NPR News Now - NPR News: 02-10-2025 5AM EST

Episode Date: February 10, 2025

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I'm Windsor Johnston. President Trump says he's committed to buying and owning the Gaza Strip. The president spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One last night. We may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it. Other people may do it through our auspices. But we're committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn't move back. There's nothing to move back into. Countries in the Middle East, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, have warned Trump that his plan would further exacerbate tensions in the Middle East and lead to a wider conflict in the region. Trump also says he's open to the possibility of allowing some Palestinian refugees into

the United States, but would consider such requests on a case-by-case basis. The trade war between the United States and China is heating up. The Chinese counter tariffs on a range of American goods are set to go into effect today. NPR's John Ruich reports neither side appears ready to back down. The Chinese tariffs range from 10 to 15 percent and cover a variety of U.S. products, including crude oil, liquefied natural gas, and farm machinery. The government announced them last week in response to a new 10 percent tariff on Chinese goods imported into the United States.

President Trump says he imposed that tariff to try to pressure Beijing to do more to stop the flow of the synthetic opioid fentanyl into America. China is a major source of the chemicals used to make the drug. The Chinese government says cooperation with the United States in counter-narcotics has been good, but it says tariffs will only make matters worse. Trump, meanwhile, says he's set to announce fresh tariffs this week, including 25% on all steel and aluminum imports. John Ruech, NPR News, Beijing. Tech billionaire Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency unit are hitting

their first set of legal roadblocks. A federal judge on Saturday banned the team from accessing Treasury Department records. NPR's Lou Garrett reports Musk is now calling for the judge to be impeached. The tech magnet turned special government employee is calling a New York federal judge corrupt for getting in his way. Musk says the Treasury Department agreed to let Doge access their taxpayer data to look out for waste and fraud. The federal judge temporarily blocked the sharing agreement, saying it risks, quote,

irreparable harm. In a social media post shared by Musk, Vice President J.D. Vance said, quote, judges aren't allowed to control the executive's legitimate power, end quote. The Constitution establishes three separate but co-equal branches of government, the legislative, executive, and judicial. This judicial branch is responsible for deciding whether actions taken by people or the government are legal. A hearing on Doge's access to Treasury data is set for this Friday. Luke Garrett, NPR News, Washington. Stocks closed higher across Asia today. Markets in Japan, China and Hong Kong posted gains.

On Wall Street, Dow futures are up. This is NPR News in Washington. Eagles fans took to the streets in Philadelphia last night to celebrate last night's blowout win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. Steve Futterman reports Philly beat the two-time champions 40-22. The Kansas City Chiefs' quest to make history and become the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls fell flat. The Philadelphia Eagles jumped out to a 34-0 lead before the Chiefs could even get on the scoreboard.

Philadelphia was led by quarterback Jalen Hertz. He threw two touchdown passes and ran for another. He was named MVP. It's been a long journey. It's been a journey of ups and downs and highs and lows. For Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes, it was a miserable night. He had three turnovers, including an interception that was run back for a touchdown. For Eagle fans here like Liz O'Shea, it was a perfect game. Oh, so happy, so excited. I knew we could do this. Next, the parade in Philadelphia. For NPR News, I'm Steve Futterman

at the Super Bowl in New Orleans. A major egg company says it's stepping up security at its facility in Green Castle, Pennsylvania after the theft of 100,000 eggs. 8,000 cartons worth about $40,000 were stolen from the back of a distributor trailer earlier this month. The theft comes amid an increase of bird infections, which has contributed to a shortage of eggs across the United States. I'm Windsor Johnston, and you're listening to NPR News from Washington.