Here’s a look at what made news on June 20, 2025.

• Vice President JD Vance criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for fuelling protests on immigration. Vance also mistakenly referred to US Senator Alex Padilla as “José” during a National Guard deployment debate.
• President Trump will decide on potential military action against Iran within the next two weeks, responding to US and Israeli demands on Iran’s nuclear program.
• Trump administration’s environmental decisions, including keeping two Michigan coal plants open, have sparked nationwide upheaval. The move was backed by the US Supreme Court in an emissions case.
• Trump’s tendency to promise policy solutions within a two-week timeframe has raised questions about the credibility of these promises, which include international trade, the coronavirus pandemic, and the Russia-Ukraine war.
• As tensions rise with Iran, Trump finds it challenging to request Israel to halt attacks on Iran. Meanwhile, hundreds of Americans are evacuating Iran due to the escalating conflict.
• A federal judge’s decision on deleted Signal messages involving Trump officials has sparked controversy. In a separate case, another judge blocked Trump’s attempt to bar Harvard University from hosting international students.
• Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that Iran is ready for more diplomacy with the US if Israel’s war on Iran is ended.
• A heat dome alert has been issued for the central and eastern US, with millions bracing for high temperatures.
• A former Syracuse University basketball player working for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs revealed shocking details about Combs’ drug use at his sex trafficking trial.
• The Justice Department is not expected to appoint an outsider as special counsel to handle politically sensitive investigations, a move supported by President Trump.
• Trump signaled a possible shift in his administration’s stance towards Harvard University, praising their negotiations for a deal.
• Political violence is on the rise, exemplified by the murder of Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband. Meanwhile, a man was arrested for an alleged attempted kidnapping of Memphis Mayor Paul Young.
• Trump is considering immigration relief for farm workers in response to resumed ICE raids.
• The Trump administration has terminated 639 employees at Voice of America, reducing the international broadcasting service to a fraction of its former size.