Trump Weighs Options In Iran, Minnesota Sues DHS, SCOTUS Trans Sports Cases

Summary

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Up First – January 13, 2026: Trump Weighs Options in Iran, Minnesota Sues DHS, SCOTUS Hears Trans Sports Cases

Episode Overview

This episode of NPR’s Up First delivers concise reporting and analysis on three major stories:

• President Trump’s escalating threats of military action against Iran amid protests and ongoing negotiations.
• Minnesota’s lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security following a fatal ICE operation and allegations of civil rights violations.
• Supreme Court cases set to decide the legality of state laws banning transgender girls and women from girls’ sports.

The tone is urgent and factual, with reporters bringing clarity and context to fast-moving and often contentious national stories.

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1. US-Iran Tensions: Military Threats, Ongoing Protests, and Talks

Segment Begins: 02:00

Key Discussion Points

• President Trump is considering military strikes in response to Iran’s violent crackdown on protesters, which has resulted in more than 600 deaths, including children and security personnel.
• Amid global concern and an intense situation on the ground in Iran, Trump announces a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran.
• The President claims Iran’s leaders reached out for negotiation, but maintains threats of force if violence against protesters continues.
• Options on the table include targeting Iran’s missile program, security forces, and possibly direct special operations, reminiscent of actions in Venezuela.
• Despite President Trump’s general lack of emphasis on human rights, parallels are drawn to his 2017 Syria strikes; here, the stated goal is preventing Iran’s nuclear armament.
• Analysis suggests Iranian leadership could consider a “zero enrichment” nuclear deal for regime survival, but questions remain about their commitment.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Steve Inskeep (02:09): “A U.S.-based group called the Human Rights Activists News Agency…says more than 600 Iranians have been killed so far. That number includes nine children and 133 members of the military and police.”
• Franco Ordonez, White House correspondent (02:55): “Trump warned last week that the U.S. was, quote, locked and loaded and would come to the protester rescue if they continued to be killed...He also said they might have to act sooner if the violence continues.”
• Michelle Martin quoting Trump (03:29): “‘If they [Iran] do that, we will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before. They won't even believe it.’”
• Franco Ordonez summarizing Trump’s approach (04:46): "What Trump really wants in Iran is a deal that permanently prevents the government from getting a nuclear weapon."
• Expert analysis (Matthew Kranig, Atlantic Council, paraphrased, 04:46): Iranian Supreme Leader may accept a zero enrichment deal if it means regime survival.

Timestamps for Key Moments

• Trump’s escalation and background: 02:00–02:43
• Analysis with Franco Ordonez: 02:48–05:30

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2. Minnesota Sues DHS Over ICE Operations

Segment Begins: 05:38

Key Discussion Points

• Minnesota files a lawsuit seeking to stop the federal surge of ICE agents, following the killing of Renee Macklin Goode, a 37-year-old state resident.
• Allegations include arrests of peaceful bystanders, detention of U.S. citizens, use of chemical irritants on demonstrators, and racial profiling.
• Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison contends these practices are unconstitutional and asks courts to halt the federal presence.
• DHS pushes back, claiming law enforcement is acting within the bounds of the Fourth Amendment and denying racial profiling allegations.
• On-the-ground reporting captures stories of residents, many legal U.S. citizens or permanent residents, being questioned and detained, causing fear and tension in communities of color.
• There is increasing defiance and protest among Minneapolis residents, with frequent protests and federal use of pepper and tear gas.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Sergio Martinez-Beltran (06:04): “State officials say that during this federal search, federal immigration agents have arrested peaceful bystanders, that they've detained U.S. citizens and fired chemical irritants at demonstrators and others exercising their First Amendment rights.”
• Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, quoted (06:34): “We ask the courts to end the DHS unlawful behavior in our state. The intimidation, the threats, the violence.”
• Joel Kilikai, permanent U.S. resident, on the ground (07:43): “We don't want this to escalate… people are getting killed. Yes. We just gotta do our best out here to make sure that we live to see tomorrow.”
• Sergio Martinez-Beltran (08:41): “Many people in Minneapolis do not want ICE around, and it's starting to seem like residents are more defiant, willing to protest more.”

Timestamps for Key Moments

• Lawsuit background and allegations: 05:38–07:00
• Reports of on-the-ground actions and community responses: 07:00–08:45

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3. Supreme Court Hears Landmark Transgender Sports Cases

Segment Begins: 08:55

Key Discussion Points

• Supreme Court is considering two cases challenging state laws that bar transgender girls and women from competing in girls’ sports at public schools.
• The debate is highly politicized, particularly since the 2024 election where trans issues became a rallying point.
• There are now 27 states with such laws, with supporters citing competitive fairness and opponents decrying sex discrimination.
• Case examples:
  • Idaho college student barred from women’s team.
  • West Virginia student, Becky Pepper Jackson, transitioned young and experienced exclusion from sports teams but was not a highly competitive athlete at first.
• Arguments center on whether state laws unlawfully discriminate or legitimately protect fairness in women’s sports.
• The practical impact is significant: in West Virginia, only one student (Becky) is currently impacted, raising questions of scope and necessity.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Nina Totenberg, legal affairs correspondent (09:17): “The rhetoric around trans issues proved very helpful for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign…Supporters say these laws are needed to ensure fairness...Opponents...say these laws discriminate based on sex in violation of both federal statutes and the Constitution’s guarantee to equal protection.”
• Steve Inskeep (11:15): “[Becky] is the third best shot putter in the entire state, and that includes 15, 16, and 17-year-old girls.”
• Steve Inskeep (12:00): “John Birsh of the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom...This question is actually bigger than sports, and it's about whether those who support the gender ideology movement are going to be allowed to continue harming children, women and adults.”
• Nina Totenberg (12:27): “As far as we know, there's only one [trans athlete], and it's Becky.”

Timestamps for Key Moments

• Introduction to cases and debate: 08:55–09:57
• Case studies and legal perspectives: 09:57–12:32

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Memorable Quotes (with Attribution & Timestamps)

• "If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before. They won't even believe it."
  —President Trump, quoted by Michelle Martin (03:29)

• “We don't want this to escalate...people are getting killed...We just gotta do our best out here to make sure that we live to see tomorrow.”
  —Joel Kilikai, Minneapolis resident (07:43)

• “The elephant in the room, he says, is Donald Trump and his executive orders.”
  —Josh Block, ACLU lawyer for Becky Pepper Jackson, summarized by Nina Totenberg (11:31)

• "As far as we know, there's only one [trans athlete in West Virginia], and it's Becky."
  —Nina Totenberg (12:27)

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Conclusion

This episode captures the intersection of hardline presidential diplomacy, domestic civil rights struggles, and complex legal questions on gender and fairness. With succinct, on-the-ground reporting and legal context, listeners receive a robust overview of critical stories shaping U.S. politics and society at the start of 2026.

Transcript

[Steve Inskeep]

President Trump says he's considering military strikes on Iran as its crackdown on protests kills hundreds. Iran wants to negotiate.

[Michelle Martin]

Is the pressure campaign headed toward diplomacy or confrontation?

[Steve Inskeep]

I'm Steve Inskeep with Michelle Martin. And this is up first from NPR News. Minnesota is suing the Trump administration over its immigration operations after an ICE agent killed Renee Macklin Goode.

[Sergio Martinez-Beltran]

We asked the courts to end the dhs. Unlike lawful behavior in our state, the.

[Steve Inskeep]

Intimidation, the threats, the violence, are ICE operations in Minneapolis escalating?

[Michelle Martin]

Also today, the Supreme Court considers two challenges to state laws. The rules prevent transgender athletes from competing in girls sports. Stay with us. We'll give you news you need to start your day.

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[Michelle Martin]

Threaten military action against Iran and says he is receiving hourly reports on the violence against protesters as Iranian security forces try to quash growing unrest.

[Steve Inskeep]

A U. S. Based group called the Human Rights Activists News Agency has tried to track the casualties, which is hard given an Internet blackout. But the agency says more than 600 Iranians have been killed so far. That number includes nine children and 133 members of the military and police. After threatening to take military action, Trump says he's heard a response. The leaders of Iran called they want an aggression.

[Michelle Martin]

I think they're tired of being beat up by the United States.

[Steve Inskeep]

Trump said Monday he's imposing a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran.

[Michelle Martin]

NPR White House correspondent Franco Ardonez is following this and he's with us now to bring us up today. Good morning, Franco.

[Franco Ordonez]

Good morning, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So the president says a meeting is in the works with Iranian officials. What can you tell us about that?

[Franco Ordonez]

You know, I think we should remember that Trump warned last week that the U.S. was, quote, locked and loaded and would come to the protester rescue if they continued to be killed. Trump says Iran's leadership called after those threats, as you guys mentioned, and his team is working on a meeting. But he also said they might have to act sooner if the violence continues. Trump's expected to meet with his national security team today.

[Michelle Martin]

How seriously is the US Taking threats from Tehran to retaliate against US Or Israeli military bases?

[Franco Ordonez]

Well, Trump says if they do, the US Will respond.

[Michelle Martin]

If they do that, we will hit them at levels that they've never been hit before. They won't even believe it.

[Steve Inskeep]

I have options that are so strong.

[Franco Ordonez]

And Caroline Levitt, the press secretary, called Iran's threats laughable. She said on Fox News yesterday that the Iranians may be talking a big game publicly, but they're saying something very different privately.

[Michelle Martin]

So the president spoke of options. What are those options?

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, Trump and Levitt won't forecast what they're going to do, but Matthew Kraneg worked on the Iranian file at the Pentagon, and he told me the lowest hanging fruit would be a strike on Iran's missile program. Another possibility, he said, would be strikes against the security services who are leading the crackdown on demonstrations. And Krennic also pointed to the Venezuela operation.

[Steve Inskeep]

And then finally, after the Maduro raid.

[Franco Ordonez]

You can't count out something more creative.

[Steve Inskeep]

Some kind of special operations move by.

[Franco Ordonez]

The United States or Israel, say, directly against the Iranian leadership. Training says it's not something you'd expect from a US President. But Trump doesn't seem to be constrained by traditional norms.

[Michelle Martin]

Well, you know, to that end, though, the president hasn't made human rights a priority in his foreign policy, except in a very rare circumstances. So tell us a little bit more about what kind of deal or what kind of negotiations the president seems to be pursuing.

[Franco Ordonez]

Yeah, he's definitely not put human rights first and foremost, but we should remember that during the first Trump administration, Trump did order military strikes on Syria in response to chemical attacks by the Assad regime. Trump said he was moved at the time by the images of choking children. That said, what Trump really wants in Iran is a deal that permanently prevents the government from getting a nuclear weapon. And Kranig, who is now at the Atlantic Council, thinks the Iranian supreme leader may actually be willing to agree to a zero enrichment deal if he thinks it will help the regime survive. The next question, though, will be, of course, does the regime actually follow through with that going forward in the future.

[Michelle Martin]

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

[Franco Ordonez]

Thank you, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

Minnesota officials are suing the Trump administration, trying to end the surge of immigration agents to the state.

[Steve Inskeep]

The state filed a lawsuit on Monday and many people will know the context here. This is less than a week after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot 37 year old Renee Macklin. Good NPR.

[Michelle Martin]

Sergio Martinez Belchan is reporting from Minneapolis and he's with us now. Good morning, Sergio.

[Sergio Martinez-Beltran]

Hey, Michelle.

[Michelle Martin]

So what can you tell us about some of the allegations in this lawsuit?

[Sergio Martinez-Beltran]

Yes. State officials say that during this federal search, federal immigration agents have arrested peaceful bystanders, that they've detained U.S. citizens and fired chemical irritants at demonstrators and others exercising their First Amendment rights. The lawsuit also alleges agents have racially profiled people. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison says all of this is unconstitutional. We ask that the courts will end the surge of thousands of DHS agents into Minnesota. We ask the courts to end the DHS unlawful behavior in our state. The intimidation, the threats, the violence. Now the Trump administration is pushing back on these allegations. Homeland security spokesperson Trisha McLaughlin accused Ellison of prioritizing politics over public safety and called the allegations of racial profiling false, saying, quote, law enforcement uses reasonable suspicion to make arrests as protected under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. constitution.

[Michelle Martin]

Sarah, you've been out there and you've also reported on immigration enforcement actions elsewhere in the country. So what's standing out to you about the situation in Minneapolis?

[Sergio Martinez-Beltran]

There are more than 2,000 federal agents in the state. So there's a lot of immigration enforcement activity, especially in the Minneapolis area. Yesterday, Michelle, I witnessed multiple instances where immigration officers questioned people about their immigration status, and it didn't seem like a targeted operation. I saw them briefly detain a man despite him telling them he was a citizen. In another instance, agents questioned drivers who were charging their electric cars in a parking lot. Joel Kilikai is a permanent US Resident and he showed proof of it to agents. I talked to him afterwards and this is what he told me.

[Michelle Martin]

We don't want this to escalate. As you're seeing, you know how it's going right now, people are getting killed. Yes. We just gotta do our best out here to make sure that we live to see tomorrow.

[Franco Ordonez]

You know what I mean?

[Michelle Martin]

Yeah.

[Sergio Martinez-Beltran]

In a statement, the DHS spokesperson says ICE does not randomly arrest people or conduct operations without specific objectives. Objectives. But it's unclear why immigration agents chose to question Keeley Kai and the others who were charging their vehicles. They were people of color, and all of them produced documentation that showed they are in the US Legally.

[Michelle Martin]

What are you following in the next couple of days?

[Sergio Martinez-Beltran]

Again, Mitchell, the way these immigration enforcement actions are being carried out is something to watch for. Another thing that's clear, many people in Minneapolis do not want ICE around, and it's starting to seem like residents are more defiant, willing to protest more. We've already seen federal agents use peppers and tear gas to call some of these protests. So the escalation in enforcement and protests is something I'll be paying attention to.

[Michelle Martin]

That is npr. Sergio Martinez Beltran in Minneapolis. Sergio, thank you.

[Sergio Martinez-Beltran]

You're welcome.

[Steve Inskeep]

The Supreme Court returns to questions about gender and fairness.

[Michelle Martin]

Today they're hearing arguments in two cases. Each case tests laws banning transgender girls and women from participating in sports at publicly funded schools.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg is here. Nina, good morning.

[Nina Totenberg]

Good morning, Steve.

[Steve Inskeep]

How have transgender issues come to play such a large role in public debate?

[Nina Totenberg]

They've probably gotten here because, among other things, the rhetoric around trans issues proved very helpful for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign. So now 27 states have laws barring transgender participation in sports, and supporters say these laws are needed to ensure fairness athletic competition and to prevent trans athletes whose sex assigned at birth was male from having an unfair advantage in women's sports. Opponents, on the other hand, say these laws discriminate based on sex in violation of both federal statutes and the Constitution's guarantee to equal protection of the law.

[Steve Inskeep]

Okay, this is really interesting. Leading up to the 2024 election, there were a bunch of states that passed laws on this issue. Now two cases are being argued. What's the difference between them?

[Nina Totenberg]

One involves a college student barred by Idaho state law from trying out for the Boise State University varsity women's track team. The other was brought by a West Virginia middle schooler. And I want to focus on her for purposes of our discussion this morning. Now in high school, Becky Pepper Jackson was assigned male at birth, but by third grade, she was presenting as a girl and she joined the girls running team. Later on, she would experience puberty as a girl by taking hormones. Trouble was, she was a really slow runner. Steve and in sixth grade, her coach pulled her aside to tell her that she simply wasn't good enough to be on the team. And she pointed me in the direction of chocolate and discus. 8th grade is when I really started to get good and she started to win ribbons.

[Steve Inskeep]

And this is the situation in which a state would say this is unfair competition right?

[Nina Totenberg]

Correct. The state says biological difference matters on the field. As state Attorney General John McCuskey notes, It didn't matter much when Becky was in fifth grade, but by the time she was a freshman in high school at age 13 and 14, she is.

[Steve Inskeep]

The third best shot putter in the entire state, and that includes 15, 16 and 17 year old girls.

[Nina Totenberg]

Becky's lawyer, Josh Block of the ACLU counters that there are always winners and losers in sports. The elephant in the room, he says, is Donald Trump and his executive orders.

[Franco Ordonez]

You have waiting in the wings the.

[Sergio Martinez-Beltran]

Trump Department of Justice that is suing.

[Michelle Martin]

States, withholding funds in order to bully these states into banning transgender girls, even if it conflicts with state law.

[Nina Totenberg]

Attorney General McCuskey replies that sports are unique.

[Steve Inskeep]

Competitive athletics are incredibly important to our society and to the growth of young women, and we believe that that space in this instance should be reserved for biological girls.

[Nina Totenberg]

Not everyone agrees with that limited objective. John Birsh of the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom is one of the lawyers representing Idaho in the college sports case. This question is actually bigger than sports, and it's about whether those who support.

[Steve Inskeep]

The gender ideology movement are going to.

[Franco Ordonez]

Be allowed to continue harming children, women and adults.

[Steve Inskeep]

Nina, one question here. You said these cases are rare. How many other kids are there like Becky in West Virginia?

[Nina Totenberg]

As far as we know, there's only one, and it's Becky.

[Steve Inskeep]

NPR's Nina Totenberg, thanks so much.

[Nina Totenberg]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

And that's up first for Tuesday, January 13th. I'm Michelle Martin.

[Steve Inskeep]

And I'm Steve Inskeep. If you enjoy starting your day with up first, as so many people do, consider signing up for npr. That's a subscription service which helps keep the NPR network strong. It supports local public radio stations, including the one in your community, through a recurring donation. And you get some cool perks, too, ad free listening, bonus episodes, early access to some NPR content. Visit plus.NPR.org to sign up.

[Michelle Martin]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Rebecca Metzler, Gigi Duban, Krishnadev Kalimor, Mohamed El Bardisi and HJ Mai. It was produced by Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas and Katie Klein. We get engineering support from Simon Leslow Jansen. Our technical director is Zachary Coleman. Our supervising senior producer is Vince Pearson. We hope you'll join us again tomorrow.

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[Franco Ordonez]

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