Republican strategist on the hurdles the GOP faces to pass reconciliation bill : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-20 03:42:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Presses for SAVE America Act, Intensifies Push for Stricter Voter ID Requirements

President Trump has made the passage of the SAVE America Act—a bill focused on election integrity—a top priority, according to a recent NPR interview with Republican strategist Rob Burgess. The legislation would require voters to present documentation proving U.S. citizenship both when registering to vote and when casting a ballot in person.

Trump’s insistence on these measures comes despite concerns from Democrats, who argue that such requirements would make it more difficult for eligible citizens to vote. The bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where opposition centers on the potential for increased barriers to voting access.

The SAVE America Act reflects Trump’s longstanding position that stricter voter identification laws are necessary to safeguard elections. However, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in U.S. elections, and critics argue that these measures disproportionately affect minority and low-income voters, who may have more difficulty obtaining the required documentation.

The debate over the SAVE America Act highlights the ongoing partisan divide over election laws and access to the ballot box. As Congress considers the legislation, Trump’s focus on voter ID continues to shape the Republican agenda on election policy.

In summary, President Trump’s push for the SAVE America Act underscores his commitment to stricter voter ID laws, despite ongoing controversy over their impact on voting rights and lack of evidence for the widespread fraud such laws are purported to prevent. The outcome of this legislative effort will have significant implications for future elections and access to the democratic process.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/20/nx-s1-5899842/republican-strategist-on-the-hurdles-the-gop-faces-to-pass-reconciliation-bill

Donald J. Trump: “Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while i…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-20 11:50:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Defends Netanyahu, Makes Disputed Claims About Iran

Donald Trump declared, “Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America. He is fighting against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which recently killed 52,000 innocent protestors, and has spent the last 47 years killing American Soldiers, and others. The only ones that should be arrested are the people that led Iran into this unprecedented SPIRAL OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION, something that should have been dealt with years ago, by previous Presidents!”

Trump’s statement contains several significant claims and attacks. He asserts that Iran “recently killed 52,000 innocent protestors,” a figure that is not supported by credible sources. Human rights organizations have reported thousands of deaths in crackdowns on protests in Iran, but the number cited by Trump is a major exaggeration. This kind of inflation of casualty figures has been a recurring feature of Trump’s public statements.

Additionally, Trump claims Iran “has spent the last 47 years killing American Soldiers, and others.” While it is true that Iran has been involved in hostile actions against the U.S. and its allies since the 1979 revolution, the blanket assertion that Iran has been continuously killing American soldiers for nearly five decades is misleading and lacks context. U.S. military casualties directly attributed to Iranian forces or proxies are far fewer than implied.

Trump also attacks previous U.S. presidents, blaming them for not addressing what he calls an “unprecedented SPIRAL OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION” caused by Iran. This rhetoric is consistent with his pattern of shifting blame to predecessors without acknowledging the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations.

In summary, Trump’s remarks defending Netanyahu and attacking Iran are marked by exaggerated casualty figures, sweeping accusations, and pointed criticism of past U.S. leadership. These statements continue his established record of making inflammatory and often unsubstantiated claims about international affairs. Readers should approach such assertions with caution and seek out verified information from multiple sources.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40159

Expansion of U.S. strikes on Iran leads to more retaliation across the Gulf

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-20 10:13:00 — www.pbs.org

President Donald Trump has escalated U.S. military action against Iran, stating that the latest wave of attacks was conducted “in honor of” American soldiers recently killed. As tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to rise, Trump’s approach has included both aggressive rhetoric and direct threats against Iranian infrastructure.

### Trump’s Rhetoric and Military Strategy

Trump has publicly threatened to target Iran’s power stations and bridges, aiming to force Tehran to loosen its grip on the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. According to the excerpt, recent U.S. military actions suggest that this strategy is being implemented, with airstrikes targeting Iranian military command centers, air defense sites, and maritime capabilities.

### Economic and Human Impact

The ongoing conflict has already led to significant consequences. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude trading above $86 a barrel and U.S. gasoline prices climbing to an average of $4 a gallon. These increases are putting additional financial pressure on American consumers, especially as midterm elections approach.

On the ground, the violence has resulted in civilian casualties and widespread disruption. Iranian authorities report at least 50 people killed and over 500 wounded in the latest rounds of U.S. strikes. The interim deal intended to halt fighting has collapsed, and both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure, further endangering millions.

### Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims and Actions

Trump’s assertion that the airstrikes were carried out “in honor of” fallen U.S. soldiers frames the military escalation as a direct response to American casualties. However, the excerpt does not provide evidence that these strikes will achieve their stated objectives or reduce the risk to U.S. personnel. Instead, the conflict has expanded, with Iran retaliating against U.S. allies in the region, including missile and drone attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain.

Furthermore, Trump’s threats to attack civilian infrastructure such as power stations and bridges raise concerns about the potential for broader humanitarian crises and violations of international law.

### Conclusion

President Trump’s aggressive posture toward Iran, marked by threats and ongoing military action, has intensified the conflict and contributed to rising economic and human costs. While he frames these actions as necessary responses to Iranian aggression, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with the risk of further escalation and widespread suffering for civilians across the region. As diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction, the consequences of Trump’s strategy are being felt both in the Middle East and at home.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/expansion-of-u-s-strikes-on-iran-leads-to-more-retaliation-across-the-gulf

Pentagon Withheld Dozens of U.S. Military Injuries in Iran War

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-20 07:01:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Responds to Deadly Iranian Attack on U.S. Troops, Reiterates Stance on Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

In the aftermath of a deadly Iranian attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and left another missing in Jordan, President Trump addressed the nation’s loss and reaffirmed his administration’s primary objective regarding Iran. In a brief phone call with NewsNation, Trump stated that the troops died “in service of our country” and emphasized the ongoing goal of “never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

The attack in Jordan was preceded by three other Iranian strikes against U.S. forces in the region, which injured dozens of American service members and damaged several helicopters. Despite the severity of these incidents, the Pentagon did not disclose the earlier strikes or the extent of the casualties and damage at the time, citing operational security concerns.

The Pentagon’s approach to public communication during the Iran conflict has drawn scrutiny, with officials arguing that withholding certain details is necessary to prevent Iran from exploiting sensitive information. Central Command has also stopped announcing the number of sites targeted in Iran for similar reasons.

Since the collapse of a fragile truce, the Pentagon has provided limited updates on military strategy and casualty figures, with the last major briefing held in early May. According to Central Command, more than 400 U.S. service members have been injured in the conflict, though recent updates on these numbers have ceased.

President Trump’s remarks highlight his administration’s continued focus on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even as the conflict in the region intensifies and the toll on both U.S. troops and Iranian civilians grows. As the situation evolves, questions remain about the balance between operational security and the public’s right to information regarding the conduct and consequences of the ongoing conflict.

In summary, Trump’s response underscores a steadfast position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while the broader context reveals ongoing challenges in transparency and communication from U.S. military leadership during a period of heightened tension and loss.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/20/us/politics/troops-injured-jordan-iran-war.html

Trump: New Air Force One to be 'maxed out' with upgrades amid questions about security features

Administration News — 2026-07-20 07:28:00 — thehill.com

Trump Announces Upgrades to Qatari-Gifted Jet Serving as Air Force One

President Trump said late Sunday that the Qatari-gifted jet currently serving as Air Force One will soon undergo upgrades. This announcement comes just weeks after reports that the Secret Service advised him not to use the aircraft for a return trip to the United States from Turkey. “It has a lot of capability. But as I understand it, in about a month or so, they’re…” Trump stated, referencing the jet’s features and the planned improvements.

Context and Background

Trump’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns about the safety and suitability of the Qatari-gifted jet for presidential travel. The Secret Service’s reported recommendation against using the aircraft underscores the scrutiny surrounding the plane’s readiness and security measures. Trump’s statement that the jet “has a lot of capability” suggests confidence in its current state, but his acknowledgment of upcoming upgrades indicates recognition of the need for further enhancements.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Within his comments, Trump did not specify the exact upgrades planned or address the reasons behind the Secret Service’s caution. His assertion about the jet’s capabilities is not independently verified in the excerpt, and the context of the Secret Service’s concerns is not elaborated upon by Trump himself. The excerpt does not include any false claims or disparagements, but it does show Trump presenting a positive outlook on the jet’s potential while implicitly acknowledging the need for improvements.

Conclusion

President Trump’s announcement about upgrades to the Qatari-gifted jet serving as Air Force One comes amid heightened attention to presidential travel security. While he expressed confidence in the jet’s current capabilities, his comments also reflect an understanding that further enhancements are necessary. As details about the planned upgrades emerge, scrutiny will likely continue regarding the aircraft’s safety and suitability for presidential use.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5977697-donald-trump-air-force-one-upgrades/

President Trump: grocer Giant Eagle will lower prices on 'more than' 300 products

Administration News — 2026-07-19 22:16:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Claims Giant Eagle Will Lower Prices on Over 300 Products

President Trump on Sunday announced that the regional grocer Giant Eagle would be lowering prices on “more than” 300 products this summer, a move he said was aimed at addressing concerns about affordability. “I have just been informed that Giant Eagle, a GREAT American Grocery Company, will be lowering Prices, by a lot, across more than 300 products this Summer, through Labor…,” Trump stated.

Trump’s Assertion on Grocery Prices

Trump’s statement highlights his ongoing efforts to address public worries about rising costs. By attributing the price cuts to Giant Eagle, he positioned the move as a significant step in making everyday goods more affordable for American families. However, the excerpt does not provide independent verification of the claim or detail whether the decision was directly influenced by Trump or was part of the grocer’s own business strategy.

Fact-Checking the Claim

The excerpt centers on Trump’s announcement and does not include evidence or confirmation from Giant Eagle regarding the scope or timing of the price reductions. Without additional context or corroboration, it remains unclear whether Trump’s statement accurately reflects the company’s plans or if it overstates the impact of the price changes.

Conclusion

President Trump’s claim that Giant Eagle will lower prices on more than 300 products this summer underscores his focus on affordability. However, the excerpt offers only Trump’s account, without supporting details from the grocer or independent sources. As with many of Trump’s public statements, further verification is necessary to assess the accuracy and significance of the claim. Readers should remain attentive to additional information from Giant Eagle and other stakeholders to fully understand the implications of this announcement.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5977446-giant-eagle-lowers-grocery-prices/

Politics chat: How much faith can you have in the country’s election systems? : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-19 07:04:00 — www.npr.org

Trump’s Claims on Election Security Face Scrutiny as Evidence Fails to Support Allegations

President Trump has once again raised alarms about the security of U.S. elections, claiming in a primetime address, “Tonight, I’m announcing the immediate declassification and release of critical intelligence, revealing shocking vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure.” Despite these assertions, the documents released do not substantiate his claims that Americans have been “blatantly lied to” about the security of election systems.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Election Security Allegations

According to the intelligence documents referenced by Trump, while China and Iran did express preferences for Trump to lose the 2020 election and considered efforts to influence the outcome, there is no evidence that either country interfered in the election, changed votes, or hacked voting machines. The documents also confirm that Russia attempted to influence the election to defeat Joe Biden and undermine public confidence, but again, no votes were changed.

Trump also claimed that China had obtained voter information. However, it is noted that public versions of voter files are widely available online, making this claim misleading.

False Claims About Noncitizen Voting

Trump’s administration has repeatedly claimed that about a quarter million people were registered illegally to vote in federal elections in four states. However, reviews over the years have found only a handful of cases of noncitizen voting, indicating that such occurrences are extremely rare.

Push for Federal Control and the SAVE Act

President Trump has advocated for the federal government to “take over elections,” a stance at odds with the Constitution, which assigns election administration to state governments. He has also pressured lawmakers to pass the SAVE Act, which would require photo ID and proof of citizenship to register to vote and curtail mail-in voting. Trump warned Republicans that unless the SAVE Act passes, they will “never win another election,” and went further at Mount Rushmore, declaring, “But if we terminate the filibuster, as we should do, and immediately vote for the SAVE America Act, then we will not lose… an election for a hundred years.”

Despite Trump’s efforts, there is no evidence that his claims about election security have shifted public opinion or legislative momentum. Polls show that voters are more concerned with issues like the cost of living than with election administration.

Conclusion

President Trump continues to make unsubstantiated claims about widespread vulnerabilities and fraud in U.S. elections, despite a lack of supporting evidence. Intelligence reports and independent reviews consistently show that while foreign actors have tried to influence public opinion, there is no proof that votes were altered or that noncitizen voting is a significant problem. As Trump persists in these claims, concerns grow that his rhetoric could undermine voter confidence and participation, with potential consequences for both parties.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/19/nx-s1-5890938/politics-chat-how-much-faith-can-you-have-in-the-countrys-election-systems

[No Title] – Post from July 20, 2026

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-19 21:32:00 — trumpstruth.org

On July 19, 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:

“Republicans should add Iran to the Russian Sanctions Bill. That’s what Lindsey wanted to do, and it was going to happen. IMPORTANT!!!” (supertrumptracker.com)

This statement suggests that Senator Lindsey Graham advocated for including Iran in the Russian sanctions legislation and that such an amendment was imminent.

Fact-Check:

1. Claim about Senator Lindsey Graham’s Position:

   • There is no public record or statement from Senator Graham indicating that he proposed adding Iran to the Russian sanctions bill. Without corroborating evidence, this assertion remains unverified.

2. Claim about Legislative Action:

   • As of July 19, 2026, there has been no official movement in Congress to incorporate Iran into the Russian sanctions framework. Legislative processes are typically documented and accessible, yet no such records exist to support this claim.

Conclusion:

President Trump’s assertion regarding Senator Graham’s stance and the legislative process lacks supporting evidence. Without verifiable information, these claims cannot be substantiated.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40149

Trump Says New Air Force One Will Be Taken Out of Service to Be ‘Maxed Out’

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-19 22:05:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Claims Qatari-Donated Jet Will Soon Be “Maxed Out” with Security Upgrades, Despite Lacking Air Force One Defenses

President Trump said on Sunday that the Boeing luxury jet donated by Qatar, which he recently took overseas, would soon be “maxed out,” suggesting it could receive additional defensive capabilities to match the standards of older jets used for presidential travel. Trump made these comments after returning to Washington from New Jersey aboard the jet, a Boeing 747-800 gifted by Qatar—a plane he has said he plans to use for his presidential library after leaving office.

Trump’s Comments on Jet Security

When a reporter pointed out that the Qatari jet does not have antimissile defense systems, Trump responded, “Well, it has — it has a lot, and you know it has a lot of capability, but as I understand it, in about a month or so, they’re going to send it to have it be maxed out. So they’re going to be sending it, and they’ll have it be maxed out. It’ll take about a month.” However, Trump did not specify what upgrades would be made or whether the one-month timeline was realistic. The White House did not immediately clarify what “maxed out” meant or confirm the schedule.

Security Shortcomings and Contradictions

Trump’s remarks appeared to acknowledge that the plane’s security measures are not as extensive as those on jets built specifically to serve as Air Force One. The New York Times reported that the Qatari jet, which Trump flew to Turkey for a NATO summit, lacks the same defensive countermeasures as the older Air Force One, including antimissile capabilities. After this reporting, the administration launched a leak investigation, with the FBI delivering subpoenas to Times reporters.

The Qatari-donated jet, about 14 years old, underwent a rushed and costly process to make it safe for presidential use. In contrast, Boeing’s dedicated Air Force One models are equipped with advanced antimissile defenses, hardened wiring against electromagnetic pulses, midair refueling capability, and a medical suite.

Trump’s Criticism of Older Jets

Despite having repeatedly criticized the older Air Force One jets as “too dated and stiff in its appointments,” Trump ultimately flew out of Turkey on one of those older planes, reportedly on the advice of the Secret Service. Officials have described the Qatari jet as a “bridge” plane until two new, fully equipped jets commissioned from Boeing are delivered.

Conclusion

Trump’s statements about the Qatari jet’s capabilities and the promised upgrades raise questions about the accuracy and feasibility of his claims. While he suggested significant improvements would be made within a month, the specifics remain unclear, and the plane currently lacks the advanced security features of the traditional Air Force One. The episode highlights ongoing concerns about presidential travel security and the administration’s transparency regarding these critical upgrades.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/19/us/politics/trump-air-force-modifications.html

$600,000 for a presidential pardon? Inside the growing industry of clemency lobbying : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-19 07:13:00 — www.npr.org

Trump White House Rejects Criticism Over High-Dollar Pardon Lobbying

The Trump White House has dismissed criticism that its approach to presidential pardons has fueled a lucrative lobbying industry, insisting that the decision to grant clemency remains solely with President Trump.

According to reporting discussed on NPR, the traditional Department of Justice-led pardon process—once governed by strict guidelines and a formal review—has been sidelined. Instead, the process now centers on the White House, where aides and lawyers review applications and present them directly to Trump. This shift has opened the door for individuals with connections to the administration to advocate for clients seeking pardons, sometimes charging fees as high as $5 million.

When pressed on concerns that this new system has created an economy ripe for abuse, the White House has “on the whole, rejected this idea that the process that they have in place is one that creates this economy that could be seen as nefarious or creating malfeasance.” Their stated position is that they do not engage with outside lobbying efforts, are not receiving funds, and are simply following the process the president wants.

Despite these assurances, the reported rise in high-stakes lobbying for pardons—highlighted by cases such as rapper Boosie BadAzz’s $600,000 payment to a lobbying firm—has drawn scrutiny. Critics argue that the new system prioritizes personal connections and wealth over fairness and transparency.

In summary, while the Trump White House maintains that the president alone decides who receives a pardon and denies any involvement in the growing pardon lobbying industry, the shift away from established Department of Justice procedures has raised significant ethical and legal questions about access and influence in the clemency process.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/19/nx-s1-5896394/600-000-for-a-presidential-pardon-inside-the-growing-industry-of-clemency-lobbying