NPR News Now: June 8, 2025, 6 PM EDT
Hosted by Jeanine Herbst
Federalizing the National Guard in California Amid Immigration Protests
At the outset of the episode, Jeanine Herbst reports from Washington on President Donald Trump's decision to federalize the National Guard in California. Responding to escalating tensions between immigration agents and protesters in Los Angeles, the administration has deployed 2,000 troops to the area. This move follows days of clashes and culminated in Trump labeling the situation a "riot."
Donald Trump [01:03]: "Nobody's going to spit on our police officers. Nobody's going to spit on our military, which they do is a common thing... They get hit very hard."
Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly opposed Trump's actions, expressing concerns over the deployment's implications. Trump also hinted at the possibility of deploying additional troops to other cities across the United States to maintain order.
Rift Between President Trump and Elon Musk Deepens
The fallout between President Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk continues to intensify. NPR's Luke Garrett delves into the deteriorating relationship following Musk's criticisms of Trump's policies and his calls for the president’s impeachment.
Musk, a significant donor to Trump's 2024 reelection campaign, has recently voiced concerns that tariffs could lead the U.S. into a recession and that Trump's legislative agenda might result in "debt slavery." In response, Trump has issued a warning to Musk:
Donald Trump [01:38]: "I have, quote, no intention of speaking to Elon Musk."
Trump further stated that he holds the power to cancel government contracts with Musk's companies, such as SpaceX, which is crucial for NASA's operations, though he mentioned this as a possibility rather than an immediate action. When directly questioned about the future of their relationship, Trump responded cautiously:
Donald Trump: "I would assume so. Yeah."
Violence at Food Aid Sites in Gaza
Shifting focus to international affairs, Jeanine Herbst reports on the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Health officials have confirmed that at least six Palestinians were killed today while attempting to reach food aid distribution points managed by private U.S. contractors. This incident adds to the growing casualties, with over 100 people reported dead in the past two weeks alone due to attempts to access these aid sites.
Daniel Estrin provides on-the-ground insights from Tel Aviv, explaining that the U.S. and Israel-backed food program aims to supplant United Nations' aid efforts and isolate Hamas. However, irregular opening hours of these sites have led to confusion and unintended confrontations.
Daniel Estrin [02:37]: "The Israeli military warned civilians not to approach the sites before opening hours, but the food sites have had erratic opening hours."
Estrin also notes that the Israeli military had to fire warning shots as suspects approached the aid distribution points prematurely, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the region.
Controversy Surrounding Iconic Vietnam War Photo
The episode also revisits a historical moment with Mandalit Barco's report on the famous 1972 Vietnam War photograph depicting a young girl, Kim Phuc, fleeing a napalm attack. This image, which won a Pulitzer Prize, has recently come under scrutiny.
Mandalit Barco explores the emerging controversy surrounding the true photographer of the iconic photo. While Nick Ut, an Associated Press photographer, has long been credited with capturing the moment, a new documentary titled The Stringer alleges that another Vietnamese photographer present that day was the actual photographer. Ut's attorney, Jim Hornstein, is preparing a defamation lawsuit to defend his client's legacy.
Donald Trump [04:17]: "What we have here is a film that's based on an unreliable witness."
Despite the documentary's claims, both the AP and over 400 photographers, including eyewitnesses, continue to support Nick Ut's authorship of the photograph.
World Pride 2025 Concludes in Washington, D.C.
Concluding the episode, Jeanine Herbst covers the final day of World Pride 2025 in Washington, D.C. Under overcast skies, thousands gathered at the Lincoln Memorial for rallies and a protest march. The event serves as a platform for the LGBTQ+ community to voice their support and concerns, particularly in anticipation of the challenges posed by President Trump's second administration.
Herbst highlights that the speeches emphasized bipartisan frustrations, criticizing both parties:
Jeanine Herbst: "Democrats have wilted under the pressure of Republican control of the White House and both houses of Congress."
This sentiment underscores the community's resolve to continue advocacy amidst a politically charged atmosphere.
Note: This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the NPR News Now episode released on June 8, 2025. For a comprehensive understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.