Trump administration pauses Medicare enrollments for hospice providers amid fraud investigations

Politics – CBSNews.com — 2026-05-13 11:43:00 — www.cbsnews.com

Washington — The Trump administration announced Wednesday that it will be enacting a six-month moratorium on new Medicare enrollments by hospice and home health agencies to target fraud. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, during the moratorium, “CMS will intensify targeted investigations, deploy advanced data analytics, and accelerate the removal of hospice and HHA providers from the Medicare program that are suspected of committing fraud.” CMS says the moratoria will not impact current enrollments, and existing providers will be able to continue serving Medicare beneficiaries.

“We’ve seen systemic and deeply troubling fraud in the hospice and home health space, with bad actors exploiting some of our most vulnerable Medicare patients and stealing money from the American taxpayer,” CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz said in a statement. “Today we’re shutting the door on fraud—preventing new bad actors from entering Medicare while we aggressively identify, investigate, and remove those already exploiting them. This is about protecting patients, restoring integrity, and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.”

The announcement comes the same day Vice President JD Vance, who heads up the White House’s anti-fraud task force, speaks in Bangor, Maine, about the administration’s efforts to combat fraud.

### How this sits against verifiable accuracy
The Trump administration’s announcement implies a significant crackdown on fraud within the Medicare system, particularly in the hospice and home health sectors. The statement from CMS highlights the intention to protect vulnerable patients and taxpayer dollars by preventing new fraudulent providers from entering the system while enhancing investigations into existing ones.

### How this compares to what he has said before
In previous statements, Trump has emphasized the need to combat fraud in various government programs, including Medicare. However, this announcement marks a more direct and immediate action compared to earlier discussions, which often focused on broader themes of government waste and inefficiency without specifying targeted measures like the current moratorium.

In summary, the administration’s new policy reflects a more aggressive stance on fraud prevention in Medicare, aligning with Trump’s past rhetoric but demonstrating a shift towards actionable steps in addressing the issue.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medicare-enrollment-hospice-fraud-trump-administration/

Why experts say hantavirus isn’t ‘COVID-19: The Sequel.’ Four facts to calm your nerves

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-05-13 09:57:00 — www.politifact.com

Is news of a hantavirus cruise ship outbreak giving you COVID-19 flashbacks? You aren’t alone. It’s hard not to think back to early 2020, when a few cases around the world quickly snowballed into a global pandemic. But infectious disease experts say the hantavirus outbreak first confirmed on the MV Hondius cruise ship in May is much different than what the world experienced with coronavirus. Although hantavirus’ mortality rate is quite high — close to 40% for some strains — there is not evidence it easily spreads or mutates, making it more likely that the public health response can keep pace to reduce further spread. Here are some facts that may quiet your concerns.

Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, director of the Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention at the World Health Organization, speaking at a hantavirus outbreak press briefing on May 7, 2026. (CSPAN)

Hantavirus is largely spread among rodents, not humans. Hantavirus typically spreads among rodents like rats and mice. Certain strains can infect humans who inhale aerosolized rodent feces and urine particles. But not all mice carry the virus. The common house mouse, for example, does not. Deer mice are responsible for the rare cases of U.S. hantavirus — less than 900 from 1993 to 2023, almost all in the Western states. Rodent-to-human transmission is possible with several strains, but scientists have only documented person-to-person transmission with one, the Andes strain. It was behind two outbreaks in 1996 and 2018 in Argentina, in addition to the current outbreak. Although epidemiologists are still investigating the origins of the cruise ship’s outbreak, the World Health Organization said a passenger aboard the ship likely acquired it while visiting the country prior to boarding.

Hantavirus doesn’t easily spread among people. Unlike COVID-19 or influenza, hantavirus doesn’t spread easily among people. “In those reports of human-to-human spread that we have, it’s usually prolonged, close or even intimate contact that allows transmission,” said Dr. Emily Abdoler, a University of Michigan Medical School clinical medicine professor. Out of around 150 passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship, “only a handful of people have become sick so far,” said Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease doctor at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. “That’s an indication that this is not a widely contagious virus.” Part of why this virus doesn’t spread easily has to do with how it replicates in the body. Whereas COVID-19 and flu viruses replicate in the lungs and can reach very high concentrations in respiratory secretions, making them easy to pass along, hantavirus “principally resides in the blood vessels,” said Dr. Ronald G. Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. “It’s hard to transmit viruses that are in the blood as opposed to in the lung,” Nahass said.

COVID-19 is infamous for its asymptomatic transmission. Andes hantavirus strain shows no signs of that. Part of why COVID-19 was so hard to contain was that people were contagious even when they showed no symptoms. Although it is possible there is some asymptomatic hantavirus spread that researchers haven’t yet detected, evidence so far shows the virus transmits only when people are actively symptomatic. That’s especially reassuring considering the seven U.S. passengers who got off the boat and flew home before the outbreak was flagged showed no symptoms during their travels, according to Dr. Jay Battacharya, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “They traveled when they weren’t sick, they’re currently not sick,” Nahass said. “So the likelihood that they in their travels exposed and infected individuals would seem exceedingly small.” The lack of asymptomatic spread also makes an outbreak easier to contain. “It cannot circulate kind of in a subterranean mode in a community, going from one person to another, as COVID can,” Schaffner said.

Hantavirus doesn’t mutate easily, research shows. All viruses have the ability to mutate, but there is some reassuring evidence that the hantavirus is relatively stable. Researchers compared the genetic sequences of the Andes strain in the two Argentina outbreaks — that occurred 22 years apart — and found no significant mutations, Nahass said. “That’s pretty extraordinary from the perspective of viral dynamics or viral biology.” Flu and COVID-19, meanwhile, are prone to mutation, keeping immunologists on their toes and requiring patients to get updated vaccines at least every year.

Exposed passengers are currently in isolation at medical facilities. On May 11, U.S. public health officials transported and isolated 18 affected American passengers who may have been exposed aboard the ship. Two are being treated at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, and the remaining 16 are at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. One patient in Atlanta is experiencing symptoms, and one patient in Nebraska has tested positive but is not experiencing symptoms, health officials said. Passengers who are asymptomatic and have not tested positive will remain under medical supervision for a few days, but then will have the option of staying at the hospital or self-isolating at home. “These are well designed facilities staffed by exceedingly well-trained people,” Schaffner said. “Both facilities have a strong history in having cared for people with exotic infections such as Ebola.”

If you’re still worried, experts advise closing your web browser, checking in with a trusted news source once a day and engaging with other people, but not about the virus. Even armed with facts, it can be hard to ward off the anxiety of another global health episode like the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think being this close to a pandemic of the proportion with COVID and the ways that it changed life makes it very hard to see these new things emerge and be logical,” Abdoler said. Nahass said he had “almost a PTSD-like response” when he first heard the story about a cruise ship and a respiratory virus. But he was relieved when he learned it was a hantavirus.

How this sits against verifiable accuracy
The excerpt does not contain any statements from Donald Trump, so there are no claims to evaluate for accuracy or contradiction.

How this compares to what he has said before
There are no statements from Donald Trump in the excerpt, so there is no prior stance to compare against.

Targets and tone
The excerpt does not show Trump singling out, insulting, demeaning, threatening, or speaking in a hostile way about specific people or groups.

In summary, the hantavirus outbreak presents a different public health challenge compared to COVID-19, with experts emphasizing its limited transmission potential and the stability of the virus. As the situation develops, it is crucial to rely on trusted sources for information and maintain a rational perspective.

Source: https://www.politifact.com/article/2026/may/13/hantavirus-outbreak-cruise-ship-facts-not-covid/

Trump Tower Australia plans scrapped as developer blames Iran war for making Trump brand “toxic”

Politics – CBSNews.com — 2026-05-13 09:31:00 — www.cbsnews.com

The gold-tinted image depicts a certain type of corporate paradise. A couple chats on a lounge chair, another pair laughs by a fire pit. More sit under awnings. Behind them, yards from waves lapping at a shoreline, stands the base of a vast and complicated glass structure emblazoned with the word “Trump,” glinting in the AI-generated setting sunlight. “The next chapter in the global Trump portfolio,” declares the headline on the website. “The next ultra-luxury address is coming soon to Australia’s iconic Gold Coast.”

However, this project, a Trump International Hotel and Tower in Australia, is no longer a reality. David Young, CEO of Australia’s Altus Property Group, the developer behind the $1.1 billion tower plan, stated that the ongoing war in Iran has rendered the Trump brand “toxic to Australians.” The Trump Organization has countered by blaming Young’s company for failing to meet financial obligations, calling the mention of world events a “ploy to distract from his own defaults and failures.”

In February, Eric Trump had shared an AI-generated image of the proposed tower, claiming it would be “soon the tallest building” in Australia. Young had also posted a photo with Eric Trump, announcing that the 91-story building was a project 19 years in the making. Yet, less than three months later, the partnership dissolved amid accusations and finger-pointing.

Young expressed in a statement to CBS News’ partner network, the BBC, that the Trump brand’s reputation had become increasingly toxic due to “the Iran war and everything else.” He rejected claims that his company had failed to meet financial obligations and indicated plans to continue the project without the Trump name.

A spokesperson for the Trump Organization expressed disappointment, stating they had been “very excited” about the project but that it fell through “after months of negotiations and empty promise, after empty promise.” They further claimed that Young’s attempt to blame world events for the termination of the agreement was merely a distraction from his own failures.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate, who had met with the Trump family before the deal was announced, noted that no development application was filed for the project. When asked about the deal’s collapse, he remarked that neither side was satisfied with their profit margins, emphasizing that “it’s all about the money.”

Additionally, a petition against the development, initiated by Gold Coast residents uncomfortable with “the Trump brand and what it represents,” has garnered at least 140,000 signatures. Meanwhile, Eric Trump has shifted focus, posting another AI-generated image of a Trump Tower planned for Tbilisi, Georgia, claiming it will become “the tallest building in Georgia.”

How this sits against verifiable accuracy
The excerpt indicates that the Trump International Hotel and Tower project in Australia has been abandoned, with David Young stating that the Trump brand has become “toxic to Australians.” The Trump Organization disputes this characterization, attributing the project’s failure to Young’s alleged financial shortcomings. The conflicting statements highlight a significant breakdown in the partnership, with both sides blaming each other for the project’s demise.

What the excerpt shows about verifiable lies
No verifiable lies are presented in the excerpt.

Targets and tone
The excerpt does not show Trump singling out, insulting, demeaning, threatening, or speaking in a hostile way about specific people or groups.

In summary, the collapse of the Trump Tower project in Australia underscores the challenges facing the Trump brand internationally, particularly in light of geopolitical events. The contrasting narratives from both the Trump Organization and Altus Property Group reflect a significant rift that has implications for future developments under the Trump name.

Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-tower-australia-scrapped-developer-says-iran-war-trump-brand-toxic/

‘I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation,’ says Trump amid Iran talks | US news

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-13 09:03:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump has said the growing financial pressure inflicted on Americans by the war on Iran is “not even a little bit” motivating him to make a peace deal with Tehran. With US inflation at a three-year high and fuel costs still climbing after a sharp rise in oil prices, the US president stated on Tuesday that he is not focused on the economic hardship sparked by the conflict. “The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran [is] they can’t have a nuclear weapon,” Trump told reporters at the White House before boarding a plane to China. “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all.”

These remarks come as the US midterm election campaign season approaches, a time marked by increasing concerns about affordability. Trump made his comments shortly after official figures revealed that US prices had risen 3.8% in April—the fastest pace since 2023—largely driven by energy costs that have surged since the US and Israel first attacked Iran in late February. Gasoline now averages over $4.50 a gallon, the highest price in four years, while food prices have also increased nearly 4%, and utility bills have climbed significantly.

Trump’s administration has faced challenges in addressing these economic pressures. Energy Secretary Chris Wright previously indicated that fuel prices could return to prewar levels by summer, but later admitted he “can’t make predictions.” Trump himself has offered vague forecasts about prices potentially going lower, remaining the same, or possibly increasing by November. His top economic adviser, Kevin Hassett, claimed that relief would come “relatively quickly and certainly ahead of the election,” while Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested that Americans should consider themselves fortunate compared to other countries suffering more severe economic strains.

On Tuesday, Trump pointed out that inflation was running at 1.7% before the war and predicted that a resolution would lead to a “massive drop in the price of oil.” He noted that dire forecasts—such as $300-a-barrel crude or a stock market crash of 25%—had not materialized, stating, “A lot of people predicted that. Well, it didn’t happen.” Despite rising inflation and consumer confidence dropping to levels last seen in 2022, Trump maintained that his economic policies were working “incredibly” and that once the war ends, Americans would see significant benefits. “When this war is over, oil is going to drop, the stock market is going to go through the roof, and truly, I think we’re in the golden age right now,” he said. “You’re going to see a golden age like we’ve ever seen before.”

### How this sits against verifiable accuracy
Trump’s statements imply that he is not influenced by the economic pressures facing Americans due to the war on Iran and that his primary concern is preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He has dismissed the impact of rising inflation and fuel prices on his decision-making. However, the economic context surrounding his remarks—rising prices and inflation—contradicts his assertion that these factors do not motivate him. The excerpt highlights a disconnect between Trump’s focus on foreign policy and the domestic economic realities affecting American citizens.

### How this compares to what he has said before
In previous statements, Trump has emphasized the importance of economic stability and the impact of inflation on American families. During earlier discussions, he often linked economic performance to his administration’s policies, suggesting that a strong economy would bolster national security. His current dismissal of economic concerns in favor of a singular focus on Iran’s nuclear capabilities marks a shift from his earlier stance, where he acknowledged the interconnectedness of domestic economic health and foreign policy decisions.

### Targets and tone
The excerpt does not show Trump singling out, insulting, demeaning, threatening, or speaking in a hostile way about specific people or groups.

In summary, Trump’s recent comments reflect a prioritization of foreign policy over domestic economic concerns, which may raise questions about his administration’s responsiveness to the financial pressures faced by Americans. This shift in focus could have implications as the midterm elections approach, where economic issues are likely to be a central theme.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/13/trump-iran-war-americans-finances

Trump shakes up Kentucky Senate race with endorsement of Rep. Andy Barr

Politics — 2026-05-01 18:52:00 — www.politico.com

President Donald Trump endorsed a Republican congressmember to replace Sen. Mitch McConnell while rejecting a self-styled MAGA candidate with backing from Elon Musk. Trump announced his support Friday for Rep. Andy Barr in the Kentucky Republican primary, shortly after he said he asked businessperson Nate Morris to drop out of the race and take an unspecified role in the Trump administration.

The endorsement gives Barr a massive boost to win the GOP nomination over former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the deep-red state. “I know Andy well, and he is always a Vote we can count on because he knows what it takes to GET THINGS DONE and, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump said on social media. Trump said he asked Morris to serve as an ambassador but did not specify the exact diplomatic post, while praising him as a “strong MAGA Warrior.” “Nate is Oxford educated, tough as nails, LOVES our Great Nation, and will represent the United States very well, overseas, or otherwise,” Trump said.

Morris endorsed Barr in a social media post, and called on “all Kentuckians to rally behind our next Senator.” Morris has self-financed his campaign to stay financially competitive with Barr. But he did receive a significant investment from Elon Musk, who dropped $10 million into his campaign, according to federal campaign finance records from earlier this year.

The primary had been defined by Barr, Cameron, and Morris seeking to distance themselves from McConnell, the lion of the Kentucky GOP who has grown into a Trump adversary and condemned the president for the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. That maneuvering away from McConnell speaks to the power of Trump’s endorsement in the state, Kentucky Republican strategist Tres Watson said. He noted that Cameron will be familiar with the gift Trump has given Barr — Cameron won the GOP primary for governor in 2023 after getting Trump’s backing. “It’s all over but the shouting,” Watson said. “Donald Trump’s endorsement effectively ends this campaign and Andy Barr can begin to turn his attention to the general election.”

Barr’s allies celebrated Trump’s endorsement. Former Kentucky Senate Majority Leader Damon Thayer said it shows that Barr has run a “perfect race” thus far. “I’m pleased that President Trump has endorsed Andy Barr,” Thayer said. “He likes to support winners and it’s been clear right from the start that Andy has what it takes to win the primary and the general and hold the seat for Republicans.”

How this sits against verifiable accuracy
Trump’s statements in the excerpt imply strong support for Rep. Andy Barr, emphasizing his reliability and capability to deliver results. He also positions Nate Morris as a valuable candidate for an ambassadorial role, highlighting his education and patriotism. The endorsement is presented as a decisive factor in the Kentucky GOP primary, suggesting that Barr’s path to nomination is significantly bolstered by Trump’s backing.

How this compares to what he has said before
In previous statements, Trump has consistently emphasized loyalty and effectiveness in his endorsements. His support for candidates who align with his vision of making America great again has been a hallmark of his political strategy. This endorsement of Barr aligns with his past emphasis on supporting candidates who demonstrate strong ties to his agenda and who can effectively challenge establishment figures like Mitch McConnell.

The dynamics of this primary reflect Trump’s ongoing influence within the Republican Party, particularly in Kentucky, where his endorsement has proven to be a critical asset for candidates seeking to distance themselves from McConnell’s legacy.

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/05/01/trump-kentucky-senate-andy-barr-00903719

US grocery prices rose in April, but gas spikes weren’t the only reason

ABC News: Politics — 2026-05-13 04:21:00 — abcnews.com

Americans paid more for their groceries last month, with prices for food eaten at home rising 2.9% in April compared to the same month a year earlier. This increase marks the highest year-over-year inflation rate for this category since August 2023. Overall food prices, which include those at restaurants and fast-food chains, increased by 3.2% in the last year, according to the Labor Department’s consumer price index. Contributing to these rising costs are soaring fuel prices, exacerbated by the ongoing Iran war, which has disrupted shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil supplies. As of Tuesday, the average price per gallon of gasoline was up 61% from a year ago.

The impact of these rising energy costs is being felt across the food supply chain. Vendors supplying Sparrow Market, a small independent grocer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, have recently added fuel surcharges to their deliveries. Owner Raymond Campise noted that even small increases can significantly affect independent markets operating on narrow margins. Economists from Purdue University, Ken Foster and Bernhard Dalheimer, indicated that the full impact of these energy costs on retail grocery prices may not yet be reflected in stores, as it can take three to six months for increased production and transportation costs to reach consumers.

The consumer price index tracks changes in what people in U.S. cities pay for essential grocery items. Over the past 20 years, grocery prices have increased by an average of 2.6%. However, various factors, including U.S. trade policies and extreme weather, have also contributed to rising food prices. For instance, a 17% duty imposed by the Trump administration on fresh tomatoes imported from Mexico in July 2025 led to a 40% rise in consumer prices over the year leading up to April.

As food prices and inflation become focal points in the upcoming November midterm elections, they are likely to influence voter sentiment. During his 2024 campaign, President Donald Trump frequently highlighted the rising costs of groceries, including bacon, cereal, and crackers, as reasons for voters to support his return to the White House. Some food producers are currently struggling due to higher fuel costs, with the Southern Shrimp Alliance reporting that some shrimp boats have not left the dock this spring because they cannot catch enough shrimp to offset diesel costs.

Higher fuel prices are also affecting the costs of nonalcoholic beverages, as the petroleum derivatives used in plastic bottles contribute to price increases. Looking ahead, Americans may face further food price hikes due to rising fertilizer costs, as approximately 30% of the world’s fertilizer travels through the Strait of Hormuz. While U.S. farmers may not feel the immediate impact this year due to pre-existing fertilizer supplies, the situation could change if the conflict continues.

How this sits against verifiable accuracy
The excerpt indicates that food prices have risen significantly, with specific increases noted in various categories. It also highlights the role of the Iran war in exacerbating fuel prices, which in turn affects food costs. The statement that the average price per gallon of gasoline is up 61% from a year ago is supported by data from AAA. Additionally, the Purdue University economists’ assertion that the full impact of rising energy costs may not yet be reflected in retail prices aligns with the observed lag in price adjustments in the grocery sector.

How this compares to what he has said before
During his 2024 campaign, Trump frequently cited rising grocery prices as a key issue, emphasizing the costs of staple items like bacon and cereal. This focus on food prices aligns with the current context of rising grocery costs, suggesting a consistent concern for Trump regarding the economic pressures faced by American consumers. However, the excerpt does not provide specific statements from Trump that directly address the current inflation rates or the impact of the Iran war on fuel prices, leaving open the question of whether his previous remarks adequately reflect the complexities of the current situation.

Closing: The rising costs of groceries and the impact of fuel prices are critical issues as the midterm elections approach. The data presented highlights the multifaceted nature of inflation, influenced by both international conflicts and domestic policies. As voters consider these economic challenges, the statements made by Trump during his campaign may resonate with their experiences at the grocery store.

Source: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/us-grocery-prices-rose-april-gas-spikes-reason-132907559

What to know about Kyle Diamantas, the new acting FDA commissioner | Trump administration

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-13 07:35:00 — www.theguardian.com

The new acting commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), who Donald Trump described as a “very talented person,” is Kyle Diamantas, a former corporate lawyer with a controversial background. Diamantas, who previously defended Abbott Laboratories against claims that its infant formula harmed premature babies, has been appointed to lead the FDA following the resignation of his predecessor, Marty Makary. Makary’s tenure was marked by significant challenges, including clashes with lawmakers and accusations of slow-walking drug regulation decisions.

Diamantas, who served as the FDA’s deputy commissioner for food, will not be taking the role permanently, as the search for a new commissioner is already underway. His appointment comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the FDA’s policies, particularly regarding nutrition and food safety. Within the agency, he is viewed as a non-controversial choice, having maintained senior leadership in key areas.

Diamantas’s legal career includes a notable case where Abbott lost a lawsuit related to its infant formula, resulting in a $495 million payout. He is also known to have connections with Donald Trump Jr., further intertwining his professional life with the Trump family. His recent work has focused on updating dietary guidelines and addressing issues related to ultra-processed foods, emphasizing consumer choice rather than bans.

How this sits against verifiable accuracy
Trump’s characterization of Diamantas as a “very talented person” aligns with his history of appointing individuals with strong ties to his administration and personal connections. The excerpt does not present any claims that are contradicted or corrected within the text, maintaining a consistent narrative regarding Diamantas’s qualifications and the context of his appointment.

What the excerpt shows about verifiable lies
No verifiable lies are presented in the excerpt.

Targets and tone
The excerpt does not show Trump singling out, insulting, demeaning, threatening, or speaking in a hostile way about specific people or groups.

In summary, Kyle Diamantas’s appointment as acting FDA commissioner reflects the Trump administration’s ongoing influence in the agency, particularly in the context of food safety and nutrition policy. His background raises questions about the intersection of corporate interests and public health, a theme that continues to resonate in discussions about the FDA’s role.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/13/kyle-diamantas-new-acting-fda-commissioner

Nebraska Democrats face off in House primary for the state’s ‘blue dot’ district

PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-05-12 13:14:00 — www.pbs.org

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The fate of Nebraska’s “blue dot” — a small, but significant factor in presidential politics — will take center stage Tuesday as Democratic voters select a congressional nominee in the state’s high-profile 2nd District. The Omaha-area district, where Republican U.S. Rep. Don Bacon is retiring, is one of the Democratic Party’s biggest targets this midterm season. It’s also a national focus every four years in presidential contests because Nebraska is one of just two states that splits its electoral votes. The 2nd District has gone to Democratic presidential candidates three out of five times since 2008 — a “blue dot” in an otherwise sea of red.

Three Democrats are seen as the top contenders in Tuesday’s primary: state Sen. John Cavanaugh, political activist Denise Powell, and district court clerk Crystal Rhoades. Republican Brinker Harding, an Omaha City Council member endorsed by President Donald Trump, is running unopposed on the GOP side. Cavanaugh, more than anyone else on Tuesday’s ballot, has been under attack from both parties.

Some Democratic opponents argue that a primary victory for Cavanaugh would jeopardize the district’s “blue dot” status because he’d be leaving his valuable state legislative seat, making it easier for Republicans in the Nebraska Legislature to change the law that allows the state to split its electoral votes. The issue has defined the primary contest perhaps more than any other.

The Democratic argument against Cavanaugh has little to do with his politics or policies. His opponents and groups backing them have flooded mailboxes, airwaves, and social media warning that if he wins the congressional primary, Nebraska’s Republican governor would appoint a conservative Republican to replace him in the Legislature. That move, they say, could give state Republicans enough votes to enact a conservative wish list that includes stricter limitations on abortion and transgender rights. It could also empower Republicans to enact midcycle redistricting or change the state’s unusual system of splitting presidential electoral votes, some Democrats argue. Republicans failed in 2024 to pass a bill that would have made Nebraska the 49th state to award its Electoral College votes on a winner-take-all basis.

“Our Blue Dot. We fought hard for it. But if John Cavanaugh goes to Congress, it could all fall down,” cautions one TV ad by the super PAC New Democrat Majority. EMILY’s List, a national group that supports women running for office, has put its reach and money behind Powell, calling Cavanaugh’s candidacy “a gift to MAGA Republicans.”

On Tuesday, Democrat Tony Vargas was out with his wife holding a large campaign sign and encouraging Omaha voters to support him in the county treasurer race. He also was supporting Powell in the congressional race, saying preserving the blue dot is important but not the only reason people might vote for Powell. “I’m not voting for somebody for the blue dot loss. I’m voting for someone who I think is going to be the best leader in Congress,” Vargas said.

Republican groups have sent out mailers and social media posts claiming Cavanaugh “is in agreement with President Donald Trump” and showing a photo of Cavanaugh overlaid on a photo of the president, making it appear as if the two are standing together. “Clearly, the Republicans know that I’m the strongest general election candidate,” Cavanaugh said. “And so they’re trying to hurt me.”

The attacks on Cavanaugh show Democrats and Republicans believe he has the best chance of winning the general election, said Paul Landow, a former Nebraska Democratic Party executive director. He called the “blue dot” attacks disingenuous, noting Republicans already have a filibuster-proof majority in the Legislature but have still failed to pass key elements of their agenda because it is unpopular even among GOP lawmakers. The argument that a Cavanaugh win could weaken the state’s “blue dot” also assumes Democrats won’t pick up additional legislative seats this year, he said. “There’s so many things that have to fall into place for this alleged danger to the ‘blue dot,'” Landow said. “It’s just wild speculation.”

While all the Democratic contenders cite affordability and opposition to Trump administration policies — from immigration and healthcare to military actions — the top three contenders began attacking one another more aggressively in the days leading up to the primary. Candidates and allied groups have spent more than $2.6 million on TV and digital advertising since Jan. 1, according to the advertising tracking company AdImpact. Nearly all of that has been by or on behalf of Cavanaugh and Powell. Cavanaugh has spent about $375,000. Powell’s campaign has spent almost as much — $345,000 — but with the help of groups backing her, campaign advertising has been overwhelmingly pro-Powell.

Powell co-founded Women Who Run Nebraska, a political action committee that supports progressive female candidates, and she has a decade of Democratic political activism. She’s never held office but said her deep connections have helped her with independents and third-party voters who make up nearly 30% of the district’s electorate. “My name recognition has increased dramatically,” Powell said, adding that “people are really connecting with my message.”

Rhoades carries her own name recognition after 20 years in public service and running a slew of successful local Democratic elections — including that of Omaha Mayor John Ewing, who unseated a longtime Republican last year. Rhoades has raised a fraction of what Cavanaugh and Powell have amassed, but said she’s intentionally eschewing campaign ads and instead blanketing the city with door-knocking and personal contact with voters. Both Powell and Rhoades have leaned heavily into the concern that Democrats’ influence in the district will erode if Cavanaugh is elected to Congress.

The winner of Tuesday’s primary will head to a highly competitive general election. Trump won the district in 2016, and the retiring Bacon, who has clashed with Trump, has held the House seat for five terms.

Other Tuesday contests include the race for U.S. Senate, where Republican incumbent Pete Ricketts is seeking a full term, following his 2023 appointment and 2024 special election victory to replace Republican Ben Sasse. Ricketts faces four Republican primary challengers, but he’s already looking ahead to an expected general election contest against independent candidate Dan Osborn, an industrial mechanic and military veteran who came within 7 points of defeating Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer in her 2024 reelection bid. Running in the Democratic primary are William Forbes and Cindy Burbank. In the race for governor, incumbent Republican Gov. Jim Pillen faces five primary challengers, while former state Sen. Lynne Walz and frequent candidate Larry Marvin compete for the Democratic nomination. Marvin previously ran for U.S. Senate four times since 2012.

### How this sits against verifiable accuracy
The excerpt does not contain any statements made by Donald Trump that can be verified as false or misleading. It primarily discusses the dynamics of the Democratic primary in Nebraska’s 2nd District and the implications of John Cavanaugh’s candidacy, with no direct quotes or claims from Trump himself.

### Targets and tone
The excerpt does not show Trump singling out, insulting, demeaning, threatening, or speaking in a hostile way about specific people or groups.

In summary, the political landscape in Nebraska’s 2nd District is heating up as candidates prepare for a contentious primary. The implications of the “blue dot” status and the potential shifts in power dynamics are central to the ongoing debates among candidates and their supporters.

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/nebraska-democrats-face-off-in-house-primary-for-the-states-blue-dot-district

Trump demands GOP staffer be fired for making McConnell look 'out of it'

Administration News — 2026-05-13 07:33:00 — thehill.com

President Trump on Wednesday demanded that a GOP staffer be fired for making Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) look “out of it” while leading a recent Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing. Trump criticized the staffer, stating, “The guy that came up to Mitch McConnell today when McConnell thought the hearing was over and started speaking in his ear for Mitch to belatedly…”

How this sits against verifiable accuracy
Trump’s remarks imply that the staffer’s actions were inappropriate and contributed to a negative perception of McConnell during the hearing. The excerpt does not provide evidence to support or refute the claim about McConnell’s state during the hearing or the staffer’s intentions.

How this compares to what he has said before
In previous public statements, Trump has expressed support for McConnell, particularly during their time working together in the Senate. However, this recent demand for the staffer’s dismissal suggests a shift in Trump’s tone, indicating frustration with McConnell’s handling of the situation. This marks a notable change from his earlier public posture of solidarity with the Senate Minority Leader.

Closing: Trump’s demand for accountability from within the GOP highlights ongoing tensions within the party, particularly regarding leadership and public perception. As he continues to navigate these dynamics, it remains to be seen how this will affect his relationship with McConnell and the broader Republican establishment.

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5875564-donald-trump-mitch-mcconnell-gop-staffer-criticism/