Trump says there was 'some contractor error' during Reflecting Pool renovation

Administration News — 2026-08-09 20:13:00 — thehill.com

Trump Blames Contractor Error, Continues to Accuse Athlete Despite Dropped Charges

President Trump on Sunday said there was “some contractor error” with the renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, while still accusing a former Olympian canoeist of vandalizing the Washington, D.C., landmark—even though charges against the athlete have been dropped. Trump asserted, “There was substantial damage to the Reflecting Pool, also but, unfortunately, there is no video or….”

Persisting With Discredited Accusations

Despite the legal case against the former Olympian being dismissed, Trump continued to publicly link the athlete to the alleged vandalism. This ongoing accusation stands in contrast to the outcome of the investigation, which resulted in no charges. By maintaining this stance, Trump not only disregarded the legal resolution but also cast public suspicion on an individual cleared by authorities.

Shifting Blame to Contractors

In addition to his claims about vandalism, Trump attributed part of the Reflecting Pool’s issues to “some contractor error.” This statement appears to shift responsibility for the damage away from any single cause, while still highlighting the incident as significant.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Unfounded Claims

Trump’s comments demonstrate a pattern of making public accusations and statements that are not supported by the available evidence or official findings. By continuing to blame an individual after charges were dropped, and by suggesting contractor error without providing further details, Trump’s remarks contribute to confusion and undermine trust in official processes. This episode highlights the importance of fact-based public statements, especially from national leaders.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6019582-contractor-error-reflecting-pool-renovations/

Politics chat: Progressive candidates in primaries, Trump’s influence on midterms : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-09 07:12:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Questions Voter Turnout Without His Name on the Ballot, Continues Pressure on Federal Reserve

President Donald Trump has once again raised questions about the loyalty and turnout of his supporters in upcoming elections, stating, “If I don’t run, will those people go out and vote? And that’s the one thing I can’t tell. I’m going to ask them to.” This comment, made in a video posted by Punchbowl News, highlights Trump’s ongoing influence over Republican voter engagement—even when he is not directly on the ballot.

Trump’s Influence on the Federal Reserve

The discussion also turned to Trump’s evolving stance toward the Federal Reserve. During his time in office, Trump was known for repeatedly browbeating then-chairman Jerome Powell, publicly criticizing the Fed’s decisions on interest rates. According to NPR, Trump is not taking the same aggressive approach with Kevin Warsh, his new pick for Fed chairman, but continues to pressure the central bank in other ways.

White House Actions Against Fed Governor

Despite a recent Supreme Court loss, the White House, under Trump’s direction, reportedly told Fed Governor Lisa Cook in a letter that it is considering trying to fire her again from the Central Bank for allegedly committing mortgage fraud. However, there has been no support for these allegations in the courts, and no charges have been filed. The administration’s continued threats to remove Cook, despite a lack of evidence, reflect an ongoing pattern of targeting officials perceived as adversaries.

Conclusion

Trump’s recent statements and actions underscore his continued sway over Republican politics and his willingness to pressure independent institutions like the Federal Reserve. His remarks about voter turnout reveal a persistent focus on personal loyalty, while his administration’s handling of Fed officials raises questions about the politicization of economic oversight. As the midterms approach, Trump’s influence remains a central factor in both party strategy and public debate.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/09/nx-s1-5925106/politics-chat-progressive-candidates-in-primaries-trumps-influence-on-midterms

Trump picks longtime aide Will Scharf as new top White House lawyer

Politics — 2026-08-09 18:19:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

President Donald Trump Announces New White House Counsel, Cites Private Sector Move

President Donald Trump announced Sunday that Will Scharf will become the next top White House lawyer, replacing David Warrington. Trump wrote in a social media post that Warrington is “going on to the Private Sector.” The transition in the office of White House counsel is set to take place on September 1.

Trump’s statement, delivered directly via his social media account, attributes Warrington’s departure to a move into private industry. No additional context or explanation was provided by Trump regarding the reasons for the change or the selection of Scharf as the new counsel.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claim

In this announcement, Trump’s claim that David Warrington is “going on to the Private Sector” is presented as the sole reason for the change. As of the time of Trump’s statement, there is no evidence in the excerpt to contradict this explanation or to suggest any controversy regarding the transition. However, Trump’s history of personnel announcements has sometimes included misleading or incomplete information about the circumstances of departures or appointments. In this case, the excerpt provides no further details to fact-check beyond Trump’s stated rationale.

Conclusion

President Trump’s announcement of Will Scharf as the incoming White House counsel, with David Warrington leaving for the private sector, is the latest in a series of high-profile personnel changes during his administration. While Trump attributes the move to Warrington’s decision to enter private industry, the excerpt does not provide additional context or evidence of false claims or disparagements related to this transition. Readers should note that Trump’s public statements on staff changes have, in the past, sometimes omitted key details, but based solely on the information provided, his claim stands unchallenged in this instance.

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Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/08/09/trump-picks-longtime-aide-will-scharf-new-top-white-house-lawyer/

Trump appoints staff secretary Will Scharf as new White House counsel | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-09 17:28:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Praises New White House Counsel Amid Legal Turmoil Over $400 Million Ballroom Project

Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Will Scharf, the staff secretary who played a key role in securing approval for the controversial $400 million White House ballroom project, will become White House counsel and assistant to the president effective September 1. Scharf will replace David Warrington, who is departing for the private sector after serving as a personal counsel and campaign lawyer for Trump.

Trump lauded Scharf’s credentials, highlighting his previous experience as a federal prosecutor and his representation of Trump in several high-profile cases, including at the Supreme Court. Trump also noted Scharf’s leadership of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), which approved the construction of the White House ballroom. On Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Will is Tough, Strong, and Smart! He also loves our Country, and respects the Law. Will Scharf will do a great job as White House Counsel!”

Ballroom Project Faces Legal Setback

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment, with the White House counsel’s office bracing for increased scrutiny ahead of the midterm elections. Democrats have pledged to investigate Trump and his administration if they gain control of Congress in November.

Trump’s ballroom project, which won final approval from the NCPC in April, hit a major roadblock Friday when a divided federal appeals court ordered construction to stop, citing the lack of congressional approval. Despite this, Trump has vowed to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The project has already begun to rise above ground on the east side of the White House.

Legal and Political Stakes

The White House counsel’s office plays a central role in advising the president on legal and policy matters, managing presidential pardons, judicial appointments, and legislative reviews. It also coordinates the administration’s response to congressional investigations and lawsuits against the president.

Trump’s decision to elevate Scharf, who has been closely involved in the ballroom project and other legal battles, signals a determination to fight ongoing legal challenges. Trump’s public praise for Scharf and his vow to continue the ballroom project despite the court’s order underscore his combative approach to both legal and political obstacles.

Conclusion

As Trump reshapes his legal team and doubles down on controversial projects, the coming months are likely to see intensified legal and political battles. The outcome of the midterm elections and the fate of the White House ballroom project will test the administration’s ability to navigate mounting investigations and judicial scrutiny. Trump’s statements and actions continue to set the tone for a presidency marked by confrontation and controversy.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/09/trump-will-scharf-white-house-counsel

Senate Bows to Reality, Leaving Trump’s Voting Bill Undone

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-09 15:57:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Demands for Voting Restrictions Falter in Senate as GOP Support Wanes

President Trump’s months-long push for sweeping new voting restrictions ended in defeat early Saturday morning, as the Senate adjourned without passing the legislation he has demanded. Trump had insisted that Republican lawmakers enact election changes he claims are necessary for the party to win the upcoming midterm elections, including a nationwide voter identification requirement, proof of citizenship to register, and severe limits on voting by mail.

Despite Trump’s repeated commands—including his directive to cancel the Senate’s planned five-week recess if the bill did not pass—Republican leaders failed to muster enough support within their own ranks. Even the most ardent advocates of the measure, such as Senator Mike Lee of Utah, admitted there was no path forward, with Lee stating, “We are not in a position right now where we have the wherewithal to pass it right now.”

Throughout the debate, Trump’s posture was one of anger and impatience, as he pressed the Senate to find a way to pass the elections bill. However, as Republican senators faced the reality of insufficient votes and the risk to their party’s majority, they opted for a procedural vote on a diluted version of the bill—an effort widely seen as performative and doomed from the start.

The president’s proposed legislation, known as the SAVE America Act, lacks both a simple majority and the 60 votes required to overcome a Democratic filibuster. Trump’s allies, including Senator Lee, threatened to block adjournment or force a politically difficult vote to keep senators in Washington, but ultimately accepted a voice vote that allowed lawmakers to leave without formally registering their positions.

In a last-ditch attempt to show progress, Republican leaders considered tying the voting restrictions to a $150 billion budget blueprint for the war with Iran, hoping to use the reconciliation process to bypass Democratic opposition. But this plan also collapsed due to insufficient Republican support.

Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, after consulting with Trump, said the president agreed to postpone the effort until September, expressing support for a “better reconciliation bill that will take more time.” With only three weeks left in the legislative calendar before the midterms, the prospects for passing Trump’s desired restrictions appear slim.

Trump’s persistent demands for restrictive voting measures—despite clear evidence of a lack of support even within his own party—underscore his ongoing efforts to reshape election laws in ways that critics argue could disenfranchise eligible voters. The Senate’s failure to act on his agenda highlights the deep divisions within the GOP and the political risks of pursuing such controversial changes in an election year.

Conclusion

President Trump’s insistence on sweeping voting restrictions has run aground in the Senate, exposing a lack of consensus among Republicans and leaving his legislative priorities stalled. As the midterm elections approach, the episode serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing efforts to overhaul election laws, even when driven by the party’s most powerful figure.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/08/us/politics/trump-save-america-act-republican-voting-bill-senate.html

Will Darline Graham face the same fate Pamela Evette did in South Carolina?

Politics — 2026-08-09 10:00:00 — www.politico.com

South Carolina Senate Primary Puts Trump’s Endorsement Power to the Test

As South Carolina Republicans prepare for a high-stakes special election Senate primary, the influence of President Donald Trump is once again under scrutiny. Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, leads a crowded field with Trump’s endorsement, but faces a challenging path to consolidating support and avoiding a runoff.

Trump’s involvement in the race has so far followed a familiar pattern: a handful of Truth Social posts backing Graham and a last-minute tele-rally. Beyond these standard moves, Trump has not publicly indicated any additional efforts to boost his preferred candidate. This limited engagement echoes his approach in the recent governor’s primary, where his endorsement of Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette was not enough to secure her victory. Evette, reflecting on her loss, acknowledged she wished Trump had done more to support her campaign.

The upcoming primary is widely seen as a test of whether Trump’s endorsement alone can propel a candidate to victory in a competitive Republican field. The outcome will also reveal how far Trump is willing to go to ensure his picks succeed, especially when their path to nomination is uncertain.

Both Darline Graham and her main rivals, Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, have ties to Trump, with Fry in particular having caught the president’s interest. Trump described Fry as “outstanding” and a “very talented person” in a recent Newsmax interview following Lindsey Graham’s death. The possibility of Trump issuing a “double endorsement” in a runoff, as he did in the governor’s race, remains on the table.

Despite the prominence of Trump’s endorsement in campaign advertising—described by Graham’s team as “the gold standard in Republican politics”—strategists caution that an endorsement “opens a door, it doesn’t walk through it for you.” Graham is working to distinguish herself from both her late brother’s legacy and her competitors, emphasizing domestic issues and her support for Trump’s legislative priorities, such as the SAVE America Act.

The race remains unpredictable, with recent polling showing Graham trailing both Fry and Norman in a straw poll. As the field narrows and the likelihood of a runoff increases, the effectiveness of Trump’s backing will be closely watched—not only in South Carolina, but as a broader measure of his ongoing sway within the Republican Party.

In summary, the South Carolina Senate primary is shaping up as a critical test of Trump’s endorsement power. While his support remains a coveted asset, the outcome will determine whether his influence is enough to secure victory for his chosen candidates in today’s volatile political landscape.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/09/south-carolina-senate-darline-graham-trump-01029927

El-Sayed blasts Trump over 'Two VERY DIFFERENT America’s' post

Administration News — 2026-08-09 13:15:00 — thehill.com

Donald Trump Targets Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed and His Wife in Social Media Post

President Trump took aim at Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his wife in a recent post on Truth Social. On Saturday, Trump posted a photo featuring himself and first lady Melania Trump alongside another photo of El-Sayed and his wife. The post included text above the two images, drawing a direct comparison between the couples.

The move prompted a response from El-Sayed, who criticized Trump for targeting him and his family. While the content of the text above the images was not detailed in the excerpt, the act of posting the photos and drawing attention to El-Sayed and his wife underscores Trump’s continued use of social media to single out political opponents and their families.

This incident adds to a pattern of Trump using his platform to make personal attacks against political figures, often sparking backlash and debate. The focus on El-Sayed and his wife highlights the personal nature of Trump’s rhetoric and the way he engages with those challenging his political positions.

As the Senate race in Michigan heats up, Trump’s actions are likely to remain under scrutiny, especially when they involve direct attacks on candidates and their families. This episode serves as another example of the president’s willingness to use social media as a tool for political confrontation, raising questions about the tone and tenor of political discourse in the current climate.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/6019203-el-sayed-responds-trump-truth-social/

Trump searches for an endgame in Iran : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-09 07:39:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Seeks to Avoid Hoover Comparison Amid Prolonged War and Economic Concerns

President Trump has openly acknowledged his desire to avoid being compared to Herbert Hoover, the Republican president whose legacy is closely tied to the Great Depression and economic collapse. At the June G7 summit in France, Trump stated, “I’ve studied presidents, some good, some bad, some great. Not too many are great and some really bad. We had one just recently. The one president I did not want to be was the late, great Herbert Hoover. I didn’t want that and who knows what would have happened. But bad things happen.”

This admission highlights Trump’s acute awareness of how economic downturns and prolonged wars can define a presidency. Behind the scenes and in public, Trump has reportedly sought an agreement to end the Iran war, motivated in part by a desire to escape the negative historical parallels to Hoover.

Trump’s remarks reflect his understanding that presidential legacies are shaped not only by foreign policy outcomes but also by domestic economic performance, including inflation and gas prices. The excerpt notes that Trump grew up during a time when Hoover was widely viewed as a cautionary example of failed economic leadership, a perception that has influenced his approach to governance.

While Trump is not alone among Republican presidents in fearing the Hoover comparison—both George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan faced similar concerns during economic crises—he faces heightened urgency as the ongoing war impacts energy and inflation. Economic experts cited in the excerpt caution against directly equating today’s economic challenges with those of the Hoover era, noting significant differences in policy tools and circumstances.

Ultimately, Trump’s public and private comments reveal a president deeply concerned with how history will judge his handling of war and the economy. As inflation persists and the risks of recession remain, Trump’s efforts to distance himself from the Hoover legacy underscore the political stakes tied to economic performance and the unpredictable consequences of prolonged conflict.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/09/nx-s1-5925960/trump-hoover-iran

Gary Player at Trump Turnberry!

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-09 11:55:00 — trumpstruth.org

Please provide the excerpt from “Gary Player at Trump Turnberry!” so I can review it and determine if it meets the publishing criteria.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40687

Abdul El-Sayed embraces Trump claim he represents ‘very different’ America | Democrats

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-09 12:22:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Escalates Attacks on Michigan Senate Candidate, Highlights Divisive Rhetoric

Donald Trump has intensified his attacks on Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, using both social media and campaign rallies to draw sharp distinctions and level personal insults.

Trump’s “Two VERY DIFFERENT America’s” Post

On Saturday night, Trump posted an image on his Truth Social platform featuring himself and Melania Trump beside a photo of El-Sayed, who is Muslim, and his wife, Sarah Jukaku, wearing a hijab. The caption read: “Two VERY DIFFERENT America’s [sic].” This post was widely interpreted as an attempt to contrast his vision for the country with El-Sayed’s, using religious and cultural imagery.

Public Insults and False Claims

During a campaign speech on Thursday, Trump escalated his rhetoric by calling El-Sayed a communist and stating he was “full of shit,” a remark that drew loud cheers from the audience. This language continues Trump’s pattern of using inflammatory and disparaging terms to describe political opponents, often without factual basis. There is no evidence that El-Sayed is a communist; in fact, El-Sayed has publicly stated he is a capitalist who wants to improve the system.

Trump has also repeatedly used El-Sayed’s full name, Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed, echoing tactics previously used against Barack Obama by emphasizing his middle name “Hussein.” This approach has been criticized as an attempt to otherize and stigmatize candidates based on their background.

El-Sayed’s Response and the Broader Context

El-Sayed directly addressed Trump’s attacks, embracing the idea that there are “two different visions of America.” He contrasted Trump’s vision—one he described as benefiting the wealthy and powerful—with his own, focused on fighting inequality and ensuring families can afford basic necessities. El-Sayed also pushed back on the notion that his policy positions are radical, emphasizing that affordable groceries, healthcare, and clean air and water are mainstream American values.

Conclusion

Trump’s recent statements and social media posts continue a pattern of divisive rhetoric, personal attacks, and exaggerations. By labeling opponents with false or misleading terms and invoking cultural differences, Trump seeks to energize his base while deepening political and social divides. As the Michigan Senate race heats up, these tactics are likely to remain a central feature of his campaign strategy, raising important questions about the tone and substance of American political discourse.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/09/abdul-el-sayed-michigan-senate-trump