Jan. 6 rioters pursue new path for payments from Trump administration

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-27 17:35:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Pardons January 6 Defendants, Sparking Wave of Federal Claims for Restitution

A new legal front has opened in the aftermath of the January 6 Capitol riot, as defendants—recently pardoned by President Trump—seek millions of dollars in damages from the federal government. According to reporting, even before receiving pardons from President Trump, some January 6 defendants believed they were owed restitution for the consequences they faced after the attack. Now, with Trump back in office, individuals like Enrique Tarrio have filed claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act, alleging government wrongdoing.

The claims, spearheaded by attorney Peter Ticktin, argue that the lives of these defendants have been “turned upside down” due to government actions, including invasive airport searches and ruined businesses. Ticktin is seeking up to a million dollars for each of the plaintiffs he represents and has indicated plans to file as many as 400 claims.

These filings come after the Justice Department abandoned its controversial anti-weaponization fund, which was initially intended to compensate those claiming government overreach. With that fund on hold, the Federal Tort Claims Act now serves as the primary legal avenue for these claims. However, the Department of Justice maintains that many of these claims are invalid due to the two-year statute of limitations, a point reinforced by a recent federal court dismissal in Florida.

Ticktin contends that an ongoing “conspiracy” by the government to spread lies about January 6 extends the period of harm, potentially circumventing the statute of limitations. This assertion of a continuing conspiracy is a key part of the legal strategy, though it has been characterized as “revisionist history” by reporters.

President Trump’s decision to pardon January 6 defendants has directly enabled this new wave of claims, reflecting his ongoing posture of support for those involved in the Capitol attack. The effort to seek financial restitution from the government underscores the enduring legal and political fallout from January 6, as well as Trump’s continued influence over the individuals and narratives surrounding the event.

As these cases proceed, the courts will determine whether the claims have merit or fall outside the bounds of established law. The controversy highlights the complex legacy of January 6 and the significant role President Trump continues to play in shaping its aftermath.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/jan-6-rioters-pursue-new-path-for-payments-from-trump-administration

Judge Once Again Bars Postal Service From Restricting Mail-In Vote

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-27 22:04:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump’s Executive Order on Mail-In Voting Sparks Legal Battles and Concerns Over Voter Disenfranchisement

A federal judge has once again halted a controversial plan by the U.S. Postal Service to restrict mail-in voting, a move initiated after a directive from President Trump. The plan, released late last week, was intended to comply with an executive order issued by Trump in March. That order required the Department of Homeland Security to create and circulate state-by-state citizenship lists to state officials and urged states to provide the Postal Service with their own lists of voters eligible to cast ballots by mail.

Legal Challenges and Court Rulings

Multiple lawsuits were filed challenging Trump’s executive order, with plaintiffs arguing that Congress and the states—not the executive branch—set the rules for elections. The challengers also contended that no federal law gives the Postal Service the authority to impose such election-related rules. On Monday, the Supreme Court determined that one suit was premature, as the administration had not yet begun implementing its plans. However, the Postal Service formalized its plan just before the court’s ruling, stating it would not deliver mail ballots in states that do not share voter data with the agency and would only deliver ballots meeting certain criteria.

Judge Indira Talwani, in her order blocking the rule for 14 days, cited the “significant risk of disenfranchisement” for voting rights organizations and states. She highlighted the logistical challenges and potential chaos of changing voting rules fewer than 70 days before an election, noting that most plaintiff states had already ordered their mail ballots.

Disputed Authority and Risks of Confusion

Lawyers for the Trump administration and the groups challenging the rule continue to clash over whether the Postal Service’s plan would effectively give the agency a new role in verifying voters and potentially rejecting ballots. The Postal Service, in its filings, denied that it would second-guess states’ decisions on voter eligibility, instead describing the changes as logistical improvements.

Challengers argue that the rule represents an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers, allowing the executive branch to intrude into elections. They warn that the Trump administration’s actions are likely to sow confusion among voters and could lead to widespread disenfranchisement.

Conclusion

President Trump’s executive order and the subsequent Postal Service plan have triggered a series of legal battles and court interventions, with critics warning of chaos and disenfranchisement if the new rules are allowed to take effect. As the courts continue to weigh the legality of these actions, the controversy underscores ongoing concerns about the integrity and accessibility of mail-in voting in the United States.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/27/us/politics/judge-postal-service-mail-ballots.html

Trump signs order renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America

Politics — 2026-08-27 16:52:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

Trump Orders Lake Ontario Renamed ‘Lake America’ Amid Feud With Canada

In a striking move that escalates his ongoing conflict with Canada, President Donald Trump has ordered the renaming of Lake Ontario to “Lake America.” The decision, signed in the Oval Office on Thursday, directs the U.S. Interior Department to update geographic information systems to reflect the new name for the lake, which sits between New York and Canada.

Trump’s Broadside Against Canada

President Trump’s order comes as part of a broader dispute with Canadian officials over trade. In the same meeting, Trump disparaged Canadian government officials, stating that those “playing hardball on trade” are “nasty people.” This comment underscores the president’s combative approach to international negotiations and his willingness to publicly attack foreign officials.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims and Actions

The renaming of Lake Ontario is unprecedented and has no historical basis. Lake Ontario is one of the five Great Lakes, named long before the founding of the United States, and its name is recognized internationally. The president’s directive to unilaterally rename the lake raises questions about the legal authority for such a change, as international bodies and Canada would also need to agree to any official alteration.

Trump’s characterization of Canadian officials as “nasty people” is a personal attack that further strains diplomatic relations. This rhetoric fits a pattern of disparaging remarks made by the president toward foreign leaders and officials during contentious negotiations.

Conclusion

President Trump’s order to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America” and his public criticism of Canadian officials mark a new escalation in his feud with Canada. The move is not only diplomatically provocative but also factually questionable, as the authority to rename a binational body of water is not solely within the U.S. president’s power. Trump’s statements and actions in this episode highlight his confrontational style and disregard for established international norms, leaving both the name of the lake and U.S.-Canada relations mired in controversy.

Source article

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/08/27/trump-signs-order-changing-name-lake-ontario/

Trump directs federal government to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-27 13:53:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Orders Lake Ontario Renamed “Lake America” Amid Escalating Trade Dispute with Canada

President Trump has intensified his ongoing trade conflict with Canada by signing an executive order to rename Lake Ontario, which straddles the border between New York and Canada, as “Lake America.” At a signing event in the Oval Office, Trump declared, “We have a gulf, and we have a lake, now all we need is an ocean.” The order, signed Thursday, directs the federal government to implement the name change “effective immediately,” though it also requires certain administrative steps before it can take effect.

Trump attributed the move directly to frustrations with Canada, stating, “We deal with a lot of people, and people oftentimes they’ll ask me, ‘Who’s the worst to deal with on trade?’ And I said, ‘That’s easy, Canada. They are the worst to trade, and they they feel entitled, and just we can’t have that.’” This statement marks a clear escalation in rhetoric and follows a similar executive action last year, when Trump attempted to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.”

The executive order comes on the heels of failed trade negotiations, after which Trump announced a 50% tariff on certain Canadian goods. This decision has sparked a trade war with one of the United States’ closest allies, prompting Canada to issue retaliatory tariffs. The excerpt notes that these tariffs are “almost certain to raise the cost of goods for Americans,” who are already facing high prices due to ongoing conflict with Iran.

Trump’s actions and statements have drawn criticism from within his own party. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, who is facing a competitive reelection campaign, recently called the tariffs on Canada a “mistake.” This internal dissent highlights the growing unease among some Republicans over the administration’s approach to trade policy and international relations.

False Claims and Disparagements

Trump’s claim that Canada is “the worst to trade” and “feel entitled” continues his pattern of making sweeping, disparaging statements about U.S. allies, often without substantiating evidence. The assertion that renaming a major international body of water is a necessary response to trade frustrations is both unprecedented and widely seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive policy solution.

Conclusion

President Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario as “Lake America” and his imposition of steep tariffs on Canadian goods represent a significant escalation in his trade dispute with Canada. His statements blaming Canada for trade difficulties and justifying dramatic actions with broad, negative characterizations of America’s neighbor further strain diplomatic relations. As costs rise for American consumers and political backlash grows, the long-term impact of these moves remains to be seen.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/27/g-s1-140583/trump-lake-ontario-america

Donald J. Trump: "RT: https://truthsocial.com/users/realDonaldTrump/statuses/117165035124737967"

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-26 21:09:00 — www.trumpstruth.org

On August 27, 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, commemorating the 13 American service members killed in Kabul, Afghanistan, five years prior. In his message, he attributed the tragedy to President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, describing it as “totally botched” and labeling it “one of the greatest atrocities in the History of our Nation.” Trump further criticized Biden and the Democratic Party, accusing them of incompetence and claiming they “totally ignored and disrespected” the Gold Star families affected by the incident. He stated that during his 2024 campaign, he met with these families and promised to deliver justice upon returning to the White House, asserting that his administration “quickly apprehended the evil mastermind responsible for the deaths of our Service members.”

A fact-check of Trump’s claims reveals several inaccuracies. The withdrawal from Afghanistan, completed in August 2021, was initiated under the Trump administration, with the Doha Agreement signed in February 2020 setting the terms for U.S. troop withdrawal. While the execution of the withdrawal faced significant challenges, attributing the entire operation solely to President Biden overlooks the bipartisan nature of the decision-making process.

Regarding the apprehension of the mastermind behind the Kabul attack, there is no public evidence supporting Trump’s assertion that his administration captured the individual responsible. The U.S. military did conduct operations against terrorist leaders in the region, but specific details about the perpetrators of the Abbey Gate attack remain classified or undisclosed.

Trump’s post also accuses the Democratic Party of ignoring and disrespecting Gold Star families. However, there is no substantial evidence to support this claim. Both Democratic and Republican leaders have historically honored and supported Gold Star families, recognizing their sacrifices regardless of political affiliation.

In summary, President Trump’s recent Truth Social post contains multiple misleading statements regarding the Afghanistan withdrawal, the capture of terrorist leaders, and the treatment of Gold Star families. These inaccuracies contribute to a narrative that distorts the complexities of military operations and the bipartisan responsibilities involved.

Source article

Source: https://www.trumpstruth.org/statuses/41265

Trump’s war on Iran is rapidly draining US navy budget, documents and interviews reveal | US military

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-27 12:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump’s Iran War Leaves U.S. Navy in Financial Crisis Amid Budget Chaos

Donald Trump’s decision to launch a war on Iran has driven the U.S. military—particularly the Navy—into a severe financial crisis, according to documents obtained by the Guardian and interviews with Navy officials, contractors, and defense analysts. When Trump started the war on February 28, it quickly strained existing military budgets, especially for the Navy, which was responsible for both the initial attacks and an extensive naval blockade.

## Budget Strain and Emergency Funding

The Trump administration’s war efforts have depleted U.S. munitions stockpiles and prompted retaliatory Iranian strikes that have damaged strategic bases across the Middle East. This has put immense pressure on military budgets. The Pentagon was forced to transfer money from payroll and other accounts to cover combat costs, with one memo warning of “shortfalls in payroll” due to the department “raiding” these funds for combat operations.

Despite the White House’s request for emergency funding from Congress, prospects for approval remain dim due to the war’s unpopularity. The administration asked Congress for $67 billion in emergency funds for the Department of Defense, but did not specify how much would go to the Navy. The House passed a $1.15 trillion defense bill and a separate authorization for $73 billion for the war in Iran, but neither is likely to become law.

## Internal Chaos and Deferred Maintenance

Inside the Navy, the cash shortage is no secret. Officials and contractors report that non-emergency maintenance on shore-based facilities has been deferred, and money is being shifted around in “imaginative ways” to cover payroll and operational costs. “The money for payroll was robbed to pay for overseas contingencies and is being backfilled by money that hasn’t been spent,” a Navy official explained.

## Trump’s Micromanagement and Grand Ambitions

Trump has often compared his vision for the Navy to Theodore Roosevelt’s “Great White Fleet,” but instead branded his ambitions as the “Golden Fleet.” Among his plans: the construction of mammoth “Trump class” ships—the largest battleships in U.S. history. Trump’s micromanagement extended to ordering the redesign of an aircraft carrier’s launch system, insisting on a steam and hydraulic catapult rather than the modern electromagnetic system. As reported, he has voiced his preferences on carrier launch catapults every year since 2017.

## No Clear Endgame

The ongoing financial crisis is exacerbated by the lack of a clear endgame for the war. A former military officer now working for a Navy contractor, who has been briefed on the shortfalls, described the situation bluntly: “They’re fucked. They shot all their weapons; they trashed all their ships; they ran out of their money.”

## Conclusion

Trump’s war on Iran has left the U.S. Navy scrambling to cover basic expenses, forced to raid payroll accounts, and unable to maintain its facilities or readiness. Despite grand ambitions and repeated intervention in military operations, the administration’s actions have resulted in a financial crisis with no clear resolution in sight. The Navy’s current predicament stands in stark contrast to Trump’s rhetoric about military strength and expansion, raising serious questions about the long-term consequences of his decisions.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/27/trump-iran-war-navy-budget

Trump’s Strength in Primaries is Clear. The Midterms Pose a Different Test.

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-27 10:20:00 — www.nytimes.com

Donald Trump Urges Supporters to “Pretend” He Is on the Ballot as Midterms Approach

As the general election nears, Donald Trump has placed himself at the center of Republican midterm strategy, urging his supporters to “pretend” he is on the ballot and promising to spend significant campaign cash reserves. At a recent rally in South Carolina, Trump told the crowd, “So what I really want you to do is pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot. Just come and vote.” This statement underscores his ongoing effort to mobilize Republican voters by tying their participation directly to his own political brand.

Despite his efforts to energize the party’s base, Trump’s approval rating remains low, weighed down by issues such as rising prices and an unpopular war. Democrats have made clear their intention to make the election a referendum on Trump, hoping to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with his administration.

Trump’s influence over the Republican Party remains strong, particularly through his endorsements, social media activity, and the financial muscle of his super PAC, MAGA Inc. However, he has been notably reluctant to spend the large sums he has raised, telling reporters, “I’ll be spending a lot of that money and my own money,” even though he has not used personal funds for politics in a decade.

The president’s approach has created a dilemma for Republican candidates in competitive races. While many still seek his support to energize the party’s base, others are wary of being too closely associated with him, especially in battleground districts where swing voters could be decisive.

Trump’s actions during the primary season have also demonstrated his willingness to punish dissent within the party, investing heavily to oust Republican lawmakers who have crossed him. Yet, he has shown restraint in some battleground contests, backing down when his interventions risked jeopardizing Republican chances in the general election.

As the midterms approach, Trump’s dual role as both kingmaker and potential liability for the GOP is coming into sharper focus. His insistence that supporters “pretend” he is on the ballot highlights his determination to remain the dominant force in Republican politics, even as some candidates seek to distance themselves from his polarizing image.

The outcome of the upcoming elections may ultimately hinge on whether Trump’s strategy of personalizing the vote can overcome the broader headwinds facing his party—and whether Republican candidates can successfully navigate the challenge of appealing to both his loyal base and more skeptical swing voters.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/27/us/politics/trump-midterm-election-republicans.html

How to Review Your 401(k) Plan Funds and Fees — ProPublica

ProPublica — 2026-08-27 04:00:00 — www.propublica.org

Trump Pushes for Riskier 401(k) Investments, Proposes Rules Limiting Worker Protections

President Donald Trump has expressed support for encouraging 401(k) retirement plans to invest more heavily in private equity, real estate, and cryptocurrency—investment options that experts widely consider complex and risky. To facilitate this shift, the Department of Labor under Trump has proposed regulatory changes that would make it more difficult for employees to hold companies accountable for how they manage retirement plans.

Proposed Rule Changes Favor Employers

Currently, employers are legally required to act in the best interests of their employees when selecting investment options for 401(k) plans. However, under the Trump-backed proposal, companies that follow a prescribed process in choosing investments would receive the benefit of the doubt in court, making it harder for workers to sue over mismanagement of their retirement accounts.

The Department of Labor has publicly stated that these changes will “democratize access to alternative investments in 401(k) plans” and “lower litigation risks” for employers who are acting with good judgment. Critics, however, warn that these rules could “gut protections for retirement savers” and prioritize maximizing returns over balancing risk, as noted by Monique Morrissey of the Economic Policy Institute.

Potential Risks and Concerns

The push to expand access to private equity and cryptocurrency in retirement plans comes despite survey data showing that most Americans do not consider such options important for their retirement savings. Experts caution that these alternative investments can carry higher fees and greater risks compared to traditional options like index funds.

The proposed changes would also shift more responsibility onto employees to monitor their retirement plans, even though many workers lack the expertise to evaluate complex investment products or spot excessive fees. This could result in workers unknowingly paying higher costs or taking on more risk than they realize.

Conclusion

President Trump’s initiative to broaden 401(k) investment options to include riskier assets like private equity and cryptocurrency is accompanied by regulatory proposals that would make it harder for employees to challenge poor plan management in court. While the Department of Labor frames these changes as expanding choice and reducing employer liability, critics argue that the move could undermine critical protections for retirement savers and expose workers to greater financial risk. As these rules move toward finalization, the debate underscores the importance of transparency, oversight, and safeguarding workers’ long-term financial security.

Source article

Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/401k-retirement-plan-fees-funds

News Wrap: States sue USPS, challenging Trump’s order on mail-in voting

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-26 17:45:00 — www.pbs.org

President Trump’s Claim on Strait of Hormuz Disputed by Iran

In a radio interview today, President Trump asserted that the Strait of Hormuz has been cleared of mines and is “a very functioning strait.” This statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as Iran announced it would bar all military vessels from passing through the waterway as part of a potential agreement with Oman.

However, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, directly challenged Trump’s account. Gharibabadi questioned, “If they have cleared the mines, then why aren’t vessels passing through the strait? This is nothing more than a claim.” He further stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains unsafe for commercial vessels and insisted that only Iran knows the precise locations of the mines.

The dispute highlights ongoing uncertainty and risk in the region, with conflicting narratives from the U.S. and Iran about the safety and accessibility of this critical maritime route.

Conclusion

President Trump’s assertion that the Strait of Hormuz is clear and fully operational was promptly contradicted by Iranian officials, who maintain that the area remains hazardous. This exchange underscores the persistent tensions and the challenges of verifying claims in a volatile geopolitical environment. As the situation develops, the accuracy of statements from all parties will remain under scrutiny.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/news-wrap-states-sue-usps-challenging-trumps-order-on-mail-in-voting

Donald J. Trump: "RT: https://truthsocial.com/users/realDonaldTrump/statuses/117165035124737967"

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-26 21:09:00 — trumpstruth.org

On August 24, 2026, President Donald Trump engaged in a late-night posting spree on Truth Social, sharing a series of AI-generated images and pro-MAGA messages between 12:30 and 1:20 a.m. (thedailybeast.com) One notable post depicted George Washington accusing modern Democrats of undermining American freedom.

These posts were largely reposts or dictated content, not authored directly by Trump. Aides with access to his account, notably Natalie Harp—his devoted executive assistant, and Dan Scavino, deputy chief of staff—often manage his social media. Harp, previously a right-wing TV anchor earning $150,000 annually, is known to handle Trump’s dictated posts and has expressed extreme personal devotion to him. Both Harp and Scavino regularly contribute to his online activity, especially during late-night hours. Despite these aides’ involvement, Trump is also known to personally post during off-hours. The activity highlights ongoing concern over Trump’s sleep habits and the erratic nature of his communications.

This pattern of late-night, erratic postings has raised questions about the president’s communication strategies and the role of AI-generated content in his messaging. Critics argue that such posts may contribute to misinformation and further polarize public discourse.

Highlights:

• Sleepless Trump, 80, Unravels in Deranged 1AM Posting Spree, Published on Monday, August 24
• Trump Goes on Bizarre Truth Social AI Posting Spree, Published on Friday, August 21

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/41265