Sarah McCammon
Appearances
NPR News Now
NPR News: 01-19-2025 7PM EST
Michael Webb and Jonathan Mahoney were excited for the inauguration, but they're rolling with the change of plans.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 01-19-2025 7PM EST
Webb, who's from Texas, and Mahoney from Massachusetts are in the military and stationed together a few hours from D.C. Edwin Alas traveled from Colorado with his husband Gabriel. Alas says they don't have tickets, but they wanted to come celebrate the new president.
NPR News Now
NPR News: 01-19-2025 7PM EST
Trump will take the oath inside the Capitol Rotunda with many supporters watching from a downtown arena. Sarah McCammon, NPR News, Washington.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
So certainly Democrats are up against these limitations you just described. But there are some Democrats, even some of Jeffrey's colleagues, who would like to see a different tone here. I mean, what are they saying that they are doing now?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
I mean, that said, the Republican majority in the House, though, is very narrow, just three seats. Domenico, we've reported before about how disunified the Republican conference tends to be. Isn't there some room here for Democrats to maneuver?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
Hey there, it's the NPR Politics Podcast. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
Today on the show, Democrats find themselves in the minority after last fall's elections, and their constituents aren't happy about what they see as the party's lack of action in response to policies they disagree with from President Trump. The Democrats' leader in the House, Hakeem Jeffries of New York, put it this way recently.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
Okay, it's time for a quick break. We'll have more in just a moment. And we're back. You know, one thing that I find interesting when thinking about all of this is Republicans, when they're in the minority, they've gotten really good at holding things up. You might say being a bit more obstructionist.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
They're willing to use the powers of the minority in ways that Democrats don't seem to be willing to do. Domenico, do you get the sense that Democrats might be thinking about that differently now?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
But do they have a different philosophy to some extent about that?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
So looking at a bit more broadly, I mean, Trump won the election. Republicans took the Senate. They kept the House. And yet a lot of people don't vote in elections. Trump has never had an approval rating above 50 percent. One would think there's some room for Democrats to make inroads here. But, Domenico, is that the case given the way the country's political structures work?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
Barbara, you've been reporting on this. How is that attitude going down with many Democratic voters?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
All right. We're going to leave it there for today. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics. I'm Barbara Sprint. I cover Congress.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
And thank you for listening to the NPR Politics Podcast.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Dems Face Pressure To Fight Trump
Eastern Time on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
Now, Trump said in his address to Congress last night, speaking of numbers, that his administration, quote, has launched the most sweeping border and immigration crackdown in American history. Is that true?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
You know, Mara, is this a situation where the optics of taking some kind of action, whatever it is, will matter more for Trump supporters than whether or not he actually literally delivers on all of his campaign promises for immigration?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
Yeah, let's talk more about that. I mean, Jimena, based on your reporting, if Trump were successful on a large scale, what would that mean for the economy nationally and local economies?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
Eastern Time on Wednesday, March 5th, 2025.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
All right. We talked earlier about the optics of mass deportation, as Trump calls it. But what about the logistics? I mean, he's expressed a desire to deport somewhere in the neighborhood of 11 million people, maybe even more. Is that remotely feasible as the system currently stands?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
We'll have more in a moment.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
And we're back. Now, Jimena, we've talked a lot about deportation, but it's worth noting that there are some kinds of immigration that Trump does support.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
Congratulations. Good luck. We hope so. Love is real. Hey there, it's the NPR Politics Podcast. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
And Mara, I mean, this isn't totally a new idea, right? But it kind of aligns with Trump's transactional view of how politics are supposed to work.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
You know, there's been an appetite going back many years now for some kind of immigration reform in Congress. There have been many efforts toward that end. A deal was in place when President Joe Biden was in office, which Trump essentially torpedoed from afar.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
Do either of you get the sense that any kind of major legislative reform is possible now or is immigration policy just going to be directed through executive action?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
And today on the show, we take a look at how President Trump's immigration policies are developing so far. Jimena, you've been all over this beat. Immigration, as you know, has always been a major focus for Trump, and it was a really big focus of the 2024 campaign. What's happened so far?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
Jimena, you've been watching this all unfold. You've been watching Trump begin to implement some of his immigration policy in the first several weeks of his administration. What are you going to have your eyes on in the coming weeks and months?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
So that's kind of where they're at. Just one more thing I want to mention before we go. Ximena, you mentioned the word fear a couple of times. And that made me think about President Trump's speech to Congress. He said, they heard my words and they chose not to come. You know, we've talked a lot about enforcement, but it seems that part of the strategy is fear, right? It's just simply to protest.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
tell people who might otherwise come to this country don't.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
All right. That's all from us for today. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump's Immigration Policy Is Taking Shape
And thank you for listening to the NPR Politics Podcast.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
Yeah, I mean, she was pretty laser focused on this message that Trump is essentially Trump has made all of these promises, but he's not going to be able to deliver on them, especially when it comes to improving the economy.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
You know, so you mentioned earlier that she was talking about protecting democracy as a pretty simple message that tests well. You know, She ended her remarks by calling on Americans who oppose Trump to not tune out, to show up to town halls and hold their elected leaders accountable and to work on making progress on issues that they care about, even if it's just one issue, she said.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
Is that a message, though, that gets voters excited at this point?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
Okay, we will leave it there for now. And we will be back in your feeds Wednesday afternoon as normal. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
And thank you for listening to the NPR Politics Podcast.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
Yeah. And, you know, some of the Democrats were holding up these preprinted protest signs. They came ready with them that read Musk steals, protect veterans, save Medicaid. And then Trump responded to this big moment by speaking to Democrats directly.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
Hey there, it's the NPR Politics Podcast. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics. I'm Asma Khalid. I cover the White House. And I'm Susan Davis. I cover politics. It is 1147 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 4, 2025. And earlier tonight, President Trump gave a joint address to Congress.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
So after that initial commotion, the rest of Trump's speech read kind of like a laundry list of areas where he is claiming victory so far. Some of Trump's claims, like eliminating fraudulent Social Security spending for people over the age of 150, something he's talked about before that's been debunked repeatedly.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
And we should mention NPR's team of reporters fact-checked the address in real time, and we have a link to that in our show notes. You know, Asma and Sue, what else stood out to you?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
As soon as the president arrived in the House chamber, the tone and tenor of things was noticeably different than many previous similar speeches. Republicans gave Trump a standing ovation and chanted USA as he approached the lectern. Some Democrats skipped the event altogether, and those who were there were largely silent and seated. That is, until the speech started.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
OK, let's get to his speech. You know, when it comes to the economy, obviously one of Trump's big themes is tariffs. And no surprise, he talked about that tonight. What did you hear in that part of the speech?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
And he kind of acknowledged that and alluded to the fact that it was tough for farmers the first time around and said, once again, it might be tough in the beginning, but I have to bear with me.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
Well, another source of that uncertainty for many people is the way that Trump and Elon Musk, who has become part of his inner circle – are reshaping the federal government through Doge. Trump talked about that. He touted that as one of his accomplishments. What did you hear from Trump about what Doge has done so far?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
And, you know, another big theme from Trump tonight and forever is immigration. He took up more than 10 minutes talking about that in this speech. He said his administration, quote, launched the most sweeping border and immigration crackdown in American history. Asma, what did you hear there?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
On to another topic from the speech. That's Ukraine. Trump has been very critical of that support. And here's what he said in his speech.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
We should note the most widely used tracker of Ukraine aid shows that the U.S. has provided $114 billion since the full-scale Russian invasion three years ago, and Europe has provided $132 billion collectively. And Trump said he's been talking with Ukraine and Russia to find a way to make peace.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
It was the first time he'd spoken publicly about Ukraine since that meeting with President Zelensky at the White House last week, which ended in a shouting match. What struck you about his comments tonight?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
So that was early on in Trump's speech when House Speaker Mike Johnson directed the sergeant at arms to remove Congressman Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, from the chamber for interrupting Trump after Trump said he and Republicans had won a mandate to govern. This was quite a moment, wasn't it?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
But as we also talked about earlier this week on the podcast, Trump doesn't have to run free election. It's almost two years until the midterms. And he seems to be happiest playing to his base. And I think we saw During that speech, just how supportive his party was, even as, you know, the other side of the aisle was very silent. All right, it's time for a quick break.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
And when we come back, the Democrats' response to the president's address.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump Defends Agenda In Combative Address
And we're back. As is tradition with these early joint addresses or State of the Union addresses, the minority party delivers an official party response. That came from Michigan Senator Alyssa Slotkin, who had the job for Democrats this year. Sue, just tell us a little bit about Slotkin. Why was she the choice for the rebuttal?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
And, you know, typically when we think about something like a summit to end a war, especially a European war, this would be in a place like Switzerland or Norway. So why Saudi Arabia?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
Right. And Franco, one of the many things Donald Trump said when he was campaigning was that he would end this war within 24 hours of taking office. That, of course, didn't happen. But what is the White House's endgame here?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
I'm glad to hear that cookie distribution is still going. Hey there, it's the NPR Politics Podcast. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
And we should note, I mean, this is a conversation about Ukraine that is happening without the participation of Ukraine.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
And today on the show, the latest on efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Officials from the U.S. and Russia met today in Saudi Arabia in an effort to try and broker a deal. And Greg, that's where we will start. What do we know about these talks?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
And without Zelensky there. All right. It's time for a break. When we come back, more on how U.S. policy toward Ukraine has shifted in the new administration. And welcome back. I want to talk about the shift in rhetoric from the Biden administration to the Trump administration when it comes to providing aid and military support for Ukraine. Vice President J.D.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
Vance spoke at the Munich Security Conference last week. As Greg mentioned, I just want to play a bit of that.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
It was part of a larger broadside against what Vance characterized as Europe and European government's stifling of free speech. He suggested the U.S. would be less willing to help countries that were not aligning with his vision of promoting free expression. Now, Franco, this speech has raised alarm bells across Europe, as many took it as a further sign of the U.S. isolating itself.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
What was the White House's objective with this speech?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
Right. I mean, there's Trump's friendliness with Russia and on the same token, distance from our traditional allies in Europe. What does it mean for Ukraine's security if the U.S. suddenly decides to back off of its support for Ukraine, as we know some Republicans have called for for a long time?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
You know, Franco, I was so struck by what you said a moment ago about people in tears in the room as Vice President Vance was speaking. I mean, this is a historic shift. This is a departure from really the international order that's been in place since the end of World War II, shaped largely by the United States. I mean, where do either of you see this going?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
The idea of spheres of influence for me begs the question of what are those spheres and where are the lines and who draws the boundaries?
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
All right. Well, we'll leave it there. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
How Trump Changed U.S. Policy Toward Ukraine
And thank you for listening to the NPR Politics Podcast.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
Okay, we're going to leave it there for today. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics. I'm Danielle Kurtzleben. I cover the White House.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
And thank you for listening to the NPR Politics Podcast.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
The Kentucky Republican was one of the most influential politicians of the modern era. Sue Davis, you've been covering him for years. What is he saying about why he's ready to retire now?
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
I mean, what did McConnell say about his relationship with Trump? Because you're both getting at something I think is really interesting, which is he had a complicated relationship. He was never a never-Trumper, right? I mean, he would work with him on many things.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
But McConnell also represented kind of the old Republican guard, the wing of the party that is almost nonexistent in today's GOP, you could argue.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
Eastern Time on Thursday, February 20th, 2025.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
And so do you think that McConnell has felt emboldened to push back against Trump in some of these confirmation votes, as you mentioned, because he's on his way out the door? Do you think he would have done that anyways?
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
One last question. Who might we see running to replace McConnell representing Kentucky in the Senate?
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
Love a McCammon fan stamp. That's so nice. Thank you, David. Hey there, it's the NPR Politics Podcast. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
So yeah, lots to watch. We're going to say goodbye now to Sue. Thanks for being here. You're welcome. It's time for a quick break. And when we come back, President Trump's new effort to exert control over independent agencies.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
And we're back. And we're joined now by White House correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben. Hey, Danielle. Hey, Sarah. On Tuesday, President Trump signed yet another executive order giving him power over independent federal agencies, which have, by design, long been at a distance from the president's power. Danielle, let's just start with the basics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
What is an independent agency and why should people care about them?
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
And just a short time ago, Senator Mitch McConnell announced his retirement on the Senate floor.
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
Okay. Tell me more about this order, though. What does it mean these agencies will have to do differently? And how might the president be involved? Well,
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
So many things, Danielle, that Trump has done in his first month in office were things he talked about on the campaign trail. But this one wasn't exactly a campaign slogan. I mean, did he telegraph this move at all ahead of time?
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
We're going to try to get rid of that. Mara, I do want to talk about the politics of this. I mean, these, as we've said, are independent agencies. It means they were set up to be checks and balances for the president, independent from the president. How does this move to control them fit into Trump's larger governing strategy?
The NPR Politics Podcast
McConnell Announces His Retirement And Trump Signs Another Executive Order
And what about legal challenges? I mean, how is the Supreme Court likely to react to this? Right.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
So, Asma, like Scott just said, there's been a lot of back and forth here. I mean, what is the White House trying to do? Just sort of bring us up to speed on where they're focusing these tariffs and why.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
You know, Asma, you just mentioned the Trump administration saying that this is about fairness. But I just want to step back a little further. Both of you, what is Trump's ostensible rationale for doing this?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
And, you know, it's not just about goods. It's also about jobs. I want to ask you both about something that U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Fox News recently.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
I mean, Scott, help us put this in context. Is it really that simple?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
OK, it's time for a quick break. We'll have more in just a moment.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
And we're back. Scott, you were talking a minute ago about picking winners and losers, which brings me to the question, how are businesses and also how are the markets reacting to all of this?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
Congratulations. I have no doubt. Hey there, it's the NPR Politics Podcast. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics. And I'm Asma Khalid. I cover the White House. And on today's show, we are looking at the tariffs President Trump has put in place this week and how they're affecting the economy. So we've got NPR's chief economics correspondent, Scott Horsley, with us. Hi, Scott.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
Yeah. Asma, how much does the White House, how much does President Trump respond to those signals from the business community?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
OK, we've talked a bunch about businesses and how they're responding. But what about the countries that are being targeted with these tariffs? I mean, I'm thinking about Canada, which has, of course, been for such a long time such a close U.S.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
Always good to have you. You know, just remind us, there's been so much tariff talk from Trump, but what has actually been put in place so far?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
All right. I think we're going to leave it there for today. Scott Horsley, so good to have you with us. Thank you for being here.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
We'll be back tomorrow with the Weekly Roundup. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Trump's Tariff Tumult
And thank you for listening to the NPR Politics Podcast.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
Before we get into some of the nitty gritty here, I just want to take a broader look. What does Trump's approval rating look like overall?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
And Mara, I mean, this is better than where Trump was when he left office in 2021, right?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
Right. And he stressed that during the campaign because he knew what we knew, which is that voters were saying again and again that the economy was, if not their top issue, one of their very top issues. You know, Domenico, when you look at the numbers, though, it's so interesting that he just got elected largely on this issue. Fifty seven percent of voters think now that prices are going to go up.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
How does that break down, though, along party lines?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
So his supporters are still happy and optimistic. But, you know, the rest of the country is worried about prices. I mean, does any of this matter, though? He doesn't have to run for reelection. The midterms are still a couple of years away.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
Eastern Time on Monday, March 3rd, 2025.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
OK, before we take a break, we have to talk about Elon Musk and Doge. I mean, Mara, I think, mentioned a moment ago the just enormous reshaping of the federal government that the Trump administration is trying to do. A lot of that is being led by Elon Musk. How are people feeling about Musk and Doge?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
We'll have more in just a moment. And welcome back. Some of the biggest news last week was the meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The two had that major, very public dispute at the White House over policy related to U.S. support for Ukraine in the war with Russia, which has entered its third year.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
18 months is a great age, too, because you don't have to usually train them to do everything.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
So, Domenico, the poll was taken, we should say, before that event. But what do the poll numbers tell us about how Americans have been feeling about Ukraine?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
Right. So most Americans are saying keep it where it is in terms of the amount of support or even increase it. Mara, what do you make of that breakdown?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
Does it matter, though, again, and does it shape Trump's policy at all?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
I was wondering about that.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
Hey there, it's the NPR Politics Podcast. I'm Sarah McCammon. I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
I want to close by asking you both about another item in that poll that caught my eye. It asked whether or not the nation's system of checks and balances, which is, of course, a fundamental part of the American system of government, whether or not that's working. And most people, a majority said they don't think it is.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
Although here again, there's a partisan divide in how they look at that question. So what does it mean for the future of the country if Americans don't think the system is functioning as it was designed?
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
Today on the show, a pulse check from the latest NPR PBS News Marist poll. How are Americans reacting and responding to President Trump's policies so far? And is he making any headway on one of the chief messages of his campaign, which was, of course, addressing high costs and economic concerns? Domenico, we're going to start with you.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
And we are going to leave it there for today. Just a programming note, we will be in your feed late tomorrow night. That's because President Trump is addressing a joint session of Congress Tuesday evening. You can hear that live on your NPR station or on the NPR app beginning at 9 p.m. Eastern time. And we will be around after that with analysis and takeaways from the speech. I'm Sarah McCammon.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
I cover politics.
The NPR Politics Podcast
Poll: Majority Thinks Trump Is Making Changes Too Quickly
And thank you for listening to the NPR Politics Podcast.
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
Crews in Ukraine are cleaning up following a deadly attack on Christmas Day. Moscow launched some 70 missiles and more than 100 drones packed with explosives. They appeared to target Ukraine's energy grid. NPR's Brian Mann joins us now from Kiev. Hi, Brian.
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
So tell us about this Russian attack. What made it through Ukraine's air defenses?
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
This is now the third winter of the war there. And whenever it gets cold, Russia seems to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure. How well is it holding up?
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
A Russian attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure leaves thousands of people without heat in the winter's cold, and it's not the first time. We hear what Ukrainians have to say about the attack on Christmas Day. I'm Sarah McCammon, and this is Up First from NPR News. Automakers are trying to adapt to seismic changes in their industry.
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
And Brian, what are these attacks meaning for people's daily lives there in Ukraine?
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
Now, just before Christmas, you visited the front lines in eastern Ukraine, where the fighting is the most intense. How are things there?
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
Why some companies might not make it through the transition. And the holiday season in Nigeria is muted this year against the backdrop of an economic crisis. Reforms praised by Western institutions have led to crushing inflation. Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
That's NPR's Brian Mann in Kyiv. Thanks so much.
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
Hey there. Hey, Sarah. So these are two really well-known automakers with very long histories and reputations. Why would they want to merge?
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
And not only that, right, but presumably a merger would also make these companies, both of which are based in Japan, more competitive against Chinese automakers. Why is that important? Yeah.
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
You know, there was a time back in the 1980s when Japan was really emerging as a global force in the auto sector. Are Chinese companies now stepping into that kind of role in the industry?
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
That's NPR's Raphael Nam. Thank you so much.
Up First from NPR
Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
In Nigeria, the holidays are less festive this year as the country is in the grip of one of its worst economic crises in decades. The government imposed a set of controversial economic reforms that critics say have only made poverty worse. And despite recent quarters of economic growth, inflation has soared. NPR's West Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu joins us now. Hi there.
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Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
So just paint a picture for me. How difficult is the economy for people right now?
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Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
Yeah, just an absolutely tragic example of how these economic struggles are hurting people. But what is the underlying cause of the economic situation?
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Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
So, Emmanuel, what is the government doing to soften that blow that you just mentioned for the people in Nigeria?
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Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
NPR West Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu, thanks so much.
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Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
And that's Up First for Thursday, December 26th. I'm Sarah McCammon. For your next listen, why not consider Consider This from NPR. We here at Up First give you the three big stories of the day. Our Consider This colleagues take a different approach. They dive into a single news story and what it means for you in just 15 minutes. Listen now on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Christmas Attack In Ukraine, Honda-Nissan Merger, Nigeria's Economic Crisis
Today's episode of Up First was edited by Peter Granitz, Emily Kopp, Miguel Macias, Lisa Thompson, and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Nia Dumas, and Ana Perez. We get engineering support from Josephine Neoni, and our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
Evie Stone is our senior supervising editor, Sarah Lucy Oliver is our executive producer, and Jim Kane is our deputy managing editor.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
For more news, interviews, sports, and music, you can tune in to Weekend Edition on your radio. Go to stations.npr.org to find your local NPR station.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
Here's a question that's become something of a refrain over the last several weeks. Is the U.S. in a constitutional crisis?
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
President Trump speaking yesterday at the White House. And joining us now is NPR senior contributor Ron Elving. Hey, Ron.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
So to that question that keeps getting invoked, what do you say, Ron, is a constitutional crisis at hand?
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
So sticking with immigration for a second, there were some notable cuts announced yesterday to a division within the Department of Homeland Security or DHS. What can you tell us about those?
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
That's because what were once seen as minor visa violations are now triggering major scrutiny from immigration officials.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
Now, I think it's worth noting it has not even been a week since members of the Trump administration and the Doge team took over the U.S. Institute of Peace, which is a congressionally funded think tank. Where is Congress in all of this?
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
That's NPR's Ron Elving. Thanks so much for your time, Ron.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
If you have a green card or a valid visa, getting into the U.S. is usually straightforward.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
But lately, officers have stepped up their questions and sent some people with apparently minor visa violations to detention centers.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
Sudan's army took control of the presidential palace on Friday after days of intense fighting with the paramilitary rapid support forces known as RSF.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
Fighting continues across Sudan, but this is likely to be a key turning point. NPR's West Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu has been covering this and joins us now. Thanks for being with us today.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
So if you could, just tell us more about what happened in the Capitol yesterday.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
So this seems at least like a major symbolic victory. But how does this change the course of this war? Is it now closer to an end?
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
And that humanitarian crisis we hear about has been worsening in Sudan. Can you give us the latest?
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
NPR's West Africa correspondent Emmanuel Akinwotu, thank you.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
Finally, a moment to remember boxing great and grill master George Foreman. He became the heavyweight champion of the world twice. First in his 20s, he then lost his title in 1974 to Muhammad Ali in one of the sport's most storied matches, known as the Rumble in the Jungle.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
He went on to become the pitchman for the George Foreman Grill, an electric double-sided countertop appliance that made him richer than his boxing career ever did.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
His family announced his death Friday night on social media. He was 76.
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DHS job cuts, Travel troubles under Trump, Sudan Civil War latest
I'm Ayesha Roscoe. And I'm Sarah McCammon. Martin Patience produced today's episode with help from Elena Turek, Destiny Adams, and Danny Hensel.
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Tariffs Hit At Midnight, Small Business Reactions, National Security Firings
I had to come up with $15,000 of extra cash to release my goods just this last month.
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Tariffs Hit At Midnight, Small Business Reactions, National Security Firings
And I had to come up with $15,000 of extra cash to release my goods just this last month.
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Tariffs Hit At Midnight, Small Business Reactions, National Security Firings
Even if we pass some to the consumer, we can't pass it all. So I really think the honest answer is that businesses will close.
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Tariffs Hit At Midnight, Small Business Reactions, National Security Firings
If you don't, we will find you and we will deport you. You will never return.