Democrats grapple with Trump’s push to limit transparency within the executive branch : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-14 16:49:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Pushes Executive Power to Limit Transparency, Drawing Democratic Scrutiny

President Trump has confirmed that he was secretly removed from Air Force One in Turkey last month, citing a security threat from Iran as the reason for the covert action. Trump explained this move as a security necessity, but it is only one example in a broader pattern of actions by his administration to limit transparency and evade official oversight.

Expanding Executive Privilege

This week, the Trump administration took a significant step to shield itself from scrutiny. The Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion that extends executive privilege protections to outside advisers, not just those within the president’s inner circle. According to the memo, the administration can now shield private advisers as long as their communications with the president or his direct reports relate to presidential decision-making.

A White House spokeswoman defended the move, stating that restricting executive privilege to only internal executive branch communications would make it impossible for President Trump to rely on important outside sources. The Justice Department claims this opinion simply reaffirms precedent.

Democratic Response and Concerns

Democrats, however, see this as a partisan attempt to insulate the president and his activities from congressional subpoenas, especially with the possibility of Democrats retaking control of Congress in upcoming elections. Senator Adam Schiff called the move a “partisan measure to insulate the president and his corrupt activities from congressional subpoenas when the majority flips.”

Democratic lawmakers are preparing to use their oversight powers to compel the Trump administration to engage with ongoing investigations, including the release of Epstein files and scrutiny of Trump’s business dealings. They argue that these efforts are essential for accountability, especially as polling shows widespread public concern about government corruption.

Obstructing Oversight

President Trump’s administration has also taken steps to weaken internal oversight mechanisms. He fired several inspectors general last year, leaving key oversight positions vacant for extended periods. Most recently, Trump nominated Dennis Kirk, an author of the Project 2025 report, to be inspector general at the Interior Department—a move that has raised further concerns about the administration’s commitment to transparency.

Conclusion

President Trump’s actions and the administration’s legal maneuvers to expand executive privilege and limit oversight have sparked a major clash with congressional Democrats. As these battles move toward the courts, the outcome will have lasting implications for the balance of power and transparency within the federal government. The ongoing struggle highlights the importance of robust oversight in maintaining government accountability and public trust.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/14/nx-s1-5930399/democrats-grapple-with-trumps-push-to-limit-transparency-within-the-executive-branch

Donald J. Trump: “Just left a Rally in Nassau County in honor of Bruce Blakeman, who is runnin…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-14 16:37:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Praises Bruce Blakeman, Makes Sweeping Claims at Nassau County Rally

At a recent rally in Nassau County, Donald Trump offered enthusiastic support for Bruce Blakeman, who is running for Governor of New York. Trump stated, “Just left a Rally in Nassau County in honor of Bruce Blakeman, who is running for Governor of New York. The crowd went WILD. Something very interesting is happening in New York State! He is a great person, a great politician and, if elected, will be the best Governor in the History of New York!”

Exaggerated Praise and Unsubstantiated Claims

Trump’s remarks included several sweeping statements about Blakeman’s qualifications and the political climate in New York. He described Blakeman as “a great person, a great politician” and claimed that, if elected, Blakeman would be “the best Governor in the History of New York.” Such statements are characteristic of Trump’s rhetorical style, which frequently features hyperbolic praise for allies and predictions that are not supported by specific evidence.

Fact-Checking the Record

There is no objective measure by which Blakeman could already be considered the best governor in New York’s history, as he has not yet held the office. Trump’s assertion is an example of exaggeration, a pattern seen in his public statements. Additionally, while Trump claimed the “crowd went WILD” and that “something very interesting is happening in New York State,” these are subjective impressions rather than verifiable facts.

Conclusion

Trump’s comments at the Nassau County rally highlight his ongoing use of hyperbole and unsubstantiated claims when endorsing political allies. While his support may energize certain voters, the statements made about Bruce Blakeman’s potential as governor are not grounded in evidence or historical comparison. As with many of Trump’s public remarks, these claims should be viewed with scrutiny and placed in the context of his broader record of exaggeration.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40829

Trump downplays concerns about sailors onboard USS Abraham Lincoln amid record deployment | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-14 17:12:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Downplays Concerns Over Record-Long USS Abraham Lincoln Deployment Amid Mounting Mental Health Worries

President Donald Trump has dismissed growing concerns about the well-being of US sailors enduring a record-setting deployment aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, telling reporters Friday that the nearly nine-month mission was “not nearly long enough.” His comments come as military families and lawmakers raise alarms over mental health and supply issues faced by the ship’s 5,000 sailors and marines.

Trump’s Response to Deployment Concerns

During a brief exchange with reporters before departing for New York, Trump was asked about the unusually lengthy deployment of the Lincoln, which has been supporting US military operations against Iran. “That ship is moving right now, or very shortly, and it’s being replaced with another very similar ship,” Trump said. When pressed about whether family members were worried about the situation, the president claimed, “No, they’re not.”

These remarks stand in stark contrast to reports from military families and specialist military publications, which have documented a mental health crisis aboard the Lincoln. According to the Navy Times and Stars and Stripes, multiple sailors have attempted to jump overboard as poor conditions and mental stress have reached a breaking point in the deployment’s ninth month.

Contradicting Reports from Families and Lawmakers

At a recent town hall meeting in San Diego, family members voiced deep concern for their loved ones. One spouse shared that her husband had texted her saying “he hopes he doesn’t wake up tomorrow.” Despite these accounts, Trump’s public statements have downplayed the severity of the situation, and the Navy has declined to provide specific data on mental health incidents, citing security and privacy.

Democratic lawmakers are now pressing the Pentagon for greater accountability regarding conditions aboard the carrier. The acting secretary of the Navy, Hung Cao, echoed the administration’s dismissive tone, accusing the media of “trying to paint our warriors as victims” and insisting that “sailors and marines are expected to dig deep.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s assertion that family members are not worried is directly contradicted by firsthand reports from families and coverage by military news outlets. The president’s minimization of the deployment’s length and the challenges faced by the crew also stands at odds with the record-breaking duration and the documented mental health struggles on board.

Conclusion

President Trump’s public statements have consistently downplayed the serious concerns raised by military families, lawmakers, and independent reporting about the USS Abraham Lincoln’s extended deployment. As the administration offers little clarity on how it intends to resolve the ongoing mission or address the mental health crisis, the disconnect between official rhetoric and the lived experiences of sailors and their families remains stark. The situation highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability regarding the welfare of US service members.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/14/trump-uss-abraham-lincoln-deployment

Donald J. Trump: “RT @mrddmiaSam Adkisson worked with me on the Senate Judiciary Committee for…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-14 12:27:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Announces Nomination of Samuel D. Adkisson to Federal Bench, Praises Record and Loyalty

President Donald J. Trump has announced the nomination of Samuel D. Adkisson to serve as a Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. In his statement, Trump highlighted Adkisson’s current role as a Special Assistant in the White House Counsel’s Office and praised his performance, saying Adkisson “has done an incredible job, and worked on numerous important cases, including our Historic Win in the Slaughter case.”

Trump’s announcement also emphasized Adkisson’s credentials, noting his prior work as an attorney in private practice and for the Senate Judiciary Committee during Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation. Trump described Adkisson as “a top student at Vanderbilt University and Yale Law School,” and referenced his clerkships with Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and Federal Appeals Court Judges Gregory Katsas and Amul Thapar.

The president further characterized Adkisson as someone who “has exemplified Wisdom and Courage, loves the Constitution, and will always defend the wonderful people of Tennessee.” Trump concluded his statement with congratulations to Adkisson.

While Trump’s remarks are largely complimentary and focus on Adkisson’s qualifications and loyalty, the statement does not contain any false claims, distortions, or disparagements of others. The language used by Trump is typical of nomination announcements, highlighting the nominee’s achievements and alignment with the administration’s values.

In summary, Trump’s nomination of Adkisson is presented as a testament to the nominee’s legal background and dedication to constitutional principles. The statement serves to reinforce Trump’s pattern of selecting judicial nominees with strong conservative credentials and close ties to his administration. Readers should note that, in this instance, the president’s comments are focused on praise and endorsement, without the inclusion of misleading statements or personal attacks.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40822

Donald Trump’s spying on leftwing groups recalls J Edgar Hoover’s Cointelpro | Kenneth Roth

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-14 12:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump’s Deportation Crackdown Sparks Federal Investigation of Protest Groups

The Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policies have not only led to widespread public outrage but have also triggered a sweeping federal investigation into progressive and mainstream groups protesting these actions, according to newly released government documents.

Trump’s Deportation Agenda and Public Backlash

President Trump’s approach to immigration enforcement has gone far beyond securing the US-Mexican border, with large-scale raids in workplaces and neighborhoods targeting undocumented immigrants. In January, Minnesota became a focal point of these efforts, as Trump deployed approximately 3,000 federal agents to search for immigrants to deport. This move prompted significant public opposition, with many residents taking to the streets to protest and document detentions.

Rather than investigating reports of violence by deportation agents, the Trump administration shifted its focus to the protesters themselves. Under “Operation Puppet Master,” federal authorities used their investigative powers to pursue groups opposing Trump’s deportation agenda. Investigators justified their actions by alleging that these groups provided support and funding to “violent opportunists and agitators,” and accused them of “domestic terrorist financing.” This language echoed Trump’s directive expanding the definition of domestic terrorism to include using violence or intimidation to obstruct the rule of law.

Stretching the Law to Target Dissent

The administration’s efforts to portray coordinated protests as criminal conspiracies represent a significant stretch of federal conspiracy law. Activities such as monitoring and opposing deportations are protected by the First Amendment and are entirely lawful. For the Trump administration to claim these groups were part of a criminal conspiracy, it would need to prove that the groups intended to obstruct federal agents “by force, intimidation or threat”—a claim not supported by the available evidence.

Abuse of Prosecutorial Power

The Trump administration’s approach has raised serious concerns about the abuse of prosecutorial power. Instead of relying on the Justice Department or FBI, the administration used the Department of Homeland Security to issue administrative subpoenas and employ intrusive surveillance techniques, including infiltrating group chats and recording license plates at protest meetings. These actions suggest a “fishing expedition” in the absence of concrete evidence.

Despite charging 15 individuals with obstructing federal immigration operations, the indictments have not alleged serious violence or injuries to ICE officers. Many similar charges have already been dismissed or dropped at a high rate, and none of the groups under investigation have been criminally charged.

A Troubling Pattern of Targeting Dissent

The broad investigation into protest groups under Trump’s direction recalls past abuses of federal power, such as the FBI’s Cointelpro program targeting leftist organizations. The judicial system has managed to halt much of Trump’s overreach, with grand juries rejecting requests to bring charges and some state prosecutors addressing misconduct by deportation agents.

Conclusion

President Trump’s aggressive deportation policies and the subsequent federal investigation into protest groups have raised serious questions about the abuse of executive power and the targeting of lawful dissent. As Trump continues to seek ways to advance his agenda, public scrutiny and civic action remain crucial in defending constitutional rights and holding the administration accountable.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/14/trump-administration-investigate-progressive-groups

WATCH LIVE: Trump to highlight violent crime reduction during visit to NY police academy

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-14 11:58:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Claims Crime Is “Way Down” Under His Watch, Despite Contradictory Reports

President Donald Trump is set to visit the Nassau County Police Academy in Long Island, New York, on Friday, where he plans to tout his record on crime and public safety ahead of the November midterms. The White House has announced that Trump will release new FBI crime statistics showing a decrease in violent crime for 2025, with spokesperson Lauren Bis stating, “President Trump promised to make America safe again and the data proves he has done just that.” The administration is positioning Trump as a steadfast supporter of law enforcement, contrasting him with “Defund-the-Police Democrats.”

Trump’s Claims on Crime Reduction

Trump has repeatedly claimed that crime has dropped significantly since he took office. In a recent social media post, he asserted, “crime is way down since I took Office, and they know it,” despite offering no evidence to support this statement. This claim comes as Trump faces criticism over the effectiveness of his approach to crime, particularly his deployment of the National Guard in cities like Washington and New Orleans. A report from the Center for American Progress found that these deployments failed to reduce crime, prompting Trump to lash out at the organization and threaten legal action.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Record

While the White House points to new FBI statistics indicating year-over-year decreases in murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, crime experts caution against drawing broad conclusions from single-year changes. They recommend focusing on long-term trends rather than short-term fluctuations. Additionally, an AP-NORC poll from August 2025 showed that crime was one of Trump’s strongest issues with voters, but his approval on the topic had dropped by 10 points by December 2025.

Political Context and Attacks

Trump’s visit to Nassau County is aimed at boosting Republican candidates in competitive races, including Bruce Blakeman, who is challenging Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul. Trump has previously claimed that Blakeman would curb “out of control” crime in the region. However, Hochul’s campaign has pushed back, highlighting investments in public safety and criticizing Trump and Blakeman for allowing violent crime to reach decade highs in the county.

Conclusion

President Trump continues to position himself as a champion of law enforcement and public safety, making bold claims about reductions in crime under his administration. However, his statements are contradicted by independent reports and polling data, and experts warn against relying on selective statistics. As the midterm elections approach, Trump’s rhetoric on crime remains a central—and contentious—issue in New York and beyond.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-trump-to-highlight-violent-crime-reduction-during-visit-to-ny-police-academy

Russell Fry Backs Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate Runoff Amid Trump Pressure

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-14 11:16:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Presses for Loyalty in South Carolina Senate Race, Dismisses Rival as Unreliable

President Trump has taken an active role in shaping the outcome of South Carolina’s special Senate election, urging Representative Russell Fry to endorse Darline Graham after Fry’s defeat in the primary. Trump’s involvement underscores his focus on loyalty and his determination to install a dependable ally in the seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump’s Direct Involvement and Endorsement

After initially signaling support for Fry, Trump ultimately endorsed Darline Graham, a disability rights advocate with no prior political experience, in the primary. Following Fry’s loss, Trump personally called him to encourage an endorsement of Graham, according to sources familiar with the conversations. Trump praised Fry and assured him of a promising future, emphasizing the importance of unity behind Graham in the upcoming runoff.

Dismissal of Rival and Loyalty Demands

Trump’s personal interest in the race is rooted in his close relationship with the late Senator Graham and his desire to ensure the seat remains in the hands of a loyal supporter. He has repeatedly dismissed the prospect of Representative Ralph Norman, who endorsed Nikki Haley for president, filling the seat, characterizing Norman as unreliable. Trump’s actions highlight his ongoing efforts to shape the Republican caucus around personal allegiance rather than policy or experience.

Behind-the-Scenes Pressure

Since the primary, Trump has been “working the phones” to drum up support for Graham, according to multiple sources. Fry, initially hesitant due to the contentious nature of the primary, ultimately decided to prioritize loyalty to Trump over lingering campaign grievances. Fry’s endorsement was announced after further discussions with Trump, who was encouraged to visit Myrtle Beach and rally for Graham.

Conclusion

President Trump’s intervention in the South Carolina Senate race demonstrates his continued influence over the Republican Party and his insistence on loyalty from elected officials. By dismissing rivals and pressuring former opponents to unite behind his chosen candidate, Trump is shaping the party’s future through personal allegiance, raising questions about the direction and priorities of Republican leadership in Congress.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/us/politics/russell-fry-darline-graham-south-carolina.html

Trump on WWII memorial vandalism: 'We are on their trail'

Administration News — 2026-08-14 09:10:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Links Memorial Vandalism to Broader Issues, Faces Pushback

President Trump on Friday said investigators are on the trail of vandals who spraypainted the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and tied the incident to what he described as vandalism damaging the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. The president’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the causes and consequences of recent acts of vandalism at national landmarks.

Trump’s Claims and Public Response

Trump asserted that law enforcement is actively pursuing those responsible for defacing the World War II Memorial. He also connected this act to alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, suggesting a broader pattern of disrespect toward historic sites.

However, there has been significant pushback to the argument that vandalism is the primary cause of problems at these landmarks. Critics challenge the president’s narrative, noting that the issues affecting the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool may not be solely or primarily due to vandalism, and that attributing all damage to such acts may be an exaggeration.

Fact-Checking the President’s Statements

While Trump has drawn a direct link between the spray-painting at the World War II Memorial and damage at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, the excerpt notes that there is debate over whether vandalism is the root cause of the problems cited. This pushback highlights the importance of distinguishing between confirmed acts of vandalism and other factors that may contribute to the condition of public monuments.

Conclusion

President Trump’s remarks about the investigation into memorial vandalism and his broader claims about damage to national landmarks have sparked controversy and fact-checking. As public officials and the media continue to scrutinize these statements, it remains crucial to separate substantiated facts from exaggerations and to ensure that public discourse around these historic sites is grounded in evidence.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6029728-park-police-investigate-graffiti/

How Trump’s construction projects are changing Washington and costing taxpayers

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-13 17:50:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s D.C. Construction Push: Lofty Promises, Costly Realities, and Fact-Checked Claims

President Donald Trump has repeatedly touted his sweeping construction and renovation projects across Washington, D.C., framing them as an unprecedented modernization effort and a “gift to the United States.” However, a closer look reveals a pattern of exaggerations, unfulfilled funding promises, and questionable transparency, with taxpayers footing much of the bill despite Trump’s claims to the contrary.

Trump’s Claims vs. Reality

Trump has described his construction initiatives as “little things” he loves doing as a real estate person, calling it “an honor.” He has boasted, “We’re building something the likes of which will never be even close to being competed with,” and repeatedly stated, “I put up the money to build this building along with a lot of great patriots.” He has also claimed, “We’re on time, on budget. It’s going beautifully. I have all the money I need. We’re making a gift to the United States.”

Yet, reporting shows that White House projects alone are now estimated to cost at least $900 million, with taxpayers funding a significant portion—contradicting Trump’s earlier promises that private donors would cover most expenses. The most ambitious project, a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom and new security facility, is expected to cost at least $600 million, and while the White House says private donations will pay for the ballroom, taxpayers are responsible for massive security enhancements. In June, $352 million in taxpayer funds were redirected to the ballroom project.

Fundraising, Secrecy, and Corporate Influence

Trump has taken a personal role in fundraising, hosting lavish dinners and raising more than $800 million for his projects since returning to office. Donations are funneled through the Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit previously used for minor projects. The arrangement is shrouded in secrecy: almost no donors have revealed their contributions, and the fundraising agreement explicitly preserves donor anonymity. A partial donor list released by the White House omitted specific dollar amounts but included major corporations such as Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Amazon, Caterpillar, and Google.

A report from watchdog group Public Citizen found that more than a dozen companies donating to the ballroom project received new or increased government contracts worth over $50 billion in the last six months. Sixteen corporate donors are either facing or had suspended federal enforcement actions under the Trump administration, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and lack of accountability.

False Claims and Shifting Blame

Trump’s statements have often been contradicted by facts. For example, renovations at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool have been plagued by problems, which Trump blamed “without evidence on vandals,” even though his own administration acknowledged in court that shoddy work was responsible. The project’s cost has ballooned to more than $16 million, with taxpayers—including national park visitors—covering the expenses. The administration also awarded two no-bid contracts for the project, citing an urgent need to finish by July 4.

Trump has also hyped future projects such as a massive “Triumphal Arc” between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, calling it “one of the most beautiful arcs in the world.” Work has not begun, and the final budget is unknown, but initial planning is already being funded by a mix of private and taxpayer money.

Conclusion

While President Trump continues to promote his construction legacy as a selfless gift to the nation, the facts tell a more complicated story. Taxpayers are bearing significant costs despite promises of private funding, donor transparency is lacking, and corporate contributors have benefited from lucrative government contracts. Trump’s repeated exaggerations and shifting of blame highlight a pattern of misleading statements as he seeks to reshape the nation’s capital—and his own legacy.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-trumps-construction-projects-are-changing-washington-and-costing-taxpayers

Democratic socialism’s next test is the Midwest : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-13 16:12:00 — www.npr.org

Donald Trump Labels Democrats as “Communist” Rather Than “Socialist” in Political Attacks

In the ongoing debate over the influence of progressive and democratic socialist candidates within the Democratic Party, Donald Trump has strategically chosen to label Democrats as “communist” rather than “socialist.” According to reporting from NPR, Trump avoids calling Democrats socialists because he recognizes that the term “socialist” does not carry the same negative connotation with voters as it once did. Instead, he opts for the more charged label of “communist” in his efforts to tie Democrats to unpopular ideologies.

This approach comes as focus groups of swing voters—specifically those who supported Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024—show a surprising openness to the idea of socialism. Many of these voters, who are not ideologically rigid, describe socialism as a system that provides a stronger social safety net, akin to social democracy, rather than the authoritarianism associated with communism. The distinction is significant, as these voters express more negative views about communism than about socialism.

Trump’s rhetorical strategy highlights his ongoing campaign to paint Democrats in the most extreme light possible, even as public attitudes toward the word “socialist” evolve. By deliberately using “communist” as a political weapon, Trump seeks to exploit lingering Cold War-era fears, despite the fact that many voters now see socialism in a more nuanced and less threatening way.

This tactic underscores the broader polarization in American politics, where language and labels are deployed to sway public opinion, often at the expense of accuracy. As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s choice of words will likely remain a central feature of his messaging, even as evidence mounts that voters’ perceptions are shifting.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/13/nx-s1-5929260/democratic-socialisms-next-test-is-the-midwest