Fed Raises Interest Rates, Iran War and Oil Prices, EU-Canada Alliance
Sep 17, 2026 · 13m
Summary
NPR's Up First covers the Federal Reserve's first rate hike in three years, which President Trump criticized as defying his wishes. The episode also details global protests over soaring fuel prices amid renewed Houthi attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure and the ongoing war in Iran. Finally, it examines the EU's proposal to make Canada its first associate member, a move Trump threatened to punish with new tariffs.
Topics discussed
Intro: Trump pressures Fed Chair Kevin Warsh
News roundup: Fuel protests, Canada-EU, and tariffs
Sponsorships: Charles Schwab and Midi Health
Fed raises rates for first time in 3 years
Political drama: Trump vs. Fed independence
Economic rationale: Inflation and strong employment
How rate hikes work and their limits on inflation
Inflation drivers: Iran war, tariffs, and wages
Global protests and record high oil prices
Saudi oil output drops due to Houthi attacks
Human toll: War crimes report and Yemen displacement
Diplomacy: US-Houthi talks and Saudi support
EU proposes Canada as first associate member
Context: Shared values and pushback from Trump
European reaction and upcoming Carney-Macron meeting
Trump threatens tariffs if EU move is hostile
Credits and sign-off
Sponsorships: Schwab, Conservation Fund, and Bombas
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