Juneteenth has been a federal holiday since 2021, but it’s not a paid day off in all 50 states

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-06-18 14:44:00 — www.politifact.com

President Donald Trump’s administration has remained largely silent on the significance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday during his second term. In 2025, neither the White House nor Trump himself publicly celebrated or acknowledged Juneteenth, despite its growing recognition across the United States as a day commemorating the end of slavery.

Lack of Recognition and Controversial Changes

While Juneteenth became the 11th federal holiday in 2021, and is now a paid day off for nonessential federal workers, Trump’s administration has not made any notable statements or gestures to mark the occasion. This absence of recognition stands in contrast to the bipartisan support that led to Juneteenth’s federal status.

The administration’s stance has drawn further scrutiny following a decision by the National Park Service, under Trump, to remove both Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day from its list of holidays granting free admission to national parks. Instead, June 14—Flag Day and Trump’s birthday—was added to the list. This move prompted criticism from civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, who viewed it as a step back from honoring key milestones in African-American history.

Context and Broader Impact

Juneteenth, which marks June 19, 1865, when Union troops announced the end of slavery in Galveston, Texas, has become a symbol of freedom and the ongoing struggle for social justice. Although the holiday is now acknowledged in every state in some form, only 31 states and Washington, D.C., recognize it as a permanent paid holiday.

The Trump administration’s lack of engagement with Juneteenth, coupled with the removal of free park admission on this day, has fueled criticism that the administration is indifferent to the holiday’s significance and the broader movement for racial equality.

Conclusion

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday and the fifth anniversary of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, President Trump’s administration stands out for its silence and controversial policy changes regarding the holiday. The decision to prioritize Flag Day and Trump’s own birthday over Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day at national parks has sparked debate about the administration’s commitment to recognizing and honoring the history and contributions of African Americans in the United States.

Source article

Source: https://www.politifact.com/article/2026/jun/18/juneteenth-has-been-a-federal-holiday-since-2021-b/

Trump claims vandals damaged D.C. Reflecting Pool, and says it will be drained again : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-06-21 08:46:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Claims Vandalism at Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Without Evidence, Contradicted by Experts

President Trump has asserted that multiple individuals were arrested by United States Park Police for what he described as deliberate sabotage of the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C. “The United States Park Police have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nations magnificent Reflecting Pool,” Trump wrote on Truth Social late Saturday evening. He called the alleged acts “very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments,” and claimed, “Years in jail! Work will begin immediately on its repair.”

No Evidence of Multiple Arrests or Sabotage

Despite Trump’s claims, neither the Park Police nor any other law enforcement agency had publicly confirmed any arrests related to vandalism as of the time of publication. The only arrest reported was that of Maryland resident and former Olympian David Hearn, who was charged with destroying government property. Hearn maintains he only touched an already dislodged piece in the pool and denies the charge.

In a second post, Trump described the alleged damage in greater detail, stating that more arrests had followed, but again provided no supporting evidence. He claimed that vandals “took some form of knife or blade, and put a 250 foot long gash into the beautiful facade” and “poured corrosive and destructive chemicals into the Pool.” Trump also linked the pool’s recent green discoloration to supposed vandalism, despite offering no proof.

Experts Point to Natural Causes

Contradicting Trump’s assertions, aquatic ecologists and pool specialists told NPR that the green color was caused by a natural bloom of algae from the genus Desmodesmus—a common occurrence in shallow, sun-exposed bodies of water. Scientists noted that the recent renovation, which disturbed the nutrient balance, may have accelerated the bloom. A George Mason University professor confirmed the algae was not toxic.

Inflated Claims and Exaggerations

Trump has also exaggerated the history and appearance of the Reflecting Pool, stating, “The Reflecting Pool was never so beautiful as it was just one week ago, even going back to 1922 when it opened.” In fact, the pool opened in 1923. The renovation project itself ballooned from an initial $2 million estimate to over $14 million, with a no-bid contract awarded to a Virginia-based contractor and an additional $1.7 million spent on algae treatment technology. The project has faced a lawsuit alleging the administration bypassed required historic preservation reviews.

Conclusion

President Trump’s repeated claims of widespread vandalism and multiple arrests at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool are not supported by available evidence or law enforcement statements. Experts attribute the pool’s discoloration to natural causes, not sabotage. The episode highlights a pattern of exaggeration and unsupported allegations from Trump, raising questions about transparency and accountability in the handling of public projects and the use of presidential platforms.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/06/21/nx-s1-5865636/trump-reflecting-pool-dc-vandals-drain-green

Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-06-21 08:30:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Threatens Iran Over Proxies in Lebanon, Issues Warning of Escalated Military Action

President Donald J. Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, demanding that the country “immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble.” Trump continued, “If they don’t, we’ll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!”

This statement highlights Trump’s ongoing strategy of using public threats and military posturing in response to regional tensions. By attributing unrest in Lebanon directly to Iran’s “highly paid proxies,” Trump places blame squarely on the Iranian government for the actions of groups operating in Lebanon, a claim that has been the subject of debate among regional experts and fact-checkers.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s assertion that Iran controls “highly paid proxies” in Lebanon refers primarily to Hezbollah, a group widely recognized as receiving support from Iran. However, the characterization of these groups as simply “highly paid” agents of Iran oversimplifies a complex relationship. While Iran does provide funding and support, groups like Hezbollah also have significant local roots and operate with a degree of autonomy.

Additionally, Trump’s threat to “hit Iran very hard again” follows a pattern of escalating rhetoric. The reference to action “just like we did last week” alludes to previous U.S. military operations, but the effectiveness and proportionality of such strikes have been questioned by analysts and have not always resulted in the intended deterrent effect.

Pattern of Exaggeration and Aggressive Rhetoric

This latest statement fits into a broader pattern in which Trump has used exaggerated language and threats of force in foreign policy communications. Fact-checkers have previously noted that Trump’s descriptions of foreign adversaries’ actions and U.S. responses often contain hyperbole or lack important context, potentially increasing tensions rather than resolving them.

Conclusion

President Trump’s warning to Iran over its alleged proxies in Lebanon continues his approach of public threats and simplified narratives about complex international issues. While Iran’s influence in Lebanon is real, Trump’s statements exaggerate the nature of that relationship and raise questions about the effectiveness and consequences of such aggressive rhetoric. As with many of Trump’s public pronouncements, careful scrutiny and context are essential to understanding the full picture.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39412

Trump tries to blame Reflecting Poll woes on vandalism, without offering substantiation

PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-20 12:29:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Blames Vandalism for Reflecting Pool Fiasco, Offers No Evidence

President Donald Trump claimed Saturday that federal authorities had made “multiple arrests” of people he said were vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, as he faced mounting criticism over the failed $14-million-plus renovation project he initiated for the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Trump asserted that previous presidents had allowed the pool to become “an algae-stained green,” and promised to line it with “American flag blue” to better reflect the Washington Monument. However, after the pool was unveiled, the blue quickly faded to green as algae returned, and the painted lining began to peel.

On his social media site Friday night, Trump wrote, “We’ve had some real problems with Vandalism at the beautiful Reflecting Pool. Just like three days ago, they destroyed the grass outside of the Pool, they’ve also done everything possible to hurt the inside surface that was just installed.” Trump did not provide any details or evidence to support his claim.

The agencies responsible for the National Mall did not respond to requests for comment. Trump later posted that Park Police “have arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing our Nations magnificent Reflecting Poll,” later correcting the spelling to “Pool.” He added, “Who would do such a thing? These are very serious crimes having to do with the destruction of National Monuments. Years in jail!”

One man arrested, David Hearn of Bethesda, Maryland, said he was detained after briefly touching a piece of peeling paint to examine it. Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, said he was held for five hours before being released and denied any intent to vandalize the pool.

Despite Trump’s repeated suggestions of sabotage, the excerpt notes that even if someone had pulled paint from the pool, it would not account for the widespread algae and extensive peeling of the blue lining. Trump continued to insist that “something nefarious” was happening, claiming, “No different than the chemicals that were used on the National Mall, they used something similar in the Reflecting Pool to try to destroy and demean our beautiful work.”

Trump’s allegations followed days of negative attention on the failed renovation, which has drawn scrutiny from the public and media. The president’s claims remain unsubstantiated, with no evidence provided to support the idea of coordinated vandalism or sabotage.

Conclusion

Trump’s response to the Reflecting Pool controversy has been to blame unspecified vandals and alleged sabotage, but he has offered no proof for these assertions. The facts presented in the excerpt point to a failed renovation project rather than a campaign of destruction by outsiders. As criticism mounts, the president’s unsubstantiated claims raise further questions about accountability and transparency in the handling of this high-profile project.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-tries-to-blame-reflecting-poll-woes-on-vandalism-without-offering-substantiation

Trump now says either Republican candidate would be a good pick in South Carolina’s governor runoff

Donald Trump — 2026-06-19 21:00:00 — www.politico.com

Donald Trump Praises South Carolina Officials on Truth Social

On his Truth Social platform, Donald Trump praised both South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and state Attorney General Alan Wilson. The public commendation comes as Trump continues to use his social media presence to highlight allies and bolster support among local leaders.

While the excerpt does not contain any false claims, attacks, or exaggerations from Trump, it demonstrates his ongoing strategy of publicly aligning himself with prominent state officials. By offering praise to Evette and Wilson, Trump signals approval of their work and seeks to reinforce his influence within South Carolina’s political landscape.

This instance is part of a broader pattern in which Trump uses his platform to shape political narratives and reward loyalty. Although the excerpt does not provide evidence of misstatements or distortions, it underscores how Trump’s public statements can impact political alliances and perceptions.

In summary, Trump’s praise for Lt. Gov. Evette and Attorney General Wilson on Truth Social highlights his continued engagement with state-level politics and his efforts to maintain strong relationships with key Republican figures. As Trump’s social media activity remains a central feature of his public persona, such endorsements are likely to play a significant role in shaping the political environment ahead of upcoming elections.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/06/19/trump-now-says-either-republican-candidate-would-be-a-good-pick-in-south-carolinas-governor-runoff-00969074

Did Mike Collins ‘admit’ that Trump was in the Epstein files? A Jon Ossoff ad omits critical facts

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-06-18 17:11:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump’s Name Surfaces in Epstein Files Debate: Fact-Check Reveals Key Context Omitted in Political Ad

A recent campaign ad by Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff has reignited debate over the contents of the federal government’s Epstein files, specifically referencing President Donald Trump. The ad claims that Ossoff’s Republican opponent, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, “admitted” Trump was in the files, which contain documents and recordings from investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.

The Claim and the Context

The ad features a clip of Collins responding to a question at an August 2025 campaign stop: “Yeah, I’m sure he’s in there.” The implication is that Trump’s presence in the files is for nefarious reasons, a suggestion reinforced by the ad’s framing. However, the full context of Collins’ remarks was omitted. Collins continued, explaining his reasoning: “Because he was the one telling the FBI about it. He’s the one that kicked the guy out of Mar-a-Lago and then called the FBI. Yeah, yeah, he’s in there.”

This additional context is significant. Collins’ comments suggest he believes Trump would appear in the files because he reported Epstein’s behavior to authorities, not because of alleged wrongdoing.

Trump’s Reported Actions

As Epstein’s crimes became public in 2006, Trump reportedly told a South Florida police chief that he was glad Epstein was being investigated and that “everyone” knew of his crimes, according to the Miami Herald’s reporting of the chief’s account.

Fact-Check and Conclusion

The fact-check finds that while Collins did speculate Trump’s name would be in the files, the ad’s omission of his full explanation gives a misleading impression. The statement in the ad contains an element of truth but ignores critical facts that would change the viewer’s understanding. The ruling: “Mostly False.”

Takeaway

This episode highlights the importance of context when referencing President Trump’s connection to the Epstein files. While Trump’s name may appear in investigative records, available information cited here indicates his involvement was as someone who reported Epstein’s behavior, not as a participant in criminal activity. Political ads that omit this context risk misleading the public about the facts.

Source article

Source: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2026/jun/18/jon-ossoff/did-mike-collins-admit-that-trump-was-in-the-epste/

Major Supreme Court 2025-26 case decisions

Politics — 2026-06-18 13:28:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

President Trump Seeks Sweeping Power Over Independent Agencies in Supreme Court Battle

President Donald Trump’s removal of Rebecca Slaughter, the last remaining Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission, has sparked a major legal battle that could reshape the balance of power between the presidency and independent federal agencies. The Supreme Court has allowed Trump to remove Slaughter for now, even though Congress designed the FTC to be insulated from direct presidential control by allowing commissioners to be removed only for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance.” Notably, Trump has not alleged any misconduct by Slaughter.

This case, Trump v. Slaughter, is a direct challenge to a 90-year-old Supreme Court precedent, Humphrey’s Executor, which has long protected the independence of agencies like the FTC, the Federal Communications Commission, and the National Labor Relations Board. Trump’s position—asserted through his removal of Slaughter—signals a push for far greater presidential control over these powerful regulatory bodies.

The court’s willingness to revisit and potentially overturn this precedent could have far-reaching consequences. If Trump prevails, he and future presidents would gain the authority to remove agency leaders at will, undermining the congressional intent to keep these agencies non-partisan and independent from political interference.

Fact-checking the record, the excerpt makes clear that Trump has not provided any evidence or allegations of wrongdoing by Slaughter, despite using his presidential power to remove her. This move is not based on claims of “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance,” but rather on a broader assertion of executive authority.

The outcome of Trump v. Slaughter will determine whether the president can unilaterally reshape independent agencies, potentially eroding decades of legal protections designed to keep them free from political pressure. As the Supreme Court considers overturning a foundational precedent, the stakes for the future of American governance could not be higher.

Source article

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/interactive/2025/supreme-court-cases-2025-26-term/

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