For Belgium's Beltway fans, a rout was the best revenge

Politics — 2026-07-10 15:41:00 — www.politico.com

President Donald Trump claimed full credit after FIFA lifted the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the United States’ Round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium, a move that sparked controversy both on and off the field.

## Trump Takes Credit Amid FIFA Controversy

As reported, the White House lobbied hard for Balogun’s eligibility, and Trump was quick to assert that the reversal was due to his administration’s efforts. This claim drew immediate backlash from Belgian sports authorities and fans, who argued that FIFA’s decision was politically motivated and suggested the organization had bowed to Trump’s influence.

## Belgian Response and Fallout

The Royal Belgian Football Association formally challenged FIFA’s reversal, and many Belgian fans criticized the move as unfair. Despite the controversy, Belgium dominated the match, never trailing the U.S., leading some to downplay the impact of Balogun’s participation.

## Ongoing Scrutiny

While some fans have moved on, the issue remains contentious in Brussels. Seventy-two members of the European Parliament have called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino, specifically probing whether his relationship with Trump influenced the decision to overturn Balogun’s suspension.

## Conclusion

Trump’s decision to take credit for FIFA’s controversial ruling has fueled accusations of political interference in international sports. The ongoing investigation in Europe underscores the broader implications of such claims and the persistent scrutiny surrounding Trump’s role in the episode. The episode highlights the intersection of politics and sports, and the lasting impact of presidential involvement in high-profile international events.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/10/world-cup-2026/belgiums-beltway-buffs-beyond-balogun-00993584

Bipartisan housing bill becomes law after Trump's signature snub

Administration News — 2026-07-11 07:59:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Attempts to Stall Bipartisan Housing Bill Over Voter ID Dispute

President Trump sought to delay the passage of a major bipartisan housing bill in protest of the Senate’s refusal to advance his voter ID legislation, according to the latest developments reported in the
A bipartisan housing bill automatically became law early Saturday without President Trump’s signature, after Trump sought to stall it in protest of the Senate’s failure to pass his voter ID legislation. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, is a comprehensive measure aimed to address housing affordability by increasing the supply of homes and lowering….

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law early Saturday without President Trump’s signature. The president’s decision to withhold his signature was a direct response to the Senate’s failure to pass his proposed voter ID requirements. This move highlights Trump’s willingness to use unrelated legislation as leverage to advance his policy priorities.

Trump’s attempt to stall the housing bill underscores a pattern of tying unrelated issues together, a tactic that has drawn criticism for potentially undermining bipartisan efforts to address critical challenges such as housing affordability. The bill itself is designed to increase the supply of homes and lower housing costs, a priority for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

By refusing to sign the bill and linking his action to the Senate’s inaction on voter ID, Trump has again demonstrated his readiness to inject partisan disputes into the legislative process. This episode adds to a record of controversial interventions and public stances that have frequently drawn scrutiny and fact-checking.

In conclusion, President Trump’s protest against the Senate’s handling of voter ID legislation by attempting to stall a widely supported housing bill illustrates his ongoing strategy of leveraging unrelated policy battles to pursue his agenda. As the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becomes law without his endorsement, the episode serves as another example of Trump’s combative approach to governance and legislative negotiation.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5963773-bipartisan-housing-bill-now-law-donald-trump-signature-snub/

Week in Politics: Trump's housing bill protest fails; Trump and NATO; Maine's Democrats

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-11 06:43:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Blocks Housing Bill in Protest Over Voting Restrictions

President Trump refused to sign a housing bill, now law, in protest over Congress not passing new restrictions on voting. This move highlights the president’s ongoing efforts to tie unrelated legislative priorities to his push for tighter voting laws.

According to the report, Trump’s decision to withhold his signature was not based on the contents of the housing bill itself, but rather as a form of protest aimed at pressuring lawmakers to adopt new voting restrictions. This action underscores Trump’s continued focus on voting regulations, a topic he has repeatedly raised and often misrepresented in public statements.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Position

Trump’s refusal to sign the housing bill demonstrates his willingness to use his presidential powers to advance his agenda on voting laws. While the excerpt does not include a direct quote, it clearly attributes the president’s opposition to the lack of new voting restrictions in the legislation. This aligns with Trump’s broader pattern of making exaggerated or misleading claims about election integrity and pushing for stricter voting measures, despite a lack of evidence supporting widespread voter fraud.

Conclusion

President Trump’s protest against the housing bill, now law, over the absence of new voting restrictions, illustrates his ongoing campaign to influence voting legislation. This episode is part of a larger pattern in which Trump has used his position to promote unfounded concerns about election security, often at the expense of unrelated policy priorities. Readers should be aware of the factual context behind Trump’s actions and statements as debates over voting rights continue.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/11/nx-s1-5888579/week-in-politics-trumps-housing-bill-protest-fails-trump-and-nato-maines-democrats

Donald J. Trump: “RT @realDonaldTrump1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Isla…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-10 23:07:00 — trumpstruth.org

President Trump Threatens Massive Military Response Against Iran

President Donald J. Trump issued a stark warning regarding potential threats from the Iranian government, stating, “1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded and aimed at the Islamic Republic of Iran, with thousands of more to immediately follow, should the Iranian Government act on its threat, pronounced in many corners of the Globe, to assassinate, or attempt to assassinate, the sitting President of the United States of America, in this case, ME! Orders have already been given, and the U.S. Military is ready, willing, and able, for a one year period of time, subject to extension, to completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran – PRAISE BE TO ALLAH! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Extraordinary Claims and Rhetoric

Trump’s statement includes several extraordinary claims and a highly aggressive posture. He asserts that the U.S. military is prepared to launch a massive missile strike against Iran, with “orders already been given” for a potential campaign lasting up to a year, subject to extension. The language used—particularly the threat to “completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran”—marks a significant escalation in rhetoric.

Fact-Checking the Claims

The assertion that “1000 Missiles are Locked and Loaded” and that the U.S. military is prepared to “completely decimate and destroy all areas of Iran” is an extreme statement. While the U.S. military maintains significant capabilities, the claim of total destruction of “all areas of Iran” is an exaggeration. Such a military operation would have catastrophic humanitarian, geopolitical, and legal consequences, and would almost certainly face resistance from military advisors, Congress, and international allies.

Additionally, the statement that “orders have already been given” suggests a level of military readiness and authorization that would typically require extensive legal and procedural steps, including consultation with Congress under the War Powers Resolution.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statement represents a dramatic escalation in threats against Iran, marked by hyperbolic language and sweeping claims about U.S. military readiness and intent. While the U.S. maintains significant military capabilities, the suggestion of immediate, total destruction of Iran is not grounded in the realities of military policy or international law. This episode highlights the importance of scrutinizing presidential statements for accuracy and proportionality, especially when they concern matters of war and peace.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39941

Mitch McConnell mystery deepens as health questions remain unanswered | Mitch McConnell

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-11 04:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Offers No Insight on Senator McConnell’s Health Amid Growing Speculation

As questions swirl around the health of Senator Mitch McConnell, Donald Trump has publicly stated, “I have no idea how he’s doing,” when asked about the Senate Republican leader’s condition aboard Air Force One. This brief remark comes as McConnell, 84, remains absent from public view nearly a month after being hospitalized in the Washington area on June 14.

The lack of information from McConnell’s office has fueled widespread speculation and concern, particularly as Congress prepares to return from recess for a critical legislative session. Emergency dispatch audio and video footage have only intensified rumors, but official updates remain sparse, with staff insisting McConnell is “continuing to improve” and engaged with Senate business.

Trump’s comment stands in contrast to senior Republican colleagues who have attempted to reassure the public, describing McConnell as alert and involved in current events. However, Trump’s professed lack of knowledge adds to the uncertainty, as the Senate faces potential gridlock over defense spending and government funding bills in McConnell’s absence.

The situation has prompted Kentucky’s Democratic governor to call for greater transparency, and political observers warn that the ongoing mystery undermines public trust. With no constitutional remedy for prolonged incapacity and new state laws complicating succession, the stakes for both the Senate and the nation remain high.

Trump’s response—offering no information or reassurance—highlights the vacuum of leadership and communication at a time when clarity is most needed. As speculation continues, the public is left waiting for answers from both McConnell’s office and national leaders.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/11/mitch-mcconnell-senator-health

Times Journalists Subpoenaed as Trump Escalates Pressure on Media

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-10 23:10:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Escalates Attacks on Press, Targets New York Times Journalists with Subpoenas

President Trump has intensified his campaign against independent news organizations, with his administration issuing subpoenas to several New York Times journalists following the paper’s reporting on security concerns involving Trump’s new Qatari-donated Air Force One. The subpoenas, which demand that reporters testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan, represent a significant escalation in Trump’s efforts to threaten and intimidate the press.

The subpoenas, delivered in some cases by federal agents at reporters’ homes, contain few specifics and only request testimony “in regard to an alleged violation of federal criminal law.” The move comes after The Times published articles detailing that Trump had departed Turkey on the old Air Force One as a security precaution and that the new Qatari-donated aircraft lacked advanced security features, including antimissile capabilities.

Trump’s administration has a well-documented history of attacking the media. In his second term, Trump has used the federal government’s powers more aggressively to target journalists, including attempts earlier this year by the Justice Department to compel testimony from reporters at The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Those subpoenas were later withdrawn after legal challenges.

The president has also taken legal action against The Times, suing the outlet last year for defamation and accusing it of seeking to undermine his 2024 candidacy. The Times, in turn, has filed lawsuits against the Trump administration, including actions against the Defense Department for restricting press access and a counterclaim against the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, alleging retaliation for its coverage of Trump’s presidency.

Trump’s posture toward the press has been consistently antagonistic, with the administration’s actions raising alarms among First Amendment advocates who warn that such measures can chill investigative reporting and undermine the public’s right to know how their government operates.

Conclusion

President Trump’s ongoing efforts to intimidate journalists and restrict press freedom mark a troubling chapter in the relationship between the White House and the media. His administration’s use of subpoenas and lawsuits against news organizations highlights a pattern of hostility toward independent reporting and transparency, raising serious concerns about the future of press freedom in the United States.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/11/business/media/new-york-times-trump-subpoenas.html

Rosie O'Donnell reacts to Trump AI video of her: 'He's obsessed with me'

Administration News — 2026-07-10 21:16:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Shares AI Video Mocking Celebrities, Targets Rosie O’Donnell

President Trump recently shared an AI-generated video on his Truth Social account, portraying himself as a doctor treating celebrities for what he called “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” In the video, Trump appears dressed in a white lab coat and stethoscope, claiming to diagnose and treat well-known figures, including Rosie O’Donnell.

The video, posted earlier this month, has drawn attention for its mocking tone and direct targeting of public personalities. Rosie O’Donnell responded on Friday, dismissing the video as evidence that Trump is “obsessed” with her.

Trump’s use of the term “Trump Derangement Syndrome” is part of a pattern in which he disparages critics and opponents by suggesting they are irrationally fixated on him. The AI-generated video continues this trend, using humor and digital manipulation to belittle those he views as adversaries.

This incident highlights Trump’s ongoing strategy of attacking individuals who have publicly criticized him, often through social media and digital content. The president’s willingness to use AI-generated media to amplify his message marks a new chapter in his approach to public discourse.

In summary, President Trump’s latest video exemplifies his continued reliance on ridicule and personal attacks against critics, reinforcing his combative style and willingness to use emerging technologies to further his message.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5963642-rosie-odonnell-reacts-to-trump-ai-video-of-her-hes-obsessed-with-me/

Do scandals still matter in politics? : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-10 15:24:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Sympathizes with Embattled Democrat, Casts Doubt on Sexual Assault Allegations

This week, as political scandals dominated headlines, Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy surrounding Democrat Graham Platner, who ended his Senate campaign in Maine after a rape allegation became public. When asked about Platner’s situation, Trump responded, “And it’s really a question of whether or not you believe the woman. A lot of people say big falsehoods. It’s—he’s in a bind.” Trump’s remarks, delivered aboard Air Force One, reflected a sympathetic stance toward Platner and cast doubt on the credibility of the woman making the allegation.

A Pattern of Dismissing Allegations

Trump’s comments are notable for their alignment with his broader approach to scandal. Rather than distancing himself or remaining silent, Trump framed the situation as a matter of personal belief, suggesting that falsehoods are common in such cases. This echoes his own history of dismissing or minimizing allegations of sexual misconduct, including the recent civil jury finding that he sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll, for which he was ordered to pay $5.8 million.

Shifting Standards in Political Scandal

The NPR discussion highlighted how Trump’s approach—questioning accusers and expressing skepticism about their claims—has become emblematic of a new era in American politics. While scandals involving personal behavior once ended political careers, Trump’s survival and continued support among Republican voters have shifted expectations. His infamous assertion that he could “stand on Fifth Avenue and shoot someone” without losing voters, and his past boasts about grabbing women, have not derailed his political ambitions.

Conclusion: A New Playbook for Scandal Response

Trump’s reaction to the Platner case underscores a broader trend: politicians increasingly use scandal as an opportunity to rally their base and question the motives of accusers, rather than showing contrition or stepping aside. By casting doubt on allegations and expressing sympathy for those accused, Trump continues to reshape the boundaries of political accountability—and the public’s expectations for how leaders respond to serious accusations.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/10/nx-s1-5853142/do-scandals-still-matter-in-politics

Trump-appointed judge dismisses seditious conspiracy case against Proud Boys | US Capitol attack

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-10 20:58:00 — www.theguardian.com

Judge Cites Trump’s Desire to Excuse Capitol Attackers in Dismissal of Proud Boys Seditious Conspiracy Charges

A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump has acknowledged that the recent dismissal of seditious conspiracy charges against Proud Boys leaders was driven by Trump’s well-known intention to excuse the violence of his supporters during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

Trump’s Position Shapes Legal Outcome

US District Judge Timothy Kelly, in a detailed memorandum, made clear that the Department of Justice’s request to dismiss the prosecutions was motivated not by legal or factual considerations, but by Trump’s desire to extend clemency to those convicted for their roles in the Capitol attack. Kelly wrote, “President Trump’s views about the prosecution of those who attacked the US Capitol on January 6 – whether those views are based on fact or fiction – are well known, as is his intention to extend clemency to them.”

Clemency for Capitol Attackers

Upon returning to office in 2025, Trump commuted the sentences of Proud Boys leaders Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Zachary Rehl, who had been convicted of seditious conspiracy and other serious crimes, as well as Dominic Pezzola, who was convicted of assaulting an officer and breaking a Capitol window to allow rioters inside. Trump’s sweeping clemency order covered about 1,500 individuals charged or convicted for participating in the Capitol attack, though their convictions technically remained in place.

Judge’s Reluctant Approval

Judge Kelly noted that the government’s motion to dismiss the charges came after an appeals court vacated the convictions, leaving him with little practical choice. However, he emphasized that the dismissal was “clearly based not on facts or the law, but on Trump’s desire to excuse the violence of his supporters.” Kelly observed, “[T]here is little mystery about why the Government is moving to dismiss this case, or whether dismissal is in fact what the Executive seeks.”

A Stark Warning

In his filing, Kelly reiterated the gravity of the January 6 attack, calling it “a perilous event” and “an attack on people, including police officers, many of whom were injured,” as well as “an attack on a coordinate branch of government – Congress.” He warned that preserving the nation’s constitutional framework requires collective action, regardless of partisan preference.

Conclusion

This case highlights how Trump’s personal views and intentions have directly influenced the legal outcomes for those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. Judge Kelly’s memorandum underscores the unprecedented nature of this intervention and its implications for accountability and the rule of law in the United States.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/10/proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy-case-dismissed

Why the Olympics won’t have a Balogate

Politics — 2026-07-10 17:15:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Claims Sole Credit for Olympics and World Cup as White House Intervention in Global Sports Raises Eyebrows

President Donald Trump has once again placed himself at the center of the world’s biggest sporting events, asserting, “The beautiful thing about what I did is I ran [for president again]. I never thought of it, and then all of a sudden I realized, you know, I just got the Olympics, and I totally got that myself, and I just got FIFA. I got that myself.”

This bold claim comes as Trump’s direct involvement in international sports governance has drawn renewed scrutiny. His recent call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging a review of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s red card, has thrust the intersection of politics and global sport into the spotlight. Trump’s interventionist approach stands in stark contrast to the more measured stance adopted by Olympic officials as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s assertion that he alone secured the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup for the United States exaggerates the reality. The decisions to award these events to the U.S. were the result of years-long bids and collaborative efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including local organizing committees, city officials, and international sports bodies. While Trump’s administration supported these bids, the notion that he “totally got that myself” is not supported by the facts.

White House and FIFA: A Close Relationship

Trump’s involvement with FIFA has been unusually close, with Infantino frequently appearing at Trump’s side and even creating FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize to award to the president. This level of public praise and engagement is a sharp contrast to the approach taken by Olympic organizers, who have kept more distance from the White House.

Olympic Officials Chart a Different Course

Unlike FIFA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the LA28 organizing committee have maintained a more independent posture. IOC President Kirsty Coventry has not appeared publicly alongside Trump, and LA28 chair Casey Wasserman has managed the relationship with the White House in a low-profile manner. Behind the scenes, however, cooperation continues, including logistical planning and visa facilitation for Olympic athletes and staff.

Conclusion

President Trump’s repeated efforts to claim sole credit for bringing the Olympics and World Cup to the United States misrepresent the collaborative nature of these achievements. His interventionist tactics and public statements continue to blur the lines between politics and global sport, raising important questions about the future of international sporting events under an administration eager to take center stage. As the world looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, the dynamics between sports organizations and the White House will remain under close watch.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/10/world-cup-2026/no-olympic-peace-prize-ioc-fifa-balogate-00993493