Donald J. Trump: “Todd Blanche is doing a PHENOMENAL job as Acting Attorney General of the Uni…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-14 13:37:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Praises Todd Blanche With Series of Exaggerated and False Claims

Donald Trump has issued a glowing endorsement of Todd Blanche as Acting Attorney General of the United States, making a series of sweeping claims about crime, drug seizures, and the state of the Department of Justice under Blanche’s purported leadership. Trump declared, “Murder is down to the LOWEST level since 1900, and we just saw the biggest one year drop in RECORDED HISTORY. Violent Crime arrests are UP 100%. Robberies, Carjackings, and Assaults, are all CRASHING. More than 500 million deadly doses of Drugs have already been seized, saving countless innocent lives.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Crime and Drug Claims

Trump’s assertion that murder is at its lowest level since 1900 and that there has been the “biggest one year drop in recorded history” is not supported by available crime statistics. While there have been fluctuations in crime rates, no official data confirms such a dramatic drop or a record-setting decrease as described. Similarly, the claim that violent crime arrests are “UP 100%” is not substantiated by Department of Justice or FBI reports, which show more nuanced trends in crime and arrests.

The statement that “more than 500 million deadly doses of Drugs have already been seized” is also highly misleading. While law enforcement agencies have reported large drug seizures in recent years, the figure Trump cites is an exaggerated estimate and does not reflect official totals for any specific period or administration.

Attacks on Political Opponents and Misleading Comparisons

Trump also used the opportunity to disparage his political opponents, claiming that under “the Dumocrats” and “Sleepy Joe Biden,” the country was plagued by “vicious Criminal Thugs” and “dangerous Illegal Aliens.” These statements are not only inflammatory but also misrepresent the complexities of crime and immigration policy in the United States.

Further, Trump credited Blanche with ending the “Weaponization of our Justice System,” protecting “FREE SPEECH,” and keeping “Men OUT of Women’s Sports,” among other sweeping claims. There is no evidence to support that Blanche, or any single official, has enacted such broad changes.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Exaggeration and Distortion

Trump’s endorsement of Todd Blanche is marked by a series of exaggerated, misleading, and false claims about crime, drug enforcement, and the state of the Department of Justice. These statements continue a pattern in which Trump uses hyperbole and distortion to promote allies and attack opponents, often without regard to the factual record. As always, readers should approach such claims with skepticism and seek out reliable data to understand the true state of public safety and justice in the United States.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40052

Inflation cools more than expected in June as gas costs fall and underlying prices ease

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-14 11:56:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Takes Credit for Walmart Price Cuts Amid Mixed Economic Signals

President Donald Trump took to social media last week to praise Walmart for rolling back prices on thousands of items, including ground beef, potato chips, toys, and clothes. Trump sought to take credit for the price reductions, although Walmart did not mention Trump in its announcement.

The move comes as new data from the Labor Department shows U.S. inflation cooled last month, with prices dropping 0.4% from May to June—the largest monthly decline in four years. On a yearly basis, inflation fell to 3.5%, down from 4.2% in May, providing some relief to consumers.

Despite the positive inflation report, oil prices have risen for a second consecutive day, following renewed U.S. attacks on Iran and Trump’s announcement of a new blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global oil supplies. The ongoing tensions in the Middle East have contributed to a recent spike in gas prices, now averaging $3.86 a gallon nationwide.

Many Americans remain dissatisfied with the economy after years of elevated inflation, posing political risks for Trump and Republicans ahead of the midterm elections. While Trump has publicly claimed credit for falling prices at major retailers, the evidence from Walmart’s own statements does not support his assertion.

As the economic outlook remains uncertain, with core inflation still above the Federal Reserve’s target and global events influencing energy costs, Trump’s efforts to link himself to positive consumer news highlight the ongoing debate over responsibility for economic trends.

Conclusion

President Trump’s attempt to claim credit for Walmart’s price reductions is not supported by the company’s own announcement. As inflation shows signs of cooling but energy prices remain volatile, Americans continue to weigh the administration’s economic record ahead of the upcoming elections.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/inflation-cools-more-than-expected-in-june-as-gas-costs-fall-and-underlying-prices-ease

What to know about Trump plan for Strait of Hormuz toll

Administration News — 2026-07-14 09:48:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Proposes U.S. Toll on Strait of Hormuz, Claims America Should Be “Reimbursed” for Security Role

President Trump on Monday proposed that the United States impose a toll on the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that vessels traveling through the conflict-prone waterway should pay for the protection provided by U.S. forces. According to the president, the U.S. would be “reimbursed” at a rate of 20 percent for acting as the “guardian” of the strait, a crucial route for international oil shipping.

Trump’s proposal marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, as the country has long maintained a military presence in the region to ensure the free flow of oil without directly charging shipping companies or foreign governments. By framing the U.S. as the “guardian” and demanding compensation, Trump positions America’s military role as a service that should be monetized.

The president’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions and instability in the Strait of Hormuz, an area frequently threatened by regional conflicts. Trump’s assertion that the U.S. should be “reimbursed” for its security efforts exaggerates the traditional understanding of international maritime law, which generally upholds the principle of free passage through such chokepoints.

Fact-checking Trump’s claim, there is no precedent for a single nation imposing a toll on an international strait for providing security. The idea that the U.S. could unilaterally charge a 20 percent fee for safe passage is not supported by existing international agreements or practices. Trump’s proposal, therefore, represents a significant departure from established norms and raises questions about its feasibility and potential impact on global oil markets.

In summary, President Trump’s call for a toll on the Strait of Hormuz and his demand for a 20 percent “reimbursement” for U.S. protection efforts highlight his willingness to challenge longstanding international conventions. While the proposal is unlikely to be implemented without significant global pushback, it underscores Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy and his tendency to make bold, untested claims about America’s role on the world stage.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5967204-trump-proposes-strait-hormuz-toll/

Lindsey Graham’s sister picked to serve the rest of his Senate term

Politics — 2026-07-13 16:16:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

President Trump Publicly Calls for Darline Graham Nordone to Fill Senate Vacancy

President Donald Trump played a direct role in the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to the U.S. Senate, following the sudden death of her brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina). South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced Graham Nordone’s appointment from the statehouse in Columbia just hours after Trump publicly called for her to fill the vacancy.

Trump’s Influence on the Appointment

The decision to appoint Graham Nordone came swiftly after President Trump’s public endorsement. According to the report, Trump’s call for her to take the seat was a significant factor in the timing and selection process. This move underscores Trump’s continued influence over Republican politics in South Carolina and beyond.

No False Claims or Disparagements Cited

The excerpt does not include any false claims, exaggerations, or disparaging remarks made by President Trump regarding the appointment or the individuals involved. The focus remains on Trump’s expressed position and public call for Graham Nordone to serve out her late brother’s term.

Conclusion

President Trump’s public call for Darline Graham Nordone to fill the Senate vacancy highlights his ongoing role in shaping political outcomes within the Republican Party. While the excerpt does not cite any misstatements or attacks, it clearly attributes the appointment’s momentum to Trump’s intervention, demonstrating his enduring sway over key decisions in the party.

Source article

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/13/trump-recommends-lindsey-grahams-sister-serve-rest-his-senate-term/

Donald J. Trump: “We drained the beautiful “Reflecting Pool” today in order to fix the scars a…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-13 20:49:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Blames “Country Hating Sleazebags” for Reflecting Pool Damage, Makes Dubious Claims About Vandalism

Donald Trump claimed, “We drained the beautiful ‘Reflecting Pool’ today in order to fix the scars and damage that was done by the Vandals two weeks ago. We wanted to wait until after the July 4th Weekend. The slashes were 300 yards long, and the floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs. The Parks Department had to empty the water in order to fix the water tight basin. It will be refilled and put back into service soon. These Country hating sleazebags should pay a big price for the damage done. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! President DJT.”

Exaggerated Claims About Vandalism

Trump’s statement includes several notable exaggerations and disparaging remarks. He alleges that “slashes were 300 yards long” and that the “floor of the pool was cut and then pulled upward, with great force, by these thugs.” The language used—referring to the alleged vandals as “Country hating sleazebags”—is a clear attack on unnamed individuals, characterizing them in highly negative terms without evidence provided in the excerpt.

Fact-Checking the Details

The claim that the Reflecting Pool suffered “slashes” 300 yards long and that the floor was “cut and then pulled upward” is highly specific and dramatic. However, such extensive and forceful damage to a public monument would typically be widely reported and documented by authorities or news outlets. The excerpt does not provide corroborating details or evidence for these claims, nor does it cite official sources confirming the scale or nature of the alleged vandalism.

Pattern of Disparagement

Trump’s statement continues a pattern of using inflammatory language to describe perceived opponents or wrongdoers. By calling the alleged vandals “Country hating sleazebags” and “thugs,” he frames the incident in starkly political and personal terms, rather than relying on neutral or official descriptions.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s comments about the draining of the Reflecting Pool and the alleged acts of vandalism are marked by dramatic language, unverified claims, and personal attacks. The lack of supporting evidence for the scale and nature of the damage, combined with the use of disparaging terms, highlights a recurring issue with the accuracy and tone of Trump’s public statements. Readers should approach such claims with caution and seek confirmation from independent, official sources.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40019

Trump reduces the size of 2 national monuments in Utah as Republicans reshape land management

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-13 17:28:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Calls National Monument Protections a “Massive Land Grab” as He Slashes Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante

President Donald Trump has once again moved to reduce the size of two national monuments in Utah, undoing protections established by previous administrations for lands considered sacred by many Native Americans. Trump, a Republican, issued proclamations under the Antiquities Act to shrink Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments, repeating actions from his first term that were later reversed by President Joe Biden.

Trump’s Position: “Massive Land Grab”

During his first term, Trump described the creation of these monuments as a “massive land grab,” a characterization he has maintained as he continues to push for shrinking their boundaries. The monuments, which together span more than 3.2 million acres—nearly the size of Connecticut—contain ancient cliff dwellings, petroglyphs, and canyons, as well as valuable coal and uranium deposits that Utah officials want to open for development.

Policy Reversal and Resource Extraction

Trump’s approach stands in stark contrast to Biden’s conservation goals. While Biden has aimed to conserve at least 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030, Trump’s policies have focused on expanding drilling, mining, and logging on public lands, and rolling back protections for imperiled species. Trump has also used proclamations to lift commercial fishing prohibitions in expansive marine monuments, prioritizing commercial interests over conservation efforts.

Native American and Conservationist Backlash

The reduction of Bears Ears is particularly controversial, as it was the first national monument protected at the request of tribal nations. Davina Smith-Idjesa, co-chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition, called the move “heartbreaking” and accused federal officials of sidestepping their legal responsibility to consult with tribal nations. She emphasized that Bears Ears is “not simply a piece of federal public land,” but a living cultural site with deep significance for Native communities.

Legal and Political Debate

The Supreme Court has upheld the president’s authority to create national monuments, but there is ongoing debate about whether Trump has the authority to change their boundaries. Efforts by some Republicans to sell or transfer federal lands to states have largely failed, facing bipartisan opposition.

Conclusion

Trump’s repeated characterization of national monument designations as a “massive land grab” is a distortion of the Antiquities Act’s intent, which allows presidents to protect sites of historic, archaeological, or cultural importance. His actions have drawn sharp criticism from Native American leaders and conservationists, who warn that opening these lands for commercial exploitation threatens irreplaceable cultural and natural resources. The ongoing tug-of-war over public land protections underscores the stark divide between Trump’s resource extraction agenda and efforts to preserve America’s natural heritage.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/trump-reduces-the-size-of-2-national-monuments-in-utah-as-republicans-reshape-land-management

Poll: Patriotism in the US, Europe and Canada, charted

Politics — 2026-07-11 15:00:00 — www.politico.com

Trump’s MAGA Movement Redefines American Patriotism, Poll Shows

A new international survey highlights how Donald Trump and his MAGA movement have made patriotism and nationalism central to Republican politics, deepening the partisan divide over national symbols like the American flag.

The Flag as a Political Symbol

According to the survey, the American flag has become a defining feature of national pride in the United States—a symbol now increasingly claimed by Trump’s MAGA movement. More than 70 percent of Trump’s 2024 voters say they own an American flag, compared to just 44 percent of those who backed former Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump voters are also more likely (52 percent) than Harris voters (33 percent) to say that displaying a national flag outside your house is considered an act of patriotism.

Partisan Patriotism

This data underscores how Trump’s approach has made the flag and overt displays of patriotism a partisan issue. While most Americans (51 percent) say they own the national flag, the gap between Trump and Harris supporters suggests that expressions of patriotism are now closely tied to political identity. The MAGA movement’s embrace of the flag stands out in contrast to other countries, where flag ownership is far less common.

Shifting Meanings of Patriotism

The survey, conducted by London-based firm Public First, reveals that the meaning of patriotism is evolving across major Western democracies. In the U.S., Trump’s movement has positioned itself as the standard-bearer of national pride, while also fueling debates over what it means to be patriotic in a polarized political climate.

Conclusion

Trump’s influence has transformed the American flag from a unifying national symbol into a marker of partisan identity. As the 2024 election approaches, the MAGA movement’s claim to patriotism continues to shape—and divide—the nation’s sense of pride.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/11/poll-politics-patriotism-us-europe-canada-00993636

On foreign policy, Graham’s influence may have been felt the most : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-13 15:05:00 — www.npr.org

Donald Trump’s Shifting Approach to Ukraine and Military Alliances Highlighted in Lindsey Graham’s Legacy

As Lindsey Graham’s decades-long influence on U.S. foreign policy is remembered, his relationship with Donald Trump stands out for its complexity and impact—particularly on issues like Ukraine and military intervention. The NPR report details how Graham, once a harsh critic of Trump during the 2015 GOP presidential primary, later became one of his closest advisers on foreign policy.

Trump’s Evolving Position on Ukraine

The excerpt notes that Graham’s support for Ukraine often clashed with Trump’s “America First” approach and skepticism from other Republicans wary of foreign intervention. Despite this, Trump’s stance shifted over time. At a recent NATO summit in Turkey, Trump praised Ukrainian leadership and offered new U.S. military cooperation—a significant change from his earlier antagonistic meetings with Ukraine’s president. This shift is attributed in part to Graham’s persistent advocacy.

Influence on Military Decisions

The report also highlights a key moment in 2018, when Trump threatened to withdraw U.S. forces from Syria, potentially abandoning Kurdish allies. According to the account, Graham brokered an agreement that convinced Trump to leave some troops in place, demonstrating Graham’s ability to influence Trump’s decisions on military engagement.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Record

While the excerpt does not directly cite false statements or attacks by Trump, it does document his changing positions and the internal conflicts these shifts created within his administration and party. Former GOP Senator Jeff Flake is quoted as saying that continued support for Ukraine persisted “even over President Trump’s objection sometimes,” underscoring the tension between Trump’s initial reluctance and the eventual policy outcomes.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s record on foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine and military alliances, has been marked by reversals and internal debate. Lindsey Graham’s role as both critic and confidant was instrumental in shaping these outcomes, often steering Trump toward more traditional interventionist policies. This dynamic remains a key part of Graham’s legacy and a window into Trump’s approach to international affairs.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/13/nx-s1-5890936/on-foreign-policy-grahams-influence-may-have-been-felt-the-most

Donald J. Trump: “ABC Fake News and its shaky anchor, David Muir, said that the Reflecting Poo…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-13 21:53:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Attacks ABC News Over Reflecting Pool Coverage, Claims Vandalism the Real Cause

President Donald Trump has sharply criticized ABC News and anchor David Muir, claiming their report on the draining of the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., was misleading and failed to address the true cause of the issue. Trump asserted, “the Reflecting Pool was drained to address Peeling Paint (there is no paint, it was slashed with a knife, or box cutter, high grade colored waterproofing liner – it was VANDALISM!) and Algae Blooms (also caused by Vandals, but removed long ago!). In other words, the story was FAKE NEWS, but heavily slanted away from the real cause of the problem, Vandalism.”

Disputing the Official Explanation

According to Trump, the widely reported reasons for draining the Reflecting Pool—peeling paint and algae blooms—were inaccurate. He insisted there is no paint involved and that the real issue was vandalism, specifically damage to the pool’s waterproofing liner. Trump further claimed that the algae blooms, cited as a maintenance concern, were also the result of vandalism and had already been addressed.

Exaggerated Claims About D.C. Safety and Restoration

Trump went on to tout recent improvements in the nation’s capital, stating, “60 monuments and fountains have been cleaned and fully renovated in D.C., and crime is at record lows! Washington has never looked better, or been safer!” These sweeping statements about crime and city conditions are not supported by the ABC News report he criticized, and Trump provided no evidence for the claim that crime is at “record lows.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Assertions

Trump’s remarks disparaged both the reporting of ABC News and the integrity of their anchor, labeling the story as “FAKE NEWS” and accusing the network of bias. His statements about the cause of the Reflecting Pool’s maintenance and the state of crime in Washington, D.C., stand in contrast to the explanations provided by officials and reported by ABC News.

Conclusion

President Trump’s response to the Reflecting Pool story highlights his ongoing pattern of attacking media outlets and offering alternative explanations that often lack supporting evidence. His claims about vandalism as the sole cause and record-low crime rates in D.C. are not substantiated by the ABC News report he criticized. As Trump continues to challenge unfavorable coverage, his statements underscore the importance of careful fact-checking and transparency in public discourse.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40020

Marco Rubio launches campaign to dismantle international criminal court | Marco Rubio

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-13 20:39:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Escalates Campaign Against International Criminal Court, Imposes Sanctions Over Investigations

Donald Trump has intensified his administration’s opposition to the International Criminal Court (ICC), issuing an executive order six weeks into his second term that declared a “national emergency” in response to what he described as the ICC’s “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.” Trump’s order imposed sweeping sanctions on ICC officials, including chief prosecutor Karim Khan, two deputies, and six judges, specifically targeting their investigations into Israeli conduct in Palestine and alleged war crimes by US service members in Afghanistan.

Trump’s administration further expanded its sanctions regime throughout 2025, targeting Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, and three Palestinian human rights groups involved in gathering evidence of possible Israeli war crimes.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s characterization of the ICC’s actions as “illegitimate and baseless” has been challenged by international legal experts. The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, only investigates crimes committed in states that are party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court. The United States has not ratified this treaty, and the court has not opened investigations into crimes committed on American soil.

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, stated that “Trump wants to be able to commit war crimes on the territory of countries that have accepted the court’s jurisdiction – that’s what this is about.” Roth and other experts emphasized that the ICC is not claiming jurisdiction over US conduct within the United States, but rather over alleged crimes committed by Americans in countries that have accepted ICC jurisdiction.

Contradictory Stance on ICC Jurisdiction

Notably, the Trump administration has previously supported the ICC’s jurisdiction in certain contexts, such as welcoming investigations into Russian war crimes in Ukraine, a signatory to the Rome Statute. This selective approach has drawn criticism for hypocrisy and for undermining the rules-based international order established after World War II.

Potential Global Impact

The Trump administration’s aggressive measures against the ICC, including threats of sanctions, travel bans, and visa revocations for those cooperating with the court, have raised concerns among legal experts and human rights advocates. Critics warn that these actions could amount to obstruction of justice under the Rome Statute and threaten global access to justice, from Ukraine to Sudan.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s campaign against the ICC is marked by false and misleading claims about the court’s jurisdiction and motives. By imposing sanctions and pressuring other nations to abandon the ICC, Trump’s administration risks isolating the United States and undermining international efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable. The move has sparked widespread condemnation from legal experts and human rights organizations, who argue that it erodes the very foundations of international justice.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/13/marco-rubio-dismantle-international-criminal-court