What to know about Dr. Heidi Overton, Trump’s pick to lead the FDA

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-19 17:40:00 — www.pbs.org

President Trump Nominates Health Policy Aide to Lead FDA Amid Controversy Over Vaccine Policy

President Trump has nominated Dr. Heidi Overton, a top White House health policy aide, to head the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Overton is a strong supporter of the president’s health agenda, including efforts to overhaul the childhood vaccine schedule and to separate the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into individual shots. These proposed changes have drawn sharp criticism from medical experts, who warn that such moves depart from established scientific consensus and could undermine public health.

Challenging Vaccine Consensus

Dr. Overton’s support for a “more slimmed-down and spaced-out version” of the current childhood vaccine schedule aligns with President Trump’s executive order on the issue. This approach is not widely supported among FDA experts or the broader medical community, who emphasize that the current vaccine schedule is based on decades of research and is critical to preventing outbreaks of dangerous diseases. The effort to separate the MMR vaccine into individual shots, in particular, has been criticized for lacking scientific justification and for potentially increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

FDA Leadership at a Critical Moment

Overton’s nomination comes as the FDA faces significant challenges. The agency has lost more than 3,000 employees due to administration cuts, raising concerns about its ability to carry out essential functions such as food and drug inspections and the review of new medical products. Food safety is also a growing concern, with recent data showing about 10,500 cases of foodborne illness outbreaks this year—seven times higher than the annual average in recent years.

Overton’s background as a physician and public health expert is notable, but she is primarily known for her political work as a top policy aide to President Trump. Her close relationship with the president and her involvement in shaping controversial health policies are likely to be key topics during her Senate confirmation process.

Conclusion

President Trump’s decision to nominate Dr. Heidi Overton to lead the FDA signals a continued push to reshape longstanding vaccine policy, despite strong opposition from medical experts. As the FDA grapples with staffing shortages and rising public health challenges, Overton’s nomination highlights the administration’s willingness to challenge scientific consensus in pursuit of its health agenda. The outcome of her confirmation process will have significant implications for the future direction of the FDA and the nation’s public health policies.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-to-know-about-dr-heidi-overton-trumps-pick-to-lead-the-fda

Trump’s Order to Cut Military Exercises With South Korea Carries Risks, Experts Say

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-20 04:04:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Scales Back U.S.-South Korea Military Drills, Echoes North Korean Talking Points

On President Trump’s orders, the Pentagon has significantly curtailed this year’s joint military exercises with South Korea, scaling back key live-fire components of the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills. The move comes as current and former military officials warn that such reductions are likely to undercut U.S. military readiness in the region, especially at a time when American allies are questioning the administration’s commitment to longstanding partnerships and countering China.

Trump’s decision to reduce the scope of the exercises appears aimed at appeasing North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, who has long condemned the drills as provocative. In a recent social media post, Trump echoed North Korea’s stance, claiming that the country under Kim had been “unthreatening and respectful” during his presidency. This position stands in stark contrast to the reality on the ground: North Korea conducted two ballistic missile tests off its east coast this month and has vowed to respond to perceived threats with increased deterrence.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which typically involve 17,000 or more U.S. troops and 50,000 South Korean troops, are designed to ensure the allies’ readiness to repel a North Korean attack. This year, about 18,000 South Korean troops were set to participate, but the Pentagon has not disclosed the number of American troops involved. While both countries maintain that the exercises are defensive, Trump’s alignment with North Korean rhetoric raises concerns among military experts.

This is not the first time Trump has disrupted these critical drills. In 2018, he abruptly canceled the exercises without notifying his own defense secretary, Jim Mattis, in an effort to give nuclear negotiations with North Korea a chance. Those talks ultimately failed, and experts warned then that repeated interruptions would erode military readiness over time.

After Trump’s latest announcement, the Pentagon declined to specify which training events would be canceled or modified. However, former commanders stressed that the most valuable aspects—testing high-level command decisions and conducting large-scale, live-fire troop maneuvers—would be affected. These elements are essential for building competence and confidence among troops, according to retired General Curtis M. Scaparrotti.

In a rambling social media post, Trump also complained that South Korea had not supported his administration in the war against Iran and exaggerated the cost of the exercises, stating, “much of these costs [are] paid for by the United States of America (as usual!).” However, the Pentagon estimated the cost at $6.9 million, with most expenses already incurred, contradicting Trump’s implication that significant savings would result from the changes.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry appeared caught off guard by Trump’s announcement but pledged to continue coordinating with the U.S. on military matters. Meanwhile, Trump has continued to tout his relationship with Kim Jong-un, posting photos of their meetings and stating, “Kim Jong Un and I get along GREAT!” He has also indicated plans to meet with Kim again, though without providing details.

Military analysts and former commanders argue that scaling back these exercises weakens deterrence and could embolden adversaries like North Korea and China. Despite Trump’s assertions and efforts to downplay the risks, experts agree that readiness and alliance cohesion are being put at risk.

In conclusion, Trump’s decision to curtail joint military exercises with South Korea aligns with North Korean demands and is based on exaggerated claims about costs and alliance support. The move has drawn criticism from military leaders who warn it will undermine U.S. preparedness and embolden adversaries, while offering little hope of achieving the diplomatic breakthroughs Trump seeks.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/20/us/politics/trumps-order-military-exercises-risks.html

Trump backed down from 50 percent tariffs on Canada. It’s not a TACO.

Donald Trump — 2026-08-19 15:41:00 — www.politico.com

Trump’s Tariff Threat Disrupts U.S.-Canada Trade Negotiations

President Trump’s latest threat to impose tariffs has sent shockwaves through more than a year of stalled trade talks between the United States and Canada. The move, as reported, has significantly impacted the ongoing negotiations, jolting both governments and raising concerns about the future of cross-border economic relations.

Tariff Threats and Their Impact

Trump’s approach to trade policy has often involved the use of tariffs as leverage in negotiations. In this instance, his latest threat has disrupted the delicate balance of discussions that had already been stalled for over a year. The announcement has heightened tensions and introduced new uncertainty into the talks, which are critical for both countries’ economies.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Record

While the excerpt does not provide a verbatim quote or specific false claim from Trump, it clearly attributes the escalation of trade tensions to his direct actions and stated position. Trump’s repeated use of tariff threats as a negotiating tactic has been widely scrutinized and fact-checked in the past, with experts noting that such measures can have far-reaching economic consequences and may not always yield the intended results.

Conclusion

Trump’s latest tariff threat has not only disrupted ongoing trade negotiations with Canada but also underscored his administration’s reliance on aggressive trade tactics. As talks remain stalled, the impact of these threats continues to be felt on both sides of the border, raising questions about the effectiveness and long-term consequences of this approach. Readers should remain attentive to further developments as the situation evolves.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/19/trump-backed-down-from-50-percent-tariffs-on-canada-its-not-a-taco-01042377

[No Title] – Post from August 20, 2026

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-19 23:29:00 — trumpstruth.org

On December 1, 2025, former President Donald Trump posted a late-night message on Truth Social, stating, “Ther [sic] are laws that effect our nation.” The post contained typographical errors, including the misspelling of “there” and the incorrect use of “effect” instead of “affect.” Trump later corrected these errors in a subsequent post, which concluded with the emphatic statement: “DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE!!!” (thedailybeast.com)

In the same post, Trump appeared to misattribute a passage to former U.S. Navy Commander Kirk Lippold, despite the passage being a statutory citation from the United States Code. This misattribution raises questions about the accuracy of Trump’s references and his attention to detail in public communications. (thedailybeast.com)

This incident is part of a broader pattern of Trump’s use of Truth Social to disseminate messages that often include typographical errors, misattributions, and aggressive rhetoric. Such posts have drawn criticism for their potential to spread misinformation and for the former president’s confrontational approach toward political opponents.

The late-night timing and the nature of these posts underscore concerns about the former president’s communication style and its impact on public discourse. Observers note that the combination of errors and inflammatory language may contribute to a polarized political environment and diminish the credibility of the messages conveyed.

In conclusion, Trump’s December 1, 2025, Truth Social post exemplifies ongoing issues related to accuracy and tone in his public statements. The presence of typographical errors, misattributions, and aggressive language highlights the need for careful scrutiny of such communications and their implications for political dialogue.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/41025

Trump talks about grass as he shows off White House renovations – video

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-19 21:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Compares Grass to Human Life in White House Remarks

During a recent media appearance at the White House, President Donald Trump offered an unusual reflection while discussing the addition of grass around the new White House helipad. “You know, grass has a life like humans have a life,” Trump said, drawing a direct comparison between the vitality of grass and that of people.

Trump’s Remark in Context

The president’s statement came as he spoke in front of the media, highlighting the landscaping changes made to the White House grounds. While the comment may appear lighthearted or poetic, it stands out as another example of Trump’s tendency to make unconventional or exaggerated statements in public settings.

Fact-Check and Analysis

Trump’s assertion that “grass has a life like humans have a life” is a figurative expression rather than a factual claim. Scientifically, grass is a living organism, but it is fundamentally different from human life in terms of biology, consciousness, and complexity. While both grass and humans are alive in the broad sense, equating the two overlooks the vast distinctions between plant and animal life.

Pattern of Exaggerations

This latest remark fits a broader pattern of President Trump making statements that blur the line between literal fact and figurative language. While not a falsehood in the traditional sense, the comparison is misleading if taken at face value and reflects Trump’s often unconventional approach to public communication.

Conclusion

President Trump’s comment about grass having “a life like humans have a life” is a vivid example of his rhetorical style, which frequently includes exaggerations and unusual analogies. While the statement is not factually accurate, it underscores the president’s penchant for drawing attention with memorable—if sometimes misleading—remarks. Readers should approach such statements with a critical eye, recognizing the difference between figurative speech and factual information.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2026/aug/19/trump-talks-grass-white-house

What the Florida and Alaska primary results mean for November

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-19 17:55:00 — www.pbs.org

President Trump Distances Himself from Defeated Endorsee Cory Mills in Florida Primary

President Trump sought to distance himself from the defeat of his endorsed candidate, Representative Cory Mills, in Florida’s Republican primary. Following Mills’ loss amid multiple investigations and allegations of abuse and profiteering—which Mills denies—Trump posted on TRUTH Social: “I told Congressman Cory Mills of Florida, a friend of mine, to get out of the race, but he wouldn’t listen.” Trump has now shifted his endorsement to the candidate who defeated Mills.

This response from Trump highlights a pattern of distancing himself from political allies after their electoral losses, despite previously offering support. The move comes as Mills faces ongoing scrutiny and will not return to Congress in January.

Trump’s public statement attempts to reframe his involvement in the race, suggesting he advised Mills to withdraw, even as he previously endorsed him. This approach reflects Trump’s broader strategy of managing political setbacks by quickly realigning his support and minimizing association with unsuccessful candidates.

As the political landscape in Florida continues to shift, Trump’s endorsements and subsequent reactions remain a focal point in Republican primary dynamics.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-the-florida-and-alaska-primary-results-mean-for-november

North Korean Official Dismisses Reduced Drills Between US and South Korea

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-19 21:22:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Claims of North Korean Outreach Contradicted by Kim Yo-jong

President Trump’s recent assertion that North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, had responded to his outreach has been directly contradicted by Kim Yo-jong, a top adviser and sister to the North Korean leader. In a statement carried by North Korean state media, Kim Yo-jong said she was “unaware” of any communication between Pyongyang and Washington, challenging Trump’s claim made on Tuesday.

Trump’s Push for Talks

Amid efforts to restart dialogue with North Korea, President Trump said he expected to meet with Kim Jong-un later this year. This statement came as the Pentagon announced it would end planned military drills with South Korea one week earlier than scheduled, following Trump’s order to reduce the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise.

North Korea’s Dismissal

North Korea has long criticized the joint military drills between the United States and South Korea, labeling them as “provocative and aggressive.” Kim Yo-jong dismissed Trump’s move to scale back the exercises, stating the overture “holds no interest for us” and warning that the U.S. would not get the answer it desires if it tried to present the reduction as an act of goodwill.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Kim Yo-jong’s public denial of any recent communication with the U.S. directly refutes Trump’s claim that Kim Jong-un had responded to his outreach. This contradiction highlights a pattern in Trump’s dealings with North Korea, where his public statements about diplomatic progress have not always matched the reality acknowledged by Pyongyang.

Regional Reactions and Broader Context

U.S. allies in the region view the annual military drills as essential for preparedness and deterrence, especially amid North Korea’s ongoing weapons development and China’s territorial ambitions. Trump’s decision to reduce the drills was reportedly seen as a punitive measure against South Korea for not joining the U.S. in its conflict with Iran.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statements regarding North Korean outreach have once again been called into question by North Korean officials themselves. As tensions persist on the Korean Peninsula, the gap between Trump’s claims and the responses from Pyongyang underscores the challenges facing diplomatic efforts in the region. Readers should remain cautious about accepting at face value any claims of diplomatic breakthroughs without corroboration from all parties involved.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/19/world/asia/north-korea-trump-military-drills.html

Trump announces ‘most crushing economic operation ever’ against Iran

Administration News — 2026-08-19 19:02:00 — thehill.com

Trump Announces “Most Crushing Economic Operation Ever” Against Iran Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis

President Trump declared Wednesday evening the launch of the “MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER” targeting Iran, as negotiations continue to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a vital oil trading route that has been effectively closed since early March. Trump stated, “This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale,” in a post on Truth Social.

Trump’s Escalating Rhetoric

Trump’s announcement signals a dramatic escalation in his administration’s approach to Iran, framing the new measures as the most severe economic campaign yet. By labeling the operation as “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale,” Trump is positioning the move as both a punitive measure and a warning to other nations considering engagement with Iran.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Within the excerpt, Trump’s characterization of the operation as the “MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER” and his assertion that it will result in “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale” are notable for their hyperbolic language. While the excerpt does not provide independent verification or context for these claims, such sweeping statements are consistent with Trump’s history of exaggerating the scale and impact of his administration’s actions.

Context: The Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Its closure since early March has had significant implications for international energy markets. Trump’s announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reopen the waterway, raising questions about the potential impact of further economic pressure on Iran and the broader region.

Conclusion

President Trump’s latest pronouncement on Iran continues his pattern of using bold, uncompromising language to describe U.S. policy moves. By declaring the “MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER,” Trump seeks to project strength and resolve, but the actual effectiveness and consequences of these measures remain to be seen. As with previous statements, the scale and impact of Trump’s claims warrant close scrutiny and fact-checking as the situation develops.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6040249-trump-announces-economic-warfare-iran/

Census report on noncitizen voting has ties to Trump group : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-19 16:27:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Repeats Baseless Claims of Widespread Noncitizen Voting, Experts Dispute Census Bureau Report

President Trump is once again amplifying unsubstantiated allegations of widespread illegal voting by non-U.S. citizens, citing a new Census Bureau report that experts say is deeply flawed in both its methodology and conclusions.

In a recent social media post, Trump claimed that the Census Bureau’s initial review of more than 128 million voter records “proves that over 24,000 Noncitizens voted illegally” in the 2020 presidential election, and asserted that this number will “explode” as the agency continues its analysis. This assertion comes despite longstanding evidence from multiple studies and audits that noncitizen voting in federal elections is extremely rare.

Dubious Report Tied to Trump-Aligned Think Tank

The report Trump referenced was not authored by career civil servants at the Census Bureau. Instead, it involved individuals affiliated with the America First Policy Institute, a think tank founded by officials from Trump’s first administration. The report itself lacks an identified author and transparency about its methods, raising concerns among former Census Bureau employees and data experts.

Election experts have sharply criticized the report. David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election Innovation & Research, called the analysis “laughable,” noting that Census data cannot reliably be matched to voter data. He also pointed out that even if the numbers were accurate, 24,000 votes out of 128 million is less than 0.02%—far too small to have affected the 2020 election outcome.

Michael Morse, a University of Pennsylvania law professor who studies voter registration, echoed these concerns, citing the lack of unique identifiers and outdated records as likely sources of error. He noted that the estimated rate of apparent noncitizen voting is “both a tiny fraction of total votes … and entirely consistent with both types of error.”

Ongoing Pattern of False Claims

Trump continues to falsely claim that the 2020 election was rigged. In the lead-up to the upcoming midterm elections, he has urged Republican lawmakers to enact sweeping new voting restrictions, using questionable data to justify these efforts.

The Census Bureau report is the latest in a series of figures released by the Trump administration that use disputed or opaque methodologies to allege noncitizen voting. Last month, the Department of Homeland Security claimed to have found 250,000 noncitizens on voter rolls in several states, but has not explained how those numbers were calculated, and state officials have questioned their accuracy.

Threat to Census Bureau’s Reputation

Former Census Bureau officials warn that the release of such reports threatens the agency’s reputation as a nonpartisan statistical body. The lack of transparency and rigor, combined with the involvement of political appointees, undermines public trust in official statistics—especially as the country approaches the 2030 census.

“It’s a confusing time for the public,” said Misty Heggeness, a former bureau economist. “If the public sees a document like this that lacks all of those really integral pieces that are generally put out with official statistics, that’s a really good sign to question the validity of the document.”

Conclusion

President Trump’s latest claims about noncitizen voting, based on a questionable Census Bureau report, are not supported by credible evidence. Election experts and former officials agree that the methodology is deeply flawed and the numbers cited are minuscule. The continued promotion of these falsehoods risks further eroding public confidence in both the electoral system and the nation’s statistical agencies.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/19/nx-s1-5938799/trump-census-bureau-noncitizen-voting

ProPublica Is Reporting on the Pentagon’s $1 Trillion Budget — ProPublica

ProPublica — 2026-08-19 04:00:00 — www.propublica.org

Trump’s Pentagon Spending Priorities Under Scrutiny as Costs Soar and Transparency Lags

President Donald Trump’s approach to military spending has come under renewed scrutiny as defense budgets reach historic highs and concerns mount over a lack of transparency and accountability.

Opaque Spending and Soaring Budgets

According to investigative reporting, the U.S. government’s explanations for its vast defense expenditures are often vague and difficult to decipher. For example, the law funding the Department of Defense this year includes $32.6 billion for “Other Procurement, Air Force,” $35.2 billion for “Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Defense-Wide,” and $650 million for “supplies and associated support services” under a specific section of the U.S. Code. These categories are so broad that even determined experts struggle to track where taxpayer money is actually going.

John Ferrari, a retired Army major general, described the process as “twisted like a Rubik’s Cube,” emphasizing that “none of it is set up to be transparent.”

Trump’s Role and Administration Actions

ProPublica has announced a series of investigations into “how President Donald Trump is spending taxpayer money at the Department of Defense (or the Department of War, as his administration calls it).” The reporting notes that if Trump’s priorities prevail in the next budget, defense spending could soar to $1.5 trillion—more, adjusted for inflation, than the U.S. spent annually during World War II.

The Pentagon’s financial records remain so opaque that the agency has never passed a comprehensive audit. Despite this, Trump’s administration has pushed forward with massive investments in costly weapons systems, many of which have been plagued by overruns, delays, and underperformance.

Costly Programs and Industry Windfalls

Two of Trump’s marquee Pentagon programs, described by some as boondoggles, are projected to cost more than $1 trillion combined. The administration has also been criticized for gutting the office responsible for testing weapons systems for safety and efficacy, raising further questions about oversight.

Meanwhile, companies with connections to Trump’s family and appointees have secured numerous Department of Defense contracts. The largest defense firms—Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, RTX, and Northrop Grumman—received $771 billion in contracts from 2020 to 2024 alone.

Industry Profits and Lack of Accountability

The reporting highlights a system in which contractors face few lasting consequences for failing to deliver on time or on budget. One congressional staffer described the dynamic: “Industry just says, ‘Shucks, write us another check.’ Congress just throws cash at the problem.”

Lockheed Martin’s CEO Jim Taiclet told investors in April, “This is a golden opportunity right now based on who’s in government,” referencing the favorable environment under Trump’s administration.

Conclusion

As defense spending continues to climb and oversight mechanisms are weakened, questions persist about the effectiveness and accountability of Trump’s Pentagon priorities. With more than $1 trillion at stake in just two programs and a system that resists scrutiny, the need for transparency and reform remains urgent.

ProPublica’s ongoing investigations aim to shed light on these issues and hold those in power accountable for how taxpayer dollars are spent on national defense.

Source article

Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/military-defense-spending-budget-series