoughts on political threats and shifting societal dynamics.

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Key Story Summaries

1. Trump at the World Economic Forum: Text Diplomacy, Tariffs, and “Peace Board”

[01:54 – 05:40]

Highlights:

• Trump’s Direct Diplomacy: The President’s personal text messages to world leaders draw attention at Davos.
• Tariffs as Leverage: Threats of 10% (rising to 25%) tariffs on eight European countries unless the U.S. can “acquire Greenland.”
• Board of Peace: Trump’s new initiative, positioned as a rival to the UN, tied to the Israeli–Hamas conflict and postwar Gaza.

Key Insights & Quotes:

• Trump’s Communication Style:
  • Steve Inskeep: “President Trump has been texting world leaders, and they have been texting him.” (01:54)
  • Danielle Kurtzleben: “Maybe most famously over the weekend, Trump texted the Norwegian prime minister that because Trump didn't get the Nobel Peace Prize, he no longer feels the need to think, quote, purely of peace, adding that the US should have total control over Greenland.” (03:58)
  • French President Macron to Trump: “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” (Reported by Kurtzleben at 04:39)
• Tariffs and Greenland:
  • Danielle Kurtzleben: “Trump posted that he's going to impose 10% tariffs on those eight countries starting on February 1, then raise it to 25% in June. That is, until a Greenland deal happens.” (03:17)
  • All impacted countries are NATO members, supporting Denmark and Greenland against U.S. pressure.
• Board of Peace Details:
  • Danielle Kurtzleben: “According to a copy obtained by NPR, permanent cease will cost nations a billion dollars each. And Trump is set to be the permanent chair... Some fear the board is attempting to create a rival to the U.N.” (04:52)
  • Russia allegedly invited to participate, making the international reception uncertain.

Notable Moment:

• Macron mixes flattery with confusion, messaging Trump: “You're doing a great job in Syria. Let's get together for dinner. But I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.” (Paraphrased at 04:39)

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2. El Paso Detention Deaths: Neglect in the Nation’s Largest ICE Facility

[05:48 – 09:05]

Highlights:

• Series of Deaths: Three detainees have died within six weeks at Camp East Montana, including two suicides and one medical emergency.
• Conditions Under Scrutiny: Allegations of medical neglect, abuse, and poor facilities detailed by advocates and lawyers.
• Calls for Action: Congressional visits and proposed legislation aim to overhaul oversight—Democratic Rep. Veronica Escobar calls for closure.

Key Insights & Quotes:

• Facility Profile:
  • Angela Kocherga: “The camp has a capacity to hold 5,000 people... average daily population was about 2,800.” (06:17)
• Deaths in Custody:
  • Angela Kocherga: “ICE says 36-year-old Victor Manuel Diaz was found dead last Wednesday... According to ICE, the death is a presumed suicide.” (06:44)
  • “Earlier this month, ICE reported a 55-year-old man... tried to take his own life... he died. Both cases are under investigation.” (06:44)
  • “The third death in custody happened in early December... 48-year-old Francisco Gaspar Andres died after being transported to a hospital.” (07:31)
• Official and Advocate Responses:
  • DHS: “It has a long-standing practice to provide comprehensive medical care... access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care." (07:36)
  • Marisa Limon Garza (Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center):

    “We know from people that we speak with every day at Campiz Montana that they are being denied access to medical attention, whether that's actual medicine or whether that's actual access to a doctor or physician.” (08:25)

  • Rep. Veronica Escobar:

    “It has never adhered to basic or appropriate standards to ensure the safety and dignity of the human beings in custody.” (08:43)

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3. Indiana Hoosiers: From Cellar-Dwellers to National Champions

[09:15 – 12:59]

Highlights:

• Historic Victory: Indiana defeats Miami 27–21 for their first ever national football championship, completing a perfect 16–0 season.
• Fastest Turnaround: Coach Kurt Signetti’s leadership transforms the Hoosiers from perennial losers to champions in two seasons.
• Key Players and Moments: Quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Heisman winner, delivers clutch plays, including a highlight-reel touchdown leap.
• Fan and Sports Context: Ecstatic fans flood Bloomington; the win symbolizes increased parity in college football due to new transfer rules, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) money, and investment.

Key Insights & Quotes:

• Coach Kurt Signetti’s Mindset:
  • “Yeah, it’s pretty simple. I win.” (Signetti, 10:09)
• On the Field After the Game:
  • Kurt Signetti: “We won the national championship at Indiana University. It can be done.” (10:32)
  • Angela Kocherga (emotionally): “I can't. Words can't describe it.” (10:43)
• Summary of Turnaround:
  • Becky Sullivan: “Before this season, Indiana had lost more games... than any other school... then they hired this guy, coach Kurt Signetti... Now they are 16 and oh, their last four wins came against some of the sport's best programs: Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, Miami.” (09:48)
• Impact of NCAA Changes:
  • “There's no restrictions anymore or much fewer on players transferring... players can earn money now... Indiana’s also just invested more money into its football program. It just shows how quickly things can change.” (12:12)
• Fan Sentiment:
  • Becky Sullivan: “The crowd at the game in Miami was so loud that Miami couldn't snap the ball in time... I think Indiana fans just probably thought this was literally never going to happen in their entire lives.” (11:36)

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4. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Democracy’s Strains

[13:12 – 14:37]

Highlights:

• Election Security Concerns: Whitmer warns of potential attempts to intimidate or suppress voters in the upcoming elections.
• Democrat’s Strategic Response: She emphasizes Democratic planning for various contingencies, not paranoia, and readiness for attempts to disrupt electoral integrity.
• Societal Shifts: Whitmer reflects on the party’s declining performance among men and societal pressures contributing to political trends.

Key Quotes:

• Gretchen Whitmer:

  “We know that there will be efforts to compromise the election or to dissuade people from showing up, to scare people away, to threaten people. We cannot let that stand. I'm concerned about it. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't.” (13:24)
  “I don't know all of the different pressures. I've been studying it... It is real… reaching out and listening and making sure that every part of our society can take advantage of opportunities.” (14:09)

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Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• Trump’s rationale for Greenland:

  "Because Trump didn't get the Nobel Peace Prize, he no longer feels the need to think, quote, purely of peace, adding that the US should have total control over Greenland."
  — Danielle Kurtzleben (03:58)

• French confusion:

  “I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.”
  — French President Macron, paraphrased by Danielle Kurtzleben (04:39)

• On ICE detainee neglect:

  “They are being denied access to medical attention, whether that's actual medicine or actual access to a doctor or physician.” — Marisa Limon Garza (08:25)

• Coach Signetti’s mantra:

  “Yeah, it’s pretty simple. I win.”
  — Kurt Signetti (10:09)

• Celebration and disbelief in Indiana:

  “I think Indiana fans just probably thought this was literally never going to happen in their entire lives.” — Becky Sullivan (11:36)

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Episode Structure & Timestamps

• [01:54] Trump’s diplomacy and Davos initiatives
• [03:17] Tariff threats over Greenland
• [03:58] Text messages between Trump and world leaders
• [04:52] “Board of Peace” plans and ramifications
• [05:48] Deaths and conditions at Texas ICE camp
• [08:25] Testimony from advocates; call to shut facility
• [09:15] Indiana football’s historic win
• [10:09–10:32] Coach Signetti and game recap
• [11:36–12:12] Fan reaction, impact of NCAA changes
• [13:12] Gov. Whitmer’s concerns about election security
• [14:09] Whitmer on Democrats and societal shifts

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Tone and Style

The conversation is brisk, accessible, and at times, wry or emotional, in keeping with NPR’s hallmark of straightforward, personable reporting and clear explanation.

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This summary captures the core reporting and analysis from today’s Up First, providing both a useful briefing and a sense of the episode’s character for anyone who missed it.

Transcript

[Steve Inskeep]

President Trump heads to the World Economic Forum in Davos with threats of tariffs and more talk of buying Greenland.

[Michelle Martin]

He's also selling membership to his Board of Peace. So what does Trump plan to tell other world leaders?

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm Steve Inskeep with Michelle Martin, and this is up first from NPR News. Three people have died in just six weeks at this country's largest immigration detention center, a tent camp run by a private contractor in Texas.

[Michelle Martin]

They are being denied access to medical attention.

[Steve Inskeep]

What are lawyers and advocates seeing inside?

[Michelle Martin]

And Indiana pulled off one of the wildest turnarounds in college football history, winning the national championship.

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm so happy for our fans.

[Angela Kocherga]

Words can't describe it.

[Michelle Martin]

The Hoosiers finish undefeated, beating Miami 27 to 21. How did they do it? Stay with us. We give you the news you need to start your day.

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[Steve Inskeep]

With Carvana, we have a story of very personal diplomacy. President Trump has been texting world leaders, and they have been texting him.

[Michelle Martin]

In one message, Trump told Norway's prime minister that he's trying to seize Greenland, in part because he did not receive a Nobel Peace Prize. That was Trump's explanation for shaking the most important US alliance and disrupting the world order. Overnight, Trump shared messages he received. One comes from France's president, who tries flattery on Trump, but then raises the issue of Greenland and proposes to discuss it over.

[Steve Inskeep]

Now. World leaders meet face to face at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. NPR White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben is covering all this. Danielle, good morning.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Hey, good morning.

[Steve Inskeep]

What's the U.S. delegation doing in Europe?

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Well, today Treasury Secretary Scott Besant will be speaking in Davos. Then Trump is scheduled to talk on Wednesday. And then on Thursday, there's what the White House is calling a charter announcement for the Board of Peace that Trump created to oversee reconstruction in Gaza after the conflict he's been trying to end between Israel and Hamas. In terms of substance, we don't know much yet. White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett has suggested that Trump will unveil a new housing policy. Beyond that, we know he likes to talk about tariffs. And days ago, he threatened to tariff goods from eight European countries until the US Has a deal to acquire Greenland.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, thank you for raising that. For those who didn't follow the news over the holiday, what were these threats about tariffs?

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Well, Trump posted that he's going to impose 10% tariffs on those eight countries starting on February 1, then raise it to 25% in June. That is, until a Greenland deal happens. Now, we don't really know details here. I've asked the White House, for example, what law would even authorize this, and I haven't received word yet. But those European countries, meanwhile, they're all NATO members, and they've all said they stand in full solidarity with fellow NATO member Denmark, as well as with Greenland, which is part of the kingdom of Denmark.

[Steve Inskeep]

And Trump has certainly drawn all attention to himself once again with these threats, including personal messages with world world leaders. What are these text messages?

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Well, maybe most famously over the weekend, Trump texted the Norwegian prime minister that because Trump didn't get the Nobel Peace Prize, he no longer feels the need to think, quote, purely of peace, adding that the US should have total control over Greenland. Now, of course, the Norwegian government does not decide who gets that prize. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly elaborated to NPR that Greenland is important for national security and that Trump thinks, quote, greenlanders would be better served if protected by the United States. That's, of course, certainly not how everyone sees it. In that overnight message from French President Emmanuel Macron that you mentioned, he said at one point, I do not understand what you are doing on Greenland.

[Steve Inskeep]

A fascinating message, also mixed in some flattery. You're doing a great job in Syria. Let's get together for dinner. But this is not the only thing Trump is doing on the world stage. There's also that Board of Peace you mentioned. Which is what?

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Well, that is something that Trump laid out when he talked about how he wants to solve the conflict between Israel and Hamas. And that announcement, that charter announcement that the White House talked about is happening on Thursday. We've learned more about that charter recently. According to a copy obtained by NPR permanent cease will cost nations a billion dollars each. And Trump is set to be the permanent chair. And as our colleague Daniel Estrin has reported, the charter says there's a need for a more effective international peacebuilding body, which makes some fe that the board is attempting to create a rival to the UN So we're keeping a close eye on that. Russia says Trump has asked President Vladimir Putin to sign on as part of the board. So it's unclear what he'll do and what traditional U.S. allies will do.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben, thanks so much. Really appreciate it.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

Of course.

[Michelle Martin]

There is growing concern about conditions at the largest immigration detention center in the United States, and here's why.

[Steve Inskeep]

Three people have died in custody in the last six weeks at a tent camp which is run by a private contractor. The most recent death happened this past week at the camp located at Fort Bliss in El Paso.

[Michelle Martin]

Angela Kocherga with member station KTEP is with us now with the latest. Good morning, Angela.

[Angela Kocherga]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

Could you just start with some background on this facility? How big is it and who's sent there?

[Gretchen Whitmer]

Yeah.

[Angela Kocherga]

Well, the camp has a capacity to hold 5,000 people and it can be expanded. And at the end of last year, the average daily population was about 2,800 people. Advocates and lawyers say that some immigrants picked up in Minneapolis recently are being sent to the tent facility, but people from all over the country are there. The facility is considered a hub for ICE because it's so large and there's a nearby airport for deportation flights.

[Michelle Martin]

So tell us about the people who have died at the facility. What do we know about them?

[Angela Kocherga]

Well, Immigration and Customs enforcement says 36 year old Victor Manuel Diaz was found dead last Wednesday. He had been in custody since January 6th when I said agents, quote, encountered him in Minneapolis and determined the Nicaraguan man was in the country illegally. Now, according to ice, staff at the detention camp here in El Paso found Diaz unconscious and called for emergency medical help. I says the death is a presumed suicide. And earlier this month, ice reported a 55 year old man named Geraldo Lunas Campos tried to take his own life and staff intervened to save him, but he died. Both cases are under investigation. The third death in custody happened in early December. That was 48 year old Francisco Gaspar Andres. He died after he was transported to a local hospital for a medical condition.

[Michelle Martin]

So the Department of Homeland Security oversees ice. What does the department have to say about this?

[Angela Kocherga]

In an emailed response yesterday to a question about medical care at the facility, DHS said It has a long standing practice to provide comprehensive medical care in custody, and that includes medical and mental health intake screenings within 12 hours of arriving at a facility. DHS said there's also access to medical appointments and 24 hour emergency care.

[Michelle Martin]

And, and what about lawyers or other advocates for the detainees? What do they say about this?

[Angela Kocherga]

Human rights advocates and multiple lawyers have lots of concerns and they've documented cases of medical neglect, physical abuse and unsanitary conditions at the facility known as Camp East Montana. And all of those were included in a report by the aclu. Marisa Limon Garza is the executive director of Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center.

[Michelle Martin]

We know from people that we speak with every day at Campiz Montana that they are being denied access to medical attention, whether that's actual medicine or whether that's actual access to a doctor or physician.

[Angela Kocherga]

And El Paso's congresswoman, Veronica Escobat, a Democrat, toured the facility when it opened in August and she's calling for it to shut down.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

It has never adhered to basic or.

[Gretchen Whitmer]

Appropriate standards to ensure the safety and.

[Angela Kocherga]

Dignity of the human beings in custody. Escobar is among 122 members of her party supporting legislation to create enhanced oversight for detention centers and phase out private contractors over three years.

[Michelle Martin]

That is Angela Cochega in El Paso. Angela, thanks so much for your reporting.

[Angela Kocherga]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

For more than a century, the Indiana Hoosiers with a punching bag of big time college football. Those days are over.

[Steve Inskeep]

Last night, IU completed an undefeated season to win the national championship game 27 to 21 over the Miami Hurricanes for their first title in school history.

[Michelle Martin]

I'm so proud of you for not gloating about that, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm not going to gloat because I follow Purdue, I confess it. But I'm glad for my statement.

[Michelle Martin]

Okay. Well, NPR sports correspondent Becky Sullivan is with us now to tell us more about it. An early morning after a late night. Becky, thank you.

[Becky Sullivan]

Yeah, good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

So is this the biggest turnaround in college football history?

[Becky Sullivan]

I mean, I certainly think you should make that case. I mean, before this season, Indiana had lost more games in the top level of college football's history and than any other school. Not counting last year. They'd had only three winning seasons in the past three decades. Then they hired this guy coach Kurt Signetti. He walked in the door a couple years ago, uttered this iconic line in one of his first press conferences.

[Steve Inskeep]

Yeah, it's pretty simple. I win.

[Becky Sullivan]

Google me. He wasn't lying. He rapidly transformed this program. I mean, I'm not sure what else stacks up to this fast a turnaround. Two years ago, Indiana went 3 and 9. This guy walks in the door. Now they are 16 and oh, their last four wins came against some of the sports best programs. Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, Miami. Here he is talking to ESPN on the field after the game.

[Angela Kocherga]

We won the national championship at Indiana University. It can be done.

[Steve Inskeep]

And I'm so happy for our fans.

[Angela Kocherga]

I can't. Words can't describe it.

[Michelle Martin]

Rare show of emotion from that one. So, okay, I lack your stamina, Becky. So I only made it to the first half having to get up early. So it was a close game, right?

[Becky Sullivan]

It was, yeah. You know, and Indiana had scored a ton of points in their previous two playoff games. This one kind of got off to a slow start. And I was wondering, geez, maybe this Miami defense will be able to slow the Hoosiers down. They have all this NFL talent on their defensive line. They were getting a lot of big hits on the Indiana quarterback earlier. That's Fernando Mendoza. But he ended up being the hero for the Hoosiers tonight. He had two key late fourth down conversions in the fourth quarter, including this rushing touchdown where he made this big picturesque leap toward the end zone with the ball outstretched. That put them ahead 10, 10 points and showing what made him the winner of the Heisman Trophy and probably the number one pick in this spring's NFL draft.

[Michelle Martin]

As we said, first football title in Indiana's history. How are Hoosier fans taking all this?

[Becky Sullivan]

I think they're out of their minds. You know, Miami got the ball back down six with just two, like about two minutes ago last night. It was their last chance in. The crowd at the game in Miami was so loud that Miami couldn't snap the ball in time. Their own stadium, you know, after the game, fans packed Kirkwood Avenue. That's the main drag off of campus in Bloomington. I think Indiana fans just probably thought this was literally never going to happen in their entire lives. How could it even be possible to win like the Big Ten with Ohio State and Michigan standing in the way, let alone a national title? But here they are.

[Michelle Martin]

So before we let you go, what do you think this says about the state of college football?

[Becky Sullivan]

Yeah, I mean, I think there's been this transformation in the sport of the last few years that has really paved the way for this run from Indiana. I mean, there's no restrictions anymore or much fewer on play. Players transferring from school to school. Players can earn money now. And so there's been a lot made of how Kurt Signetti aggressively was recruiting transfers, more experienced players to come in and make an impact right away. Indiana's also just invested more money into its football program. And it just shows how quickly things can change, how schools that aren't your traditional powerhouses, like Alabama, Ohio State, can suddenly become contenders much more easily. Before I'll tell you, Michelle, I'm a graduate of the University of Kansas. That's another school that's way up high on that list of college football's most losses all time. Fans of all sorts of schools are now asking themselves, why not us? So congrats to Indiana fans. I hope you all enjoy it today.

[Michelle Martin]

All right. That is NPR's Becky Sullivan. Becky, thank you.

[Becky Sullivan]

You're welcome.

[Michelle Martin]

The voices on NPR today include Michigan's Gretchen Whitmer. The governor of a swing state told Steve that Democrats are expecting President Trump's administration to try to game the results in this fall's midterm elections.

[Gretchen Whitmer]

We know that there will be efforts to compromise the election or to dissuade people from showing up, to scare people away, to threaten people. We cannot let that stand. I'm concerned about it. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't.

[Michelle Martin]

In an NPR video interview, Whitmer asserted that Democrats are, quote, around the tabletop, unquote, gaming out different scenarios. She said it is not paranoia to think that U.S. troops could be told to play some role.

[Steve Inskeep]

The comments come from governor who has tried to work with Trump occasionally with success. She leads a state that Trump lost in 2020 but then won in 2024. Whitmer is thinking about why Democrats did worse with men and also why some men seem to be falling behind in society.

[Gretchen Whitmer]

I don't know all of the different pressures. I've been studying it. I'm listening to probably a lot of the same podcasts that you are to understand what can we do? How do we bridge the. It is real, and I think that's the first step. And the second is really reaching out and listening and making sure that every part of our society can take advantage of opportunities that are available and we create ones where maybe we need to.

[Michelle Martin]

Steve also asked if a country is ready for a woman as president. You can hear Steve's full interview with Governor Whitmer on our radio show Morning Edition. Find it on your local NPR station or watch the video interview on the NPR app. And that's up first for Tuesday, January 20th. I'm Michelle Martin.

[Steve Inskeep]

And I'm Steve Inskeep. Up first gets you caught up on the news of the day and then Morning Edition, a radio program that the same people co host takes you deeper. We are live every morning on your local NPR station in your community with reporting and interviews in context. And if you want to listen in the afternoon, you can do that too. Download the NPR app and listen anytime. You can find all of NPR's most popular shows mixed up together and that includes stories from this podcast, up first, as well as morning editions. So many options to get the news you need to start your day.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Dana Farrington, Alfredo Carbajal, Russell Lewis, Mohamed El Bardisi, Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Ben Abrams and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Nisha Hynes. Our technical director is Carly Strange and our supervising senior producer is Vincent Pearson. We hope you'll join us again tomorrow.

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[Danielle Kurtzleben]

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