Trump’s Summer of Fun Ends With an IndyCar Race on the Streets of D.C.

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-23 16:01:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Embraces Festive Spirit at Washington IndyCar Event

President Trump, accompanied by the first lady, Melania Trump, participated in a high-profile celebration in Washington, D.C., marking the nation’s 250th anniversary. The president and his wife were driven in the presidential limousine around a specially designed IndyCar racetrack that wound through the heart of the city, passing iconic landmarks and drawing large crowds.

During the event, Trump told a Fox Sports reporter, “We’re going to make a little circle in a nice, secure car, slightly slower than the ones we’re going to witness. But we’re going to have fun.” This statement reflected his lighthearted approach to the day’s festivities, which capped off a summer of headline-grabbing appearances, including hosting a cage fight on the White House lawn for his 80th birthday and leading a rally at the Washington Monument on the Fourth of July.

Security for the event was extensive, with more than 200 manhole covers welded shut and flights at Ronald Reagan National Airport redirected. Museums along the racecourse took extra precautions to protect their collections, underscoring the scale of the transformation undertaken for the celebration.

Trump was joined by two of his sons, aide Natalie Harp, and several cabinet secretaries, as crowds watched the race from screens along the National Mall or pressed against the track’s fencing for a closer view. The spectacle included a dramatic crash near the Capitol, though both drivers were reported to be unharmed.

While Trump’s remarks at the event were upbeat and focused on enjoyment, his presence at such high-profile public celebrations continues to draw attention to his approach to leadership and public engagement. The president’s willingness to embrace large-scale, attention-grabbing events has become a hallmark of his time in office, reinforcing his image as a leader who relishes spectacle and public interaction.

As the summer’s celebrations draw to a close, Trump’s participation in these events highlights both his ongoing influence over the nation’s public life and his preference for memorable, high-energy displays. The president’s actions and statements at these gatherings will likely continue to shape public perceptions as the country moves forward from its milestone anniversary.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/23/us/politics/trump-summer-car-race-dc.html

People losing health insurance is an issue the next California governor will face : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-23 07:50:00 — www.npr.org

Republican Congress, Backed by Trump, Slashes Medicaid and ACA Support, Triggering Surge in Uninsured

A sweeping rollback of health coverage is underway as the second Trump administration and a GOP-led Congress enact deep cuts to Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces, reversing years of gains in the number of insured Americans. According to the latest analysis, these federal actions are expected to nearly double the number of uninsured Californians under 65 by 2030, with the uninsured population rising from 2.4 million to 4.6 million.

Trump’s Attributable Actions and Positions

The article details that the second Trump administration has responded to conservative criticism—claiming that recent health policies “inflated enrollment by attracting fraudulent and wasteful coverage”—by tightening enrollment windows and toughening income reporting requirements. This approach has been justified by Trump’s allies as necessary to “root out fraud and waste,” rather than focusing on the overall number of people insured.

Last summer, the GOP-led Congress passed what is described as “Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” a legislative package Republicans say preserves Medicaid for those who need it most. However, the law is expected to cut Medicaid spending by over $900 billion in the next decade. Additionally, Congress allowed enhanced premium tax credits for ACA plans to expire, resulting in higher premiums for middle-income Americans and a drop in enrollment by nearly 3 million this year.

Impact on Californians

These federal cuts are already having a dramatic effect in California, which had previously achieved one of the nation’s largest reductions in its uninsured population through robust ACA adoption. State and hospital officials warn that as federal support shrinks, more Californians will lose coverage, hospitals will see more unpaid bills, and premiums will rise as risk pools become sicker and more expensive to cover.

California’s next governor will inherit a crisis, with experts predicting the state could lose up to $30 billion in annual federal funding for health coverage. Job losses in the healthcare sector could reach 200,000, and the state faces tough choices about whether to raise taxes or further roll back coverage.

Fact-Check and Conclusion

The Trump administration’s claims that tightening eligibility and cutting federal support will reduce fraud are disputed by health policy experts, who warn that these moves primarily reduce coverage for millions of Americans, including many who are eligible and in need. The rollback of ACA provisions and Medicaid funding stands in stark contrast to the historic high of 92% health insurance coverage reached under the Biden administration.

As California braces for a steep decline in health coverage, the Trump administration’s actions and the rhetoric used to justify them are under scrutiny for their real-world impact on families, hospitals, and the broader economy. The debate over what constitutes “waste” versus essential coverage remains central as the state and nation navigate the consequences of these federal policy shifts.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/23/nx-s1-5941143/california-governor-xavier-becerra-health-insurance

RT @realDonaldTrumpCanada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!! President DJT

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-23 08:11:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Attacks Canada Over Trade, Makes Dubious Claims About Tariffs

In a statement posted on social media, Donald Trump asserted, “Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!! President DJT.” This message continues a pattern of aggressive rhetoric and questionable claims regarding U.S.-Canada trade relations.

## Trump’s Claims About Canada and Statehood

Trump’s assertion that “Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one” is a disparaging characterization of the United States’ northern neighbor. There is no evidence that Canada seeks or has ever sought the status or benefits of being a U.S. state. This claim appears to be a rhetorical device rather than a statement grounded in fact.

## Claims of Tariffs on U.S. Farmers

Trump further claimed that Canada “has also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs.” While it is true that tariffs exist between the two countries on certain goods, the characterization of these tariffs as “massive amounts” is misleading. According to trade data, tariffs between the U.S. and Canada are generally low, especially under agreements like NAFTA and its successor, the USMCA. Disputes over specific products, such as dairy, have occurred, but the overall tariff environment is not accurately described by Trump’s sweeping statement.

## Fact-Checking Trump’s Trade Rhetoric

Trump’s message exaggerates the extent of Canadian tariffs on American farmers and misrepresents the nature of the U.S.-Canada trade relationship. His claim that Canada wants the benefits of statehood is unfounded and serves more as a political attack than a factual observation. These statements continue a pattern in which Trump has made broad, often inaccurate claims about international trade partners.

## Conclusion

Donald Trump’s recent comments about Canada repeat a familiar pattern of exaggeration and disparagement. His claims about Canadian tariffs and statehood lack factual support and mislead the public about the realities of U.S.-Canada trade. As with many of Trump’s statements on trade, the rhetoric does not align with the facts, underscoring the importance of careful scrutiny and fact-checking of such claims.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/41129

Iran’s foreign minister calls threat of new US economic sanctions ‘desperate’ | US-Israel war on Iran

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-23 08:56:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Escalates Pressure on Iran with Sweeping Sanctions and Dubious Claims

Donald Trump has launched a new campaign of economic pressure against Iran, describing it as “the most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country.” This latest move, which Trump has promoted as a historic escalation, comes amid a backdrop of mounting economic hardship and political unrest inside Iran.

Sanctions and Exaggerated Claims

Trump’s administration is expected to announce further punitive measures, which Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called “the toughest sanctions in history.” Trump’s rhetoric has repeatedly emphasized the unprecedented nature of these actions, positioning them as a decisive blow to Iran’s economy. However, Iranian officials have dismissed the sanctions as a “desperate” tactic, insisting that previous US efforts—including military threats and blockades—have failed.

In recent days, Trump has gone further, repeatedly raising the idea of declaring the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil shipping route—a US territory. He even shared a map on social media identifying the strait as such, a claim that has no basis in international law and has been widely criticized as fanciful.

Regional Fallout and International Response

The US campaign, dubbed Operation Economic Fury, is designed to choke off Iran’s funding through targeted sanctions and a naval blockade aimed at halting Iranian oil exports. The pressure has already led the United Arab Emirates, one of Iran’s main trading partners, to suspend all trade and financial transactions with Tehran.

Despite Trump’s efforts to rally international support, key global players like China have criticized the sanctions, arguing they will not resolve the broader conflict in the Middle East.

Iran’s Response and Warnings

Iranian leaders have responded defiantly. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the US actions “the same old plans” and predicted they would fail. President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Trump of plunging Iran into “a full-scale economic, military and security war,” while also acknowledging the severe problems facing Iranian society, including inflation and unemployment.

Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s supreme national security council, warned that Iran would target oil-shipping routes and US economic interests in the region if neighboring countries joined the US-led economic campaign.

Conclusion

Trump’s aggressive posture toward Iran is marked by sweeping claims and controversial proposals, such as the assertion of US control over the Strait of Hormuz. While the administration touts its sanctions as unparalleled, the effectiveness and legality of these measures are hotly disputed, both by Iranian officials and international observers. As tensions escalate, the region faces growing instability, with the potential for further economic and security fallout.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/23/iran-new-security-chief-trump-economic-war-enemies-mohsen-rezaei

Trump will kick off the IndyCar race before cars zoom through Washington’s streets

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-23 10:21:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Touts “Freedom Roar” as D.C. Prepares for IndyCar Spectacle Amid Ongoing Controversies

President Donald Trump is once again placing himself at the center of a high-profile celebration, declaring, “Their beautiful cars are going to make freedom roar. This will be a freedom that’s roaring like never before,” as he promoted the upcoming Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C. The event, which will see Trump and first lady Melania Trump lead a traditional prerace kickoff in his presidential limo, is the latest in a series of elaborate spectacles marking America’s 250th birthday.

Trump’s Focus on Ceremony and Spectacle

Trump’s recent activities have leaned heavily into the ceremonial aspects of the presidency. His administration has staged a string of attention-grabbing events, including a UFC fight on the White House lawn, military aircraft flyovers, a massive July Fourth fireworks display, and a Great American State Fair. These events have been characterized by what the excerpt describes as a “Trumpian flair,” emphasizing spectacle, Americana, and power, often featuring appearances from his friends.

Executive Orders and Presidential Promotion

Earlier this year, Trump signed an executive order promoting the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, stating that the “cars and drivers inspire awe and respect in all who watch this quintessentially American sport,” and that the event would “showcase the majesty of our great city as drivers navigate a track around our iconic national monuments in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.” This move underscores Trump’s ongoing effort to put his personal stamp on national celebrations and the capital itself.

Political Backdrop: War and Economic Concerns

The race comes at a time when Trump is facing significant political challenges, notably the unresolved war with Iran that he initiated nearly six months ago. The conflict has led to higher gasoline prices and increased anxiety among Republican officials, who worry that voters in the upcoming midterm elections see Trump as distracted and insufficiently focused on cost-of-living issues.

Trump’s Mark on the Capital

Sunday’s festivities are also described as another opportunity for Trump to “revel in the way he’s putting his mark on the nation’s capital.” This includes large banners with his face on government buildings, the construction of a massive White House ballroom, a gold-adorned Oval Office, and botched repairs at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Conclusion

President Trump’s penchant for grand displays and self-promotion continues to define his approach to the presidency, even as pressing policy challenges remain unresolved. His focus on spectacle and ceremony, as exemplified by the Freedom 250 Grand Prix and other recent events, highlights a presidency increasingly centered on image and celebration rather than substantive governance. As the nation’s capital prepares for another Trump-led extravaganza, questions about priorities and leadership remain at the forefront.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-will-kick-off-the-indycar-race-before-cars-zoom-through-washingtons-streets

Angry Ohio Voters Could Turn Their State Purple Again

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-23 08:19:00 — www.nytimes.com

Donald Trump’s Economic Record Faces Scrutiny as Ohio Voters Express Discontent

As Ohioans grapple with rising costs and economic uncertainty, Donald Trump’s handling of the economy is under renewed scrutiny. In a recent New York Times/Siena poll of likely voters in Ohio, people disapproved of Trump’s handling of the cost of living by nearly a 2-to-1 margin, reflecting widespread frustration across the state.

Economic Anxiety and Trump’s Policy Moves

Across Ohio, residents from all backgrounds are voicing anger over the soaring prices of groceries, gas, utilities, and rent. In rural Mercer County, farmers noted that the costs of fertilizer and farm machinery have been exacerbated by international conflicts and trade wars. The excerpt reports that before Trump announced plans to lower tariffs on foreign beef imports, local farmers were already feeling the pinch of tough business conditions.

The poll numbers indicate that nearly 30 percent of Ohio voters—and 40 percent of independents—cite the economy or cost of living as their top issue when deciding their vote for Congress. Despite Trump’s claims of economic prowess, these figures suggest that many Ohioans are dissatisfied with his approach to the nation’s financial challenges.

Voters’ Disapproval and Political Implications

The disapproval of Trump’s economic stewardship is not limited to one party or demographic. Even in conservative areas, some residents are reluctant to blame the current president for their woes, but the poll clearly shows that Trump’s record is a significant factor in voters’ minds. This discontent is fueling competitive races for governor and Senate, with both parties vying for control in a state that has shifted rightward in recent years.

Conclusion

The widespread economic frustration in Ohio, combined with polling that shows strong disapproval of Trump’s handling of the cost of living, signals a challenging environment for candidates aligned with his policies. As the 2026 midterms approach, the state’s voters will play a pivotal role in determining whether Ohio remains solidly red or moves back toward the political center.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/23/us/politics/ohio-politics-voter-anger.html

Against the wind: despite Trump’s attacks, unions are fighting for good US clean energy jobs | US unions

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-23 05:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Targets Offshore Wind, Spreads False Claims About Clean Energy

Since returning to office in 2024, President Donald Trump has aggressively moved to roll back much of the previous administration’s climate agenda, with a particular focus on offshore wind energy. Trump has singled out offshore wind, claiming it causes cancer, kills birds and other wildlife, and destroys property values. These assertions have been widely debunked by scientific research and fact-checkers, but the president has continued to repeat them as part of his broader campaign against clean energy initiatives.

Trump’s administration has also taken concrete steps to undermine the growth of the offshore wind sector. In 2025, the administration accelerated the phaseout of the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean-electricity tax credits for wind and solar projects—federal incentives that had helped drive clean-energy investment and union job creation. Trump ordered work to halt on several major offshore wind projects, including Empire Wind, Revolution Wind, Sunrise Wind, Vineyard Wind, and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind. These actions temporarily disrupted construction, sent workers home, and imposed additional costs on developers, although courts ultimately blocked each of the stop-work orders and allowed the projects to continue.

Despite the legal setbacks, Trump’s moves have had a “complete chilling effect” on future offshore wind development, according to union leaders. In 2025 alone, the administration spent $2.7 billion in taxpayer dollars to cancel 12 offshore wind leases in five deals with developers. Market analysts have sharply reduced their projections for U.S. offshore wind capacity by 2035, slashing estimates from 39 gigawatts to just 6 gigawatts. This dramatic drop has devastated unions that spent years preparing workers for new jobs in the sector, with some estimates pointing to a loss of 3 billion work hours.

Trump’s repeated false claims about offshore wind—such as its supposed links to cancer and property value destruction—have been widely discredited. Scientific studies have found no evidence that offshore wind turbines cause cancer, and while wind projects can have localized impacts on birds, experts agree that the overall environmental benefits far outweigh these risks, especially compared to fossil fuel alternatives.

The president’s actions and rhetoric have revived the outdated notion that Americans must choose between good jobs and climate action, despite evidence that clean energy projects, especially those with strong labor standards, can deliver both. While Trump’s efforts have temporarily slowed the clean energy transition, labor and environmental leaders remain committed to fighting for unionized, high-quality jobs in the sector and are confident that offshore wind will eventually regain momentum.

In summary, President Trump’s campaign against offshore wind has relied on false and misleading claims, while his administration’s policy moves have disrupted job creation and clean energy progress. The long-term impact on America’s offshore wind industry remains uncertain, but unions and climate advocates are determined to keep pushing for a future where good jobs and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/23/wind-energy-unions-trump

Trump threatens lawsuit against nonprofit that questioned whether National Guard plan lessened crime

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-22 12:36:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Threatens $5 Billion Lawsuit Over Report Disputing Crime Claims

President Donald Trump is threatening legal action against the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank, demanding it retract a report that contradicts his claims about the effectiveness of National Guard deployments in reducing crime.

Trump’s Legal Threat

Through his attorney, Trump sent a letter to the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit, insisting it “immediately retract the false, malicious, and defamatory statements made about President Trump.” The letter warned that failure to comply would result in a $5 billion lawsuit. The Center for American Progress declined to retract the report.

The Disputed Report

The report, published July 13, analyzed crime data and concluded that Trump’s deployment of the National Guard “had no measurable effect on violent crime trends.” It specifically criticized the administration for taking credit for a drop in violent crime that was already underway, stating, “In an effort to falsely claim his policies have reduced crime, the president is exploiting the fact that violent crime and murder were already declining in the cities his administration targeted with these extreme interventions.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

According to the nonprofit’s analysis, the decline in violent crime predated Trump’s interventions. The Center for American Progress described its findings as “inconvenient to the Trump administration,” but based on available crime data. The organization’s general counsel responded to Trump’s threat by calling the defamation allegation “utterly absurd: truth is not and cannot be defamation. The legal standards here are clear, well-established, and speech-protective.”

Pattern of Legal Threats

The article notes that threatening lawsuits over unfavorable media coverage is a recurring tactic for Trump. Experts cited in the report argue that such threats are often intended to intimidate critics rather than address actual harm.

Conclusion

Trump’s threat to sue over the report highlights his ongoing efforts to challenge and silence criticism, particularly when independent analysis contradicts his public claims. The Center for American Progress stands by its findings, emphasizing the importance of truth and data in public debate.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-threatens-lawsuit-against-nonprofit-that-questioned-whether-national-guard-plan-lessened-crime

Jeffries and Kushner Meet Privately as Midterm Attacks Fly

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-23 04:02:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Escalates Attacks on Jeffries Amid Bipartisan Tensions and Policy Stalemates

As the midterm elections approach, President Trump has intensified his personal attacks on Representative Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic minority leader, calling him a “thug” and, at a May campaign event, labeling him a “low IQ” person who inspired Trump to deride Democrats as the “Dumocrats.” These remarks come as both sides ramp up their rhetoric, with Democrats and the president “savaging each other on the campaign trail with increasing fury.”

Policy Contradictions and Broken Promises

Trump’s record on bipartisan legislation has also come under scrutiny. This year, he refused to sign a bipartisan housing bill, dismissing it as “Warren centric” due to Senator Elizabeth Warren’s involvement. Despite repeatedly expressing openness to a deal with Democrats on immigration, Trump has consistently backed away from any such agreement. Most recently, he successfully lobbied Republicans to abandon a bipartisan border security bill in 2024, further highlighting the administration’s reluctance to compromise.

Trolling and Racist Imagery

In a recent Oval Office meeting with Jeffries and Senator Chuck Schumer, which was intended to avert a government shutdown, Trump positioned hats emblazoned with a “Trump 2028” logo in front of the Democratic leaders, trolling them with the suggestion he would run for a third term in violation of the Constitution. Following the meeting, Trump posted an A.I.-generated meme depicting Jeffries with a mustache and a sombrero, prompting Jeffries to call the image racist and challenge Trump to repeat the insult in person.

Public Posture Versus Private Engagement

Despite these public attacks, Trump has taken a different tone in private and in select interviews. When asked about Jeffries by Punchbowl News, Trump said, “I think he’s a nice guy. I’d probably get along with him very well,” and described their only meeting in his second term as positive. However, these comments stand in sharp contrast to his public disparagements and trolling behavior.

Conclusion

President Trump’s pattern of personal attacks, policy reversals, and provocative actions continues to define his approach to both governance and political opposition. While he occasionally signals a willingness to work across the aisle, his record and rhetoric suggest a persistent strategy of confrontation and escalation, leaving little room for genuine bipartisan progress as the political stakes rise.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/23/us/politics/jeffries-kushner-private-meeting.html

Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!! President DJT

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-23 00:06:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Claims Canada Wants U.S. State Benefits Without Responsibilities, Attacks Canadian Tariffs

In a recent statement, Donald Trump asserted, “Canada wants the benefits of being a State, without being one!!! They have also charged our great farmers, for many years, massive amounts of Tariffs. No more!!!” This claim continues Trump’s pattern of making sweeping statements about America’s trade relationships and the actions of foreign governments, particularly Canada.

## Trump’s Claims About Canada

Trump’s statement suggests that Canada seeks the advantages of U.S. statehood without accepting its obligations. He further alleges that Canada has imposed “massive amounts of Tariffs” on American farmers for many years, vowing to put an end to this practice.

## Fact-Checking the Tariff Claims

The claim that Canada has charged U.S. farmers “massive amounts of Tariffs” is misleading. While Canada, like most countries, does impose tariffs on certain agricultural products, the United States also maintains tariffs and quotas on Canadian goods. Trade between the two countries is governed by agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which replaced NAFTA and reduced many tariffs. Disputes over specific products—such as dairy, eggs, and poultry—have occurred, but the overall tariff levels are not as one-sided or punitive as Trump suggests.

## Exaggeration of Canada’s Intentions

Trump’s assertion that Canada wants “the benefits of being a State, without being one” is an exaggeration. There is no evidence that Canada seeks U.S. statehood or its associated benefits. Instead, Canada has consistently acted as an independent nation and close trading partner. Such rhetoric appears designed to stoke nationalist sentiment rather than reflect the reality of U.S.-Canada relations.

## Conclusion

Donald Trump’s recent comments about Canada misrepresent the nature of the trade relationship between the two countries. By exaggerating Canada’s intentions and overstating the impact of Canadian tariffs, Trump continues his pattern of making inflammatory statements that do not align with the facts. Readers should be aware that while trade disputes exist, the reality is far more nuanced than Trump’s claims suggest.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/41128