Russell Fry Backs Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate Runoff Amid Trump Pressure

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-14 11:16:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Presses for Loyalty in South Carolina Senate Race, Dismisses Rival as Unreliable

President Trump has taken an active role in shaping the outcome of South Carolina’s special Senate election, urging Representative Russell Fry to endorse Darline Graham after Fry’s defeat in the primary. Trump’s involvement underscores his focus on loyalty and his determination to install a dependable ally in the seat left vacant by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump’s Direct Involvement and Endorsement

After initially signaling support for Fry, Trump ultimately endorsed Darline Graham, a disability rights advocate with no prior political experience, in the primary. Following Fry’s loss, Trump personally called him to encourage an endorsement of Graham, according to sources familiar with the conversations. Trump praised Fry and assured him of a promising future, emphasizing the importance of unity behind Graham in the upcoming runoff.

Dismissal of Rival and Loyalty Demands

Trump’s personal interest in the race is rooted in his close relationship with the late Senator Graham and his desire to ensure the seat remains in the hands of a loyal supporter. He has repeatedly dismissed the prospect of Representative Ralph Norman, who endorsed Nikki Haley for president, filling the seat, characterizing Norman as unreliable. Trump’s actions highlight his ongoing efforts to shape the Republican caucus around personal allegiance rather than policy or experience.

Behind-the-Scenes Pressure

Since the primary, Trump has been “working the phones” to drum up support for Graham, according to multiple sources. Fry, initially hesitant due to the contentious nature of the primary, ultimately decided to prioritize loyalty to Trump over lingering campaign grievances. Fry’s endorsement was announced after further discussions with Trump, who was encouraged to visit Myrtle Beach and rally for Graham.

Conclusion

President Trump’s intervention in the South Carolina Senate race demonstrates his continued influence over the Republican Party and his insistence on loyalty from elected officials. By dismissing rivals and pressuring former opponents to unite behind his chosen candidate, Trump is shaping the party’s future through personal allegiance, raising questions about the direction and priorities of Republican leadership in Congress.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/14/us/politics/russell-fry-darline-graham-south-carolina.html

Trump on WWII memorial vandalism: 'We are on their trail'

Administration News — 2026-08-14 09:10:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Links Memorial Vandalism to Broader Issues, Faces Pushback

President Trump on Friday said investigators are on the trail of vandals who spraypainted the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and tied the incident to what he described as vandalism damaging the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. The president’s comments come amid ongoing debates about the causes and consequences of recent acts of vandalism at national landmarks.

Trump’s Claims and Public Response

Trump asserted that law enforcement is actively pursuing those responsible for defacing the World War II Memorial. He also connected this act to alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, suggesting a broader pattern of disrespect toward historic sites.

However, there has been significant pushback to the argument that vandalism is the primary cause of problems at these landmarks. Critics challenge the president’s narrative, noting that the issues affecting the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool may not be solely or primarily due to vandalism, and that attributing all damage to such acts may be an exaggeration.

Fact-Checking the President’s Statements

While Trump has drawn a direct link between the spray-painting at the World War II Memorial and damage at the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, the excerpt notes that there is debate over whether vandalism is the root cause of the problems cited. This pushback highlights the importance of distinguishing between confirmed acts of vandalism and other factors that may contribute to the condition of public monuments.

Conclusion

President Trump’s remarks about the investigation into memorial vandalism and his broader claims about damage to national landmarks have sparked controversy and fact-checking. As public officials and the media continue to scrutinize these statements, it remains crucial to separate substantiated facts from exaggerations and to ensure that public discourse around these historic sites is grounded in evidence.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6029728-park-police-investigate-graffiti/

How Trump’s construction projects are changing Washington and costing taxpayers

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-13 17:50:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s D.C. Construction Push: Lofty Promises, Costly Realities, and Fact-Checked Claims

President Donald Trump has repeatedly touted his sweeping construction and renovation projects across Washington, D.C., framing them as an unprecedented modernization effort and a “gift to the United States.” However, a closer look reveals a pattern of exaggerations, unfulfilled funding promises, and questionable transparency, with taxpayers footing much of the bill despite Trump’s claims to the contrary.

Trump’s Claims vs. Reality

Trump has described his construction initiatives as “little things” he loves doing as a real estate person, calling it “an honor.” He has boasted, “We’re building something the likes of which will never be even close to being competed with,” and repeatedly stated, “I put up the money to build this building along with a lot of great patriots.” He has also claimed, “We’re on time, on budget. It’s going beautifully. I have all the money I need. We’re making a gift to the United States.”

Yet, reporting shows that White House projects alone are now estimated to cost at least $900 million, with taxpayers funding a significant portion—contradicting Trump’s earlier promises that private donors would cover most expenses. The most ambitious project, a 90,000-square-foot White House ballroom and new security facility, is expected to cost at least $600 million, and while the White House says private donations will pay for the ballroom, taxpayers are responsible for massive security enhancements. In June, $352 million in taxpayer funds were redirected to the ballroom project.

Fundraising, Secrecy, and Corporate Influence

Trump has taken a personal role in fundraising, hosting lavish dinners and raising more than $800 million for his projects since returning to office. Donations are funneled through the Trust for the National Mall, a nonprofit previously used for minor projects. The arrangement is shrouded in secrecy: almost no donors have revealed their contributions, and the fundraising agreement explicitly preserves donor anonymity. A partial donor list released by the White House omitted specific dollar amounts but included major corporations such as Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Amazon, Caterpillar, and Google.

A report from watchdog group Public Citizen found that more than a dozen companies donating to the ballroom project received new or increased government contracts worth over $50 billion in the last six months. Sixteen corporate donors are either facing or had suspended federal enforcement actions under the Trump administration, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest and lack of accountability.

False Claims and Shifting Blame

Trump’s statements have often been contradicted by facts. For example, renovations at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool have been plagued by problems, which Trump blamed “without evidence on vandals,” even though his own administration acknowledged in court that shoddy work was responsible. The project’s cost has ballooned to more than $16 million, with taxpayers—including national park visitors—covering the expenses. The administration also awarded two no-bid contracts for the project, citing an urgent need to finish by July 4.

Trump has also hyped future projects such as a massive “Triumphal Arc” between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, calling it “one of the most beautiful arcs in the world.” Work has not begun, and the final budget is unknown, but initial planning is already being funded by a mix of private and taxpayer money.

Conclusion

While President Trump continues to promote his construction legacy as a selfless gift to the nation, the facts tell a more complicated story. Taxpayers are bearing significant costs despite promises of private funding, donor transparency is lacking, and corporate contributors have benefited from lucrative government contracts. Trump’s repeated exaggerations and shifting of blame highlight a pattern of misleading statements as he seeks to reshape the nation’s capital—and his own legacy.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-trumps-construction-projects-are-changing-washington-and-costing-taxpayers

Democratic socialism’s next test is the Midwest : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-13 16:12:00 — www.npr.org

Donald Trump Labels Democrats as “Communist” Rather Than “Socialist” in Political Attacks

In the ongoing debate over the influence of progressive and democratic socialist candidates within the Democratic Party, Donald Trump has strategically chosen to label Democrats as “communist” rather than “socialist.” According to reporting from NPR, Trump avoids calling Democrats socialists because he recognizes that the term “socialist” does not carry the same negative connotation with voters as it once did. Instead, he opts for the more charged label of “communist” in his efforts to tie Democrats to unpopular ideologies.

This approach comes as focus groups of swing voters—specifically those who supported Joe Biden in 2020 and Trump in 2024—show a surprising openness to the idea of socialism. Many of these voters, who are not ideologically rigid, describe socialism as a system that provides a stronger social safety net, akin to social democracy, rather than the authoritarianism associated with communism. The distinction is significant, as these voters express more negative views about communism than about socialism.

Trump’s rhetorical strategy highlights his ongoing campaign to paint Democrats in the most extreme light possible, even as public attitudes toward the word “socialist” evolve. By deliberately using “communist” as a political weapon, Trump seeks to exploit lingering Cold War-era fears, despite the fact that many voters now see socialism in a more nuanced and less threatening way.

This tactic underscores the broader polarization in American politics, where language and labels are deployed to sway public opinion, often at the expense of accuracy. As the 2024 election approaches, Trump’s choice of words will likely remain a central feature of his messaging, even as evidence mounts that voters’ perceptions are shifting.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/13/nx-s1-5929260/democratic-socialisms-next-test-is-the-midwest

Trump orders Pentagon to redesign US aircraft carrier to use steam catapults to launch jets | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-13 21:03:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Orders Navy to Scrap Modern Tech for Steam Catapults, Repeats False Claims About Costs and Effectiveness

Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to abandon the advanced electromagnetic aircraft launch systems on the next Ford-class aircraft carrier and revert to steam-powered catapults, a move he has pushed for since 2017. Trump signed a national security memorandum instructing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao to develop a plan within 60 days to replace the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Weapons Elevators with steam and hydraulic systems for the USS Doris Miller, a ship already two years behind schedule.

Trump’s Longstanding Campaign Against EMALS

Trump has repeatedly disparaged the Navy’s adoption of electromagnetic catapults, calling the technology “very complicated” and claiming, “you have to be Albert Einstein to figure it out.” He has told a story—often with variations—since 2017, in which he claims an unnamed Navy officer told him steam catapults are better because “we can fix it with a hammer and a blowtorch. When the electric goes bad, I have to send to MIT to get geniuses over here.” Trump has insisted, “the digital costs hundreds of millions of dollars more money and it’s no good.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s assertions about the cost and reliability of EMALS have been widely disputed. The Wall Street Journal reported that Navy and industry leaders have resisted Trump’s push due to the enormous expense and logistical challenges of removing a system integral to the carrier’s design. General Atomics, the company behind EMALS, stated that the system for the new ship is nearly 50% complete and warned that changing course now would introduce “significant cost, schedule, and integration risks.”

Despite Trump’s repeated claims that steam catapults are cheaper and more reliable, experts and Navy officials have pointed out that EMALS was adopted to improve efficiency, reduce maintenance, and support the launch of a wider range of aircraft. Trump’s story about Navy officers preferring steam is anecdotal and has not been substantiated by official Navy assessments.

Political and Military Pushback

Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy test pilot, criticized Trump’s intervention, stating, “I’ve launched off the front of aircraft carriers hundreds of times, have a Master’s degree in aeronautical engineering, and am a test pilot and even I wouldn’t suggest to the Navy how to engineer specific systems on its ships.” Kelly bluntly added, “Donald Trump should stick to what he knows best – ballrooms, bankruptcy, and bullshit.”

Conclusion

Trump’s order to redesign the USS Doris Miller to use steam catapults instead of modern electromagnetic systems is the culmination of years of public complaints and repeated, unsubstantiated claims about the technology’s cost and effectiveness. The move faces strong resistance from military leaders and industry experts, who warn that it could result in significant delays and added expenses. Trump’s insistence on outdated technology, based on anecdotal stories and disputed assertions, highlights ongoing concerns about his approach to complex defense issues.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/13/trump-aircraft-carriers-steam-catapults

Appeals Court Sidesteps Key Question Over Trump’s Use of Alien Enemies Act

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-13 16:49:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s Use of Wartime Law to Deport Venezuelans Rejected by Courts

President Trump, in a move that drew national attention, sought to use the sweeping powers of the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport dozens of Venezuelan men accused of belonging to the Tren de Aragua street gang. Trump claimed that these individuals had “invaded the country through the process of illegal immigration” and asserted that they were not merely criminals but were working in coordination with the hostile government of Venezuela, then led by Nicolás Maduro.

False Claims of “Invasion” Rejected by Courts

Trump’s position equated mass immigration with a military invasion, arguing that the presence of these Venezuelans constituted an “invasion” or “predatory incursion” justifying the use of wartime powers. However, several lower courts, including a conservative three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, rejected these claims. The panel found that the American homeland was not under invasion by the gang and rebuffed the idea that immigration—even at a large scale—was synonymous with a military breach of U.S. borders.

Judge Leslie H. Southwick, writing for the majority, stated, “A country’s encouraging its residents and citizens to enter this country illegally is not the modern-day equivalent of sending an armed, organized force to occupy, to disrupt or to otherwise harm the United States. There is no finding that this mass immigration was an armed, organized force or forces.”

Legal Battle Ends on Technicality, Not on the Merits

Despite expectations that the full Fifth Circuit would overturn the panel and grant Trump the authority to use the Alien Enemies Act, the court instead dismissed the case on a legal technicality. The three Venezuelan men who filed the original lawsuit had already been expelled by the government through traditional immigration methods, leaving no plaintiffs and, therefore, no case.

The court’s decision leaves unresolved the broader legal questions about the use of wartime authority during peacetime. The injunction issued by the three-judge panel remains in effect, protecting immigrants in Texas from deportation under the Alien Enemies Act.

Conclusion

Trump’s attempt to frame mass immigration as a military invasion was firmly rejected by the courts, which found no evidence to support his claims. The legal battle over the use of the Alien Enemies Act ended not with a Supreme Court showdown, but with a dismissal on procedural grounds. The courts’ rulings underscore the lack of factual basis for Trump’s assertions and highlight the ongoing debate over the limits of presidential power in immigration enforcement.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/us/politics/alien-enemies-act-trump-appeals-court.html

Donald J. Trump: “RT @realDonaldTrumpIt is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Ca…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-13 18:14:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Endorses Catalina Lauf With Familiar Rhetoric and Unsubstantiated Claims

Donald Trump has issued a public endorsement of Catalina Lauf, who is running to represent Florida’s 19th Congressional District. In his statement, Trump praised Lauf as an “America First Patriot” and highlighted her previous role as a presidential appointee at the U.S. Department of Commerce during his administration. He asserted that Lauf “has proven she has the Courage and Wisdom to deliver strong results for the incredible people of her State and Nation — She has truly been with us from the beginning!”

Trump’s endorsement repeated several familiar themes and claims. He stated that, as a Congresswoman, Lauf would “fight tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Support our Military/Veterans, Advance Election Integrity, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.” He concluded with, “Catalina Lauf has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next Congresswoman from Florida’s 19th Congressional District — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Many of the assertions in Trump’s endorsement echo his previous campaign rhetoric, some of which have been repeatedly fact-checked and found to be misleading or exaggerated. For example, the claim to “Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE” oversimplifies the complexities of U.S. energy policy and market forces, which are influenced by global supply and demand, not just domestic regulation. Similarly, the assertion that the Second Amendment is “always under siege” is a frequent talking point, but there is no evidence of a coordinated effort to eliminate the constitutional right to bear arms.

Trump’s reference to “Stop Migrant Crime” also perpetuates a narrative that has been widely criticized for exaggerating the threat posed by migrants. Numerous studies have shown that immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. Additionally, his call to “Advance Election Integrity” has often been associated with unfounded claims about widespread voter fraud, which have been debunked by multiple courts and independent reviews.

Conclusion

Trump’s endorsement of Catalina Lauf relies on a series of familiar, yet frequently disputed, claims about the economy, immigration, energy, and election security. While his support may energize certain segments of the electorate, the statements made in his endorsement continue a pattern of exaggeration and distortion that has characterized much of his public communication. Voters in Florida’s 19th Congressional District will ultimately decide whether these claims resonate or raise further questions about the accuracy of the rhetoric used in their campaigns.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40814

Trump Uses Deceptive Chart in False Inflation Boast

FactCheck.org — 2026-08-13 12:36:00 — www.factcheck.org

Trump Falsely Claims to Have Lowest Inflation Among Last 10 Presidents

President Donald Trump has recently claimed to be the “lowest of the last 10 presidents on inflation,” a statement that does not hold up under scrutiny. Trump’s assertion, made in a recent interview and promoted on his Truth Social account, relies on a misleading chart that compares inflation during the first 18 months of his second term to the full four-year terms of his predecessors.

Misleading Comparison

The chart Trump circulated, created by an Instagram user known for “viral money charts,” shows cumulative inflation for each of the last 10 presidential terms at various points. However, it misleadingly stops counting inflation for Trump’s second term after 18 months—because the rest of his term hasn’t happened yet—while showing full four-year totals for other presidents. This creates the false impression that Trump’s inflation record is the lowest.

Trump highlighted this statistic in an interview with conservative commentator Wayne Allyn Root, stating, “Did you see the charts that came in yesterday? I’m the lowest of the last 10 presidents on inflation. I mean, it’s crazy. It’s a chart.”

The Facts on Inflation

Federal data contradict Trump’s claim. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index, prices grew 4.34% between January 2025 and July 2026. Only three presidents since the late 1980s—Joe Biden, George H.W. Bush, and second-term George W. Bush—saw higher inflation in their first 18 months. The rest, including both Clinton and Obama terms, George W. Bush’s first term, and Trump’s first term, had lower inflation rates at the same point in their presidencies.

Creator’s Clarification and White House Response

The Instagram creator of the chart clarified that it was not meant to claim Trump would have the lowest inflation over a full term, acknowledging the data for Trump’s second term is incomplete.

White House spokesman Kush Desai did not directly address Trump’s use of the misleading statistic but instead touted the administration’s efforts to reduce prices on essentials like prescription drugs and eggs. However, overall inflation remains higher than when Trump took office.

Conclusion

Despite Trump’s repeated claims, the data show he does not have the lowest inflation among the last 10 presidents at this point in his term. His assertion is based on a deceptive comparison that does not reflect the full picture. As inflation remains a key economic issue, accurate information is crucial for public understanding.

Source article

Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/08/trump-uses-deceptive-chart-in-false-inflation-boast/

Reflecting Pool’s botched repairs threaten to tarnish the National Park Service’s reputation

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-13 09:18:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s False Claims About Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Repairs Put National Park Service in Political Crossfire

President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that vandalism was to blame for the failed repairs at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, despite a lack of evidence and contrary findings by prosecutors and experts. Trump posted on his Truth Social site that “a National Park Service career employee, a highly credible witness, saw David Hearn … in broad daylight vandalize the Reflecting Pool by ‘violently’ ripping and tugging at the Pool’s somewhat delicate coating.” However, felony charges against Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist, were dropped after prosecutors acknowledged the damage was actually caused by a bungled installation, not vandalism.

Trump’s insistence on blaming vandalism, even after legal authorities cleared Hearn, has drawn criticism from park advocates and lawmakers. Ed Stierli of the National Parks Conservation Association called Trump’s continued references to the alleged vandalism an example of the “awkward position” career agency workers face under Trump and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who has publicly backed Trump’s claims.

The Reflecting Pool repairs, launched by Trump ahead of the America 250 celebrations, quickly encountered problems, including peeling blue sealant and a resurgence of green algae. Trump’s response was to blame outside actors, ignoring the findings of career officials and experts who attributed the failure to poor installation.

Beyond the Reflecting Pool, Trump has ordered sweeping changes to national parks and monuments, including the creation of a White House ballroom and a 250-foot-tall memorial arch, and has demanded revisions to park exhibits he claims advance “divisive narratives” and “improper ideology.” These actions have coincided with a significant loss of permanent staff at the National Park Service, with at least a quarter of the workforce departing since Trump began his second term.

Critics, including former park superintendent Bill Wade, say Trump’s actions amount to “systematic degradation, disrespect and dismantling of the National Park Service.” Morale at the agency is reported to be at a historic low, with employees fearful of speaking honestly about the situation.

Despite the White House’s defense that Trump “promised to make D.C. safe and beautiful, and he’s delivering,” polling shows most Americans are dissatisfied or upset about Trump’s Washington-area projects, including the Reflecting Pool repairs.

Trump’s repeated false claims about vandalism at the Reflecting Pool, in the face of clear evidence to the contrary, highlight a pattern of disregarding facts and expert advice. This approach has left the National Park Service caught in a political storm, undermining its credibility and the morale of its dedicated staff.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/reflecting-pools-botched-repairs-threaten-to-tarnish-the-national-park-services-reputation

Trump renews pressure on Senate to pass bill making daylight saving time permanent

Administration News — 2026-08-13 08:49:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Renews Push for Permanent Daylight Saving Time

President Trump has once again called on Senate Republicans to pass legislation making daylight saving time permanent. In a Truth Social post nearly identical to one he shared earlier this month, the president urged the upper chamber to approve the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025.

Trump’s renewed pressure highlights his ongoing support for the measure, which aims to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year. The legislation, which has already been approved by another body, would establish daylight saving time as the permanent standard.

This latest appeal underscores Trump’s consistent position on the issue. While the post does not include any new or disputed factual claims, it reflects his continued advocacy for a change that would affect millions of Americans’ daily routines.

Conclusion

President Trump’s push for permanent daylight saving time remains a notable part of his policy agenda. As the Senate considers the Sunshine Protection Act of 2025, his public statements continue to shape the debate and keep the issue in the national spotlight.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6027083-trump-urges-senate-daylight-savings/