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Earlier this year, Trump’s administration repealed a scientific finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health and eliminated federal tailpipe emissions standards for cars and trucks.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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

A Belgian diamond group is gifting Trump a lavish ring after that industry won tariff relief

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-03 16:19:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Thanks Antwerp for Lavish Diamond Ring as Ethics Questions Swirl Over Gifts

Donald Trump expressed gratitude for an extravagant diamond-encrusted ring, calling it “the magnificent Freedom 250 ring” in a prerecorded video message played at an event marking America’s 250th birthday in Brussels. The ring, featuring 321 diamonds, 56 sapphires, 13 emeralds, and six rubies, was presented to the U.S. ambassador to Belgium to deliver to Trump.

A Break with White House Tradition

The ring’s presentation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of Trump’s acceptance of high-value gifts, a practice that experts say breaks with decades-old White House custom. Four U.S. ethics experts told the Associated Press that Trump has departed from the longstanding tradition of presidents avoiding such gifts, which can raise concerns about conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety.

Gifts and Trade Policy Intersect

The timing of the gift is notable. It follows the removal of U.S. tariffs on diamond imports from Belgium, a move that benefited Antwerp’s diamond industry. While the Antwerp World Diamond Center (AWDC) said it provided “input” to the European Commission during tariff negotiations with Trump, it denied direct lobbying of his administration.

Disclosure and Transparency Issues

Trump’s 2025 financial disclosure revealed other significant gifts, including a $250,000 sculpture and tickets valued at $15,000 to major sporting events. U.S. presidents have discretion to accept gifts from domestic and foreign sources, but those from foreign governments are restricted by the Constitution’s emoluments clause unless Congress consents. Personal gifts are supposed to be registered in annual financial disclosures.

Conclusion

Trump’s public thanks for the lavish ring highlights his ongoing break with presidential norms regarding the acceptance of valuable gifts. As questions persist about the intersection of gifts, trade policy, and personal enrichment, Trump’s approach continues to draw scrutiny from ethics experts and watchdogs concerned about transparency and the influence of wealth on the presidency.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/a-belgian-diamond-group-is-gifting-trump-a-lavish-ring-after-that-industry-won-tariff-relief

I am thrilled to announce the opening of SPIRIT OF ’76 at FREEDOM PLAZA, a new Exhibition in Washington, D.C., honoring the Heroes and Martyrs of the American Revolution. This Exhibition includes a series of statues, including an equestrian statue of Founding Father Caesar Rodney, 12 Soldiers of the Revolution, and a set of reliefs honoring the Prison Ship Martyrs — The nearly 12,000 Americans who lost their lives aboard British ships in conditions of unimaginable deprivation, squalor, and disease. More Americans died on these prison ships than in all of the War’s battles combined — Many of whom willingly endured suffering and death rather than renounce the Patriot cause. The Exhibition is anchored by a central bronze statue, “Spirit of Liberty,” which is crowned in a wreath of victory, and powerfully wielding the Declaration of Independence and a sword pointed to the sky. Everyone should see this new Exhibition!As we prepare to celebrate the 250th Birthday of our beloved Country, these statues and monuments now stand prominently in the heart of our Nation’s Capital as a celebration of the 250-year Triumph of the American Spirit, which is now STRONGER, GREATER, and MORE GLORIOUS than ever before!

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-02 20:54:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Announces ‘Spirit of ’76’ Exhibition, Makes Claims About American Revolution Sacrifices

Donald Trump announced the opening of the “SPIRIT OF ’76” exhibition at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., describing it as a tribute to the “Heroes and Martyrs of the American Revolution.” The exhibition features statues of historical figures, including Caesar Rodney and 12 soldiers, as well as reliefs honoring the Prison Ship Martyrs.

Trump’s Claims on Prison Ship Deaths

Trump stated that “nearly 12,000 Americans…lost their lives aboard British ships in conditions of unimaginable deprivation, squalor, and disease,” and asserted, “More Americans died on these prison ships than in all of the War’s battles combined.” Historical estimates generally support that thousands of American prisoners died aboard British prison ships during the Revolutionary War, with some sources citing numbers between 8,000 and 12,000. However, the exact figure remains debated among historians, and the claim that “more Americans died on these prison ships than in all of the War’s battles combined” is broadly accurate, as battle deaths are estimated at around 6,800.

Exaggerations and Rhetoric

Trump described the exhibition as a celebration of the “250-year Triumph of the American Spirit, which is now STRONGER, GREATER, and MORE GLORIOUS than ever before!” This type of hyperbolic language is characteristic of Trump’s public statements, often using superlatives and grandiose claims to frame contemporary America in the most positive terms.

Context and Takeaway

While Trump’s statements about the number of deaths on British prison ships are generally in line with historical consensus, his rhetoric surrounding the exhibition and the current state of the American spirit is subjective and intended to inspire patriotic sentiment. The exhibition itself is positioned as a lead-up to the 250th anniversary of the United States, reflecting Trump’s ongoing efforts to shape national memory and identity.

In summary, Trump’s announcement highlights both a factual historical tragedy and his tendency toward dramatic, uplifting language. As with many of his statements, the facts are interwoven with exaggeration and patriotic flourish, underscoring the importance of distinguishing between verifiable history and political rhetoric.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39670