NPR's Up First – February 18, 2025

In this episode of NPR's Up First, hosts Leila Fadel and Amy Martinez delve into three pressing stories shaping the day: high-stakes negotiations between the U.S. and Russia over Ukraine, sweeping federal health agency cuts by the Trump administration, and escalating political turmoil in New York City surrounding Mayor Eric Adams. Below is a detailed summary of each segment, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps to provide comprehensive insights.

1. High-Stakes Negotiations: U.S. and Russia Convene in Saudi Arabia

Overview: Top foreign policy officials from the United States and Russia have convened in Saudi Arabia with the primary objective of ending the war in Ukraine. Notably absent from the negotiations is Ukraine itself, raising questions about the inclusivity and potential outcomes of the talks.

Key Points:

• Meeting Details:

  • Leaders Involved: Senior Trump administration officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, are leading the U.S. delegation. Russia's team is headed by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, with White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff also present.
  • Agenda Focus: The talks are centered on negotiating an end to the conflict in Ukraine, following a phone call between Trump and Putin last week that set the stage for these negotiations. (00:03–05:50)

• Exclusion of Ukraine:

  • Ukrainian Stance: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that Kyiv will not recognize any negotiated outcomes that exclude Ukraine's participation. This sentiment is echoed by European leaders who view the war as a critical European security issue. (03:16–04:24)

• European Sidelines:

  • European Reaction: Europe's exclusion from the talks has caused frustration among European nations. Russia has publicly criticized Europe, suggesting they are only interested in temporarily freezing the conflict to allow Ukraine to rearm. (03:47–04:24)

• Potential Reset in U.S.-Russia Relations:

  • Diplomatic Shift: The negotiations indicate a possible reset in U.S.-Russia relations, moving away from the Cold War-era dynamics of isolation and non-communication. Lavrov highlighted the desire to move past a period where Moscow and Washington had minimal dialogue. (04:24–05:07)

• Negotiation Dynamics:

  • Russian Demands: The U.S. delegation, under Trump, has signaled that Ukraine must relinquish its NATO ambitions and territory to Russia—key Russian demands. This contrasts with Ukraine and Europe's pursuit of a "just peace," raising concerns about the comprehensiveness and fairness of any potential agreement. (05:07–05:50)

Notable Quotes:

• Sergei Lavrov: "We are looking to end what has been an abnormal period where there was no communication between Moscow and Washington." (05:07)
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky: "Kyiv won't recognize any negotiated outcomes here that are about Ukraine without Ukraine." (03:41)

Analysis: Charles Mains, NPR's Russia correspondent, emphasizes the complexity of these negotiations and the potential implications of excluding key stakeholders like Ukraine and Europe. The talks appear to favor a Russian advantage, given their current standing both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.

2. Federal Health Agency Cuts: Trump Administration's Broad Job Reductions

Overview: The Trump administration has initiated significant job cuts across federal health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Over a thousand employees have been terminated, raising concerns about the impact on public health initiatives and agency operations.

Key Points:

• Scope of Cuts:

  • Affected Agencies: More than 1,000 employees have been let go from the FDA, CDC, and NIH. Specifically, around a thousand employees from NIH and 750 from CDC have received termination letters. The exact number from FDA remains unclear. (06:06–06:16)

• Criteria for Layoffs:

  • Probationary Employees: The cuts primarily target probationary employees—those new to the agencies or within their one to two-year trial periods—who have fewer worker protections. (07:03–07:05)

• Reasons for Termination:

  • Official Explanation: Letters cite that employees are "not fit for continued employment" due to inadequate performance. However, many affected workers had recently received excellent performance reviews, leading to confusion and skepticism about the true reasons behind the layoffs. (07:58–08:44)

• Impact on Agencies:

  • Operational Challenges: The sudden and broad cuts have created a chaotic environment within the agencies. Employees report feeling demoralized and vilified, with concerns about future cuts and the overall functionality of these critical health institutions. (08:44–09:16)

• Employee Reactions:

  • Morale and Trust: Former CDC official Steve Monroe criticized the approach as "shortsighted," highlighting the negative effects on development and morale. Employees are taking precautionary measures, such as canceling personal subscriptions and reducing retirement contributions, anticipating further instability. (07:36–09:16)

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Monroe, Retired CDC Official: "We're just going to fire everybody who's been here for less than a year. It’s bad for development and for morale." (07:03–07:05)
• Termination Letters Excerpt: "You are not fit for continued employment with the agency." (07:58)

Analysis: Ping Wong, NPR’s health correspondent, highlights the abrupt nature of these cuts and the lack of transparency regarding the selection criteria. The administration's decision appears to undermine the operational integrity and effectiveness of federal health agencies during a critical period for public health management.

3. Political Turmoil in New York City: Governor Hochul Targets Mayor Eric Adams

Overview: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced her intention to use her authority to potentially remove Mayor Eric Adams from office amid a surge of resignations from his top aides. The controversy intensifies following the Department of Justice's decision to drop corruption charges against Adams, which critics argue was a strategic move to secure his cooperation with the Trump administration's deportation policies.

Key Points:

• Resignations Trigger Action:

  • Top Aides Depart: Four of Mayor Adams' most trusted aides, including the city's first deputy mayor, have resigned, signaling a significant leadership void and prompting Hochul to consider drastic measures. (09:27–10:00)

• Governor Hochul's Statement:

  • Unprecedented Move: Hochul acknowledged that no governor in the past 235 years has attempted to oust an elected NYC mayor. However, she cited the "crisis in City Hall" and the unprecedented number of high-level resignations as justification for her potential intervention. (09:58–10:00)

• Background on Corruption Charges:

  • DOJ Allegations: In September, the DOJ accused Adams of using his office to solicit lavish vacations and improper campaign contributions over nearly a decade, including bribes from foreign agents linked to Turkey. Adams has denied these allegations, labeling them as political retribution without providing evidence. (11:11–11:27)

• DOJ Case Suspension:

  • Strategic Decision: The DOJ recently decided to shelve the criminal case against Adams, citing the need for his assistance with the Trump administration's policies on migrants without legal status. This decision has sparked outrage, leading to the resignation of at least seven top federal attorneys. (11:27–12:12)

• Mayor Adams' Response:

  • Defiant Stance: Despite mounting pressure and calls for his resignation, Adams remains defiant, publicly stating, "I am going nowhere," and expressing disappointment over the resignations. He maintains that the city will continue to function despite the turmoil. (12:15–12:39)

• Implications for New York City:

  • Leadership Vacuum: The departure of key aides disrupts essential city functions, including infrastructure management and migrant assistance programs. Hochul plans to meet with Manhattan's key leaders to discuss the future path, indicating potential significant changes in the city's governance. (10:36–12:52)

Notable Quotes:

• Governor Kathy Hochul: "Serious questions about the long term future of this mayoral administration." (10:00)
• Mayor Eric Adams: "I am nowhere. I am going nowhere." (12:26–12:39)

Analysis: Brian Mann, NPR’s political correspondent, underscores the gravity of the situation in New York City. The unprecedented move by Governor Hochul, combined with the controversial DOJ actions and mass resignations, paints a picture of deep political instability. The outcome of Hochul's planned meetings could significantly alter the city's leadership landscape.

Conclusion: Today's episode of Up First provides a comprehensive look into critical global and domestic issues. From the potential reshaping of international relations between the U.S. and Russia affecting the Ukraine conflict, to substantial cuts undermining federal health agencies, and intense political battles within New York City, these stories underscore the complex and often turbulent nature of current events. Notable quotes and expert analyses offer listeners nuanced perspectives on the implications of these developments.

This summary was crafted based on the transcript provided from the February 18, 2025, episode of NPR's Up First. For detailed reporting and ongoing updates, subscribe and listen to Up First on your preferred podcast platform.