Trump revives unverified claims of noncitizen voting in 2020

Politics — 2026-08-18 18:29:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

Trump Repeats False Claims of 2020 Election Fraud, Citing Disputed Voter Numbers

President Donald Trump on Tuesday re-upped his long-standing false claims of a rigged 2020 election, seizing on what he described as 24,000 illegal votes uncovered in a review of voter and citizenship records to again assert that he won the election.

Trump’s Renewed Allegations

Trump’s latest remarks continue a pattern of repeating unsubstantiated claims about the 2020 presidential election. He pointed to what he described as “24,000 illegal votes” as evidence to support his assertion that the election was “rigged.” This claim echoes previous statements he has made since the 2020 results were finalized.

Fact-Checking the Claims

The assertion of widespread illegal voting has been repeatedly debunked by multiple independent reviews, audits, and court rulings across the country. No credible evidence has emerged to support the existence of tens of thousands of illegal votes that would have affected the outcome of the 2020 election. Reviews of voter and citizenship records have not substantiated the scale of fraud Trump alleges.

Pattern of Falsehoods

Trump’s insistence on these claims, despite a lack of supporting evidence, fits a broader pattern of misinformation regarding the 2020 election. His statements have been fact-checked and found to be false by numerous outlets and official investigations. These repeated assertions have contributed to ongoing public confusion and mistrust in the electoral process.

Conclusion

President Trump’s renewed claims about “24,000 illegal votes” and a “rigged” 2020 election are not supported by the facts. Multiple investigations have confirmed the integrity of the election results. As Trump continues to repeat these falsehoods, it remains crucial for the public to rely on verified information and independent fact-checking to understand the reality of the 2020 election.

Source article

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/08/18/trump-revives-unverified-claims-noncitizen-voting-2020/

2020 election deniers on the ballot for key offices in battleground states

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-18 17:40:00 — www.pbs.org

Donald Trump Pressured Pence to Reject 2020 Electoral Votes, Prompting Congressional Reform

Donald Trump pressured Vice President Mike Pence to reject certified electors during the 2020 presidential election, a move that has since led to significant changes in how Congress handles the certification of electoral votes. According to reporting, Trump at the time was actively pushing Pence to overturn the election results, despite the vice president’s role being strictly ministerial.

This pressure campaign was a key factor in the events of January 6, 2021, when the Capitol was stormed as Congress met to certify the election results. In response, Congress passed the Electoral Count Reform Act in December 2022. The new legislation clarifies that the vice president does not have the authority to reject electors, directly addressing the false claims and demands made by Trump. The law also raises the threshold for members of Congress to object to state election results, aiming to prevent a repeat of the chaos that unfolded during the 2020 certification process.

Trump’s insistence that Pence could overturn the election results was not grounded in law or the Constitution. The bipartisan reforms enacted by Congress make it clear that such actions are not permissible, reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process and limiting opportunities for future attempts to subvert certified election outcomes.

The aftermath of Trump’s actions continues to influence American politics, as election denialism has become more mainstream within the Republican Party. The changes to the certification process serve as a direct response to the misinformation and pressure campaigns that characterized the end of Trump’s presidency, underscoring the ongoing impact of his false claims about the 2020 election.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/2020-election-deniers-on-the-ballot-for-key-offices-in-battleground-states

Trump pauses 50% tariffs on Canada for 3 days

Administration News — 2026-08-18 22:24:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Announces Temporary Pause on Canadian Tariffs, Citing Ongoing Deal Talks

President Trump said late Tuesday that he has paused the 50 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods for three days, explaining that the United States and Canada are in the process of finalizing a deal. The announcement came just hours before the tariffs were scheduled to take effect at midnight.

“I have paused the 50% Tariffs against…” Trump stated, signaling a temporary halt to the planned trade penalties as negotiations continue between the two countries.

Timing and Context of the Announcement

The decision to delay the tariffs was made public only a few hours before their implementation, raising questions about the status and substance of the ongoing talks. Trump’s statement suggests that the pause is directly tied to the progress of negotiations, but no further details about the potential agreement were provided in the excerpt.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Within the excerpt, Trump’s claim centers on the assertion that the tariffs are being paused due to imminent progress on a deal with Canada. While the statement does not include any specific falsehoods or disparagements, it is notable that the announcement was made at the last minute, which could indicate uncertainty or unresolved issues in the negotiations.

Conclusion

President Trump’s late-night announcement to pause the 50 percent tariffs on Canadian goods highlights the fluid nature of trade discussions between the U.S. and Canada. While Trump attributes the delay to ongoing deal-making, the timing and lack of detail leave open questions about the certainty and terms of any potential agreement. As talks continue, the impact of these tariffs—and Trump’s handling of the negotiations—remains a key issue for both countries.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6037215-trump-pauses-canada-tariffs/

RFK Jr. Falsely Claims New Evidence Supports Splitting MMR Vaccine

FactCheck.org — 2026-08-18 16:28:00 — www.factcheck.org

Trump’s False Claims on MMR Vaccine Safety Contradicted by Scientific Evidence

President Donald Trump has once again promoted false claims about vaccine safety, this time targeting the widely used measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In conjunction with an executive order signed on August 10, Trump asserted that the combination MMR shot is “quite lethal” and that splitting it into single-disease vaccines “will have a huge impact on autism.” The next day, he doubled down, stating that the combined vaccine is “sort of like a nuclear weapon, according to some,” while claiming that single vaccines are “fine.”

No Scientific Basis for Trump’s Claims

Trump’s executive order did not cite any scientific rationale for breaking up the MMR vaccine, which has been in use for over 40 years in the United States. In fact, no credible scientific study supports the claim that separating the vaccine would make it safer or reduce autism risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that there is no evidence to support splitting the MMR vaccine, a position echoed by leading vaccine experts.

Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert, stated, “There are no data to suggest that the measles, mumps, rubella vaccine, if divided into its three component parts, will make the vaccine safer. Quite the opposite.” He explained that splitting the vaccine would require children to receive more shots, increasing the risk that some doses would be missed and leaving children vulnerable to these diseases.

Scientific Consensus: No Link Between MMR and Autism

The MMR vaccine has been rigorously studied, with extensive research showing no credible link to autism. A recent study analyzing records from over 2.5 million American children found no association between the MMR vaccine and autism. Experts also warn that splitting the vaccine could lower vaccination rates, as more appointments would be needed and some doses could be missed, potentially leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases.

Discredited Sources and “Junk” Science

The only paper cited by supporters of Trump’s order is not new, not credible, and not published in a reputable medical journal. It was co-authored by Andrew Wakefield, the British physician whose fraudulent 1998 study first falsely linked the MMR vaccine to autism. The paper is published in an outlet not indexed on PubMed and has been dismissed by experts as “junk.”

Conclusion

President Trump’s claims about the dangers of the MMR vaccine and its supposed link to autism are not supported by scientific evidence. Public health experts warn that splitting the vaccine is unnecessary and could endanger children by lowering vaccination rates. The scientific consensus remains clear: the combined MMR vaccine is safe, effective, and critical for protecting children from serious diseases.

Source article

Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/08/rfk-jr-falsely-claims-new-evidence-supports-splitting-mmr-vaccine/

The Guardian view on global inequality: extreme wealth threatens democracy | Editorial

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-18 12:59:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Threatens Retaliation Over Wealth and Digital Taxes, Decries New York Policy as “Dangerous Political Experiment”

As debates over taxing the ultra-wealthy intensify in the United States and abroad, Donald Trump has taken a clear stance against several high-profile redistributive tax proposals. In California, voters are set to decide on a one-off 5% levy targeting residents worth more than $1 billion—a measure designed to raise $100 billion, more than enough to offset federal healthcare funding that was previously stripped away by Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Trump’s Opposition to Wealth Taxes

Trump’s administration previously enacted significant federal funding cuts, prompting states like California to seek alternative sources of revenue from the ultra-wealthy. The upcoming referendum, which would impact about 200 of California’s richest residents, has become a battleground over whether concentrated wealth can buy enough political influence to defeat policies aimed at redistribution. While billionaires such as Google co-founder Sergey Brin have invested heavily to oppose the tax, Trump’s own legislative actions have already forced states to consider such drastic measures.

Threats of Retaliatory Tariffs

Internationally, Trump has also threatened the United Kingdom with retaliatory 100% tariffs in response to its proposed digital services tax. The White House has made it clear that Trump’s threat is real, signaling a willingness to escalate trade tensions over tax policy disagreements. This aggressive posture highlights Trump’s broader opposition to efforts that target large tech firms and the super-rich for increased taxation.

Attacks on State-Level Tax Initiatives

In New York, Trump has denounced Zohran Mamdani’s luxury second-home tax as a “dangerous political experiment” and has threatened to block the measure. This direct attack underscores Trump’s consistent pattern of disparaging state and local policies that seek to address inequality through progressive taxation.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s record, as reflected in his legislative actions and public statements, demonstrates a clear opposition to wealth taxes and redistributive policies. By threatening tariffs and labeling state-level initiatives as dangerous, Trump continues to use his platform to defend the interests of the ultra-wealthy and resist efforts aimed at reducing economic inequality. As voters and policymakers consider these critical issues, Trump’s positions remain a central point of contention in the ongoing debate over fairness and democracy in both the United States and abroad.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/18/the-guardian-view-on-global-inequality-extreme-wealth-threatens-democracy

Trump Takes Aim at CNN Reporter Kristen Holmes During Event to Honor California Lifeguard

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-18 12:22:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Criticizes CNN Reporter During White House Event Honoring Teenage Lifeguard

During a White House event meant to honor teenage lifeguard Ryder Williams for his heroic rescue of 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai, President Trump shifted the focus by sharply criticizing CNN White House reporter Kristen Holmes. As Holmes attempted to ask a question about North Korea, Trump demanded that she “be quiet,” and later told the young guest Nathaniel that Holmes was being “disrespectful.”

Pattern of Singling Out Reporters

It is not uncommon for Trump to take wide-ranging questions from the press during public events, but he has frequently singled out women and journalists of color during such exchanges. In this instance, Holmes had earlier questioned Trump about comments from Senator Jon Ossoff regarding Trump’s travel with aide Natalie Harp. Trump sidestepped the question, and the White House later escalated the situation by calling Holmes’s question “disgusting and inhumane” on social media, even suggesting her children would one day be embarrassed by her actions.

CNN responded by defending Holmes, stating that personal attacks were beneath the office of the president and inconsistent with the principles of a free press.

Trump’s Comments and Jokes

While praising Williams’s lifesaving actions, Trump joked about his own potential response to the emergency, saying, “He’s a real hero. I don’t know if I’d do it. I wouldn’t, probably,” and told Nathaniel, “You’re lucky I wasn’t on the service that day.” These comments, while intended as humor, further shifted attention away from the honorees and back to Trump’s own presence and commentary.

Conclusion

President Trump’s conduct during the ceremony once again highlighted his combative approach with the press, particularly toward women reporters. His public rebuke of Kristen Holmes and the White House’s subsequent social media attacks drew criticism from CNN and raised questions about the administration’s respect for journalistic inquiry. The event, intended to celebrate a young hero, became another example of Trump’s willingness to disparage reporters and divert attention from the original purpose of the gathering.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/18/us/politics/trump-lifeguard-cnn-reporter.html

Florida 19th District race draws candidates from other states : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-18 04:00:00 — www.npr.org

Donald Trump’s Endorsement Shapes Florida Congressional Race

Donald Trump has once again made his influence felt in Republican politics, this time in the crowded primary for Florida’s 19th Congressional District. In a recent endorsement, Trump praised candidate Catalina Lauf, stating she “has proven she has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results,” and highlighted her work at the U.S. Department of Commerce during his administration.

Trump’s endorsement comes in a race notable for its cast of candidates, many of whom are recent arrivals to the district and loyal to Trump. The field includes former members of Congress and recipients of Trump pardons, such as John Strand, a convicted and pardoned Jan. 6 rioter, and Chris Collins, who was pardoned by Trump after serving time for insider trading and lying to the FBI.

The Trump Factor

Trump’s backing of Lauf, who only recently moved to Florida after multiple congressional runs in Illinois, underscores his continued sway over GOP primaries and his willingness to support candidates with tenuous local ties. This has fueled accusations of “carpetbagging” among the candidates, with some longtime Florida residents criticizing newcomers for seeking office in a district where they have little history.

Despite these attacks, many local voters, themselves transplants from other states, say they care more about conservative values than a candidate’s origins. Trump’s endorsement appears to reinforce this trend, signaling to Republican voters that loyalty to his brand and agenda is a key qualification.

Pardons and Political Comebacks

The race also highlights Trump’s use of presidential pardons as a political tool. Both Strand and Collins, now running for office in Florida, received pardons from Trump after criminal convictions. Their candidacies, alongside Trump’s endorsement of Lauf, suggest that Trump’s support can help rehabilitate political figures with controversial pasts, at least within the GOP base.

Conclusion

Trump’s involvement in the Florida 19th Congressional District primary demonstrates his ongoing influence in shaping Republican races and redefining the party’s standards for candidate selection. His endorsement of Catalina Lauf, a recent transplant, and the presence of pardoned allies in the race, reflect a broader trend: for many GOP voters, allegiance to Trump and his agenda outweighs traditional concerns about local roots or past controversies. As the primary approaches, Trump’s stamp of approval remains a powerful force in Republican politics.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/18/nx-s1-5930699/florida-republican-19th-district-carpetbaggers

Measles Cases Are Reaching Record Highs in America — ProPublica

ProPublica — 2026-08-18 04:00:00 — www.propublica.org

Trump Administration’s Vaccine Policies Linked to Rising Measles Cases and Public Doubt

The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades, with more cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by July 23 than in any year since 1991. This surge comes as President Donald Trump’s administration, alongside top health official Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has shifted government messaging from promoting the lifesaving benefits of vaccines to sowing doubts about their safety.

Executive Orders and Vaccine Hesitancy

Last week, President Trump issued another executive order that is expected to further fuel hesitancy about the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine—a shot that has protected children for decades. This move marks a sharp departure from the government’s longstanding, bipartisan support for vaccination programs that have shielded children from deadly and disabling diseases since the 1960s.

Suppression of CDC Warnings

At the beginning of Trump’s second administration, CDC leaders, under administration direction, ordered staff not to release an expert assessment warning that the risk of catching measles was high in areas with lagging vaccination rates. The planned announcement would have emphasized the importance of vaccinating people against measles, but the agency was directed to keep the findings from the public. The CDC later claimed the assessment was withheld because it “does not say anything that the public doesn’t already know,” while maintaining that vaccines are “the best way to protect against measles.”

Consequences of Policy Shifts

The Trump administration’s actions, including the suppression of critical public health information and the issuance of executive orders that undermine confidence in vaccines, have contributed to a dangerous environment. Experts warn that these policies have left communities vulnerable to preventable diseases, with the resurgence of measles serving as a warning sign of cracks in the nation’s immunization defenses.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s approach to vaccine policy has been characterized by a departure from decades of science-based public health leadership. By sowing doubt and suppressing expert warnings, the administration has played a direct role in the erosion of public trust and the resurgence of diseases once considered history in the United States. As measles cases continue to rise, the consequences of these actions are becoming increasingly clear—and potentially deadly.

Source article

Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/measles-cases-vaccines

Trump 2.0 has deleted or altered nearly 400 US datasets, endangering public health, education and more | US news

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-18 05:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump’s administration has aggressively removed or altered hundreds of federal datasets, according to a new online tracker from dataindex.us. Over the past year and a half, at least 28 federal datasets have been deleted and another 338 collections have been modified, with the stated goal of eliminating data findings that do not align with the administration’s priorities.

One of the most significant changes has come through Trump’s executive order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government.” As a result, multiple Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveys have removed questions about respondents’ gender identity. These include the National HIV Surveillance System, the National Violent Death Reporting System, the CDC Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program, the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, and surveys evaluating PrEP uptake among gay men and communities of color. The administration’s actions have also led to the discontinuation of at least four major health datasets, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s Drug Abuse Warning Network, which tracked drug-related emergency room visits in near real-time.

Experts warn that these data removals and modifications undermine the nation’s ability to respond to public health crises and other critical issues. Thomas Babor, a public health and addiction specialist, emphasized that “taking down, even temporarily, some of the most important surveys that we have, especially for comparative purposes, is like we’re erasing our institutional memory for public health.”

The tracker, which covers more than 60 federal agencies, shows that health datasets are the most affected, making up about 40% of all terminated or altered collections. Other deleted datasets include the US Department of Agriculture’s survey of farm employers, which informed minimum pay rates for H-2A visa workers, and a National Center for Education Statistics survey on the pay and working conditions of teachers and principals.

The Trump administration’s campaign to remove or alter federal data has raised alarm among data policy experts and researchers, who argue that the loss of critical information will make it harder for American communities to make informed decisions and respond to emerging threats. The full extent of the data deletions remains unknown, as government agencies are not required to notify the public when collections are terminated, and some datasets have been quietly pulled from federal websites with little notice.

In summary, Trump’s executive actions and administrative priorities have led to a sweeping reduction in the availability of federal data, particularly in health, labor, and education. This move has sparked widespread concern about the nation’s ability to address public health, labor rights, and educational challenges, as vital information is being systematically erased or obscured from public view.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/aug/18/trump-federal-data-deleted-altered

Inside Ossoff’s meticulously viral campaign

Politics — 2026-08-18 03:45:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Responds to Ossoff’s Criticism with Personal Attack as Senate Race Heats Up

President Donald Trump lashed out at Senator Jon Ossoff on Monday, calling him a “Pee Wee Herman lookalike” in response to Ossoff’s viral remarks at a Midtown Atlanta rally. The exchange highlights the escalating tensions in Georgia’s high-stakes Senate race, where Ossoff has drawn national attention for his sharp critiques of Trump’s handling of the war in Iran and his administration’s priorities.

Ossoff’s comments, delivered as part of a prepared speech, accused Trump of neglecting his presidential duties in favor of personal luxury, referencing the president’s executive assistant and alleged gifts from foreign leaders. The speech quickly gained traction online, amassing over five million views and prompting swift backlash from Republicans, including Trump himself.

Trump’s response—resorting to a personal insult—reflects a familiar pattern in his public rhetoric, where he often attacks critics with disparaging remarks rather than addressing substantive policy issues. This approach has been a hallmark of Trump’s communication style throughout his political career, frequently drawing criticism for lowering the tone of political discourse.

The incident underscores the broader dynamics of the Georgia Senate race, with Ossoff leveraging viral moments and disciplined messaging to energize Democratic voters. Meanwhile, Trump’s involvement and combative responses continue to shape the national spotlight on the contest.

As the campaign intensifies, voters are left to weigh the candidates’ records and rhetoric, with Trump’s penchant for personal attacks once again at the forefront of the political conversation.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/18/jon-ossoff-georgia-viral-controlled-campaign-01039859