USAID Programs Halted, Netanyahu in Washington, Rubio Visits Panama, Cannabis Safety

Summary

Up First from NPR – Episode Summary Release Date: February 3, 2025

NPR's "Up First" episode released on February 3, 2025, delves into four major stories shaping the national and international landscape. Hosted by NPR's experienced team, the episode covers the abrupt halt of USAID programs, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington D.C., Secretary of State Marco Rubio's tour of Panama amidst tensions over the Panama Canal, and the evolving landscape of cannabis safety in the United States. Below is a detailed summary of each segment, enriched with notable quotes and insights from key speakers.

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1. USAID Programs Halted

Overview:
The episode opens with alarming news about the sudden disappearance of the USAID website and the cessation of nearly all its programs. This move marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign aid strategy under President Trump's administration.

Key Developments:

• President Trump's Criticism: President Trump has publicly criticized USAID, labeling it as "poorly run" and accusing it of being managed by "radical lunatics" ([03:12], Paul Armentano). He has expressed intentions to either revamp the agency or potentially fold it into the State Department.

• Elon Musk's Involvement: Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), claims he has the president's backing to shut down USAID. He stated, "I could not do that without the support of the president. I went over it with Trump a few times" ([04:10], Paul Armentano). However, this has raised legal questions about the authority to unilaterally dissolve a congressionally created agency.

• Legislative Concerns: Lawmakers, particularly Democrats, are apprehensive about the administration's overreach. They warn that the president cannot unilaterally shut down USAID without congressional approval ([03:37], Paul Armentano).

• DOGE’s Overreach: Reports suggest DOGE is exceeding its authority by accessing classified materials without proper clearances, leading to investigations ([05:35], Paul Armentano).

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump: "USAID, run by radical lunatics, and we're getting them out, and then we'll make a decision" ([03:21]).
• Paul Armentano on DOGE: "DOGE... is this department that's tasked with leading substantial cost cutting" ([05:22]).

Implications:
The halt of USAID programs disrupts U.S. foreign aid delivery mechanisms, potentially affecting numerous international development projects. The administration's actions have sown uncertainty within the federal workforce and raised concerns about the separation of powers and legislative oversight.

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2. Secretary Rubio Visits Panama Amid Canal Tensions

Overview:
Amid President Trump's expansionist agenda to seize control of the Panama Canal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a diplomatic tour to Panama and other Latin American countries to address emerging conflicts.

Key Developments:

• Panama Canal Standoff: President Trump has declared intentions to retake the Panama Canal, citing excessive Chinese influence. This has led to heightened tensions between the U.S. and Panama.

• Secretary Rubio's Mission: During his visit to Panama, Rubio delivered an ultimatum to Panamanian officials, aligning with Trump's stance that "China has too much influence over the canal," violating international treaties ([07:20], Ari Shapiro).

• Panamanian Response: Panamanian President Jose Raul Molino staunchly defended national sovereignty, asserting, "The Panama Canal is for Panamanians. Panama first" ([08:36], Ari Shapiro). This has ignited nationalistic protests, with slogans like "Panama first" underscoring the country's resistance to U.S. intervention.

• Regional Implications: Rubio is also visiting El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic to discuss migration and drug trafficking, emphasizing a broader strategy to counter China's influence in the region ([09:24], Ari Shapiro).

Notable Quotes:

• Secretary Rubio's message: "President Trump has made a preliminary determination that China has too much influence over the canal" ([07:20]).
• Panamanian Protester Mylene Shakespeare: "We are taking to the streets to defend our country. The Panama Canal is for Panamanians... Panama first" ([08:36]).

Implications:
The U.S.-Panama standoff over the canal threatens to disrupt a critical artery for 40% of U.S. container traffic. Rubio's diplomatic efforts aim to mitigate this tension, but nationalist sentiments in Panama present significant challenges to U.S. objectives.

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3. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu Visits Washington D.C.

Overview:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made history by becoming the first foreign leader to meet with President Trump during his second term. The discussions focused on the ongoing Gaza ceasefire and the next steps in the peace process.

Key Developments:

• Strengthening Alliances: Netanyahu's visit underscores the robust Israeli-American alliance and their personal rapport with President Trump ([10:24], Michelle Martin).

• Gaza Ceasefire: The meeting coincided with the third week of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The focus was on initiating the next phase of the deal, which includes the potential release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

• Phase Two Negotiations: The upcoming talks aim to secure the release of male Israeli soldiers held hostage in Gaza in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, leading to a permanent ceasefire ([11:35], Kat Lomsdorf).

• Political Pressures: Netanyahu faces internal pressure from far-right factions demanding the elimination of Hamas, which could complicate the negotiation process ([12:09], Kat Lomsdorf).

Notable Quotes:

• Netanyahu on the alliance: "It is a testimony to the strength of the Israeli American alliance. It's also a testimony to the strength of our personal friendship" ([10:16]).
• Kat Lomsdorf on negotiations: "Netanyahu is in a really tricky political situation here where those far right members have threatened to leave his government and collapse his coalition if he doesn't secure this as part of the deal" ([12:09]).

Implications:
Netanyahu's engagement in the ceasefire talks is pivotal for regional stability. Successful negotiations could lead to lasting peace, while failures may escalate conflicts and undermine U.S.-Israel relations.

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4. Cannabis Safety and Regulation in the US

Overview:
With cannabis now legal in nearly half of the U.S. states, consumers face challenges in accessing safely sourced and regulated products. NPR explores the complexities of cannabis safety, regulation inconsistencies, and the persistent black market.

Key Developments:

• Health Risks: As cannabis products become more potent and consumption rates rise, researchers highlight potential risks to brain function and mental health ([13:58], Sydney Lupkin).

• Regulatory Challenges: The federal illegality of cannabis creates a patchwork of state regulations, leading to inconsistencies in contaminant testing. A 2022 study by Maxwell Leung revealed over 600 regulated contaminants across 30 states, with each state enforcing between 60 to 120 ([14:45], Ari Shapiro).

• Black Market Prevalence: The fragmented regulatory landscape facilitates the growth of the black market, where products are often unregulated and pose significant health risks. Underground producers may use banned pesticides and operate in unsanitary conditions ([15:31], Sydney Lupkin).

• Consumer Safety: Legal, regulated cannabis stores offer products that are more likely to be free from harmful contaminants. States like California have implemented recalls to remove unsafe products, enhancing consumer protection ([16:13], Sydney Lupkin).

Notable Quotes:

• Sydney Lupkin on health risks: "As cannabis products become more potent and as more Americans consume greater quantities more often, researchers say there are risks to brain function and mental health" ([13:58]).
• Paul Armentano on market transparency: "We're talking about a market that lacks transparency and accountability. Whether I was getting cannabis or alcohol or my broccoli from an entirely unregulated market, I'd be concerned about any number of issues" ([16:02]).

Implications:
The evolving legal status of cannabis presents both opportunities and challenges. Ensuring product safety through standardized regulations is crucial to protect consumers and curb the black market. NPR's upcoming series aims to guide consumers in navigating this complex landscape.

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Conclusion:
This episode of "Up First" provides an insightful analysis of pressing issues, from the upheaval within U.S. foreign aid structures and international diplomatic tensions to the nuanced developments in cannabis regulation. By incorporating expert opinions and on-the-ground reporting, NPR equips listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these multifaceted stories.

Transcript

[Michelle Martin]

The website has disappeared and funding has been halted at the U.S. s main foreign aid agency, USAID.

[Steve Inskeep]

USAID is a ball of worms.

[Ari Shapiro]

There is no Apple.

[Franco Ordonez]

Elon Musk claims he has the president's approval to close it. Can he legally do that?

[Michelle Martin]

I'm Michelle Martin. That's Steve Inskeep. And this is up first from NPR News.

[Franco Ordonez]

President Trump keeps saying he intends for the US to seize the Panama Canal. So what did Secretary of State Marco Rubio say when he traveled to Panama? Our colleague Ari Shapiro is in Panama City.

[Michelle Martin]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington, D.C. today. I think it's a testimony to the strength of the Israeli American alliance. He is the first foreign leader to meet with Trump in his second term.

[Franco Ordonez]

Also, cannabis is now legal in half the States. A new NPR series helps consumers find safe options. Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day.

[Sarah Levy]

Support for NPR and the following message come from Betterment, the automated investing and savings app. CEO Sarah Levy shares how Betterment utilizes tech tools powered by human advice.

[Kat Lomsdorf]

Betterment is here to help customers build wealth their way. And we provide powerful technology and complete human support where technology can deliver ease of use and affordability. And the people behind that technology can provide advice and guidance.

[Sarah Levy]

Learn [e-mail] Investing involves risk, performance not guaranteed.

[Steve Inskeep]

This message comes from A24 with the Brutalist, nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including best Picture, starring Adrien Brody, Guy Pearce and Felicity Jones. Directed by Brady Courbet. The Brutalist, now playing in IMAX and in theaters everywhere. This message comes from HubSpot. As a marketer, you have to generate leads, create content, and make your brand go viral. It's a lot. Thankfully, there's Breeze, HubSpot's suite of AI tools. Now you can turn one piece of content into all the assets you need, find the best leads and beef up your reporting all in one place. Visit HubSpot.com marketers to see how companies like yours are generating 110% more leads in just 12 months.

[Michelle Martin]

It's hard to say this morning whether the country's main vehicle for delivering foreign aid still exists.

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, what we do know is that nearly all the programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, have been halted. President Trump seeks to remake the federal government and push the limits of executive power. In this case, the administration appears to be targeting an agency that was created by law by an act of Congress. Right now, its website is down. Hundreds of employees and contractors have been let go in the past week and we have reports that Trump is considering trying to fold the agency into the State Department.

[Michelle Martin]

White House correspondent Franco Ordonez has been following all this, and he's with us now to tell us what he knows. Good morning, Franco.

[Paul Armentano]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So the president said something to reporters about this last night. What did he have to say?

[Paul Armentano]

Yeah, when he got back to the airport in Washington, Trump really tore into the agency, basically charging that it was poorly run.

[Michelle Martin]

It's been run by a bunch of.

[Franco Ordonez]

Radical lunatics, and we're getting them out.

[Michelle Martin]

Usaid, run by radical lunatics, and we're getting them out, and then we'll make a decision. Did he give any evidence that this agency, as he said, is run by radical lunatics?

[Paul Armentano]

No, he did not. And he and his team do want greater control over the department or with the work that they do, they want greater control over the spending, and they feel that too much money is going to causes that are not in U.S. interests. Now, lawmakers are concerned. Democrats have actually warned that Trump cannot just shut down USAID on its own without going through Congress.

[Michelle Martin]

A few hours after Trump spoke, Elon Musk, the tech mogul who is running this Department of Government Efficiency, spoke on X, which he owns, about his plans.

[Paul Armentano]

Yeah, he definitely has big intentions here. He says DOGE is in the process of specifically shutting down usaid, and he emphasizes that he could not do that without the support of the president. He actually said he went over it with Trump a few times. He asked him was he sure. You know, I mentioned earlier that Congress was concerned about all this. Musk didn't mention any statute or authority that would allow the president to basically skip Congress and shut down the agency unilaterally. That said, Trump does seem to be standing behind Musk, saying that he is doing a great job, while even acknowledging that they might not agree all the time that he's behind him.

[Michelle Martin]

Are there concerns that this new entity that this administration created, doge, is exceeding its authority?

[Paul Armentano]

Yeah, absolutely. I mean, doge, of course, is this department that's tasked with leading substantial cost cutting. And it's not just about shutting down the department. Over the weekend, there were reports of two security officials at USAID who were put on administrative leave for refusing DOGE access to certain systems. Democrats have accused DOGE of inappropriately accessing classified materials, which the lawmakers are saying they're going to investigate. I will note that their spokesman, DOGE spokesman Katie Miller, said no classified material was accessed without clearances.

[Michelle Martin]

And does this tie in with other changes happening under this administration, or if so how, Michelle?

[Paul Armentano]

It caps off like such a week of chaos. Usadu was not the only website taken down. Some other websites were down temporarily. There is just so much fear and uncertainty across the federal workforce. And it really does look like that's all by design.

[Michelle Martin]

That is White House correspondent Franco Ordonez. Franco, thank you.

[Paul Armentano]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Franco Ordonez]

The United States has provoked multiple confrontations now with its North American neighbors and allies.

[Michelle Martin]

President Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, launching a trade war. And a top US Diplomat has followed up on the president's demand to take over the Panama Canal. Panama has controlled the U. S built canal for decades. The president began talking of retaking it as part of a new expansionist agenda which appeared after his election. Panama's president says this is not up for discussion, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio spent yesterday discussing it.

[Franco Ordonez]

He was in Panama, and our colleague Ari Shapiro is in Panama City. Ari, good morning. Hey, Steve, thanks for joining us. What did the secretary do yesterday?

[Ari Shapiro]

The biggest event on his schedule was this meeting with the president of Panama where apparently Rubio delivered an ultimatum. And I say apparently because Rubio actually did not make any public comments about the canal yesterday. But according to a State Department spokesperson, Rubio delivered the message that President Trump has made a preliminary determination that China has too much influence over the canal. He says that violates international treaties and unless there are immediate changes, the US Will do what it has to to protect its rights. Trump added this yesterday.

[Franco Ordonez]

We're going to take it back or.

[Michelle Martin]

Something very powerful is going to happen.

[Ari Shapiro]

By the way, Steve, quick fact check on Trump's claims of Chinese influence. While a company based in Hong Kong does operate ports at either end of the canal, Panama runs the canal itself, not China. And there is no Chinese military presence, as Trump has falsely claimed on social media.

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, I guess I should also note here, the United States, at least the president, is not taking the view of, we have these concerns. Solve them or we will act. He's saying, we're going to take it back. So how are Panama's leaders reacting after the meeting yesterday?

[Ari Shapiro]

President Jose Raul Molino said, Panama's sovereignty is not in question. And then he gave what you could interpret as kind of a dig at the United States. He's saying, I invited the State Department to promote investment in this country, so they can't complain later that investments are coming from other countries. That, quote, doesn't mention China by name, but you can kind of read between the lines there.

[Franco Ordonez]

What are you hearing from the Panamanian people?

[Ari Shapiro]

It's this wave of nationalism, flags flying everywhere and protests in the streets. I attended a couple marches that shut down main streets here in Panama City. One was organized by the teachers union, where I met a woman named Mylene Shakespeare. And I asked what she wants Americans to know. Here's what she said.

[Michelle Martin]

Nosotromos alios a la calle a defender nue trapatria el Canal de Panama. E parro palomeno Nigringo, nigringero Panama primero.

[Ari Shapiro]

She says we are taking to the streets to defend our country. The Panama Canal is for Panamanians. Then you hear her recite this rhyming slogan people had been chanting in the march. Nigringo, nigringero Panama primero. Basically, no Americans. Panama first. So big picture here. The US Is not backing down from Trump's threats. Panama is not caving, and the stakes are huge. 40% of all US container traffic goes through the Panama Canal. So it's pretty remarkable for these two countries to be in such a standoff. Given how close the US And Panama have been for decades, it would seem.

[Franco Ordonez]

That Panama might be enough for a foreign trip. But where else is Rubio going on?

[Ari Shapiro]

To El Salvador, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, where he plans to talk about migration and drug trafficking. He's the first Secretary of state in more than a century to begin his tenure by a visit with Latin America. Also, he's the first Hispanic secretary of state. The State Department says this underscores Trump's message that it's a 21st century of American greatness and countering China.

[Franco Ordonez]

NPR's Ari Shapiro will be hosting All Things Considered from the edge of the Panama Canal later today. He's in Panama City. Thanks, Ari.

[Ari Shapiro]

Thanks, Steve.

[Michelle Martin]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is in Washington, D.C. today.

[Franco Ordonez]

He's here at the invitation of the president, and tomorrow becomes the first foreign leader to meet with Trump in his second term. Here's Netanyahu as he left for his trip.

[Michelle Martin]

I think it's a testimony to the strength of the Israeli American alliance. It's also a testimony to the strength of our personal friendship.

[Franco Ordonez]

They certainly have things to discuss. A ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is holding in its third week as talks about the next phase of the deal are scheduled to begin today.

[Michelle Martin]

To talk more about all of this, we're joined by NPR's Kat Lomsdorf in Tel Aviv. Kat, good morning.

[Kat Lomsdorf]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

Tell us what we know about Netanyahu's visit to the White House. What can we expect?

[Kat Lomsdorf]

Yeah, Trump and Netanyahu have a lot to discuss, some of which is left over from Trump's first term. Things like the Abraham Accords and the normalization of relations with Saudi Arabia. Also, how to deal with Iran, that's Israel's big enemy, but also a country that Trump has focused on a lot, too. But more immediately, there's Gaza. Just in the last week or so, Trump has been adamant about the very controversial idea of relocating Palestinians in Gaza out to neighboring Egypt or Jordan, he says, in order to allow for rebuilding. Both Egypt and Jordan have rejected that idea. Palestinians in Gaza also don't want that. And then there's the ceasefire deal, which is now in the middle of the first six week phase. But talks of the next phase are supposed to start today, so they will most certainly be discussing that as well.

[Michelle Martin]

What can you tell us about this next phase of the deal? What do we know?

[Kat Lomsdorf]

Yeah, details are still being hammered out. That's what the talks starting today are for. The talks will look a lot like they have in the past, with the US, Qatar and Egypt acting as mediators between Hamas and Israel. We know that the second phase is crucial to ending the war. President Biden, who helped create the framework for this deal, did outline some of it. In the second phase, male Israeli soldiers who are being held hostage in Gaza will be released. We haven't seen that so far. In exchange, more Palestinian prisoners and detainees are expected to be released, and the remaining Israeli forces in Gaza will withdraw, which will lead to a permanent ceasefire.

[Michelle Martin]

And what about the process for all this? Like, what does that look like?

[Kat Lomsdorf]

Yeah. Netanyahu is meeting with US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff today in Washington. Witkoff has been instrumental in getting this agreement implemented, and he and Netanyahu are expected to talk about phase two. Wyckoff's been talking with other countries ahead of today's talks. He spoke with Egyptian negotiators yesterday, for example. What we don't know is what demands each side might make that could derail the deal. For example, Netanyahu has a lot of pressure from key far right members in his government to demand the elimination of Hamas in Gaza. Hamas still appears to control Gaza very much so, even after more than a year of intense fighting with Israel attempting to eliminate the militant group. Netanyahu is in a really tricky political situation here where those far right members have threatened to leave his government and collapse his coalition if he doesn't secure this as part of the deal. On the other hand, President Trump has been fairly clear about wanting the deal to go forward and continuing the ceasefire. So there are some areas of potential disagreement, and it's something we're going to be keeping a close eye on.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Kat Lahnsdorf in Tel Aviv. Kat, thank you.

[Kat Lomsdorf]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

15% of Americans report that they smoke cannabis, according to a recent Gallup poll.

[Franco Ordonez]

From what I smell on the streets, I'm surprised it's that low. Anyway, cannabis is now legal in almost half of US States, but finding products that are safely sourced and properly regulated is not easy. So in the coming weeks, NPR is going to be looking at how consumers can navigate the new world of weed.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR pharmaceuticals correspondent Sidney Lupkin is here to start things off. Good morning, Sydney.

[Sydney Lupkin]

Good morning.

[Michelle Martin]

Just to be clear, are there health risks associated with marijuana?

[Sydney Lupkin]

So, yes, as cannabis products become more potent and as more Americans consume greater quantities more often, researchers say there are risks to brain function and mental health, which is also true, of course, for alcohol. We're offering information to help cannabis consumers who do choose to partake.

[Michelle Martin]

So if somebody does choose to buy legal cannabis products, is there something that can go wrong when it comes to quality?

[Sydney Lupkin]

Yeah. Regulators are looking to keep out pesticides, mold, bacteria, and heavy metals like arsenic, which can come from the soil. But it's tricky because on the federal level, cannabis is still illegal, and states that legalized it can regulate it very differently. I spoke to Maxwell Leung, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, about a study he did in 2022 about that patchwork of cannabis regulations.

[Ari Shapiro]

We found that There are over 600 contaminants that are regulated across some 30.

[Michelle Martin]

States that have legalized cannabis at that time. But interestingly, in each jurisdiction, there's only anywhere between 60 to 120 contaminants that are regulated.

[Sydney Lupkin]

So what that means is that a pesticide that might prompt one state to pull cannabis off the shelf another state might not even be looking for. But just testing for more contaminants doesn't necessarily mean a state's cannabis products are safer. It's really early days when it comes to the research. So it's hard to say which contaminants are the most hazardous to human health.

[Michelle Martin]

You know, Sydney, NPR has reported that the black market for marijuana is still booming. So how does that complicate things for consumers?

[Sydney Lupkin]

Yeah, the patchwork of regulations has left a huge opening for underground producers and distributors. NPR has found those products are often grown and processed in really unsanitary conditions with banned pesticides, unhealthy working conditions, and unreliable potency.

[Paul Armentano]

We're talking about a market that lacks transparency and accountability. Whether I was getting cannabis or alcohol or my broccoli from an entirely unregulated market, I'd be concerned about any number of issues.

[Sydney Lupkin]

That was Paul Armentano, head of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

[Michelle Martin]

So are consumers safer if they buy legal regulated cannabis product?

[Sydney Lupkin]

So they may be. Right now, legal weed is probably more likely to be free of many contaminants because states are testing them and pulling them off the shelves. And even if they're not, they could. So that's often going to put people on better behavior. In California, there were more than 60 recalls in 2024. That includes flower pre rolls, edibles and vape products. And in Maine, which has a newer system, it just issued its first cannabis recall ever in 2024. It was for mold. Researchers are still looking at how effective these consumer protections might be. But for now, if you're getting your cannabis in a store that has regulated products, there's less risk of encountering at least some of the contaminants.

[Michelle Martin]

Okay, so that's why NPR will be looking at how consumers are navigating this whole new world of Sidney. Thank you.

[Sydney Lupkin]

Thank you.

[Franco Ordonez]

And that's up first for this Monday, February 3rd. I'm Steve Inskeep.

[Michelle Martin]

And I'm Michele Martin. Make your next listen. Consider this the team behind NPR's All Things Considered goes deep into a single news story in just 15 minutes. Listen now on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcast.

[Franco Ordonez]

Today's up first was edited by Dana Farrington, Nishant de Gea, Sammy Yenigun of NPR's All Things Considered. We don't often get to credit this guy in this podcast anyway. Andrea de Leon, Janaya Williams and Alice Wolflake. It was produced by Lily Quiros, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from the ever supportive Arthur Laurent. And our technical director is Nisha Hyness. Join us tomorrow.

[Kat Lomsdorf]

Foreign.

[Sarah Levy]

To hear this podcast without sponsor breaks. Amazon prime members can listen to Up First Sponsor free through Amazon Music, or you can also support NPR's vital journalism and get up first [e-mail] that's plus.NPR.org this message comes from Bombas. Socks, underwear and t shirts are the top three requested clothing items by people experiencing homelessness. Bombas makes all three and donates one item for every item purchased. Go to bombas.com NPR and use code NPR for 20% off.

[Steve Inskeep]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Rosetta Stone, an expert in language learning for 30 years. Right now, NPR listeners can get Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership to 25 different languages for 50% off. Learn [e-mail] NPR.