Venezuela Earthquakes, Trump Senate Fight, Pentagon Shuffles
6/25/202613 min
Venezuela got hit by two of the most powerful earthquakes in its history, striking seconds apart near the capital and collapsing buildings as the government braces for a high death toll and the U.S. rushes in aid.
President Trump blew up a popular bipartisan housing bill both parties wanted, refusing to sign it until the Senate passes his own elections bill that doesn't have the votes, it's the latest example of his demand for loyalty from Republicans and allies alike.
And one of the Army's top generals, Chris Donahue, is set to retire in a move that surprised many, drawing more attention to a pattern of Pentagon shake-ups under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Tara Neill, Rebekah Metzler, Andrew Sussman, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.
It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.
Our director is Christopher Thomas.
We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.
And our deputy Executive Producer is Kelley Dickens.
(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Venezuela Earthquakes
(05:39) Trump Senate Fight
(09:26) Pentagon Shuffles
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Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsMichel Martin· Host0:00
[intro music] What appears to be two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela just seconds apart.
A Martinez· Host0:07
It hit Caracas and a crowded region west of the capital. Buildings collapsed. The main airport is damaged. The government fears a high death toll as recovery efforts continue.
Michel Martin· Host0:15
I'm Michelle Martin. That's A Martinez, and this is Up First from NPR News. [intro music] Senate Republicans reversed course on Iran last night, voting against a resolution to end the war just a day after a bipartisan rebuke of President Trump. It was a peace offering to a furious president who had blown up a popular housing bill and berated his own party over loyalty.
A Martinez· Host0:35
And one of the Army's top generals is set to retire, catching many by surprise. General Chris Donahue was the last US soldier out of Afghanistan in 2021, and his exit fits a pattern of Pentagon shakeups. Stay with us. We've got news you need to start your day. [upbeat music] 48 teams.
Speaker 3· Soundbite0:57
We wanna be one of the soccer powerhouses that people talk about.
A Martinez· Host0:59
16 cities.
Speaker 3· Soundbite1:00
The joy of the World Cup is that it holds up a mirror to the society that surrounds it.
A Martinez· Host1:06
One beautiful game.
Speaker 41:07
I think everyone knows that nothing is like a, a World Cup game.
A Martinez· Host1:10
The World Cup is here, and we have you covered. Follow along on and off the pitch with the NPR app.
Tonya Mosley1:17
[gentle music] This is Tonya Mosley, co-host of Fresh Air. Don't miss my interview with comic and storyteller Ali Siddiq. We talk about fatherhood, healing, and how prison changed