Donald J. Trump: “It is my Great Honor to endorse Congressman Mike Kennedy, M.D., to represent…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-06-22 12:16:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Endorses Mike Kennedy, Repeats Familiar Claims in Utah Congressional Race

Donald Trump has issued a public endorsement for Congressman Mike Kennedy, M.D., in Utah’s 4th Congressional District, highlighting Kennedy’s background as a physician, lawyer, and legislator. In his statement, Trump praised Kennedy as “A Proven Leader” and asserted that Kennedy is “fighting tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s endorsement includes several recurring themes and claims that have been central to his political messaging. Among them:

• “Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE”: Trump has frequently touted the idea of “energy dominance,” a term he popularized during his administration. However, the U.S. was already a leading global energy producer prior to his presidency, and experts have noted that market forces, not just executive policy, drive energy production levels.
• “Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime”: Trump’s statements often link border security to crime, but multiple studies have shown that immigrants, including undocumented immigrants, are not more likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. The claim that migrant crime is a major national threat is not supported by available data.
• “Protect our always under siege Second Amendment”: Trump frequently claims that the Second Amendment is “under siege.” While debates over gun control continue in Congress, there has been no repeal or suspension of Second Amendment rights.

Exaggerations and Political Messaging

Trump’s endorsement also includes broad, unsubstantiated assertions about Kennedy’s impact, such as “he will not let you down!” and references to “our always under siege Second Amendment.” These phrases echo Trump’s pattern of using hyperbolic language to energize supporters and frame political opponents as threats to core American values.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s endorsement of Mike Kennedy for Utah’s 4th Congressional District is marked by familiar rhetoric and claims that have been repeatedly scrutinized by fact-checkers. While Trump’s support may energize Republican primary voters, many of the assertions in his statement reflect ongoing exaggerations and misleading characterizations about the economy, immigration, and constitutional rights. As Utah voters head to the polls on June 23, they will weigh these claims alongside the broader record of both Trump and Kennedy.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39432

Congressional Democrats Warn Pulte Against Mass Firings

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-06-22 10:35:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump’s Appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Intelligence Chief Sparks Bipartisan Alarm

President Trump has installed Bill Pulte as the acting director of national intelligence, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers. Trump has stated that Pulte is expected to work on election security matters, a declaration that has prompted concerns among officials that he could attempt to influence the upcoming midterm elections.

Concerns Over Political Loyalty and Lack of Experience

Pulte’s appointment has been controversial, with many in Congress—across party lines—arguing that Trump has elevated a political loyalist who lacks relevant intelligence experience. During his previous role as director of federal housing programs, Pulte reportedly used his position to collect information about Trump’s political adversaries, further fueling worries about the politicization of the intelligence community.

Potential for Retaliatory Actions and Declassification Risks

Democratic lawmakers have warned that Pulte’s record demonstrates a willingness to misuse his authority to pursue Trump’s perceived political enemies and advance a retributive political agenda. Lawmakers have urged Pulte to preserve all federal records and refrain from making significant decisions that should be left to a permanent, Senate-confirmed director—a request they believe he is unlikely to honor.

Trump’s expectation that Pulte will oversee election security and potentially declassify documents related to issues that have preoccupied the president, such as the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, has heightened fears. Officials worry that declassification could be weaponized for partisan purposes or compromise sensitive intelligence sources and methods.

Congressional Oversight and Uncertainty Ahead

The Senate had planned to fast-track the confirmation of Jay Clayton as permanent director, but Trump’s decision to delay the nomination allowed Pulte to assume the acting role. Pulte is expected to serve at least until Congress’s August recess, though this timeline remains uncertain.

Conclusion

President Trump’s decision to appoint Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, along with his stated intentions for Pulte’s role, has raised significant bipartisan concerns about the integrity and independence of the intelligence community. Lawmakers continue to urge caution, emphasizing the need for established procedures and nonpartisan stewardship in matters of national security and intelligence.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/22/us/politics/bill-pulte-firings-national-intelligence.html

Trump unveils the new Air Force One, a converted Qatari jet

Donald Trump — 2026-06-19 16:36:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Boasts U.S. Airports Surpass All Others, But Claim Lacks Evidence

President Trump declared, “Now, when we land at airports in London and in Germany and different places, nobody tops this one, and that’s the way we have to have it for our country.” This statement, made in the context of discussing U.S. infrastructure, is the latest in a series of sweeping claims about American superiority.

Fact-Checking the Claim

Trump’s assertion that “nobody tops this one” when comparing U.S. airports to those in London, Germany, and elsewhere is not supported by international rankings or travel industry assessments. In fact, global surveys and rankings of airport quality, such as those by Skytrax, have consistently placed airports in cities like Singapore, London, and Munich above major U.S. airports. No major U.S. airport has topped these lists in recent years.

Pattern of Exaggeration

This remark fits a broader pattern in which Trump has made bold, unsubstantiated statements about American infrastructure and global standing. While aiming to inspire national pride, these exaggerations often do not align with independent evaluations or available data.

Conclusion

President Trump’s claim that U.S. airports are unmatched worldwide is not borne out by international rankings or expert assessments. This episode highlights his tendency to make grand statements that do not withstand factual scrutiny, underscoring the importance of verifying official claims with objective data.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/19/trump-unveils-the-new-air-force-one-a-converted-qatari-jet-00969056

What PolitiFact learned from looking at presidential falsehoods throughout U.S. history

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-06-22 07:20:00 — www.politifact.com

Donald Trump’s Falsehoods Set Him Apart from Other Presidents, Historians Say

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, a review of presidential falsehoods highlights Donald Trump’s record as fundamentally different from his predecessors. According to historians and political scientists cited in a recent analysis, Trump’s approach to truth-telling is not just a matter of quantity but of kind.

Historian James Pfiffner, who has studied presidential deception, argues that Trump’s falsehoods are so numerous and varied that comparing him to previous presidents is “almost beside the point.” Pfiffner states, “Donald Trump has lied in so many ways that the comparison with previous presidents is almost beside the point. Trump’s falsehoods are not merely different in volume. They are different in kind.” This assessment places Trump in a unique category, distinct from other presidents who have also been caught making misleading or inaccurate statements.

The analysis notes that while past presidents have sometimes tried to equivocate or justify their false statements, Trump’s record stands out for the sheer scale and impact of his misleading rhetoric. Experts warn that this pattern of behavior corrodes political discourse and undermines the foundation of democracy, which relies on a common set of understood facts.

The cumulative effect of Trump’s falsehoods, according to political scientists, has contributed to a broader erosion of public trust in government. As John J. Pitney, a professor at Claremont McKenna College, observes, “Foreign wars and domestic scandals have eroded trust. Presidents can no longer count on Americans to believe them.”

In conclusion, the evidence presented by historians and fact-checkers underscores that Trump’s approach to the truth is unprecedented among American presidents. His record of falsehoods is seen as a significant factor in the declining trust between the American public and its leaders, raising important questions about the standards to which presidents should be held.

Source article

Source: https://www.politifact.com/article/2026/jun/22/america-250-presidential-falsehoods-lies/

Trump Exaggerates Previous Spending on Reflecting Pool

FactCheck.org — 2026-06-11 12:30:00 — www.factcheck.org

Trump’s Claims on Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Repairs Exaggerate Costs, Distort Record

Donald Trump has repeatedly made misleading statements about the cost and condition of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, exaggerating the spending by previous administrations and misrepresenting the scope of recent repairs.

Trump’s Claims

In late May, Trump claimed that “the Biden administration and the Obama administration spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to get it to work, and they failed,” adding that his own administration was spending “$10 million, maybe, $12 million” on repairs. During a May 27 Cabinet meeting, he further asserted, “It’s embarrassing. It was filthy, dirty. It was Biden. And they spent, between the two of them, they spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to fix this thing. Now, when Biden — when Obama did it, he spent way over $100 million.”

Trump also described the current work as including sandblasting and painting the pool blue, saying, “We made the surface as good as it can be and we’re now covering it with the most beautiful blue, very thick. You think of it as a very sophisticated form of rubber, no leaks, no problems. And it’s beautiful. It’s called American Flag blue. That was the color we chose.”

Fact-Check: Exaggerated and Inaccurate Claims

These statements do not align with the documented facts:

• There is no record of any major work on the Reflecting Pool during Joe Biden’s term.
• The total cost for a major overhaul during Barack Obama’s administration was about $35 million, not “hundreds of millions” or “way over $100 million” as Trump claimed.
• The Trump administration’s own contract for the recent work is about $14 million, not the $10–12 million figure Trump cited.
• The scope of the recent project involved repainting and sealing the bottom of the pool and repairing leaks, not a full overhaul.

Misrepresentation of Water Source

Trump also criticized the change in the water source during the 2012 project, saying, “the water from the Potomac was not suitable for this, to put it mildly. It was disgusting what happened.” However, there is no evidence that the water source for the pool has changed under Trump, nor is there any indication that the Potomac-fed system has been replaced or altered since the Obama-era renovation.

Conclusion

Trump’s repeated claims about the costs and failures of previous administrations regarding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool are not supported by the facts. The actual spending was far less than he stated, and the recent repairs under his administration are more limited in scope than he suggested. Such exaggerations and distortions mislead the public about both the history and the current state of this national landmark.

Source article

Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/06/trump-exaggerates-previous-spending-on-reflecting-pool/

Donald J. Trump: “The Failing New York Times is CORRUPT!”

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-06-21 19:36:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Attacks New York Times Analysis on Iran, Claims U.S. Actions Have Caused Major Disruptions

Donald Trump has publicly criticized a New York Times analysis regarding U.S. operations in Iran, claiming the newspaper is downplaying the impact of American military and economic actions. In his original post, Trump asserted that the Times was minimizing significant changes in Iran, specifically citing what he described as military and economic disruptions caused by the United States.

Trump’s statement was echoed by Senator Lindsey Graham, who supported Trump’s criticism and emphasized the effects of U.S. measures on Iran. Both figures challenged the New York Times’ portrayal, suggesting that the media outlet was not accurately representing the situation on the ground.

This latest exchange highlights Trump’s ongoing pattern of attacking media organizations that publish analyses or reports he disagrees with. By accusing the New York Times of downplaying the consequences of U.S. actions in Iran, Trump continues to push a narrative that his administration’s policies have had a decisive and disruptive effect on the country.

However, the excerpt does not provide independent verification of Trump’s claims about the scale or effectiveness of these disruptions. It also does not specify which aspects of the New York Times analysis Trump found misleading or inaccurate, nor does it offer evidence to support his assertion that the Times is underreporting the situation.

Trump’s history of making exaggerated or unsupported claims about foreign policy achievements is well documented. In this instance, his criticism of the New York Times fits a broader pattern of disparaging media coverage and overstating the impact of his administration’s actions.

In summary, Trump’s attack on the New York Times over its Iran analysis reflects his ongoing strategy of challenging critical media reports and amplifying the perceived successes of U.S. policy. As with many of his public statements, the accuracy of his claims remains subject to scrutiny, underscoring the importance of fact-checking and independent reporting in evaluating such assertions.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39420

Iran hails ‘progress’ as first day of talks with US conclude after shaky start | US-Israel war on Iran

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-06-22 02:33:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s Threats and Social Media Outbursts Complicate US-Iran Talks in Switzerland

As high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran opened in Switzerland, President Donald Trump’s threats and inflammatory social media posts cast a shadow over efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. The talks, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, aim to broker a ceasefire in Lebanon and set a roadmap for resolving disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and US sanctions.

Trump’s Escalating Rhetoric

Over the weekend, Iran announced it had reinstated a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz in protest of ongoing Israeli strikes in Lebanon, accusing Trump of allowing Israel to breach a recently signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) that calls for a ceasefire on all fronts. Despite US military denials that the strait had been closed, Trump responded with a stark threat: “You close it and you won’t have a country. You won’t even make it back to your fucking country.”

Trump also weighed in on the Lebanon crisis via social media, writing: “Iran must immediately stop their highly paid proxies in Lebanon from causing trouble … If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again.” These statements, widely reported and confirmed by Iranian and international media, were cited by Iranian officials as a reason for a temporary pause in the talks, with the Iranian delegation leaving the negotiating site after what state media described as “the publication of an insulting message by the US President.”

Impact on Diplomacy

Trump’s aggressive language and public threats have complicated the delicate diplomatic process. Iranian negotiators refused to return to the main negotiation room, instead communicating through Qatari and Pakistani mediators. Despite this setback, US officials insisted that the talks were ongoing and that technical discussions would continue throughout the week.

The negotiations are focused on several critical issues, including the establishment of a “communication line” to prevent incidents in the Strait of Hormuz and the creation of a “de-confliction cell” with Lebanon’s government to ensure adherence to the ceasefire. The US Treasury is preparing a 60-day waiver to lift sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, a move expected to ease economic pressure inside Iran.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s assertion that Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz was directly contradicted by the US military, which denied any closure had taken place. His threats to destroy Iran if the strait were closed represent a significant escalation and have been widely criticized as inflammatory and counterproductive to the negotiation process.

Conclusion

President Trump’s public threats and disparaging remarks have added volatility to already tense US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland. While mediators report progress and a roadmap toward a final deal, Trump’s rhetoric risks undermining diplomatic efforts and escalating regional conflict. As talks continue, the international community will be watching closely to see whether diplomacy can prevail over provocation.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/22/iran-us-talks-progress-pakistan-qatar-lebanon-israel

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.

Source article

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.

Source article

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.

Source article

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