Trump Makes Unsupported Claims About Drug Flows

FactCheck.org — 2026-06-15 16:40:00 — www.factcheck.org

Trump’s Claims of 97% Reduction in Drug Flow by Sea Not Supported by Federal Data

President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that his administration has “cut” by 97% “the flow” of illegal drugs entering the U.S. “by water, by ocean and sea.” However, available federal data do not support this claim, and drug policy experts say it is not possible to verify such a dramatic reduction.

Trump’s Claims

Trump has made the 97% reduction claim more than a dozen times since late December, including in public remarks and interviews. On May 22 in New York, he stated, “We cut the flow of fentanyl across our border by 59%, which is unheard of. And we cut the flow of fentanyl and drugs into our country by the ocean and the sea, in other words, coming in by water, by ocean and sea by 97%.” He repeated a similar claim in a May 28 Fox News interview, saying, “We have drugs down 97%. Fentanyl and various drugs down 97% on drugs coming in by water.”

No Comprehensive Data

Experts and federal data contradict Trump’s statements. There is no comprehensive data on the total amount of drugs trafficked into the U.S., including undetected shipments. Katharine Harris, a fellow in drug policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, explained, “We do not know the true amount of drugs coming into the country because we don’t know the amount that comes in undetected.” She emphasized that the amount of drugs “seized” is not equivalent to the total drug “flow.”

Cherry-Picked Numbers

Trump’s administration has based its claims on a selective comparison of drug seizure data. For example, officials pointed to a 98% drop in the amount of drugs seized by Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations from July to November 2025. However, July saw an unusual spike in seizures, mostly marijuana, making the decline appear far more dramatic than the broader trend. Harris noted that “picking a different month” would have shown a much smaller decline and that it is more informative to look at trends over at least a 12-month period.

Actual Seizure Trends

Looking at a longer period, the data show an increase in drug seizures under Trump. In the first full 15 months of Trump’s second term, 547,603 pounds of drugs were seized by CBP’s Air and Marine Operations—an 81% increase from the 302,548 pounds seized in the last full 15 months under Biden. Even excluding the July 2025 spike, the amount seized under Trump was still almost 7% higher than under Biden.

If increased seizures indicate more drugs entering the country undetected—as some Republicans have argued—this trend is the opposite of what Trump claims.

Other Factors and Agencies

The U.S. Coast Guard, not CBP, is the lead federal maritime law enforcement agency for drug interdiction by sea. In fiscal year 2025, the Coast Guard seized a record of almost 510,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean—more than three times its annual average. Despite these efforts, cocaine remains widely available in the U.S., as traffickers adapt their methods.

Conclusion

Trump’s repeated claims that his administration has nearly eliminated drug smuggling by sea are not supported by federal data or drug policy experts. The data show no evidence of a 97% reduction, and in fact, more drugs were seized in his first 15 months back in office compared to the previous administration. Experts emphasize that seizure data alone cannot substantiate claims about the true flow of drugs into the country.

Source article

Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/06/trump-makes-unsupported-claims-about-drug-flows/

Donald J. Trump: “OIL IS FLOWING, IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON (THE WORLD WILL BE SAFE…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-06-18 08:59:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims U.S. Strength and Prosperity: Fact-Checking the President’s Boasts

President Donald Trump has made sweeping claims about the state of the nation, declaring, “OIL IS FLOWING, IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON (THE WORLD WILL BE SAFE!), THE STOCK MARKETS ARE ROARING, JOBS ARE AT RECORDS, AND PRICES ARE DROPPING (AFFORDABILITY!). OUR COUNTRY IS STRONG, SAFE, AND RESPECTED LIKE NEVER BEFORE. ‘YOU’RE WELCOME!’”

Below, we examine the accuracy of these statements and how they compare to available facts.

Oil Production and Iran’s Nuclear Program

Trump asserts that “oil is flowing” and that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” U.S. oil production did reach record highs during his administration, but global oil markets are influenced by many factors beyond presidential policy. Regarding Iran, while the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal under Trump and imposed sanctions, experts have warned that Iran’s nuclear program advanced after the withdrawal, raising questions about the effectiveness of these policies in preventing nuclear development.

Stock Markets and Jobs

Trump claims “the stock markets are roaring” and “jobs are at records.” During his presidency, the stock market did see significant gains, but it also experienced volatility, especially during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Job growth was strong for much of his term, but the pandemic led to historic job losses in 2020. The recovery of jobs to “record” levels was not sustained throughout his time in office.

Prices and Affordability

The president states that “prices are dropping (affordability!).” In reality, consumer prices for many goods and services fluctuated, and while some sectors saw temporary price drops, others experienced increases. The claim of broad affordability improvements is not consistently supported by economic data.

National Strength and Respect

Trump concludes, “Our country is strong, safe, and respected like never before.” While the U.S. maintained global influence, his administration was marked by contentious relationships with traditional allies and a mixed record on domestic safety and unity. Public opinion abroad and at home was divided on whether the U.S. was more respected during his tenure.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statement paints a picture of unqualified national success, but a closer look reveals a more complex reality. While there were notable achievements in some areas, many of his claims exaggerate the facts or overlook significant challenges. As always, it is essential to scrutinize such sweeping assertions and compare them to the full context of available evidence.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39347

Trump’s ‘Department of War’ may soon become official. What would that mean? | Norman Solomon

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-06-18 07:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Eager to Sign “Department of War” Rebranding, Marking Shift in U.S. Military Rhetoric

Donald Trump is reportedly eager to sign into law a controversial rebranding of the Department of Defense to the “Department of War,” following approvals from key House and Senate committees. This move signals a stark departure from decades of political messaging that has framed U.S. military actions as fundamentally defensive, and instead embraces a more candid—and ominous—approach to American militarism.

Trump’s Embrace of Militarism

Unlike his predecessors, Trump is described as openly enthusiastic about the violence of war. The excerpt notes that Trump, alongside defense secretary Pete Hegseth, is actively working to promote the idea that U.S. warfare is not only laudable but inevitable. Their rhetoric, described as “unabashed fervor for catastrophic violence,” is fueling the push to replace the word “defense” with “war” in the department’s name.

This shift is not just semantic. The new branding would undermine decades of what critics call deceptive marketing, which has portrayed U.S. military actions as motivated by noble intentions. By discarding the euphemism of “defense,” the Trump administration is making explicit what has often been implicit in U.S. foreign policy: a willingness to use overwhelming force and a pride in military might.

Fact-Checking the Rhetoric

The excerpt highlights that Trump and Hegseth are “now saying previously quiet parts out loud,” boasting that “might makes right” and that the United States is by far the mightiest nation. This rhetorical shift is paired with policy proposals, including a push for a 50% increase in the already massive military budget.

While the excerpt does not cite a specific false claim by Trump, it does attribute to him an open embrace of militarism and a willingness to dispense with the traditional “window-dressing” of peaceful intent. This stands in contrast to previous presidents, who have typically couched military actions in the language of peace and defense, even when engaging in wars of aggression.

Implications for U.S. Policy and Public Perception

The move to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War is described as a symptom of what Martin Luther King Jr. called “the madness of militarism.” Critics argue that this change will further normalize a culture of war and make it harder to maintain the illusion that U.S. military actions are always justified by higher ideals.

The Trump administration’s approach, according to the excerpt, tweaks the business-as-usual of the military-industrial complex by stripping away the rhetorical restraint that has long accompanied U.S. military policy. This has unsettled many observers, who find the administration’s verbal recklessness and bellicose posture to be deeply disquieting.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s eagerness to sign the “Department of War” rebranding into law marks a significant shift in how the U.S. government presents its military actions to the public and the world. By abandoning the language of defense and embracing a more aggressive stance, Trump is redefining the narrative around American power—one that critics warn could have far-reaching consequences for both U.S. foreign policy and global perceptions of American intent.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/18/trump-department-of-war-defense

Supreme Court sides with Texas marijuana user who says it’s not a crime to have a gun

PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-18 09:14:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Administration Defended Gun Ban for Marijuana Users, Supreme Court Rules Against Position

The Supreme Court has delivered a setback to President Donald Trump’s Republican administration, siding with a Texas marijuana user who challenged a federal law barring gun ownership by illegal drug users. The administration had defended the 1968 law, despite opposing other gun restrictions.

Trump Administration’s Position on Gun Rights and Drug Use

While President Trump’s administration has often argued against new gun restrictions, in this case, it defended the longstanding federal prohibition on gun ownership for anyone who uses drugs illegally. This stance placed the administration in the unusual position of supporting a gun control measure, even as it argued against others.

Shifting Legal Landscape

The case comes amid significant changes in both gun rights and cannabis laws across the country. More than half of U.S. states have broadly legalized marijuana, and its use for health purposes has become widespread. However, recreational use remains illegal at the federal level, even after the Trump administration reclassified medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug in April.

Broader Implications

The Supreme Court’s decision is the latest in a series of firearm cases following a landmark 2022 ruling that expanded gun rights. Since then, the Court has both upheld and struck down various gun regulations, reflecting ongoing national debates over the Second Amendment.

Conclusion

President Trump’s administration’s defense of the gun ban for drug users stands in contrast to its broader opposition to gun restrictions. The Supreme Court’s ruling against this position highlights the evolving legal and political landscape surrounding both gun rights and marijuana use in the United States.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/supreme-court-sides-with-texas-marijuana-user-who-says-its-not-a-crime-to-have-a-gun

Republicans fear Trump is hurting their chances. He can’t understand why.

Donald Trump — 2026-06-18 03:48:00 — www.politico.com

Trump’s Ends-Justify-the-Means Approach Sparks Tension with Republican Norms

Donald Trump’s approach to politics—described as “ends-justify-the-means”—is increasingly at odds with the protect-the-norms stance held by many Republicans in Congress and statehouses across the country. This collision of strategies is shaping the current political landscape, as Trump’s willingness to push boundaries and challenge established procedures continues to draw both support and criticism within his own party.

A Clash of Political Philosophies

Trump’s posture, as reported, prioritizes achieving his goals even if it means disregarding traditional political norms. This approach has led to friction with Republicans who emphasize the importance of upholding established rules and institutional standards. The tension highlights a fundamental divide within the party: while some Republicans align with Trump’s aggressive tactics, others are increasingly vocal about the need to protect democratic norms and processes.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Record

The excerpt underscores Trump’s pattern of justifying his actions by the outcomes he seeks, regardless of the impact on political norms. This strategy has been evident in numerous instances throughout his political career, where he has made claims or taken actions that have been widely challenged or fact-checked. The ongoing conflict within the Republican Party reflects broader concerns about the consequences of abandoning long-standing principles for short-term political gain.

Conclusion: A Defining Moment for Republican Identity

As Trump’s ends-justify-the-means approach continues to shape the party’s direction, Republicans are faced with a critical choice: to embrace his tactics or to reaffirm their commitment to protecting the norms that have long defined American governance. The outcome of this internal struggle will have lasting implications for the party’s identity and the future of U.S. politics.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/18/barely-check-the-box-trying-trump-frustrated-gop-isnt-following-his-roadmap-00965797

Kenyan McDuffie concedes to Janeese Lewis George in DC mayoral primary

Politics — 2026-06-18 08:43:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Threatens Federal Takeover of D.C. as Janeese Lewis George Poised to Become Mayor

President Donald Trump responded sharply to the prospect of Janeese Lewis George becoming Washington, D.C.’s next mayor, telling reporters in the Oval Office, “I wouldn’t like it.” He went further, suggesting a potential federal intervention: “Maybe we’ll take back Washington, run it on a federal basis,” Trump said. “We won’t put up with it. We’re not gonna lose our businesses.”

A Collision Course with the White House

Lewis George’s apparent victory in the Democratic primary sets up a direct confrontation with Trump for the remainder of his term. Her campaign has focused on resisting Trump’s efforts to increase federal control over the District, including pledging to rescind orders that allow city police to coordinate with federal immigration agents and vowing to oppose any attempt by Trump to federalize the Metropolitan Police Department.

Trump’s Record in the District

Trump’s administration has already taken extraordinary steps in Washington, including temporarily taking over the Metropolitan Police Department and indefinitely deploying the National Guard to patrol city streets—moves that proved deeply unpopular among local residents. His administration’s funding cuts and reduction of the federal workforce have also contributed to significant job losses in the region, with D.C. experiencing the highest number of lost jobs among all U.S. metro areas in 2025.

Business and Autonomy at Stake

Trump’s comments reflect a broader posture of federal intervention and a willingness to override local governance if the city’s policies do not align with his administration’s priorities. He has repeatedly framed his approach as necessary to prevent business losses and to address crime, despite widespread local opposition to his methods.

Conclusion

As Janeese Lewis George prepares to take office, her administration is poised to challenge Trump’s efforts to tighten federal control over Washington, D.C. Trump’s explicit threat to “take back Washington” underscores the ongoing struggle between the District’s push for autonomy and the president’s aggressive interventionist stance. The coming months are likely to see continued clashes over the future of the nation’s capital and the limits of federal power.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/18/lewis-george-dc-mayor-primary-00966879

Live updates: Vance set to brief at White House as Trump's MOU with Iran comes under fire

Administration News — 2026-06-18 09:21:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Faces Republican Criticism Over Iran Memorandum Signed at Versailles

President Trump is under renewed scrutiny from members of his own party after signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran during a late-night dinner at the Palace of Versailles alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The agreement, reached Wednesday, has prompted a wave of criticism from Republicans, who are questioning both the substance and the process of the deal.

Key Developments

The White House announced that Vice President Vance will address the media at 11 a.m. to respond to the growing backlash. The timing and location of the signing—during a high-profile dinner in France—have added to the controversy, with some Republicans expressing concern over the optics and transparency of the negotiations.

Republican Concerns

Republican lawmakers have raised objections to the MOU, arguing that the agreement lacks sufficient detail and oversight. They contend that the president’s decision to finalize the deal abroad, rather than through established diplomatic channels, undermines both congressional authority and longstanding U.S. policy toward Iran.

Fact-Checking the Claims

While the excerpt does not include direct quotes or specific false claims from President Trump regarding the MOU, it clearly attributes the decision to sign the agreement to him. The report also highlights the president’s willingness to move forward with the deal despite anticipated criticism, suggesting a posture of confidence or indifference in the face of Republican opposition.

Conclusion

President Trump’s signing of the Iran memorandum at Versailles has sparked significant debate within his own party, raising questions about the administration’s approach to foreign policy and transparency. As Vice President Vance prepares to brief the media, the White House faces mounting pressure to clarify the details and implications of the agreement. The controversy underscores ongoing divisions over the president’s handling of sensitive international negotiations and the importance of accountability in U.S. foreign policy.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5928696-vance-briefs-media-trump-iran/

Trump sees record low approval on the economy in new NPR poll : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-06-18 04:00:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Faces Record-Low Approval Amid Economic Discontent

President Trump’s approval ratings have plummeted to historic lows, with only a third of Americans expressing confidence in his handling of the economy, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. Just 36% of respondents approve of Trump’s overall job performance, while 59% disapprove—marking the widest gap he has faced during either of his terms in office.

Economic Promises Under Scrutiny

The poll reveals deepening dissatisfaction with Trump’s economic stewardship, especially as gas prices and inflation continue to strain household budgets. Notably, even among Republicans, support is eroding: 22% now say they disapprove of his handling of the economy, and the share of those who strongly approve has dropped from 61% in April to 53% in June.

Voters like Regina Kulenga, a Trump supporter from Georgia, voiced frustration over unmet promises. She described Trump’s actions since returning to office as a “slap in the face,” adding, “The economy is suffering a lot right now, and I just feel like a lot of the things that he did promise, you know, we’re still waiting… someone needs to do something about it because he’s not doing anything right now for the economy but making things, I feel, in my opinion, a lot worse than what they were.”

Widespread Disapproval Across Demographics

The erosion of support is not limited to one group. Among independents, 64% disapprove of Trump’s performance, and his approval has dropped among Gen Z, Gen X, and Americans with household incomes below $50,000. Even in rural areas, where Trump once enjoyed a strong advantage, his net approval has turned negative. By a two-to-one margin, Latino respondents also disapprove of his job performance.

Republican Base Remains, But With Reservations

Despite these declines, many Republicans continue to defend Trump. Greg Votel, a retired law enforcement officer from Minnesota, argued that Trump “can only do so much when you have a Congress that’s fighting him tooth and nail to preserve the Democratic Party,” and insisted that economic improvements would take more time, possibly “at least two administrations.”

Economic Policies and Real-World Impact

Americans cite high inflation, the ongoing war in Iran, elevated gas prices, and Trump administration tariff policies as key factors affecting their financial decisions. More than three-quarters say gas prices are straining their budgets, and 45% do not plan to take a summer vacation, with cost being the main reason for many.

Conclusion

As economic anxieties persist and approval ratings hit new lows, President Trump faces mounting pressure from both the public and within his own party. The latest polling underscores a growing sense of impatience and disappointment over his economic promises and policies, raising questions about his ability to regain support ahead of the midterm elections.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/18/nx-s1-5861720/trump-economy-gas-prices-midterms-polling

Trump Makes Unsupported Claims About Drug Flows

FactCheck.org — 2026-06-15 16:40:00 — www.factcheck.org

Trump’s Claims of 97% Reduction in Drug Flow by Sea Not Supported by Federal Data

President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that his administration has “cut” by 97% “the flow” of illegal drugs entering the U.S. “by water, by ocean and sea.” However, available federal data do not support this claim, and drug policy experts say it is not possible to verify such a dramatic reduction.

Trump’s Claims

Trump has made the 97% reduction claim more than a dozen times since late December, including in public remarks and interviews. On May 22 in New York, he stated, “We cut the flow of fentanyl across our border by 59%, which is unheard of. And we cut the flow of fentanyl and drugs into our country by the ocean and the sea, in other words, coming in by water, by ocean and sea by 97%.” He repeated a similar claim in a May 28 Fox News interview, saying, “We have drugs down 97%. Fentanyl and various drugs down 97% on drugs coming in by water.”

No Comprehensive Data

Experts and federal data contradict Trump’s statements. There is no comprehensive data on the total amount of drugs trafficked into the U.S., including undetected shipments. Katharine Harris, a fellow in drug policy at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy, explained, “We do not know the true amount of drugs coming into the country because we don’t know the amount that comes in undetected.” She emphasized that the amount of drugs “seized” is not equivalent to the total drug “flow.”

Cherry-Picked Numbers

Trump’s administration has based its claims on a selective comparison of drug seizure data. For example, officials pointed to a 98% drop in the amount of drugs seized by Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations from July to November 2025. However, July saw an unusual spike in seizures, mostly marijuana, making the decline appear far more dramatic than the broader trend. Harris noted that “picking a different month” would have shown a much smaller decline and that it is more informative to look at trends over at least a 12-month period.

Actual Seizure Trends

Looking at a longer period, the data show an increase in drug seizures under Trump. In the first full 15 months of Trump’s second term, 547,603 pounds of drugs were seized by CBP’s Air and Marine Operations—an 81% increase from the 302,548 pounds seized in the last full 15 months under Biden. Even excluding the July 2025 spike, the amount seized under Trump was still almost 7% higher than under Biden.

If increased seizures indicate more drugs entering the country undetected—as some Republicans have argued—this trend is the opposite of what Trump claims.

Other Factors and Agencies

The U.S. Coast Guard, not CBP, is the lead federal maritime law enforcement agency for drug interdiction by sea. In fiscal year 2025, the Coast Guard seized a record of almost 510,000 pounds of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean—more than three times its annual average. Despite these efforts, cocaine remains widely available in the U.S., as traffickers adapt their methods.

Conclusion

Trump’s repeated claims that his administration has nearly eliminated drug smuggling by sea are not supported by federal data or drug policy experts. The data show no evidence of a 97% reduction, and in fact, more drugs were seized in his first 15 months back in office compared to the previous administration. Experts emphasize that seizure data alone cannot substantiate claims about the true flow of drugs into the country.

Source article

Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/06/trump-makes-unsupported-claims-about-drug-flows/

Donald J. Trump: “OIL IS FLOWING, IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON (THE WORLD WILL BE SAFE…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-06-18 08:59:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims U.S. Strength and Prosperity: Fact-Checking the President’s Boasts

President Donald Trump has made sweeping claims about the state of the nation, declaring, “OIL IS FLOWING, IRAN CAN NEVER HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON (THE WORLD WILL BE SAFE!), THE STOCK MARKETS ARE ROARING, JOBS ARE AT RECORDS, AND PRICES ARE DROPPING (AFFORDABILITY!). OUR COUNTRY IS STRONG, SAFE, AND RESPECTED LIKE NEVER BEFORE. ‘YOU’RE WELCOME!’”

Below, we examine the accuracy of these statements and how they compare to available facts.

Oil Production and Iran’s Nuclear Program

Trump asserts that “oil is flowing” and that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” U.S. oil production did reach record highs during his administration, but global oil markets are influenced by many factors beyond presidential policy. Regarding Iran, while the U.S. withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal under Trump and imposed sanctions, experts have warned that Iran’s nuclear program advanced after the withdrawal, raising questions about the effectiveness of these policies in preventing nuclear development.

Stock Markets and Jobs

Trump claims “the stock markets are roaring” and “jobs are at records.” During his presidency, the stock market did see significant gains, but it also experienced volatility, especially during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Job growth was strong for much of his term, but the pandemic led to historic job losses in 2020. The recovery of jobs to “record” levels was not sustained throughout his time in office.

Prices and Affordability

The president states that “prices are dropping (affordability!).” In reality, consumer prices for many goods and services fluctuated, and while some sectors saw temporary price drops, others experienced increases. The claim of broad affordability improvements is not consistently supported by economic data.

National Strength and Respect

Trump concludes, “Our country is strong, safe, and respected like never before.” While the U.S. maintained global influence, his administration was marked by contentious relationships with traditional allies and a mixed record on domestic safety and unity. Public opinion abroad and at home was divided on whether the U.S. was more respected during his tenure.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statement paints a picture of unqualified national success, but a closer look reveals a more complex reality. While there were notable achievements in some areas, many of his claims exaggerate the facts or overlook significant challenges. As always, it is essential to scrutinize such sweeping assertions and compare them to the full context of available evidence.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39347