NPR News Now: May 24, 2025

Host: Dan Ronan
Release Date: May 24, 2025

President Trump Upholds 50% Tariffs on European Union Amidst Negotiation Stalemate

In the latest update on international trade, President Donald Trump has reaffirmed his stance on imposing a 50% tariff on goods from the European Union (EU), complicating the already tense trade relations between the two entities. During a press interaction in the Oval Office at [00:40], Trump firmly stated:

"I'm not looking for a deal. I mean, we've set the deal. It's at 50%. But again, there is no tariff if they build their plant here."

Trump elaborated that the current U.S. tariff on EU goods stands at 10%, but he aims to escalate it to 50% starting June 1, 2025. He also mentioned that the tariff could be avoided if EU companies decide to establish manufacturing plants within the United States. This move follows the administration’s broader strategy initiated in early April, where a series of tariffs were imposed on various countries, with many rates set to increase after a 90-day pause. NPR’s Daniel Kurtzbaum provided an in-depth analysis of the potential economic and diplomatic repercussions of this policy shift.

U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel Forge a $14 Billion Partnership Approved by the White House

In a significant development for the steel industry, President Trump has approved a strategic partnership between U.S. Steel and Japan's Nippon Steel, overcoming previous opposition from both political and labor fronts. This approval comes after a national security review, marking a pivotal change from the stance taken by President Biden, who had rejected Nippon Steel’s $15 billion proposal in 2023.

Deepa Shivaram reported at [01:40]:

"The deal would mean that U.S. steel keeps its headquarters in Pittsburgh and Nippon would invest $14 billion in the company."

Previously, both Trump and the United Steel Workers Union had opposed the deal, citing concerns over foreign ownership and job security. However, the current administration is portraying the agreement as a "partnership" aimed at revitalizing the U.S. steel industry while ensuring substantial investment from Nippon Steel. The exact details regarding the company's ownership structure remain undisclosed, with expectations that President Trump will provide further insights during his rally in Pittsburgh next Friday.

Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Access to Elon Musk’s Doge Records Amid Transparency Battle

In a controversial legal setback for transparency advocates, the Supreme Court has put a temporary halt on a watchdog group's efforts to access records related to Elon Musk's Doge. The nonprofit organization, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), has been actively seeking to uncover the organization's dealings within the U.S. government.

Bobby Allen from NPR explained at [02:24]:

"A federal district judge found Doge is likely subject to Freedom of Information Act requests. But after an appeal, Chief Justice John Roberts is pausing that ruling, meaning Doge records do not have to be turned over as the appeals process continues."

CREW's lawsuit argued that Doge was exceeding its legal authority, requesting the release of internal communications, financial disclosures, and other pertinent documents to ensure accountability. The Supreme Court's decision to pause the disclosure marks a temporary victory for the Trump administration, which maintains that Doge operates with full transparency despite criticisms regarding the secrecy of its operations. The ongoing legal battle underscores the broader debate over governmental transparency and the limits of watchdog organizations.

Tragic Stabbing in Hamburg and Deadly Airstrike in Gaza Highlight Global Security Concerns

Stabbing Attack at Hamburg Central Train Station

German authorities reported a violent incident at a bustling central train station in Hamburg, where multiple individuals were injured in a stabbing attack. Among the wounded, several are in critical condition. Law enforcement officials have apprehended a woman suspected of orchestrating the attack on a platform, though motivations behind the incident remain unclear.

Deadly Airstrike in Gaza Results in High Civilian Casualties

In a harrowing development from Gaza, an Israeli airstrike overnight killed 50 people sheltering in the Al Darduna family's five-story home. Aya Batrawi of NPR reported from Dubai at [03:56]:

"Fifty people from the Al Darduna family were killed when an Israeli fighter jet bombed their five-story home as they slept. Around 20 bodies have been pulled out, several of them children. Relatives say another 30 are still missing and can't be reached."

This tragic event is part of a larger military offensive by Israel aimed at eradicating Hamas and relocating the civilian population southward. The conflict has led to significant displacement, with approximately 10,000 people forced to leave their homes in the past 24 hours alone. Ayman Radwan, a resident of Jabalia, shared his plight:

"I'm leaving the north because there's no life here anymore. My shirt was stained with the blood of my aunt from an airstrike only hours earlier."

The ongoing violence underscores the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, as international efforts to broker peace appear stalled amidst relentless military actions.

Kyiv Under Siege: Drone and Missile Attacks Cause Civilian Casualties

The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, experienced a tumultuous night marked by drone and missile attacks, resulting in explosions and machine gun fire throughout the city. Debris from intercepted missiles has fallen amidst residential areas, causing additional damage and endangering civilians. As a result, six individuals sustained injuries during these assaults.

Dan Ronan reported at [04:43]:

"From Washington, this is NPR News."

The persistent attacks on Kyiv reflect the intensified conflict in the region, further destabilizing an already volatile geopolitical landscape and exacerbating the humanitarian challenges faced by its inhabitants.

Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now episode delivered a comprehensive overview of significant global and domestic events, from President Trump's aggressive tariff policies and strategic industrial partnerships to contentious legal battles over government transparency. Additionally, the segment shed light on the escalating conflicts in Hamburg, Gaza, and Kyiv, highlighting the pervasive security challenges impacting various regions worldwide. For a detailed understanding of these complex issues, tuning into the full NPR News Now episode is highly recommended.