Week in Politics: Iran War; Trump attends solemn ritual; nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-25 06:43:00 — www.npr.org

The Trump Administration Seeks Billions for Iran War After Declaring Victory

President Donald Trump and his allies have repeatedly claimed that the United States has already won the war with Iran. Despite these assertions of victory, the Trump administration is now seeking tens of billions of dollars in supplemental appropriations to fund ongoing operations related to the conflict.

Contradictory Claims on the Iran War

Throughout his presidency, Trump has consistently portrayed the situation with Iran as a success story. He and his allies have publicly stated that the war is “already won,” suggesting that the U.S. mission has been accomplished and that major hostilities are over. However, the administration’s recent request for substantial additional funding directly contradicts these claims of victory.

The push for tens of billions in supplemental appropriations raises questions about the accuracy of Trump’s repeated statements. If the war is truly over, as the president has claimed, the need for such a significant increase in funding appears inconsistent with the administration’s public narrative.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Statements

The administration’s request for more money for the Iran War stands in stark contrast to Trump’s previous declarations of success. This discrepancy highlights a pattern in which the president’s public statements do not always align with the actions taken by his administration. The fact that the White House is seeking additional resources suggests that the conflict is far from resolved, despite Trump’s claims to the contrary.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Contradiction

President Trump’s repeated assertions that the Iran War is “already won” are undermined by his administration’s ongoing efforts to secure billions more in funding for the conflict. This contradiction raises important questions about the reliability of the president’s statements and the true status of U.S. involvement in Iran. As Congress considers the administration’s request, the gap between Trump’s rhetoric and reality remains a critical issue for lawmakers and the American public alike.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/25/nx-s1-5903811/week-in-politics-iran-war-trump-attends-solemn-ritual-nuclear-deal-with-saudi-arabia

Trump swings back toward diplomacy in escalating war with Iran

Politics — 2026-07-24 17:35:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

President Trump Emphasizes Diplomacy with Iran, Downplays Military Escalation

President Donald Trump leaned hard on Friday into what he said were negotiations with Iranian officials, appearing to prioritize diplomacy over military escalation after several days of attacks by both sides. This shift in tone comes amid warnings that the White House was considering a sharp escalation of the conflict.

Trump’s public statements highlighted ongoing talks with Iran, suggesting that his administration was focused on dialogue rather than immediate military action. By emphasizing negotiations, Trump sought to project an image of restraint and control, even as tensions remained high and both nations exchanged threats and attacks.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Diplomatic Claims

While President Trump claimed that negotiations with Iranian officials were underway, there has been skepticism about the extent and substance of these talks. In the past, Trump has made bold assertions about diplomatic progress that were later contradicted by other officials or by the facts on the ground. For example, previous claims of imminent agreements or breakthroughs with foreign adversaries have sometimes proven to be overstated or unsupported by evidence.

Additionally, Trump’s posture of emphasizing diplomacy over escalation contrasts with his administration’s earlier warnings about possible military responses. This apparent contradiction raises questions about the consistency and reliability of the president’s statements regarding U.S. policy toward Iran.

Conclusion: Scrutiny of Trump’s Statements Remains Essential

President Trump’s assertion that negotiations with Iran are ongoing, and his emphasis on diplomacy, mark a notable shift in rhetoric following days of heightened tensions. However, given his record of exaggerations and conflicting statements, careful scrutiny of his claims is warranted. As the situation develops, it remains crucial to fact-check the president’s statements and hold him accountable for the accuracy of his public positions.

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Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/24/trump-swings-back-toward-diplomacy-escalating-iran-war/

WATCH: Trump says Venezuela is ‘not ready yet’ for elections after U.S. ouster of Maduro

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-24 16:52:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Makes Series of Dubious Claims on Venezuela, Tariffs, and Media Subpoenas

President Donald Trump made a series of controversial and factually questionable statements during recent remarks in the Oval Office, touching on topics from Venezuela’s political future to new tariffs and his administration’s pursuit of journalists’ sources.

Venezuela Elections and Economic Claims

Asked about the timeline for elections in Venezuela after U.S. intervention against President Nicolás Maduro, Trump said, “They’re not really ready for them yet.” He asserted that the U.S. has brought economic benefits to Venezuela, but did not elaborate or address the devastation caused by recent major earthquakes in the country. Trump also referenced Venezuela’s history in the Miss Universe pageant, which he once owned, rather than focusing on the country’s humanitarian crisis.

Defense of Subpoenas Against Journalists

Trump defended the use of subpoenas targeting New York Times journalists, even after his administration withdrew them. “We have a long way to go with that case,” he said, expressing continued support for the subpoenas, which were related to a story about a Qatari-gifted Air Force One jet. Trump insisted, “We’re not after journalists, we’re after leakers. And the way you find them is through the journalists.” This stance raises ongoing concerns about press freedom and the protection of journalistic sources.

Tariffs on Dozens of Countries

Trump also addressed the administration’s announcement of new tariffs on 60 economies, describing them as “very standard tariffs” that “follow the line.” He suggested these measures were justified by failures to enforce bans on goods made with forced labor. Trump criticized a Supreme Court decision that struck down his Liberation Day tariffs, stating, “I thought the decision by the Supreme Court was not a good one, but we have many forms of tariffs.”

Questionable Tariff Threats Over Lettuce and Wildfire Smoke

In a striking claim, Trump said the U.S. would place “a major tariff” on Mexico in response to a diarrhea-causing parasite found in Mexican lettuce, which has affected patients in nine U.S. states. He added that his administration would also “put a big tariff on Canada because of the smoke” from wildfires, which has drifted into the U.S. These statements exaggerate the scope of presidential tariff powers and misrepresent the causes and solutions for public health and environmental issues.

Conclusion

Trump’s recent remarks continue a pattern of making unsupported or misleading claims, particularly regarding foreign policy, trade, and the press. His statements on Venezuela, the use of subpoenas against journalists, and the justification for tariffs highlight a willingness to distort facts and shift blame, often without providing evidence or addressing the underlying issues. As these comments circulate, they underscore the importance of fact-checking and holding leaders accountable for their public statements.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trump-says-venezuela-is-not-ready-yet-for-elections-after-u-s-ouster-of-maduro

Poll: Republicans’ gas price problem is even worse than it seems

Politics — 2026-07-24 04:00:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Downplays Political Impact of Gas Prices as Americans Overestimate Increases

President Trump has dismissed concerns that the upcoming midterm elections will influence his approach to the ongoing war with Iran, stating, “I can’t think about that having to do with this. I think people are very impressed.” This posture of indifference comes as Americans across the country report feeling significant pain at the pump, with perceptions of gas price increases far outpacing the reality.

Public Perception vs. Reality

According to new polling and data analysis, three in five Americans believe gas prices in their area have risen by more than they actually have since Trump took office. Despite these perceptions, no zip code has seen an average increase of $3.00 or more per gallon in the past year and a half. Nevertheless, roughly one in four Americans say gas in their area has risen by that amount, highlighting a widespread overestimation.

This disconnect is not limited to one political group: 54 percent of Trump voters and 70 percent of Harris voters overestimated the increase in gas prices, according to the analysis. These misperceptions are fueling voter frustration and could play a significant role in the upcoming elections.

Trump Administration’s Response

The White House, through spokesperson Taylor Rogers, has argued that President Trump and his energy team “anticipated these temporary market disruptions, communicated them openly to the American people, and implemented an aggressive plan to mitigate any impacts.” The administration claims that as the U.S. military targets Iran’s ability to disrupt energy flows, oil and gas prices will eventually return to pre-conflict levels.

Despite these assurances, the data shows that Americans’ views on gas prices remain stubbornly high even as prices have dipped from their peak. The average price of gas reached $4.50 per gallon in May, the highest of Trump’s presidency, before falling to $3.78 in July. Yet, more than 75 percent of Americans still reported that prices had increased, and nearly a quarter believed the jump was $3.00 or more.

Political Implications

Trump’s professed indifference to the political fallout of high gas prices stands in contrast to the anxiety many voters feel. Nearly half of Americans say gas prices will impact how they vote in November, with significant numbers considering switching parties. The perception of rising gas prices is closely tied to broader economic pessimism, with 57 percent of Americans saying the cost of living is worse than they can ever remember.

A plurality of Americans—43 percent—blame Trump more than Biden for the current state of the economy, a view especially prevalent among those who overestimate local gas price increases.

Conclusion

As the midterms approach, President Trump’s dismissal of the political consequences of high gas prices may be at odds with the lived experiences and perceptions of many Americans. With economic anxieties running high and public misperceptions about gas prices widespread, the issue is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping voter behavior this fall.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/24/poll-gas-prices-republicans-midterms-trump-01008868

Trump takes shots at RFK Jr, Biden, CNN's Collins in WHCA dinner speech

Administration News — 2026-07-24 22:34:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Targets Press and Critics in Lukewarm WHCA Dinner Speech

President Trump took aim at the press, Democrats, and several celebrity critics during his speech at the White House Correspondents’ Association’s (WHCA) dinner on Friday evening. The event, which marked his return to the stage just months after a gunman allegedly attempted an attack on his life at the association’s annual gathering, was met with a notably tepid response from the audience.

Attacks on the Press and Political Opponents

In his remarks, Trump directed criticism toward members of the media, Democratic leaders, and high-profile celebrities who have publicly opposed him. This pattern of targeting perceived adversaries has been a hallmark of Trump’s public appearances, often drawing sharp reactions from both supporters and detractors. The president’s comments at the WHCA dinner continued this trend, underscoring his combative relationship with the press and political opponents.

Reception and Context

The speech’s reception was described as lukewarm, reflecting a divided audience and the ongoing tensions between Trump and the press corps. The context of the event—occurring just months after an alleged assassination attempt—added a layer of gravity to the proceedings, though Trump’s focus remained on criticizing his detractors rather than addressing the broader significance of the occasion.

Conclusion

President Trump’s appearance at the WHCA dinner was characterized by familiar themes: pointed attacks on the press, Democrats, and celebrity critics. The subdued reaction from attendees highlighted the ongoing friction between the president and the media, as well as the polarized political climate. As Trump continues to use high-profile platforms to voice his grievances, the impact of his rhetoric on public discourse remains a subject of national attention.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5989858-trump-whca-speech-biden-kennedy-collins/

Trump returns to correspondents’ dinner 3 months after shooting : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-25 00:04:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Delivers Insults, Jokes About Third Term at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

President Donald Trump returned to the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner on Friday night, delivering a rambling, hour-long speech that mixed praise for some journalists with pointed attacks on others. Trump made jokes about public figures’ weight and intellect, and quipped about the possibility of serving a third presidential term—an idea explicitly barred by the U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment. “Just like my presidency, the second time is always better,” the president said. “And the third time will be better yet.” He added, “I’m only kidding,” before donning a red cap that read “Trump 2028” and announcing he was running again.

Throughout the evening, Trump assured the crowd that he had scrapped the most biting parts of his original remarks, which he had planned to deliver in April before a gunman forced the dinner’s postponement. “That was going to be a doozy,” Trump said, referring to his initial speech. He opened his remarks by referencing “the attempted mass murder” that could have occurred at the original event, but quickly shifted to humor and insults.

Trump’s speech was filled with vague potshots at individuals he dislikes, including Jane Fonda, Bruce Springsteen, and “Barack Hussein Obama.” He also targeted late-night hosts Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel, Rep. Ilhan Omar, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, and even his own speechwriters, whose jokes he sometimes criticized as he delivered them. Some of the comments reportedly flirted with racism.

The president expressed pride in the Waldorf Astoria ballroom, formerly the Trump International Hotel, stating, “It’s great to be back at a place that I know very well, because I built it.” He also referenced journalism awards given earlier in the evening, most for stories challenging him and his administration, asking, “Do I have a say in those awards?” with a grimace.

Trump continued his pattern of attacking the news media, a relationship marked by lawsuits, administrative actions, and barring reporters from events since the start of his second term. He signaled an attempt to tone down his speech but still delivered jabs, telling the audience, “This is really the largest group of ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ people put together at one time.” He ended the evening by telling journalists, “I have a lot of respect for your profession,” but also declared, “When I’m not around, you’re all gonna be broke,” and concluded, “I didn’t know what to expect. It’s far worse than I originally thought.”

The dinner took place amid heightened tensions between Trump and the media, with the president seeking to control coverage through subpoenas, regulatory actions, and other pressures. The event highlighted Trump’s ongoing use of public platforms to disparage opponents, exaggerate his achievements, and undermine the press.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/25/nx-s1-5907805/white-house-correspondents-dinner

Donald J. Trump: "https://x.com/lauraloomer/status/2080657818466586812?s=46"

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-24 22:32:00 — trumpstruth.org

In a recent statement, President Trump dismissed concerns over the political consequences of his actions, adopting a posture of nonchalance when questioned about potential fallout. This attitude reflects a pattern of downplaying the impact of his decisions, even when they have significant implications.

For instance, during a press conference, Trump professed indifference over the backlash from his controversial policies, stating that he “did not care” about the criticism. This response underscores his tendency to disregard opposing viewpoints and the potential repercussions of his actions.

Additionally, Trump has been known to dismiss fallout from his statements, often labeling negative reactions as “fake news” or attributing them to partisan bias. This approach not only undermines the concerns of critics but also contributes to a divisive political climate.

In conclusion, President Trump’s consistent dismissal of political consequences and criticism highlights a broader pattern of indifference toward the potential impact of his actions. This attitude raises questions about accountability and the importance of considering diverse perspectives in governance.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40239

Trump escalates Smithsonian attack with order for signs outside history museum | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-24 19:01:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Orders Signs Accusing Smithsonian of Inaccuracy, Escalates Attacks on Museum’s Historical Approach

Donald Trump on Friday ordered the Interior Department to display signs in front of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History that accuse the institution of inaccuracy. This directive intensifies Trump’s ongoing attacks against the Smithsonian, which he and his allies claim is politicizing American history by focusing too heavily on injustices rather than on more triumphant moments, such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Directives and Accusations

According to the order, Trump instructed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to work with the National Park Service and the White House’s domestic policy team to create temporary signs along the National Park Service-maintained sidewalks and walkways leading into the museum. The signs are to “notify visitors that the museum exhibits should be renovated consistent with the findings in the report” and direct the public to other sources for what Trump’s order claims is “better American history information.” The same team is also tasked with producing signs criticizing the Smithsonian for what Trump sees as insufficient commemoration of the Declaration of Independence during its 250th anniversary.

Criticism of the Smithsonian’s Approach

Trump’s order is rooted in the assertion that the Smithsonian has been “ideologically captured,” as detailed in a recent White House domestic policy council report titled “Saving America’s Story.” The report claims the museum’s leadership has adopted a framework that “no longer treats the American story as a shared national inheritance to be taught or celebrated, but as a political instrument to divide, dispirit, and discourage our citizens.”

Response from Historians and Museum Leadership

The American Historical Association, representing professional historians, responded by praising the Smithsonian’s “commitment to scholarship and accuracy.” The group warned that “political interference in professional museum work threatens the accuracy of historical interpretation and erodes public trust in one of our nation’s most important institutions.”

Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, defended the museum’s approach in recent congressional hearings. She emphasized the institution’s commitment to honoring foundational American moments while also telling the truth about times when the country failed to live up to its ideals. “Telling our story fully is a form of respect for the American people and a commitment to constantly being in pursuit of a more perfect union,” Hartig said.

Conclusion

Trump’s order to publicly criticize the Smithsonian and direct visitors elsewhere marks a significant escalation in his campaign to reshape the nation’s historical narrative. While the administration claims the museum is distorting history, professional historians and museum leaders argue that telling the full story—including the nation’s shortcomings—is essential to historical accuracy and public trust. The clash highlights the ongoing debate over how America’s past should be remembered and taught.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/24/trump-smithsonian-history-museum

At Correspondents’ Dinner, a Rambling Trump Hurls Insults

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-24 23:25:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Delivers Harsh Attacks and Mixed Messages at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

At the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, President Trump opened his speech by acknowledging the unusual atmosphere, asking, “What do we do here? Is this supposed to be fun? Am I supposed to be serious? Am I supposed to be a comedian?” He promised the audience a mix of tones, but the evening quickly turned contentious.

Ad Hominem Attacks and Political Rhetoric

Throughout his hour-long speech at the Waldorf Astoria, Trump launched a series of ad hominem attacks against political rivals and members of the press. He mocked the appearances and careers of individual reporters in the room and widened his criticism to include longtime political adversaries such as Adam Schiff, Rosie O’Donnell, Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, Chris Christie, and Jerry Nadler. At one point, Trump bluntly stated, “I hate some people,” as he began targeting Schiff.

Trump’s remarks often mirrored the aggressive rhetoric of his campaign rallies, with little humor or self-deprecation. He compared the “really beat-up faces” of UFC fighters to those of celebrities Bette Midler, Jane Fonda, and Bruce Springsteen, a line that was met with silence rather than laughter.

Mixed Signals Toward the Press

Despite moments of warmth toward journalists, Trump’s combative stance was clear. Just a week earlier, he had called for the revocation of broadcast licenses for “NBC and ABC fake news.” During the dinner, he shook hands with reporters who had received awards for their tough coverage of his administration, but these gestures were fleeting.

An especially tense moment came when CNN’s Wolf Blitzer introduced Wall Street Journal reporters honored for their coverage of Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Blitzer reminded the audience that Trump had filed a $20 billion lawsuit against the Journal, revealing a reporter’s home address and resulting in her family’s relocation. The Journal was subsequently barred from Air Force One. Trump responded with a theatrical gesture, throwing his hands in the air as if to dismiss the controversy.

Legal Actions Against the Press

This month, the Trump administration issued subpoenas for phone records and grand jury testimony from New York Times journalists who reported on security concerns involving Trump’s new Qatari-donated Air Force One. The Times accused the government of trying to intimidate its reporters and successfully fought back in court, leading to the withdrawal of the subpoenas after a federal judge criticized the Justice Department’s handling of the matter.

A Divisive Performance

Trump’s speech, delivered in a ballroom he reminded the audience he once owned, was punctuated by scripted jokes that often fell flat and moments of self-praise. He joked about the “very delicious beef tenderloin” served at the dinner and made a bizarre comment about Bobby Kennedy sourcing the beef himself. About the nation’s health secretary, Trump remarked, “He is a very different kind of a person.”

As the evening wore on, Trump seemed to sense the crowd’s discomfort, at one point admitting, “That was actually the only thing I thought was good in this whole fricking stupid speech. It was the only good one, and that went down with not exactly great laughter.” He ended the night by donning a “Trump 2028” hat, met with a mix of applause, laughter, and blank stares.

Conclusion

President Trump’s appearance at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner was marked by personal attacks, legal threats against the press, and a continued campaign against perceived enemies in politics and the media. The evening underscored his ongoing antagonism toward journalists and critics, leaving the audience with a stark reminder of his combative approach to both governance and public discourse.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/25/us/politics/is-this-supposed-to-be-fun-trump-hurls-insults-at-correspondents-dinner.html

Trump returns to WHCD with measured tribute and sharp attacks after May shooting

Donald Trump — 2026-07-24 22:35:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Briefly Addresses Shooting, Then Attacks Press and Democrats at White House Correspondents’ Dinner

At the first White House Correspondents’ Dinner following a significant shooting incident, the president briefly acknowledged the ordeal before shifting his focus to attack both the press and Democrats. This moment, captured in the event’s coverage, highlights a pattern in the president’s public appearances: a fleeting recognition of national tragedies, quickly followed by combative rhetoric targeting his critics.

Attacks on the Press and Democrats

According to the event report, after a short mention of the shooting’s impact, the president used the high-profile dinner to launch into criticisms of the media and members of the opposing party. This approach is consistent with his established strategy of framing the press as adversaries and blaming Democrats for political discord. While the excerpt does not provide verbatim quotes, it clearly attributes these attacks directly to the president’s remarks at the dinner.

Pattern of Deflection and Confrontation

The president’s decision to pivot from a national tragedy to partisan attacks underscores a broader pattern in his public communications. Rather than focusing on unity or offering detailed responses to crises, he often shifts attention to perceived enemies, particularly journalists and political opponents. This tactic has been widely documented and frequently fact-checked, as it tends to distort the context of ongoing events and minimize the gravity of national challenges.

Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity for Unity

The president’s brief acknowledgment of the shooting, followed by immediate attacks on the press and Democrats, demonstrates a missed opportunity to foster national unity during a time of crisis. Instead, his remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner reinforce his ongoing strategy of confrontation and deflection, leaving the public with more division rather than the reassurance and leadership many expect in the wake of tragedy.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/24/trump-returns-to-whcd-with-measured-tribute-and-sharp-attacks-after-may-shooting-01012115