Thursday, June 12th, 2025 - “No Kings Day” protests; Trump-China trade deal; Musk apology; EPA rollbacks; Iran tension;, Weinstein verdict

Today’s Headlines: Nationwide protests against ICE raids are ramping up ahead of “No Kings Day,” a weekend of counter-programming to Trump’s birthday military parade. Trump declared he “liberated” LA in a speech to troops, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the military deployment. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott followed by mobilizing the state’s National Guard. Trump also announced a pending U.S.-China trade deal that would ease rare earth exports and partially lift U.S. export restrictions, though tariffs on Chinese imports will remain steep. Meanwhile, the U.S. is extending its tariff pause for other countries—contradicting earlier White House statements. Inflation rose just 0.1% in May, bringing the annual rate to 2.4%. Elon Musk publicly apologized to Trump after a reported intervention by GOP allies, seemingly ending their brief online feud. The U.S. is evacuating staff from parts of the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Trump also urged Israel to halt its Gaza offensive and threats toward Iran. Domestically, the EPA is moving to repeal major pollution regulations on coal and gas plants, including mercury emissions. And in New York, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty on one charge of sexual assault, with the jury still deliberating on a third. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: PBS: WATCH: Trump speaks at Fort Bragg while facing criticism for deploying military at Los Angeles protests Axios: No Kings Day: Gov. Abbott deploys National Guard NYT: Trump Hails Progress With China, but Details Are Sketchy Yahoo Finance: Bessent, asked about Fed chair job, says 'I would like to stay' Treasury secretary until 2029 BBC: Trump's tariffs 'not going away', top adviser says Axios: Inflation slowed in May despite tariffs, Consumer Price Index shows CNN: Musk called Trump Monday night before expressing regret for harshest criticism of the president Axios: U.S. evacuating personnel from Middle East amid growing tensions with Iran CNN: Trump tells Netanyahu to end Gaza war and stop Iran threats, source says, as US ramps up pressure on Israel CNN: Trump EPA proposes repealing major air pollution and emissions limits for power plants The Guardian: Harvey Weinstein found guilty on one charge in New York sex crimes retrial Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices