NPR News Now: June 5, 2025, 2AM EDT
In the early hours of June 5, 2025, NPR News Now delivered a comprehensive update on significant national and international events. This episode covered a range of topics, including President Donald Trump's latest immigration policies, high-level discussions between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, legal battles surrounding the Boulder, Colorado bombing suspect's family, international tensions involving Israel and Syria, and investigations into former President Joe Biden's use of an autopen. Below is a detailed summary of each key discussion point from the episode.
1. President Trump's New Travel Ban
Timestamp: [00:14] - [00:41]
President Donald Trump announced a new executive order imposing travel restrictions on several countries deemed a security threat to the United States. This measure follows a recent terror attack in Colorado, which Trump attributes to an Egyptian national. Speaking at the White House, Trump emphasized the need for stringent vetting processes.
Notable Quote:
“Very simply, we cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States. That is why today I am signing a new executive order placing travel restrictions on countries including Yemen, Somalia, Haiti, Libya and numerous others.”
— President Donald Trump [00:41]
This latest ban mirrors a previous executive order from Trump's first term, which faced significant legal challenges and was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018 after revisions.
2. Trump's Call with Putin on Ukraine and Russian Strikes
Timestamp: [01:04] - [02:12]
In a noteworthy development, President Trump engaged in a lengthy phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The discussion primarily focused on Ukraine's recent military strikes on Russian aircraft and ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran.
Notable Quote:
“It was a good conversation, but not a conversation that will lead to immediate peace.”
— President Donald Trump [01:29]
Trump reported that Putin conveyed a stern stance, indicating that Russia would respond to the attacks on its airfields. Additionally, Trump asserted, “Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon,” and mentioned that Putin might assist in facilitating discussions on this matter.
3. Deportation Attempts of Boulder Bombing Suspect’s Family
Timestamp: [02:12] - [03:12]
The Trump administration faced backlash for attempting to deport the family of a suspect involved in a recent firebombing in Boulder, Colorado. ICE detained the suspect's wife and five children without charging them with any crimes. However, a federal district judge intervened, blocking their deportation.
Notable Quote:
“The idea that the Trump administration can impose punishment on family members for the crimes, alleged crimes that they did not commit, is an assault on the most basic democratic rights of the entire American population.”
— Eric Lee, Immigration Attorney [02:45]
Eric Lee criticized the administration's actions as a form of collective punishment reminiscent of oppressive regimes, arguing that it undermines fundamental democratic principles. Hearings regarding the family's deportation are scheduled for the following week.
4. Extradition and Arrest Related to Palm Springs Bombing
Timestamp: [03:12] - [03:42]
A Kent, Washington man, who had previously fled to Poland, was extradited back to the United States and subsequently arrested by federal authorities. He is accused of providing chemicals used in the May bombing of a fertility clinic in Palm Springs, California. This incident marks a significant development in ongoing investigations into domestic terrorism.
5. Israel-Syria Tensions Escalate with Airstrikes
Timestamp: [03:42] - [04:29]
Tensions between Israel and Syria heightened as reports emerged of Israeli airstrikes targeting the southern Syrian province of Dara. The Syrian government claimed that the strikes followed rocket attacks from within Syrian territory into the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, resulting in substantial casualties. Conversely, Israel stated that two projectiles hit the Golan Heights but did not disclose their nature.
A group identifying itself as the Mohammed Deif Brigades claimed responsibility for launching the attack via the Telegram messaging app. The Syrian Foreign Ministry, however, dismissed these claims, asserting that Syria poses no threat to any nation and that destabilizing groups are attempting to undermine the country.
6. Investigation into Former President Biden's Use of Autopen
Timestamp: [04:29] - [04:54]
President Trump announced an investigation into former President Joe Biden's use of an autopen to sign pardons and other official documents. This move comes amid calls from some House Republicans for interviews with former White House officials. Allegations have surfaced suggesting involvement in a cover-up related to Biden's health and accusations of overstepping presidential authority.
Trump's decision to probe Biden's actions underscores ongoing political tensions and raises questions about the legitimacy and transparency of document execution within the administration.
This episode of NPR News Now encapsulated critical updates on national security, international relations, immigration policies, and political investigations, providing listeners with timely and in-depth coverage of events shaping the current landscape.