NPR News Now: Episode Summary – May 29, 2025
Released on May 29, 2025
1. President Trump's Proposal to Cap International Students at Harvard University
In the early hours of May 29, NPR's Shea Stevens reports on President Trump's controversial proposal to impose a 15% cap on international students at Harvard University. This initiative has sparked significant debate, raising concerns about its potential impact on the Ivy League institution's global standing and financial health.
Miriam Feldblom, CEO of the President's Alliance on Higher Education and Immigration, voices strong opposition to the administration's stance. At 00:52, Feldblom states:
“What's clear is that international students are essential to the global and domestic talent pipeline that colleges and universities, including Harvard, are creating.”
She emphasizes the critical role that international students play not only in fostering diversity but also in sustaining the financial stability of prestigious universities. Critics argue that such a cap could undermine Harvard’s ability to attract top talent globally, potentially diminishing its competitive edge and altering its financial structure.
2. Trump Administration Appeals Trade Court Ruling; Appointment of Syria Envoy
The episode shifts focus to international trade and diplomatic relations. President Trump plans to appeal a federal trade court's ruling that deemed his implementation of sweeping global tariffs as exceeding his authority under the Emergency Powers Act. The Court of International Trade criticized the administration for overstepping, challenging the legitimacy of these import taxes.
In a related development, the administration is taking steps to rebuild ties with Syria following the nation's recent revolution. Greg Myre reports that President Trump has appointed Tom Barrack, the current U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, as the new envoy to Syria. At 01:50, Myre elaborates:
“Trump announced that Tom Barrack, the current US Ambassador to Turkey, will take on the additional role of envoy to neighboring Syria. For now, the US embassy in Damascus remains closed. It's been shuttered since 2012, a year after Syria's civil war erupted.”
This move marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy as Syria seeks international assistance to recover from its prolonged civil war. Despite the end of major hostilities and the ousting of dictator Bashar al-Assad last December, Syria continues to grapple with economic devastation and widespread poverty. The appointment of Barrack signals a commitment to reestablish diplomatic channels and support Syria’s path to stability.
3. Legal Challenges for Social Media Personalities Andrew and Tristan Tate
British prosecutors have recently released charges against social media figures Andrew and Tristan Tate, alleging serious offenses including human trafficking and rape. Willem Marx provides detailed coverage of this case, highlighting the gravity of the accusations.
At 02:46, Marx reports:
“Britain's Crown Prosecution Service says Andrew faces 10 charges linked to three alleged victims, while Tristan faces 11 linked to a single victim. The charges also include assault and prostitution.”
Both brothers, who hold dual U.S. and U.K. nationality, are currently under criminal investigation in Romania. British authorities acknowledge that extradition cannot proceed until these investigations are concluded, adding another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings. The case has garnered widespread attention due to the Tate brothers' high-profile status and substantial online following.
4. Canada's Potential Integration into European Defense Plans and Germany’s Support for Ukraine
In international defense news, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed interest in having Canada join a major European defense rearmament plan by July 1. During an interview with CBC, Carney indicated that his government has been in discussions with the European Union since he assumed office earlier in the year. He also made it clear that Canada has no intention of aligning its defense policies with those of the United States, signaling a move towards greater autonomy in military matters.
Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz has committed to assisting Ukraine in developing its own long-range missile systems. Mertz assured that these missiles would "be free of the limitations" imposed by Western nations on previous weapon supplies. This development underscores Germany's proactive role in supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
5. Nvidia Reports Surprising Earnings Amid U.S.-China Tech Tensions
In the technology sector, Nvidia has announced better-than-expected earnings for the latest quarter, highlighting robust demand for its microchips despite significant market restrictions. John Rubich reports on the company's impressive financial performance:
“Nvidia makes some of the world's leading microchips for the development of artificial intelligence, and its sales highlight strong demand driven by intense global competition in the space. And that's without China as a market. The US Government has effectively banned the export to China of Nvidia's best chips, citing national security concerns.”
Despite the U.S. export bans limiting access to the Chinese market, Nvidia achieved over $44 billion in revenue and a net income of $18.78 billion, marking a 26% increase from the previous year. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang criticized the U.S. policy during an earnings call, arguing that “shielding China's own chip makers from US competition only strengthens them abroad.” The company's stock saw a notable surge, rising nearly 5% in after-hours trading following the positive earnings report.
This episode of NPR News Now provided comprehensive coverage of significant national and international developments, ranging from education policy and international trade to high-profile legal cases and advancements in technology. Through expert interviews and detailed reporting, listeners were offered insightful analyses into the pressing issues shaping the world on May 29, 2025.