Trump Issues Profane Threats, Trump's War Politics, Artemis II Lunar Flyby

Summary

---

Up First (NPR) – April 6, 2026

Episode Title: Trump Issues Profane Threats, Trump's War Politics, Artemis II Lunar Flyby
Hosts: Leila Fadel, Steve Inskeep, Michel Martin, A Martinez
Summary by Podcast Section

---

Overview

This episode delivers a fast-paced summary of the three biggest stories shaping the global and national landscape: President Trump’s heated and profane threats in the Iran war, the complex political calculations behind his war posture, and the Artemis II mission sending astronauts farther into space than ever before. Featuring on-the-ground reports and expert analysis, the show explores escalating tensions, the shifting war narrative, and the scientific excitement surrounding the historic lunar flyby.

---

1. Trump’s Profane Threats Amid Iran War

[00:16–05:36]

Key Points

• President Trump made a vulgar post online, threatening to bomb "power plants and bridges" in Iran if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened by an 8pm Tuesday deadline.
• The threats target civilian infrastructure, potentially constituting war crimes under international law.
• Iranian officials denounce the threats as "obscenities and nonsense out of sheer desperation" and urge international intervention.
• Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu praises the US rescue of a downed Air Force colonel, affirming Israeli support and intelligence assistance.
• The situation in the region remains volatile; multiple missile strikes in Israel, Iran, Kuwait, and the UAE.
• Regional diplomats from Oman, Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt are actively seeking diplomatic solutions.

Notable Quotes

• Carrie Khan (NPR, Tel Aviv):
  • "Iran's mission to the U.N. posted that Trump, quote, seeks to drag the region into an endless war and that Trump's threats to bomb bridges and power shows intent to commit a war crime and urged immediate international intervention." [02:59]
• Carrie Khan:
  • “Kuwait has been hit hard this morning, as well as the UAE. Both countries report intercepting multiple missiles from Iran... there's much concern in the Gulf that if Iran does escalate, its air defense systems may be unable to handle that increased fire.” [05:09]

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Trump’s profane social media post and public demands: [02:24]
• Iran’s and Israel’s official responses: [02:59–03:36]
• Regional missile escalation and Gulf state reactions: [05:05–05:36]

---

2. The Political Stakes for Trump in the Iran Conflict

[05:40–09:36]

Key Points

• Trump is celebrating the dramatic rescue of a US weapons officer shot down in Iran, considered a political “win.”
• Mara Liasson analyzes Trump’s “box”:
  • Rescues are politically good for presidents, but underlying war dynamics remain unchanged.
  • The president's shifting public goals for the Iran conflict—often inconsistent from one week to the next—suggest a lack of overarching strategy.
  • The new “deadline” to open the Strait of Hormuz represents moving goalposts.
  • Trump’s rhetoric is especially inflammatory, using religious references and publicly dismissing international law constraints.
  • Politically, Trump is in a bind: promising not to start foreign wars, yet entangled in an unpopular conflict during a midterm election year.

Notable Quotes

• Mara Liasson (NPR, Sr. Political Correspondent):
  • “When a soldier or a sailor or an airman is in danger in an unpopular war, that's bad for the president. When that person is rescued, that's good for the president politically, but it doesn't change the overall box that Donald Trump finds himself in.” [06:06]
  • “The latest moving of the goalposts is opening the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump now says the strait must be open by Tuesday or else. But that's a big difference from what he was saying last week... And the fact that he goes back and forth so many times gives the impression that Trump is making it up as he goes along and that there isn't a clear strategy, even when the military strategy may largely be working.” [07:37]
• Mara Liasson:
  • “He posted a profane post on Truth Social. He said Tuesday would be, quote, power plant day and bridge day. He added, open the expletive strait, you crazy bastards. Praise be to Allah.” [08:20]
  • “We know Trump has said in the past he doesn't need international law. His own morality is the only constraint on his power.” [08:40]
  • “It's hard to see how he can declare victory in Iran if Iran still controls the Strait of Hormuz. He could send in ground troops, but that would make an unpopular war even more unpopular. And he's in a tough spot. It's a midterm year. Some of his polls are in the 30s, and he ran on a promise not to start foreign wars.” [09:15]

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Rescue’s political impact: [06:06]
• Trump’s inconsistent objectives and inflammatory rhetoric: [07:37–09:09]
• Liasson’s candid assessment of Trump’s political predicament: [09:15]

---

3. Artemis II Lunar Flyby: Humans Venture Further into Space

[09:46–13:13]

Key Points

• NASA’s Artemis II crew approaches the moon, set to break the record for farthest human spaceflight (surpassing Apollo 13’s 248,000 miles).
• The Orion capsule will travel 252,760 miles from Earth at its peak, with the closest lunar approach expected by 7pm.
• Mission’s scientific goals:
  • Crew observing and photographing lunar features for earthbound scientists, supporting future mission planning.
  • Focus on the lunar south pole, a target for a potential manned mission as soon as 2028.
• The mission is a critical systems test for the spacecraft, life support systems, and manual controls.
• Astronaut Victor Glover shares a poetic reflection on the beauty and isolation of Earth as seen from space.

Notable Quotes

• Brendan Byrne (Space Correspondent):
  • “Just before 2pm Eastern, the mission will surpass the record for farthest distance traveled by humans, which was set by Apollo 13... Then, by 7pm the crew will reach its farthest point of the mission, very specifically, 252,760 miles from home.” [10:09]
  • “A team of lunar scientists here on Earth have identified about 35 targets on the surface for the astronauts to observe and take pictures of...” [10:47]
• Kelsey Young (NASA Lunar Science Lead):
  • “You're going to see some very excited scientists. They're going to be absolutely buzzing up there, and what they're going to be doing is monitoring the crew. Of course, the crew will be giving several descriptions an hour, roughly three to four lunar descriptions an hour.” [11:22]
• Victor Glover (Artemis II astronaut):
  • “In all of this emptiness, this is a whole bunch of nothing, this thing we call the universe, you have this oasis, this beautiful place that we get to exist together.” [12:38]

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Artemis II’s record-breaking trajectory: [10:09]
• NASA scientists sharing their real-time enthusiasm: [11:22]
• Glover’s poetic view from space: [12:38]

---

Final Notes

For More: Listeners can access further details, surveys, and support NPR via the indicated web links.

---

Summary

This Up First episode is packed with vital updates on the intensifying US-Iran war and its global fallout, a nuanced analysis of President Trump’s shifting war strategy, and a glimpse into the awe-inspiring journey of Artemis II astronauts. Rich in direct quotes, on-the-ground reporting, and reflective commentary, the episode offers a concise yet illuminating snapshot of breaking news and human achievement.

---

Transcript

[Emmy Martinez]

Hey, before we get started, we'd like to hear from you about what you like and don't like about up first. You can help us out by answering a few questions online. Go to npr.org springsurvey again, that's npr.org springsurvey and thanks a lot.

[Layla Fulton]

In an obscene post online, Trump said Tuesday would be, quote, power plant and bridge day in Iran, once again threatening

[Emmy Martinez]

to bomb civilian infrastructure there if Iran didn't open the Strait of Hormuz. Doing that could be considered a war crime.

[Layla Fulton]

I'm Layla Fulton. That's a Martinez. And this is up first from from NPR News. The U.S. rescued an Air Force colonel whose fighter jet was shot down deep inside Iran. Over a month into this war that the US And Israel started, global markets are still taking a hit, with Iran continuing to block access to the Strait of Hormuz. Mar Eliasson breaks down the politics of this moment for the president.

[Emmy Martinez]

And the crew of Artemis 2 makes its closest approach to the moon today, sending humans farther into space than ever before.

[Victor Glover]

In all of this emptiness, you have this oasis, this beautiful place that we get to exist together.

[Emmy Martinez]

Stay with us. We've got the news you need to start your day.

[NPR Sponsor Announcer]

Support for NPR and the following message come from Warby Parker, the one stop shop for all your vision needs. They offer expertly crafted prescription eyewear plus contacts, eye exams and more for everything you need to see. Visit your nearest Warby Parker store or head to warbyparker.com this message comes from NPR sponsor Carvana. Carvana believes selling your car should be refreshingly simple. Enter your license plate or vin, get a real offer down to the penny and schedule a pickup on your time. No surprises. Sell your car [e-mail] Pickup fees may apply.

[NPR Podcast Promoter]

These days, it feels like the news changes every hour. Well, NPR has a podcast that does that, too. NPR News now brings you a fresh five minute episode every hour of the day with the latest, most important headlines in episodes that are clear, fact based and easy to digest. Listen to NPR News now on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Emmy Martinez]

New rounds of missile fire and airstrikes this morning have struck all over the Middle east as President Trump imposed an 8pm Eastern deadline on Tuesday for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

[Layla Fulton]

In a post on Sunday that included the F word, the president demanded Iran open the key waterway or he'd bomb the country's power plants and bridges. Civilian infrastructure is protected by international law. He also told ABC that if no deal was made, he would blow up the whole country. Those statements drew sharp rebukes from Iranian officials as people continue to be killed from Iran to Lebanon to Israel in this regional war.

[Emmy Martinez]

For more, we Go now to NPR's Carrie Khan in Tel Aviv. Kerry, President Trump set that new deadline for Iran to make a deal. Tell us how Iran has responded.

[Carrie Khan]

Iranian officials said Trump has, quote, resorted to obscenities and nonsense out of sheer desperation and anger. Iran's mission to the U.N. posted that Trump, quote, seeks to drag the region into an endless war and that Trump's threats to bomb bridges and power shows intent to commit a war crime and urged immediate international intervention. An Iranian president spokesman said opening the strait, which was, of course, open before the US And Israel attacked Iran, will only happen when Iran is compensated for, for the cost of this war.

[Emmy Martinez]

Okay, what about Israel? What are they saying about this deadline?

[Carrie Khan]

Well, Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu effusively praised Trump for the rescue of the US Airman yesterday who had ejected from his plane when he was shot down in Iran. Israel did provide intelligence for that risky mission, but did not participate in directly. And that came from an Israeli military official speaking to NPR on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive issues. Another person tells npr, and speaking under the same conditions that Israel is waiting for Trump's decision on the strait and will take part in any military action alongside the US if asked.

[Brendan Byrne]

All right.

[Emmy Martinez]

Now, Iran's missile capacity, however, still in force today. It was an intense morning there in Israel. What can you tell us about that?

[Carrie Khan]

It has been a very intense day here since midnight. Multiple missiles are coming from Iran, and a strike last night killed four Israelis in Haifa. The airspace not as secure as we've been hearing from the US And Israel today. Israel's Defense Minister, Israel Katz, as forces struck another Iranian petrochemical facility there. He said, together with other strikes, Israel is taken out of operation 85% of the industry, which is one of the country's largest revenue sources. Also, Israel says it killed a leading military leader and also the intelligence chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran confirmed that Defense Minister Katz said Israel would continue to, quote, hunt down Iran's leaders.

[Emmy Martinez]

And what about in the Gulf? Iranian missiles reach multiple countries there, too.

[Carrie Khan]

Yes, Kuwait has been hit hard this morning, as well as the uae. Both countries report intercepting multiple missiles from Iran. And there's much concern in the Gulf that if Iran does escalate attacks there, its air defense systems may be unable to handle that increased fire. And in terms of any diplomatic actions on the horizon, officials across the region from Oman, Turkey, Pakistan and Egypt say they are exploring all avenues.

[Emmy Martinez]

That's NPR's Carrie Khan in Tel Aviv. Carrie, thanks.

[Carrie Khan]

You're welcome.

[Emmy Martinez]

President Trump is celebrating the rescue of a US Weapons officer whose plane was shot down in Iran.

[Layla Fulton]

Yeah. And as we mentioned, he's also set a new deadline for Iran to release its control of the Strait of Hormuz.

[Emmy Martinez]

Here to discuss this is NPR senior national political correspondent Mara Liasson. Mara, Trump said Sunday this colonel was rescued from the mountains of Iran and was seriously wounded. So what are the politics of this moment for the president?

[Mara Liasson]

I think the politics couldn't be simpler. When a soldier or a sailor or an airman is in danger in an unpopular war, that's bad for the president. When that person is rescued, that's good for the president politically, but it doesn't change the overall box that Donald Trump finds himself in. Certainly this would have been worse if it had devolved into a hostage situation. But remember, this all happened because Iran shot down a US Fighter jet for the first time in the war so far, even though the president says the US has totally destroyed and obliterated Iran's military capabilities. So the circumstances are a reminder of how Trump has not been able to figure out how to credibly declare victory and get out of Iran.

[Emmy Martinez]

Yeah. Now, Trump says there will be a press conference with members of the military in the Oval Office later today. What do you expect to hear from that?

[Mara Liasson]

Donald Trump has really ramped up his messaging around the war. It took days after the war began before he started trying to build support for the action with Congress or the American people. But last week we saw him give a primetime address on Wednesday night. Over the weekend, he had multiple calls with individual reporters to talk about the war and this rescue. And today he'll be surrounded by generals in the White House. And they represent the most successful part of this war. The military goals have been met. The military has been successful in degrading Iran's missile capacity, its navy. And then there was the dramatic rescue. But the big question is what about the political objectives which have not been met?

[Emmy Martinez]

Which is what I was about to ask you, because have those political objectives been met? So far?

[Mara Liasson]

No. And it's not clear what they are because they change from day to day. The latest moving of the goalposts is opening the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump now says the strait must be open by Tuesday or else. But that's a big difference from what he was saying last week, that the US didn't need to open the strait. The US allies in Europe should deal with it themselves, or that the strait would open naturally when the war ended. And the fact that he goes back and forth so many times gives the impression that Trump is making it up as he goes along and that there isn't a clear strategy, even when the military strategy may largely be working.

[Emmy Martinez]

Yeah. Now, on that deadline, tell us about what he has mentioned about it, because he's used some pretty strong language.

[Mara Liasson]

He posted a profane post on Truth Social. He said Tuesday would be, quote, power plant day and bridge day. He added, open the expletive straight, you crazy bastards. Praise be to Allah. And many Muslims took that last phrase as an intention to insult their religion. But aside from the shock of how he conveyed that message, it's important to note that he's talking about bombing civilian infrastructure like power plants and desalination plants, which are protected by the Geneva Convention. But we know Trump has said in the past he doesn't need international law. His own morality is the only constraint on his power. He also talked to ABC's Rachel Scott on Sunday. He said if there's no deal made, he's, quote, blowing up the whole country. He was asked if anything was off limits. He said very little. But that deadline is only operative until it's not operative.

[Emmy Martinez]

Yeah. How important you think it is for Donald Trump, the president, to get out of the kind of box that he's put himself in?

[Mara Liasson]

I think it's very important. It's hard to see how he can declare victory in Iran if Iran still controls the Strait of Hormuz. He could send in ground troops, but that would make an unpopular war even more unpopular. And he's in a tough spot. It's a midterm year. Some of his polls are in the 30s, and he ran on a promise not to start foreign wars.

[Emmy Martinez]

NPR's Moralise and Martha, thanks.

[Mara Liasson]

You're welcome.

[Emmy Martinez]

The crew of Artemis 2 will make its closest approach to the moon later today.

[Layla Fulton]

The astronauts launch from the Kennedy Space center on Wednesday. As the Orion capsule loops around the moon, it will send the astronauts on a path that will take humans farther into space than ever before.

[Emmy Martinez]

Central Florida Public Media's Brendan Byrne has been following the mission. So, Brendan, walk us through the flyby. What's happening?

[Brendan Byrne]

Well, early this morning, the Orion space capsule entered the lunar sphere of influence. That means the moon's gravity has more pull on the spacecraft than the Earth does. Just before 2pm Eastern, the mission will surpass the record for farthest distance traveled by humans, which was set by the Apollo 13 mission, that was 248,000 statute miles. Then, by 7pm the crew will reach its farthest point of the mission, very specifically, 252,760 miles from home. And two hours later, the flyby concludes as they finish swinging around the moon and head back home.

[Emmy Martinez]

So what will the crew be doing during that time?

[Brendan Byrne]

Simply put, they'll be looking at the moon.

[Emmy Martinez]

So would I.

[Brendan Byrne]

Traveling something around 4,000 miles above the lunar surface is going to give them a vantage point that no other human eyes have ever seen before. A team of lunar scientists here on Earth have identified about 35 targets on the surface for the astronauts to observe and take pictures of. And they'll be describing what they see and relaying it back to the scientists at Mission Control. You know, even though robots circle and photograph the moon, now the human eye can see things that these cameras simply can't. NASA's Kelsey Young leads the lunar science team and said Sunday during a news conference that they can't wait to start getting that data back in real time.

[Kelsey Young]

You're going to see some very excited scientists. They're going to be absolutely buzzing up there, and what they're going to be doing is monitoring the crew. Of course, the crew will be giving several descriptions an hour, roughly three to four lunar descriptions an hour.

[Emmy Martinez]

So it sounds like a lot of data coming back. What are scientists going to do with that information?

[Brendan Byrne]

Yeah, it's a lot. Young expects thousands of photos to be taken by the astronauts as they peer through the windows at the far side of the Moon. These observations are not only going to give scientists a better understanding of it, but help pick landing sites for future robo robotic missions that will head to the lunar surface. And they'll eventually get a tiny glimpse at the lunar south pole, which NASA wants to land astronauts as early as 2028.

[Emmy Martinez]

I'm so hoping they see some flying saucers, but that's just me. That's what I'm rooting for.

[NPR Sponsor Announcer]

All right.

[Emmy Martinez]

No. Artemis 2 is more than halfway through its overall trip. So how's the mission been going so far?

[Brendan Byrne]

Well, the mission is a test flight. The Artemis crew has been doing just that, testing the spacecraft. That includes the life support system, like the carbon dioxide scrubbers, manually piloting the spacecraft, testing their spacesuits in case of emergency. They've even removed pan inside the vehicle in case a future mission requires that to do repairs in flight. And they're getting views of the Earth that humans haven't seen in more than 50 years. Here's mission pilot Victor Glover, describing just that over the weekend.

[Victor Glover]

In all of this emptiness, this is a whole bunch of nothing, this thing we call the universe, you have this oasis, this beautiful place that we get to exist together.

[Brendan Byrne]

And the crew's been sending back incredible images of Earth getting gradually smaller and smaller as the spacecraft moves farther and farther from home. And and then they'll test one final key system of the spacecraft, the heat shield that protects them as they punch through the atmosphere. On Friday, traveling at a record 25,000 miles per hour, splashing down off the Pacific Ocean off San Diego.

[Emmy Martinez]

Brendan Byrne is with Central Florida Public Media and is also the host of the space podcast Are We There Yet? Brendan, thanks a lot.

[Brendan Byrne]

Anytime.

[Emmy Martinez]

Eh, please help us out today by telling us what you like and how we can improve our podcast. All I gotta do is complete a short survey. You can find it right [e-mail] springsurvey One more time. That's NPR. And that's a first for Monday, April 6th, Emmy Martinez.

[Layla Fulton]

And I'm Layla Falden. Today's episode of up first was edited by Jerry Holmes, Dana Farrington, Russell Lewis, Mohamed Albardisi and Taylor Haney. It was produced by Ziad Buch and Ava Pukach. Our director is Katie Klein. We get engineering support from Nisha Hines. And our technical director is is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.