Trump Says Reflecting Pool Will Likely Need to Be Drained

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-06-21 09:11:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Blames Vandals for Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Damage, Offers No Evidence

President Trump announced Saturday that the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, which underwent a more than $14 million overhaul, may need to be at least partially drained for “necessary repairs” due to severe problems. He attributed the rapid deterioration of the pool to vandalism, claiming “multiple individuals” had been arrested, but did not provide evidence for these assertions.

Unsubstantiated Claims of Vandalism

Trump’s announcement, made on social media, marked his most direct acknowledgment yet of the pool’s worsening condition. The water has become clouded with algae, obscuring the floor, which had recently been painted a shade he described as “American flag blue.” The paint has since begun to peel off, attracting attention for all the wrong reasons.

Among those accused of vandalism was David Carter Hearn, a 67-year-old cyclist and former Olympian, who was arrested by U.S. Park Police after reportedly touching a strip of peeling paint mixed with algae. Hearn denies any wrongdoing, stating he was merely a “curious, concerned citizen.” The administration has not released the names of any other individuals allegedly involved, despite Trump’s claim that “multiple individuals” had been arrested and that the crime could lead to “years in jail.” In a subsequent post, Trump further alleged—again without evidence—that vandals had “poured corrosive and destructive chemicals into the Pool.”

Project Scrutiny and Contract Controversy

The renovation project, one of several Trump is overseeing in Washington as the nation approaches its 250th birthday, has been criticized by engineers and experts who warned that the rushed timeline would not resolve the pool’s longstanding issues. Notably, a construction company with ties to Trump received a no-bid contract to paint the pool’s bottom.

Despite assurances from the Interior Department that agency workers had “killed the algae,” the pool remains marred by clumps of algae and large sections of missing paint. The new coating has already peeled away in several areas, exposing the original concrete basin beneath.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Statements

Trump’s repeated claims about vandalism and chemical sabotage have not been substantiated by law enforcement or other officials. The White House and Park Police have not responded to requests for comment, and no evidence has been presented to support Trump’s assertion that chemicals were poured into the pool or that multiple arrests have occurred.

Conclusion

President Trump’s response to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool’s rapid decline has been to blame unnamed vandals and allege criminal activity without providing supporting evidence. The project’s problems appear to stem from both environmental factors and questionable renovation practices, rather than the widespread vandalism Trump has described. As scrutiny of the project continues, Trump’s unsubstantiated claims highlight ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability in high-profile public works.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/20/us/politics/trump-reflecting-pool-drained.html

Trump renews threat to New York Times over Iran coverage

Administration News — 2026-06-21 21:49:00 — thehill.com

Trump Labels New York Times Reporting “Treasonous,” Threatens Legal Action Over Iran War Coverage

President Trump escalated his attacks on the New York Times on Sunday, denouncing the newspaper’s coverage of the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Trump described the Times’ reporting as “TREASONOUS” after the outlet published an article stating that not much has changed after four months of war. He further announced that the article would be added to his lawsuit against the company, continuing his pattern of targeting media organizations that publish critical coverage.

Accusations of Treason and Legal Threats

Trump’s use of the term “TREASONOUS” to characterize the Times’ reporting is a stark example of his frequent disparagement of the press. By threatening to include the article in an existing lawsuit, Trump is once again leveraging legal action as a means to challenge and potentially silence media scrutiny. This fits a broader pattern in which he has labeled critical news outlets as “corrupt” and “failing,” aiming to undermine their credibility with his supporters.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

The president’s assertion that the Times’ reporting is “TREASONOUS” is not supported by any evidence of criminal wrongdoing or betrayal of the country. In the United States, treason is a specific legal term defined in the Constitution, and criticism or unfavorable reporting does not meet this threshold. Trump’s repeated use of such charged language to describe media coverage is a distortion of both legal definitions and the role of a free press in a democracy.

Pattern of False and Disparaging Statements

This latest episode continues a documented record of Trump making false or exaggerated claims about the media. By calling the Times “corrupt and failing,” Trump repeats familiar attacks that have been fact-checked and found to be unsubstantiated. The New York Times remains one of the most widely read and influential newspapers in the country, contrary to Trump’s repeated assertions about its supposed decline.

Conclusion

President Trump’s response to the New York Times’ reporting on the U.S.-Iran conflict demonstrates his ongoing strategy of attacking the press with inflammatory language and legal threats. His characterization of critical journalism as “TREASONOUS” is both inaccurate and dangerous, undermining public trust in the media and distorting the facts. As Trump continues to target news organizations, it is essential to scrutinize his statements and hold him accountable for false and misleading claims.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5933617-trump-slams-new-york-times/

Week in politics: continued negotiations with Iran; G7 summit; Reflecting Pool issues : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-06-21 07:06:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Faces Criticism Over Iran Deal, Attacks Detractors Amid Ongoing Uncertainty

Donald Trump is under fire from both foreign policy experts and members of his own coalition for the recently signed memorandum of understanding with Iran. Critics argue that the deal fails to deliver on Trump’s original promises for the conflict, including unconditional surrender and regime change in Iran. Instead, the agreement allows Iran to retain its ballistic missile program, unfreeze some of its assets, and benefit from a $300 billion reconstruction plan—though Trump insists the U.S. will not participate in that investment, leaving it to Gulf allies.

Despite the administration’s claims, the agreement has not resolved key issues. Iran has continued to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon, undermining the deal’s intent to secure open passage. Trump’s critics within the Make America Great Again movement are particularly frustrated, as many supported him based on his pledge to avoid new foreign wars. They argue that the memorandum represents a return to the pre-war status quo, with Iran still able to disrupt global oil supplies at will.

Iran hawks in the Republican Party have also voiced dissatisfaction, comparing the deal unfavorably to the agreement reached under President Obama—a deal Trump has long attacked. The Wall Street Journal editorial page described the memorandum as “a recipe for the surrender of the strait to the dictates of Iranian foreign policy.”

In response to these criticisms, Trump has lashed out, labeling his detractors “stupid and bad people.” This pattern of attacking critics rather than addressing substantive concerns has become a hallmark of his administration’s approach to foreign policy disputes.

Trump’s decision to pursue the memorandum appears to be driven by domestic political concerns, particularly the need to lower oil and gas prices ahead of the midterm elections. While the opening of the Strait of Hormuz could bring short-term relief at the pump, the underlying geopolitical tensions remain unresolved.

As Trump returns from the G7 forum in France, where he signed the memorandum in Versailles—a location fraught with historical significance—he faces mounting challenges both abroad and at home. The symbolic peeling paint and algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool serve as a metaphor for the administration’s struggles to achieve lasting solutions on the world stage.

In summary, Trump’s handling of the Iran negotiations has drawn sharp criticism for failing to achieve stated objectives and for his combative response to dissent. The political benefits of lower gas prices may be fleeting if the broader issues with Iran remain unaddressed.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/21/nx-s1-5864237/week-in-politics-continued-negotiations-with-iran-g7-summit-reflecting-pool-issues

Trump’s Inaccurate Anecdote on ‘Right to Repair’ Cars

FactCheck.org — 2026-06-12 07:24:00 — www.factcheck.org

Trump Falsely Claims Mechanic Jailed for Seven Years for Fixing His Own Car

President Donald Trump has repeatedly cited a wildly inaccurate anecdote to support his stance on the “right to repair” debate, claiming that a man was sentenced to seven years in jail simply for fixing his own car. In remarks on June 4, Trump stated, “They gave a man seven years in jail, actually, because he fixed his own car.” He reiterated the claim the following day at a Wisconsin agriculture roundtable, asserting, “I pardoned a man last week who was sentenced to seven years in jail because he got caught fixing his car or his truck.”

However, the facts do not support Trump’s story. The case he referenced appears to be that of Troy Lake, a Wyoming diesel mechanic who was pardoned by Trump on November 7. Lake served seven months of a one-year sentence—not seven years—after pleading guilty to violating the Clean Air Act by disabling emissions monitoring systems on hundreds of commercial trucks. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Lake and his company, Elite Diesel Service Inc., orchestrated a large-scale conspiracy to tamper with emissions controls, resulting in significant illegal pollution.

Lake was not prosecuted for merely fixing his own vehicle, but for intentionally disabling federally mandated emissions equipment on at least 344 trucks, causing an estimated 1,300 tons of excess nitrogen oxides and other pollutants. The case involved multiple co-conspirators and substantial fines, and was not simply about the right to repair a personal vehicle.

Despite Trump’s claims that Democrats want to jail people for fixing their own vehicles, no such law exists. The “right to repair” debate is more nuanced, focusing on consumers’ ability to repair their own products or choose independent repair shops, particularly as modern vehicles become more reliant on proprietary software and telematics.

Trump’s repeated false statements misrepresent both the facts of the Lake case and the broader right to repair issue, exaggerating the consequences and incorrectly attributing blame to political opponents. This pattern of distortion highlights the importance of fact-checking claims made in high-profile policy debates.

Conclusion

President Trump’s anecdote about a mechanic jailed for seven years for fixing his own car is not supported by the facts. The actual case involved criminal tampering with emissions controls, not simple repairs, and the sentence was far shorter than Trump claimed. The right to repair debate remains complex, but Trump’s statements have significantly misrepresented both the law and the reality faced by consumers and mechanics.

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Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/06/trumps-inaccurate-anecdote-on-right-to-repair-cars/

Donald J. Trump: "He Won, BIG!https://justthenews.com/world/latin-america/trump-backed-candida…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-06-21 20:01:00 — trumpstruth.org

In a recent development, President Donald Trump declared that Abelardo de la Espriella, a conservative candidate in Colombia’s presidential election, “won, BIG!” This statement followed de la Espriella’s self-declaration of victory in a closely contested runoff against liberal candidate Iván Cepeda.

De la Espriella, a political newcomer and dual U.S.-Colombian citizen, secured approximately 49.7% of the vote, while Cepeda garnered 48.7%. Despite the narrow margin and the absence of an official declaration from Colombian election authorities at the time, de la Espriella announced his victory and mentioned having spoken with President Trump. He emphasized the importance of respecting the electoral results and noted international recognition of the outcome.

The U.S. State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, extended congratulations to de la Espriella, highlighting the election as a reflection of the Colombian people’s commitment to democracy. The department expressed anticipation for collaboration with the incoming administration on regional security, immigration, and economic ties.

President Trump’s enthusiastic endorsement of de la Espriella’s victory underscores his continued influence in Latin American politics. However, the premature nature of his declaration, prior to official confirmation from Colombian authorities, raises questions about the appropriateness of such statements. This incident adds to a pattern of President Trump’s assertive claims regarding electoral outcomes, both domestically and internationally.

As the situation develops, it remains crucial to monitor official channels for confirmed results and to approach such declarations with a discerning perspective.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39421

Trump news at a glance: President threatens to restart attacks on Iran even as Vance cites progress in talks | Trump administration

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-06-21 21:14:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s Threats to Iran Spark Walkout from Peace Talks, Draw Bipartisan Criticism

President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran over the weekend, issuing a series of threats that disrupted high-stakes negotiations in Switzerland and drew sharp criticism from both domestic and international observers.

Trump’s Escalating Rhetoric

On Sunday, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform, “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!” The president’s remarks appeared to reference the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militia operating in Lebanon.

In a subsequent interview with Fox News, Trump threatened to take over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had announced it was closing in response to ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. Trump went further, appearing to threaten Iranian negotiators directly: “You close it and you won’t have a country. You won’t even make it back to your fucking country.”

Fallout at the Negotiating Table

Trump’s aggressive statements prompted the Iranian delegation to walk out of the peace talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, according to Iranian state media. The talks, which had shown early signs of progress under the stewardship of Vice President JD Vance, were thrown into a “difficult phase” after what was described as the “publication of an insulting message by the US president.”

Despite the disruption, technical negotiations continued with mediation from Pakistan and Qatar. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, later praised the mediators for “delivering major progress,” though the future of the talks remains uncertain.

Bipartisan Criticism at Home

Trump’s handling of the Iran negotiations has faced mounting bipartisan criticism. Outgoing Republican senator John Cornyn highlighted concerns about rogue regimes evading US economic pressure, while senior Democrat Susan Rice called Trump’s provisional deal with Iran a “horrific surrender,” criticizing the administration for granting “so many concessions… up front.”

Pattern of Provocative Statements

The president’s combative approach was also evident in his domestic policy remarks. Following a spate of shootings in Chicago, Trump again called for military intervention in the city, questioning on Truth Social why Illinois Governor JB Pritzker had not welcomed federal deployment.

Conclusion

President Trump’s inflammatory rhetoric and threats toward Iran have not only jeopardized delicate peace negotiations but also drawn rare bipartisan rebuke at home. As technical talks continue, the impact of Trump’s statements on US-Iran relations—and his broader approach to foreign and domestic crises—remains under intense scrutiny.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/22/trump-administration-latest-updates-today

Trump deepens the dustup with Italy’s Meloni, who says his ‘unprovoked attacks are senseless’

PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-20 11:27:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Escalates Dispute with Italy’s Meloni, Makes Disputed Claims About G7 and Iran War

President Donald Trump intensified his public feud with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni over the weekend, making a series of contentious claims about their interactions at the recent Group of Seven (G7) summit and Italy’s stance during the Iran war.

Trump’s Claims and Meloni’s Response

On his social media platform, Trump wrote, “Italian Prime Minister Gigiorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France.” He also criticized Meloni’s popularity in Italy, suggesting it was suffering “possibly because she turned down the United States of America… when it came to denying Iran from obtaining or developing a Nuclear Weapon (But so did NATO, for that matter!).” Trump initially misspelled Meloni’s first name in his post, later correcting it.

These remarks follow Trump’s earlier interview with an Italian broadcaster, where he claimed Meloni “begged” for a photo at the G7 meeting. Meloni has publicly called Trump’s account “completely fabricated,” and her government has rallied to her defense. The dispute escalated to the point that Italy’s foreign minister canceled a planned trip to the United States.

Meloni responded directly to Trump, calling his attacks “senseless” and stating, “As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy’s national interest, and that is exactly what I have always done.” She further asserted, “my popularity is none of your concern. I suggest you focus on yours.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Statements

Trump’s claim that Meloni repeatedly asked for a photo has been directly refuted by Meloni, who labeled the story as “completely fabricated.” There is no evidence provided in the excerpt to support Trump’s version of events, while Meloni’s forceful denial and the Italian government’s reaction suggest the claim is false.

Trump also criticized Italy for not allowing the U.S. to use Italian bases during the Iran war, a decision that was in line with Italy’s constitutional constraints and strong domestic opposition. Meloni has maintained that any use of Italian bases for offensive operations would require parliamentary approval, a position consistent with Italian law and not a personal rebuff to Trump or the United States.

Ongoing Tensions with Europe

The spat with Meloni is the latest in a series of tensions between Trump and European leaders, stemming from disagreements over trade, military cooperation, and Trump’s foreign policy decisions. While Trump struck a more conciliatory tone with other European leaders at the G7, his public frustration with Meloni underscores ongoing divisions.

Conclusion

Trump’s recent statements about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the G7 summit have been met with strong denials and pushback from Meloni and her government. His claims about her seeking a photo and about Italy’s cooperation during the Iran war are not supported by the facts presented in the excerpt. The episode highlights Trump’s continued willingness to make disputed or exaggerated claims about international partners, fueling diplomatic rifts and drawing public rebuttals from foreign leaders.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-deepens-the-dustup-with-italys-meloni-who-says-his-unprovoked-attacks-are-senseless

Fact-checking Seth Moulton and John Deaton in Massachusetts U.S. Senate debate

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-06-16 21:51:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump’s Offshore Wind Farm Block: Fact-Checking the Massachusetts Senate Debate

A rare pre-primary Senate debate in Massachusetts on June 16 featured heated exchanges over immigration, energy, and President Donald Trump’s policies. While Trump was not present, his actions as president were a central focus—especially regarding energy policy.

Trump’s Attempt to Halt Offshore Wind Projects

During the debate, Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton criticized Trump’s handling of renewable energy, stating, “We had an environmentally-friendly, good plan to do environmentally-approved wind power, and what has Trump done? Yanked it away from us.” This claim is grounded in Trump’s direct actions as president.

On his first day back in office in 2025, Trump signed an executive order temporarily suspending offshore wind leasing on the Outer Continental Shelf. The administration later paused leases for five offshore wind projects, including the high-profile Vineyard Wind project in Massachusetts, citing national security concerns. These moves effectively halted progress on these clean energy initiatives, despite their prior environmental approvals.

Legal Setbacks and Project Completion

However, the Trump administration’s efforts to block offshore wind projects faced significant legal challenges. In December 2025, a federal judge blocked Trump’s suspension of offshore wind leasing. Although the administration initially appealed, it dropped the appeal in June. By February, the courts allowed the affected companies to resume operations, and the Vineyard Wind project finished construction in March.

Conclusion

The Massachusetts Senate debate highlighted how Trump’s policies directly impacted the state’s renewable energy future. While Trump’s executive actions did temporarily halt offshore wind projects, legal intervention ultimately allowed these projects to proceed. The episode underscores the ongoing tension between federal energy policy and state-level clean energy ambitions, with Trump’s record on the issue remaining a focal point in the campaign.

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Source: https://www.politifact.com/article/2026/jun/17/moulton-deaton-massachusetts-debate-senate-markey/

Trump threatens to ‘hit Iran very hard again’ while Vance in Switzerland for talks : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-06-21 12:29:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Threatens Escalation Against Iran Amid Fragile Middle East Talks

President Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening further military action if Iran does not rein in its allies in Lebanon. In a social media post on Sunday, Trump wrote, “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!” This threat comes as Vice President Vance attended high-level negotiations with Iranian officials and other international mediators in Switzerland, aimed at advancing a deal to end the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Tensions Rise as Negotiations Falter

Trump’s aggressive posture comes at a critical moment for the region. The talks in Switzerland, which include representatives from Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, and the International Atomic Energy Agency, are focused on a memorandum of understanding signed by the U.S. and Iran last week. However, the agreement is already under strain. Iran announced on Saturday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group. While Iran claims the closure is a response to U.S. failure to restrain Israel, U.S. Central Command has stated that shipping through the strait is proceeding normally.

Escalating Rhetoric and Regional Instability

Trump’s latest threat underscores the volatility of the situation. His characterization of Hezbollah as “highly paid PROXIES” of Iran and his vow to strike “very hard again” if Iran does not act, further inflame tensions at a time when negotiators are struggling to maintain a fragile ceasefire. The excerpt does not provide evidence for Trump’s claim about Iran’s proxies, nor does it address the complexities of the conflict on the ground, where at least 16 people, including civilians, were killed by Israeli strikes on Saturday.

Conclusion

President Trump’s public threats against Iran risk undermining delicate diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. As talks continue in Switzerland, the situation remains precarious, with both sides trading accusations and military posturing threatening to derail any progress toward peace. Trump’s rhetoric, as reported, adds to the uncertainty and highlights the challenges facing negotiators seeking a lasting resolution.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/21/g-s1-129222/us-iran-deal-lebanon-israel-strait-hormuz-jd-vance

Trump Makes Unsupported Claims About Drug Flows

FactCheck.org — 2026-06-15 16:40:00 — www.factcheck.org

Trump’s Claims of 97% Reduction in Drug Flow by Sea Not Supported by Federal Data

President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that his administration has “cut” by 97% “the flow” of illegal drugs entering the U.S. “by water, by ocean and sea.” However, available federal data do not support this claim, and drug policy experts say it is not possible to verify such a dramatic reduction.

Trump’s Claims

Trump has made the 97% reduction claim more than a dozen times since late December, including in public remarks and interviews. On May 22 in New York, he stated, “We cut the flow of fentanyl across our border by 59%, which is unheard of. And we cut the flow of fentanyl and drugs into our country by the ocean and the sea, in other words, coming in by water, by ocean and sea by 97%.” He repeated a similar claim in a May 28 Fox News interview, saying, “We have drugs down 97%. Fentanyl and various drugs down 97% on drugs coming in by water.”

No Comprehensive Data

Experts and federal data contradict Trump’s statements. There is no comprehensive data on the total amount of drugs trafficked into the U.S., including undetected shipments. Katharine Harris, a fellow in drug policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, explained, “We do not know the true amount of drugs coming into the country because we don’t know the amount that comes in undetected.” She emphasized that the amount of drugs “seized” is not equivalent to the total drug “flow.”

Cherry-Picked Numbers

Trump’s administration has based its claims on a selective comparison of drug seizure data. For example, officials pointed to a 98% drop in the amount of drugs seized by Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations from July to November 2025. However, July saw an unusual spike in seizures, mostly marijuana, making the decline appear far more dramatic than the broader trend. Harris noted that “picking a different month” would have shown a much smaller decline and that it is more informative to look at trends over at least a 12-month period.

Actual Seizure Trends

Looking at a longer period, the data show an increase in drug seizures under Trump. In the first full 15 months of Trump’s second term, 547,603 pounds of drugs were seized by CBP’s Air and Marine Operations—an 81% increase from the 302,548 pounds seized in the last full 15 months under Biden. Even excluding the July 2025 spike, the amount seized under Trump was still almost 7% higher than under Biden.

If increased seizures indicate more drugs entering the country undetected—as some Republicans have argued—this trend is the opposite of what Trump claims.

Other Factors and Agencies

The U.S. Coast Guard, not CBP, is the lead federal maritime law enforcement agency for drug interdiction by sea. In fiscal year 2025, the Coast Guard seized a record of almost 510,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean—more than three times its annual average. Despite these efforts, cocaine remains widely available in the U.S., as traffickers adapt their methods.

Conclusion

Trump’s repeated claims that his administration has nearly eliminated drug smuggling by sea are not supported by federal data or drug policy experts. The data show no evidence of a 97% reduction, and in fact, more drugs were seized in his first 15 months back in office compared to the previous administration. Experts emphasize that seizure data alone cannot substantiate claims about the true flow of drugs into the country.

Source article

Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/06/trump-makes-unsupported-claims-about-drug-flows/