Trump said the pace of California ballot counting proves a rigged election. Pants on Fire!

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-06-08 17:35:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump Falsely Claims California Ballot Counting Is Evidence of Election Cheating

During a contentious “Meet the Press” interview, President Donald Trump claimed that California’s ballot counting process was proof of a “rigged election.” When pressed by host Kristen Welker about the state’s ongoing ballot count days after the June 2 primary, Trump asserted, “Do you know why they’re doing that? Because they’re cheating on the election.” When asked for evidence, Trump replied, “All I have to do is look. And I listen. And I listen to people. And let’s see what happens.” He then called the show and network “crooked” before abruptly ending the interview.

Fact-Check: No Evidence of Cheating

California’s ballot counting procedures are governed by state law and apply to all voters, regardless of party. The state mails ballots to all active voters, and about 19% voted in person in 2024. Processing mail ballots requires verifying voter identities by matching signatures, which takes time. The Legislature recently shortened the main counting period, but counties still have up to 30 days to process some ballots, including provisional ones. Ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within a week are counted, and counties must report final results by July 3, with state certification by July 10.

Experts note that California’s slower count is due to its emphasis on access, security, and accuracy—not evidence of cheating. The state also requires a 1% manual tally for all jurisdictions as a security measure. While long vote counts can undermine voter confidence, experts stress that the pace is not proof of fraud.

Trump’s History of False Claims

Trump has repeatedly spread falsehoods about “rigged” elections, including in California. Despite his claims, there is no evidence that the ballot counting process indicates widespread cheating. When asked for proof, the White House referred back to Trump’s own comments, offering no substantiation.

Conclusion

Trump’s assertion that ongoing ballot counting in California means “they’re cheating on the election” is not supported by facts. The process follows state law and is designed to ensure every legitimate vote is counted accurately. Fact-checkers have rated Trump’s claim as “Pants on Fire,” underscoring the lack of evidence behind his repeated allegations of election rigging.

Source article

Source: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2026/jun/08/donald-trump/California-election-LA-governor-Spencer-Pratt/

Trump: Iran peace deal possible in 'two or three days'

Administration News — 2026-06-09 08:59:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Claims Imminent Peace Deal With Iran

President Trump on Tuesday asserted that a peace deal with Iran could be reached within the next “two or three days.” The president made this statement to reporters in New York after attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. He said a deal would soon be possible, suggesting rapid diplomatic progress.

Trump’s claim of an imminent agreement with Iran stands out for its ambitious timeline. The assertion that a peace deal could be finalized within just a few days is a striking statement, especially given the longstanding tensions and complex negotiations between the United States and Iran. Historically, diplomatic agreements of this magnitude have required extended discussions and careful coordination.

This is not the first time Trump has made bold predictions about foreign policy outcomes. Throughout his tenure, he has repeatedly offered optimistic forecasts about resolving international conflicts, often with timelines that have not materialized. Such statements have drawn scrutiny and fact-checking, as rapid breakthroughs in high-stakes diplomacy are rare.

While Trump’s comments may reflect his desire to project confidence and control over international affairs, the reality of U.S.-Iran relations suggests that any peace deal would likely require far more time and negotiation than he indicated. His pattern of making sweeping claims about diplomatic achievements underscores the importance of critically evaluating official statements, especially those that promise swift resolutions to complex global issues.

In summary, President Trump’s latest remarks about a near-term peace deal with Iran continue his record of making optimistic and sometimes exaggerated statements about foreign policy. As with previous claims, the facts on the ground point to a far more complicated and lengthy process than suggested by his timeline. Readers should remain attentive to the gap between political rhetoric and diplomatic reality.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5916000-trump-iran-peace-deal-update/

Trump formally nominates Todd Blanche to serve as attorney general

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-06-09 05:52:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Nominates Todd Blanche for Attorney General, Setting Stage for Congressional Showdown

President Trump has officially nominated Todd Blanche to serve as the next Attorney General, a move that is expected to spark a contentious confirmation battle in Congress. The nomination signals Trump’s continued willingness to challenge political norms and push forward with appointments that may face significant opposition from lawmakers.

Trump’s decision to put forward Blanche, a figure who has been closely associated with his legal strategies, underscores his determination to surround himself with loyalists in key positions. This approach has drawn criticism from some members of Congress, who argue that such nominations could undermine the independence of the Justice Department.

While Trump has not issued a direct statement in the excerpt provided, the act of nominating Blanche itself reflects his ongoing strategy to consolidate power within his administration. The nomination is likely to be scrutinized for both the qualifications of the nominee and the broader implications for the rule of law.

As the confirmation process unfolds, lawmakers and the public will be watching closely to see how Trump defends his choice and responds to criticism. The outcome of this nomination could have lasting effects on the balance of power and the functioning of the nation’s top law enforcement agency.

In summary, President Trump’s nomination of Todd Blanche for Attorney General sets up a high-stakes confrontation in Congress, highlighting the president’s continued efforts to shape the federal government according to his vision. The coming weeks will reveal whether this strategy succeeds or faces insurmountable resistance.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/09/nx-s1-5850426/trump-formally-nominates-todd-blanche-to-serve-as-attorney-general

Trump walks out of ‘Meet the Press’ interview when challenged over false claims

Politics — 2026-06-07 13:15:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

Trump’s Unsubstantiated Claims about January 6 and Election Integrity

During a recent interview with host Kristen Welker, President Trump reiterated claims regarding the January 6 Capitol riots and asserted that multiple elections were “rigged.” However, he provided no supporting evidence for these assertions.

Key Claims

In the discussion, Trump made broad statements about the legitimacy of the 2020 election and the events of January 6, implying widespread fraud and manipulation. He has consistently maintained that the election was stolen from him, a claim that has been debunked by numerous fact-checkers and investigations.

Lack of Evidence

Despite his confidence in these assertions, when pressed by Welker, he failed to cite any concrete evidence to substantiate his claims. This is consistent with his previous statements, where he has often relied on anecdotal accounts rather than documented proof.

Previous Context

Trump’s statements regarding the “rigged” elections have been met with skepticism by experts and have been countered by various reports that affirm the integrity of the electoral process. Multiple courts, election officials, and the Department of Justice have found no evidence of widespread fraud that would have altered the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.

Conclusion

The president’s failure to provide evidence for his claims about January 6 and election integrity not only raises questions about his credibility but also reflects a larger trend of misinformation that has permeated political discourse. As discussions about these issues continue, it is crucial for the public to rely on verified facts rather than unfounded assertions.

Source article

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/06/07/trump-walks-out-meet-press-interview-when-challenged-over-false-claims/

Donald J. Trump: "RT: https://truthsocial.com/users/realDonaldTrump/statuses/116718662947146337"

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-06-09 01:11:00 — trumpstruth.org

In a recent late-night post on Truth Social, President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as “Trump 007,” drawing parallels to the iconic James Bond character. The image features Trump in a suit, standing beside a reflective surface that creates multiple versions of his face, with dramatic lighting reminiscent of classic Bond films. The text at the top reads “Trump 007,” directly invoking the James Bond franchise. (thedailybeast.com)

This post is part of a series of symbolic images Trump has shared. In May 2025, he posted an image of himself dressed as the pope shortly after Pope Francis’s death. Earlier in 2026, he shared and later deleted an image portraying himself as a Jesus-like figure healing the sick, which he justified by saying it represented him as a doctor. (thedailybeast.com)

These posts have sparked confusion and criticism, with some questioning the appropriateness and intent behind such imagery. Critics have raised concerns about his erratic online behavior and apparent lack of sleep. The White House defended the spree, saying it reflects the growing popularity of Truth Social and Trump’s commitment to direct and unfiltered communication with the public. (thedailybeast.com)

Trump’s use of AI-generated images to depict himself in various symbolic roles raises questions about the messaging and implications of such portrayals. While some supporters may view these posts as expressions of confidence and leadership, others see them as distractions or attempts to craft a particular narrative.

Highlights:

• Sleepless Trump, 79, Gives Himself New Role in Bizarre Midnight Post, Published on Wednesday, June 03

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39167

Experts warn Trump ‘inventing fraud’ in California as president ramps up baseless claims | US news

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-06-09 05:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Escalates Baseless Fraud Claims in California’s Primary, Drawing Warnings from Democracy Advocates

Donald Trump is once again casting doubt on the legitimacy of election results, this time targeting California’s primary elections. As ballot counting continues in the nation’s most populous state, Trump has repeatedly claimed without evidence that the process is rigged, echoing a pattern of falsehoods and attacks that have defined his approach to electoral setbacks.

Trump’s Claims and Outbursts

Last week, Trump asserted that California’s elections were “under investigation by the US attorney’s office in Los Angeles,” but he provided no specifics about what was being investigated. He further alleged on Truth Social, “3rd World Nation. Rigged Elections! Now they’ll be working on great guy Steve Hilton. Won’t have results for, possibly, TWO WEEKS, according to officials.” In the Los Angeles mayor’s race, Trump insisted it was “not possible” that Republican Spencer Pratt could have lost after initially leading, despite the ongoing count shifting the lead to Democrat Nithya Raman.

During a Meet the Press interview, Trump lost his temper when pressed about his claims, storming out after telling journalist Kristen Welker, “You’re either crooked or you’re stupid. You play right into their hands with this crap. You know that these elections are rigged. Your network knows that they’re rigged.”

Pattern of Election Denial

Trump’s latest allegations in California mirror his longstanding playbook: when results do not favor him or his allies, he quickly declares the process fraudulent. This strategy has been seen before, from his Emmy losses as a reality TV star to his defeat in the 2020 presidential election. He has previously claimed fraud in the 2016 Iowa caucus, the Virginia redistricting election, and even the Emmy awards.

Election officials and democracy advocates have repeatedly debunked Trump’s claims. California’s secretary of state explained that the state’s large electorate and robust verification processes mean results take time, but the system is highly accurate. All eligible voters receive mail ballots, and the state allows a grace period for ballots to arrive and for voters to correct errors.

Experts Warn of Escalating Misinformation

Pro-democracy experts warn that Trump’s rhetoric is not only false but dangerous. Omar Noureldin of Common Cause stated, “The problem is that we have a president in the Oval Office who continues to lie and sow doubt over elections instead of facing accountability from voters.” Edgar Lin of Protect Democracy noted, “The president keeps inventing fraud in elections he loses. Now he’s aiming federal power at California’s locally run vote.”

With Trump’s administration now filled with loyalists and election deniers, and with fewer dissenting voices among congressional Republicans, experts fear that efforts to undermine election results could intensify. Trump has also suggested that the acting director of national intelligence could investigate supposed election issues, further amplifying his unfounded claims.

Conclusion

Trump’s baseless accusations about California’s primary are part of a broader pattern of election denial and misinformation. Despite repeated fact-checks and explanations from election officials, Trump continues to attack the legitimacy of results that do not favor him, rallying his supporters and rightwing media to spread similar messages. As the midterms unfold, democracy advocates urge vigilance and accountability, warning that the stakes for election integrity and public trust remain high.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/09/trump-election-california-fraud-claims

Former election official fact-checks Trump’s claims of election fraud in California

PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-08 17:40:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Repeats Baseless Election Claims, Walks Out of Interview After False Accusations

President Donald Trump once again made unsubstantiated claims about election fraud during a recent interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” escalating his rhetoric by attacking both the integrity of U.S. elections and the media. The interview ended abruptly after Trump repeatedly insisted, without evidence, that elections in California and his 2020 presidential loss were “rigged.”

During the televised exchange, Trump declared, “Your elections are crooked and you’re crooked, and Meet the Press is crooked,” and went on to accuse other major networks—ABC, CBS, and CNN—of being “crooked” and “one-sided.” Frustrated by the pushback from moderator Kristen Welker, Trump ended the interview, saying, “Let’s call it quits because I’ve had enough.”

Fact-checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s assertions about widespread election fraud have been repeatedly debunked. According to election experts cited in the segment, the 2020 election was thoroughly audited, recounted, and subjected to numerous court challenges, none of which produced evidence to dispute the official results. “It’s long past time we move on,” said Tammy Patrick, a veteran elections official.

Trump has also pushed for unpopular measures such as banning voting machines and restricting or eliminating mail-in voting. Under his direction, the Postal Service recently proposed rules that would require states to provide the federal government with the names and addresses of all voters slated to receive mail-in ballots—a move facing significant legal challenges.

Despite Trump’s ongoing campaign against mail-in voting, experts emphasize that voter eligibility and ballot authentication are rigorously enforced across the country, with security measures tailored to each state’s laws. Signature verification, for example, is a complex process that makes forgery difficult.

California Vote Counting and Fraud Allegations

Trump specifically targeted California’s election process, claiming on social media, “Not possible for Spencer Pratt to have lost the L.A. run-offs after the big lead he had. Third World nation. Rigged elections.” However, experts explain that California’s longer certification period is due to state law and the need for thorough verification of all ballots, not fraud. The process is designed to ensure accuracy and security, not to create opportunities for manipulation.

Instances of voter fraud remain exceedingly rare. Even conservative groups tracking such cases have found only a handful of proven incidents, none of which have altered the outcome of any election.

Conclusion

President Trump’s latest statements continue a pattern of false and unsupported claims about election integrity, despite overwhelming evidence and expert consensus to the contrary. His attacks on the media and election systems serve to undermine public trust, even as election officials and independent observers reaffirm the security and transparency of U.S. elections.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/former-election-official-fact-checks-trumps-claims-of-election-fraud-in-california

Crew Rescued After U.S. Helicopter Goes Down Near Strait of Hormuz

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-06-09 00:34:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump: Crew Members of Downed U.S. Apache Helicopter “Are Fine”

President Trump addressed reporters early Tuesday following the downing of a U.S. Army Apache helicopter gunship near the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the two crew members involved “were fine.” He did not provide additional details, only indicating that a report on the incident would be released soon.

Uncertainty Surrounds Incident

The cause of the helicopter’s crash remains unclear, with officials still investigating whether it was the result of Iranian fire, mechanical failure, or another issue. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region, following recent military exchanges between Israel and Iran and ongoing efforts to maintain a fragile cease-fire.

Military Response and Escalation

The U.S. military has been actively challenging Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, employing Apache helicopters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, and fighter jets. While Iran has reportedly shot down about 30 unmanned Reaper drones and several U.S. fighter jets have been lost to hostile and friendly fire since late February, this marks the first Apache helicopter lost in the conflict.

Central Command has not commented on the incident, but recent months have seen an increasingly aggressive U.S. posture in the region, including the imposition of a blockade on Iranian ports and the disabling of vessels that ignored U.S. warnings.

Conclusion

President Trump’s brief remarks provided little clarity on the circumstances of the Apache helicopter’s loss, emphasizing only the safety of the crew. As investigations continue and tensions remain high, further details are awaited to understand the full scope and implications of the incident.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/08/us/politics/us-helicopter-strait-of-hormuz.html

Trump said the pace of California ballot counting proves a rigged election. Pants on Fire!

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-06-08 17:35:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump Falsely Claims California Ballot Counting Is Evidence of Election Cheating

During a contentious “Meet the Press” interview, President Donald Trump claimed that California’s ballot counting process was proof of a “rigged election.” When pressed by host Kristen Welker about the state’s ongoing ballot count days after the June 2 primary, Trump asserted, “Do you know why they’re doing that? Because they’re cheating on the election.” When asked for evidence, Trump replied, “All I have to do is look. And I listen. And I listen to people. And let’s see what happens.” He then called the show and network “crooked” before abruptly ending the interview.

Fact-Check: No Evidence of Cheating

California’s ballot counting procedures are governed by state law and apply to all voters, regardless of party. The state mails ballots to all active voters, and about 19% voted in person in 2024. Processing mail ballots requires verifying voter identities by matching signatures, which takes time. The Legislature recently shortened the main counting period, but counties still have up to 30 days to process some ballots, including provisional ones. Ballots postmarked by Election Day and received within a week are counted, and counties must report final results by July 3, with state certification by July 10.

Experts note that California’s slower count is due to its emphasis on access, security, and accuracy—not evidence of cheating. The state also requires a 1% manual tally for all jurisdictions as a security measure. While long vote counts can undermine voter confidence, experts stress that the pace is not proof of fraud.

Trump’s History of False Claims

Trump has repeatedly spread falsehoods about “rigged” elections, including in California. Despite his claims, there is no evidence that the ballot counting process indicates widespread cheating. When asked for proof, the White House referred back to Trump’s own comments, offering no substantiation.

Conclusion

Trump’s assertion that ongoing ballot counting in California means “they’re cheating on the election” is not supported by facts. The process follows state law and is designed to ensure every legitimate vote is counted accurately. Fact-checkers have rated Trump’s claim as “Pants on Fire,” underscoring the lack of evidence behind his repeated allegations of election rigging.

Source article

Source: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2026/jun/08/donald-trump/California-election-LA-governor-Spencer-Pratt/

Trump news at a glance: watchdog group sues to block president’s ‘deeply corrupt’ birthday party | Trump administration

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-06-08 20:08:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump’s Contradictions and Controversies Mark His 80th Birthday Weekend

As Donald Trump prepares to celebrate his 80th birthday with a high-profile event at the White House, his administration faces mounting legal and ethical challenges, as well as renewed scrutiny over his record of false statements and contradictions.

UFC Event at the White House Sparks Legal Battle

A lawsuit filed by the watchdog group Public Integrity Project in DC federal court seeks to halt the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Freedom 250 event, which is scheduled for June 14—Flag Day and Trump’s birthday. The suit argues that the Trump administration broke multiple federal laws to accommodate what it calls a “deeply corrupt” private commercial event disguised as a patriotic celebration. The legal challenge centers on a National Park Service rule that allows bypassing normal permitting only for events “planned, organized and executed” by the federal government. The lawsuit points out that UFC Freedom 250, which UFC president Dana White has admitted was Trump’s idea, does not meet this standard, describing it as “a celebration of the UFC’s brand and the 80th anniversary of Donald Trump’s birth.”

Trump’s $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee Ruled Unlawful

In another blow to Trump’s policies, a US district judge invalidated the administration’s $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications, ruling it an unlawful tax that violated federal administrative law and the Constitution. The fee, announced by Trump in September, represented a dramatic 20-to-50-fold increase over existing rates. The court’s decision vacated the fee, and the Trump administration is widely expected to appeal.

Contradictory Statements on War

Trump has recently denied ever promising not to draw the US into war, despite having spent years pledging to avoid new conflicts. His response during a recent Meet the Press interview directly contradicts previous statements he has made, highlighting a pattern of shifting positions when pressed on key issues.

Aggressive Immigration Enforcement

Trump’s administration continues to pursue a hardline approach to immigration. His border czar, Tom Homan, has threatened to send “more ICE agents than you’ve ever seen” to New York City as part of a controversial crackdown, underscoring the administration’s ongoing efforts to expand immigration enforcement.

Conclusion

As Trump marks his milestone birthday, his administration is embroiled in legal disputes and faces criticism for its handling of public events, immigration, and policy reversals. The controversies surrounding his actions and statements serve as a reminder of the persistent challenges and contradictions that have defined his tenure.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/08/trump-news-at-a-glance-latest-updates-today