What Trump Said Last Night, Trump On Immigration, China Tariff Confidence

Summary

Up First from NPR – March 5, 2025

Episode: What Trump Said Last Night, Trump On Immigration, China Tariff Confidence

NPR’s “Up First” delivers a comprehensive overview of the day’s most significant stories in just 10 minutes. In this episode, hosts Steve Inskeep and Michelle Martin delve into President Donald Trump’s recent address to Congress, his stringent immigration policies, and China’s stance on the ongoing US-China tariff conflict. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from the episode, providing a thorough understanding for those who did not listen.

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1. President Trump’s Address to Congress

a. Overview of the Speech President Donald Trump delivered an extensive speech to Congress, lasting over 90 minutes, where he outlined his administration’s future plans and criticized the opposition. The address focused on escalating tariffs, government reductions, and stringent immigration measures.

b. Economic Policies and Tariffs Trump announced new waves of tariffs on products Americans purchase, emphasizing his commitment to protecting American industries. He highlighted his administration’s achievements and expressed skepticism about the Democrats’ support.

Donald Trump [00:29]: "Every last one will be rounded up and forcibly removed from our country."

c. Immigration Policies A significant portion of the speech was dedicated to immigration. Trump proposed a controversial plan allowing affluent foreigners to buy US residency for $5 million and labeled current migrants as terrorists, vowing their forcible removal.

d. Congressional Reactions and Partisan Tensions The address was marked by heightened tension in Congress. Democratic Congressman Al Green of Texas staged a protest early in the speech, leading to unprecedented actions by House Speaker Mike Johnson to remove him. Throughout the address, Republicans largely supported Trump, while Democrats remained largely silent or protested.

Franco Ordonez [02:45]: "The opposition party did spend most of his speech stony faced, seated or protesting."

e. Notable Quotes

• Donald Trump [02:40]: "These people sitting right here will not clap, will not stand, and certainly will not cheer for these astronomical achievements. They won't do it no matter what."
• Alyssa Slotkin [06:12]: "President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends. He's on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America."

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2. Immigration Policy Highlights

a. Trump’s Harsh Stance on Migrants Trump characterized migrants as terrorists, advocating for their immediate and forced removal from the United States. He also proposed creating a "gold card" for wealthy individuals to obtain lawful permanent residency, aiming to replace the existing EB5 visa program.

b. Analysis of Border Crossings NPR’s immigration policy reporter, Jimena Bestillo, provided context to Trump’s claims about record-low illegal border crossings. While specific numbers for February were pending from Customs and Border Protection, preliminary data suggested a significant decline in arrests, potentially marking the lowest figures since 2000.

Jimena Bestillo [08:03]: "This could be the lowest number of crossings since Homeland Security started reporting the data in 2000."

c. Expert Insights Bestillo highlighted that the reduction in border crossings was a continuation of a downward trend initiated during the Biden administration, rather than a new development under Trump. She also noted the administration’s request for additional funding for the Department of Homeland Security to support these immigration policies.

Jimena Bestillo [09:08]: "Tom Homan described the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency as being, quote, in the hole. And he said that they needed more money for detention beds and flights to send people out."

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3. China’s Response to US Tariffs

a. Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s Annual Report Simultaneously, Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered an annual government work report during China’s National People’s Congress. While the speech did not directly address Trump’s remarks, it touched upon the strained US-China relations and the economic challenges posed by the tariffs.

b. Tariff Impacts and Economic Strategies China retaliated against Trump’s tariff increases by imposing its own tariffs on American goods, including chicken, wheat, corn, and soybeans, and blacklisting approximately 15 US companies. Premier Li emphasized China’s resilience and strategic measures to mitigate the impact of these tariffs.

Li Qiang [10:27]: "An increasingly complex and severe external environment."

c. Insights from Chinese Delegates John Ruich, NPR’s correspondent in Beijing, reported that Chinese delegates remained confident despite the economic pressures. Professor Tian Xuan from Shanghai noted China’s robust domestic market and comprehensive supply chains as key factors in offsetting tariff impacts. Additionally, China is focusing on stimulating domestic demand and advancing high-tech industries like quantum technology and AI to drive future growth.

Tian Xuan: "China's basically in a better position to handle the tariffs now and to offset them than before."

d. Future Legislative Actions Premier Li indicated that the National People’s Congress might pass legislation to support and protect private businesses, highlighting the government’s renewed interest in leveraging these companies for economic innovation and stability.

Li Qiang [13:02]: "The NPC may pass some legislation that would support and protect private businesses."

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4. Partisan Response and Criticism

a. Democratic Response to Trump’s Policies Senator Alyssa Slotkin of Michigan strongly criticized Trump’s economic and immigration policies, arguing that the proposed tariffs would inadvertently raise prices for American consumers and disproportionately benefit the wealthy.

Alyssa Slotkin [06:12]: "Grocery and home prices are going up, not down, and he hasn't laid out a credible plan to deal with either of those."

b. Lack of Proposals for Grocery Price Cuts Despite Trump’s promises to lower grocery bills, critics pointed out the absence of concrete plans or strategies to achieve this goal. Instead, the administration focused on blaming the opposition for economic issues.

Franco Ordonez [05:50]: "Trump promised to cut high prices, but we really didn't hear anything new about those plans. He just blamed Biden."

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5. Conclusion

Trump’s address to Congress underscored his administration’s focus on aggressive economic and immigration policies, marked by heightened partisan tensions and significant international implications, particularly concerning US-China relations. While advocating for protective tariffs and stringent immigration controls, the administration faces criticism over the potential economic impact on everyday Americans and the lack of detailed plans to address pressing issues such as rising consumer prices. Concurrently, China remains steadfast in its economic resilience, strategically navigating the challenges posed by US tariffs and signaling confidence in its legislative and economic strategies moving forward.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Donald Trump [00:29]: "Every last one will be rounded up and forcibly removed from our country."
• Donald Trump [02:40]: "These people sitting right here will not clap, will not stand, and certainly will not cheer for these astronomical achievements. They won't do it no matter what."
• Alyssa Slotkin [06:12]: "President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends..."
• Jimena Bestillo [08:03]: "This could be the lowest number of crossings since Homeland Security started reporting the data in 2000."
• Li Qiang [10:27]: "An increasingly complex and severe external environment."

This episode of “Up First” provides listeners with a detailed and insightful analysis of President Trump’s latest congressional address, the administration’s immigration policies, and the broader implications of US-China trade relations. By incorporating expert opinions and direct quotes, NPR ensures a comprehensive understanding of these pivotal issues shaping the current political and economic landscape.

Transcript

[Michelle Martin]

President Trump addressed Congress, promising new waves of tariffs on products Americans buy and criticizing Democrats for not smiling or applauding.

[Steve Inskeep]

What did the speech reveal about the administration's next moves?

[Michelle Martin]

I'm Michelle Martin. That's Steve Inskeep. And this is up first from NPR News. The president also talked up a plan to let rich foreigners buy US residency for $5 million. He also spoke of current migrants as terrorists.

[Donald Trump]

Every last one will be rounded up and forcibly removed from our country.

[Michelle Martin]

His homeland security czar says they are short of resources. So what's the president's need from Congress?

[Steve Inskeep]

Also, how is China responding to US Tariffs? The communist government has its own public ritual, the annual meeting of its one party Congress. Our colleague John Ruich is there and helps us to listen in. Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day.

[Sarah Levy]

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[Alyssa Slotkin]

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[Steve Inskeep]

NPR President Trump took the occasion of a speech to Congress to proclaim in his view that America is back.

[Michelle Martin]

For more than 90 minutes, he talked of securing the border, slashing government and imposing tariffs. And he said he did not expect from Democrats.

[Donald Trump]

These people sitting right here will not clap, will not stand, and certainly will not cheer for these astronomical achievements. They won't do it no matter what.

[Michelle Martin]

The opposition party did spend most of his speech stony faced, seated or protesting.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordonez was listening to all of those minutes and he joins us now. Franco, good morning.

[Franco Ordonez]

Good morning, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

What was it like?

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, I mean, there was always, you know, some kind of tension in these kind of speeches. But last night, that tension was really so much higher. I mean, and in the first five minutes, a Democratic Congressman, Al Green of Texas, stood up in protest. He was waving his cane and calling out that Trump didn't have a mandate. And when he wouldn't sit down, House Speaker Mike Johnson actually had him escorted out of the chamber, which was a first, as far as I can remember. And throughout the speech, Republicans were cheering, Democrats were holding up these signs that read things like false and Save Medicaid. And just repeatedly, Trump would go after former President Joe Biden by name and calling Democrats radical left lunatics. I mean, the partisan nature of this speech is really likely what this is going to be remembered for.

[Steve Inskeep]

Well, the president certainly celebrated some of his more divisive or partisan achievements.

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, Trump actually spent a lot of time touting the work of Elon Musk and his project to cut costs known as the Department of Government Efficiency. And he got into some of the nitty gritty, giving this long list of examples that he said were being cut. Here's a small part.

[Donald Trump]

$40 million to improve the social and economic inclusion of sedentary migrants. Nobody knows what that is. $8 million to promote LGBTQI plus in the African nation of Lesotho, which nobody has ever heard of.

[Franco Ordonez]

Now, Steve, Trump's critics have said some of these cuts were for necessary services like aid for starving children. And in some cases, the White House did acknowledge this and rehired people. But NPR has also looked into some of the claims of savings posted on the DOGE website, and documents show that most of those savings don't actually exist.

[Steve Inskeep]

Well, did the President talk about his plans for the year ahead? This can be a table setting moment.

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, a little bit. He asked Congress to pass his tax cuts. He talked about a plan that he'll announce this week to expand production of critical minerals in the US but he really spent most of his time talking about things that he's already done.

[Steve Inskeep]

Well, did he use guests in attendance to make his points, as presidents often do?

[Franco Ordonez]

He did, he did. And that kind of shows, you know, the priorities. A lot of the guests were victims of crime or worked in law enforcement. There was this really heartwarming moment when Trump honored a 13 year old boy who has fought brain cancer. He was dressed in a police uniform. And Trump said he had a special surprise for him tonight.

[Donald Trump]

Dj, we're going to do you the biggest honor of them all. I am asking our new Secret Service Director Sean Curran to officially make you an agent of the United States Secret Service.

[Franco Ordonez]

Trump's Secret Service director then came out and gave him a badge and a hug.

[Steve Inskeep]

In this 90 minute or more speech, Franco, did anything go unsaid?

[Franco Ordonez]

Well, I mean, one of the biggest concerns Americans have is their grocery bills. And Trump promised to cut high prices, but we really didn't hear anything new about those plans. He just blamed Biden.

[Steve Inskeep]

That's White House correspondent Franco Ordonez. Franco, thanks so much.

[Franco Ordonez]

Thanks, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

Now, Democrats took note of what the president didn't say about prices. Senator Alyssa Slotkin of Michigan delivered the party's response.

[Alyssa Slotkin]

President Trump is trying to deliver an unprecedented giveaway to his billionaire friends. He's on the hunt to find trillions of dollars to pass along to the wealthiest in America. And to do that, he's going to make you pay in every part of your life. Grocery and home prices are going up, not down, and he hasn't laid out a credible plan to deal with either of those.

[Steve Inskeep]

Slotkin argued that Trump's tariffs and other proposals will raise prices, the opposite of what voters said they wanted in last year's election.

[Michelle Martin]

Another big issue in last year's election was immigration. And the president spoke last night of rounding up migrants that he described as terrorists.

[Donald Trump]

Every last one will be rounded up and forcibly removed from our country or if they're too dangerous, put in jails, standing trial in this country.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's immigration policy reporter Jimena Bestillo is listening in and is with us after a long night. Ximena, good morning.

[Jimena Bestillo]

Good morning, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

Well, how did the president highlight immigration?

[Jimena Bestillo]

As you listened, there were several guests in the audience invited that showcased this priority, not just for the administration, but for Republicans. One was House Speaker Mike Johnson's guest who, who was White House border czar Tom Homan. Homan is one of the key advisors designating and directing Trump's immigration policy through the federal agencies and has been one of the spokespeople for the administration's goals. Other guests of the White House included Roberto Ortiz, a U.S. border Patrol agent. And also there were family members of Lake and Riley. You might recall that she's a Georgia nursing student whose murder became a rallying cry for Republicans criticizing the Biden administration's immigration plans. The first law Trump state signed in his second term was named after Riley, and it expanded the scope of who could be deported.

[Steve Inskeep]

Now, the president made a claim during the address that illegal border crossings are at the lowest level ever recorded. What do the facts show you?

[Jimena Bestillo]

The agency has not reported the numbers for February yet. That's the Customs and Border Protection. However, posts on social media by the president suggests the administration is on track to report about 8,500 arrests at the U. S. Mexico border in the month of February. This could be the lowest number of crossings since Homeland Security started reporting the data in 2000.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so that is a drop.

[Jimena Bestillo]

Right? And these numbers can ebb and flow depending on various factors. During President Biden's administration, unlawful crossings nationwide peaked in 2022. There was another peak again in 2023, but they've been declining ever since and were on a downward trend when Trump took office.

[Steve Inskeep]

Now, the president, interestingly enough, also talked about letting people in to the country future action on visas. What's he talking about?

[Jimena Bestillo]

Trump recently announced a plan to create a so called gold card which he said would allow, quote, very high level people to apply to become lawful permanent residents. His administration has pitched this as a replacement to the current EB5 immigrant investor visa. But the president can't solely create a new visa. That power lies within Congress. So far, a formal proposal has not been issued by the Trump administration. And speaking of Congress, Trump also took this speech as a reminder to lawmakers that his administration is asking for more money to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Speaking to reporters at the White House earlier in the day, border czar Tom Homan described the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency as being, quote, in the hole. And he said that they needed more money for detention beds and flights to send people out. But that money has to come from Congress.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Amanda Bastillo. Get some sleep.

[Jimena Bestillo]

Thank you.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay. President Trump was not the only world leader to give a big speech in front of a legislature in the past day.

[Michelle Martin]

Yes, Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivered an annual government work report on the first day of the annual session of China's Parliament. It's a State of the Union type address and it gives us an idea of what's on the minds of the leaders of the world's number two economy.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's John Ruich was at the Great hall of the People big building in the middle of Beijing to hear this. And he's on the line. John. Hi there.

[Franco Ordonez]

Hey, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

So did China's leaders use this occasion to respond to what President Trump was saying here, including about them?

[Li Qiang]

Well, no. Li Qiang's speech was wrapping up as Trump was getting started. So we haven't really seen a Chinese response to Trump's speech yet. The Chinese government responded, though, to the new tariffs by Trump. He ratcheted Tariffs on Chinese imports up to 20%. Yesterday they retaliated with their own tariffs on American chicken, wheat, corn, soybeans and such. Blacklisted about 15 US companies. The Chinese premier did not mention the US by name in his address. It's the kind of document that's drafted over the course of months, doesn't change with headlines. But he did talk about, quote, an increasingly complex and severe external environment. Now, those are words we've heard from Chinese leaders before, and analysts say they're basically code for this confrontational situation they have with the US on that front, Lee flagged some concerns that that external environment may actually have a greater impact on China going forward. Forward rank and file delegates to the National People's Congress didn't seem too worried though about the tariffs.

[Steve Inskeep]

Oh, this is really interesting. I've been talking with economic and business figures connected with China who seem to think that tariffs will hurt Americans more than they're going to hurt the Chinese. But what are you hearing where you are?

[Li Qiang]

Yeah, well, we had a chance to talk to a handful of delegates on their way into the opening session today. One of them was Tian Xuan, who's a professor of finance, part of the Shanghai delegation. He told me that China's basically in a better position to handle the tariffs now and to offset them than before. China has a huge domestic market, for instance, it's got comprehensive supply chains. He says the authorities are taking steps to stimulate domestic demand. And he says the tariffs are also kind of a motivator for China to promote high tech and to expand relations with other countries. Economists like you say, say the tariffs will probably start to hurt, especially if they keep going up. But these hand picked delegates to parliament, projecting confidence, as you might expect.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so that's the spin and there's not nothing behind the spin. But also China's economy has really been struggling, sputtering and doing strange things the last couple of years. So how do they address that?

[Li Qiang]

Well, the Premier flagged the risks like that external environment, like sluggish domestic demand. But he also projected some confidence. He set a growth target of around 5% this year. It's about the same as last year. And to get there, announced some fresh fiscal stimulus, a willingness to pursue more accommodative monetary policy to increase funding for industries of the future like quantum technology, AI, these type of things.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, so I just want to note this is a one party Congress. Not likely to have a failed vote or a close vote on anything. But it does, I guess, signal where the government is going. So what do you expect in the coming days?

[Li Qiang]

Well, one interesting thing we'll be looking out for is that the NPC may pass some legislation that would support and protect private businesses. And that's pretty interesting because the leadership here seems to have renewed its interest in these companies as drivers of the economy and innovation, especially after the Chinese company Deepseek released an advanced AI model in January that shocked the world.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's John Ruich with some insights from Beijing. Really appreciate it, John.

[Franco Ordonez]

You're welcome.

[Steve Inskeep]

And that's up first for this Wednesday, March 5th. I'm Steve Inskeep.

[Michelle Martin]

And I'm Michele Martin. There is an easy way to stay connected to news and podcasts from the NPR network, the NPR app. Hear community coverage from your local station, stories from around the world, and podcast suggestions based on what you like. Download the NPR app in your App Store.

[Steve Inskeep]

Today's up first was edited by Roberta Rampton, Kevin Drew Ryland Barton, Alice Wolfley, and Mohamed El Bardisi. It was produced by Ziad Bach, Nia Dumas and Chris Thomas. We get engineering support from Nisha Hyness. And our technical director is Stacy Abbott. Join us again tomorrow.

[Michelle Martin]

I know it's almost baseball season.

[Steve Inskeep]

I should have described her fist pump. As I said, Steve.

[Sarah Levy]

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