NPR News Now: June 6, 2025, 12 PM EDT
Hosted by Windsor Johnston
1. Escalating Feud Between President Trump and Elon Musk Impacts Tesla’s Valuation
The political tension between former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk has intensified, resulting in significant financial repercussions for Tesla. Elon Musk recently criticized Trump's extensive tax cut and spending legislation, labeling it a "disgusting abomination" (00:52). This public clash has severely affected investor confidence, leading to a 14% drop in Tesla's stock, wiping out over $150 billion in market value.
Kara Swisher, a seasoned tech journalist, provides insight into Musk's tumultuous relationship with Trump:
“He sort of fell in love quickly, didn’t he? He sort of went crazy, jumping up and down, doing the chainsaw thing, dedicating his life, moving into Mar-a-Lago, all this stuff and shifted rather dramatically because he sort of was somewhat neutral in politics.” (00:52)
Swisher highlights how Musk’s previously neutral political stance shifted rapidly, fueling the current feud.
2. Controversial Deportation Under Trump Administration Raises Legal Concerns
In a notable departure from previous policies, the Trump administration has deported a man from Guatemala who was in the United States without legal status. This incident marks the first instance of such an action under Trump's tenure. Ximena Bustillo reports on the situation:
"The man known as OCG in court records entered the country illegally last year. An immigration judge decided that he would face if he were sent back to Guatemala, so he was issued a protection from being deported there." (01:28)
However, despite the legal protections, immigration officials deported OCG to Guatemala via Mexico. A federal judge in Massachusetts intervened, ruling that OCG should not have been removed without additional legal procedures. This case underscores broader challenges within the administration's immigration policies, especially regarding third-country deportations to nations like Libya and South Sudan.
3. International Criminal Court Sanctions Spark EU and Global Outcry
The Trump administration has implemented sanctions against four judges from the International Criminal Court (ICC), a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the European Union and the global legal community. Terri Schultz reports:
"President Trump has slapped sanctions on four judges from the ICC in retaliation for their work on the tribunal's probes into alleged war crimes committed by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan and by Israel in the West Bank and Gaza." (02:26)
The sanctioned judges hail from Benin, Peru, Slovenia, and Uganda, with their U.S.-based assets now frozen. The European Commission, represented by spokesperson Palapino, staunchly defends the ICC’s independence:
"This court holds perpetrators of the world's gravest crimes to account and gives victims a voice. It must be free to act without pressure." (02:50)
This development has significant implications for international justice efforts, as it challenges the autonomy and efficacy of the ICC.
4. Federal Judge Temporarily Halts Trump’s Ban on International Students at Harvard
In another legal confrontation, a federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump's latest executive order that aimed to prevent international students from enrolling at Harvard University. Windsor Johnston covers the story:
"The administration's proclamation sought to suspend entry for foreign students, citing national security concerns. Harvard challenged the move, arguing it was retaliatory." (03:10)
The judge's temporary injunction allows international students to continue their studies while the case is reviewed, with a hearing scheduled for June 16 to determine a long-term solution. This decision highlights ongoing tensions between educational institutions and immigration policies.
5. Seasonal Patterns Influence Divorce Filings, Study Confirms
Divorce rates exhibit clear seasonal trends, a pattern observed by legal professionals and now supported by academic research. Vanessa Romo reports on the findings:
"Our business really picks up in the springtime. Then it tends to pick up. August, September ish." (04:10)
Kirk Stangi, a family law attorney with 25 years of experience, notes significant peaks in divorce filings during March and August, with notable declines in December, January, June, and July. A 2016 University of Washington study corroborates these trends, suggesting that couples often delay legal proceedings due to cycles of optimism tied to domestic milestones.
"Couples likely put off legal steps because they're caught in a cycle of optimism tied to domestic rituals. And that keeps people hanging on for just a little bit longer before they finally make things official." (04:16)
Understanding these patterns can help legal professionals anticipate demand and allocate resources more effectively.
6. Financial Markets Update
In brief financial news, Wall Street saw a notable increase with the Fidel index rising by 386 points, reflecting overall market optimism amidst ongoing political and economic developments.
This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on June 6, 2025. For more detailed information, listening to the full episode is recommended.