Apple News Today: How Trump is Expanding the Military’s Role on U.S. Soil

Release Date: August 13, 2025

In this episode of Apple News Today, host Shemitah Basu delves into the multifaceted strategies employed by former President Donald Trump to expand the military's presence and influence within the United States. The discussion spans Trump's deployment of the National Guard, a controversial deal with Nvidia, and the broader implications for national security and civil liberties. Additionally, the episode covers the troubling targeted killings of journalists in Gaza, highlighting the challenges to press freedom amidst conflict.

I. Trump’s Deployment of the National Guard in Washington, D.C.

Rising Military Presence Amid Low Crime Rates

On August 12, 2025, members of the D.C. National Guard were deployed following President Trump's unprecedented decision to take control of Washington, D.C.'s police forces. The move aims to "address crime in a city where violent crime is at a 30-year low" (00:38). However, the exact role of the Guard remains ambiguous. Mayor Muriel Bowser anticipates that they will patrol federal properties, including parks and monuments (00:50), while Pentagon officials assert that the Guard will not engage in law enforcement directly but will support federal agents, though temporary detention of individuals remains a possibility (01:07).

Expanding Military Roles Under Trump’s Administration

Throughout his second term, Trump has continuously pushed the boundaries of military deployment on domestic soil. Vera Bergengrun, a national security reporter at the Wall Street Journal, notes, “He often sees the military as something he wants to call in or to show that he's serious about something, especially when it comes to law and order or fighting crime” (03:02). This approach is markedly different from previous administrations, where deploying the military for domestic issues was typically reserved for major crises (01:50).

Legal and Constitutional Concerns

Trump’s actions have sparked legal debates. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom is challenging Trump’s order to deploy the Guard, seeking to reclaim control (02:20). Additionally, a former U.S. Army War College professor suggests that Trump’s deployment to D.C. might serve as a "test run for more legally dubious use of military force around the country" (04:04).

Military Perspectives on Domestic Deployment

Former and current military members express concern over the normalization of armed troops on U.S. streets. Bergengrun highlights that such actions can desensitize both the military and the public, potentially undermining constitutional principles (03:39). The deployment in D.C. is particularly notable as Trump has direct control over its National Guard, a power not commonly exercised in other states (03:57).

II. The Controversial Trump-Nvidia Deal: National Security Implications

Background on Nvidia’s Strategic Importance

Nvidia, renowned for its advanced chips essential for artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, found its exports to China restricted under President Biden for national security reasons (04:34). In a surprising reversal, Trump recently authorized Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, to resume sales to China under specific conditions (04:58).

Negotiated Terms and Constitutional Challenges

In negotiations, Huang insisted on a 20% cut from sales to China, which Trump countered at 15%, leading to a "deal" where the government receives a portion of Nvidia’s sales revenues (05:08). This arrangement resembles an export tax, a measure constitutionally prohibited. However, the Trump administration labels it as a "voluntary" agreement to circumvent legal restrictions (05:35). White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt acknowledges that the legality of the deal is still being evaluated (05:37).

Implications for U.S.-China Relations and AI Development

Lisa Etochico, tech editor at CNN Business, explains that such a deal is unprecedented and could signify a strategic acknowledgment of China’s advancing AI capabilities. By allowing certain exports, the U.S. might benefit economically while maintaining a foothold in global AI dynamics (05:50). However, Republican Congressman John Moliner warns that this sets a dangerous precedent, potentially enabling further governmental incentives that enhance China's technological prowess (06:26).

Future Prospects and Ongoing Negotiations

The chip at the center of this deal, the H20, has been instrumental in the development of China's DeepSeek AI system. While not Nvidia’s top-tier chip, it represents a significant revenue stream and could influence broader trade negotiations between the U.S. and China (06:53). Moreover, Trump remains open to similar deals for more advanced chips like the Blackwell, proposing even higher government cuts (07:37).

III. Targeted Killings of Journalists in Gaza: A Threat to Press Freedom

Tragic Losses Amid Conflict

The episode shifts focus to the harrowing situation in Gaza, where an Israeli airstrike resulted in the deaths of six journalists, including Anas al Sharif of Al Jazeera. Al Sharif was a prominent correspondent, known for his coverage of the hunger crisis and the daily struggles of Palestinians (08:19). His death has been met with condemnation from the UN, the EU, and press freedom organizations.

Accusations and Lack of Evidence

Israeli forces accused Al Sharif of collaborating with Hamas, allegations that both Al Jazeera and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) have vehemently denied. The CPJ Executive stated, “This is part of a pattern that we've seen from Israel in which Israel alleges that journalists are terrorists and then fails to produce any real, credible evidence” (09:22). The lack of substantiated evidence raises serious concerns about the safety of journalists in conflict zones.

Global Repercussions for Journalism

According to Reporters Without Borders, nearly 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, with about a quarter directly targeted (10:18). Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, emphasizes that these actions are designed to “stop independent voices reporting,” severely hindering global understanding of the war (10:41).

Al Sharif’s Legacy and Continued Impact

Before his untimely death, Al Sharif had composed a poignant message for Al Jazeera, expressing his unwavering commitment to journalism despite the pervasive pain and suffering (11:08). His legacy underscores the critical role of journalists in conflict areas and the dire consequences when their safety is jeopardized.

IV. Other Notable News Briefs

Ukrainian- Russian Negotiations

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated he will not cede the eastern part of Ukraine, a central issue for upcoming discussions between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Reuters reports that Russia has intensified its military incursions to pressure Ukraine into territorial concessions ahead of these talks (11:27).

State Department’s Human Rights Report

The State Department released its long-awaited international human rights report, which notably omits commendations for allies like Israel and El Salvador while criticizing countries such as Brazil and South Africa. The report also excludes sections on gender-based and LGBTQ violence, focusing instead on issues like freedom of expression in traditional allies like the UK and France. Delivered to Congress six months late, the report arrives amidst economic recession concerns among lawmakers (12:03).

AMC Introduces Commercials Before Movies

In response to financial pressures, AMC Theaters has begun showing commercials before movie screenings for the first time. This change, reported by The Washington Post, includes notifications in the AMC app advising moviegoers that films will start 25 to 30 minutes after the listed time, providing a predictable window for viewers (12:42).

Conclusion

This episode of Apple News Today provides a comprehensive overview of President Trump's strategies to utilize military resources domestically, the controversial economic agreements impacting U.S.-China relations, and the grave threats to press freedom in conflict zones. These discussions highlight significant implications for national security, international diplomacy, and the fundamental freedoms that underpin democratic societies.

For more detailed coverage of these stories and additional news, visit the Apple News app.

Notable Quotes:

• Vera Bergengrun, Wall Street Journal:
  “He often sees the military as something he wants to call in or to show that he's serious about something, especially when it comes to law and order or fighting crime.” (03:02)

• CPJ Executive:
  “This is part of a pattern that we've seen from Israel in which Israel alleges that journalists are terrorists and then fails to produce any real, credible evidence.” (09:22)

• Irene Khan, UN Special Rapporteur:
  “It is not killing in the context of war. It is a deliberate strategy to stop independent voices reporting, so it's as much a threat to independent journalism as it is to the journalists themselves.” (10:41)

Time Stamps:

• [00:05] Introduction by Shemitah Basu
• [00:38] Deployment of D.C. National Guard
• [01:05] Mayor Muriel Bowser’s expectations
• [02:03] Historical context of Trump’s military deployments
• [03:02] Vera Bergengrun on Trump’s military strategy
• [04:34] Nvidia deal overview
• [05:08] Negotiation details between Trump and Nvidia’s CEO
• [05:50] Lisa Etochico on the deal’s implications
• [06:26] Congressman John Moliner’s warning
• [08:19] Targeted killings in Gaza
• [09:22] CPJ’s response to Israel’s accusations
• [10:41] Irene Khan on threats to journalism
• [11:08] Anas al Sharif’s final message
• [12:03] State Department report
• [12:42] AMC’s new commercial strategy

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a thorough understanding for those who have not listened to the podcast.