Trump gave $45,000 to Natalie Harp and other White House aides as holiday gifts | Natalie Harp

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-09-08 23:20:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s Holiday Cash Gifts to White House Aides Spotlighted in New Financial Disclosures

Donald Trump’s practice of giving large holiday gifts to White House aides has come under renewed scrutiny following the release of new financial disclosures by the administration. According to the filings, Trump gave $45,000 each to executive assistant Natalie Harp, communications adviser Margo Martin, and deputy director of Oval Office operations Chamberlain Harris. Walt Nauta, director of Oval Office operations, received a $20,000 gift.

A White House official told the Associated Press that Trump “has a longstanding practice of giving Christmas gifts to people in his orbit, including at times employees and aides, both in government and in his time in the private sector.” The official emphasized that the cash gifts were not related to the recipients’ official government duties and were “entirely permissible under relevant legal and ethical standards.” However, the official did not clarify whether other staffers received similar gifts.

The gifts were reported in the aides’ annual financial disclosure forms, which were published by the administration last week. According to the White House’s salary disclosure report to Congress, Harp, Martin, and Harris each earn $150,000 annually, while Nauta is paid $175,000 a year.

Background on Recipients and Context

Natalie Harp is a constant presence by Trump’s side, often carrying a portable printer to provide him with favorable media coverage and social media posts, as Trump prefers reading important information on paper. Margo Martin has worked for Trump since his first term, assisting with media operations and returning to the White House after Trump’s 2024 victory. Chamberlain Harris was appointed by Trump earlier this year to the US Commission of Fine Arts, which oversees the White House ballroom project.

Walt Nauta, who previously served as a valet to Trump, was charged in 2023 with conspiring with Trump to obstruct an FBI investigation into classified documents taken from the White House. The charges were dismissed in 2024.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

The administration maintains that the gifts are permissible under legal and ethical standards, as they are not tied to official duties. The disclosures were first reported by The Washington Post and have raised questions about transparency and the appropriateness of such sizable gifts within the highest levels of government.

Conclusion

Trump’s reported practice of giving substantial holiday cash gifts to close aides, as documented in official disclosures, highlights ongoing questions about ethics and transparency in his administration. While a White House official defended the gifts as longstanding and permissible, the lack of clarity on whether other staffers received similar treatment and the context of the recipients’ roles underscore the need for continued scrutiny of financial practices in government.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/09/trump-gift-45000-natalie-harp-white-house-aides

What to watch as Republicans gather in Dallas for Trump’s unusual midterm convention

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-08 18:49:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Urges Voters to “Pretend” He’s on the Ballot as Republicans Gather for Unprecedented Midterm Convention

President Donald Trump is taking center stage at a first-of-its-kind Republican midterm convention in Dallas, a spectacle he personally envisioned to energize his supporters ahead of this year’s elections. Trump, who has long floated the idea of a midterm convention, told voters in South Carolina to “Pretend, please, that I’m on the ballot. Just come and vote.” This direct appeal highlights his strategy to make the midterms a referendum on his presidency, despite not being a candidate himself.

A Convention Built Around Trump

Unlike traditional presidential nominating conventions, this event will not select a nominee but instead aims to boost turnout and enthusiasm among Trump’s base. Trump has insisted that running on his record will give Republicans their best shot at winning, even as his poll numbers have declined. The convention is designed to showcase the first two years of Trump’s term and to spotlight his policy agenda, including his actions on immigration, prescription drug prices, tax cuts, and tariffs.

Trump’s Influence on the Party

Trump’s influence is evident in the speaker lineup and the focus of the event. He will deliver keynote addresses on both nights, and the program features a long list of his allies and Cabinet members. Trump has also thrown his support behind controversial Texas Senate candidate Ken Paxton, despite Paxton’s history of scandals. Trump described Paxton as “a good man” and made his election a central focus of the Texas gathering, underscoring his willingness to override party establishment preferences.

Aggressive Rhetoric and Partisan Attacks

Much of the convention’s messaging is expected to echo Trump’s attack lines, with speakers likely to portray Democrats as “communists.” This language continues Trump’s pattern of using inflammatory rhetoric to energize his supporters and disparage political opponents.

Conclusion

The Dallas convention marks an unprecedented effort by Trump to keep himself at the center of Republican politics, urging voters to treat the midterms as a personal referendum. By shaping the event around his persona and agenda, Trump is betting that his continued dominance of the party will translate into electoral success, even as he faces sagging poll numbers and ongoing controversies. The convention’s tone and focus serve as a reminder of Trump’s enduring influence—and the divisive tactics he employs to maintain it.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-to-watch-as-republicans-gather-in-dallas-for-trumps-unusual-midterm-convention

Donald J. Trump: “RT @realDonaldTrumpThe Failing New York Magazine wrote a story that I wasn’t…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-09-08 20:23:00 — www.trumpstruth.org

Trump Defends His 9/11 Record, Attacks Journalists, and Repeats False Claims

Donald Trump has once again lashed out at media coverage of his actions following the September 11th attacks, insisting that he was present at the World Trade Center site “shortly thereafter, with a large group of Construction Workers.” Trump claims, “Everything I said was exactly accurate,” and asserts that video clips and statements from his former head of security, Matthew Calamari, confirm his visit to Lower Manhattan. He dismisses reports questioning his presence as “a story that just won’t die,” blaming the media for refusing to acknowledge what he says is evidence of his visit.

Attacks on Journalists and False Claims

Trump’s statement escalates into personal attacks, particularly targeting New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, whom he refers to with a derogatory nickname and accuses of fabricating stories about his attendance at 9/11 memorial events. Trump claims that Haberman “continues to say that I did not go to the New York World Trade Center event, but the Pentagon instead, because they wouldn’t let me speak in New York,” and calls this “a lie.” He insists he has attended the New York ceremony “numerous times,” and emphasizes that “nobody speaks” at the official remembrance ceremony, citing the rule that “politicians and public officials are not permitted to deliver speeches or remarks at the official September 11 anniversary remembrance ceremony at the World Trade Center site in New York.”

Trump further claims, “I never asked to speak,” and says he was requested to be at the Pentagon instead, with Vice President Vance representing the administration in New York. He accuses Haberman of knowing her story is “made up,” and asserts that there was “no ‘fact checking’ for her story — There never is!” Trump demands a retraction from Haberman and New York Magazine, and repeats his assertion that he was at the World Trade Center site “as soon as the Law allowed.”

Pattern of Disparagement and Exaggeration

Throughout his statement, Trump disparages journalists as “liars and scoundrels,” blames “Fake News” for low approval ratings, and repeats the false claim that he “won the Presidential Election three times.” These attacks and exaggerations are consistent with Trump’s long-standing pattern of responding to critical coverage with personal insults and unsubstantiated claims of media dishonesty.

Conclusion

Trump’s latest remarks continue his practice of attacking the press, making unverified assertions about his own actions, and repeating falsehoods about election victories. While he insists on the accuracy of his statements regarding his presence at the World Trade Center after 9/11, questions about the timing and nature of his visit remain, and his repeated disparagement of journalists underscores his ongoing efforts to undermine media credibility. Readers are left with a familiar pattern: Trump responding to scrutiny with personal attacks, denials, and claims that are not supported by independent evidence.

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Source: https://www.trumpstruth.org/statuses/41651

U.S. will ban dairy products, motorcycles and most alcoholic beverages from Canada

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-08 19:20:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Escalates Trade War with Canada, Issues New Bans and Threats

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply escalated the trade conflict with Canada, announcing a sweeping ban on Canadian dairy products, most alcoholic beverages, and motorcycles entering the United States. The move, set to take effect in three weeks, comes on the heels of Canada’s imposition of retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion in U.S. imports.

Trump’s Position and Actions

Trump directed the U.S. General Services Administration to block Canadian products from large, long-term U.S. government contracts, stating that Canadian goods would be ineligible until Canada allows “full and fair reciprocity” for American products. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing trade dispute, with Trump charging that Canada has unfairly treated the American dairy, alcoholic beverage, and auto industries.

The president’s approach has included not only tariffs but also repeated inflammatory comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state, a stance that has fueled anger and backlash across Canada. Trump’s administration has issued a series of threats and attacks portraying Canada as weak and dependent, further straining one of the world’s closest bilateral relationships.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s justification for the tariffs and bans centers on claims of unfair treatment by Canada, particularly in the dairy and auto sectors. However, the excerpt notes that the U.S. and Canada have long sparred over trade issues, including Canada’s protected dairy market and softwood lumber subsidies, but have remained close allies until the recent deterioration under Trump’s leadership.

The president’s repeated assertion that Canada is taking advantage of the U.S. is contradicted by the fact that more than 70% of Canadian exports still go to the United States, and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs were a direct response to U.S. actions. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized that Canada could not allow American goods to enter tariff-free while Canadian companies face U.S. tariffs, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the dispute.

Inflammatory Rhetoric and Its Impact

Trump’s repeated talk of making Canada the 51st state has been widely viewed as inflammatory and disrespectful, prompting strong responses from Canadian leaders and citizens. British Columbia Premier David Eby announced new signs at U.S. border crossings declaring, “Welcome to British Columbia, Canada. Strong, proud and will NEVER be the 51st state. Sorry!” This sentiment reflects a broader national resolve in Canada to resist Trump’s economic pressure and rhetoric.

Conclusion

President Trump’s aggressive trade actions and inflammatory statements have led to a rapid deterioration in U.S.-Canada relations, upending decades of close cooperation. His claims of unfair treatment and threats against Canada have been met with firm resistance and reciprocal measures from Canadian leaders. As both sides dig in, the outcome of this trade war will have lasting consequences for the North American partnership and could serve as a test of whether a smaller U.S. ally can withstand Trump’s economic and rhetorical pressure.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/economy/u-s-will-ban-dairy-products-motorcycles-and-most-alcoholic-beverages-from-canada

Missouri’s redistricting in flux after dissonant court rulings

Politics — 2026-09-08 17:09:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Denounces Missouri Supreme Court Ruling Amid Redistricting Chaos

President Donald Trump sharply criticized the Missouri Supreme Court’s recent decision to restore earlier congressional district lines, calling it a disruption to the election process. In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared, “The Election Process, as usual, is being disturbed in America! Missouri must be able to use the map that was in effect just a couple of months ago, in the Primary. This is a Dark Day for ‘Justice’ in Missouri!”

Background on Missouri’s Redistricting Dispute

The controversy centers on a Republican-led effort to reinstate a redistricting plan that would likely secure the GOP an additional House seat. The Supreme Court, through Justice Brett Kavanaugh, declined a Republican-backed emergency appeal to block the Missouri Supreme Court’s ruling, which had restored earlier district lines and ordered a voter referendum on the new map for future elections.

However, within minutes of Kavanaugh’s decision, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Clark—a Trump appointee—issued a temporary restraining order that set aside the state Supreme Court’s decision. This allowed Missouri officials to proceed with the map used in the recent primaries, a map widely described as gerrymandered and likely to benefit Republicans.

Trump’s Claims and the Facts

Trump’s statement frames the Missouri Supreme Court’s intervention as a partisan disruption, but the facts show the court was responding to legal challenges over the fairness and timing of the redistricting process. The state’s Democratic leaders argued that any chaos in election administration was intentionally manufactured by Republican officials to delay a decision, potentially benefiting the GOP.

Trump’s assertion that the election process is “being disturbed” omits the context that the legal disputes arose from competing claims over which map is lawful and fair. The Missouri Supreme Court’s ruling did not arbitrarily change the rules but sought to ensure voters could weigh in on the redistricting plan in November.

Conclusion

Trump’s denunciation of the Missouri Supreme Court ruling echoes his broader pattern of attacking judicial decisions that do not align with his political interests. His claim that this is a “Dark Day for ‘Justice’ in Missouri” misrepresents the court’s role in overseeing a contentious and complex redistricting battle. As legal challenges continue, Missouri’s election officials and voters remain caught in the crossfire of partisan maneuvering and judicial intervention.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/08/supreme-court-rejects-missouri-redistricting-bid-01068211

Donald J. Trump: “The Republican National Convention, tomorrow night in Dallas, is really “HOT…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-09-08 16:29:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Boasts of “Sold Out” Republican National Convention in Dallas, Limits Stage to Candidates in Tight Races

President Donald J. Trump is touting the upcoming Republican National Convention in Dallas as a major event, describing it as “really ‘HOT!’” and claiming that the American Airlines Center, home to the Dallas Mavericks, is “totally sold out.” In his message, Trump emphasized the exclusivity of the event, stating, “Everybody wants to be there, but we’re really asking only those Candidates that are in tight Races, a little up, a little down, or even, to speak. We want to save the ‘stage’ for them.”

Claims of a “Sold Out” Arena

Trump’s assertion that the American Airlines Center is “totally sold out” is a familiar boast, echoing previous claims about crowd sizes and event demand. While the statement is designed to project enthusiasm and momentum, it is important to note that such claims have often been exaggerated in the past. Without independent verification of ticket sales or attendance figures, the accuracy of Trump’s “totally sold out” remark remains unconfirmed.

Limiting the Stage to Competitive Races

Trump also made it clear that the convention’s speaking opportunities are reserved for candidates in competitive races, saying, “We don’t need people who are up 45 points, and have been in office for 30 years, as much as we love them all!” This approach signals a strategic focus on boosting candidates in close contests, while sidelining those with comfortable leads or long tenures.

Trump’s Role at the Convention

Trump announced that he will be speaking at the convention tomorrow night and will “close it out” on Thursday, underscoring his central role in the event and the party’s efforts to rally support ahead of the election.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statements ahead of the Republican National Convention in Dallas continue his pattern of bold claims and strategic messaging. His characterization of the event as “totally sold out” and his decision to spotlight candidates in tight races reflect both his penchant for showmanship and his focus on electoral competitiveness. As always, Trump’s remarks warrant scrutiny, especially when it comes to claims about crowd sizes and event demand. Readers should look for independent confirmation of such statements as the convention unfolds.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/41635

South Park changes name to South America in response to Trump changes | South Park

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-09-08 13:21:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump’s Push to Rename American Landmarks Sparks Satirical Response and Political Backlash

Donald Trump has once again drawn attention for his attempts to rebrand prominent geographic features and even a U.S. state with the name “America.” Most recently, Trump suggested on social media that the state of New Mexico should be renamed “New America.” He posted an AI-generated video depicting himself placing the word “America” over “Mexico” on a “welcome to New Mexico” sign. This move was swiftly condemned by Democrats, who accused him of trying to distract from ongoing issues such as his war in Iran and rising prices. It is important to note that the U.S. federal government has no authority to change a state’s name.

This is not the first time Trump has attempted such rebranding. Early in his second term, he moved to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America.” More recently, amid escalating trade tensions with Canada, his administration tried to relabel Lake Ontario as “Lake America.” These efforts have become a hallmark of Trump’s presidency, often drawing ridicule and criticism for their lack of legal basis and perceived attempts at distraction.

The satirical animated series South Park, known for lampooning those in power, responded to Trump’s renaming spree by announcing its own tongue-in-cheek name change for its 29th season: “South America.” The show’s creators, Matt Stone and Trey Parker, issued a statement mocking the trend and the corporate landscape shaped by Trump’s administration, particularly after the Trump administration approved a $111 billion media merger involving a company owned by Trump ally David Ellison.

Trump’s penchant for grandiose and legally dubious rebranding has become a recurring theme, often serving as fodder for satire and criticism alike. While these moves have no legal standing, they continue to generate controversy and highlight the administration’s willingness to pursue symbolic gestures over substantive policy.

In summary, Trump’s repeated attempts to rename states and landmarks after “America” have drawn widespread criticism and satire, underscoring ongoing concerns about his approach to governance and public communication.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/sep/08/south-park-changes-name-to-south-america-trump

Fact-checking Trump’s stories about his own 9/11 response

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-09-08 15:44:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s 9/11 Claims Revisited: Fact-Checking His Ground Zero Stories

As the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks approaches, Donald Trump has again recounted his personal involvement in the aftermath, repeating statements that have long been questioned for their accuracy.

Trump’s Ground Zero Narrative

In a recent interview with Fox News’s Trey Gowdy, Trump claimed, “I was building a building in New York, and I had a lot of construction workers. And I went down there very shortly thereafter, the following day — couldn’t go down the same day — but the following day. Very quickly afterwards. And we worked long and hard.” He reiterated this story at a September 8 event honoring 9/11 emergency responders, describing a dramatic scene in which firefighters carried him away from the site due to fears that One Liberty Plaza might collapse.

Trump has told versions of this story before, often emphasizing his presence and the role of his construction workers at Ground Zero. He has stated, “I have a lot of men down here right now. We have over 100 and we have about 125 coming. So we’ll have a couple hundred people down here.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/fact-checking-trumps-stories-about-his-own-9-11-response

At 9/11 Tribute, Trump Claims Firefighters Carried Him to Safety

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-09-08 15:14:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump’s Claims About 9/11 Recovery Efforts Raise Questions

President Trump has long sought to position himself close to the Sept. 11 recovery effort and has made a series of questionable and provocative statements to burnish his political brand. Over the years, Trump has repeatedly referenced his supposed involvement in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, often making claims that have drawn scrutiny and fact-checks.

Questionable Statements and Exaggerations

Trump has asserted that he played a significant role in the recovery efforts following the attacks on the World Trade Center. However, these statements have been widely questioned. Fact-checkers have noted that there is little evidence to support Trump’s claims of direct involvement or substantial contribution to the recovery. His repeated efforts to associate himself with the tragedy have been described as attempts to enhance his public image and political standing.

Efforts to Burnish Political Brand

By aligning himself with the 9/11 recovery, Trump has sought to demonstrate solidarity with first responders and victims. Yet, the lack of corroborating evidence for his claims has led to criticism and accusations of exaggeration. These statements are part of a broader pattern in which Trump has made provocative remarks to shape his political narrative.

Conclusion

President Trump’s repeated efforts to link himself to the Sept. 11 recovery have raised significant questions about the accuracy of his statements. While he has sought to portray himself as closely connected to the aftermath of the attacks, fact-checks reveal a pattern of questionable and exaggerated claims. This record highlights the importance of scrutinizing public statements and holding leaders accountable for the accuracy of their words.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/08/us/politics/trump-sept-11-firefighters.html

Political commentator on what we might expect from Trump’s midterm convention : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-09-08 03:42:00 — www.npr.org

Trump’s Social Media Focus Draws Criticism Amid “Trumpapalooza” Event

Donald Trump’s recent activities have once again placed his personal brand and social media presence at the center of Republican politics, as highlighted during a discussion on NPR’s Morning Edition. According to commentator Jonah Goldberg, Trump has been increasingly using artificial intelligence in his social media posts, including a recent burst of seven posts about renaming New Mexico to “New America,” featuring an AI-generated image of himself pasting the word “America” on a New Mexico sign.

This focus on spectacle over substance has drawn criticism from within conservative circles. Goldberg described Trump’s approach as retreating to his “safe places,” preferring to talk about building ballrooms and putting his name on things rather than addressing issues pollsters say matter most to Americans, such as the cost of groceries. Goldberg noted that Trump is running as if he is still an outsider taking on the establishment, despite being the dominant figure in Republican politics for a decade.

The event, dubbed “Trumpapalooza,” is seen by some Republicans as an attempt to energize the base and make the midterms a referendum on Trump himself. Trump has reportedly embraced this framing, with House Speaker Mike Johnson stating that a vote in the midterms is a vote for or against Trump. However, Goldberg argued that this strategy is likely to backfire, citing Trump’s low approval ratings among independents—around 22%—and widespread “Trump fatigue” across the country.

Goldberg also criticized Trump’s use of campaign funds, suggesting that rather than supporting other Republican campaigns, Trump prefers to spend money on self-promotion. “Trump is sitting on a dragon’s hoard of money, which he says is my money in these various PACs that he controls,” Goldberg said, implying that Trump chose a strategy focused on boosting his own image rather than helping the broader party.

In summary, Trump’s continued emphasis on personal branding and social media theatrics, rather than substantive policy issues, is drawing skepticism even from conservative commentators. As the Republican Party heads into the midterms, the decision to center the campaign around Trump may risk alienating voters already weary of his act, potentially costing the party more than it gains.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/09/08/nx-s1-5960438/political-commentator-on-what-we-might-expect-from-trumps-midterm-convention