In a pickle: US pickle company pulls out of DC fair over Confederate flag | Washington DC

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-04 12:21:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Declares “Scallops Day” and Warns of “Mortal Threat” from Communism Amid Controversies at Great American State Fair

On the nation’s 250th birthday, Donald Trump declared a nationwide scallops day, citing a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) action aimed at opening up fishing on the north edge of Georges Bank off New England. Trump said the move would mean more jobs for fishers along the east coast.

Trump’s declaration came as the Great American State Fair in Washington DC, an event affiliated with the Trump administration and Republican allies, faced a series of setbacks. The fair was marred by low attendance, extreme heat sending at least seven people to the hospital, and controversy after a North Carolina booth displayed a video containing a Confederate flag. The Mt Olive Pickle Company, a major North Carolina-based vendor, withdrew from the fair after learning of the flag’s inclusion, stating it was unaware of the video content and reaffirming its commitment to “human dignity, opportunity, and freedom.”

At Mount Rushmore on Friday, Trump escalated the political tone of the celebrations, describing communism as a “mortal threat to American liberty.” This rhetoric came hours after New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, appeared to reference Trump as an authoritarian, saying, “Those ideals upon which our nation was built – they are strong enough to endure any authoritarian regime, but only if we reach for them.”

While Trump’s statements about jobs for fishers and warnings about communism were central to his public remarks during the holiday events, the fair itself was overshadowed by logistical issues and political divisions. At least seven Democratic-governed states declined to participate, mostly citing budget or scheduling constraints, while North Carolina’s representation was funded by private companies after the state government opted out.

Trump’s tendency to inject political messaging into national celebrations and to frame issues in stark ideological terms was on full display. His assertion that the NOAA action would create more jobs for fishers was presented without supporting evidence in the excerpt, and his warning about communism echoed familiar themes from his previous speeches.

In summary, Trump’s involvement in the nation’s 250th birthday events was marked by both symbolic declarations and divisive rhetoric, as the celebrations themselves became a battleground for broader political and cultural disputes.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/04/dc-state-fair-pickle-company-withdrawal

WATCH: Trump hails U.S. exceptionalism, warns of communist ‘threat’ in speech at Mount Rushmore

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-04 10:35:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Claims Communism Is America’s “Greatest Threat” in Divisive Independence Day Speech

President Donald Trump marked the 250th anniversary of American independence with a speech at Mount Rushmore that quickly shifted from patriotic celebration to stark warnings about communism. Trump declared, “Communism is a mortal threat to American liberty. It is the greatest threat to our country, including World War I, World War II, Pearl Harbor or even 9/11.”

This claim, delivered at a national monument honoring some of the nation’s most revered presidents, stands out for its dramatic exaggeration. By ranking communism as a greater threat than the world wars, the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the September 11 terrorist attacks, Trump invoked rhetoric reminiscent of the Red Scare era, when fear of communism led to widespread persecution and blacklisting across the country.

Trump’s speech broke from the tradition of previous Independence Day addresses, which have typically focused on unity and national pride. Instead, his remarks echoed the divisive language he has used in recent days, stoking fears of ideological enemies and casting the current political climate in apocalyptic terms.

The president’s choice to frame communism as the nation’s gravest threat—above even catastrophic events that claimed thousands of American lives—reflects a pattern of hyperbolic statements that distort historical context. Such rhetoric not only misrepresents the scale and nature of past national crises, but also risks deepening the country’s current political polarization.

As the nation celebrated its milestone anniversary, Trump’s speech served as a reminder of how the country’s leadership can shape public discourse—sometimes by amplifying fears and divisions rather than fostering unity.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/watch-trump-hails-u-s-exceptionalism-warns-of-communist-threat-in-speech-at-mount-rushmore

Trump pardons 11 people on eve of country’s Fourth of July celebrations | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-04 09:13:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Defends Pardons for Clean Air Act Violators Amid Extreme Heat Crisis

Donald Trump on Friday issued pardons to 11 individuals, including two convicted fraudsters and nine people charged with violating the federal Clean Air Act by disabling or modifying truck emissions controls. The executive pardons, announced during the US semiquincentennial celebrations marked by extreme heat linked to greenhouse gas emissions, are part of a broader wave of clemency actions from Trump in his second presidency, primarily benefiting those he considers aligned with him.

Trump’s Public Justification

On his Truth Social platform, Trump defended the pardons for those charged under the Clean Air Act, claiming they were “in, or being sent to, prison for ‘fixing their car’”. He declared, “I AM SETTING THEM ALL FREE, RIGHT NOW!” This statement mischaracterizes the nature of the offenses, as the individuals were not simply repairing vehicles but were convicted of disabling emissions-control systems—actions that undermine federal efforts to limit air pollution.

Policy Moves Undermining Environmental Protections

The Clean Air Act-related pardons came just days after Trump signed a memo to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) asserting that Americans should be able to fix their vehicles however they want. Trump referenced a previous pardon for diesel mechanic Troy Lake, who had disabled emissions-monitoring systems, further signaling his administration’s opposition to federal emissions regulations.

Earlier this year, Trump’s administration repealed a scientific finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health and eliminated federal tailpipe emissions standards for cars and trucks. These actions directly contradict the scientific consensus that greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of the ongoing climate crisis.

Context: Extreme Heat and Climate Science

The pardons and regulatory rollbacks come as much of the US faces blistering heat, with researchers from Worldwide Weather Attribution stating that such extreme temperatures during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations would have been “virtually impossible” without the global climate crisis. Scientists have repeatedly found that greenhouse gas emissions are the main cause of this crisis.

Conclusion

Trump’s recent pardons and policy actions reflect a pattern of downplaying environmental risks and undermining established science on climate change. By characterizing Clean Air Act violations as minor infractions and rolling back key environmental protections, Trump continues to reject the consensus of climate experts, even as the nation faces mounting evidence of the consequences of unchecked emissions.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/04/trump-pardons-11-people-fourth-of-july

Trump reads a children’s book on second lady Usha Vance’s podcast, then riffs on past presidents and himself

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-03 12:17:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Offers Running Commentary and Jabs on Children’s Podcast Appearance

President Donald Trump, known for his unscripted remarks, appeared on second lady Usha Vance’s “Storytime with the Second Lady” podcast, where he read a children’s book about presidents and offered a series of off-the-cuff comments about his predecessors, his own habits, and his time in the White House.

Trump’s Remarks on Past Presidents

During the podcast, Trump made several observations about former presidents. He described Lyndon Johnson as a “tough cookie,” Ronald Reagan as a “high-quality person,” and John F. Kennedy as “the second-most good-looking president,” leaving the audience to guess who he considered the most attractive. When discussing Richard Nixon, Trump said Nixon “got himself into trouble, I guess,” referencing the Watergate scandal.

Trump also took a jab at Herbert Hoover, who was depicted in the book playing “Hoover Ball.” Trump quipped, “That worked out better for him than the economy,” referencing the Great Depression.

Dismissive Comments About Obama

Trump, who has repeatedly targeted Barack Obama in the past, referred to him as “Barack Hussein Obama” and questioned his basketball skills, saying he doubted Obama was a good player. Trump then claimed Obama’s favorite sport is golf but added, “He won’t be in the Master’s anytime soon.”

Personal Reflections and Exaggerations

When asked if he has time to read for fun, Trump replied, “I usually read stories about myself,” suggesting his media consumption is focused on his own coverage. He also plugged a “beautiful ballroom” he is building on the White House grounds and joked about his own physique in comparison to William Howard Taft, saying, “I have to be careful because I don’t want to supersede his record,” referring to Taft’s status as the heaviest president.

Vague Message to Children

When prompted for advice to children about celebrating the country on July 4th, Trump offered a cloudy message: “We have a great country. We have a country that, it’s on a little bit of a ledge right now. It can go one way or another, you understand that. But we’re going to make it go the other. And we’re going to make America greater than ever before.”

Conclusion

Trump’s appearance on the podcast was marked by his trademark asides, personal boasts, and disparaging remarks about others, particularly Barack Obama. His comments, often veering into exaggeration or personal attacks, continue a pattern of using public appearances to promote his own image and criticize rivals, even in settings intended for children.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-reads-a-childrens-book-on-second-lady-usha-vances-podcast-then-riffs-on-past-presidents-and-himself

The FBI is directing hundreds of analysts to its investigation of Georgia’s 2020 presidential election

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-03 15:42:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s False Claims on Georgia Election Persist as FBI Expands Investigation

President Donald Trump and his allies have made false claims that widespread election fraud cost him the 2020 election, despite repeated evidence to the contrary. These assertions continue to shape public discourse even as federal authorities intensify their scrutiny of the 2020 election process in Georgia.

FBI Prioritizes Georgia Election Probe

A memo obtained by The Associated Press reveals that the FBI is assigning 260 investigative analysts and staff operations specialists to a “priority investigation” related to the 2020 election in Georgia. Each analyst is tasked with reviewing hundreds of records by mid-July. This surge in resources follows the January seizure of hundreds of boxes containing ballots and documents from Fulton County, which includes most of Atlanta.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Election Fraud Claims

Trump’s repeated statements alleging widespread fraud in Georgia have been thoroughly debunked. Georgia’s votes in the 2020 presidential race were counted three times, including a full hand recount. Each count confirmed that Democrat Joe Biden won the state. These facts directly contradict Trump’s narrative of a stolen election.

Ongoing Investigations and Public Trust

The Justice Department has stated it is investigating “irregularities that occurred during the 2020 presidential election in the County.” However, no credible evidence has emerged to support Trump’s claims of mass fraud. The persistence of these false statements continues to fuel mistrust in the electoral process.

Conclusion

Despite clear evidence and multiple recounts affirming the integrity of Georgia’s 2020 election results, President Trump and his allies have continued to promote false claims of widespread fraud. As federal authorities ramp up their investigation, the facts remain unchanged: Georgia’s election outcome was repeatedly validated, and Trump’s assertions have no basis in reality. This ongoing situation underscores the importance of fact-based reporting and public accountability in safeguarding democracy.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/the-fbi-is-directing-hundreds-of-analysts-to-its-investigation-of-georgias-2020-presidential-election

Trump at Mount Rushmore warns of Communist ‘enemy’ in ‘optimistic’ speech celebrating America's birthday

Administration News — 2026-07-03 22:47:00 — thehill.com

Trump Issues Fierce Rebuke of Communism in Mount Rushmore Speech, Injects Partisan Rancor into Independence Day Remarks

President Trump delivered a forceful condemnation of communism during his Independence Day kickoff speech in Keystone, South Dakota, using the iconic backdrop of Mount Rushmore to amplify his message. Trump declared that “such doctrines can be given no quarter,” issuing what was described as a thinly-veiled dark threat against those he associates with communist ideology.

The speech, intended to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, quickly took on a sharply partisan tone. Rather than focusing solely on the nation’s founding principles and unity, Trump’s remarks injected political division into the celebration. His “fierce rebuke” of communism was accompanied by rhetoric that critics have described as stoking fear and animosity, rather than fostering national cohesion.

Trump’s assertion that “such doctrines can be given no quarter” stands as a clear warning to those he views as political adversaries, and marks a continuation of his pattern of using high-profile events to attack ideological opponents. The speech’s tone and content have drawn scrutiny for escalating partisan rancor during a moment typically reserved for national reflection and unity.

This latest address at Mount Rushmore highlights Trump’s ongoing strategy of framing political discourse in stark, combative terms. His record of making exaggerated or inflammatory statements, especially during major national events, has been widely documented. By leveraging the symbolism of Independence Day and Mount Rushmore, Trump’s remarks serve to further polarize rather than unite, underscoring the divisive nature of his public communications.

Conclusion

President Trump’s Independence Day speech at Mount Rushmore was marked by a “fierce rebuke” of communism and a pointed warning to those he associates with such ideologies. The address, rather than uniting the country in celebration, injected partisan rancor into the proceedings and continued Trump’s pattern of using major platforms to issue divisive and confrontational statements. As the nation approaches its 250th birthday, the tone and content of Trump’s remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges to national unity in a deeply polarized political climate.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5953239-trump-at-mount-rushmore-warns-of-communist-enemy-in-optimistic-speech-celebrating-americas-birthday/

Trump’s crypto earnings raise ethics concerns : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-02 05:44:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Defends Crypto Fortunes Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

President Donald Trump has publicly addressed questions about his unprecedented financial gains from cryptocurrency ventures while in office, stating that outside institutions manage his investments and that he does not communicate with them. This response comes as a new 927-page financial disclosure report, filed with the Office of Government Ethics, reveals that Trump and his family earned more than $1 billion last year through cryptocurrency and other business activities.

According to the disclosure, over $500 million came from the Trump family’s cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial, co-founded by Trump family members. Trump-branded meme coin sales generated more than $600 million, with additional millions reported from Trump-branded products such as Bibles, sneakers, and watches, as well as over $50 million from media settlements.

The White House has denied any financial conflicts of interest, with spokesperson Anna Kelly praising Trump for making the U.S. “the crypto capital of the world.” However, Trump’s assertion that he does not speak with those managing his investments stands in stark contrast to federal conflict-of-interest laws, which prohibit other executive branch officials from engaging in similar financial activities.

Former White House ethics lawyer Richard Painter emphasized that Trump “stands alone in having such substantial financial conflicts of interest” as president. Painter noted that previous presidents have typically used blind trusts to avoid such conflicts, raising further ethical questions about Trump’s approach.

Trump’s public statements and the White House’s position highlight an ongoing debate about transparency and accountability at the highest levels of government. As Trump continues to profit from ventures closely tied to his name and public office, scrutiny over his financial entanglements and the adequacy of existing ethics safeguards remains intense.

The latest disclosures and Trump’s own responses underscore the extraordinary nature of his business dealings while serving as president, leaving unresolved questions about the intersection of personal profit and public service.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/02/nx-s1-5877487/trump-crypto-earnings-ethics

Venezuela earthquakes deepen rift between GOP hawks and Trump-backed regime

Administration News — 2026-07-03 16:00:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Downplays Democratic Transition in Venezuela Amid Earthquake Crisis

As the Trump administration takes a leading role in the global humanitarian response to two devastating earthquakes in Venezuela, President Trump has placed little emphasis on a democratic transition in the country, according to recent reports. This stance comes as Republicans with a hawkish approach to leftist Latin America warn that Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez should be excluded from robust U.S. assistance.

Trump’s approach has drawn scrutiny from both political allies and critics who argue that a focus on humanitarian aid should not come at the expense of supporting democratic reforms. While the administration is actively involved in delivering aid, the president’s lack of emphasis on a democratic transition signals a shift from previous U.S. policy priorities in the region.

This reported posture raises questions about the administration’s long-term strategy for Venezuela, especially as the country faces both natural disaster and ongoing political turmoil. By prioritizing immediate humanitarian needs while downplaying the push for democracy, President Trump’s position has sparked debate over the balance between urgent relief and the promotion of democratic values.

In summary, President Trump’s response to the crisis in Venezuela highlights a notable deprioritization of democratic transition, even as the U.S. leads international relief efforts. This approach underscores the administration’s evolving stance on Latin American policy and its potential implications for the future of democracy in the region.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5950661-venezuela-earthquakes-aid-trump-republicans/

As Trump headlines America250, Democrats offer their vision of patriotism

Politics — 2026-07-03 11:55:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

Trump Puts Himself at Center of 250th Anniversary Celebrations, Declares “Most Spectacular TRUMP RALLY of Them All”

This weekend’s 250th anniversary celebrations in the nation’s capital have taken on a distinctly partisan tone, with President Donald Trump placing himself at the forefront of the festivities. Trump has promoted the events as the “most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all,” emphasizing military displays, patriotic music, and fireworks.

Trump’s Self-Promotion and Partisan Framing

By touting the celebration as a “TRUMP RALLY,” President Trump has shifted the focus of the national anniversary from a unifying event to one centered around his own persona and political brand. This approach has drawn criticism for politicizing what is traditionally a nonpartisan occasion, and for using patriotic symbols and military displays to bolster his own image.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

While Trump has described the event in grandiose terms, calling it the “most spectacular” rally, there is no evidence presented in the excerpt to support the claim that this celebration is unprecedented in scale or significance compared to past national events. The framing of the celebration as a rally also blurs the line between official government commemorations and campaign-style events, raising questions about the appropriateness of such self-promotion during a national holiday.

Conclusion: A National Celebration or a Political Rally?

President Trump’s decision to characterize the 250th anniversary celebrations as a “TRUMP RALLY” underscores his tendency to place himself at the center of national moments, often using them to advance his own political narrative. As the country marks this historic milestone, Trump’s approach highlights the ongoing debate over the politicization of patriotic events and the accuracy of his self-aggrandizing claims. Readers are left to consider whether such celebrations should unite the nation or serve as platforms for individual political figures.

Source article

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/03/trump-headlines-america250-democrats-offer-their-vision-patriotism/

‘A total disappointment’: revelers face unbearable heat at Great American State Fair | US politics

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-03 16:47:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s Hyperbole at the Great American State Fair: Fact-Checking the “Most Unforgettable Birthday Party” Claim

Donald Trump set the tone for the US 250th anniversary celebrations at the Great American State Fair with his signature hyperbole, proclaiming on opening night that the event would be “the most unforgettable birthday party any country has ever seen.” He further promised, “It’s gonna be great… It’s gonna be unbelievable.”

Despite Trump’s grandiose claims, the reality on the ground told a different story. The National Mall in Washington, DC, was transformed into a village of state pavilions, but many visitors expressed disappointment at the lackluster displays. Attendees like Dave Forster, who traveled from Washington state, described the state offerings as “a total disappointment.”

The event struggled with thin crowds throughout the week, and several states declined to participate or invest significantly, citing concerns that the fair had shifted from a patriotic celebration to a partisan affair. Oregon, for example, noted the event was becoming “a more partisan affair” than initially presented.

Trump’s flair for exaggeration was further highlighted by his declaration that the US is now the “hottest country in the world,” a comment seemingly referencing the extreme heat that plagued the fair. Temperatures soared above 100F, leading to more than a dozen cases of heat illness and several hospitalizations, according to NBC Washington.

While Trump urged Americans to “please show up” for his address, the fair’s attendance only picked up slightly over the holiday weekend. Even the centerpiece—a model of the 250ft “Arc de Trump” triumphal arch he is pushing to install in Washington—served more as a source of shade than inspiration.

Conclusion

Trump’s promotion of the Great American State Fair was marked by his usual pattern of outsized promises and hyperbolic statements. The actual event, however, was marred by sparse crowds, logistical issues, and a lack of enthusiasm from both attendees and participating states. The gap between Trump’s rhetoric and the reality of the fair underscores his ongoing record of exaggeration and distortion in public statements.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/03/great-american-state-washington-dc