Week in Politics: Trump’s speech; midterm elections; Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-18 06:42:00 — www.npr.org

Trump’s Election Security Claims Lack Substance as He Pushes SAVE Act

With just over three months until the November midterms, President Trump is drawing attention to issues that are not top priorities for most voters, according to a recent NPR analysis. In a Thursday night speech on election security, Trump suggested he would reveal new information, but NPR reports that nothing actually new was presented.

Deflecting Attention and Pushing Legislation

Trump’s remarks appeared aimed at deflecting attention from other pressing news, including renewed conflict with Iran, recent ICE shootings, and the ongoing controversy surrounding the Epstein files. The Epstein issue, in particular, has complicated the confirmation process for Trump’s former private attorney, Todd Blanche, as attorney general. Many Trump supporters remain frustrated by his unfulfilled pledge to release all Epstein files upon returning to office.

The core of Trump’s speech was a push for the SAVE Act, a bill he supports that would increase requirements for voter registration and restrict voting by mail. This legislative focus comes as Trump’s approval rating has dropped below 40% in major national polls—a warning sign for his party ahead of the midterms.

Election Denials and Lack of Evidence

Trump’s influence over his party remains strong, with nominees for key positions, such as Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton, feeling compelled to support or at least entertain Trump’s ongoing election denials. Despite this, the excerpt notes that even some of Trump’s own allies have admitted they do not have evidence of votes being flipped in previous elections, including 2020.

Moving Away from Voters’ Priorities

As Trump and his party focus on issues like the SAVE Act and election security, they are moving away from the interests that matter most to voters. Economic concerns, such as higher gas and food prices resulting from the war with Iran, are likely to persist and remain more relevant to the electorate.

Conclusion

President Trump’s recent actions and statements highlight a pattern of focusing on issues and claims that lack substantiation and do not align with the top concerns of voters. As the midterms approach, the gap between Trump’s agenda and voter priorities may have significant consequences for his party at the polls.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/18/nx-s1-5894907/week-in-politics-trumps-speech-midterm-elections-todd-blanche-and-jay-clayton

Cuba edges toward breakdown as power cuts and US meddling push society to brink | Cuba

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-18 08:14:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Claims Control Over Cuba Amid Worsening Crisis

Donald Trump has made bold statements regarding the fate of Cuba, asserting, “Whether I free it, take it, I think I can do anything I want with it,” in remarks to reporters at the White House in March. This declaration came as Cuba’s national electricity grid collapsed for the third time in ten days, leaving millions without power and highlighting the island’s deepening crisis.

U.S. Pressure and Trump’s Promises

Trump has promised that Cuba’s communist government will fall, linking his administration’s aggressive sanctions and pressure campaign directly to the island’s deteriorating conditions. The U.S. blockade, now lasting six months, has severely restricted Cuba’s access to oil and other critical resources, compounding the effects of decades-old infrastructure failures. Trump’s approach has included driving out foreign companies and targeting Cuba’s key industries, with the stated goal of bringing down the government.

Escalating Tensions and Public Statements

As the humanitarian situation in Cuba worsens, Trump has continued to take a hardline stance. In response to unconfirmed reports of Cuban-Iranian military cooperation, he declared, “We’re not going to allow that to happen.” These statements reflect a posture of direct intervention and control, with Trump repeatedly positioning himself as the decisive actor in Cuba’s future.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s assertion that he can “do anything I want” with Cuba is both an exaggeration of presidential power and a distortion of international norms. The U.S. government, while influential, does not have unilateral authority over the sovereignty of another nation. Furthermore, the suggestion that sanctions alone are responsible for Cuba’s collapse overlooks the island’s longstanding infrastructure problems, which experts note predate the current blockade.

Conclusion

Trump’s rhetoric on Cuba exemplifies his pattern of making sweeping, often misleading claims about his power and the impact of U.S. policy. As Cuba faces mounting blackouts, shortages, and unrest, Trump’s statements serve to escalate tensions rather than offer constructive solutions. The ongoing crisis underscores the complexity of U.S.-Cuba relations and the dangers of oversimplified, self-aggrandizing narratives from American leaders.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/18/cuba-edges-toward-breakdown-as-power-cuts-and-us-meddling-push-society-to-brink

Former intelligence official weighs Trump’s election security allegations

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-17 17:52:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Again Sows Doubt About U.S. Election Integrity, Despite Lack of Evidence

President Trump is once again casting doubt on the integrity of the U.S. election process, this time focusing heavily on China and what he described as “newly revealed intelligence” about the 2020 election. In his latest speech, Trump suggested that intelligence regarding China’s activities was suppressed or kept from him, implying a cover-up within the intelligence community.

Intelligence Community Pushes Back

Sue Gordon, who served as principal deputy director of national intelligence during Trump’s first term, directly addressed these claims in an interview. She stated that there is nothing in the public record or intelligence community assessments that changes the fundamental conclusion about the 2020 election: it was sound, and there was no evidence of foreign impact on the outcome. Gordon emphasized that while China and other countries have long sought to influence U.S. elections, there is a significant difference between attempts to influence public opinion and actual interference that changes votes or outcomes—something for which there is no evidence.

Claims of Withheld Intelligence Rejected

Trump’s suggestion that intelligence about China was deliberately withheld from him was also dismissed by Gordon. She described the idea as implausible, noting that the intelligence community has been highly focused on foreign election interference since 2016 and has consistently reported its findings. Gordon pointed out that the intelligence community’s mission is to protect democracy, not to undermine it or hide information from the president.

Undermining Democracy Plays Into Adversaries’ Hands

Repeatedly suggesting that American elections are compromised, as Trump continues to do, advances the objectives of adversaries like Russia and China, according to Gordon. She explained that the greatest threat to America is the erosion of public trust in its own democratic institutions—a process accelerated by unfounded claims of election corruption.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

• Trump claimed there was “newly revealed intelligence” about China and the 2020 election. Intelligence officials say no such evidence has emerged to alter the assessment that the election was secure.
• Trump suggested intelligence was suppressed or kept from him. Intelligence leaders reject this, saying the community has been transparent and focused on foreign threats since 2016.
• By sowing doubt, Trump is furthering the aims of foreign adversaries who seek to undermine American democracy, even without direct interference.

Conclusion

President Trump’s continued efforts to cast doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections are not supported by the intelligence community’s findings. Experts warn that these claims not only lack evidence but also serve the interests of America’s adversaries by eroding trust in the nation’s democratic processes. The facts remain: the 2020 election was secure, and there is no evidence of the widespread interference or cover-up that Trump alleges.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/former-intelligence-official-weighs-trumps-election-security-allegations

Fact-checking Trump’s address: What he said about China and 2020 election, what documents show

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-07-15 23:20:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump’s Primetime Speech Revives False Claims of 2020 Election Interference by China

In a rare primetime address, Donald Trump once again pushed unfounded claims about the 2020 election, asserting that foreign countries—particularly China—interfered in the outcome he lost to Joe Biden. Trump argued that the “deep state” concealed damaging information about this alleged interference from both him and the public, but he did not provide evidence of votes or outcomes being affected.

Trump’s Claims on Chinese Interference

Trump opened his speech by describing a “nefarious” Chinese operation to steal U.S. voter records. He claimed, “China carried out what is believed to be the largest compromise of election data in history, resulting in China’s illicit acquisition of 220 million U.S. voter files,” calling it an “unprecedented election security nightmare.” However, documents cited by Trump show that this voter registration information was already publicly available for download from commercial websites, and experts note that such data can be legally purchased by certain members of the public. There is no evidence that state or local voter registration databases or infrastructure were breached.

Misleading Attacks on the “Deep State”

Trump also alleged that “members of the deep state” worked to “actively suppress and downplay information about the extent of China’s sinister election meddling,” hiding it from him and the American people. This claim is misleading. The intelligence community provided Trump with a classified report on foreign interference in January 2021, and a declassified version was released two months later under Biden. The report concluded that China considered—but did not deploy—influence efforts to change the election outcome. While a minority view within the intelligence community suggested China tried to undermine Trump’s reelection through social media and public statements, there was “no information suggesting China tried to interfere with election processes.”

Exaggerating China’s Motives

Trump further claimed that China wanted him “to lose the next election” due to his tariffs and military investments. Intelligence assessments did indicate that China preferred Trump lose, but the 2021 report found that Beijing did not see enough advantage in either candidate to risk direct interference. China believed it would face challenges from the U.S. regardless of who won.

Ignoring Safeguards and Judicial Findings

Trump’s address ignored the numerous judicial decisions, intelligence reports, and expert opinions confirming there was no direct foreign interference in the 2020 voting process. Election security experts highlighted that U.S. elections have multiple safeguards, including paper ballots and chain of custody rules, to protect against tampering.

Conclusion

Trump’s primetime address repeated several false and misleading claims about foreign interference in the 2020 election, particularly regarding China. Despite his assertions, there is no evidence that China or any other foreign power altered the outcome of the election, and the safeguards in place continue to protect the integrity of U.S. elections. Trump’s continued focus on these disproven narratives underscores his ongoing refusal to accept the results of the 2020 race.

Source article

Source: https://www.politifact.com/article/2026/jul/16/fact-check-trump-address-china-2020-election/

Trump’s election security speech: Democrats see false claims, future threats

Administration News — 2026-07-18 05:00:00 — thehill.com

Trump’s Selective Release of 2020 Election Documents Draws Scrutiny, Fails to Change Core Findings

President Trump’s decision to selectively release classified documents related to the 2020 election has come under fire, as it does not alter the central conclusion of the intelligence community: not a single vote was changed in the contest. Despite this, Trump’s actions and the narrative he promotes continue to generate controversy and concern among critics.

Selective Disclosure and Persistent Claims

Trump’s release of these documents appears to be an effort to cast doubt on the integrity of the 2020 election. However, the intelligence community’s assessment remains unchanged—there is no evidence that any votes were altered. The president’s move has been widely interpreted as an attempt to shape public perception and lay the groundwork for future challenges to election results.

Criticism and Mockery

Democrats have accused Trump of preparing to interfere in future elections by undermining trust in the electoral process. The president was also mocked for his headline claim regarding China, which some saw as an attempt to distract from the lack of substantive evidence of election tampering.

Fact-Check: No Votes Altered

The core fact remains that, according to the intelligence community, there was no alteration of votes in the 2020 election. Trump’s selective release of documents does not provide new evidence to contradict this finding, and his actions have been characterized as misleading by those who view them as an effort to sow doubt and confusion.

Conclusion

President Trump’s handling of classified documents related to the 2020 election has not changed the established facts about the integrity of the vote. While his selective disclosures and public statements continue to stir debate, the intelligence community’s conclusion stands: the outcome of the 2020 election was not affected by vote tampering. This episode underscores the ongoing challenges posed by misinformation and the importance of relying on verified facts in public discourse.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5975360-dhs-voter-roll-scrubbing/

Memphis rallies for progressive Democrat after four fatal shootings by taskforce: ‘Fight of our lives’ | US politics

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-17 21:18:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Ordered Federal Agents into Memphis, Says Pearson, Linking Deployment to Fatal Police Shootings

In the wake of four fatal shootings by members of the Memphis Safe Task Force over the last two months, Democratic state representative Justin Pearson directly attributed the escalation of federal law enforcement presence in Memphis to an order by Donald Trump last year. Pearson stated that the deaths were predictable once Trump ordered federal agents into the city, suggesting a direct connection between the former president’s decision and the recent violence.

Pearson addressed a crowd of more than a thousand supporters at New Direction Christian Church, emphasizing the impact of federal intervention on the community. He said, “The deaths were predictable once Donald Trump ordered federal agents into the city last year. Our worst fears have been realized. Let us remember these beloved families whose lives have been forever altered.”

The context for Pearson’s remarks includes heightened tensions in Memphis following the deaths of several civilians at the hands of law enforcement, including the recent killing of Tywin Johnson, a 20-year-old musician with no criminal record. Johnson was shot by National Guard soldiers responding to a robbery report, and officials have refused to release video footage of the incident or provide further details.

Pearson’s comments highlight ongoing concerns about the consequences of increased federal law enforcement activity in Memphis, a move he attributes directly to Trump’s orders. The deployment of federal agents to American cities has been a controversial aspect of Trump’s approach to law and order, often criticized by local leaders and activists for escalating violence rather than reducing it.

As the Democratic primary approaches, Pearson and his supporters are calling attention to the broader implications of federal intervention and its impact on communities of color in Memphis and beyond. The debate over federal law enforcement’s role in local policing remains a contentious issue, with Pearson’s remarks underscoring the lasting effects of Trump’s policies on the ground.

In conclusion, Pearson’s attribution of the recent fatal shootings to Trump’s order to send federal agents into Memphis brings renewed scrutiny to the former president’s law enforcement strategies and their real-world consequences for communities already grappling with violence and systemic inequities.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/17/justin-pearson-memphis-rally-progressive-democrat-aoc

Trump tries to undermine trust in elections, but documents don’t support his claims

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-17 17:55:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Revives Debunked Election Claims in Prime-Time Address, Fact-Checks Show

President Donald Trump used a recent prime-time address to revive a series of debunked claims about the integrity of American elections, painting a dire picture of U.S. election security and calling for more restrictive voting laws ahead of the November midterms.

False Claims About Foreign Interference

In his address, Trump announced the “immediate declassification and release of critical intelligence revealing shocking vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure.” He claimed, “The People’s Republic of China carried out what is believed to be the largest compromise of election data in history, resulting in China’s illicit acquisition of 220 million U.S. voter files.” However, a close examination of the White House’s own released documents tells a different story. The intelligence community discussed China’s attempts to potentially influence the 2020 election, but the documents present these as potential dangers, with no evidence that any attempts were successful. One declassified document explicitly states that publicly available voter registration information for six states was downloaded by China in 2022, well after the 2020 election.

David Becker, Executive Director of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, directly refuted Trump’s claims, stating, “The reality is, it wasn’t a hack.” He explained that voter lists in the United States are public and available for purchase or even free in some states.

Unfounded Allegations About Voting Machines

Trump also alleged that U.S. voting machines are “vulnerable and they’re easily compromised,” referencing a supposed CIA report about Venezuela’s Maduro regime rigging its own elections. However, fact-checks reveal that such efforts would only be possible if every step of the election process was under government control, which is not the case in the U.S. Released documents conclude that attempts to manipulate vote totals would not work in the American system, which relies on paper ballots and strict chain of custody protocols.

Exaggerated Numbers on Noncitizen Voters

Turning to immigration, Trump claimed, “According to the DHS review, state voter rolls and public records, they identified approximately 278,000 noncitizens who are registered to vote in federal elections.” The report did not explain how this number was reached, and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin could not say how many, if any, of those people actually voted. Federal databases and screening tools used to identify noncitizens have been shown to frequently flag U.S. citizens in error, especially naturalized Americans. A federal judge recently blocked the Trump administration from using such data, noting it “haphazardly combined and repurposed the private information of millions of Americans, including citizenship data that they knew to be unreliable.”

Sowing Doubt Ahead of the Midterms

Despite repeated fact-checks and the lack of evidence supporting his claims, Trump continues to use false statements to sow doubt about the integrity of American elections. As the midterms approach, these claims appear designed to undermine public confidence and justify restrictive voting measures.

Conclusion

President Trump’s latest address repeats a pattern of making exaggerated and unsupported claims about election security, foreign interference, and noncitizen voting. Fact-checks and official documents consistently contradict his assertions, highlighting the importance of scrutinizing such statements as the nation prepares for another critical election cycle.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/trump-tries-to-undermine-trust-in-elections-but-documents-dont-support-his-claims

As Trump Scraps With Meloni, His Envoy to Italy Is at Sea

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-17 23:01:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Escalates Feud With Italian Prime Minister Meloni Amid Diplomatic Tensions

President Trump intensified his public standoff with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, posting on social media that he needed to take out a “restraining order” against her. This came just two weeks after he claimed Meloni had “begged” him for a photo at a gathering of world leaders, further fueling the diplomatic spat between the United States and Italy.

Trump’s Attacks and Claims

Trump’s remarks about Meloni—first alleging she “begged” for a photo and then suggesting a “restraining order” was necessary—highlight his ongoing pattern of using social media to disparage foreign leaders and escalate personal disputes. These statements have drawn attention not only for their tone but also for their accuracy, as no independent evidence has surfaced to support Trump’s claim that Meloni “begged” for a photo.

Diplomatic Fallout

The feud between Trump and Meloni has been described as the worst public conflict between American and Italian leaders in living memory. Trump is reportedly furious over Italy’s decision not to support the war in Iran, while Meloni has pushed back, accusing Trump of picking a fight with the pope. The tensions have overshadowed the work of the U.S. ambassador to Italy, Tilman J. Fertitta, who has tried to maintain diplomatic relations amid the controversy.

Conclusion

President Trump’s recent statements about Prime Minister Meloni are part of a broader pattern of public attacks and questionable claims directed at foreign leaders. As the diplomatic rift continues, Trump’s rhetoric risks further straining the historically strong relationship between the United States and Italy. The episode underscores the impact of presidential statements on international relations and the importance of accuracy and restraint in diplomatic communications.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/18/world/europe/tilman-fertitta-superyacht-italy-ambassador.html

Trump calls for revocation of ABC, NBC licenses over speech snub

Donald Trump — 2026-07-16 20:47:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Accuses Networks of “Fraud” for Not Airing Election Security Address

President Donald Trump escalated his ongoing attacks on the media by claiming that television networks which did not broadcast his primetime address on election security had committed “fraud.” This accusation, made during a recent speech, marks another instance in which Trump has used charged language to disparage media organizations that do not provide him with the coverage he seeks.

Trump’s Claim of “Fraud”

According to the excerpt, Trump directly stated that networks declining to air his address on election security were guilty of “fraud.” This assertion is significant because “fraud” is a serious legal term, typically referring to deliberate deception for personal or financial gain. In this context, Trump used the term to describe an editorial decision—a move that does not meet the legal or commonly understood definition of fraud.

Fact-Checking the Accusation

There is no evidence to support the idea that a television network commits fraud by choosing not to air a presidential address. Editorial discretion is a fundamental aspect of press freedom in the United States. Networks regularly make decisions about which events to broadcast based on newsworthiness, audience interest, and programming schedules. Trump’s use of the word “fraud” in this context is an exaggeration and a mischaracterization of the networks’ actions.

Pattern of Attacks on the Media

This latest statement fits into a broader pattern of Trump’s rhetoric, in which he frequently attacks media outlets that he perceives as unfavorable or insufficiently supportive. By labeling their actions as “fraud,” Trump not only misstates the facts but also seeks to undermine public trust in independent journalism.

Conclusion

President Trump’s claim that networks committed “fraud” by not airing his election security address is unfounded and misrepresents the nature of editorial decisions. Such statements contribute to a climate of mistrust and confusion about the role of the media in American democracy. It is important for the public to recognize the difference between legitimate editorial choices and the serious legal implications of fraud, and to hold leaders accountable for the accuracy of their words.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/16/trump-calls-for-revocation-of-abc-nbc-licenses-over-speech-snub-01002580

Fact-checking the Trump administration’s count of 250,000 noncitizens on the voter rolls

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-07-17 16:10:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump Pushes Noncitizen Voting Claims Despite Lack of Evidence

President Donald Trump has once again spotlighted noncitizen voting as a major threat to the U.S. election system, despite years of evidence showing such cases are statistically rare and have no impact on election results. In a July 16 primetime address, Trump urged lawmakers to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require government-issued photo ID and documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote—a measure currently stalled in the Senate over concerns about voter disenfranchisement.

Alongside Trump’s address, the Department of Homeland Security released documents claiming that “over 250,000 non-citizens are illegally registered to vote in just the four states” of California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada. This figure was repeated by Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, who stated, “We’ve identified 250,000 noncitizens registered to vote in just four states.”

However, voting experts and state officials have urged caution, noting that such numbers are often inflated due to database errors, mistaken identities, and outdated citizenship information. Historically, initial large estimates of noncitizen voters have dropped dramatically after thorough vetting. For example, Florida’s 2012 review started with 180,000 potential noncitizens but ultimately found only 85 after further investigation.

The data cited by Trump and Mullin does not indicate whether any of the identified noncitizens actually voted, nor does it show any impact on election outcomes. Trump’s rhetoric, however, gives the unsupported impression that noncitizen voting is widespread and influential. In reality, violations are “routinely investigated and prosecuted,” but there is “no evidence that noncitizen voting has ever been significant enough to impact an election’s outcome,” according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Officials from the states targeted by the DHS report have expressed skepticism. Nevada’s Secretary of State called the numbers “wildly speculative at best,” and Pennsylvania’s Secretary of State reiterated that noncitizen voting is “extremely rare across the country.”

In summary, Trump continues to promote the narrative of widespread noncitizen voting despite a lack of supporting evidence and repeated findings that such cases are rare and not impactful. The claims about 250,000 noncitizen voters remain unsubstantiated, and experts warn that the real numbers are likely much lower after proper review.

Source article

Source: https://www.politifact.com/article/2026/jul/17/Mullin-dhs-250000-noncitizen-voters-Trump/