NPR News: 05-23-2025 11AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: May 23, 2025, 11 AM EDT

Hosted by NPR

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1. Escalating Trade Tensions Between the U.S. and the European Union

Timestamp: [00:17] - [01:16]

President Donald Trump has intensified trade tensions by threatening to impose new tariffs on European Union goods and products from major American companies. In a recent online statement, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with the stalled trade negotiations, declaring, “I am recommending a straight 50% tariff on the European Union starting on June 1, 2025” ([00:31]). This comes after his initial imposition of 20% tariffs in April, which were later reduced to 10%. Additionally, Trump has targeted Apple Inc., insisting that its iPhones be manufactured domestically. He warned, “If not, Apple would have to pay a tariff of 25%” ([00:50]).

Danielle Kurtzleben from NPR elaborated on the situation, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s latest recommendations. The administration's aggressive stance has raised concerns about a potential trade war, impacting not only the EU but also major American corporations reliant on international manufacturing.

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2. Harvard University Sues Trump Administration Over Visa Restrictions

Timestamp: [01:16] - [02:08]

Harvard University has initiated legal action against the Trump administration, marking the second lawsuit filed by the esteemed institution. NPR’s Elisa Nadworny reports that Harvard accuses the administration of retaliating against the university for exercising its First Amendment rights. The conflict escalated following a directive from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who announced the termination of Harvard's student exchange certification ([01:29]).

This decision effectively bars Harvard from sponsoring new student visas, severely impacting its nearly 7,000 international students, who constitute about a quarter of the student body. Secretary Noem justified the action by alleging that Harvard is “fostering violence, antisemitism and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party” ([01:45]). The university vehemently denies these claims, contending that the move is a direct response to its protected free speech activities.

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3. Progress in Ukraine-Russia Prisoner Exchange

Timestamp: [02:08] - [02:57]

In a significant development amidst the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the commencement of the first phase in a large-scale prisoner exchange with Russia. Nearly 400 Ukrainian soldiers currently held by Russian forces have been released, with expectations that up to 1,000 prisoners of war (POWs) will be returned if the process proceeds as planned ([02:26]).

NPR’s Joanna Kakisis provided on-the-ground reporting from Ukraine, depicting the heartfelt anticipation of families awaiting their loved ones’ return. One poignant moment captured was that of Katya Kovel, who held a banner with her husband Hihori’s image, tearfully expressing hope for his release after his captivity since December 7, 2023 ([02:48]).

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4. Proposed Legislation to Reorganize the U.S. Marshals Service

Timestamp: [03:06] - [04:10]

On Wall Street, markets saw a decline with the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropping by 324 points and the NASDAQ falling over 200 points. Amidst this economic backdrop, a significant legislative move is underway. Democrats in Congress are proposing a bill to transfer control of the U.S. Marshals Service from the Department of Justice to the federal judiciary ([03:06]).

NPR’s Carrie Johnson reports that this shift aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest, especially concerning enforcement actions against court orders. Congressman Eric Swal of California voiced concerns that the Trump administration might instruct the Marshals to disregard judicial rulings or undermine the security of judges who oppose the administration’s policies. By moving the Marshals Service under the authority of Chief Justice John Roberts and the federal courts’ policymaking body, Democrats seek to ensure impartiality and enhance the protection of the judiciary, especially in light of increasing threats and calls for impeachment against judges who have ruled against President Trump ([03:28]).

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5. Kermit the Frog Delivers Commencement Speech at University of Maryland

Timestamp: [04:10] - [04:55]

In a whimsical yet heartfelt moment, Kermit the Frog, the beloved Muppet and cultural icon, served as the commencement speaker at the University of Maryland, College Park’s graduation ceremony. Reflecting on his legacy as one of the original Muppets and honoring his creator, the late Jim Henson, Kermit shared poignant life advice with the graduates.

Kermit emphasized the importance of community and collaboration, stating, “The show must go on. And if you're with your people, then you won't have to do it alone because life is not a solo act. No, it's not. It's a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you're with your people” ([04:25]). This appearance marked a symbolic homecoming for Kermit, whose creator graduated from the same institution in 1960, bridging generations and celebrating enduring friendships.

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Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provided listeners with a comprehensive overview of pressing global and domestic issues, from escalating trade tensions and legal battles in academia to hopeful developments in international conflicts and legislative reforms. The unexpected appearance of Kermit the Frog added a touch of levity and inspiration, reminding us of the enduring power of community and collaboration.

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For more updates, visit NPR News Now.

Transcript

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[Korva Coleman]

In Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. President Trump is again threatening to impose new tariffs. Writing online, he threatened to impose steep levies on goods from the European Union as well as on Apple for making iPhones overseas. And NPR's Danielle Kurtzleben has more.

[Danielle Kurtzleben]

President Trump wrote that trade discussions with the EU were going nowhere. He added that therefore, quote, I am recommending a straight 50% tariff on the European Union starting on June 1, 2025, as the President has previously imposed tariffs via executive actions. It is unclear what he meant when he said he was recommending new tariffs. In early April, Trump announced 20% tariffs on EU goods as part of a wave of higher tariffs on most countries. He later pulled those back and the EU rate currently stands at 10%. Trump, in a separate post, said that he has told Apple CEO Tim Cook that iPhones have to be manufactured in the United States. If not, Trump added, Apple would have to pay a tariff of 25%. Danielle Kurtzleben, NPR News, the White House.

[Korva Coleman]

Harvard University has sued the Trump administration for a second time. NPR's Elisa Nadwarney reports. This comes a day after the Department of Homeland Security said it would block international students from attending the university.

[Elisa Nadwarney]

In the lawsuit, the university accused the Trump administration of retaliating against Harvard for exercising its First Amendment rights. The lawsuit follows a letter sent Thursday by Kristi Noem, the secretary of Homeland Security. In it, she says the administration is terminating Harvard's student exchange certification, which means the school can no longer sponsor student visas impacting new students and currently enrolled international students. Noem says the administration is holding Harvard accountable for, quote, fostering violence, antisemitism and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party. The University has nearly 7,000 international students, roughly one fourth of the student body. Alyssa Nadworny, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

Ukraine says the first stage of a massive prisoner exchange is underway. Ukrainian President Volodymyr zelensky says nearly 400 Ukrainian troops held by Russia have been exchanged today and more are coming. NPR's Joanna Kakisis reports from Ukraine, where families of captured troops are holding out.

[Joanna Kakisis]

Hope at the request of Ukrainian authorities who cite security reasons. NPR is not disclosing the location where the families are waiting. Katya Kovel weeps as she holds a banner emblazoned with an image of her husband, Hihori, a soldier.

[Katya Kovel]

He has been in captivity since December 7, 2023. I hope he will be exchanged today.

[Joanna Kakisis]

1,000 Ukrainian POWs are expected to come home if the exchange happens as planned. Joanna Kakissis, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

On Wall street, the Dow Jones industrial Average is down 324 points. The NASDAQ is down more than 200 points. This is NPR. Democrats in Congress are introducing a bill that would shift control of the U.S. marshals Service from the Justice Department to the federal courts. NPR's Carrie Johnson reports there's concern the marshals could be caught in a power struggle.

[Carrie Johnson]

Congressman Eric Swal of California worries the Trump administration could order the Marshals Service not to enforce a court order or remove security protection from judges who who ruled against the White House. That's why he and other Democrats in Congress are trying to move the Marshals Service out of the chain of command. At the Justice Department and under the wing of Chief Justice John Roberts and the policy making body of the federal courts this year, judges have faced violent threats and calls for impeachment because they've ruled against President Trump and the Doge team remaking the government. The courts have asked for an increase in security funding to help confront those threats. Carrie Johnson, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

Was Sesame street rock star Kermit the Frog was a commencement speaker yesterday. As one of the original Muppets, he spoke at the University of Maryland, College Park's graduation ceremony. Kermit made sure to give life advice.

[Kermit the Frog]

The show must go on. And if you're with your people, then you won't have to do it alone because life is not a solo act. No, it's not. It's a big, messy, delightful ensemble piece, especially when you're with your people.

[Korva Coleman]

This was kind of a homecoming for Kermit the Frog. His creator was the late Jim Henson. He graduated from Maryland in 1960. I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News.

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