Trump's China Visit Wraps, SCOTUS Mifepristone, Keir Starmer Under Pressure To Resign

May 15, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

NPR's Up First recaps three distinct developments: President Trump's recent China visit and its tentative trade progress, the Supreme Court's emergency stay preserving telemedicine access to the abortion pill mifepristone, and mounting pressure within the UK Labour Party for Prime Minister Keir Starmer to step down despite his parliamentary majority.

Trump's China Visit Stabilizes Trade Truce

President Trump concluded a 43-hour visit to China, hosted personally by President Xi Jinping at his private compound—an unusual honor that included tea, lunch, and admiring roses together. Trump described the trip as "incredible" and highlighted deals on key U.S. exports known as the "three B's": soybeans (beans), beef, and Boeing aircraft. Administration officials noted resumed U.S. beef exports and a Chinese commitment to buy large quantities of soybeans, plus an order for 200 Boeing jets—exceeding Boeing's hoped-for 150 and promising significant U.S. jobs. However, no written agreements have emerged, and Trump himself equivocated in interviews, calling some aspects "sort of" commitments. China has previously pledged purchases that fell short.

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What you'll learn

1 (00:02) **Trump's China Visit Wraps** - Trump departs after 43 hours, hailing "incredible" deals but equivocating on finality
2 (02:55) **U.S.-China Trade Truce Stabilized** - Builds on last fall's agreement after prior destructive trade war
3 (03:14) **Leaders Discuss Iran and Middle East** - Agree Strait of Hormuz stays open, no tolls or nukes for Iran
4 (03:51) **Personal Rapport Between Trump and Xi** - Private tea/lunch at Xi's compound, rose admiration; Trump praises Xi as "central casting"
5 (05:11) **SCOTUS Halts Mifepristone Restrictions** - Issues emergency stay on appeals court order requiring in-person visits
6 (06:21) **Telemedicine's Rise Post-Roe** - Now 25% of U.S. abortions, key in ban states and remote areas
7 (07:22) **FDA Role and Court Dissents** - FDA silent on SCOTUS appeal amid review; Alito calls stay "unreasoned," Thomas labels challengers "criminal enterprise"

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Show Notes

President Trump is heading home from Beijing claiming he made fantastic trade deals with China, including a commitment for 200 Boeing jets and soybean purchases.
The Supreme Court kept the abortion pill mifepristone available over telemedicine, putting a hold on an appeals court order that would have required patients to visit a clinic in person to get the medication.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing a rebellion within his own party, with candidates already emerging to replace him after Labour was trounced in local elections and his approval ratings hit historic lows.

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Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Kate Bartlett, Diane Webber, Tina Kraja, Mohamad ElBardicy and John Stolnis.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our director is Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Zo van Ginhoven. Our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

And our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(01:55) Trump's China Visit Wraps
(05:47) SCOTUS Mifepristone
(09:42) Keir Starmer Under Pressure To Resign

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