Up First from NPR

Hunter Biden says he has nothing left to hide. He’s been all over the internet in recent months, including appearances with some of his harshest critics, such as ultra-conservative podcasters Candace Owens and Nick Fuentes. In May, he reactivated his long-dormant X account, writing, “You've never actually heard from me.” 

Since then, he’s posted an average of 23 times per day — weighing in on politics, news and culture. After his private life and struggle with addiction was made public through leaks in the media, congressional investigations and federal prosecutions, Biden now says being ‘stripped naked in the public square’ was, in a way, a gift. 

In this episode of NPR's Newsmakers, Scott Simon sat down with Biden, who opened up about that public shaming, why President Joe Biden decided to pardon him after tax and gun convictions and why he didn’t want his father to run for reelection in 2024 – but didn’t tell him at the time.

Newsmakers is where you'll find NPR's biggest interviews. New episodes drop as soon as they're available -- any day of the week. To stay caught up, follow the show on Spotify, subscribe on YouTube, or find Newsmakers on the NPR app.

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The latest on two fatal shootings involving federal immigration officers in Texas and Maine. An unprecedented rescue mission to save a valuable space observatory before it burns up in Earth's atmosphere. A preview of the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey between Spain and Argentina.

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President Trump gave a primetime address on election integrity, releasing documents he said proved widespread fraud in the 2020 election, but experts say there’s nothing new, just a rehash of old claims.
Trump used his speech to pressure Congress on a bill requiring proof of citizenship to vote, while also laying the groundwork to question the legitimacy of the midterms if Republicans underperform.
And catastrophic flooding has hit Texas again, with at least two people dead and hundreds rescued, just one year after last summer’s deadly floods that killed more than 130 people.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Ben Swasey, Megan Pratz, Acacia Squires, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.

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 Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:38) Trump Rehashes Election Fraud Claims
(06:52) Politics Of Trump's Speech
(10:39) Texas Flooding

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Most senators didn't question Todd Blanche's qualifications to lead the Justice Department at his confirmation hearing, they questioned whether the man who spent years as President Trump's personal lawyer would serve the president or the country.
President Trump notified Congress that the U.S. is back at war with Iran, starting a new 60-day clock for military action, though the clock that may matter most is the midterms as gas prices ripple through the economy.
And Trump's pick for intelligence chief, Jay Clayton, wouldn't acknowledge the results of the 2020 election at his hearing, leaving Democrats to ask why a man with no intelligence experience won't give a straight answer.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Kelsey Snell, Andrew Sussman, Alice Woelfle, and Mohamad ElBardicy.

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
(02:35) Blanche Confirmation Hearing
(06:30) Iran War And Midterm Politics
(10:24) Clayton ODNI Hearing 

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Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will be on Capitol Hill today for his high-stakes confirmation hearing to lead the Justice Department permanently. 
President Trump has talked about the US fully controlling the Strait of Hormuz. But for the US military that means much more than imposing yet another blockade on the key waterway. 
The third fatal ICE shooting in a week is now prompting a policy shift at the agency. According to Senator Angus King, ICE will now suspend most vehicle stops during enforcement operations.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Anna Yukhananov, Alina Hartounian, Mohamad ElBardicy, Alice Woelfle, and Ziad Buchh.

It was produced by Paige Waterhouse and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(1:49) Blanche confirmation hearing
(5:38) US and the Strait of Hormuz
(9:32) ICE Vehicle stops

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NPR Privacy Policy