Prosecutors Examined Firm With Tie to Judge in Trump Hush Money Trial

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-15 04:02:00 — www.nytimes.com

Donald Trump Escalates Attacks on Judge and Daughter After Hush Money Conviction

Donald Trump has intensified his attacks against Judge Juan Merchan and his daughter, Loren Merchan, following his conviction on 34 felony counts related to hush money payments. Trump, who became the first president convicted on felony charges, has repeatedly claimed that the judge was “totally compromised” and should have been removed from the case. He wrote on Truth Social in March 2024, “His Daughter, Loren, is a Rabid Trump Hater, who has admitted to having conversations with her father about me, and yet he gagged me.”

These accusations are part of a broader pattern of unsubstantiated claims from Trump and his allies, who have alleged without evidence that Judge Merchan was out to get him and that his daughter profited from the trial. The Merchan family has faced frequent targeting by Trump supporters, leading to security concerns and a wave of threats.

Trump’s public attacks on the judge and his family prompted Judge Merchan to impose a gag order to prevent intimidation of jurors, prosecutors, witnesses, and court staff. Despite efforts by Trump’s lead defense lawyer to rescind the order, the judge maintained the restrictions. Trump and his allies have continued to insist, without substantiation, that Loren Merchan’s involvement in Democratic politics proves the trial was unfairly biased.

The case has also spurred Republican-led investigations into Authentic Campaigns Inc., the Democratic fundraising firm where Loren Merchan was a vice president until late 2024. These inquiries, driven by criminal referrals from Trump allies in Congress, have so far failed to produce evidence of wrongdoing by the Merchans or the firm.

In summary, Trump’s repeated and unproven attacks on Judge Merchan and his daughter represent a continuation of his strategy to undermine the legitimacy of legal proceedings against him. Despite the lack of substantiating evidence, these claims have fueled partisan investigations and heightened security risks for those targeted. The facts show that Trump’s allegations remain unsupported, while his rhetoric continues to escalate tensions around the case.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/15/us/politics/prosecutors-examined-firm-with-tie-to-judge-in-trump-hush-money-trial.html

Iran rejects Trump's 'delusions' on making Strait of Hormuz a US territory

Administration News — 2026-08-15 06:55:00 — thehill.com

Trump’s Claim Over Strait of Hormuz Rejected by Iran

President Trump’s assertion that he could declare the Strait of Hormuz a “territory of the United States” has drawn immediate and forceful rejection from Iran, which maintains control over the critical waterway. The statement, reported Saturday, prompted a direct response from Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who emphasized that the opening and closure of the Strait will remain under Iran’s authority.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Assertion

Trump’s claim regarding the Strait of Hormuz stands in stark contrast to established international law and the current geopolitical reality. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil shipments, is internationally recognized as a strategic waterway under the sovereignty of Iran and Oman. There is no legal basis for the United States to declare it as its own territory, making Trump’s assertion both inaccurate and misleading.

Iran’s Response

In a post on the social platform X, Gharibabadi dismissed Trump’s statement, reiterating that the United States has no authority over the Strait. This direct rebuttal highlights the ongoing tensions between the two countries and underscores the inaccuracy of Trump’s claim.

Conclusion

President Trump’s assertion that the United States could claim the Strait of Hormuz as its territory is not supported by international law or current facts on the ground. Iran’s swift rejection of the statement reinforces the reality that control over the waterway remains firmly in Iranian hands. This episode adds to the record of false or exaggerated claims made by Trump on matters of international significance, underscoring the importance of accurate information in global affairs.

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Source: https://thehill.com/policy/international/6031248-iran-rejects-trump-hormuz-claim/

Killings and other violent crimes dropped sharply in 2025

Politics — 2026-08-15 05:00:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

The White House Claims a “Trump Effect” on Crime Drop, but Experts Dispute Timeline

The White House is crediting a significant drop in violent crime last year to what it calls a “Trump effect.” This assertion positions Donald Trump as the driving force behind the recent decline in crime rates, suggesting that his presence in office led to the improvement.

However, experts cited in the same report challenge this narrative, pointing out that the downward trend in violent crime began well before Trump returned to office. The data shows that the decline was already underway, undermining the claim that Trump’s policies or leadership were the primary cause.

Fact-Checking the “Trump Effect” Claim

The White House’s effort to link the reduction in violent crime directly to Trump’s influence is not supported by the timeline of the statistics. According to experts, attributing the drop to Trump overlooks the broader context and the fact that the trend started prior to his tenure. This casts doubt on the accuracy of the administration’s claims and highlights a pattern of exaggeration regarding Trump’s impact on national issues.

Conclusion: Exaggerating Achievements

The attempt to brand the decline in violent crime as a “Trump effect” is not substantiated by the available evidence. While the administration seeks to take credit for positive developments, experts emphasize that the facts do not align with the narrative being promoted. This episode adds to the record of questionable and exaggerated claims surrounding Trump’s achievements, underscoring the importance of careful scrutiny and fact-checking when evaluating such statements.

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Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/08/15/trump-touts-new-stats-low-crime-crime-has-been-falling-years/

Donald J. Trump: “RT @realDonaldTrumpThese are the TREASONISTS that brought the suit against t…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-14 21:17:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Attacks National Trust for Historic Preservation, Makes Series of False Claims

Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on the National Trust for Historic Preservation, accusing the organization and its associates of being “TREASONISTS” and alleging they revealed “Top Military Secrets” by bringing a lawsuit against a military construction project. Trump claims, “‘The National Trust for Historic Preservation’ is a beautiful name, but even their name is fake because when they add the words ‘in the United States’ to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, it makes it sound like a Governmental Agency, which it is not.” He further asserts that the United States “refused to continue funding it in 2005 because they strongly disagreed with their mission and objectives,” and calls the organization “very bad for our Country.”

Misleading and Disparaging Statements

Trump’s statements are filled with misleading characterizations and personal attacks. He claims the National Trust is responsible for stopping “many projects that are worthy, and hurt many others,” and alleges that their current lawsuit is an attempt to halt a project “vital to our National Security.” He asserts that the military asked the Trust not to bring the suit due to the “Top Secret nature” of the facility and that detailed plans were shown to the organization by top military and Secret Service officials. Trump attributes the Trust’s actions to “Trump Derangement Syndrome,” referencing Senator John Fetterman.

Trump also targets individuals by name, disparaging Carol Quillen, the then-president of the National Trust, claiming she “had no background in Historic Preservation” and was “replaced, unanimously, effective immediately.” He likens her departure from the Trust to her exit from Davidson College, asserting she was “likewise, dismissed,” and blames her for “revealing to everyone, including our enemies throughout the World, the Top Secret Military features of the Building.”

Attacks on Plaintiffs and the Legal System

Trump further attacks a woman involved in the lawsuit, dismissing her as a “serial plaintiff” and “activist” rather than a concerned citizen, and questions her standing to bring the case. He claims, “She has no Clearances, or expertise whatsoever, in National Security, Defense, or required protections for the President. She has absolutely no standing to be involved in this case and, in fact, her name is not even mentioned as a plaintiff in the case!” Trump concludes that this is a “gross and flagrant abuse of our Courts” and blames such cases for Americans “losing faith in our System of Justice.”

Conclusion

Trump’s statements regarding the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the individuals involved in the lawsuit are marked by false claims, distortions, and personal attacks. He misrepresents the organization’s name and funding history, exaggerates the national security implications, and disparages both the leadership of the Trust and ordinary citizens involved in legal action. These comments reflect a pattern of attacking critics and institutions, often with misleading or unsubstantiated allegations.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40864

News Wrap: Record-breaking heat wave grips Europe

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-14 17:50:00 — www.pbs.org

President Trump Celebrates Release of American Missionary in Niger

President Trump took to social media to celebrate the release of Kevin Rideout, an American missionary who had been kidnapped in West Africa last October. Rideout, who had been working in Niger for 19 years, is reported to be in good health and in the care of U.S. officials, according to his Christian mission organization.

No armed group has claimed responsibility for the abduction, and the circumstances surrounding Rideout’s release remain unclear. Niger has historically experienced frequent attacks from armed groups linked to both al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

Trump’s public celebration of Rideout’s release highlights the ongoing risks faced by Americans working abroad and underscores the continued instability in the region. While the president marked the occasion with a positive message, the broader security situation in Niger remains a significant concern for international aid workers and local authorities alike.

Conclusion

President Trump’s response to the release of Kevin Rideout draws attention to the challenges of ensuring the safety of Americans overseas, particularly in regions plagued by violence and instability. As the situation in Niger continues to evolve, the international community will be watching closely for further developments.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/news-wrap-record-breaking-heat-wave-grips-europe

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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