Trump's Ceasefire, Supreme Court Immigration Ruling, NYC Mayoral Primary

Summary

Up First from NPR – June 24, 2025

NPR's Up First provides the essential news to kickstart your day. In this episode, hosted by Leila Fadel and Michelle Martin, key discussions revolve around President Trump's recent ceasefire declaration between Israel and Iran, a significant Supreme Court ruling on immigration deportations, and the heated New York City Democratic mayoral primary.

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1. President Trump's Ceasefire Between Israel and Iran

Escalation Amid Ceasefire Announcement

President Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran amidst escalating tensions in the region. However, the ceasefire quickly soured as conflicts intensified. Michelle Martin reports:

"[00:02] Michelle Martin: President Trump declared a ceasefire had begun... [02:14] Leila Faldel: Began striking Iran, damaging its nuclear facilities and killing scientists and military officials, some in their homes."

Despite the President’s declaration, Israel claims Iran launched missiles, which Iran denies. The situation remains volatile, with Israel’s Defense Minister vowing a robust response:

"[02:21] Michelle Martin: ...Vice President Vance was on Fox News trying to turn the page on the conflict."

Analysis with Senior White House Correspondent Tamara Keith

Senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith provides deeper insights:

"[02:56] Leila Faldel: So what can you tell us about the ceasefire?

[02:59] Tamara Keith: Overnight, we got word that both Israel and Iran had agreed to the ceasefire... Israel's defense minister says he has ordered a full forceful response involving, quote, intense strikes against targets in the heart of Tehran."

President Trump’s attempt to stabilize the region included urging adherence to the ceasefire on social media:

"[03:54] Tamara Keith: ...President Trump posted on his social media site imploring in all caps, please do not violate it."

Implications of U.S. Involvement and Future Prospects

The U.S. has actively engaged by deploying bunker buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites. Vice President J.D. Vance commented on the administration’s efforts:

"[05:20] J.D. Vance: That’s actually not the question before us. The question before us is can Iran enrich the uranium to a weapons-grade level and can they convert that fuel to a nuclear weapon?"

Despite claims from the administration that Iran's nuclear capabilities have been crippled, experts remain skeptical about the total destruction of Iran’s nuclear program. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military actions and diplomatic efforts playing pivotal roles in the region's stability.

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2. Supreme Court’s Ruling on Immigration Deportations

Supreme Court Reverses Deportation Pause

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court overturned a federal judge’s order that had paused the deportation of immigrants to countries they are not from. Michelle Martin outlines the ruling:

"[06:09] Leila Faldel: A U.S. supreme Court ruling handed down last night makes it easier for the Trump administration to deport immigrants to countries that are not their own."

Concerns from Immigrant Rights Activists

Immigrant advocates express deep concerns over the ruling's implications. Tovia Smith emphasizes the gravity of the situation:

"[08:05] Tovia Smith: The risks of harm that people face are extreme. I mean, they include torture, they include death. That harm cannot be undone. And, I mean, it's terrifying, frankly."

The Supreme Court did not provide detailed reasoning for its decision, but the dissenting liberal justices highlighted significant due process issues:

"[07:27] ...the court's three liberal justices dissented, and they wrote 19 pages about their reasoning... They say the Trump administration... has made clear that it feels unconstrained by law, free to deport anyone anywhere without notice or an opportunity to be heard."

Administration’s Stance and Future Legal Battles

The Trump administration defends the ruling, labeling opposing judges as "activist judges" overstepping their authority. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) hailed the decision as a victory against "the worst of the worst undocumented immigrants":

"[08:19] DHS said the people being deported are, quote, convicted murderers, child rapists and drug traffickers... quote, fire up the deportation planes."

Despite the Supreme Court's decision, the legal battle continues as the definition of adequate due process for deportees awaits further judicial scrutiny. For now, individual cases, such as those involving deportations to South Sudan, are seeing delayed processes to ensure some level of due process.

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3. New York City’s Tight Democratic Mayoral Primary

A Crowded Field with High Stakes

New Yorkers are heading to the polls for a pivotal Democratic mayoral primary that could determine the city's next leader. Michelle Martin introduces the race:

"[10:03] Leila Faldel: New Yorkers are heading to the polls today to vote in the Democratic mayoral primary."

Key Candidates: Zoran Mamdani vs. Andrew Cuomo

NPR’s Sarah Ventri breaks down the primary dynamics:

"[10:20] Sarah Ventri: ...current member of the New York State Assembly, Zoran Mamdani and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo are the two most talked-about candidates."

Cuomo, facing a challenging legacy due to past scandals, contrasts with Mamdani’s progressive platform:

"[11:29] Sarah Ventri: ...affordability is a big one, especially housing and the cost of living in New York. Also public safety and education have come up a lot..."

Ranked-Choice Voting and Its Impact

The introduction of ranked-choice voting in this primary adds strategic layers to the campaign:

"[11:47] Sarah Ventri: ...you get to choose your top five candidates in order... If one candidate has more than 50% of the vote, that person wins. If not, the candidate in last place is removed and the votes are counted again."

Endorsements among candidates aim to influence rankings and outcomes:

"[12:31] Sarah Ventri: ...it can actually be strategic for candidates to endorse one another as a way to try to knock someone else out of the ranking."

Challenges on Election Day: Extreme Heat Advisory

Voter turnout faces potential hurdles due to extreme weather conditions:

"[13:20] Sarah Ventri: ...the high is 99 today. There's an extreme heat advisory. And there is some concern that this is going to make it really difficult for people like older voters, those with disabilities or those who are ill."

The Board of Elections has implemented measures to ensure voter safety despite the sweltering heat.

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Conclusion

Today's Up First episode delves into high-stakes geopolitical tensions, transformative legal decisions affecting immigrants, and a critical local election that could reshape New York City's leadership. With insights from seasoned reporters and key stakeholders, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of these pressing issues shaping the national and local landscapes.

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Stay informed with Up First by subscribing and supporting your local NPR station at donate.npr.org.

Transcript

[Michelle Martin]

President Trump declared a ceasefire had begun.

[Leila Faldel]

Between Israel and Iran, but then Israel says Iran fired missiles. Iran denied it, and Israel vowed to respond. Is the ceasefire already over?

[Michelle Martin]

I'm Michelle Martin with Leila Fano. And this is up first from NPR News. The Supreme Court reverses a decision to pause the deportation of immigrants to countries they're not from. That has immigrant advocates worried.

[Tovia Smith]

The risks of harm that people face are extreme. I mean, they include torture, they include death. That harm cannot be undone.

[Michelle Martin]

What reasoning did the justices give for that decision?

[Leila Faldel]

And New York City's Democratic mayoral primary is today. It's a tight race between a new face in the Democratic Party and a political veteran. Stay with us. We'll give you the news you need to start your day.

[Tamara Keith]

Support comes from our 2025 lead sponsor of UpFirst. Amazon Business. How can you free your team from time consuming office tasks? Amazon Business empowers leaders to not only streamline purchasing, but better support their teams. Smart business buying tools enable buyers to find and purchase items fast so they can focus on strategy and growth. It's time to free up your teams and focus on your future. Learn more about the technology, insights and Support [e-mail] this message comes from Ethos.

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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 12 days ago, Israel.

[Leila Faldel]

Began striking Iran, damaging its nuclear facilities and killing scientists and military officials, some in their homes.

[Michelle Martin]

The conflict quickly escalated and over the weekend, the US Got directly involved, dropping bunker buster bombs on key nuclear sites. Last night, President Trump announced on social media that there is a ceasefire. And shortly after, Vice President Vance was on Fox News trying to turn the page on the conflict.

[J.D. Vance]

I think the president really hit the reset button and said, look, let's actually produce long term peace for the region. That's always been his goal.

[Michelle Martin]

But the situation at the moment is quite fluid.

[Leila Faldel]

It is. And joining us to talk through what's going on is Senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith. Hey, Tammy.

[N/A]

Hi.

[Leila Faldel]

So what can you tell us about the ceasefire?

[N/A]

Overnight, we got word that both Israel and Iran had agreed to the ceasefire. But right up to the time it was supposed to take effect, Israel intensified its strikes in Iran. And then, just as it should have been taking effect, Israel says Iran sent a barrage of missiles in its direction, something Iranian state media is denying. Now, Israel's defense minister says he has ordered a full forceful response involving, quote, intense strikes against targets in the heart of Tehran. So it looks like the firing hasn't ceased, but the situation is often pretty dicey and uncertain at the start of any ceasefire. Just after one in the morning, President Trump posted on his social media site imploring in all caps, please do not violate it. Last night, when he announced the ceasefire, he said it should be called the 12 Day War, already naming it in anticipation that the this means the war is over.

[Leila Faldel]

Yeah, it feels like so much has happened in a matter of hours. I mean, yesterday people were glued to their televisions as Iran retaliated against the US Strikes in Iran with strikes of its own on a US Airbase in Kad. What impact did that have?

[N/A]

You know, Trump downplayed the significance of the Iranian retaliatory strikes, noting that the US had gotten a heads up which minimized the damage. There were no injuries. Trump called it weak. Symbolic may be a better word for it since the Iranians fired at an air base in Qatar where the President had delivered a speech to US Troops just last month. And then shortly after those missiles streaked through the sky. Qatar played a key role in brokering this tenuous ceasefire.

[Leila Faldel]

Okay, well, the White House has been saying that Iran's nuclear program is destroyed after the US Strikes. You know, experts have questioned that. Any updates on the impact there?

[N/A]

Right.

As you say, outside observers say it is unlikely that it has been totally destroyed. Satellite imagery shows that U.S. missiles hit their targets with accuracy. But what is less clear is whether the nuclear materials were there and whether they were destroyed. Trump went after journalists reporting this as fake news with no credibility. Last night on Fox News, Brett Baer pressed Vice President J.D. vance on whether the administration knows where Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium is located now. And Vance stepped, well, Brett, I think.

[J.D. Vance]

That'S actually not the question before us. The question before us is can Iran enrich the uranium to a weapons grade level and can they convert that fuel to a nuclear weapon?

[N/A]

Vance said the US Strikes destroyed Iran's ability to enrich the fuel to the level needed to make a weapon.

[Leila Faldel]

You know, at various points in this conflict, the president has issued threats to Iran's supreme leader, even floating regime change, saying it wouldn't be a bad thing. What is he saying now?

[N/A]

Well, now the White House is saying is that what Trump meant was that it's up to the Iranian people to decide in terms of actions being louder than messaging. The ceasefire agreement was reached with the existing regime.

[Leila Faldel]

NPR's Tamarake. Thank you, Tam.

[N/A]

You're welcome.

[Leila Faldel]

A U.S. supreme Court ruling handed down last night makes it easier for the Trump administration to deport immigrants to countries that are not their own.

[Michelle Martin]

A federal judge in Boston had put that plan on hold, saying deportees were being denied due process. But the Supreme Court yesterday reversed that, enabling those deportations to continue. It's a decision that is alarming many immigrants rights activists.

[Leila Faldel]

NPR's Tovia Smith joins us now from Boston. Good morning, Tovia.

[N/A]

Good morning.

[Leila Faldel]

So what do we know about the court's reasoning here?

[N/A]

Actually, not much because the justices did not explain their reasoning at all in their order, and that's not uncommon in an emergency request like this. But the court's three liberal justices dissented, and they wrote 19 pages about their reasoning. So I can tell you they have concerns about due process, and they worry that this decision basically rewards lawlessness, as they put it. They say the Trump administration, quote, openly flouted court orders regarding deportations, and it, quote, has made clear that it feels unconstrained by law, free to deport anyone anywhere without notice or an opportunity to be heard. And I'll just add a federal judge in Boston, Brian Murphy, who was appointed by former President Biden. He suggested in his case the government's behavior might amount to criminal obstruction.

[Leila Faldel]

Okay, so we know a lot about why the three justices dissented. What kind of reaction to this decision have you heard from outside the court?

[N/A]

Well, as you alluded to a lot of concern from immigrant rights groups, one called the ruling disastrous, saying that thousands of migrants could now be sent to countries where they might be at risk of torture or inhumane treatment without a chance to challenge their deportation ahead of time. I also spoke to one of the lawyers who started this case, Anwin Hughes. She represented eight men who were being deported to South Sudan, a country they had no ties to, and she argued they were denied their due process. Now she says she's worried for many more.

[Tovia Smith]

The risks of harm that people face are extreme. I mean, they include torture, they include death. That harm cannot be undone. And, I mean, it's terrifying, frankly.

[Leila Faldel]

So what does the Trump administration say to that?

[N/A]

Well, they argue that it's what they call activist judges who are overstepping what's lawful by imposing what they call onerous requirements that infringe on the president's authority. The Department of Homeland Security hailed yesterday's Supreme Court order as a victory for their efforts to remove the, quote, worst of the worst undocumented immigrants. In a social media post, DHS said the people being deported are, quote, convicted murderers, child rapists and drug traffickers. So uniquely barbaric, DHS says that their own countries won't take take them back. DHS ends its post saying, quote, fire up the deportation planes.

[Leila Faldel]

Now, this isn't the end of this legal dispute. Right. Tovia, what happens now?

[N/A]

That's right. Even though this order came from the Supreme Court, it's not the last word here. The underlying issue of what is adequate due process for deportees is now pending in a federal appeals court. Yesterday's Supreme Court order is just about what happens in the meantime. And I'll note, this does not really change things for the eight migrants whose deportation started this case, the ones who were going to be sent to South Sudan but were diverted to Djibouti in East Africa. The first few of them are now being given their due process by remote hearing from Djibouti. Judge Murphy from Boston ordered that saying, since DHS failed to do it before the deportations, DHS needs to do it now. And last night, Judge Murphy made clear that order still stands. So bottom line, for those men, their due process rights appear more secure, at least right now, than they are for others who may face deportation in the future.

[Leila Faldel]

NPR's Tovia Smith, thank you for your reporting. Tovia.

[N/A]

Thank you.

[Leila Faldel]

New Yorkers are heading to the polls today to vote in the Democratic mayoral primary.

[Michelle Martin]

Yes, there's a crowded field there on the Democratic side with the winner likely to become mayor of the country's largest city.

[Leila Faldel]

Joining us now to explain what's at stake is NPR's Sarah Ventri in New York. Sarah, good morning.

[Sarah Ventri]

Good morning.

[Leila Faldel]

Okay, Sarah, so it's a primary, but today's election could actually determine the city's next mayor, right?

[Sarah Ventri]

Yeah. So there is only one Republican candidate this year, and New York City is heavily Democratic. So whoever wins today's primary will go up against that one Republican candidate and current New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who was elected as a Democrat but is now running as an independent now even though he's still in office. In September, Eric Adams became the first first sitting New York City mayor to face criminal Charges including bribery and fraud. A federal judge did drop those charges, but his popularity has plummeted as a result. So these Democratic candidates are front and center. There are a total of 11, and the two most talked about are current member of the New York State Assembly, Zoran Mamdani and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Now, you might remember that Cuomo resigned as governor following sexual harassment allegations, and it was uncovered that his administration lied about the number of COVID deaths in state run nursing homes.

[Leila Faldel]

So Mamdani and Cuomo, they're leading in the polls. There's a lot of backstory to Cuomo, as you just pointed out. Looking ahead, what are the issues that are coming up in this campaign?

[Sarah Ventri]

Well, affordability is a big one, especially housing and the cost of living in New York. Also public safety and education have come up a lot. Cuomo is campaigning as a centrist, and Mandani is much more progressive. He's a Democratic socialist.

[Leila Faldel]

Now, also, what's happening this time in voting is ranked choice. How does that work?

[Sarah Ventri]

Okay, Layla, this is New York, so let's imagine you're ordering a bagel.

[Leila Faldel]

Okay?

[Sarah Ventri]

Okay. It's like telling the guy behind the counter, I wanted everything, but if you don't have that, I'll take a poppy. And if you don't have that, I'll take a sesame. Same with mayor. You get to choose your top five candidates in order. The votes are counted, and if one candidate has more than 50% of the vote, that person wins. If not, the candidate in last place is removed and the votes are counted again. So if your everything bagel was eliminated, then your vote gets redistributed to your second choice, the poppy. And this continues until there are only two candidates left. @ that point, the one with the most votes wins.

[Leila Faldel]

Okay, I think I want all political systems explained to me through bagels from now on. So how does this change campaigning?

[Sarah Ventri]

Well, it means there's an interesting twist where it can actually be strategic for candidates to endorse one another as a way to try to knock someone else out of the ranking. So, for example, Zoran Mamdani cross endorsed two other candidates, including Brad Lander. Here's a clip of them endorsing each other. Zoran, you've done a remarkable job building a historic grassroots campaign for a New York City all New Yorkers can afford.

[N/A]

Brad, you've been a principled progressive leader.

[Sarah Ventri]

In our city for years. That is not something you hear very often on the campaign trail. But together, they're hoping to overpower Cuomo.

[Leila Faldel]

Okay. Sarah, before I let you go, it is hot today in New York City. Is there any concern that will affect voter turnout?

[Sarah Ventri]

Yes, there is, Layla. It is so gnarly out there. The high is 99 today. There's an extreme heat advisory. And there is some concern that this is going to make it really difficult for people like older voters, those with disabilities or those who are ill. The Board of Elections says it is taking steps to try to keep voters safe at the polls.

[Leila Faldel]

NPR's Sarah Ventri in New York. Thank you, Sarah, and stay cool.

[N/A]

Thank you.

[Michelle Martin]

You, too.

[Leila Faldel]

And that's a first for Tuesday, June 24th. I'm Layla Faldel.

[Michelle Martin]

And I'm Michelle Martin. Your next listen is Consider this from npr. We here at up first give you the three big stories of the day. Our Consider this colleagues take a different approach. They dive into a single new story and what it means to you. Learn about a big story of the day in less than 15 minutes. Listen now on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Leila Faldel]

Today's episode of up first was edited by Roberta Rampton, Gigi Duban, Andrea deleon, Janaya Williams and Alice Wolfley. It was produced by Ziad Buch, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Zoe Van Genhoven. And our technical director is Carly Strange. Join us again tomorrow.

[Tamara Keith]

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