What is President Trump's agenda during his Indo-Pacific trip?
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Shea Stevens. President Trump is meeting at this hour with U.S. troops in Japan, his second stop on a nearly week-long trip to the Indo-Pacific. Trump told those gathered that he'll introduce an executive order to rebuild U.S. aircraft carriers that use steam.
After an earlier meeting with Japan's new leader, NPR's Deepa Shivaram reports that Trump called Japan a U.S. ally on the strongest level. Japanese Prime Minister Taikachi hosted Trump for a bilateral meeting and a lunch in Tokyo. Trump congratulated the prime minister on her recent election win, becoming the first female prime minister of Japan.
The two leaders signed an agreement affirming the U.S.-Japan relationship is in its, quote, golden era. Anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there. We are an ally at the strongest level. The two leaders also signed an agreement on rare earths minerals. A final trade agreement is still being finalized, but the Japanese prime minister has teased a purchase of Ford F-150 trucks from the U.S.
Deepa Shivaram, NPR News, Tokyo. More than 100 former Justice Department officials are condemning the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey. As NPR's Kerry Johnson reports, the attorneys say they're coming together in bipartisan fashion because they're worried about the rule of law. The unusual group includes former attorneys general and their top deputies.
They're speaking with one voice to warn about the prosecution of former FBI director Jim Comey. Their new friend of the court brief says that case appears to be motivated by President Trump's animosity. and a dangerous exercise of the power to prosecute. Comey's pleaded not guilty to charges of misleading Congress.
He's trying to get the case thrown out by arguing he's the target of a vindictive or selective prosecution. Carrie Johnson, NPR News, Washington. Many doctors say political attacks on science and medicine are affecting patient care, especially in rural communities. The story from NPR's Yuki Noguchi.
Dr. Banu Symington is one of only five full-time oncologists in Wyoming and is close to retirement. She sees misinformation and conspiracy theories putting patients in peril. Some, for example, are taking an anti-parasite drug because it was endorsed on a conservative podcast as a treatment for cancer.
I have patients who are covertly taking ivermectin, and then they end up in the intensive care unit because of a complication from the ivermectin. Experts say the shortage of doctors in rural areas is making this problem worse. But the Trump administration's changes to immigration and health policies are also making recruitment of clinicians tougher in America's rural communities.
Yuki Noguchi, NPR News. U.S. futures are flat in after-hours trading on Wall Street, when Asia-Pacific market shares are lower. This is NPR. Remaining federal funding for food aid is set to run dry this weekend as the federal shutdown continues, and state-run food programs could be out of funds by the end of next week.
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