WATCH LIVE: Trump stumps for S.C. Sen. Darline Graham ahead of GOP runoff

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-21 09:34:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Makes Last-Minute Push for Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate Runoff

President Donald Trump is making a high-profile visit to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to rally support for Sen. Darline Graham, his chosen candidate to replace her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, ahead of a crucial Republican runoff. Trump’s involvement underscores the importance he places on securing a win for his endorsed candidate in a state that has long been a Republican stronghold.

Trump’s Direct Involvement and Endorsement

Trump has played a central role in Darline Graham’s campaign from the outset. He urged South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint her as interim senator following Lindsey Graham’s sudden death, calling the move a “fabulous tribute to Lindsey.” Trump later amplified his support on social media, pressing “RUN DARLINE, RUN” and giving her his “Complete and Total Endorsement” even before she officially announced her campaign. On the eve of the primary, Trump held a tele-rally for Graham, reinforcing his commitment to her candidacy.

Trump’s Agenda and Graham’s Platform

Throughout the campaign, Darline Graham has repeatedly emphasized her alignment with Trump’s priorities. She has stated she is “answering President Trump’s call to serve” and pledged to “fight for President Trump’s agenda,” specifically highlighting border security and the SAVE Act voting bill as top issues. Graham has positioned herself as a political outsider, echoing Trump’s own outsider image, and has focused her campaign on economic concerns like gas prices and household spending.

No Comment on National Security Gaffe

Earlier this week, Graham drew attention for her response to a foreign policy question, telling debate moderators, “National security is not my thing.” Trump has made no comment on this gaffe, which has become a talking point in the race.

Strategic Rally in Conservative Territory

Trump’s rally in Myrtle Beach is a calculated move to energize his base in a region known for its deep conservative ties and loyalty to him. The area is also home to Rep. Russell Fry, another Trump ally whose name was floated as a possible replacement for Lindsey Graham. Fry, who benefited from Trump’s backing in his own congressional race, quickly endorsed Darline Graham after finishing third in the Senate primary.

Conclusion

President Trump’s active involvement in the South Carolina Senate race demonstrates his ongoing influence within the Republican Party and his determination to shape the party’s future by backing loyalists. As voters prepare to decide between Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman, Trump’s endorsement and campaign efforts are likely to play a pivotal role in the outcome. The race not only tests the strength of Trump’s hold on the GOP but also highlights the continued importance of his approval in Republican primaries.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-trump-stumps-for-s-c-sen-darline-graham-ahead-of-gop-runoff

Trump Threatens Suit Against Think Tank Over Report He Doesn’t Like

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-21 09:26:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Threatens $5 Billion Lawsuit Against Think Tank Over National Guard Report

President Trump has escalated his campaign against political adversaries by threatening the Center for American Progress (CAP), a prominent liberal think tank, with a $5 billion defamation lawsuit. The move comes after CAP published a report concluding that Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to cities across the country has had little effect on reducing violent crime.

Trump’s Legal Threats and Public Attacks

Trump, through his personal lawyer Alejandro Brito, demanded that CAP retract its report and apologize, claiming the findings were “full of malicious and false statements.” Trump also referred to the report on social media as “another Radical Left SCAM,” and threatened to sue the think tank and several of its funders, including financier George Soros, whom he has repeatedly targeted in public statements.

The letter from Trump’s lawyer set a deadline for CAP’s president, Neera Tanden, and her board to retract the report and apologize, or face legal action and unspecified financial compensation demands. The letter ended with the warning: “PLEASE GOVERN YOURSELVES ACCORDINGLY.”

Pattern of Intimidation

This is not the first time Trump has used the legal system to go after critics. Since his re-election, he has filed lawsuits against news organizations such as the BBC and The Times, alleging defamation, and even sued the Des Moines Register over a poll predicting he would lose the Iowa vote, calling it consumer fraud and election interference. Trump has repeatedly claimed his administration is the most transparent in American history, yet he and his aides have aggressively used lawsuits and executive actions to target law firms, universities, and media outlets. Many of these efforts have failed in court.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

The CAP report, which analyzed homicide, violent crime, and gun victimization data in cities where the National Guard was deployed, found “no evidence” that the deployments reduced crime rates. The report also stated that the primary goal of the deployments was “never to stop crime,” but rather amounted to “a dangerous power grab by the Trump administration.” The deployments are projected to cost taxpayers more than $1.7 billion if continued through 2026.

Trump’s attempt to take credit for a nationwide decline in violent crime is contradicted by the report’s findings, which show the decline began before he returned to the White House and was unrelated to National Guard deployments.

Response from CAP and Broader Community

Neera Tanden, CAP’s president, rejected the legal threats, stating the center would “neither cower nor bend in the face” of legal action and defending the report as “grounded in rigorous, evidence-based research and analysis.” CAP’s lawyer, Kevin H. Metz, dismissed Trump’s accusations as “utterly absurd,” emphasizing that “truth is not and cannot be defamation.”

Other think tanks, including the libertarian Cato Institute, have rallied to CAP’s defense, warning that such lawsuits threaten the ability of independent organizations to challenge those in power without fear of retaliation.

Conclusion

Trump’s latest legal threat against the Center for American Progress fits a broader pattern of using lawsuits to intimidate critics and suppress unflattering analysis, despite constitutional protections for free speech and robust debate. The facts presented in the CAP report directly challenge Trump’s claims about the effectiveness of National Guard deployments, highlighting an ongoing conflict between evidence-based research and the president’s public statements.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/21/us/politics/trump-lawsuit-liberal-think-tank.html

Top Iran official says US focus on economic warfare shows it has failed militarily : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-21 06:42:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Threatens “Economic D-Day” Against Iran, Faces Pushback Over Effectiveness of Sanctions

President Trump has escalated his rhetoric against Iran, vowing on Truth Social to launch “the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country” and urging U.S. allies to join in isolating the Iranian regime. Trump further warned, “ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences.”

This hardline stance comes as diplomatic efforts to revive peace talks have collapsed and a 60-day memorandum of understanding to negotiate an end to the war has expired. The U.S. blockade remains in place, and Iran continues to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route.

Despite Trump’s threats, Iranian officials have dismissed his approach, arguing that years of U.S. sanctions have failed to achieve their aims. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, said Trump’s threat of an “economic D-Day” was evidence that Washington could not prevail militarily, forcing a shift to economic and psychological warfare. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, condemned the U.S. pivot to economic pressure as “economic terrorism” and suggested it was intended to distract from America’s own economic problems.

The Trump administration’s latest move, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, includes plans for secondary sanctions targeting not just businesses but entire nations that do business with Iran. Bessent singled out China as the largest consumer of Iranian oil but declined to say whether China would be directly targeted. The threat of such sweeping sanctions has drawn criticism from China, which called for negotiations rather than pressure tactics.

Fact-checking Trump’s claims, the excerpt highlights that existing U.S. sanctions have already made much international trade with Iran impossible and that previous efforts have not led to the collapse of the Iranian regime. Iranian officials and independent analysts argue that hardliners in Iran are prepared to endure significant economic hardship to ensure the regime’s survival, casting doubt on the effectiveness of Trump’s promised “economic D-Day.”

Conclusion

President Trump’s aggressive economic threats against Iran mark a continuation of a strategy that, according to Iranian officials and outside experts, has failed to achieve its objectives. While Trump claims that unprecedented sanctions will force Iran’s collapse, the record shows that years of pressure have not produced the intended results, and the new threats risk further isolating the U.S. diplomatically. As the administration prepares to unveil more details, the world watches to see whether this approach will bring change—or simply deepen the standoff.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/21/nx-s1-5940610/iran-us-threat-economic-warfare

U.S. Citizen Who Deleted Phone’s Data Says His Prosecution Puts Privacy at Risk

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-21 04:02:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Administration Directive Expands Domestic Terrorism Definition, Raising Civil Liberties Concerns

A sweeping directive issued by President Trump last September, known as National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), has come under scrutiny after it expanded the definition of domestic terrorism to include crimes such as obstructing immigration enforcement. This policy shift is now at the center of a high-profile federal prosecution in Atlanta, where Samuel Tunick, a musician and activist, faces obstruction charges after erasing the contents of his phone during a customs search.

NSPM-7 and Its Impact

According to Tunick, he has been “ensnared by National Security Presidential Memorandum-7, or NSPM-7, a sweeping directive issued by President Trump last September that expanded the definition of domestic terrorism to include crimes like getting in the way of immigration enforcement.” This expansion has led to federal authorities charging individuals with destroying evidence, even when using privacy tools designed to protect personal data.

Criticism of the Trump Administration’s Approach

Tunick and his supporters argue that the Trump administration’s directive targets left-wing movements under what they call the “bogus pretense of domestic terrorism.” He describes the policy as “a direct attack on our First Amendment rights to free speech and free assembly.” The case has also highlighted concerns about warrantless surveillance and the broad authority granted to federal agencies to search electronic devices at the border.

Broader Implications for Privacy and Protest

The prosecution of Tunick, who was involved in the movement against the planned “Cop City” police and fire training center in Atlanta, is one of the earliest known instances of federal authorities charging a person for using privacy tools to wipe a device. Cybersecurity experts warn that such prosecutions send a chilling message that using privacy-focused software could be treated as criminal by default.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s NSPM-7 directive has significantly broadened the scope of what federal authorities can classify as domestic terrorism, raising serious questions about civil liberties and the right to privacy. As cases like Tunick’s move through the courts, the debate continues over the balance between national security and fundamental constitutional rights.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/21/us/politics/samuel-tunick-deleted-phone-felony.html

President Donald Trump appears on podcast of Michael Cohen

Politics — 2026-08-20 19:16:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

Trump Calls Criminal Cases ‘Political Weaponization’ in Reconciliation with Michael Cohen

President Donald Trump publicly reconciled Thursday with Michael Cohen, his former fixer who became a key prosecution witness against him, by calling into Cohen’s radio show and podcast. During the appearance, Trump argued that the criminal cases they once bitterly fought over were products of political weaponization. He used the platform to reprise familiar talking points about Iran and the economy.

Trump’s Claims of Political Weaponization

Trump’s central claim during the conversation was that the criminal cases brought against him are not legitimate legal actions, but rather politically motivated attacks. This assertion is consistent with his repeated public statements that investigations and prosecutions involving him are orchestrated by his political opponents to damage his reputation and candidacy.

Repetition of Talking Points on Iran and the Economy

In addition to discussing the legal cases, Trump used the opportunity to repeat well-worn talking points about Iran and the U.S. economy. While the excerpt does not provide specific details, Trump has a history of making exaggerated or misleading claims in these areas. For example, he has previously overstated the economic growth during his administration and misrepresented the impact of his policies on Iran.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Record

Trump’s assertion that the criminal cases are purely political lacks substantiation. Multiple investigations and indictments have been brought by independent prosecutors and grand juries, following standard legal procedures. While Trump frames these actions as partisan, the facts do not support the claim that they are solely motivated by politics.

Similarly, Trump’s economic and foreign policy claims have often been challenged by fact-checkers. His statements about record-breaking economic performance and unprecedented achievements on Iran have frequently been rated as exaggerations or falsehoods.

Conclusion: Familiar Patterns in Trump’s Rhetoric

Trump’s appearance on Michael Cohen’s show highlights his ongoing strategy of dismissing legal challenges as politically motivated and repeating familiar, often disputed, talking points. As he continues to face legal scrutiny, Trump’s pattern of making unsubstantiated claims and attacking the legitimacy of the process remains a central feature of his public response. Readers should approach these assertions with skepticism and rely on verified facts to assess the validity of Trump’s statements.

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Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/08/20/president-donald-trump-appears-podcast-michael-cohen/

Trump’s Economic Threat Puts Focus on Iran’s Trading Partners

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-20 21:53:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Threatens “Tremendous Economic Consequences” for Nations Trading with Iran, Offers No Details

President Trump has threatened “tremendous economic consequences” against any nation that does business with Iran, though he has not provided specifics on what those consequences would entail. This latest warning, delivered in a vaguely worded social media post, appears to be part of his ongoing effort to isolate Iran from the global economy and pressure its leadership into negotiating an end to the war.

U.S. Sanctions and Previous Actions

The United States has already imposed severe sanctions on Iran’s economy and its leaders. The Trump administration has also sanctioned certain foreign businesses and organizations that continue to trade with Tehran. However, Mr. Trump’s new threat seemed to indicate a possible escalation, suggesting that entire nations could be targeted if they purchase Iranian oil—though he did not name any countries directly.

History of Backtracking

It is noteworthy that the president has, on occasion, backed down from similar threats in the past. This pattern raises questions about the credibility and consistency of his foreign policy approach. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have dismissed the latest warning as “a diversion” from America’s own crises.

Global Impact: Countries at Risk

If Mr. Trump follows through on his threat, several countries could be significantly affected:

• China: As Iran’s largest trading partner and the primary consumer of its oil, China could face pressure. However, experts note that Iranian oil constitutes a small fraction of China’s overall imports and could be replaced with oil from other sources.
• India: Once a major buyer of Iranian oil, India has already sharply reduced its trade with Iran under U.S. pressure, with total bilateral trade dropping from over $17 billion in 2018-19 to $1.63 billion in 2025-26.
• United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Turkey, and Pakistan: These countries maintain significant trade relationships with Iran. The UAE recently announced a halt to all trade and financial transactions with Iran, possibly in anticipation of U.S. actions. Pakistan and Turkey continue overland trade with Iran, but broader sanctions would be complex and difficult to enforce.

Effectiveness and Criticism

Experts and foreign officials have questioned whether increased pressure will achieve the political outcomes Trump seeks. The Chinese foreign ministry has called for diplomatic solutions, stating, “Sanctions and pressure will not help solve the problem.” Analysts also point out that broader sanctions on Iran’s trading partners would be slow, uneven, and difficult to monitor.

Conclusion

President Trump’s threat of “tremendous economic consequences” for nations trading with Iran marks another escalation in his administration’s campaign to isolate Tehran. However, the lack of detail, history of retreating from similar threats, and skepticism from both foreign officials and experts cast doubt on the effectiveness and credibility of this approach. As global economic and geopolitical realities complicate enforcement, it remains uncertain whether Trump’s warnings will translate into meaningful action or lasting change.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/20/world/middleeast/iran-trade-trump-threat-china.html

‘Woefully underprepared’: Graham critics seize on her foreign policy misstep

Politics — 2026-08-19 16:12:00 — www.politico.com

President Donald Trump’s Endorsement of Darline Graham Raises Stakes in South Carolina Senate Race

President Donald Trump’s continued endorsement of South Carolina Sen. Darline Graham has become a focal point in the heated race to fill the seat left vacant by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Trump, who championed Graham’s appointment in July and encouraged her to run for a full term, is set to headline a rally in Myrtle Beach to boost her election chances, despite mounting criticism over her lack of foreign policy experience.

Trump’s Support Amid Controversy

The controversy erupted after Graham admitted during a debate that she is “not that informed on national security,” specifically regarding U.S.-Taiwan relations—a critical issue as tensions rise between China and Taiwan. Her remarks quickly spread online, with critics and political opponents questioning her preparedness for the Senate. The incident has put additional pressure on Trump, who is seeking to avoid another blemish on his endorsement record by backing a political newcomer.

The White House, according to sources familiar with its thinking, remains firmly behind Graham, citing Trump’s close relationship with the late senator and a preference for Graham over her opponent, Rep. Ralph Norman, who previously endorsed Nikki Haley over Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. “POTUS is still all in on the endorsement,” one insider said.

Implications for Trump’s Endorsement Record

Graham’s stumble has fueled concerns among South Carolina Republicans about the wisdom of entrusting a six-year Senate term to a candidate with limited experience. The episode also highlights the risks for Trump as he seeks to propel Graham into national office, especially in a year when he has scaled back explicit campaign travel.

The outcome of this race will serve as a test of Trump’s influence within the Republican Party and his ability to sway voters in high-stakes contests. With the election just days away, all eyes are on whether Trump’s backing will be enough to overcome doubts about Graham’s readiness for the Senate.

Conclusion

President Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham has intensified scrutiny of both the candidate and the former president’s political judgment. As the South Carolina Senate race enters its final stretch, Trump’s support remains a decisive factor—one that could either reinforce or further complicate his record of political endorsements.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/19/darline-graham-taiwan-flub-south-carolina-senate-01042395

Trump, Cohen set aside beef in radio interview

Administration News — 2026-08-20 18:58:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Signals Shift in Relationship with Michael Cohen

President Trump has indicated a notable change in his stance toward Michael Cohen, his former fixer-turned-critic, stating that he respects Cohen for retracting previous statements. This development emerged during an interview with Cohen on his radio show on 77 WABC in New York City, with portions aired Thursday and more expected to be broadcast on Sunday.

A New Tone from Trump

Trump’s remarks suggest a softening in what has been a highly public and contentious relationship. By expressing respect for Cohen’s decision to take back things he previously said, Trump is signaling a willingness to move past earlier disputes. This shift is significant given the history of public attacks and accusations between the two men since Cohen’s fallout with Trump.

Context and Fact-Check

While the excerpt does not specify which statements Cohen has retracted or whether Trump addressed any of his own past claims, the president’s comments mark a departure from his earlier posture of open hostility. Trump’s record includes numerous public disparagements of Cohen, especially after Cohen’s legal troubles and testimony before Congress. However, in this latest exchange, Trump’s acknowledgment of Cohen’s retractions stands out as a rare moment of conciliation.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statement that he respects Michael Cohen for taking back previous remarks represents a notable shift in their ongoing saga. As more of the interview airs, further context may clarify whether this signals a broader change in Trump’s approach to former associates who have publicly criticized him. For now, Trump’s comments reflect a new chapter in a relationship that has been defined by conflict and controversy.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6042769-trump-cohen-radio-interview-economy/

Donald J. Trump: "RT: https://truthsocial.com/users/realDonaldTrump/statuses/117129934429426476"

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-20 16:23:00 — trumpstruth.org

On August 16, 2026, President Donald Trump, aged 80, engaged in a series of posts on Truth Social that have drawn significant attention and criticism. In these posts, Trump shared AI-generated images depicting himself alongside George Washington, the nation’s first president, who passed away over two centuries ago. One such image showed Trump and Washington on horseback, with Trump in a suit and tie astride a black horse beside Washington on a white mount. Another image portrayed the two writing together on what appeared to be a map. (thedailybeast.com)

These posts were made amidst reports of deteriorating conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, an aircraft carrier involved in Trump’s military actions against Iran. Sailors have reportedly faced extended deployments, leading to mental health struggles and at least two attempted overboard incidents. A sailor’s spouse described life on the ship as a “floating metal prison,” criticizing Trump’s perceived lack of empathy and accountability. When questioned about the sailors’ welfare, Trump dismissed concerns, claiming deployments weren’t long enough. (thedailybeast.com)

In addition to these posts, Trump boasted about a stalled $400 million ballroom project at the White House, which is currently on hold due to a federal appeals court ruling that the administration lacked the necessary congressional authority to proceed. He also reflected fondly, and confusingly, on moments with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. (thedailybeast.com)

These actions have raised questions about the president’s focus and priorities, especially given the pressing issues facing military personnel and ongoing international tensions.

Highlights:

• Donald Trump, 80, Fantasizes About George Washington in Bizarre Posting Spree, Published on Saturday, August 15
• Trump, 79, Reposts Unhinged Typo-Filled Late-Night Rant, Published on Monday, December 01

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/41035

Homeland Security Unable to Prove That Thousands of Noncitizens Registered to Vote in Nevada

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-20 16:07:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Claims of Widespread Noncitizen Voting in Nevada Collapse Under Scrutiny

A month after President Trump declared, without evidence, that thousands of noncitizens had illegally registered to vote in Nevada, officials with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were unable to substantiate his claim. Trump’s administration initially asserted that 278,000 noncitizens were registered to vote across four states, including an exact figure of 15,903 in Nevada. However, during a recent meeting with state election administrators, DHS officials revealed they had identified only 185 potential noncitizens in Nevada so far, according to emails and recordings obtained by The New York Times.

Trump’s False Claims and Their Role in Policy

Unproven claims of widespread noncitizen voting have been central to Trump’s political message and his justification for the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. In a televised address, Trump said, “We are releasing the results of a stunning investigation by the Department of Homeland Security,” falsely implying that the government had found solid evidence of noncitizen voting.

DHS Walks Back Administration’s Numbers

The federal officials told Nevada that the nearly 16,000 figure was merely “the ceiling” of potential noncitizens, not a verified count. The list DHS shared with Nevada was incomplete and nearly impossible to verify, lacking even basic identifying information. Nevada officials have requested more details, but DHS has not provided them.

Emails and video recordings show that, weeks after Trump’s national speech, DHS representatives admitted the numbers given to the public were preliminary and lacked the confidence needed to share a full data set with Nevada officials. The department’s letters to the states used vague language such as “there may be as many as,” offering no details on methodology.

Fact-Checking the Numbers

The inflated Nevada number and the subsequent lack of significant findings are yet another example of Trump making sweeping claims of election fraud without evidence. Similar patterns have emerged in other states: New Jersey, for example, found about 6,600 noncitizens improperly registered due to a software error—far below the 35,152 claimed by the Trump administration. Other states, including Iowa, Louisiana, Georgia, and Texas, have also found only minuscule numbers of noncitizens on their voter rolls after further review.

Conclusion

President Trump’s repeated, unsubstantiated claims of widespread noncitizen voting have not held up under scrutiny. Despite bringing the full weight of the federal government to investigate voter fraud, his administration has failed to produce credible evidence to support these allegations. The pattern of inflated numbers and subsequent walk-backs underscores the lack of factual basis for Trump’s narrative, raising concerns about the impact of such claims on public trust and voter access.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/20/us/politics/trump-nevada-voter-election-fraud.html