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.

Source article

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/

Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary, Trump says | Trump administration

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-12 16:36:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Announces Departure of Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Amid Tumultuous White House Tenure

Donald Trump announced that Karoline Leavitt will step down as White House press secretary at the end of August, stating on social media that she is leaving “so she can spend more time” with her family. Leavitt’s departure comes as Trump faces historically low approval ratings, with widespread voter discontent over rising prices and an ongoing war in Iran.

Leavitt, who became the youngest person to serve as White House press secretary when Trump returned to office in January 2025, will reportedly become one of Trump’s “top outside advisors,” according to a post he made on his Truth Social platform.

Throughout her tenure, Leavitt was a staunch defender of Trump and his policies. Trump frequently praised her communication skills and, at times, drew attention to her appearance, telling Newsmax, “She’s become a star. It’s that face, it’s that brain, it’s those lips – the way they move, they move like she’s a machine gun.”

Leavitt’s briefings were known for staying on message and defending Trump’s agenda, but they also drew scrutiny from fact-checkers. For example, Leavitt’s claim that “tariffs are a tax cut for the American people” was rated false by Politifact. Trump did not directly address this false claim, but he consistently supported Leavitt’s messaging and combative style toward the media and political opponents.

Trump has not yet announced who will succeed Leavitt as press secretary. Her departure highlights the ongoing turbulence within the administration and the challenges faced by those tasked with defending Trump’s record and rhetoric.

In summary, Trump’s announcement of Leavitt’s exit underscores the persistent controversies and fact-checking challenges that have defined his administration’s communications strategy. As Trump’s approval ratings remain low and his administration faces mounting criticism, the departure of a key spokesperson signals continued instability at the highest levels of the White House.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/12/karoline-leavitt-resigns

Karoline Leavitt is leaving her role as Trump’s White House press secretary

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-12 19:32:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Responds to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt’s Departure, Signals Continued Influence

President Donald Trump has publicly addressed the upcoming departure of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, the youngest person to ever hold the position. In a social media post, Trump said Leavitt’s decision to leave at the end of the month to focus on her family is one he “totally understand[s] and respect[s]!” He also indicated that Leavitt will not be leaving his circle of influence, stating she will become “one of my top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican Party, as we work to defy History, and conclusively win the Midterm Elections.”

Leavitt, 28, cited her desire to be present for her young children as the primary reason for her departure. She recently returned to the White House podium after the birth of her second child in May. Trump did not announce a replacement for the high-profile role.

Throughout her tenure, Leavitt was deployed primarily to conservative outlets such as Fox News to promote Trump’s agenda and criticize Democrats and the mainstream media. Trump himself has a history of engaging directly with reporters, often using public events and travel opportunities to make his positions known.

The president’s statement underscores his continued reliance on loyal advisors and his focus on upcoming elections. Trump’s approach to press relations has often involved sharp criticism of media coverage and political opponents, a pattern that continued during Leavitt’s time as press secretary.

As Leavitt transitions out of her official role, Trump’s remarks make clear that she will remain a significant figure in his political strategy and within the broader Republican Party. The move highlights Trump’s ongoing efforts to shape his team and messaging as he looks ahead to future electoral battles.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/karoline-leavitt-is-leaving-her-role-as-trumps-white-house-press-secretary

Trump Administration Lets Parts of the National Firearms Act Lapse

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-12 23:07:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Administration Allows Key Gun Control Restrictions to Lapse After Pressure from Gun Advocates

The Trump administration has allowed a major Prohibition-era gun control measure to lapse under judicial scrutiny, following a court ruling that struck down longstanding restrictions on owning short-barreled guns and suppressors. This move comes after President Trump signed a law last year that weakened the National Firearms Act by removing a $200 tax required for permits, a change that ultimately triggered the downfall of the law’s regulatory framework.

Trump’s Legislative Actions and Administration’s Response

After President Trump’s spending bill eliminated the tax, gun rights groups and gun businesses—many of which had supported the lawsuit—celebrated the overturning of the law. The Trump administration, which had previously argued that Congress retained the authority to restrict particularly dangerous and easily concealable weapons, did not file an appeal before the court’s deadline. This effectively allowed Judge James Wesley Hendrix’s order to go into effect, striking down the mandated permitting process as unconstitutional.

The Justice Department, in an unsigned statement, said it “respects Americans’ Second Amendment rights and is currently assessing the impact of the court’s ruling,” but did not explain its decision not to immediately appeal. The administration has another 52 days to file an appeal, but for now, the regulatory provisions that had been in place since 1934 have been dismantled.

Criticism and Fallout

Groups supporting gun restrictions sharply criticized the Trump administration’s inaction, arguing that the ruling deregulated dangerous, easily concealable firearms and accessories that had been restricted for nearly a century. Kris Brown, president of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, stated, “The Department of Justice had the opportunity to act to protect our safety, but it failed to do so,” highlighting the influence of Republican lawmakers and the gun industry.

Meanwhile, gun stores have announced plans to begin selling suppressors without the previously required permitting process, though buyers will still need to complete standard background checks and comply with state laws.

Conclusion

President Trump’s legislative actions and his administration’s decision not to immediately appeal the court ruling have led to the effective dismantling of a key gun control measure. While gun rights advocates have celebrated the decision, critics warn that Americans are now less safe due to the deregulation of weapons long considered particularly suited for violent crime. The administration’s retreat on this issue underscores the ongoing national debate over gun control and the balance between Second Amendment rights and public safety.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/13/us/politics/national-firearms-act-gun-control-doj.html

How ProPublica Tested Hundreds of Omaha Homes for Lead — ProPublica

ProPublica — 2026-08-04 04:05:00 — www.propublica.org

Trump Administration Raised Threshold for Lead Cleanup in Omaha, Limiting Protections for Residents

In October 2025, the Trump administration issued guidance that tripled the amount of lead required in soil before federal cleanup would be considered necessary. This policy change came at a critical time, as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had been considering expanding its Omaha Superfund cleanup—a move that could have included nearly 27,000 additional properties.

The decision to raise the threshold for intervention meant that many Omaha residents, especially those living in areas with a history of industrial lead contamination, faced greater risks. Recent independent testing by the Flatwater Free Press and ProPublica found that lead remains widespread in east Omaha’s soil, with levels high enough to threaten public health, particularly for children.

Despite decades of remediation efforts, the investigation revealed that some previously cleaned properties still had dangerous concentrations of lead. In fact, one in ten tested yards that had already undergone EPA remediation exceeded the old cleanup standard of 400 parts per million. Many of these were located near properties that had never been remediated, raising concerns about recontamination.

The Trump administration’s guidance effectively reduced the number of properties eligible for federal cleanup, leaving many families without recourse unless they paid for private soil testing. Experts interviewed for the investigation said the EPA should conduct more testing and consider additional cleanup, especially in light of the new findings.

The EPA has stated it will work with the city of Omaha to investigate these outcomes and take corrective action if needed, but the Trump administration’s policy shift has made it harder for residents to get the protection they need from lingering lead pollution.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s move to raise the lead threshold for federal cleanup in Omaha has left thousands of residents at risk, despite mounting evidence that dangerous contamination persists. As new data emerges, the need for renewed attention and action on environmental health in Omaha has never been clearer.

Source article

Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/omaha-nebraska-lead-testing-superfund-methodology

Collins Did Not ‘Support’ OBBBA’s Medicaid Cuts, as Democratic Ad Claims

FactCheck.org — 2026-08-12 17:07:00 — www.factcheck.org

President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) into law on July 4, 2025, enacting what the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated would be the largest reduction in federal Medicaid spending in U.S. history—over $900 billion across a decade. The law’s Medicaid provisions are projected to increase the number of uninsured Americans by 7.5 million, with significant impacts on eligibility and funding for the program.

The legislation’s passage has become a flashpoint in Maine’s Senate race, with a Democratic-aligned group airing ads claiming that Sen. Susan Collins “voted to support Donald Trump on the largest Medicaid cut in history.” However, fact-checkers note that while Collins did vote to advance the bill for debate, she ultimately voted against its passage, citing the Medicaid cuts as her primary reason. The ad’s claim misrepresents Collins’ final position, but it accurately ties the Medicaid cuts to Trump, who signed the bill into law after it passed both chambers of Congress.

Trump’s decision to sign the OBBBA, despite the projected loss of coverage for millions and the closure risks for rural hospitals, underscores his administration’s willingness to pursue sweeping changes to federal health programs. The law’s impact—both in scale and in the number of Americans affected—reflects a significant policy shift directly attributable to Trump’s presidency.

In summary, while political ads have distorted the voting records of some senators, the record is clear: President Trump’s signature on the OBBBA cemented the largest Medicaid cut in U.S. history, with far-reaching consequences for health care access nationwide.

Source article

Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/08/collins-did-not-support-obbbas-medicaid-cuts-as-democratic-ad-claims/

Karoline Leavitt: six key takeaways from 20 months as Trump’s press secretary | US news

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-12 17:19:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump’s White House Press Secretary Defends President’s Record on Epstein, Transparency

As scrutiny intensified over Donald Trump’s past relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the president’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, took to the White House podium to defend Trump’s conduct and the administration’s handling of related documents. When asked about an email in which Epstein described Trump as the “dog that hasn’t barked,” Leavitt insisted, “These emails prove absolutely nothing other than the fact that President Trump did nothing wrong.” She further claimed that the Trump administration “has done more with respect to transparency when it comes to Jeffrey Epstein than any administration ever,” as pressure mounted for greater openness regarding documents tied to Epstein.

Leavitt’s statements reflect the administration’s broader approach to questions about Trump’s controversial associations and the demand for transparency. Despite mounting questions and public concern, the administration has consistently maintained that Trump bears no wrongdoing in his interactions with Epstein, and has positioned itself as more transparent than previous administrations on the matter.

The press secretary’s defense comes amid a series of contentious exchanges with the media and ongoing legal and public scrutiny of the administration’s record. As the White House faces calls for more accountability, Leavitt’s remarks underscore the administration’s strategy of denying any misconduct by Trump and asserting unprecedented transparency—claims that continue to be challenged by critics and fact-checkers.

In summary, the Trump administration’s response to questions about Epstein highlights its pattern of dismissing allegations, asserting innocence, and claiming superior transparency, even as demands for further disclosure persist.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/12/karoline-leavitt-resignation-takeaways

Donald J. Trump: “The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-12 09:31:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims “Total Control” Over Strait of Hormuz, Issues Series of Disparaging and Dubious Statements About Iran

President Donald J. Trump has asserted sweeping U.S. dominance over the Strait of Hormuz, making a series of bold and disparaging claims about Iran’s military and economic status. “The U.S.A. has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, ‘A WALL OF STEEL,’ and there is nothing Iran can do about it,” Trump declared.

Exaggerated Military Claims

Trump’s statement paints a picture of Iran as a nation in total disarray, claiming, “They have no Navy, they have no Air Force, their remaining soldiers are unpaid, the IRGC is decimated and fleeing, and their ‘Leadership’ is uncertain, at best!” These sweeping assertions significantly exaggerate the current state of Iran’s military. While Iran faces economic and military challenges, it maintains both naval and air force capabilities, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains a central pillar of the Iranian regime.

Economic Distortions

Trump further claimed, “They have No Money – Their country is ‘shot.’ All they have is FAKE NEWS and 300% INFLATION, and getting worse!” While Iran has experienced high inflation and economic hardship, the figure of 300% inflation is not supported by available data. Such hyperbolic statements misrepresent the scale of Iran’s economic crisis and ignore the complexities of the country’s financial situation.

Personal Attacks and Dismissals

Throughout his remarks, Trump repeatedly belittled Iran’s leadership and military, referring to the country as “all talk and no action, the Bully of the Middle East No Longer.” These statements serve to further escalate rhetoric and diminish the possibility of diplomatic engagement.

Conclusion

President Trump’s recent comments regarding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran are marked by exaggerations, economic distortions, and personal attacks. By overstating U.S. control and misrepresenting Iran’s capabilities, Trump’s remarks risk inflaming tensions and spreading misinformation about a critical geopolitical flashpoint. Readers should approach such statements with caution and seek out verified information to understand the true state of affairs in the region.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40758

Peggy Flanagan wins Senate primary in Minnesota, notching another victory for progressive Democrats

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-12 10:24:00 — www.pbs.org

Donald Trump Points to Minnesota Fraud Scandals to Justify Immigration Crackdown

Donald Trump has seized on a series of high-profile fraud scandals in Minnesota as justification for launching a sweeping immigration crackdown, with an initial focus on the state’s large Somali community. The move comes as Minnesota’s political landscape is being reshaped by progressive victories and contentious primaries on both sides of the aisle.

Trump’s Response to Minnesota Fraud Cases

At least 65 people have been convicted in overlapping food fraud cases in Minnesota, with one former nonprofit leader sentenced to 42 years in prison for a $250 million fraud scheme. Trump has pointed to these scandals as a rationale for his proposed crackdown on immigration, specifically stating that the effort would begin by targeting the Somali community in Minnesota.

This stance continues Trump’s pattern of linking criminal activity to immigrant communities, a strategy he has used repeatedly to justify hardline immigration policies. Critics argue that such rhetoric unfairly stigmatizes entire groups and fuels division, while supporters claim it addresses legitimate concerns about fraud and public safety.

Trump’s Endorsement Power in Minnesota GOP

Trump’s influence remains strong in Minnesota Republican politics. In the recent GOP primary for governor, Trump publicly endorsed Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO and one of the most persistent proponents of the false claim that Trump’s 2020 loss to Joe Biden was fraudulent. On social media, Trump declared that Lindell “deserves a BIG WIN.” However, Lindell ultimately lost the primary to Lisa Demuth, amid concerns from some Republicans that his close association with Trump and his promotion of election myths would alienate independent voters.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Record

Trump’s endorsement of Lindell highlights his ongoing support for individuals who have spread misinformation about the 2020 election. Lindell was recently ordered to pay $2.3 million in a defamation lawsuit after calling a former voting systems company employee a traitor. The persistent promotion of false claims about election fraud has been widely debunked by courts and independent fact-checkers, yet Trump continues to amplify these narratives within the GOP.

Conclusion: Trump’s Rhetoric Shapes Minnesota’s Political Debate

Trump’s statements and endorsements continue to shape the political debate in Minnesota, particularly around issues of immigration and election integrity. By tying fraud scandals to immigration policy and backing candidates who echo his false claims about the 2020 election, Trump remains a central—and polarizing—figure in the state’s political landscape. As Minnesota heads toward a high-stakes general election, Trump’s record of false statements and divisive rhetoric will remain under scrutiny from both voters and political opponents.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/peggy-flanagan-wins-senate-primary-in-minnesota-notching-another-victory-for-progressive-democrats