8 Takeaways from Tuesday’s Primaries

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-12 03:56:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Endorsement Power on Display in South Carolina Senate Race

President Trump’s influence over Republican politics was once again evident as Senator Darline Graham, his choice to succeed her late brother Lindsey Graham, advanced to a runoff in South Carolina’s special Senate primary. Graham, a political newcomer, was tapped to finish her brother’s term and subsequently met with the president in the Oval Office. The president made it clear that he admired her poise, signaling strong support for her candidacy.

Graham’s advancement over more experienced candidates underscores the continued sway that Trump holds within the Republican Party. Her campaign has closely aligned with Trump’s domestic agenda, and she has touted legislative achievements, including passing a bill sanctioning Russia, as evidence of her commitment to the priorities that defined her brother’s tenure.

The runoff will see Graham face off against Representative Ralph Norman, a hard-line conservative. Notably, Graham stands as the lone Trump-supported candidate in the race, while Norman’s previous support for Nikki Haley in the 2024 presidential contest may have cost him Trump’s favor. Graham stated she is “hopeful” that Trump will campaign for her in the runoff, but added, “we’ll see.”

This contest highlights the ongoing significance of Trump’s endorsement in Republican primaries and the way his preferences continue to shape the party’s direction. As the runoff approaches, all eyes will be on whether Trump’s backing will once again prove decisive.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/12/us/politics/south-carolina-wisconsin-minnesota-primaries.html

Winners crowned at Patriot Games next to Trump

Administration News — 2026-08-11 22:14:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Champions Strict Gender Categories at Inaugural Patriot Games

President Trump visited Geneva, Ohio on Tuesday to watch two American athletes win the first-ever Patriot Games, a sporting event created by his administration. According to the event’s organizers, the Patriot Games were designed to “increasingly showcase youth sportsmanship and promote strict biological sex categories in athletics.” One male and one female were crowned champions after three days of competition.

Trump’s administration has made clear its position on gender in sports, emphasizing the importance of separating athletes by biological sex. This stance has been a hallmark of Trump’s approach to youth athletics, reflecting his administration’s broader views on gender and sports policy.

While the excerpt does not include any direct quotes or specific false claims made by Trump during the event, it does attribute to him the creation of the Patriot Games and his administration’s intent to promote strict biological sex categories. This position has been a source of national debate, with critics arguing that such policies exclude transgender athletes and supporters claiming they ensure fairness in competition.

The creation of the Patriot Games under Trump’s leadership underscores his administration’s commitment to these principles. As the national conversation around gender and sports continues, Trump’s actions in Geneva highlight the ongoing impact of his policies on American athletics.

In summary, President Trump’s visit to Geneva and the launch of the Patriot Games reinforce his administration’s focus on traditional gender categories in sports. This approach remains a defining element of his legacy in youth athletics, shaping the landscape of competition and sparking continued discussion across the country.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6024100-trump-patriot-games-winners/

The effectiveness and cost of the National Guard deployment in D.C.

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-11 17:35:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s D.C. National Guard Deployment: Claims of Crisis Contradicted by Crime Data and Cost Concerns

President Donald Trump declared a “historic action to rescue our nation’s capital from crime, bloodshed, bedlam, and squalor” when he ordered thousands of National Guard troops into Washington, D.C. one year ago. The move, which Trump justified as a response to an alleged crime emergency, has since become a flashpoint for debate over its necessity, effectiveness, and the burden on taxpayers.

Trump’s Rationale vs. Reality

At the time of the deployment, Trump framed the situation as dire, but experts and data tell a different story. According to Thomas Abt, Senior Fellow at the Council on Criminal Justice, violent crime in D.C. was already at a 30-year low and “falling quite rapidly.” There was no urgent crisis that required military intervention, contradicting the president’s justification.

Crime Trends and the National Guard’s Impact

Over the past year, total crime in Washington has dropped another 20 percent, with significant declines in homicides (down 32 percent), robberies (down 15 percent), and car thefts (down 53 percent), according to D.C. Police Department statistics. While the White House credits the National Guard and a multi-agency task force for these improvements, independent analysis suggests otherwise.

Richard Hahn of the Niskanen Center, a nonpartisan think tank, found that the National Guard’s presence primarily affected low-level property crimes, such as petty theft and car break-ins. There was “very little change in violent and other serious crimes after the Guard deployed,” indicating that the downward trend in crime was already underway before Trump’s intervention.

Cost, Controversy, and Public Opposition

The deployment has come at a steep price. The Congressional Budget Office estimates taxpayers have spent at least $660 million so far, with the Pentagon projecting another $1.4 billion over the next 2.5 years. The cost per National Guard member is over $600 a day—significantly higher than the cost of a police officer, who is more effective at crime prevention and costs under $400 a day.

Polls show a majority of D.C. residents oppose the ongoing military presence, viewing it as unnecessary and politically motivated. Trump has also attempted to deploy troops to other Democratic-led cities, but those efforts were blocked by the courts.

Trump’s Attacks on Critics

Trump has not shied away from attacking those who challenge his narrative. On TRUTH Social, he threatened to sue the author of a study from the Center for American Progress, dismissing the research as a “radical left scam.” This pattern of disparaging critics and dismissing unfavorable data has been a hallmark of his approach to the issue.

Conclusion: A Costly, Questionable Legacy

Despite Trump’s claims of rescuing the capital from chaos, the facts show that crime was already declining and that the National Guard’s impact on violent crime has been minimal. The operation has imposed a heavy financial burden and stirred controversy, with many experts and residents questioning both its necessity and effectiveness. As the troops remain on patrol through the end of Trump’s second term, the debate over the true impact—and cost—of this intervention continues.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/the-effectiveness-and-cost-of-the-national-guard-deployment-in-d-c

In South Carolina, Sen. Darline Graham advances to a GOP special primary runoff : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-11 17:39:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Endorses Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate Race, Calls Her “the Perfect Person to Carry on Lindsey’s Legacy”

President Trump has thrown his support behind Sen. Darline Graham as she advances to a runoff in South Carolina’s closely watched Republican Senate primary. At a tele-rally on Monday, Trump declared, “[She] will help us achieve our mission to Make America Great Again. She looks so nice, but she’s actually tough and strong, and she’s the perfect person to carry on Lindsey’s legacy.”

Trump’s endorsement comes after Graham was appointed by Governor Henry McMaster to complete the term of her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham. Despite the high-profile backing, some GOP voters opted for other candidates in the crowded field, highlighting ongoing divisions within the party.

Graham has spent her first weeks in Washington voting on key issues, including the confirmation of Attorney General Todd Blanche and a bill to sanction buyers of Russian oil and gas. She has promised to focus on cost of living concerns, distinguishing her approach from her brother’s emphasis on the federal budget.

The race has drawn several prominent Republicans, including Rep. Ralph Norman and Rep. Russell Fry, both of whom have positioned themselves as fiscal conservatives. Fry, who previously defeated a Trump impeachment supporter, is now facing criticism for allegedly not being “MAGA enough,” a claim he dismisses as a distraction.

Trump’s endorsement remains a significant factor in the race, with some voters citing it as an influence, while others say they are looking for candidates who best represent South Carolina’s changing demographics.

The winner of the GOP primary runoff will face Democratic nominee Annie Andrews in November, but in a deeply Republican state, the GOP candidate is widely expected to prevail.

Trump’s involvement in the race underscores his continued influence over the Republican Party and the ongoing debate about the direction of the conservative movement in South Carolina and beyond.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/11/nx-s1-5928375/2026-south-carolina-special-primary-election-lindsey-graham-vacancy

Trump’s Air Force One deception faces scrutiny over ‘decoy’ passengers | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-11 16:46:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s Secret Plane Switch Raises Alarming Questions About Deception and Safety

Donald Trump’s handling of a reported Iranian threat has ignited controversy after it was revealed he secretly switched planes, leaving more than a hundred aides, officials, and journalists aboard Air Force One as an apparent decoy—without informing them of the threat to their lives.

When pressed by reporters about why they were ordered to keep their window shades closed during the flight, Trump appeared to acknowledge the danger, stating, “You’re probably on a dangerous flight. But if I go, you go. Right?” Later, when asked whether there had been a credible Iranian threat against Air Force One, Trump said: “Well, I have a threat all the time. I’m number one on their list before you.”

The White House had publicly claimed Trump would fly to Britain on Air Force One, but in reality, he was spirited away in a catering truck and transferred to a different aircraft. The elaborate deception left the press corps and White House staff believing Trump remained onboard the original plane. The operation has drawn sharp criticism, with Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal calling it “unprecedented and surreal” and demanding a congressional briefing on the safety of those left in the dark.

Critics, including former intelligence officials, have accused the Trump administration of perpetuating an “outright lie” for weeks and turning reporters into “unwitting conspirators.” Ned Price, a former national security council official, argued that the administration could have protected the president without misleading the public and press, stating, “They feel no compunction to the truth. They feel no loyalty to the truth. Instead it’s just an effort over the past month to lie and to mislead.”

The operation has also raised legal and ethical concerns. Intelligence Community Directive 191 requires agencies to warn anyone who is the specific, credible target of a threat, including journalists and civilians. Experts questioned whether those left on Air Force One were ever warned, suggesting a violation of this policy.

While some former officials defended the extraordinary measures to protect Trump, others called the use of staff and journalists as a decoy “downright scary” and “unique” in its disregard for their safety.

Trump’s dismissive remarks and the administration’s continued cover story have fueled a broader debate about transparency, truthfulness, and the value placed on the lives of those serving alongside the president. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the administration’s approach to both security and honesty with the American public.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/11/trump-air-force-one-deception-democrats

Trump lambasts pied-à-terre tax he will likely have to pay

Donald Trump — 2026-08-11 13:25:00 — www.politico.com

President Trump Weighs Federal Authority Amid Ongoing Crisis

President Trump has stated that he is “looking to see if the federal government has ‘any legal right to avert this disaster.'” This comment highlights the administration’s current approach to a developing crisis and raises questions about the scope of federal intervention.

Assessing Federal Power

By expressing interest in whether the federal government has legal authority to intervene, Trump signals a willingness to explore executive options. However, the statement does not clarify what specific disaster is being referenced, nor does it outline what actions the administration might consider. The lack of detail leaves open questions about the administration’s preparedness and the legal boundaries of federal intervention.

Fact-Checking the Statement

Trump’s assertion that he is examining the federal government’s legal rights is a factual statement of his position, but it does not provide evidence of action or a clear plan. Historically, Trump has made broad claims about presidential authority, sometimes overstating the powers available to the executive branch. In this instance, the statement is more cautious, indicating an inquiry rather than a declaration of unilateral action.

Conclusion

President Trump’s comment about seeking legal grounds for federal intervention underscores the administration’s uncertain approach to crisis management. While the president’s willingness to investigate legal options is notable, the absence of specifics leaves many questions unanswered about how the administration plans to respond and whether such intervention would be legally justified.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/08/11/trump-lambasts-pied-a-terre-tax-01033103

Donald J. Trump: “I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United …

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-11 11:10:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims Credit for Marine’s Release from Russia, Makes Sweeping Assertions About Hostage Diplomacy

Donald Trump announced, “I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME!” Trump attributed Gilman’s release from Russian imprisonment to his own discussions with President Vladimir Putin, stating, “Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a Humanitarian Basis. We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place.” Trump further claimed, “During my Administration, we have prioritized bringing home Americans Detained Abroad, and have done so at a level never seen before, returning hundreds of people to their families. We have also freed many non Americans who were under capture in different countries throughout the World.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Assertions

Trump’s statement credits himself and his team for Gilman’s release, despite Gilman being imprisoned in Russia in 2022, during the Biden administration. Trump’s claim that “no exchange took place” is presented as a unique diplomatic achievement, though the excerpt provides no evidence or context for how the release was negotiated or what role, if any, Trump’s discussions played.

The assertion that his administration “prioritized bringing home Americans Detained Abroad, and have done so at a level never seen before, returning hundreds of people to their families” is an exaggeration. While Trump’s administration did secure the release of some Americans, the claim of “a level never seen before” is not substantiated in the excerpt and overstates the record compared to previous administrations, which have also engaged in extensive hostage diplomacy.

Exaggerations and Self-Promotion

Trump’s statement repeatedly centers his own role and that of his team, listing names and taking credit for the outcome. He also claims credit for freeing “many non Americans who were under capture in different countries throughout the World,” a broad assertion not supported by specific examples in the excerpt.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s announcement regarding Robert Gilman’s release from Russia is marked by self-congratulation and sweeping, unsubstantiated claims about his administration’s record on bringing Americans and others home from detention abroad. While celebrating Gilman’s return, Trump exaggerates the uniqueness and scale of his administration’s efforts, using the occasion to promote his own diplomatic prowess without providing verifiable details. Readers should approach such claims with scrutiny and seek independent verification of the facts.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40732

Trump put a wrecking-ball through the East Wing – and through democratic norms | Francine Prose

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-11 11:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Defends Massive White House Ballroom Project Amid Legal and Ethical Controversy

Donald Trump has continued to defend his controversial East Wing ballroom project at the White House, a development that has drawn comparisons to the grandiose monuments favored by autocrats throughout history. The president has invested significant energy and resources into the construction, which will occupy an astonishing 90,000 square feet and is expected to cost hundreds of millions of dollars, with $400 million cited as the most recent estimate.

Despite promising that American taxpayers would not bear the full cost, Trump has already diverted funds from publicly funded agencies such as the Secret Service to finance the project. The president has also used his platform to justify the scale of the construction, writing in a post that the remaining 68,000 square feet of the ballroom complex would provide “one big, expensive, and very complex unit, which is vital for National Security and Military Operations!” Additionally, Trump has discussed using the new building’s roof as a launching pad for killer drones and other lethal weapons.

These actions have continued even after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that Trump could not proceed with the East Wing renovations without congressional approval. Judges Patricia Millet and Bradley Garcia emphasized that “each president is a temporary tenant, not the owner, of the White House and its Executive Residence,” underscoring the legal requirement to seek permission from Congress before making such sweeping changes.

Nevertheless, Trump has vowed to take the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, maintaining his position despite mounting criticism and legal obstacles. The president’s approach has been described as a reckless grab for absolute power, with critics pointing to his history of bypassing Congress on major decisions and his willingness to attack institutions that challenge his narrative, such as when he accused the Smithsonian Institution of being anti-American for telling the truth about the nation’s past.

The controversy surrounding the East Wing ballroom is emblematic of a broader pattern in Trump’s leadership—one marked by disregard for democratic norms, ethical concerns, and historical preservation. As the legal battle continues, the nation faces pressing questions about the limits of presidential power and the lasting impact of Trump’s actions on America’s most iconic symbols.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/11/trump-wrecking-ball

Report: Trump used elaborate ruse to fly out of Turkey following summit because of Iran threat

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-11 11:04:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Downplays Iran Threats Amid Secretive Flight Ruse After NATO Summit

President Donald Trump, when asked directly about credible threats from Iran against Air Force One, responded, “Well, I have a threat all the time. I’m number one on their list before you,” adding to the traveling reporters, “But if I go, you go.” This remark came as new details emerged about a secretive operation during Trump’s recent return from the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.

According to a Washington Post report, Trump secretly departed Turkey on an alternate military aircraft, while the White House made it appear he was flying on Air Force One. The ruse, prompted by an Iranian assassination threat, involved elaborate steps to mislead journalists and some White House staff. After boarding the older-model Air Force One in view of cameras, Trump was quietly transferred to a smaller Air Force C-32A via an airport catering truck, departing Ankara under heightened secrecy.

Trump had initially flown to the summit in a new, Qatari-gifted and retrofitted jet. He told reporters the new jet was being flown ahead to England so U.S. troops could see it, but intelligence concerns about a possible attack led to the switch. After the secret flight to Royal Air Force Mildenhall in the UK, Trump reboarded Air Force One out of sight of journalists for the remainder of his journey.

The episode has raised questions about the safety of the new Qatari-provided aircraft and the transparency of presidential travel. Trump has said the new jet would undergo additional upgrades following the incident, while White House communications director Steven Cheung insisted the plane is “a state-of-the-art aircraft that has been fitted with high-level security protocols.”

The White House did not directly address the details of the secret operation. The U.S. Secret Service and Air Force declined to comment.

This incident underscores the extraordinary security measures taken amid ongoing tensions with Iran, but also highlights Trump’s tendency to downplay threats and maintain a posture of bravado, even as intelligence officials acted out of what was described as either actionable intelligence or an abundance of caution.

As scrutiny grows, including calls for a congressional investigation, the episode raises further questions about transparency and the accuracy of information provided to the public regarding presidential security and travel.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/report-trump-used-elaborate-ruse-to-fly-out-of-turkey-following-summit-because-of-iran-threat

With El-Sayed’s Victory Comes a Wave of Islamophobia

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-11 10:36:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Claims Democrats Are Electing “Jihadists” Amid Rising Bigotry Toward Muslim Politicians

As Muslim politicians like Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan have gained prominence, they have faced significant bigotry. In this context, President Trump asserted that Democrats were electing “jihadists.”

This statement by Trump is a striking example of inflammatory rhetoric targeting Muslim Americans in public office. By labeling elected Muslim politicians as “jihadists,” Trump not only perpetuates harmful stereotypes but also contributes to a climate of suspicion and hostility toward Muslim communities. Such language has been widely criticized as misleading and dangerous, as it equates Muslim identity or political participation with extremism without evidence.

Trump’s claim comes as Muslim politicians report increased incidents of bigotry and discrimination. His words serve to amplify these challenges, further marginalizing individuals based on their faith and background.

In summary, President Trump’s assertion that Democrats are electing “jihadists” is a baseless and inflammatory accusation. Such statements undermine the principles of inclusion and equal representation, and they contribute to a broader pattern of false and disparaging claims about Muslim Americans in public life.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/11/us/politics/muslim-voters-candidates.html