Donald J. Trump: “I am pleased to nominate Jesus Osete to serve as Judge on the U.S. District …

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-20 12:01:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Announces Nomination of Jesus Osete to Federal Bench, Emphasizes Credentials and Support

President Donald J. Trump has announced his intention to nominate Jesus Osete to serve as Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. In his statement, Trump highlighted Osete’s current role as Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, describing Osete as having “done tremendous work for our Administration.”

Trump’s announcement also detailed Osete’s previous experience, including his service as General Counsel to the Missouri Secretary of State and as both Deputy Attorney General and Deputy Solicitor General in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office. Trump further noted Osete’s educational background, stating that he received his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis and his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona.

The president emphasized Osete’s strong support from Missouri Senators Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley, and asserted, “He will always be a strong Defender of the Constitution.” Trump concluded the announcement with, “Congratulations Jesus!”

No False Claims or Disparagements Identified

In this announcement, Trump focused on Osete’s credentials and endorsements, without making any verifiable false claims, exaggerations, or disparaging remarks about others. The statement is a straightforward nomination announcement, centered on Osete’s professional qualifications and support from key political figures.

Conclusion

President Trump’s nomination of Jesus Osete to the federal bench is presented as a recognition of Osete’s legal experience and alignment with the administration’s values. The announcement is notable for its emphasis on credentials and bipartisan support, without the inclusion of misleading statements or personal attacks. Readers can expect the nomination process to proceed with attention to Osete’s record and the support cited by Trump.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/41028

State Dept. Declares U.S. Citizen in China Wrongfully Detained

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-20 09:59:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump’s Warmer Stance Toward China Faces Scrutiny Amid Detention of U.S. Scholar

President Trump has adopted a warmer stance toward China since returning to the Oval Office, seeking what both Trump and Xi administration officials have called “constructive strategic stability” between the two global powers. However, the recent arrest and wrongful detention of U.S. citizen and scholar U Min Zin in China has complicated this approach.

Rising Concerns Among U.S. Allies

The State Department officially designated Min Zin as wrongfully detained after he disappeared in Yunnan province while attending an academic conference at the invitation of the Chinese government. This move comes just weeks before President Trump is expected to host President Xi Jinping for an official visit, following Trump’s own trip to Beijing earlier this spring.

The timing of these events has heightened concerns among U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region about America’s willingness to defend them against China and its partners. These concerns have been amplified after President Trump and the Pentagon recently scaled back major military exercises with South Korea.

Impact of Trump’s Approach

Since his return to office, President Trump’s pursuit of closer relations with China has been tested by the detentions of U.S. citizens. The arrest of Min Zin, a political scientist and executive director of a Myanmar-focused policy group, is now one of two cases officially recognized by the State Department as wrongful detentions in China. The other case involves Youlin Chen, a seismologist detained at a Beijing airport in 2024.

According to Dr. Chen’s family, President Trump raised the issue directly with President Xi during their meeting in Beijing, highlighting the administration’s engagement on the matter.

Calls for Action

The Institute for Strategy and Policy-Myanmar, led by Min Zin, praised the State Department’s designation and urged the Trump administration to prioritize his release, especially ahead of the upcoming summit with President Xi. The group emphasized the importance of protecting independent researchers and academics from arbitrary detention.

Conclusion

President Trump’s efforts to foster “constructive strategic stability” with China are being tested by the ongoing detentions of U.S. citizens. As the administration prepares for high-level talks with Chinese leadership, the cases of Min Zin and Youlin Chen remain a critical measure of the effectiveness and priorities of Trump’s approach to U.S.-China relations.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/20/us/politics/scholar-china-wrongfully-detained.html

Live updates: Trump warns Iran of ‘economic warfare’; bond market sounds alarm

Administration News — 2026-08-20 07:48:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Threatens Iran With “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an Unprecedented Scale”

President Trump late Wednesday escalated his administration’s pressure campaign against Iran, threatening a sweeping new economic crackdown and warning that countries aiding Tehran in evading U.S. sanctions could also face consequences. In a post online, Trump described the effort as “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale” as his administration seeks to force Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s statement signals a significant intensification of economic measures aimed at Iran, with the explicit goal of isolating the country and compelling it to comply with U.S. demands regarding the strategic waterway. The president’s warning extended beyond Iran itself, targeting any nation that might help Tehran circumvent American pressure.

While Trump’s rhetoric frames the campaign as an extraordinary and necessary step, the effectiveness and global impact of such sweeping economic measures remain subject to scrutiny. The president’s use of the term “unprecedented scale” underscores the administration’s intent to apply maximum pressure, but also raises questions about the broader consequences for international trade and diplomatic relations.

Conclusion

President Trump’s latest threat marks a sharp escalation in his administration’s approach to Iran, relying on aggressive economic tactics and public warnings. As the situation develops, the real-world impact of these measures—and the accuracy of Trump’s claims about their scale and effectiveness—will be closely watched by the international community.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6040220-live-updates-donald-trump-iran-war-economy-midterms/

What to know about Dr. Heidi Overton, Trump’s pick to lead the FDA

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-19 17:40:00 — www.pbs.org

President Trump Nominates Health Policy Aide to Lead FDA Amid Controversy Over Vaccine Policy

President Trump has nominated Dr. Heidi Overton, a top White House health policy aide, to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Overton is a strong supporter of the president’s health agenda, including efforts to overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule and to separate the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into individual shots. These proposed changes have drawn sharp criticism from medical experts, who warn that such moves depart from established scientific consensus and could undermine public health.

Challenging Vaccine Consensus

Dr. Overton’s support for a “more slimmed-down and spaced-out version” of the current childhood vaccine schedule aligns with President Trump’s executive order on the issue. This approach is not widely supported among FDA experts or the broader medical community, who emphasize that the current vaccine schedule is based on decades of research and is critical to preventing outbreaks of dangerous diseases. The effort to separate the MMR vaccine into individual shots, in particular, has been criticized for lacking scientific justification and for potentially increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

FDA Leadership at a Critical Moment

Overton’s nomination comes as the FDA faces significant challenges. The agency has lost more than 3,000 employees due to administration cuts, raising concerns about its ability to carry out essential functions such as food and drug inspections and the review of new medical products. Food safety is also a growing concern, with recent data showing about 10,500 cases of foodborne illness outbreaks this year—seven times higher than the annual average in recent years.

Overton’s background as a physician and public health expert is notable, but she is primarily known for her political work as a top policy aide to President Trump. Her close relationship with the president and her involvement in shaping controversial health policies are likely to be key topics during her Senate confirmation process.

Conclusion

President Trump’s decision to nominate Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA signals a continued push to reshape longstanding vaccine policy, despite strong opposition from medical experts. As the FDA grapples with staffing shortages and rising public health challenges, Overton’s nomination highlights the administration’s willingness to challenge scientific consensus in pursuit of its health agenda. The outcome of her confirmation process will have significant implications for the future direction of the FDA and the nation’s public health policies.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-to-know-about-dr-heidi-overton-trumps-pick-to-lead-the-fda

Trump’s Order to Cut Military Exercises With South Korea Carries Risks, Experts Say

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-20 04:04:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Scales Back U.S.-South Korea Military Drills, Echoes North Korean Talking Points

On President Trump’s orders, the Pentagon has significantly curtailed this year’s joint military exercises with South Korea, scaling back key live-fire components of the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills. The move comes as current and former military officials warn that such reductions are likely to undercut U.S. military readiness in the region, especially at a time when American allies are questioning the administration’s commitment to longstanding partnerships and countering China.

Trump’s decision to reduce the scope of the exercises appears aimed at appeasing North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, who has long condemned the drills as provocative. In a recent social media post, Trump echoed North Korea’s stance, claiming that the country under Kim had been “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency. This position stands in stark contrast to the reality on the ground: North Korea conducted two ballistic missile tests off its east coast this month and has vowed to respond to perceived threats with increased deterrence.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which typically involve 17,000 or more U.S. troops and 50,000 South Korean troops, are designed to ensure the allies’ readiness to repel a North Korean attack. This year, about 18,000 South Korean troops were set to participate, but the Pentagon has not disclosed the number of American troops involved. While both countries maintain that the exercises are defensive, Trump’s alignment with North Korean rhetoric raises concerns among military experts.

This is not the first time Trump has disrupted these critical drills. In 2018, he abruptly canceled the exercises without notifying his own defense secretary, Jim Mattis, in an effort to give nuclear negotiations with North Korea a chance. Those talks ultimately failed, and experts warned then that repeated interruptions would erode military readiness over time.

After Trump’s latest announcement, the Pentagon declined to specify which training events would be canceled or modified. However, former commanders stressed that the most valuable aspects—testing high-level command decisions and conducting large-scale, live-fire troop maneuvers—would be affected. These elements are essential for building competence and confidence among troops, according to retired General Curtis M. Scaparrotti.

In a rambling social media post, Trump also complained that South Korea had not supported his administration in the war against Iran and exaggerated the cost of the exercises, stating, “much of these costs [are] paid for by the United States of America (as usual!).” However, the Pentagon estimated the cost at $6.9 million, with most expenses already incurred, contradicting Trump’s implication that significant savings would result from the changes.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry appeared caught off guard by Trump’s announcement but pledged to continue coordinating with the U.S. on military matters. Meanwhile, Trump has continued to tout his relationship with Kim Jong-un, posting photos of their meetings and stating, “Kim Jong Un and I get along GREAT!” He has also indicated plans to meet with Kim again, though without providing details.

Military analysts and former commanders argue that scaling back these exercises weakens deterrence and could embolden adversaries like North Korea and China. Despite Trump’s assertions and efforts to downplay the risks, experts agree that readiness and alliance cohesion are being put at risk.

In conclusion, Trump’s decision to curtail joint military exercises with South Korea aligns with North Korean demands and is based on exaggerated claims about costs and alliance support. The move has drawn criticism from military leaders who warn it will undermine U.S. preparedness and embolden adversaries, while offering little hope of achieving the diplomatic breakthroughs Trump seeks.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/20/us/politics/trumps-order-military-exercises-risks.html

Trump backed down from 50 percent tariffs on Canada. It’s not a TACO.

Donald Trump — 2026-08-19 15:41:00 — www.politico.com

Trump’s Tariff Threat Disrupts U.S.-Canada Trade Negotiations

President Trump’s latest threat to impose tariffs has sent shockwaves through more than a year of stalled trade talks between the United States and Canada. The move, as reported, has significantly impacted the ongoing negotiations, jolting both governments and raising concerns about the future of cross-border economic relations.

Tariff Threats and Their Impact

Trump’s approach to trade policy has often involved the use of tariffs as leverage in negotiations. In this instance, his latest threat has disrupted the delicate balance of discussions that had already been stalled for over a year. The announcement has heightened tensions and introduced new uncertainty into the talks, which are critical for both countries’ economies.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Record

While the excerpt does not provide a verbatim quote or specific false claim from Trump, it clearly attributes the escalation of trade tensions to his direct actions and stated position. Trump’s repeated use of tariff threats as a negotiating tactic has been widely scrutinized and fact-checked in the past, with experts noting that such measures can have far-reaching economic consequences and may not always yield the intended results.

Conclusion

Trump’s latest tariff threat has not only disrupted ongoing trade negotiations with Canada but also underscored his administration’s reliance on aggressive trade tactics. As talks remain stalled, the impact of these threats continues to be felt on both sides of the border, raising questions about the effectiveness and long-term consequences of this approach. Readers should remain attentive to further developments as the situation evolves.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/19/trump-backed-down-from-50-percent-tariffs-on-canada-its-not-a-taco-01042377

[No Title] – Post from August 20, 2026

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-19 23:29:00 — trumpstruth.org

On December 1, 2025, former President Donald Trump posted a late-night message on Truth Social, stating, “Ther [sic] are laws that effect our nation.” The post contained typographical errors, including the misspelling of “there” and the incorrect use of “effect” instead of “affect.” Trump later corrected these errors in a subsequent post, which concluded with the emphatic statement: “DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE!!!” (thedailybeast.com)

In the same post, Trump appeared to misattribute a passage to former U.S. Navy Commander Kirk Lippold, despite the passage being a statutory citation from the United States Code. This misattribution raises questions about the accuracy of Trump’s references and his attention to detail in public communications. (thedailybeast.com)

This incident is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s use of Truth Social to disseminate messages that often include typographical errors, misattributions, and aggressive rhetoric. Such posts have drawn criticism for their potential to spread misinformation and for the former president’s confrontational approach toward political opponents.

The late-night timing and the nature of these posts underscore concerns about the former president’s communication style and its impact on public discourse. Observers note that the combination of errors and inflammatory language may contribute to a polarized political environment and diminish the credibility of the messages conveyed.

In conclusion, Trump’s December 1, 2025, Truth Social post exemplifies ongoing issues related to accuracy and tone in his public statements. The presence of typographical errors, misattributions, and aggressive language highlights the need for careful scrutiny of such communications and their implications for political dialogue.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/41025

Trump talks about grass as he shows off White House renovations – video

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-19 21:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Compares Grass to Human Life in White House Remarks

During a recent media appearance at the White House, President Donald Trump offered an unusual reflection while discussing the addition of grass around the new White House helipad. “You know, grass has a life like humans have a life,” Trump said, drawing a direct comparison between the vitality of grass and that of people.

Trump’s Remark in Context

The president’s statement came as he spoke in front of the media, highlighting the landscaping changes made to the White House grounds. While the comment may appear lighthearted or poetic, it stands out as another example of Trump’s tendency to make unconventional or exaggerated statements in public settings.

Fact-Check and Analysis

Trump’s assertion that “grass has a life like humans have a life” is a figurative expression rather than a factual claim. Scientifically, grass is a living organism, but it is fundamentally different from human life in terms of biology, consciousness, and complexity. While both grass and humans are alive in the broad sense, equating the two overlooks the vast distinctions between plant and animal life.

Pattern of Exaggerations

This latest remark fits a broader pattern of President Trump making statements that blur the line between literal fact and figurative language. While not a falsehood in the traditional sense, the comparison is misleading if taken at face value and reflects Trump’s often unconventional approach to public communication.

Conclusion

President Trump’s comment about grass having “a life like humans have a life” is a vivid example of his rhetorical style, which frequently includes exaggerations and unusual analogies. While the statement is not factually accurate, it underscores the president’s penchant for drawing attention with memorable—if sometimes misleading—remarks. Readers should approach such statements with a critical eye, recognizing the difference between figurative speech and factual information.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2026/aug/19/trump-talks-grass-white-house

What the Florida and Alaska primary results mean for November

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-19 17:55:00 — www.pbs.org

President Trump Distances Himself from Defeated Endorsee Cory Mills in Florida Primary

President Trump sought to distance himself from the defeat of his endorsed candidate, Representative Cory Mills, in Florida’s Republican primary. Following Mills’ loss amid multiple investigations and allegations of abuse and profiteering—which Mills denies—Trump posted on TRUTH Social: “I told Congressman Cory Mills of Florida, a friend of mine, to get out of the race, but he wouldn’t listen.” Trump has now shifted his endorsement to the candidate who defeated Mills.

This response from Trump highlights a pattern of distancing himself from political allies after their electoral losses, despite previously offering support. The move comes as Mills faces ongoing scrutiny and will not return to Congress in January.

Trump’s public statement attempts to reframe his involvement in the race, suggesting he advised Mills to withdraw, even as he previously endorsed him. This approach reflects Trump’s broader strategy of managing political setbacks by quickly realigning his support and minimizing association with unsuccessful candidates.

As the political landscape in Florida continues to shift, Trump’s endorsements and subsequent reactions remain a focal point in Republican primary dynamics.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-the-florida-and-alaska-primary-results-mean-for-november

North Korean Official Dismisses Reduced Drills Between US and South Korea

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-19 21:22:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Claims of North Korean Outreach Contradicted by Kim Yo-jong

President Trump’s recent assertion that North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, had responded to his outreach has been directly contradicted by Kim Yo-jong, a top adviser and sister to the North Korean leader. In a statement carried by North Korean state media, Kim Yo-jong said she was “unaware” of any communication between Pyongyang and Washington, challenging Trump’s claim made on Tuesday.

Trump’s Push for Talks

Amid efforts to restart dialogue with North Korea, President Trump said he expected to meet with Kim Jong-un later this year. This statement came as the Pentagon announced it would end planned military drills with South Korea one week earlier than scheduled, following Trump’s order to reduce the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.

North Korea’s Dismissal

North Korea has long criticized the joint military drills between the United States and South Korea, labeling them as “provocative and aggressive.” Kim Yo-jong dismissed Trump’s move to scale back the exercises, stating the overture “holds no interest for us” and warning that the U.S. would not get the answer it desires if it tried to present the reduction as an act of goodwill.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Kim Yo-jong’s public denial of any recent communication with the U.S. directly refutes Trump’s claim that Kim Jong-un had responded to his outreach. This contradiction highlights a pattern in Trump’s dealings with North Korea, where his public statements about diplomatic progress have not always matched the reality acknowledged by Pyongyang.

Regional Reactions and Broader Context

U.S. allies in the region view the annual military drills as essential for preparedness and deterrence, especially amid North Korea’s ongoing weapons development and China’s territorial ambitions. Trump’s decision to reduce the drills was reportedly seen as a punitive measure against South Korea for not joining the U.S. in its conflict with Iran.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statements regarding North Korean outreach have once again been called into question by North Korean officials themselves. As tensions persist on the Korean Peninsula, the gap between Trump’s claims and the responses from Pyongyang underscores the challenges facing diplomatic efforts in the region. Readers should remain cautious about accepting at face value any claims of diplomatic breakthroughs without corroboration from all parties involved.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/19/world/asia/north-korea-trump-military-drills.html