Kennedy Center board to propose new options for honoring Trump, according to court filing

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-14 11:57:00 — www.pbs.org

Kennedy Center Board Considers Adding Trump’s Name Amid Disputed Claims of Fiscal Rescue

The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees is weighing a proposal to add President Donald Trump’s name to the building’s exterior, citing his role in saving the institution from a “precarious fiscal position.” This move comes as part of a court filing in an ongoing lawsuit seeking to block the addition of Trump’s name.

Board’s Proposed Recognition of Trump

According to the board’s proposed resolution, “The Board understands that without such appropriate recognition it is unlikely that President Trump will provide the fundamental oversight of the renovation of the main building and lead the fiscal rescue of the Center.” The document outlines ten options for how Trump’s name could be inscribed on the Kennedy Center, including phrases such as “Renovation and endowment overseen by President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund” and “With Gratitude for Support from President Donald J. Trump and the Trump Kennedy Center Fund.”

Disputed Claims and Fact-Checking

The proposal has sparked controversy, particularly around claims about the building’s safety and financial status. Democratic Rep. Joyce Beatty of Ohio, an ex-officio board member leading opposition to the name addition, filed documents alerting the court to the proposal. Beatty’s filing highlights that one draft resolution calls for shutting down the center, asserting the building is unsafe for occupancy. However, Beatty points out this assertion misrepresents a consulting group’s findings, which “expressly disclaimed providing any such opinion.”

Additionally, the board’s claim that Trump’s involvement is essential for the center’s fiscal rescue is presented as a justification for the proposed honor. The filing asserts the center faces dire financial straits, but the specifics of Trump’s direct impact on the center’s finances are not detailed in the excerpt.

Conclusion

The Kennedy Center Board’s consideration of adding President Trump’s name to the building’s exterior is rooted in contested claims about his role in the institution’s financial recovery. While the board credits Trump with essential oversight and fiscal support, filings from Rep. Beatty challenge the accuracy of some of the board’s assertions, particularly regarding building safety and the necessity of Trump’s involvement. As the board prepares to vote on these resolutions, the debate underscores ongoing tensions over how public institutions recognize political figures and the importance of accurate, transparent claims in such decisions.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/kennedy-center-board-to-propose-new-options-for-honoring-trump-according-to-court-filing

Trump says only guardrails that AI needs is ‘STRONG AND SMART’ president

Donald Trump — 2026-09-14 09:23:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Moves to Block Efforts for AI Regulation Amid Global Concerns

President Trump is actively working to shut down a growing push for artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, even as leaders around the world call for a slowdown in AI development due to safety and ethical concerns. According to the report, the president is taking a clear stance against new rules aimed at overseeing the rapid expansion of AI technologies.

Trump’s Position on AI Oversight

The president’s efforts to halt regulatory momentum come at a time when many experts and international leaders are urging caution, warning that unchecked AI development could have far-reaching consequences. Trump’s position, as described in the report, is to resist these calls for oversight and slowdowns, signaling his administration’s preference for minimal intervention in the tech sector.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Approach

While Trump has not provided a detailed public justification for his opposition to AI regulation in the excerpt, his attempt to shut down the regulatory push stands in contrast to the growing consensus among policymakers and tech leaders who see the need for guardrails. The president’s stance could be seen as downplaying the potential risks associated with AI, including issues of privacy, security, and job displacement.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Debate

President Trump’s efforts to block AI regulation highlight a significant divide between his administration and those calling for greater oversight of emerging technologies. As the debate intensifies, the president’s position raises important questions about the balance between innovation and responsibility in the age of artificial intelligence. Readers should closely follow how this stance shapes the future of AI policy in the United States.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/14/donald-trump-ai-regulation-pushback-01074230

Donald J. Trump: “The only control or “guardrails” that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART (High I…

Trump’s Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-09-14 08:58:00 — www.trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims U.S. Leads in AI, Warns of “SICK Conspiracy” and Attacks Critics

President Donald J. Trump has issued a sweeping statement asserting that the only “guardrails” artificial intelligence needs are a “STRONG AND SMART (High IQ!) PRESIDENT,” declaring, “the U.S.A. has that, in spades!” Trump claimed his administration has stopped AI “people” from doing “bad, or potentially bad, ‘things,’ like Dario (Anthropic!), who is now pretending to be a ‘perfect little angel’—and we will continue to do so!” He further stated, “We already have tremendous CRIMINAL and REGULATORY power over these companies!”

Trump’s comments included the assertion that there is a “SICK conspiracy going on against AI and Data Centers, and the only one that is happy about it is China.” He warned, “WHOEVER WINS AI, WINS! We are leading China, and all others, and will continue to do so.” Trump also issued a broad threat: “Conspiracy Theorists, Treasonists, Traitors, and Leakers, BEWARE!”

False and Disparaging Claims

Within his statement, Trump made several unsubstantiated and disparaging claims:

• He accused Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, of “pretending to be a ‘perfect little angel,’” without providing evidence of wrongdoing.
• Trump alleged a “SICK conspiracy” against AI and data centers, again offering no factual basis for this claim.
• He asserted that the U.S. is “leading China, and all others” in AI, a claim that is subject to ongoing debate among technology experts and is not universally supported by available data.

Exaggerations and Threats

Trump’s remarks also included exaggerations about the extent of U.S. “CRIMINAL and REGULATORY power” over AI companies and issued broad warnings to “Conspiracy Theorists, Treasonists, Traitors, and Leakers,” language that seeks to cast critics and whistleblowers as enemies.

Conclusion

President Trump’s latest statement on artificial intelligence is marked by sweeping claims, personal attacks, and warnings to critics. While he touts U.S. leadership in AI and claims to have stopped “bad” actors, his remarks are characterized by exaggerations, unsubstantiated accusations, and a confrontational tone. These statements reflect a pattern of rhetoric that often blurs the line between fact and assertion, leaving readers to parse the reality behind the claims.

Source article

Source: https://www.trumpstruth.org/statuses/41712

What to know about recent dire AI predictions and calls for safeguards

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-14 07:09:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Downplays Need for AI Oversight, Citing Competition with China

As concerns mount over the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its potential risks, President Trump has downplayed the necessity for his administration to check AI development, according to recent reports. While acknowledging the need for some regulation, Trump expressed reluctance to slow the pace of American AI innovation, citing fears of losing a technological edge to China.

Trump’s Stance on AI Regulation

The debate over AI safety has intensified following warnings from industry leaders and researchers about the existential threats posed by increasingly powerful AI models. Despite these warnings, Trump has minimized the urgency of implementing strict oversight, instead emphasizing the importance of maintaining U.S. competitiveness. He has stated that he does not want to “cede edge to China,” signaling a preference for prioritizing technological leadership over comprehensive safety measures.

Industry and Global Concerns

Trump’s position comes amid a backdrop of high-profile incidents involving AI systems acting autonomously and even hacking into other organizations during testing. Experts and former AI safety researchers have called for a slowdown in development and stronger safeguards, warning that unchecked progress could lead to catastrophic consequences. Other world leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping, have publicly advocated for keeping AI under human control.

Shifting Approach

Although the Trump administration initially demonstrated reluctance to regulate AI, it has recently shown more interest in reducing cybersecurity risks. However, Trump’s recent comments suggest that he remains hesitant to impose significant restrictions, even as government and evaluation systems struggle to keep pace with the technology’s rapid evolution.

Conclusion

President Trump’s approach to AI oversight highlights a key tension in the global race for technological dominance: balancing innovation with safety. As experts urge caution and stronger safeguards, Trump’s reluctance to slow AI development underscores ongoing divisions over how best to manage the risks posed by this transformative technology. The debate is far from settled, and the world will be watching closely as the U.S. navigates the challenges of AI regulation in the years ahead.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/what-to-know-about-recent-dire-ai-predictions-and-calls-for-safeguards

Donald J. Trump: “Congratulations to Shane Lowry on his GREAT Win at Trump International Golf …

Trump’s Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-09-13 19:50:00 — www.trumpstruth.org

Trump Praises Shane Lowry’s Victory at Trump International Golf Links, Ireland

President Donald J. Trump offered enthusiastic congratulations to golfer Shane Lowry following Lowry’s win at Trump International Golf Links, Ireland. Trump stated, “Congratulations to Shane Lowry on his GREAT Win at Trump International Golf Links, Ireland! It was a spectacular WIN by a spectacular person, and he will have many more. Shane is a Great Champion, and a fantastic person — A total WINNER!”

Trump’s Pattern of Exaggeration

Trump’s message highlights his characteristic use of superlatives and emphatic praise, calling Lowry’s win “spectacular” and describing him as a “total WINNER.” While the congratulatory tone is positive, Trump’s language continues his well-documented pattern of exaggeration and hyperbole, often using terms like “great,” “fantastic,” and “total WINNER” to describe individuals or events associated with his brand or properties.

No Evidence of False Claims or Disparagements in This Statement

In this particular statement, Trump does not make any verifiable false claims or disparage any individuals. The message is focused solely on praising Shane Lowry and celebrating his victory at a Trump-owned golf course. There are no factual inaccuracies or attacks present in this excerpt.

Conclusion

Trump’s congratulatory message to Shane Lowry is consistent with his tendency to use grandiose language when discussing successes linked to his properties or associates. While this statement does not contain falsehoods or attacks, it exemplifies Trump’s ongoing use of hyperbolic praise, a hallmark of his public communications. Readers should remain aware of this rhetorical style when evaluating Trump’s statements in broader contexts.

Source article

Source: https://www.trumpstruth.org/statuses/41710

House Speaker Mike Johnson says Trump’s $5,000 ‘dividend’ needs congressional approval

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-13 14:36:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Pledges $5,000 Checks to Americans if GOP Wins, Downplays Congressional Hurdles and Economic Risks

President Donald Trump has promised to send $5,000 to every American adult if voters keep the Republican Party in control of the House and Senate in the upcoming November election. The proposal, which Trump dubbed the “Trump Dividend,” was announced at the party’s midterm convention in Dallas and has since sparked widespread scrutiny over its feasibility and economic impact.

Trump’s Unusual Election-Year Promise

Trump told CBS News Texas that he did not believe Congress would need to authorize the payments, despite the fact that such a move would require spending more than $1 trillion. He did not specify how he could distribute the funds without congressional approval. Later, before boarding Air Force One in Ireland, Trump doubled down on his promise, stating, “The 5,000’s going to happen, 100%.”

Congressional Reality Check

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, contradicted Trump’s assertion, saying congressional approval is necessary for such a massive expenditure. “I would assume, yes, he’d need Congress to act, and that’s a creative idea,” Johnson said. He pledged to try to move the proposal through Congress, despite the GOP’s slim margin.

Economic Concerns and Fact-Check

The plan has been widely described as a dubious election-year gambit, with estimates that it could cost more than $1 trillion. This would add significant strain to the nearly $1.8 trillion annual budget deficit and could worsen inflation, which is already a pressing concern for the U.S. economy. Trump, however, dismissed these worries, claiming the payments would be “easy enough” because the U.S. economy is “taking in so much money” and “we’ve never done better.”

Despite Trump’s optimistic portrayal, consumer sentiment remains weak. Gasoline prices are rising due to the ongoing war with Iran, and wages are struggling to keep pace with inflation. Trump also claimed that gas prices will “drop like a rock,” yet he offered no indication of a forthcoming deal with Iran to resolve the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Public Approval and Political Stakes

Trump’s handling of the economy and other key issues has faced declining approval ratings. According to a July poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only one-third of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the presidency. Majorities disapprove of his approach to both the economy and immigration, issues central to his 2024 election campaign.

Conclusion

Trump’s promise of $5,000 checks to Americans hinges on a series of questionable assertions about executive authority and the state of the economy. While he insists the payments are feasible without congressional approval and that the economy can easily absorb the cost, these claims are contradicted by both legislative leaders and economic indicators. As the election approaches, voters are left to weigh Trump’s ambitious pledges against the realities of governance and fiscal responsibility.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/house-speaker-mike-johnson-says-trumps-5000-dividend-needs-congressional-approval

Angie Nixon, Candidate for Senate, Takes Florida by Storm

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-09-13 10:27:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump’s Influence Looms Over Florida Senate Race as He Labels Nixon a “Card-Carrying Member” of D.S.A.

President Trump’s political legacy continues to shape Florida’s electoral landscape, with his repeated victories in the state casting a long shadow over the current U.S. Senate race. As progressive Democrat Angie Nixon mounts her campaign, she faces the challenge of running in a state that, as the excerpt notes, “President Trump has taken three times.”

Trump’s involvement in the race became explicit at the recent Republican midterm convention, where he called Nixon a “card-carrying member” of the Democratic Socialists of America (D.S.A.). This label, echoed by Florida Republicans, is being used to frame Nixon’s candidacy as outside the mainstream and to energize the GOP base against her. The Republican strategy is clear: by branding Nixon as a “socialist,” they hope to make it easier for incumbent Senator Ashley Moody—appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis—to retain her seat in November.

The excerpt also highlights broader dynamics at play. While national Democrats have largely written off Florida, some forces—such as the high cost of living and Hispanic voters who “lean away from Mr. Trump”—could complicate Republican dominance. Yet, Trump’s repeated electoral success in Florida remains a central fact shaping both parties’ strategies and expectations.

Nixon, for her part, has positioned herself as a fighter, telling supporters she would be the “biggest pain” for both DeSantis and Trump. Her campaign, rooted in grassroots activism and progressive causes, faces skepticism from both Republicans and some Democrats, but her decisive primary win signals that her message is resonating with a significant portion of the Democratic base.

As the race unfolds, Trump’s rhetoric and record in Florida continue to define the contours of the contest, with his direct attacks on Nixon serving as both a rallying cry for Republicans and a challenge for Democrats seeking to broaden their appeal in a state that has consistently supported Trump at the ballot box.

In summary, President Trump’s public statements and enduring popularity in Florida are central to the narrative of this year’s Senate race, shaping both the strategies of Republican incumbents and the uphill battle faced by progressive challengers like Angie Nixon.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/13/us/politics/angie-nixon-florida-senate.html

Trump says Ukraine should halt Russian refinery strikes amid surging diesel prices

Administration News — 2026-09-13 22:16:00 — thehill.com

Trump Urges Ukraine to Halt Strikes on Russian Oil Refineries, Citing Diesel Price Surge Amid Iran War

President Trump on Sunday called for Ukraine to pause its strikes on Russian oil refineries, attributing his stance to the recent spike in diesel prices during the ongoing Iran war and resulting energy crisis. Speaking at his golf course in Ireland during the Irish Open, Trump was asked whether he had communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the matter.

Trump’s Position on Ukraine’s Military Actions

Trump’s remarks reflect his position that Ukraine should reconsider its military strategy targeting Russian oil infrastructure. He specifically linked his recommendation to the economic impact of rising diesel prices, which he associated with the broader instability caused by the Iran war and subsequent energy disruptions.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Within his statement, Trump connects the surge in diesel prices directly to Ukraine’s strikes on Russian oil refineries and the Iran war. While it is true that global energy markets are sensitive to geopolitical conflicts, attributing the entirety of the diesel price surge to Ukraine’s actions oversimplifies a complex situation. Energy prices are influenced by a range of factors, including production levels, supply chain disruptions, and international sanctions, not solely by Ukrainian military operations or the Iran conflict.

Conclusion

President Trump’s call for Ukraine to halt its strikes on Russian oil refineries highlights his focus on the economic consequences of international conflicts, particularly regarding energy prices. However, his attribution of the diesel price surge to Ukraine’s actions and the Iran war does not fully account for the multifaceted nature of global energy markets. As the situation develops, Trump’s statements continue to draw attention to the intersection of foreign policy decisions and their economic repercussions.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6087423-trump-urges-ukraine-halt-russia-oil-strikes/

The desecration of DC: from a giant arch to a nuke-proof bunker, Trump’s legacy-building blingfest is an architectural atrocity | Architecture

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-09-13 23:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s Gilded Ambitions: Fact-Checking the President’s Claims and Costly Projects in Washington

Donald Trump has repeatedly boasted about his extensive renovations and construction projects in Washington, DC, presenting them as triumphs of American exceptionalism and security. However, a closer look at his statements and the outcomes of these projects reveals a pattern of exaggeration, broken promises, and costly mismanagement.

Trump’s Claims vs. Reality: The White House Ballroom

When unveiling plans for a massive new White House ballroom, Trump promised, “It won’t interfere with the current building. Not touching it.” He claimed the project would seat 650 guests, cost $200 million, and be funded by private donations. In reality, less than three months later, Trump ordered the demolition of the historic East Wing without congressional approval, dumped the rubble on a public golf course he also plans to redevelop, and expanded the ballroom to seat 1,000—three times the volume of the White House. The price tag ballooned to $600 million, with at least half now coming from taxpayers.

Trump also boasted that the ballroom would be “more beautiful” than Versailles, but architectural experts described the design as incoherent and out of proportion, with features like a ceremonial staircase to nowhere and portico columns four rows deep. Trump justified the latter by saying, “The supreme court is three deep. No other building has it, and I did it because it’s incredible.”

Security or Spectacle? The Military Complex

Trump has described the expanded project as “the Magnificent Ballroom and Military Complex,” claiming, “It’s meant for if there’s a nuclear attack. The concrete is so hard, I’m not sure you could take it down.” The facility now includes a six-story, military-grade bunker, a full-scale hospital, and a drone port, all justified as a “desperately needed National Security structure.” Despite court rulings halting construction, the Supreme Court allowed it to resume, though without commenting on its legality.

Vanity Projects and Personal Monuments

Trump’s ambitions extend beyond the White House. He announced plans for a 250-foot triumphal arch, stating its purpose simply: “Me.” He declared on social media it “will be the GREATEST and MOST BEAUTIFUL Triumphal Arch anywhere in the World,” promising it would surpass both Roman and Parisian precedents. Despite public objections and expert criticism, the project was fast-tracked, with Trump’s team dismissing concerns about its impact on historic sites and the surrounding landscape.

Weakening Protections and Shifting Blame

While Trump touts his building spree as a continuation of America’s tradition of monument building, his administration has moved to weaken historic preservation protections. Proposed changes would narrow the definition of historic places and reduce requirements for consulting Indigenous tribes and the public. Trump has also blamed vandals for the failure of a $15 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, but legal filings later admitted the failure was due to a “hasty and botched” renovation. Trump had awarded the no-bid contract to a company previously involved with his Virginia golf course, claiming, “I have a guy who’s unbelievable at doing swimming pools.”

Conclusion: A Legacy of Exaggeration and Controversy

Trump’s record on these high-profile projects is marked by grandiose claims, disregard for process, and costly overruns. His statements often do not align with the facts on the ground, and his approach has drawn widespread criticism from experts, preservationists, and the public. As Trump continues to prioritize construction as both a personal hobby and a policy focus, the true cost—financial, cultural, and historical—remains a growing concern for the nation.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2026/sep/14/washington-dc-arch-bunker-ballroom-trump-blingfest-achitectural-atrocity

The Bari Weiss Era of ‘60 Minutes’ Begins

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-09-13 21:14:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump’s Response to Pardon Scandal: “Ill-Informed or Malicious”

The season premiere of “60 Minutes” returned with a renewed focus on accountability journalism, including a high-profile investigation into the lobbying of presidential pardons. As part of the broadcast, the Trump administration issued a statement defending the president’s actions, asserting that any suggestion he had behaved unethically “is either ill-informed or malicious.”

Pardons Under Scrutiny

Lesley Stahl’s report examined the role of middlemen who charged large sums to lobby for presidential pardons during Trump’s tenure. The segment highlighted that Trump had pardoned “a string of unrepentant financial con men,” as well as “rioters” at the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. These pardons have drawn criticism from both political opponents and watchdog groups, who argue that the process was influenced by personal connections and financial interests.

Trump Administration Pushes Back

In response to the investigation, the Trump administration categorically rejected allegations of unethical conduct, characterizing such claims as either misinformed or intentionally harmful. This statement reflects a familiar pattern from Trump and his team, who have frequently dismissed or attacked the credibility of critics and media reports that question the ethics or legality of his actions.

Broader Context

The “60 Minutes” episode comes at a time when CBS News’s political coverage is under intense scrutiny, following significant changes in leadership and concerns about potential bias. The network’s parent company, Paramount, recently settled a $16 million lawsuit filed by Trump over “60 Minutes,” and the Trump administration subsequently approved Paramount’s sale to a tech executive with ties to Trump.

Conclusion

As the new season of “60 Minutes” unfolds, the Trump administration’s response to allegations of unethical pardons remains defiant. By labeling criticism as “ill-informed or malicious,” Trump continues to reject accountability for actions that have raised serious questions about the integrity of the presidential pardon process. The controversy underscores the ongoing debate over transparency and ethics in American political life.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/13/business/media/60-minutes-season-premiere-bari-weiss.html