How Trump is expanding the military’s role on U.S. soil

Summary

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.

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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).

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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).

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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)

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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

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

Transcript

[Host]

Good morning.

[Shemitah Basu]

It's Wednesday, August 13th. I'm Shemitah Basu. This is Apple News Today.

[Host]

On today's show, with Israel's targeted killing.

[Shemitah Basu]

Of journalists, our lens into Gaza is.

[Host]

Shrinking Trump's unprecedented deal with the world's most valuable company. And there's no escaping ads at the movies. But first, members of the D.C. national Guard started to deploy last night after.

[Shemitah Basu]

President Trump's decision to seize control of.

[Host]

DC's police and mobilize the military to.

[Shemitah Basu]

Address crime in a city where violent crime is at a 30 year low.

[Host]

They've been told they'll be stationed in.

[Shemitah Basu]

The Capitol until September 25, but what role the Guard will actually play remains unclear. To D.C. s Mayor Muriel Bowser says her expectation is that they will patrol federal properties, including parks, monuments and federal buildings.

[Host]

Pentagon officials say the Guard will not.

[Shemitah Basu]

Participate in law enforcement.

[Host]

They'll only support other federal agents. But officials did leave open the possibility that these armed troops would be allowed.

[Shemitah Basu]

To temporarily detain people.

[Host]

Throughout his second term, the president has.

[Shemitah Basu]

Pushed the boundaries of how the American military can be deployed on US soil.

[Vera Bergengrun]

This has been an ongoing pattern for President Trump, even from his first administration.

[Shemitah Basu]

Vera Bergengrun is a national security reporter at the Wall Street Journal.

[Vera Bergengrun]

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.

[Host]

Very few presidents have been so willing.

[Shemitah Basu]

To deploy the military for domestic purposes.

[Vera Bergengrun]

It's a step that most presidents are really hesitant to take unless there's a major crisis or disruption somewhere. And this has happened the past couple of decades. But Trump has done this at least three or four times. Only in the last six months.

[Host]

He sent the National Guard to the.

[Shemitah Basu]

US Mexico border, where they've been involved in detaining migrants.

[Host]

And he sent the Guard and hundreds.

[Shemitah Basu]

Of Marines to Los Angeles earlier this summer in response to demonstrations over ice, immigration raids and arrests.

[Host]

Hundreds of troops are still in the city today, and this week, a federal.

[Shemitah Basu]

Judge is hearing arguments about whether the administration violated federal law by mobilizing them to la. California's Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, is challenging Trump's order and asking the judge to return control of California's Guard to him.

[Host]

The administration is also planning to expand.

[Shemitah Basu]

The military's role in immigration enforcement by using more military bases to house people the administration suspects of being in the country illegally.

[Host]

It's already used a number of bases.

[Shemitah Basu]

For this, including Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, which was challenged in the courts. Bergen Gruen says one reason Trump has been using the military more to support his political agenda in this term is.

[Host]

Because he has fewer people in his.

[Shemitah Basu]

Inner circle telling him not to.

[Vera Bergengrun]

In his first administration, his then chief of staff, John Kelly. He later told others that one of his biggest challenges was trying to persuade Trump not to use the military, and that Trump didn't seem to understand that it really was a last resort and he couldn't just rely on the military to back him up when he wanted to show that he was serious about something. And in this case, you know, there are fewer John Kellys around.

[Host]

But former and current members of the.

[Shemitah Basu]

Military told her the presence of US Troops deployed onto American streets more often sets a concerning precedent.

[Vera Bergengrun]

The fact that they would be desensitized to seeing them on their streets or start kind of considering law enforcement in a way that isn't part of the U.S. constitution or the way that the United States runs is something that doesn't sit well with a lot of current and former military.

[Host]

D.C. is unique in that Trump has.

[Shemitah Basu]

Direct control of its National Guard in.

[Host]

A way that he doesn't have with.

[Shemitah Basu]

Others around the country.

[Host]

A former professor at the U.S. army.

[Shemitah Basu]

War College told Bergengrun, at best, his decision to deploy the guard to D.C. will give him a way to take credit for the already historically low crime rates in the city. But at worst, she says, this could be a test run for more legally dubious use of military force around the country.

[Host]

Now to an unusual deal between the Trump administration and the world's most valuable.

[Shemitah Basu]

Company, Nvidia, which is raising questions over its legality and the repercussions for national security.

[Host]

Nvidia produces chips that power many of.

[Shemitah Basu]

Technology'S fastest growing products, especially in the realm of AI.

[Host]

But the company had been facing challenges because of restrictions put in place by the Biden administration on selling its chips to China, which the government had defended.

[Shemitah Basu]

On national security grounds.

[Host]

In April, Trump added certain Nvidia chips to those restrictions. But now he's reversed course and told reporters that Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang, was.

[Shemitah Basu]

Free to sell into the Chinese market, but for a price.

[Jensen Huang]

So I said, listen, I want 20%. So I just wanted. So when I say I want 20, I want for the country, I only care about the country. I don't care about myself. And he said, would you make it 15? So we negotiate a little deal, it.

[Host]

Means that the government will get a cut for their sales. Now, that sounds like an export tax.

[Shemitah Basu]

Which is banned by the Constitution.

[Host]

But this deal is being described as.

[Shemitah Basu]

Voluntary, which would be a way around.

[Host]

The ban, white House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt told reporters on Tuesday. The legality of it is still being ironed out. Lisa Etochico, tech editor at CNN Business.

[Shemitah Basu]

Told us about the deal.

[Lisa Etochico]

There really aren't many, or if any at all examples of the government kind of taking a cut of exports in this way. An arrangement like this is definitely unusual, but it could also be perhaps an acknowledgement that, you know, China is going to move forward in AI. So this is a way for the US to actually kind of benefit from China's AI expansion and maybe have them kind of rely on our technology for part of that.

[Host]

But Atachico said that for some government officials, national security concerns around selling chips to China haven't gone away, even if.

[Shemitah Basu]

The government has secured additional revenue. Republican Congressman John Moliner, who chairs the House Select Committee for China, warned against.

[Host]

Setting a precedent that incentivizes the government.

[Shemitah Basu]

To grant licenses to sell China technology that will enhance its AI capabilities.

[Host]

The chip in question is called the H20, thought to have helped in the development of the popular Chinese AI system DeepSeek. Etachiko told us it's not one of.

[Shemitah Basu]

Nvidia's most powerful chips, but it could be a key source of revenue for the company going forward.

[Host]

And she said this deal could become.

[Shemitah Basu]

Important to the wider trade talk discussions between China and the U.S. it certainly.

[Lisa Etochico]

Gives the Trump administration a card to play. It kind of opens up the, the flow of these mid tier chips again, not the highest end chips to China, while giving the Trump administration, you know, a bargaining chip in its ongoing trade talks.

[Host]

Chips have become an increasingly important part.

[Shemitah Basu]

Of Trump's engagement strategy with tech companies.

[Host]

He has threatened 100% levies on semiconductor.

[Shemitah Basu]

Chips, but carved out exemptions for companies like Apple, among others, who committed to domestic investment.

[Host]

Trump has also left the door open.

[Shemitah Basu]

To further deals for even more powerful technology.

[Host]

He said he was in talks with.

[Shemitah Basu]

Nvidia's CEO over their most advanced chip.

[Host]

The Blackwell, and that he was open.

[Shemitah Basu]

To a deal there too for 30 to 50%.

[Host]

Funeral processions for the six journalists killed.

[Shemitah Basu]

In Gaza by a targeted Israeli airstrike were held this week. The killings drew swift condemnation from the un, the EU, and several press freedom groups. Intentionally targeting and killing a journalist or any civilian is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law.

[Host]

The most well known of those killed and the person Israel said they were.

[Shemitah Basu]

Targeting was Anas al Sharif, a correspondent for Al Jazeera who CNN reports had become a household name and vital news source for those in the Arabic speaking world. With millions of social media followers, he could often be seen reporting among rubble or speaking to Palestinians on the ground in Gaza. His final broadcast from a hospital in Gaza focused on the worsening hunger crisis, showing how starving children are suffering from Israeli restrictions on aid.

[Host]

Israeli forces had been targeting Al Sharif.

[Shemitah Basu]

For months and accused him of working with Hamas.

[Host]

The idf, however, has not shared substantial.

[Shemitah Basu]

Evidence to support their accusation that he was involved in military activities, and both.

[Host]

Al Jazeera and the Committee to Protect.

[Shemitah Basu]

Journal have strongly refuted the allegations.

[Host]

Here's what the chief executive of CPJ.

[Shemitah Basu]

Told NPR after Israel first made these accusations.

[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 that they are such.

[Host]

Israel has not provided any explanation for.

[Shemitah Basu]

Why it targeted the other journalists in the strike.

[Host]

Mohammed Kreika and Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammad.

[Shemitah Basu]

Nufal all worked for Al Jazeera, plus two freelance reporters named Muhammad Aliwa and Mohammed Al Khaldi.

[Host]

Throughout this war, the world has relied.

[Shemitah Basu]

On Palestinian journalists like Al Sharif to provide a direct lens into what's happening in Gaza.

[Host]

Israel has not allowed international journalists to.

[Shemitah Basu]

Enter and work freely from Gaza, only offering supervised tours in rare cases, and.

[Host]

The number of working journalists left has rapidly shrunk. According to Reporters Without Borders, Israel has.

[Shemitah Basu]

Killed almost 200 journalists in Gaza since October of 2023. Roughly a quarter of them were directly targeted while working, and Gaza is considered the deadliest place in the world for journalists today. Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression, told Democracy now how this threatens how the world understands the war.

[Irene Khan]

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, as well as a blatant attempt by the Israelis to stop the world witnessing what they are doing.

[Host]

Before he was killed, Al Sharif wrote.

[Shemitah Basu]

A social media post for Al Jazeera to share in the event of his death.

[Host]

In it, he says despite the pain.

[Shemitah Basu]

And suffering he and other Palestinians have experienced, he never hesitated for a single day to do his work.

[Host]

Before we let you go, a few.

[Shemitah Basu]

Other stories we're following.

[Host]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out.

[Shemitah Basu]

Giving up the eastern part of his.

[Host]

Country, set to be the key discussion.

[Shemitah Basu]

Point of upcoming talks between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

[Host]

Trump had already said some swapping of.

[Shemitah Basu]

Territories would be needed for any deal.

[Host]

And that the meeting would be a.

[Shemitah Basu]

Chance to feel out his Russian counterpart.

[Host]

Meanwhile, Reuters reports that in advance of.

[Shemitah Basu]

The meeting, Russia has carried out its most extensive incursion so far this year as it looks to increase pressure on Ukraine to give up land.

[Host]

There were some big changes in the.

[Shemitah Basu]

State Department's long awaited report on international human rights.

[Host]

Detailed criticisms against some of Trump's allies.

[Shemitah Basu]

Like Israel and El Salvador Salvador have been removed while countries at odds with the President like Brazil and South Africa have come under attack.

[Host]

Sections on gender based and LGBTQ violence.

[Shemitah Basu]

Have been limited or removed completely.

[Host]

And there were new criticisms for traditional.

[Shemitah Basu]

Allies like the UK and France over what it described as curbing freedom of expression.

[Host]

The report was quietly delivered to Congress.

[Shemitah Basu]

Almost a half year late while lawmakers are on recession.

[Host]

And finally, you thought you were safe from commercials at the movies. But the Washington Post reports that AMC.

[Shemitah Basu]

Theaters has bowed to financial pressure.

[Host]

In July, the theater introduced commercials before.

[Shemitah Basu]

The movie, not during for the very first time.

[Host]

And it appears to be a bet that is paying off. Moviegoers are now being told in the app that they should expect the movie.

[Shemitah Basu]

To begin 25 to 30 minutes after the listed start time. So now you you know exactly how late you can plan to show up.

[Host]

You can find all these stories and.

[Shemitah Basu]

More in the Apple News app.

[Host]

And if you're already listening in the.

[Shemitah Basu]

News app right now, we've got a narrated article coming up next. Bloomberg businessweek goes inside a crime rink that's targeting star athletes.

[Host]

If you're listening in the podcast app.

[Shemitah Basu]

Follow Apple News Narrated to find that story.

[Host]

And I'll be back with the news tomorrow.

[Co-Host]

It.