The rise of the right has reshaped how we think about patriotism

Politics — 2026-07-05 09:55:00 — www.politico.com

Trump’s “America First” Agenda Drives Partisan Divide Over Patriotism

Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda and his “Make America Great Again” movement have made national identity a central theme of Republican messaging, according to new international polling reported by POLITICO. Trump has vowed to secure the southern border, conduct widespread deportations, and prioritize aggressive trade policies aimed at boosting the U.S. economy—positions that have come to define the GOP’s approach to patriotism.

The POLITICO Poll highlights how Trump’s rhetoric has resonated not only in the United States but also among right-wing parties across Europe. When asked about candidates who promise to “Make [their country] Great Again,” large majorities of far-right voters in the U.K., France, Germany, and Spain said they would feel more positive about such candidates. This reflects the global influence of Trump’s messaging, which has helped right-wing parties claim ownership of patriotic symbols and language.

Despite the partisan coding of patriotism, the poll found that pride in one’s country remains widespread and nonpartisan. In the U.S., 68 percent of adults—including most Trump 2024 voters and most supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris—say they are proud to be American.

Trump’s focus on national identity, border security, and economic nationalism has helped shift the Republican Party further to the right and has influenced similar movements abroad. However, the poll also reveals a challenge for centrist and left-leaning parties, which are now grappling with how to reclaim or redefine the symbols and language of patriotism.

Conclusion

Trump’s “America First” approach has reshaped the debate over patriotism in the U.S. and abroad, making national pride a more partisan issue even as most people across the political spectrum continue to express pride in their countries. As right-wing parties gain ground by championing national identity, the question remains whether other parties will find new ways to connect with patriotic voters or continue to cede this powerful political terrain.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/05/poll-patriotism-political-right-trump-europe-00986654

Live updates: Trump, nation celebrate America 250

Administration News — 2026-07-05 10:40:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Delivers Partisan Speech on Nation’s 250th Birthday, Shorter Than Promised

President Trump marked the nation’s 250th birthday with a late Saturday night speech that blended praise for American achievements with pointed partisan rhetoric. The president’s address, which lasted about 30 minutes, fell short of the longer duration he had promised in the days leading up to the event. Trump’s remarks came after extreme heat and weather impacted the Fourth of July celebrations in Washington.

Speech Duration Contradicts Previous Promise

In the lead-up to the event, President Trump had pledged a longer speech to commemorate the historic milestone. However, the address ultimately lasted only about half an hour. The discrepancy between Trump’s promise and the actual length of his speech highlights a pattern of overstatement that has characterized some of his public appearances.

Partisan Rhetoric Amid National Celebration

While the president championed American achievements, his speech was also marked by partisan undertones. The blend of national pride with political messaging underscored Trump’s approach to major public addresses, often using such platforms to reinforce his political positions.

Conclusion

President Trump’s Fourth of July address was notable both for its partisan tone and for not meeting the expectations he set regarding its length. The event serves as another example of the president’s tendency to make promises that do not always align with the outcome, reinforcing ongoing scrutiny of his public statements and commitments.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5953858-live-updates-trump-fourth-of-july-speech-aftermath/

Trump’s $2bn bonanza heralds the rise of political grifters across the west | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-05 09:24:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Dismisses Scrutiny Over Presidential Profits as Financial Disclosures Reveal Massive Gains

Donald Trump has dismissed concerns about his personal enrichment during his presidency, telling reporters, “I made a lot of money before I became president.” This response comes as his latest financial disclosure, published this week, indicates he will leave office billions richer, with more than $2 billion earned in the first year of his second term alone from ventures including Trump hotels, golf courses, cryptocurrency, watches, cologne, and even Bibles.

Trump’s approach has drawn sharp criticism for transforming the American presidency into a moneymaking enterprise on a scale unmatched by his predecessors. While politicians have long found ways to profit from public office, the scale and openness of Trump’s business activities while in office have raised alarms among ethics experts and lawmakers.

The White House has consistently maintained that Trump’s businesses are “walled off” from his official duties and are run by his adult sons, Donald Jr. and Eric. An official stated, “The president was not involved in running his businesses and has turned them over to his children, so these business endeavours do not involve him.” Despite these assurances, Trump’s own posture has been one of indifference to the scrutiny, repeatedly downplaying any suggestion of conflicts of interest.

One area of particular controversy has been Trump’s foray into cryptocurrency. Having previously called crypto a scam, Trump launched his own meme coin after returning to the White House, reportedly making $635 million from the venture, even as many buyers lost money when the price plunged. Critics, including Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, have denounced what they call “brazen crypto corruption,” alleging that Trump’s crypto ventures serve as a conduit for political favors.

Further scrutiny surrounds a complex set of transactions involving Trump’s crypto company, World Liberty Financial, the United Arab Emirates, and a convicted crypto kingpin. The deal saw $500 million in Emirati money flow to Trump’s company, the UAE gain access to powerful American AI chips, and the crypto kingpin receive a pardon. All parties involved have insisted the transactions were legitimate business.

Despite mounting questions, Trump has consistently waved off concerns, maintaining that his wealth and business activities are separate from his presidential responsibilities. This stance, coupled with the lack of transparency and the unprecedented scale of his profits while in office, has fueled ongoing debate about the erosion of ethical standards in public office.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s financial disclosures and dismissive responses to conflict-of-interest concerns highlight a profound shift in how the presidency can be leveraged for personal gain. As watchdogs and lawmakers continue to raise alarms, Trump’s posture of indifference and the scale of his enrichment remain central issues in the debate over ethics and accountability in American public life.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/05/trumps-2bn-bonanza-heralds-the-rise-of-political-grifters-across-the-west

Vance and Rubio take different approaches as Iran tests their 2028 prospects

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-01 17:17:00 — www.pbs.org

President Trump’s Approach Fuels Tensions Within His Own National Security Team

President Donald Trump’s national security agenda is once again at the center of internal Republican debate, as Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio navigate divergent paths on Middle East policy—particularly regarding Iran and Israel. The White House insists there is “one camp — President Trump’s camp,” with all top officials “fully behind the president’s efforts to ensure Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.” However, behind the scenes, Trump’s own actions and remarks have contributed to the perception of a rift.

Trump’s Frustration Over Israeli Actions

According to the excerpt, Vance has been critical of Israel’s actions in Lebanon, specifically noting that Trump himself has been frustrated by Israeli operations against Hezbollah. These actions, Trump reportedly believes, have angered Iran and complicated U.S. negotiations with Tehran. This is a notable departure from traditional Republican support for Israel, and it highlights Trump’s willingness to publicly express dissatisfaction with a key U.S. ally when it suits his negotiating posture.

Setting Up for Failure?

The excerpt also reveals that Trump made “semi-joking comments” this month that he would blame Vance if the Iran talks do not succeed, a move interpreted by some as setting up his vice president for failure. This public airing of internal dynamics is consistent with Trump’s history of using public statements to keep his subordinates off-balance and to deflect responsibility.

Fanning the Flames of Rivalry

Despite the administration’s insistence on unity, Trump has repeatedly stoked speculation about future Republican leadership, “repeatedly asking crowds of supporters who they would prefer to succeed him and suggesting at one point they might be an unbeatable ticket.” This behavior not only undermines the appearance of a cohesive team but also injects uncertainty into U.S. foreign policy at a critical moment.

Conclusion: Trump’s Leadership Style Drives Division

While the White House and State Department continue to deny any division, the record shows that President Trump’s own statements and actions have fueled speculation about internal rifts and have shaped the administration’s approach to key foreign policy challenges. Trump’s willingness to publicly express frustration with allies, assign blame to subordinates, and encourage rivalry among top officials is emblematic of his leadership style—and continues to have significant implications for the direction of U.S. national security policy.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/vance-and-rubio-take-different-approaches-as-iran-tests-their-2028-prospects

On America’s 250th, Smithsonian Museums Offer Respite and Reflection

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-05 04:01:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Targets Smithsonian Museums, Accusing Them of Focusing on Nation’s Flaws

President Trump has spent nearly a year criticizing the Smithsonian museums, claiming they focus too much on “how horrible our Country is” and not enough on its “brightness,” as he stated on social media. In response, the White House ordered eight Smithsonian museums to submit thousands of pages of documents, wall text, and exhibition materials for review, with the stated goal of assessing their “tone, historical framing and alignment with American ideals.”

This unprecedented scrutiny comes after the Trump administration published a list of Smithsonian exhibits, programming, and artwork it deemed inaccurate, divisive, or otherwise objectionable. Among the highlighted targets was a series at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which educates visitors about whiteness and white culture in the United States. The administration argued that the series portrayed concepts such as the “nuclear family,” “work ethic,” and “intellect” as white qualities rooted in racism, and objected to content from historian Ibram X. Kendi, author of “How to Be an Antiracist.”

Many historians and museum professionals have pushed back, arguing that the administration’s efforts amount to an attempt to dictate a sanitized version of American history. Critics say this approach risks erasing or distorting the complex realities of the nation’s past, particularly regarding race and inequality.

The administration, however, has defended its actions, stating its intention is to “ensure alignment with the president’s directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions.”

The Smithsonian, which relies on federal funding for the majority of its budget, has complied with some of the administration’s demands, submitting materials and pledging continued transparency. The pressure has left the institution vulnerable, as it receives 62 percent of its more than $1 billion annual budget from congressional appropriations, federal grants, and government contracts.

The Trump administration’s list of objectionable content also included an exhibit at the National Museum of the American Latino depicting migrants watching Fourth of July fireworks through an opening in the U.S.-Mexico border wall, and a papier-mâché sculpture at the American History Museum symbolizing the contributions of farmworkers.

As visitors celebrated America’s 250th birthday on the National Mall, many expressed concern about the administration’s efforts to reshape the narrative presented in the nation’s museums. Critics argue that embracing the full, unvarnished history of the United States is essential for education and understanding, and warn against attempts to hide or remove difficult truths.

Conclusion

President Trump’s campaign to reshape the Smithsonian’s exhibitions reflects a broader effort to control the narrative of American history, emphasizing “exceptionalism” while downplaying or objecting to content that addresses systemic racism, immigration, and other challenging topics. The controversy raises critical questions about the role of museums in society and the importance of preserving honest, inclusive accounts of the nation’s past.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/05/arts/design/america-250-anniversary-smithsonian.html

Beating the heat is now part of hosting

Politics — 2026-07-04 17:00:00 — www.politico.com

Donald Trump’s Withdrawal from the WHO Leaves U.S. Out of Global Health Coordination

President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO) after voicing complaints about the organization’s funding and its response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This decision, which took effect in January, removed the U.S. from direct participation in WHO-led initiatives, including efforts to address the risks of extreme weather at major international events like the World Cup.

Impact on World Cup Health Preparedness

Despite the U.S. no longer being a member of the WHO, the country—along with Canada and Mexico—has continued to participate in World Cup preparedness through a health security working group coordinated by the WHO and its regional arm, the Pan American Health Organization. This collaboration is particularly important as rising temperatures and extreme weather events pose growing risks to athletes and spectators alike.

Trump’s withdrawal was based on his stated dissatisfaction with the WHO’s handling of the pandemic and the financial contributions required from the U.S. However, public health officials and international partners have continued to emphasize the need for coordinated global responses to health threats, especially as the world prepares for large-scale events in increasingly challenging climates.

Conclusion: U.S. Global Health Leadership in Question

Trump’s decision to pull the U.S. out of the WHO over funding and pandemic response complaints has had lasting effects on America’s role in global health initiatives. While the U.S. remains involved in some collaborative efforts, its absence from full WHO membership raises questions about the country’s long-term commitment to international health and safety at major events. As climate change intensifies, the need for unified action and leadership in global health is more critical than ever.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/04/world-cup-2026/heat-two-canada-morocco-who-humid-dry-health-00987008

The strangest show on earth: lightning, imperial hubris and a boring tour of Trump’s rhetorical back alleys | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-05 03:39:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s 250th Anniversary Speech: False Claims, Exaggerations, and Political Grievances Take Center Stage

Donald Trump took the stage on the National Mall for America’s 250th anniversary, delivering a speech marked by exaggerations, misleading claims, and repeated personal grievances, according to the event’s own coverage.

Inflated Crowd Size and Military Boasts

Trump opened with a familiar theme: inflating crowd size. He claimed, “They estimated 375,000 people before everybody had to leave. They now have 150,000 people.” This was described as a “wildly exaggerated claim,” echoing his previous falsehoods about his inauguration crowd size compared to Barack Obama’s.

He also made a strikingly false military boast, stating, “Much like our recent victory sinking the entire Iranian navy: 159 ships to the bottom of the sea, all done in just a moment’s time. We have the greatest military anywhere in the world.” There is no record of such an event, making this another example of Trump’s penchant for grandiose and unsubstantiated claims.

Policy Proposals and Election Claims

Trump used the occasion to promote the so-called “Save America Act,” outlining strict voting restrictions: “All voters must show voter ID. All voters must provide proof of citizenship. And there will be no mail-in ballots, except for illnesses, disability, military deployment, or travel. You won’t have cheating in the elections any more. It’s very simple.” This echoes his long-standing, unsubstantiated allegations of widespread voter fraud, which have been repeatedly debunked.

Attacks and Divisive Rhetoric

While introducing veterans of World War II, Trump quickly shifted to attacking Democrats, warning of “godless communists taking over the Democratic party.” He declared, “Our warriors did not fight communism on battlefields across the world only to have that menace rear its ugly head right back here in America. We are not going to let it happen. We like to stop a threat like that immediately, before it begins. It’s like a cancer — you have to cut it out, and you have to cut it out fast.” This rhetoric continues his pattern of painting political opponents as existential threats.

Hyperbole and Hollow Unity

Trump promised that the firework display would be “the biggest and best the world had ever seen,” a claim left to Guinness World Records to judge, but typical of his frequent use of hyperbole.

He closed with, “Over 250 years, the world has seen great empires, mighty nations, and terrible tyrants. They came, and they went. But after two and a half centuries, this American republic still stands tall and strong, and we love each other.” However, the article notes that this message of unity “rang somewhat hollow from a US president who has sought to divide rather than unite the people.”

Conclusion

Trump’s 250th anniversary address was less a moment of national unity and more a showcase of his familiar tactics: exaggeration, misleading claims, and divisive rhetoric. Despite the historic occasion, the speech was marked by falsehoods and political attacks, reinforcing a record of statements that have repeatedly failed fact-checks and deepened partisan divides.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/05/donald-trump-address-strangest-show-on-earth

WATCH: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announces felony charge related to Reflecting Pool

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-02 14:43:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Blames Multiple Arrests for Reflecting Pool Vandalism as Costly Project Faces Scrutiny

President Donald Trump has described the recent incident at the National Mall’s Reflecting Pool as “vandalism,” claiming that federal authorities made “multiple arrests” of people he accused of damaging the site. Trump’s comments come as he faces questions about the $14-million-plus rehabilitation project he launched for the nation’s 250th anniversary, which has been plagued by problems.

Trump’s Claims and the Facts

Earlier this month, Trump asserted that there were “multiple arrests” related to vandalism at the Reflecting Pool. This statement followed the indictment of David Hearn, a former Olympic canoe racer, who was charged with a single count of property destruction after allegedly pulling up recently installed sealant and causing more than $1,000 in damage. According to District of Columbia U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, authorities have made about six other misdemeanor arrests in connection with the pool.

However, the excerpt does not provide evidence of a coordinated vandalism effort or clarify whether those arrested were all involved in similar acts. Hearn, for his part, told The Associated Press that he only briefly touched a chunk of the pool’s coating and let go when told to stop, suggesting a less deliberate act than what Trump described.

Project Backlash and Presidential Response

Trump’s remarks come as he struggles to explain why the expensive rehabilitation project has not delivered the intended results, with the Reflecting Pool still facing issues like algae and peeling paint. By focusing on arrests and alleged vandalism, Trump appears to be shifting attention away from the project’s shortcomings.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statements about “multiple arrests” for vandalism at the Reflecting Pool highlight his tendency to emphasize law enforcement actions while deflecting scrutiny from the troubled $14-million-plus rehabilitation project. The facts presented in the excerpt suggest a more nuanced situation, with only one felony indictment and several misdemeanor arrests, and raise questions about the accuracy and intent behind Trump’s claims. As the project continues to face challenges, Trump’s response underscores his approach to criticism and accountability.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-u-s-attorney-jeanine-pirro-announces-felony-charge-related-to-reflecting-pool

In Fourth of July Speech, Trump Celebrates America and Derides Foes

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-05 00:02:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Fourth of July Speech Blends History With Political Attacks and Exaggerations

On the eve of the nation’s 250th anniversary, President Trump delivered a speech on the National Mall that combined patriotic themes with familiar political rhetoric, including attacks on Democrats and boasts about his own record.

Political Attacks and Voting Restrictions

As he did the previous night at Mount Rushmore, Trump used the occasion to warn about Democrats, repeatedly invoking the threat of “communism” and calling on Congress to pass legislation that would make it harder to vote. This demand for more restrictive voting laws is consistent with his ongoing efforts to cast doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections.

Claims of Unfair Treatment and Audience Size

While celebrating American freedoms, Trump inserted a personal grievance, stating, “Unlike so many others in the world, in this country we have freedom of speech, freedom of religion, equal justice under the law — although I wasn’t treated that well, but we won’t get into that.” He also repeated his frequent claim about his popularity, referring to himself as “the man who gets much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime,” a boast that has been widely disputed and is not supported by independent crowd estimates.

Exaggerated Historical Artifacts and Military Boasts

Trump brought artifacts onstage, including a flag he said was the first to fly over the Brooklyn Bridge and another he claimed “flew triumphant when the British waved the white flag of surrender at Yorktown.” These claims about the artifacts have not been independently verified and fit a pattern of embellishing historical details for dramatic effect.

He also told the crowd, “We rebuilt our military in my first term,” and then, in a characteristic aside, added, “actually, I should say third term, but I won’t do that, because I don’t want any controversy.” This quip alludes to his frequent, unfounded suggestions of having served more than one term.

Entertainment and Event Challenges

Trump’s speech followed performances by Christopher Macchio and Lee Greenwood after other entertainers declined to participate in the event. Despite severe weather that forced attendees to seek shelter, Trump insisted the show would go on, posting online, “Storms bring luck to whatever the occasion. They also make events a little bit more exciting!” and later, “I’M HERE!!!” He told the crowd, “There’s no way, if we have to speak in front of one person at 4 o’clock in the morning, I’m going to be there! There’s no way we can be deterred.”

Conclusion

President Trump’s Fourth of July address was marked by a blend of patriotic celebration and political messaging, including attacks on Democrats, exaggerated claims about his own popularity, and unverified historical references. While the speech was intended as a centerpiece for the nation’s anniversary, it ultimately reflected the familiar themes and tactics of a Trump rally, underscoring his ongoing use of national events to advance personal and political narratives.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/05/us/politics/trump-speech-fourth-july.html

Trump celebrates America’s 250th anniversary in weather-delayed, sometimes partisan speech

Administration News — 2026-07-05 00:03:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Blends Patriotism with Partisan Rhetoric in 250th Anniversary Speech

President Trump marked the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding with a late-night address that was delayed by inclement weather. In his remarks, Trump celebrated American achievements and resilience, stating, “Tonight we come together for one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time.” However, his speech also took a sharply partisan turn, focusing on what he described as ideological threats facing the country.

Partisan Overtones Amid National Celebration

While Trump’s speech began by highlighting the nation’s historic accomplishments, he quickly shifted to deeply partisan rhetoric. The president’s remarks blended praise for American resilience with warnings about perceived dangers posed by ideological opponents. This approach has been a hallmark of Trump’s public addresses, where he often frames national milestones in the context of ongoing political battles.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

The excerpt does not provide specific examples of false claims or disparagements made by Trump during this particular speech. However, it does note the president’s tendency to use major national events as platforms for partisan messaging, a pattern that has drawn criticism for overshadowing moments of unity with divisive language.

Conclusion: A Divided Message on a Unifying Occasion

President Trump’s address on the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding exemplified his approach of mixing patriotic celebration with partisan commentary. While he called the occasion “one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time,” the speech ultimately underscored the president’s focus on ideological divides. As the country commemorated a historic milestone, Trump’s remarks served as a reminder of the ongoing tensions shaping American political discourse.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5953811-trump-celebrates-americas-250th-birthday/