NPR News Now: Detailed Summary of May 31, 2025 Episode

In the May 31, 2025 episode of NPR News Now, host Dale Willman delivers a comprehensive update on several pressing national and international issues. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions presented during the five-minute broadcast.

1. President Trump's Steel Investments and Tariff Increases

Investment in US Steel Acquisition

President Donald Trump announced a significant investment in the acquisition of Japan's Nippon Steel by US Steel. This move signifies a strategic effort to bolster the domestic steel industry.

Doubling of Steel and Aluminum Tariffs

In a bold economic maneuver, President Trump declared his intention to double tariffs on imported steel to 50% and hinted at a similar increase for imported aluminum. This decision aims to protect American steel and aluminum workers from foreign competition.

• Notable Quote:
  Donald Trump (00:36): "Steel workers are very happy we did the tariffs. It's going to put them even, make them even more competitive, and it's turning out to be a great deal. I think it's going to be a fantastic deal."

2. Federal Worker Layoffs and Elon Musk's Departure

Legal Challenges to Federal Layoffs

An appeals court has denied the Trump administration's request to freeze a lower court order preventing the mass firing of federal workers. Judge Susan Ilston emphasized that Congressional support is necessary for such layoffs. Consequently, tens of thousands of federal employees have been either terminated, laid off, or have resigned.

Elon Musk Steps Down

Elon Musk resigned from his position in the federal government, specifically from the Department of Government Efficiency, which was responsible for executing President Trump's plans to reduce the federal bureaucracy. This departure has been met with approval from certain segments of the Republican Party.

• Interview with Senator Mike Rounds (01:26 - 01:49):
  Maria Aspin: "Musk is leaving the Department of Government Efficiency, which is spearheading President Trump's efforts to shrink the federal bureaucracy. But many of Doge's indiscriminate cuts have likely made the government less efficient."
  Senator Mike Rounds (01:49): "I think the president wanted him to come in with a scalpel instead of a sledgehammer, and in some cases, Doge came in with a sledgehammer."

Trump's Endorsement of Musk

Despite political disagreements, President Trump publicly lauded Elon Musk on his Truth Social network.

• Notable Quote:
  Donald Trump (01:57): "Musk will always be with us helping all the way. Elon is terrific."

3. Israel's Ban on Aid to Gaza

Aid Blockade from Jordan and Egypt

The United Nations reports that Israel has prohibited the entry of aid to Gaza via Jordan and Egypt. This blockade has resulted in the accumulation of hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of food and medical supplies stranded in warehouses and on trucks.

• Report by Jane Araf (02:10 - 02:49):
  Jane Araf: "This UN warehouse on the edge of Amman is piled high with boxes of food, hygiene kits, and medical supplies, $24 million worth. It's been here for months."
  Jonathan Fowler: "And now we're looking at boxes of food here which have been sitting here, you know, in some cases since January. And unfortunately, our expiry dates are starting to approach."
  Jane Araf: "Among the food is 200,000 tons of flour at risk of being thrown out. Israel has started a new mechanism to get food into Gaza, but it can only come from Israel, says the UN and Gaza."

4. Legal Battle Over Funding to PBS and NPR

Lawsuit Against President Trump

PBS and a public television station in Bemidji, Minnesota, have initiated a lawsuit against President Trump. The suit challenges his executive order that seeks to block federal funds to PBS and NPR, arguing that it threatens the existence of public broadcasting.

• Report by David Folkenflick (03:13 - 03:34):
  David Folkenflick: "The lawsuit contends Trump's order would upend public television and pose an existential threat to Lakeland PBS, which serves central and northern Minnesota. Trump alleges PBS and NPR failed to provide, 'fair, accurate, unbiased and nonpartisan news.' The two networks deny that in their lawsuit Friday."

Government's Position

A White House spokesperson maintains that President Trump is within his legal rights to reallocate funds, whereas PBS and NPR argue that the Constitution prevents the President from dictating content.

5. Public Health Update and Celebrity Obituary

Measles Outbreak in the United States

The United States has reported a total of 1,088 confirmed measles cases, with Colorado experiencing a new outbreak. Tragically, two elementary school-age children and one adult have died due to measles-related complications this year. Measles, an airborne and highly contagious virus, remains preventable through vaccination.

Passing of Loretta Swit

The acting community mourns the loss of Loretta Swit, aged 87, best known for her role as Major Margaret Houlihan on the beloved TV series MASH*. Her portrayal of a head nurse during the Korean War era left a lasting legacy in television history.

• Closing Statement by Dale Willman (04:19):
  "Loretta Swit has died. She was 87 years old. Swit played head nurse Major Margaret Houlihan on the team TV series MASH. The show involved a surgical unit during the Korean War along with Alan Aldips, who was the show's longest-serving cast member. Her publicist says she died Friday at her home in New York City."*

This episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with succinct yet comprehensive coverage of significant developments, ranging from economic policies and legal battles to international aid crises and public health concerns. Notable quotes from key figures like President Trump and Senator Mike Rounds offer deeper insight into the unfolding stories.