National Guard Ruling, Divisions On Iran, EU and Iran Diplomacy

Summary

Podcast Summary: Up First from NPR

Episode: National Guard Ruling, Divisions On Iran, EU and Iran Diplomacy
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Hosts: Michelle Martin, Layla Faulded
Produced by: NPR

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Introduction

In the June 20, 2025 episode of NPR's "Up First," hosts Michelle Martin and Layla Faulded explore three pivotal stories shaping the national and international landscape. This episode delves into the legal battle over the control of the National Guard in Los Angeles, internal divisions within President Trump's base regarding potential military action against Iran, and the European Union's diplomatic efforts to address escalating tensions between Iran and Israel.

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1. National Guard Control in Los Angeles

Court Ruling and Legal Battle
The episode opens with a significant legal development: a federal appeals court has ruled that former President Donald Trump can retain control of the National Guard in Los Angeles, a decision contested by California Governor Gavin Newsom.

• Layla Faulded [00:02]: "A court says President Trump can keep control of the National Guard in Los Angeles for now. California's governor says he should control the Guard."
• Michelle Martin [00:10]: "What's next in this legal battle, and what does it mean for other states?"

Governor Newsom's Perspective
Governor Newsom, via CAP Radio's Laura Fitzgerald, explains the court's decision and its implications.

• Gavin Newsom [02:50]: "The situation on the ground in Los Angeles likely warranted Trump calling in the National Guard to make sure federal immigration laws are enforced."

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously sided with Trump, citing instances of protesters "throwing objects at federal agents and vandalizing federal buildings" as justification for federal intervention.

Reactions from Trump and Newsom

• Donald Trump [04:45]: On Truth Social, Trump hailed the ruling as "a big win" and criticized Newsom as "incompetent and ill prepared."
• Gavin Newsom [04:45]: Expressed disappointment but remained committed to the legal fight, acknowledging the court's rejection of the administration's stance that courts shouldn't review presidential decisions on National Guard deployment.

Next Steps in the Legal Battle

Governor Newsom indicated that California might appeal the ruling. Additionally, Judge Charles Breyer is set to hear arguments on issuing a preliminary injunction, which could provide a more lasting resolution compared to the emergency order previously considered.

• Gavin Newsom [05:25]: "California could try to appeal the ruling, but yesterday's ruling was just on the emergency order attempting to block Trump's actions."

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2. Divisions Within Trump's Base on Iran Conflict

Trump's Potential Military Action Against Iran

President Trump has signaled that he will decide whether to launch military strikes against Iran within the next two weeks, a timeline he has historically extended.

• Layla Faulded [06:17]: "The White House said he will make a decision about U.S. involvement within the next two weeks..."

Backlash Among MAGA Supporters

This potential decision has sparked concerns among some of Trump's most ardent supporters, who feel it contradicts his previous promises to avoid further wars.

• Franco Ordonez [07:07]: "President Trump campaigned on ending long foreign wars... now you have some of the biggest cheerleaders in MAGA world raising concerns about Trump escalating this crisis between Iran and Israel even more."

Notable Voices Expressing Caution

Figures within the MAGA movement, such as former advisor Steve Bannon and talk show host Tucker Carlson, have voiced apprehension about escalating military conflicts.

• Steve Bannon [07:11]: "This is one of the most ancient civilizations in the world... you have to think this through at this level and the American people have to be on board."

Conversely, some MAGA proponents like Fox host Mark Levin and Senator Lindsey Graham support military action to aid Israel, highlighting a factional split within the movement.

• Franco Ordonez [08:47]: "For a lot of folks in MAGA, Israel is the one exception that's important to support."

Political Implications for Trump

Franco Ordonez discusses the impact of these divisions on Trump's political legacy, suggesting that while Trump may face internal criticism, his decision could still align with his long-term political goals.

• Franco Ordonez [09:05]: "He's more likely looking at his legacy and seeing here a potential opportunity to topple a regime that Republicans have long looked to get rid of."

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3. EU Diplomacy Efforts on Iran-Israel Conflict

Escalating Tensions Between Iran and Israel

The conflict between Iran and Israel has intensified, with Israel conducting strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and retaliatory missile attacks from Iran resulting in significant casualties on both sides.

• Benjamin Netanyahu [10:23]: "We will achieve all our goals, all their nuclear facilities. It's in our power to do so."

Diplomatic Initiatives by the EU

In response to escalating violence, EU ministers are engaging in diplomatic talks with Iranian officials in Geneva, aiming to navigate towards a de-escalation within a two-week window.

• Michelle Martin [09:53]: "European diplomats are meeting Iran's foreign minister in Geneva today..."
• Benjamin Netanyahu [10:43]: "Netanyahu confirmed that Israel would proceed with its objectives regardless of U.S. involvement."

Role of the United States

While Israel asserts its capability to act independently, the involvement of the United States could potentially expedite their strategic objectives against Iran.

• Benjamin Netanyahu [12:26]: "Israeli officials believe Israel can destroy Iran's most fortified nuclear site on its own without the US bombing it, but that would just be quicker if the US took part."

European vs. American Perspectives

The EU is advocating for restraint and seeking a diplomatic resolution, whereas Israel perceives European actions as supportive of its aggressive stance against Iran's nuclear advancements.

• Benjamin Netanyahu [11:42]: "European diplomats have been calling for restraint but also have said Israel has the right to protect its security and its people."

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Additional Highlights

Abortion Access and Rates in the U.S.
In a brief segment towards the end, the episode touches on the rise in abortion rates across nearly 40% of U.S. states following the fall of Roe v. Wade. Despite increasing restrictions, accessibility has paradoxically improved due to innovative efforts by networks of women in Latin America assisting access to abortion pills.

• Layla Faulded [13:21]: "Abortion rates have actually risen across the country, largely due to the growing use of abortion."

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Notable Quotes

• Gavin Newsom [02:50]: "The situation on the ground in Los Angeles likely warranted Trump calling in the National Guard to make sure federal immigration laws are enforced."
• Steve Bannon [07:11]: "This is one of the most ancient civilizations in the world... you have to think this through at this level and the American people have to be on board."
• Donald Trump [04:45]: "...a big win. He also took a swipe at Newsom, calling him incompetent and ill prepared."

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Conclusion

The June 20, 2025, episode of "Up First" provides a comprehensive overview of pressing issues, from domestic legal battles over military control to complex international tensions involving major global powers. By incorporating expert insights and direct quotes, the episode equips listeners with a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges shaping today's geopolitical and social landscape.

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Transcript

[Layla Faulded]

A court says President Trump can keep control of the National Guard in Los Angeles for now. California's governor says he should control the Guard.

[Michelle Martin]

What's next in this legal battle, and what does it mean for other states?

[Layla Faulded]

I'm Layla Faulded. That's Michelle Martin. And this is up first from NPR News.

[Michelle Martin]

President Trump says he'll decide whether or not to bomb Iran in the next two weeks. But that has some of his most vocal supporters asking what happened to Trump's promise of no more wars?

[Franco Ordonez]

You have to think this through at this level, and the American people have to be on board.

[Michelle Martin]

How is the split playing out among his base?

[Layla Faulded]

And a diplomacy effort is underway to end the war between Iran and Israel. EU ministers are set to hold talks with their Iranian counterparts in Geneva today. Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

[Laura Fitzgerald]

This message comes from the Nature Conservancy. Nature is common ground for everyone, and uniting to protect nature can help solve today's challenges and create a thriving tomorrow for future generations. Discover [e-mail] NPR this message comes from Wealthfront.

[Daniel Estrin]

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[Laura Fitzgerald]

APY support for NPR's Climate Solutions Week. Rethinking home comes from the Nature Conservancy. People from all walks of life depend on nature for the food they eat, the water they drink and the air they breathe, for strengthening their communities, powering their livelihoods and safeguarding their health. Nature is common ground for everyone, and uniting to protect nature can help solve today's challenges and create a thriving tomorrow for future generations. Discover [e-mail] NPR 4000 National Guard troops.

[Michelle Martin]

In Los Angeles will remain under President Trump's control.

[Layla Faulded]

Yeah, that's after a federal appeals court in California blocked a lower court's order for Trump to return control of the Guard to the state's governor, Gavin Newsom. It's the latest in the ongoing legal battle between California and the Trump administration over how to respond to protests in Los Angeles triggered by immigration raids in the region.

[Michelle Martin]

Cap Radio's Laura Fitzgerald is with us now to Tell us more about all this. Good morning, Laura.

[Gavin Newsom]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

Okay, so why did the court side with Trump?

[Gavin Newsom]

Well, this ruling from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals wasn't very surprising given that the panel of three judges seemed pretty skeptical of California's arguments comments during a hearing on Tuesday. But the 38 page decision gives us more insight. In it, they say the situation on the ground in Los Angeles likely warranted Trump calling in the National Guard to make sure federal immigration laws are enforced. The judges pointed to examples of protesters throwing objects at federal agents and vandalizing federal buildings as evidence of this. The ruling was unanimous, and the panel was made up of two Trump appointees and one Biden appointee. They also rejected Newsom's argument that Trump didn't properly call up the Guard through the the administration did that through the state's adjutant general, and the court said that's good enough because the general works on the governor's behalf. Now, the judges did reject Trump's argument that the courts don't have authority to review a president's decision to mobilize the National Guard. And they emphasized that this decision was only about Trump's authority to deploy the National Guard, not what they can do once they're deployed.

[Michelle Martin]

So just remind us of why Governor Newsom opposed Trump's federalization of National Guard troops in the first place.

[Gavin Newsom]

So besides his argument that Trump's move was illegal, he said sending the National Guard to quell protests in LA would only make tensions worse. Newsom and other local leaders said the state had enough resources and local law enforcement to respond to the situation on the ground. Hundreds of people have been arrested for engaging in violence or vandalizing public property since the protests first broke out. But over the last week or so, arrests and also protests in general have died down a bit. And the mayor of LA lifted a curfew that had been in effect for downtown.

[Michelle Martin]

So just as we are speaking now, this only happened just a few hours ago. But how are Newsom and Trump reacting to the ruling?

[Gavin Newsom]

Yeah. In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the 9th Circuit ruling a big win. He also took a swipe at Newsom, calling him incompetent and ill prepared. But perhaps most importantly, Trump said this ruling would have an impact not just in California, but in any state where president determines there's a difficulty enforcing laws and decides to call in the National Guard. Newsom released a statement saying he was disappointed by the ruling, but vowed to keep fighting out this legal battle. He also took it as a victory that the court rejected the administration's argument that courts shouldn't decide whether a president can federalize National Guard troops.

[Michelle Martin]

Okay, so is there a next step here?

[Gavin Newsom]

Yeah, well, California could try to appeal the ruling, but yesterday's ruling was just on the emergency order attempting to block Trump's actions. Meanwhile, this case will actually continue in a lower court. Today, actually in San Francisco, Judge Charles Breyer, the same judge who issued the initial emergency order against Trump's actions last week, will hear the arguments again. This time, the question will be whether to issue a preliminary injunction which is longer lasting than the emergency order he considered last week.

[Michelle Martin]

All right, that's Laura Fitzgerald from CAP Radio in Sacramento. Laura Fitzgerald, thanks so much for talking to us.

[Gavin Newsom]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

After a week of raising the possibility of launching US Strikes against Iran, President Trump is suggesting diplomacy.

[Layla Faulded]

Yeah. The White House said he will make a decision about U.S. involvement within the next two weeks, a time frame Trump has regularly used for other decisions that have not come within those two weeks. The move comes amid growing concerns from some of his most vocal supporters that he's betraying his America first principles. The White House dismisses any connection between the criticism and Trump's delay in making a decision.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR White House correspondent Franco Ordonez has the latest on the political divide in Trump's world. Good morning, Franco.

[Franco Ordonez]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So why is Trump's base, so called MAGA world, so up in arms against the idea of US Strikes on Iran?

[Franco Ordonez]

I mean, well, President Trump campaigned on ending long foreign wars. In his inauguration speech, for example, he talked about wanting his legacy to be one of a peacemaker.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

We will measure our success not only by the battles we win, but also.

[Franco Ordonez]

By the wars that we end and perhaps most importantly, the wars we never get into. And now you have some of the biggest cheerleaders in MAGA world raising concerns about Trump escalating this crisis between Iran and Israel even more.

[Michelle Martin]

Like who?

[Franco Ordonez]

Well, I mean, we've of course talked this week about concerns raised by former talk show host Tucker Carlson, who's warned the president's legacy is on the Another is Steve Bannon, who served as a senior advisor to Trump. He compared this conflict to Iraq and told reporters at a breakfast hosted by the Christian Science Monitor that the administration needs to be very careful. This is one of the most ancient civilizations in the world, okay? With 92 million people, this is not something you play around with. You have to think this through at this level and the American people have to be on board. Now, Michelle, I should also point out that not everyone in MAGA world opposes US Involvement. Folks like Fox host Mark Levin as well as Senator Lindsey Graham have called for Trump to help Israel.

[Michelle Martin]

So that raises a good point there, Franco, that there are different factions of the MAGA movement now. I guess they have different philosophies about what America first means.

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, that's exactly right. I mean, like any political coalition, there is going to be some splits. For some, it's economic policy and bringing back manufacturing to the U.S. others, it's about not spending any money overseas at all, whether that's on us or supplying weapons to Ukraine. And I was Talking with John McHenry, he's a Republican pollster who told me there are also some exceptions among religious conservatives of the movement, especially as it relates to Israel.

[Michelle Martin]

I think for a lot of folks in maga, Israel is the one exception that it's important to support the Holy.

[Franco Ordonez]

Land, to support Israel. And they will make an exception on this one country where they might not.

[Gavin Newsom]

For a Ukraine, for a Taiwan, you.

[Franco Ordonez]

Know, for something else in Europe.

[Michelle Martin]

Franko, do you have a sense of what impact this divide has had on Trump and the administration?

[Franco Ordonez]

I mean, certainly he hasn't liked it. I mean, he's lashed out at Carlson as well as reporters who asked about the divide. But I'm also not sure how much sleep he's really losing over it. You know, Trump doesn't need to and he can't run for re election again. And the Republicans I speak with say he's more likely looking at his legacy and seeing here a potential opportunity to topple a regime that Republicans have long looked to get rid of. But also balancing his own tendencies not to get involved with a war. You can see that all kind of playing out when he decided to delay the action by two weeks.

[Michelle Martin]

That is White House correspondent Franco Ardonos. Franco, thank you.

[Franco Ordonez]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

Europe is trying for diplomacy as Israel and Iran enter their second week of war.

[Layla Faulded]

European diplomats are meeting Iran's foreign minister in Geneva today, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested Israel will continue attacking Iran's nuclear sites even if President Trump decides not to take part. An Iranian human rights group says More than 650 people in Iran have been killed by Israeli strikes. And Israel says Iranian missiles have killed 24 people in Israel.

[Michelle Martin]

We have NPR's Daniel Estrin on the line with us now from Tel Aviv to tell us more. Good morning, Daniel.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

Okay, so this started a week ago when Israel launched these strikes against the nuclear sites and against military officials and nuclear scientists. And of course, Iran has responded. And as We've just heard there have been fatalities on both sides. Now, Prime Minister Netanyahu gave a rationale for this when it first has he said any more about why he chose this moment?

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

He was asked that question again yesterday on Israeli public Broadcasting and he did say more. He said this all goes back to September, when Israel assassinated Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon. He was the head of Iran's main proxy in the region. And Netanyahu said that when Nasrallah was killed and Hezbollah largely collapsed, Iran rushed to try to create a nuclear bomb. And Netanyahu claimed Iran was less than away, though there have been debates and differing US Intelligence assessments on that. But analysts in Israel say other political factors are at play here. Netanyahu was under intense domestic pressure to end the Gaza war to get Israeli hostages back. His government barely survived a no confidence vote in Parliament. And then a day later he launched the Iran attack and that gave Netanyahu a major political comeback. The majority of Israelis support the attacks on Iran.

[Michelle Martin]

So what more can you tell us about diplomatic efforts now?

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Iran's state media says Iran's foreign minister is meeting with his counterparts from France, Germany and the UK Today in Geneva, the British foreign minister met Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday and said there was a two week window for a diplomatic solution. And remember yesterday the White House said Trump would make a decision within two weeks whether to strike Iran. European diplomats have been calling for restraint but also have said Israel has the right to protect its security and its people. And Israel sees that as Europe actually supporting its attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, which is very different from Europe's explicit calls for Israel to end the Gaza war.

[Michelle Martin]

So Daniel, does Israel need the US to achieve its goal of destroying Iran's nuclear program?

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Well, Netanyahu was asked that question on Israeli TV yesterday and he said we will achieve all our goals, all their nuclear facilities. It's in our power to do so. And he said it was up to Trump to decide whether to join in. I spoke to a person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue, who told me Israeli officials believe Israel can destroy Iran's most fortified nuclear site for DOE on its own without the US Bombing it, but that it would just be quicker if the US took part. Experts tell NPR US bunker busting bombs could do serious damage to the 4Doe site, but that wouldn't destroy Iran's know how to actually build nuclear weapons in the future.

[Michelle Martin]

That is NPR's Daniel Estrin and Tel Aviv. Daniel, thank you.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

You're welcome.

[Michelle Martin]

And that's up first for Friday, June 20th. I'm Michele Martin.

[Layla Faulded]

And I'm Layla Falden. Since the fall of Roe vs Wade, abortion access has been banned or restricted in nearly 40% of US states. But despite that, abortion rates have actually risen across the country, largely due to the growing use of abortion.

[Franco Ordonez]

If it goes the way that I.

[Benjamin Netanyahu]

Think it will, in some ways abortion.

[Franco Ordonez]

Ironically will become more accessible but less legal.

[Layla Faulded]

Tune in to the Sunday Story to hear about how a network of women in Latin America helped pregnant people access abortion pills and eventually made its way to America.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Krishnadev Kalimor, Ryland Barton, Alex Leff, Miguel Macias, Janaya Williams and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Butch, Claire Murashima and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacy Abbott. Our technical director is Carly Strai, and our executive producer is Jay Shaler. We hope you'll join us again Monday.

[Daniel Estrin]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Oracle. In business, they say you can have better, cheaper or faster, but you only get to pick two. What if you could have all three at the same time? Oracle Cloud Infrastructure is the blazing fast platform for your infrastructure, database, application development and AI needs. With oci, you can run any workload in a high availability, consistently high performance environment and spend less than you would with other clouds. To try OCI for free with zero commitment, go to oracle.com NPR this message.

[Laura Fitzgerald]

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