Up First from NPR – June 18, 2025

Hosts: Steve Inskeep, Amy Martinez, Michel Martin, and A Martinez

1. President Trump’s Stance on Iran and Potential U.S. Involvement

Trump’s Shift Towards Foreign Engagement

President Donald Trump, who campaigned on withdrawing the United States from foreign wars, appears to be reconsidering this stance in light of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. During the episode, Steve Inskeep introduces the topic:

[00:02] Steve Inskeep: "President Trump campaigned to get the United States out of foreign wars."

However, Trump is now contemplating supporting Israel's campaign against Iran, raising questions about the risks internationally and the political repercussions domestically.

Mixed Messages from the White House

The administration's position is currently ambiguous. Amy Martinez highlights the conflicting signals regarding immigration enforcement and foreign policy:

[00:35] Amy Martinez: "The White House is sending mixed messages about how it'll enforce immigration orders for agricultural workers."

This inconsistency extends to foreign policy, where Trump’s rhetoric suggests a more hands-on approach, potentially diverging from his "America First" promises.

Pushback from Trump’s Own Allies

White House correspondent Franco Ordonez provides insight into internal conflicts within the Trump administration:

[03:39] Franco Ordonez: "For someone who has such dedicated supporters, it's really notable that some of Trump's longtime backers are questioning his judgment here."

Notable figures like former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and former White House aide Steve Bannon advocate for maintaining an "America First" approach, urging Trump to avoid deeper involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts.

Trump’s Response to Criticism

In response to dissent from allies, Trump has actively defended his position. Franco Ordonez recounts Trump’s reaction to Tucker Carlson’s opposition:

[04:47] Franco Ordonez: "Trump posted on social media, 'somebody please explain to kooky Tucker Carlson that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.'"

Additionally, Vice President J.D. Vance supported Trump’s authority to decide on further actions against Iran:

[04:11] Franco Ordonez: "Vice President J.D. Vance has also weighed in on social media, saying Trump has shown restraint, but that Trump has the right to decide whether to take further action to end Iranian enrichment."

Diplomatic Efforts Under Scrutiny

While Trump historically showed interest in diplomacy, his current stance suggests a departure:

[05:23] Franco Ordonez: "Right now, Trump doesn't appear to be interested in diplomacy. He told reporters he's not in the mood to negotiate."

However, there remains uncertainty whether this tough talk is a strategy to pressure Iran, as Trump has hinted at sending special envoys for negotiations.

2. Iran’s Nuclear Program: Conflicting Narratives

Netanyahu vs. U.S. Intelligence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has consistently asserted that Iran is rapidly advancing toward developing a nuclear bomb. Greg Myrey, NPR’s national security correspondent, elaborates on the discrepancies between Israeli claims and U.S. intelligence assessments:

[06:26] Greg Myrey: "Netanyahu has been saying time and again that Iran is on the verge of a bomb... the U.S. intelligence community has had a very different position. It says Iran suspended its weapons program back in 2003."

Trump’s Contradiction of Intelligence Reports

President Trump has contradicted statements from U.S. intelligence officials. Greg Myrey notes:

[07:15] Steve Inskeep: "Trump has contradicted Gabbard saying, 'I don't care what she said. I think they, meaning the Iranians, were very close to having it.'"

International Oversight by the IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) monitors Iran’s nuclear activities. Greg Myrey provides details on Iran’s uranium enrichment:

[07:21] Greg Myrey: "The IAEA says Iran has enriched quite a bit of uranium to 60% purity. You need to get to 90% purity before it's considered weapons grade. But that change can be done very quickly."

Although Iran possesses significant enriched uranium, additional steps are necessary to produce a functional nuclear weapon. Experts estimate the timeline to be a matter of months, though recent Israeli strikes on nuclear sites have introduced further uncertainty.

Potential U.S. Military Action

If the U.S. decides to act militarily against Iran’s nuclear facilities, significant challenges exist:

[08:06] Greg Myrey: "Israel wants the US to use its massive bunker-busting bombs to hit the Fordo nuclear facility... the bomb is so massive that only one US plane can carry it, the B2 bomber."

The Fordo facility's construction within a hard-rock mountain presents uncertainties regarding the effectiveness of such a strike. Multiple bombing runs might be necessary, with no guaranteed outcomes.

3. Continued ICE Raids on Agricultural Workers

Administration’s Contradictory Policies

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has maintained its aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, particularly targeting industries reliant on workers without legal status. Ximena Bastillo, NPR’s immigration policy reporter, explains the internal division within the Republican Party regarding immigration:

[10:22] Ximena Bastillo: "There's two schools of thought... one understands that industries are reliant on workers without legal status... the other group wants to increase deportation no matter what."

High-level officials like DHS Secretary Kristi Noem advocate for stringent enforcement, aiming to achieve mass deportations, which contrasts with President Trump’s promises to protect agricultural workers.

Recent Raids and Their Impact

Several ICE raids have recently targeted the agricultural sector, causing significant concern among employers and workers:

[11:25] Ximena Bastillo: "We saw several instances of immigration officers arresting and targeting the ag sector... 70 people were arrested at a meatpacking plant in Nebraska."

These actions have heightened fears of destabilizing local economies and supply chains, emphasizing the critical role of undocumented workers in these industries.

Employer and Worker Preparedness

Employers are navigating the uncertainty by trying to comply with laws while acknowledging that their employees’ families and communities may still be vulnerable:

[12:24] Ximena Bastillo: "They underscore that they want to follow the law... but they know that doesn't mean their families or their friends or people in their communities have legal status."

The administration’s approach of collateral arrests—arresting individuals connected to those targeted—further exacerbates the anxiety within affected communities.

Administration’s Official Stance

Despite public assurances, DHS continues its enforcement efforts:

[12:20] Ximena Bastillo: "Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin has said that there's no safe spaces for industries who... harbor violent criminals."

This indicates that raids could continue unabated, leaving the agricultural sector in a state of perpetual uncertainty.

Conclusion

The June 18, 2025 episode of Up First from NPR delves into President Trump's evolving foreign and domestic policies, highlighting the tensions between his administration's actions and his initial campaign promises. From the fraught dynamics surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions to the ongoing struggles within the U.S. immigration enforcement paradigm, the episode underscores the complexities and contradictions facing the current administration. Notable quotes and expert analyses provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these pressing issues, offering clarity amid the surrounding uncertainties.

Notable Quotes:

• Steve Inskeep: "President Trump campaigned to get the United States out of foreign wars." ([00:02])
• Franco Ordonez: "Trump has repeatedly said all options are on the table." ([02:50])
• Greg Myrey: "The IAEA says Iran has enriched quite a bit of uranium to 60% purity." ([07:21])
• Ximena Bastillo: "They know that doesn't mean their families or their friends or people in their communities have legal status." ([12:24])

Produced by: Dana Farrington, Andrew Sussman, Anna Yukoninoff, Alice Wolfley, Janaya Williams
Produced by: Ziad Butch, Claire Murashima, Christopher From Thomas
Engineering Support: Stacey Abbott
Technical Director: Carly Strange

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