Politics chat: Lindsey Graham dies at 71, Congress back in session, U.S. strikes Iran : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-12 06:57:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Blocks Bipartisan Housing Bill, Escalates Tensions with Iran Amid Senate Turmoil

President Donald Trump has once again placed himself at the center of controversy in Washington, this time by refusing to sign a bipartisan housing bill that had garnered broad support in Congress. According to NPR, Trump declined to hold a signing ceremony for the popular legislation, stating he would not sign it in protest of the Senate’s failure to pass another bill he wanted regarding elections. Despite repeated explanations from Republican senators that there were not enough votes to pass his preferred elections bill, Trump’s refusal effectively stalled a measure that polls show is important to a majority of voters struggling with high housing costs.

The housing bill, which aimed to make it easier to build homes by reducing regulations, passed with significant bipartisan majorities. Its passage was seen as a rare example of cross-party cooperation on an issue that directly affects Americans. However, Trump’s decision to block the bill prevented Congress from celebrating a legislative achievement that could have resonated with voters ahead of the midterms.

In addition to domestic legislative gridlock, Trump has heightened international tensions. He posted online that “1,000 missiles are locked and loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran,” responding to threats from Iranian leaders following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions. Trump has also declared the ceasefire with Iran over, further escalating the situation after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and defied U.S. demands for assurances of safe passage.

These actions come as the Senate faces increased instability following the sudden death of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and ongoing questions about the health of Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell. With the Senate majority razor-thin, Trump’s refusal to cooperate on bipartisan legislation and his aggressive foreign policy stance are adding to the challenges facing Congress.

Conclusion

President Trump’s decisions—both in blocking a widely supported housing bill and in escalating threats against Iran—underscore his willingness to disrupt bipartisan progress and heighten international tensions, even as the Senate grapples with internal upheaval. These moves have left lawmakers and voters alike questioning the administration’s priorities and the prospects for meaningful legislative action in the months ahead.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/12/nx-s1-5887274/politics-chat-lindsey-graham-dies-at-71-congress-back-in-session-u-s-strikes-iran

Donald J. Trump: “Thank you to Ben Domenech, for all of the great things he has been saying. W…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-12 13:50:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims “Our Country Has Never Been Stronger” Amid Praise for Allies

President Donald J. Trump recently expressed gratitude to commentator Ben Domenech for his supportive remarks, stating, “Thank you to Ben Domenech, for all of the great things he has been saying. We’re doing well. Our Country has never been stronger, and it’s nice to be recognized!” Trump also highlighted the recognition of Senator Lindsey Graham, saying, “it is really great that Lindsey Graham is being so respectfully honored — He greatly deserves it!”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims of National Strength

Trump’s assertion that “Our Country has never been stronger” is a sweeping statement that lacks specific evidence in the excerpt provided. Historically, such claims have often been challenged by independent fact-checkers, who point to ongoing economic, social, and political challenges facing the United States. While Trump’s supporters may echo his optimistic outlook, objective measures—such as economic indicators, public health data, and international relations—often present a more nuanced picture.

Praise for Allies and Public Recognition

In his statement, Trump also commends Lindsey Graham, emphasizing the senator’s recognition and stating that Graham “greatly deserves it.” This continues Trump’s pattern of publicly praising loyal allies, which he often uses to reinforce his political alliances and project unity within his circle.

Conclusion

President Trump’s recent remarks continue his tradition of making broad, positive claims about the state of the nation and highlighting the achievements of his supporters. However, his statement that “Our Country has never been stronger” is not substantiated with concrete evidence in this excerpt and stands in contrast to a range of ongoing national challenges. As always, such claims warrant careful scrutiny and comparison with objective data to provide a full picture for the public.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39958

Sen. Lindsey Graham dies after a ‘brief and sudden illness,’ his office says

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-12 08:37:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Reacts to Lindsey Graham’s Death, Recalls Final Conversation

Donald Trump, speaking after the death of Senator Lindsey Graham, described Graham as “like a member of the family” and called the news “very tough.” Trump stated on NBC’s “Meet the Press” that he had spoken with Graham on Saturday night after the senator returned from a trip to Ukraine, saying Graham “sounded a little bit tired, but perfect.”

Graham, a longtime ally of Trump in Congress, was known for his influential role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and for advising Trump on issues such as Iran and Russia. Their relationship, initially contentious during the 2016 presidential race—when Trump publicly read out Graham’s personal cellphone number and repeatedly belittled him—later evolved into a close political alliance after Trump won the White House.

While the excerpt does not document any new false claims or disparagements by Trump regarding Graham’s death, it highlights Trump’s public response and the history of their relationship, including Trump’s earlier attacks on Graham during the 2016 campaign. The article also notes Graham’s pivotal role in defending Trump during his impeachments and his ongoing support for Trump’s foreign policy initiatives.

Trump’s comments following Graham’s passing reflect the senator’s unique position as both a critic and a confidant, underscoring the complex dynamics that defined their political partnership.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/sen-lindsey-graham-dies-after-a-brief-and-sudden-illness-his-office-says

Trump Mourns Graham as ‘Great Politician’ and ‘Member of the Family’

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-12 11:37:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Praises Lindsey Graham, Reflects on Final Conversation and Political Legacy

President Trump publicly mourned the death of Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday, describing him as a “great politician” and “like a member of the family.” Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Trump reflected on Graham’s ability to work with both Democrats and Republicans, stating, “He had a unique ability — he was able to deal with Democrats and Republicans. If I had a problem with a Democrat, he could work it out. He was a great politician, actually.”

Trump recounted that he spoke with Graham just hours before the senator’s death, discussing the SAVE America Act, a voter identification bill Trump has been urging Congress to pass. According to Trump, Graham “sounded perfect” during their call, though the senator mentioned he was “tired” after returning from a trip to Ukraine.

The president expressed uncertainty about the cause of Graham’s death, which the senator’s office attributed to “a brief and sudden illness.” When asked about reports of cardiac arrest, Trump responded that it “made sense,” adding, “It had to be something like that because he was, other than being tired, he was fine. And so it had to be something like that, that would just be a quick end. And maybe that’s not the worst way to go.”

Trump declined to name a preferred replacement for Graham but indicated he was considering “somebody that I think would be great.” South Carolina law allows Governor Henry McMaster to appoint a temporary replacement, with a special election expected on August 11.

Reflecting on Graham’s career, Trump praised the senator’s defense of Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s 2018 Supreme Court nomination as “literally, one of the great classics of anyone in the Senate.” He also acknowledged Graham’s reputation as a military hawk and his recent efforts to impose sanctions on buyers of Russian oil.

Trump’s remarks were delivered with a somber tone, emphasizing the personal loss and political impact of Graham’s passing. “I never thought I’d be in this position,” Trump said, adding that he believed “Lindsey was going to be living forever.”

Conclusion

Trump’s statements highlight both his close personal relationship with Graham and the senator’s influence in Washington. The president’s recollections offer insight into Graham’s final hours and underscore his role in recent legislative efforts, particularly on voter identification and foreign policy. As South Carolina prepares to fill Graham’s Senate seat, Trump’s comments set the stage for the political transition ahead.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/us/politics/donald-trump-lindsey-graham-death-interview.html

Live updates: Trump, nation mourn Lindsey Graham after senator's sudden death

Administration News — 2026-07-12 06:47:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Praises Lindsey Graham as “One of the Greatest People” Following Senator’s Sudden Passing

Americans awoke Sunday to the news that Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a fixture in the U.S. Senate for over two decades, had died at age 71 after a brief and sudden illness. President Trump, who relied on Graham as a steadfast supporter, responded to the news by describing the late senator as “one of the greatest people.”

Trump’s statement underscores the close political alliance the two shared in recent years. While Graham was once a critic of Trump, he became one of the president’s most vocal defenders, particularly during key moments of Trump’s administration and subsequent political campaigns.

The president’s characterization of Graham as “one of the greatest people” aligns with his pattern of offering strong praise for allies, especially in moments of public attention. However, Trump’s record also includes a history of making exaggerated or false claims about political figures, both allies and opponents. In this instance, the president’s remarks focus on honoring Graham’s legacy and the loyalty he demonstrated.

As the nation reflects on Graham’s career and his relationship with Trump, the president’s words serve as a reminder of the shifting alliances and rhetorical strategies that have defined his public statements. Trump’s tribute highlights the importance he places on personal loyalty and public support, themes that have been central to his political narrative.

In conclusion, President Trump’s response to Lindsey Graham’s passing emphasizes their political partnership and the value he places on loyalty among his supporters. The statement offers insight into how Trump publicly navigates the loss of key allies, reinforcing his approach to political relationships and public messaging.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5964452-live-updates-senator-lindsey-graham-death/

Donald J. Trump: "RT: https://truthsocial.com/users/realDonaldTrump/statuses/116903805619949346"

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-11 17:56:00 — trumpstruth.org

On July 5, 2026, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to address the disruptions that marred the previous day’s Independence Day celebrations. In a series of posts, he claimed that over 400,000 attendees had initially gathered for the “Salute to America” event, and that 150,000 returned after severe weather prompted evacuations. Trump stated that he personally overturned recommendations to cancel the event due to the storms, insisting that the festivities proceed even if it meant waiting until 2 a.m. He delivered his speech around 11:15 p.m., following delays and security reentry procedures. Despite the challenges, Trump described the fireworks display as the “Most Spectacular Fireworks Show” he had ever seen. (thedailybeast.com)

However, these claims have been met with skepticism. Reports indicate that the National Park Service abruptly halted the event due to severe weather, leading to long waits and clashes between attendees and law enforcement. The actual number of attendees who returned after the evacuation remains unverified, and there is no independent confirmation of Trump’s assertion that he personally overturned the cancellation recommendation. (thedailybeast.com)

In addition to his statements about the event, Trump engaged in a prolific posting spree on Truth Social, sharing 67 posts between 11:12 a.m. and 1:14 p.m. on July 5. His posts revisited grievances, including attacks on Judge Sparkle Sooknanan for blocking a controversial voter-verification plan, and promoted various media clips and images. The content ranged from praising the “crystal clear” Reflecting Pool and his rising TikTok popularity to reposting patriotic images labeling him “America First” alongside George Washington. (thedailybeast.com)

This pattern of making unverified claims and engaging in extensive social media activity has been a consistent aspect of Trump’s communication strategy. By presenting information that lacks independent verification, he continues to shape narratives that may not align with established facts.

Highlights:

• Trump Posts 67 Times on Truth Social After Disrupted July 4 Event, Published on Sunday, July 05
• Trump Posts on Truth Social Over 100 Times on Sunday, Published on Sunday, July 05
• Trump Claims He ‘Overturned’ July 4 Celebration Cancelation, Published on Sunday, July 05

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39954

How to plan for an election that leaders are trying to subvert | Daniel Altschuler and Javier Corrales

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-12 06:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s Baseless Claims and Actions Undermine U.S. Election Integrity

Donald Trump continues to assert, without evidence, that the American election system is “rigged.” This persistent narrative, which he has repeated throughout his administration, serves as a foundation for justifying significant changes to electoral rules—changes that experts warn are designed to subvert the fairness and competitiveness of U.S. elections.

Trump’s Words and Actions

The president’s own words have left little doubt about his intentions. In January 2026, he told Reuters: “When you think of it, we shouldn’t even have an election.” This statement, far from being an isolated remark, aligns with a broader pattern of behavior and policy. The administration has rewarded individuals who used violence to disrupt the last transfer of power, disabled federal agencies tasked with protecting election integrity, sought greater executive control over voter registration, and threatened to withhold terrorism prevention funding from states that refuse to alter their voting rules.

A Coherent Plan for Electoral Subversion

These actions are not random or careless; they point to a systematic plan to erode the institutional foundations of competitive elections. By repeatedly claiming the system is rigged, Trump and his allies create a pretext for changing rules in their favor. State legislatures aligned with the administration have moved to increase their control over election certification, undermining the independence of those tasked with monitoring elections.

The logic behind these moves is clear: to narrow the field of who votes, who counts, and who wins. Rather than adjusting public policies to better reflect the electorate’s preferences, as democratic leaders do, Trump’s administration has focused on adjusting the electoral rules themselves.

The Broader Impact

Trump’s rhetoric and policy actions have a chilling effect on voter participation. By convincing people that the system is so corrupt that voting is pointless, the administration risks suppressing turnout—an outcome that disproportionately benefits those opposed to free and fair elections. This strategy mirrors tactics used by illiberal leaders in other countries who, facing declining competitiveness, seek to entrench their power by manipulating the rules of the game.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s repeated, unsubstantiated claims about election fraud and his administration’s coordinated efforts to change electoral rules represent a direct threat to the integrity of American democracy. These are not isolated incidents, but part of a coherent plan to subvert the electoral process. Protecting the future of U.S. democracy will require vigilance, civic engagement, and a broad coalition committed to ensuring that every vote counts and that the rules of the game remain fair for all.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jul/12/trump-election-subversion

Tributes Pour In for Senator Lindsey Graham

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-12 06:16:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Praises Lindsey Graham Following Senator’s Sudden Death

President Trump responded to the unexpected death of Senator Lindsey Graham with a public tribute, calling Graham “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known” in a post on Truth Social. Trump continued, “He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!”

Graham, a South Carolina Republican, died on Saturday after what his office described as a “brief and sudden illness.” Once a sharp critic of Trump, Graham had become one of the president’s most loyal supporters in recent years, frequently defending Trump’s policies and positions in the Senate.

The excerpt does not contain any false claims, distortions, or disparagements by Trump regarding Graham or others. Instead, Trump’s statement focused on praise and remembrance, aligning with the broader outpouring of tributes from world leaders and colleagues. Graham’s record as a foreign policy hawk and his advocacy for American military intervention were also highlighted by other figures, but Trump’s remarks remained positive and respectful.

Conclusion

In his public response to Lindsey Graham’s death, President Trump offered a tribute that emphasized Graham’s dedication and patriotism. The statement did not include any of the falsehoods or attacks that have sometimes characterized Trump’s public communications. Instead, Trump’s words reflected the bipartisan respect Graham commanded at the time of his passing.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/us/politics/lindsey-graham-world-react.html

The Trump ally looking for a Messi miracle

Politics — 2026-07-11 18:45:00 — www.politico.com

Donald Trump Praises Messi’s Move to Miami, Draws Criticism in Argentina

Donald Trump’s recent interaction with soccer legend Lionel Messi has sparked controversy in Argentina, highlighting the former president’s ongoing efforts to align himself with high-profile figures and international allies.

During a White House visit in March, Trump told Messi, “You could have gone anywhere in the world, any team in the world, and you chose Miami.” The comment, intended as praise for Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami, drew backlash from some in Argentina. Critics accused Messi of lending legitimacy to Trump’s politics simply by appearing alongside him.

The episode underscores Trump’s tendency to seek association with popular personalities and leverage their fame for political gain. This approach mirrors his relationship with Argentina’s libertarian president Javier Milei, whom Trump has called “my favorite president.” Last October, Trump rewarded Milei with a $20 billion economic lifeline, further cementing their alliance.

While both Trump and Milei have attempted to bask in Messi’s global popularity, the soccer star has deliberately avoided political entanglements. Surveys show Messi remains a unifying figure in Argentina, with approval ratings above 90 percent—far higher than those of the country’s political leaders.

The controversy over Trump’s meeting with Messi serves as a reminder of the sharp divisions that persist around Trump’s public image, both at home and abroad. Despite his efforts to share in Messi’s glory, the soccer legend’s broad appeal remains distinctly separate from the polarizing world of politics.

In summary, Trump’s praise for Messi’s move to Miami and the subsequent criticism in Argentina illustrate the complexities and pitfalls of political figures seeking to associate themselves with national heroes. As history shows, the glow of sports stardom rarely translates into political capital.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/11/world-cup-2026/looking-a-messi-miracle-argentina-javier-milei-00993907

Reflecting Pool drained again as issues plague Trump-backed renovation

Administration News — 2026-07-11 14:15:00 — thehill.com

President Trump’s Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Renovation Faces Setback Ahead of July 4th

President Trump had hoped to showcase the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool for the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, but the project has encountered another setback. The pool is being drained again for additional repairs, marking a significant obstacle in Trump’s multimillion-dollar renovation of the historic Washington, D.C. landmark.

Trump’s ambition to have the reflecting pool ready for the milestone celebration was clear, but the project quickly ran into difficulties. The repeated need for repairs highlights ongoing challenges with the renovation, which was intended to be a centerpiece of the anniversary festivities.

The situation underscores the complexities and setbacks that have characterized Trump’s efforts to leave a lasting mark on the nation’s capital through high-profile infrastructure projects. As the July 4 deadline approaches, the continued issues with the reflecting pool raise questions about the planning and execution of the renovation under Trump’s direction.

In summary, President Trump’s plan to unveil the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool for the 250th anniversary has been delayed once again by repair needs, casting doubt on whether the project will be completed in time for the national celebration. This latest setback adds to the scrutiny of Trump’s management of major public works and his promises to deliver on ambitious infrastructure goals.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/5964100-reflecting-pool-drained-again-as-issues-plague-trump-backed-renovation/