Ukraine Missiles, G20 Summit, Trump's Plans on Fentanyl

Summary

Up First from NPR – November 18, 2024

NPR’s Up First delivers the three biggest stories of the day with in-depth reporting and analysis. In this episode, hosted by Leila Fadel and Steve Inskeep, the focus centers on President Biden’s recent policy shift regarding Ukraine’s missile capabilities, the dynamics of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro amidst a potential administration change, and the controversial plans proposed by President Elect Trump to combat the fentanyl crisis in the United States.

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1. President Biden’s Authorization of Long-Range Missiles for Ukraine

Key Points:

• President Biden has authorized Ukraine to deploy American-made ATACMs (Army Tactical Missile Systems) with an extended range into Russian territory.
• This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, traditionally cautious to avoid escalating tensions with Russia, a nuclear-armed state.
• The move is partly motivated by recent aggressive actions from Russia, including the deployment of North Korean troops aimed at reclaiming territories lost to Ukrainian forces.

Notable Discussions:

• Greg Myrie, NPR’s national security correspondent, explains the tactical advantages of ATACMs: “They should certainly help. Ukraine's argument throughout the war is that Russia can move around troops and weapons with a large degree of freedom behind the front lines on the Russian side of the border because Ukraine was unlikely to attack them from long distance. So the ATACMs will make it riskier for the Russians to operate in these areas” (04:39).

• Layla Fadel raises concerns about the timing and potential reversibility of this policy: “Could the incoming Trump administration just change this missile policy and others related to Ukraine?”

• Greg Myrie acknowledges the uncertainty: “Oh, yes, absolutely. And Trump has been saying he wants negotiations to end the war...”

Impact and Implications:

• The authorization allows Ukraine to better defend captured regions, such as the Kursk area, against Russian and allied forces.
• However, the limited number of ATACMs provided and the U.S. maintaining reserves indicate a cautious approach, balancing support for Ukraine with the risk of escalation.
• The impending administration change raises questions about the continuity of U.S. support for Ukraine, with Trump signaling a preference for negotiations over increased military aid.

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2. G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro Amidst U.S. Political Transition

Key Points:

• World leaders are convening in Rio de Janeiro for the G20 Summit, with significant attention on how they will navigate policies under a potential new U.S. administration led by President Elect Trump.
• Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is advocating for progressive measures, including a global wealth tax and initiatives to combat poverty and hunger.
• The summit is set against a backdrop of global challenges such as climate change, economic inequality, and geopolitical tensions.

Notable Discussions:

• Tom Colicchio, NPR’s South America correspondent, provides insights into the summit’s atmosphere: “President Biden arrived here late last night... he made a stop first in the Amazon and pledged new US Funds for rainforest protection...”

• UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasizes the need for accelerated action on global issues: “Race much faster, to tackle common challenges like climate change and inequality. But also, he said, strengthen global governance and institutions now” (08:14).

• Tom Colicchio highlights potential disruptions: “The wild card here will be Milei, the Argentina's president... we’ll be watching him.”

Impact and Implications:

• The summit is an opportunity for global leaders to reinforce commitments to climate action and economic reforms, even as geopolitical landscapes shift with the upcoming U.S. administration change.
• Brazil’s leadership seeks to position itself as a champion of environmental and social causes, despite domestic political challenges.
• The presence of leaders like Argentina’s Javier Milei, who aligns closely with Trump’s ideologies, introduces unpredictability into the negotiations, particularly concerning progressive proposals like the global wealth tax.

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3. President Elect Trump’s Plan to Tackle the Fentanyl Crisis

Key Points:

• President Elect Trump proposes a hardline approach to the fentanyl epidemic, focusing on stringent law enforcement measures rather than the public health strategies emphasized by the Biden administration.
• His plan includes cracking down on drug traffickers and dealers, with rhetoric supporting extreme penalties, including the death penalty for major offenders.
• Experts express skepticism about the efficacy and ethical implications of these measures.

Notable Discussions:

• Brian Mann, NPR’s addiction correspondent, outlines Trump’s strategy: “Donald Trump's focus during the campaign was very different. A big pivot. He talked almost exclusively about cracking down on fentanyl traffickers and dealers, securing the border” (10:44).

• Greg Myrie reports on the proposed use of military force: “Even invoking the idea of military action in Mexico against traffickers, the worst idea anybody has ever, ever had” (11:57).

• Jonathan Culkins, a drug policy analyst at Carnegie Mellon University, criticizes the approach: “US Military strikes would do little to slow fentanyl smuggling or save American lives, but it could shatter diplomatic relations and destabilize Mexico.”

• Brandon Del Pozo, a former police chief and drug policy expert, condemns the death penalty proposal: “He called it ineffective and unethical. There are thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of Americans who are our neighbors, who are doing something that's illegal.”

Impact and Implications:

• Trump's proposed measures represent a drastic shift from the ongoing public health model, which has seen a reduction in drug-related deaths but recognizes addiction as a multifaceted issue.
• The potential defunding of programs like the Affordable Care Act under Trump raises concerns about the sustainability of progress made in addressing the crisis.
• While some segments of the population support a tougher stance, experts caution that such policies may exacerbate the problem rather than resolve it, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, long-term strategies.

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Conclusion

This episode of Up First delves into critical international and domestic issues shaping the current geopolitical and social landscape. From the strategic military support for Ukraine amidst shifting U.S. policies, the complex negotiations at the G20 Summit under Brazil’s leadership, to the contentious debate over the best approach to the fentanyl crisis, listeners are provided with comprehensive insights and expert analyses. As the U.S. faces a potential administrative transition, the implications of these discussions are poised to influence both national and global trajectories in the months to come.

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Notable Quotes:

• Greg Myrie on ATACMs: “They should certainly help... the ATACMs will make it riskier for the Russians to operate in these areas.” (04:39)

• Tom Colicchio on Global Challenges: “President Biden... pledged new US Funds for rainforest protection.” (07:15)

• Anthony Guterres on Global Governance: “Strengthen global governance and institutions now.” (08:14)

• Brian Mann on Trump’s Fentanyl Plan: “US Military strikes would do little to slow fentanyl smuggling or save American lives...” (11:57)

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Transcript

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. So Layla.

[Layla Fadel]

Yeah.

[Steve Inskeep]

Do you like this podcast up first? Yes.

[Layla Fadel]

Yeah.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much.

[Layla Fadel]

I love this podcast.

[Steve Inskeep]

So what I just did was survey. Well, the only other person in the studio with me at this time.

[Layla Fadel]

Right. I'm not biased at all.

[Steve Inskeep]

Not at all. Not at all. But you listening may have your own opinion and we'd like to hear from you. There's an audience survey which is your chance to tell us what you like and what you don't. This information will help make the podcast better. All you have to do is head to npr.org upfirstsurvey it sounds so harsh, slash, but say what you [e-mail] upfirstsurvey after you listen. President Biden makes one of his final moves, allowing Ukraine to fire American made missiles farther into Russia.

[Layla Fadel]

In the past, the US Hesitated to provoke Russia. What made the president decide that it's time to let the missiles fly?

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm Steve Inskeep with Layla Fadel and this is up first from NPR News. The president is promoting his climate agenda at a summit predicting the US Will keep embracing clean energy.

[Greg Myrie]

Nobody, nobody can reverse it.

[Steve Inskeep]

Nobody. How are world leaders preparing for a president with a different point of view?

[Layla Fadel]

And how does a new administration plan to attack drug gangs in Mexico?

[Greg Myrie]

President Trump is committed to condom terrorist organization and use them full might of the United States special operations to take them out.

[Layla Fadel]

Would that really affect fentanyl use in the United States? Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

[Kerry Khan]

This message comes from Made in Cookware. Did you know that many popular dishes in Tom Colicchio's craft restaurant are made in Made in Cookware. Made in supplies chefs with high end cookware because Made in makes exactly what demanding chefs look for. When you level up your cooking, remember what great dishes on menus worldwide have in common. They're Made in Made in save up to 30% from now until December 8th. Visit made in cookware.com that's m a d e I n cookware.com support for.

[Judy Abrams]

NPR and the following message come from Fisher Investments SVP Judy Abrams shares how their fiduciary duty comes to life while helping clients plan for retirement.

[Greg Myrie]

As a fiduciary, we must make decisions in our clients best interest. So we work with them in consultation to be on a glide path. So when they want the option to retire, that portfolio is still going to keep working for them at this stage of life.

[Judy Abrams]

Learn more@fisher investments.com Investing in securities involves the risk of loss. This message comes from HubSpot. Growing a business means a lot of audience attracting, lead scoring and long days. But with HubSpot, it's easier than ever for marketers to remix content, boost leads and score customers fast. Learn [e-mail] Marketers President Biden will now.

[Layla Fadel]

Let Ukraine fire long range U.S. missiles into Russia.

[Steve Inskeep]

Biden is clearing Ukraine for actions its leaders have wanted. For some time, the US has avoided too much provocation of the world's other leading nuclear weapons state. But now Biden acts shortly before the coming of a new administration whose approach to Ukraine is uncertain.

[Layla Fadel]

For more on how this fits into Ukraine's larger military effort, we're joined by NPR national security correspondent Greg Myrie. Hi, Greg.

[Greg Myrie]

Hi, Leila.

[Layla Fadel]

So what's changed? Why is President Biden deciding to do this with two months left in his presidency?

[Greg Myrie]

Well, he seems to be acting now because Russia is using some 10,000 North Korean troops in a bid to push Ukrainian forces out of Russian territory. This is according to a US Official who spoke to our NPR colleague Tom Bowman. Now, Ukraine captured a chunk of the Kursk region in western Russia about 500 square miles back in August. These Russian and North Korean forces are clawing back some of that territory and heavy fighting. The Ukrainians will now be able to use these U.S. missiles, known as ATACMs, to try to hold this territory.

[Layla Fadel]

But is President Biden no longer worried about provoking Russia here?

[Greg Myrie]

Well, no. I mean, all along his concern has been a possible Russian escalation, but now he seems the priority is signaling that his administration wants to do what it can before leaving office in January. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week, quote, every dollar we have at our disposal will be pushed out the door.

[Layla Fadel]

And how much will the long range missiles help Ukraine being able to use?

[Greg Myrie]

Yeah, yeah, Layla, they should certainly help. Ukraine's argument throughout the war is that Russia can move around troops and weapons with a large degree of freedom behind the front lines on the Russian side of the border because Ukraine was unlikely to attack them from long distance. So the atacms will make it riskier for the Russians to operate in these areas. However, there are real limits to this new policy. The US Said the Russians have already pulled back things like warplanes to take them out of missile range. And the US is just providing a limited number of ATACMs because their own stockpile is limited and they need to keep some in the US arsenal. The ATACMs can travel about 200 miles. They're quite powerful. Yet while Ukraine has been waiting for this permission from the US it's been building its own attack drones, which can travel even longer distances, though they don't pack quite the same punch.

[Layla Fadel]

Now, we talked about how this is really just two months left in the Biden administration. Could the incoming Trump administration just change this missile policy and others related to Ukraine?

[Greg Myrie]

Oh, yes, absolutely. And Trump has been saying he wants negotiations to end the war. The Ukrainians are concerned they'll face pressure to make concessions to Russia, including territorial concessions, which they've adamantly opposed. And Trump has also expressed opposition to more U.S. military assistance. The U.S. had this $61 billion package for Ukraine back in April, and it's working its way through this. U.S. officials say the aid already approved is likely to go ahead, but additional money is now an open.

[Layla Fadel]

And meanwhile, winter is approaching, which changes the way this fight happens. What are you watching for?

[Greg Myrie]

Yeah, Laila. Just yesterday, Russia carried out a heavy strike, 200 missiles and drones, one of the heaviest in months. And every winter, Russia is expected, as it has in the past, to wage sustained attacks on Ukraine's power grid. And this has done a lot of cumulative damage, and it will remain a big vulnerability.

[Layla Fadel]

That's NPR's Greg Myri. Thank you, Greg.

[Greg Myrie]

Sure thing.

[Layla Fadel]

Leaders of the world's largest economies are gathering in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil today. And tomorrow.

[Steve Inskeep]

It's President Biden's last group of 20 summit, and a tricky one. Some of the measures he's expected to sign onto are not supported by the incoming administration.

[Layla Fadel]

We go to NPR's South America correspondent to hear more. Hi, Kerry Khan.

[Tom Colicchio]

Hi, good morning.

[Layla Fadel]

So what's the mood like in Rio right now as these world leaders gather there at the beach?

[Tom Colicchio]

The sun's out. It's a picture postcard day here, so that should help with the mood. President Elect Trump's return, though, and global conflicts in the Middle east and Ukraine are all hanging over the summit. President Biden arrived here late last night. He made a stop first in the Amazon and pledged new US Funds for rainforest protection. He didn't mention Trump there, who dismisses global warming. But Biden did take some jabs at those who he says would, quote, deny or delay America's clean energy revolution.

[Greg Myrie]

Nobody, nobody can reverse it. Nobody. Not when so many people, regardless of party or politics, are enjoying its benefits.

[Tom Colicchio]

Also Yesterday at the G20 venue, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was asked how world leaders should prepare for another Trump administration. He urged them to, quote, race much faster, to tackle common challenges like climate change and inequality. But also, he said, strengthen global governance and institutions now.

[Judy Abrams]

And if you are able in all.

[Greg Myrie]

These areas to make a strong bet.

[Judy Abrams]

On multilateralism, that is the best possible response.

[Layla Fadel]

Okay, so Trump's not there and not president yet, but he is looming large already during the summit. What are the G20 leaders going to address this week?

[Tom Colicchio]

The host, Brazil's President Luis Inaciolula da Silva, a leftist, remains unfazed and is pushing ahead with his progressive proposals that they include a tax on the world's wealthiest and plans to alleviate poverty and hunger. Over the weekend, he blasted, quote, neoliberalism for aggravating economic and political inequality. He says to reach the hearts of citizens, governments need to close that gap between the voice of the markets and the voice of the streets. Lulu's been trying to position himself as a world leader, especially on issues of climate change. But here at home, his leftist party took a beating in last month's nationwide elections. He's also dealing with far right leaders in South America like former President Jair Bolsonaro and Argentina's ultra libertarian Javier Milei, who are both feeling quite emboldened with Trump coming back to power.

[Layla Fadel]

Now, these summits are also a lot of posturing photo ops, but are you expecting any surprises?

[Tom Colicchio]

I think the wild card here will be Milei, the Argentina's president. He's just back from Florida where he personally congratulated Trump. He's known for his brash showmanship abroad. He just pulled out of the COP 29 climate talks and he also had Argentina cast the lone vote against a UN resolution condemning gender based violence. His negotiators here signed on to the G20s draft joint declaration, but there's talk that they won't now, especially with that global tax on the super rich in it. So we'll be watching him.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR's Kerry Khan. Thank you, Kerry.

[Tom Colicchio]

You're welcome.

[Layla Fadel]

Fentanyl and other street drugs are still killing nearly 100,000 people in the US every year.

[Steve Inskeep]

That number has been dropping, but is still very high. So what does a new administration plan to do about it? President Elect Trump made several big promises while campaigning, and people who work on the issue now assess how they would turn out.

[Layla Fadel]

NPR addiction correspondent Brian Mann is here to talk us through some of Trump's ideas. Good morning, Brian.

[Brian Mann]

Good morning.

[Layla Fadel]

So how does Donald Trump say he'll end fentanyl overdoses?

[Brian Mann]

Well, it's interesting. Over the last four years, we saw the Biden administration really shift the fentanyl street drug response to a public health model. That means a lot more treatment and better medications. Donald Trump's focus during the campaign was very different. A big pivot. He talked almost exclusively about cracking down on fentanyl traffickers and dealers, securing the border. Here's Trump talking during one of his rallies. Sir, I heard you want the death.

[Tom Colicchio]

Penalty for drug dealers.

[Brian Mann]

Why?

[Tom Colicchio]

Well, you know, I'd like to end.

[Greg Myrie]

The drug epidemic, if that's okay.

[Brian Mann]

And then after the election, Layla, the man Trump named to serve as border czar, Tom Homan, raised the stakes, promising US Military action against Mexican drug cartels during an appearance on Fox News.

[Greg Myrie]

President Trump is committed to condom terrorist organization and using full might of the United States special operations to take them out.

[Layla Fadel]

Okay, so that's a pretty drastic change. A big pivot from the public health approach. Do experts think this will work?

[Brian Mann]

Well, the short answer is no. Even a lot of drug policy and addiction experts who do want a tougher response to fentanyl tell me they're worried Trump's team will go too far. Jonathan Culkins is a drug policy analyst at Carnegie Mellon University.

[Greg Myrie]

Even invoking the idea of military action in Mexico against traffickers, the worst idea anybody has ever, ever had.

[Brian Mann]

Culkins and other experts believe, Layla, that US Military strikes would do little to slow fentanyl smuggling or save American lives, but it could shatter diplomatic relations and destabilize Mexico. I also spoke about Trump's policy ideas with Brandon Del Pozo, a former police chief who studies drug policy at Brown University. He blasted Trump's idea of giving drug dealers the death penalty. He called it ineffective and unethical. There are thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of Americans who are our neighbors, who are doing something that's illegal.

[Steve Inskeep]

Right.

[Brian Mann]

They're definitely dealing drugs, but they might be doing it because they're addicted to drugs. The idea that we would execute them, that shocks the conscience.

[Layla Fadel]

Okay, so he calls it ineffective and unethical. But I imagine there are people who like and support this Trump getting tough approach.

[Brian Mann]

Yeah, absolutely. There is a view among some drug policy thinkers that the response to fentanyl got too liberal, sort of too soft and tolerant. Tom Wolfe is an activist in California himself in recovery from opioid addiction.

[Greg Myrie]

People are tired of the theft. They're tired of the open drug use.

[Brian Mann]

And they want some accountability to be.

[Greg Myrie]

Injected back into the process.

[Brian Mann]

Wolf thinks Trump's get tough message worked because people are tired of this crisis. They want people using fentanyl off their streets, out of their parks and neighborhoods.

[Layla Fadel]

Now, we talked about the Biden administration's focus on public health as they hand over the reins Is there any sign that was working?

[Brian Mann]

Well, you know, drug deaths actually dropped sharply over the last year, a trend that saved about 16,000 lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A lot of people I talked to say they're worried Trump will cut or defund programs like the Affordable Care act that appear to be helping. One more thing I'm hearing is that no one believes this crisis can be solved fast. Progress is being made, but the fix for fentanyl is expected to take years, maybe decades.

[Layla Fadel]

That's Brian Mann, NPR's addiction correspondent, looking ahead at the Trump team's plan to tackle the fentanyl crisis. Thank you, Brian.

[Brian Mann]

Thank you.

[Layla Fadel]

And that's a first for Monday, November 18th. I'm Leila Faulden.

[Steve Inskeep]

And I'm Steve Inskeep. Don't forget, you can take our audience survey, which helps to make this podcast better and gives you a chance to say what you think. Go to npr.org upfirstsurvey Today's episode of.

[Layla Fadel]

Up first was edited by Andrew Sussman, Tara Neal, Andrea De Leon, Mohamed Elbradisi and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Nia Dumas and Milton Guevara. We get engineering support from Arthur Laurent, and our technical director is Zach Coleman. Join us again tomorrow.

[Judy Abrams]

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