WATCH: Trump receives report from Religious Liberty Commission in the Oval Office

PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-26 16:04:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Touts Commission Report Challenging Church-State Separation, Claims to Have “Saved Religion”

A new draft report from a commission created by President Donald Trump is calling for a fundamental shift in the relationship between religion and government, urging the nation to move away from the traditional concept of separating church and state. The Religious Liberty Commission, established by Trump and composed almost entirely of conservative Christians, released its 224-page draft Friday, advocating for a stronger role for religion in government, schools, and public life.

Trump’s Boast and Claims of Persecution

Speaking at a Faith & Freedom Coalition gathering in Washington, Trump promoted the commission’s findings, declaring, “We saved religion, it was going down.” He also accused the administration of his predecessor, Democrat Joe Biden, of carrying out a “reign of persecution” against religious Americans.

Commission Recommendations Reflect Trump’s Agenda

The commission’s report aligns closely with Trump’s longstanding goals. It recommends eliminating the Johnson Amendment, which prohibits political activity by tax-exempt religious organizations—a move Trump has repeatedly pushed for. The report also calls for compensating military service members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines, expanding religious expression in public spaces, increasing access to public funds for faith-based agencies, and broadening exemptions for those with religious objections to policies on vaccines, pronouns, and classroom lessons.

Downplaying Church-State Separation

While the commission stops short of calling the separation of church and state a “lie”—as its chairman, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, did earlier this year—it argues that the concept is often misapplied. The report insists it does not advocate for theocracy or the total elimination of any separation, but rather for a “tension” between First Amendment clauses that protect religious freedom and prohibit government establishment of religion.

Fact-Check: Trump’s Exaggerations and Distortions

Trump’s claim that his administration “saved religion” is a significant exaggeration. The report itself is part of a broader push by conservative states to bring more religion into public life, including classrooms, but there is no evidence that religion in America was “going down” in a way that required saving by the Trump administration. Furthermore, Trump’s assertion of a “reign of persecution” under Biden is not substantiated by the commission’s own findings, which critics say amount to advocacy rather than evidence-based investigation.

Criticism and Lack of Diversity

The commission has faced criticism for its lack of ideological diversity and for failing to address issues such as anti-Muslim efforts and the rise of antisemitism on the right. A coalition of groups has filed a lawsuit challenging the commission’s composition, arguing that it does not meet federal requirements for balanced viewpoints.

Conclusion

Trump’s promotion of the Religious Liberty Commission’s report underscores his administration’s efforts to reshape the boundaries between religion and government. However, his sweeping claims about saving religion and persecution under his successor are not supported by the facts presented in the commission’s own draft. As the report enters a public comment period, debate over the future of church-state separation in America is likely to intensify.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-trump-receives-report-from-religious-liberty-commission-in-the-oval-office

Maher challenges Vance on Trump election fraud claims: ‘That s— has to stop’

Administration News — 2026-06-27 08:15:00 — thehill.com

Trump’s Persistent Election Fraud Claims Draw Renewed Scrutiny

President Trump’s repeated false claims of election fraud remain at the center of national debate, as highlighted in a recent exchange on a prominent talk show. During a discussion with Vice President Vance, comedian Bill Maher directly challenged the ongoing narrative, pointing to Trump’s pattern of insisting that any electoral loss must be the result of cheating rather than a legitimate defeat.

False Claims Under Scrutiny

The excerpt underscores that, under Trump, the Republican Party has promoted a binary view of election outcomes: “Either we win, or they cheated.” This position, attributed to Trump, has been widely fact-checked and debunked by multiple sources, yet it continues to shape the party’s rhetoric and response to election results.

Impact on Democratic Norms

Maher’s comments reflect growing concern that Trump’s refusal to accept electoral defeat undermines a core democratic tradition—conceding when the vote does not go in one’s favor. The insistence on widespread fraud, without substantiated evidence, has fueled mistrust in the electoral process and contributed to ongoing political polarization.

Conclusion

President Trump’s stance, as reported in the discussion with Vice President Vance, exemplifies a broader trend of rejecting unfavorable outcomes by alleging fraud. This approach has been repeatedly challenged and fact-checked, yet it persists as a defining feature of Trump’s political strategy. The continued promotion of these false claims raises serious questions about the future of electoral integrity and the willingness of political leaders to uphold democratic norms.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5943740-bill-maher-jd-vance-donald-trump-election-fraud-claims/

Donald J. Trump: “RT @realDonaldTrumpThe Crowd was incredible last night, packed to the brim —…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-06-27 05:05:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims Massive Crowd and “Truly Successful America” in Recent Speech

President Donald J. Trump declared, “The crowd was incredible last night, packed to the brim — At least 45,000 people were there, with a huge Television and online audience.” He went on to praise the event’s airplane flyovers and music, and asserted, “Everybody stayed right until the end of my Speech because they loved hearing about a truly successful America.”

Crowd Size Claims

Trump’s assertion that “at least 45,000 people were there” continues a pattern of exaggerating crowd sizes at his events. Independent estimates and local officials have often reported lower attendance figures at past rallies, and no independent verification of the 45,000 figure has been provided for this event. Claims of “packed to the brim” crowds have been a hallmark of Trump’s public appearances, but fact-checks have frequently found these numbers to be inflated.

Portrayal of Unanimous Enthusiasm

Trump also claimed, “Everybody stayed right until the end of my Speech because they loved hearing about a truly successful America.” This sweeping statement suggests unanimous approval and engagement, which is difficult to substantiate. Reports from previous events have shown that some attendees do leave early, and not all audience members are uniformly supportive.

Looking Ahead to July 4th

Trump promised an even larger area for his next appearance, stating, “I wish we were able to have an even larger area, which we will be able to do on July 4th when I’ll be speaking again.” This forward-looking claim continues his pattern of projecting ever-growing support and anticipation for his events.

Conclusion

President Trump’s recent statements highlight his ongoing tendency to exaggerate crowd sizes and portray overwhelming support. While his supporters remain enthusiastic, independent verification of his claims is often lacking. As Trump looks ahead to his July 4th event, his rhetoric underscores the importance of fact-checking and critical scrutiny of public statements.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39562

Watergate Today as a Blip of a Story? Vance Might Not Be Entirely Wrong.

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-06-27 04:02:00 — www.nytimes.com

Donald Trump Pushes Boundaries of Presidential Power, Embraces Aggressive Tactics Against Critics

Donald Trump has openly distinguished himself from Richard Nixon by highlighting his refusal to resign in the face of impeachment, stating that unlike Nixon, he fought impeachment proceedings—twice. Since his re-election, Trump has been upfront about pursuing business interests while in office and about using the power of government to punish his enemies.

This approach signals a dramatic shift in the norms of presidential conduct. Trump’s willingness to leverage his office for personal and political gain, and to retaliate against perceived opponents, marks a departure from the constraints that were put in place after the Watergate scandal to prevent abuse of presidential power. These measures were designed to protect the independence of the Justice Department and other federal agencies.

Trump’s record stands in stark contrast to the bipartisan consensus that ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation. While Nixon left office after Republicans joined Democrats in approving articles of impeachment, Trump has maintained a mutually appreciative relationship with Nixon’s legacy but has emphasized his own combative stance against oversight and accountability.

Observers note that Trump’s actions have been met with little challenge from Congress and increasing approval from the Supreme Court, which has granted broad immunity from prosecution for official actions. This environment has allowed Trump to push the bounds of presidential authority further than any of his predecessors.

The current political climate, as reflected in the comments of Vice President JD Vance and others, suggests that the standards for presidential accountability have eroded. Trump’s ability to “curate his own reality” and to rewrite the narrative around his actions would have been inconceivable in the era of Watergate. As a result, experts warn that a president could now engage in the kinds of abuses that ended Nixon’s career and still remain in office.

In summary, Donald Trump’s open pursuit of personal business interests while president and his use of government power to punish adversaries exemplify a new, unbound model of executive leadership—one that raises serious questions about the future of democratic accountability in the United States.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/27/us/politics/watergate-vance-trump-nixon.html

Looking into the Reflecting Pool: We examined Trump’s vandalism claims

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-06-26 16:17:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump Blames Vandalism for Reflecting Pool Failures, Offers Shifting Explanations

President Donald Trump has repeatedly blamed vandalism for the peeling and algae-plagued state of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, following a high-profile renovation project that painted the pool’s bottom “American flag blue.” Trump has claimed that vandals slashed the pool’s lining with a knife, describing the alleged cut as anywhere from 150 to 350 feet long. In a June 23 Truth Social post, he stated, “The 350 foot gash, made by a very sharp knife or razors, is actually numerous slashes over a very long 350 foot length,” and promised to provide proof in court.

When pressed for evidence, the Trump administration pointed to the Interior Department, a White House spokesperson’s Fox News interview blaming vandals, and video footage of people bending over the pool’s edge. A White House press release included a video showing a white line in the pool, but journalists and National Park Service video feeds have not confirmed the existence of a visible gash.

Experts and public records cast doubt on Trump’s claims. Problems with the blue coating, including bubbling and holes, were documented before Trump’s vandalism allegations. Steve Goodale, an aquatic systems consultant, said it is difficult to imagine a tool causing more than superficial damage to the pool’s polyurea coating. He also noted that fertilizer—another substance Trump suggested vandals used—would be highly unlikely to damage the lining, which is resistant to chemicals.

The root causes of the pool’s persistent issues appear to be longstanding foundational problems and inadequate surface preparation before applying the new coating, not sabotage. Pipes meant to filter and maintain water levels are leaking, a problem not addressed by Trump’s renovation, according to The New York Times.

Trump’s administration awarded no-bid contracts for the renovations to firms with ties to him, totaling more than $16 million. Less than a week after reopening, the pool turned green from algae—a recurring issue for the monument.

On the legal front, Trump has said that destroying or attempting to destroy the pool is punishable by 10 years in prison. However, legal experts say it is highly unlikely that the maximum sentence would be imposed for the alleged acts, especially given the limited evidence of actual vandalism.

Trump has also exaggerated the cost of prior repairs, claiming on Truth Social that “Obama and Biden spent over 100 Million Dollars on the Reflecting Pool, and it never worked.” In reality, the Obama administration spent $35 million on basin and circulation system upgrades, and the Biden administration did not conduct major repairs.

The ongoing problems at the Reflecting Pool highlight a pattern of shifting explanations and exaggerated claims from Trump, as fact-checks and expert analysis continue to undermine the narrative of widespread vandalism. The evidence suggests that the pool’s troubles are rooted in structural and management issues, not sabotage.

Source article

Source: https://www.politifact.com/article/2026/jun/26/looking-into-the-reflecting-pool-we-examined-trump/

Trump rips former national security adviser after guilty plea: "Hopefully, he will be dealt with harshly!"

Administration News — 2026-06-26 21:46:00 — thehill.com

Trump Launches Personal Attack on John Bolton After Guilty Plea

President Trump lashed out at his former national security adviser, John Bolton, following Bolton’s guilty plea to improperly retaining sensitive materials from his White House tenure. In a Truth Social post late Friday, Trump wrote, “John Bolton, a very dumb, unbalanced, and unskilled former representative of the United States of America, just pleads guilty!”

Disparagement and Distortion

Trump’s post did not address the specifics of Bolton’s case or the legal process, instead focusing on personal insults and disparagement. By labeling Bolton as “very dumb, unbalanced, and unskilled,” Trump continued his pattern of attacking the character and competence of former associates who become embroiled in legal controversies or break with him publicly.

Fact-Check: Trump’s Record of Attacks

The statement in Trump’s post is not supported by evidence regarding Bolton’s qualifications or service. Bolton, who served as national security adviser, has a long record in government, including roles as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and in multiple Republican administrations. Trump’s characterization is a personal opinion and not a factual assessment of Bolton’s career or actions.

Conclusion

Trump’s response to Bolton’s guilty plea highlights his tendency to respond to legal developments involving former aides with personal attacks and disparagements rather than substantive commentary. This approach continues a broader pattern in which Trump seeks to undermine critics and former allies through public insults, often without addressing the underlying facts of their cases. Readers should be aware of this tactic when evaluating Trump’s statements about individuals facing legal scrutiny.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5943575-trump-rips-former-national-security-adviser-after-guilty-plea-hopefully-he-will-be-dealt-with-harshly/

Donald J. Trump: “John Bolton, a very dumb, unbalanced, and unskilled former representative of…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-06-26 20:14:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Launches Scathing Attack on John Bolton, Calls Him “A Terrible Person” and “Lunatic”

In a recent statement, President Donald Trump unleashed a barrage of personal attacks against John Bolton, the former representative of the United States, following reports that Bolton “just pleads guilty.” Trump described Bolton as “a very dumb, unbalanced, and unskilled former representative,” and went further to label him “a terrible person, a lunatic who only wanted to start trouble and wars, and who was a needless pusher of death and destruction wherever he went.” Trump concluded his remarks by expressing hope that Bolton “will be dealt with harshly!”

Disparagements and Exaggerations

Trump’s comments represent a pattern of public disparagements and exaggerations directed at former officials and critics. In this instance, he not only questioned Bolton’s intelligence and skills but also accused him of being a “pusher of death and destruction”—a claim that is both inflammatory and unsupported by specific evidence in the provided statement. The language used, including calling Bolton a “lunatic” and “terrible person,” is consistent with Trump’s history of personal attacks on individuals with whom he has had policy disagreements or political conflicts.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

The excerpt does not provide factual support for Trump’s assertions that Bolton “only wanted to start trouble and wars” or that he was “a needless pusher of death and destruction.” These characterizations are subjective and serve to vilify Bolton without substantiation. While Bolton has been known for his hawkish foreign policy views, there is no evidence in the statement that directly links him to the outcomes Trump describes.

Conclusion

President Trump’s latest remarks about John Bolton continue his pattern of using harsh, unsubstantiated language to attack former associates and critics. By labeling Bolton as “dumb,” “unbalanced,” and responsible for “death and destruction,” Trump relies on personal insults and exaggerations rather than presenting a fact-based critique. Readers should approach such statements with caution and seek additional context to understand the broader implications of these public attacks.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39555

Trump news at a glance: president tests out a new ‘red scare’ ahead of midterms | Trump administration

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-06-26 20:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Escalates Rhetoric, Labels Democrats as “Godless Communists” in Midterm Strategy

Donald Trump has previewed a new Republican strategy for the upcoming midterm elections, seizing on a progressive sweep in New York to launch a series of inflammatory attacks against Democrats. Speaking to religious conservatives at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s annual Road to Majority conference, Trump described recent election winners in New York as “very troubling people” and claimed, without evidence, that they “want to destroy our country, and they hate our country and our people.”

Stoking Fear and Division

Trump’s remarks focused on victories by democratic socialists backed by New York’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani. He used these wins to stoke fears that the Democratic Party has embraced extremism, warning that this could lead to the violent persecution of Christians. “The Democratic party is in big trouble,” Trump said. “This is not stopping with New York.”

He further escalated his rhetoric by telling the religious right audience, “All communists are godless. They do not believe in God … These ruthless communists attack all religions, but in particular Christianity. They always do. They’re after Christianity more than any other religion.” Trump’s comments attempted to link the Democratic Party to communism and portray them as a threat to religious freedom.

False and Misleading Claims

Trump’s claims were not supported by evidence. His assertion that the New York election winners “want to destroy our country” and “hate our country and our people” was made without substantiation. Additionally, Trump cited the U.S. military’s intervention in Nigeria to save Christian populations, implying a fight against communism. However, Nigeria is not a communist country, making this reference both misleading and factually incorrect.

Political Context

Republicans have been trailing in the polls, with voters expressing dissatisfaction over Trump’s failure to deliver on campaign promises such as lowering prices and keeping the U.S. out of foreign wars. GOP strategists now see an opportunity to paint the entire Democratic Party with the most extreme views of the left, using figures like Mamdani as examples.

Conclusion

Trump’s latest remarks signal a strategy of heightened rhetoric and divisive messaging as the midterms approach. By labeling Democrats as “godless communists” and making unsupported claims about their intentions, Trump is seeking to energize his base and shift the political conversation. However, his statements continue a pattern of exaggerations and distortions that have characterized much of his political messaging, raising concerns about the impact of such rhetoric on public discourse and democratic debate.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/26/trump-news-at-a-glance-red-scare

DNC plans weekend of local events to focus on affordability concerns under Trump

PBS NewsHour – Politics — 2026-06-26 18:16:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Dismisses Affordability Concerns as “Hoax,” Downplays Lingering Inflation Amid Public Discontent

As Americans continue to grapple with the rising cost of living, President Donald Trump has described affordability concerns as a “hoax” and recently stated, “I love the inflation” because he expects costs to drop as he tries to resolve his war with Iran. These remarks come as the Democratic National Committee launches hundreds of community events nationwide, aiming to address the very economic anxieties that Trump has publicly minimized.

Trump’s Dismissal of Inflation Worries

Trump’s characterization of affordability issues as a “hoax” stands in stark contrast to widespread public sentiment. According to an AP-NORC poll from June, only about one-third of U.S. adults approve of how Trump is handling the economy—a notable decline from the 40% approval at the start of his second term. The same poll reveals that approximately 7 in 10 Americans now describe the country’s economy as “poor,” a figure that has risen since March, underscoring persistent dissatisfaction with high prices, particularly those exacerbated by the ongoing war in Iran.

Public Reaction and Political Response

While Trump has downplayed the impact of inflation, Democrats are seizing the opportunity to highlight his lack of engagement with everyday economic challenges. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin stated, “Everything costs too damn much under Donald Trump and the Republicans,” as the party organizes events such as school supply giveaways and food bank drives to directly assist struggling families.

Polling data further indicate that slightly more Americans believe the Democratic Party would do a better job than Republicans in handling inflation and the cost of living. A Marquette Law School/SSRS poll from May found that 35% of U.S. adults favor Democrats on these issues, compared to 28% for Republicans.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s assertion that affordability concerns are a “hoax” is contradicted by both polling data and the lived experiences of millions of Americans. The significant drop in his economic approval rating and the increasing number of Americans who view the economy as “poor” reflect a reality that cannot be dismissed as mere political posturing. Furthermore, Trump’s statement, “I love the inflation,” appears out of touch with the hardships faced by ordinary citizens, especially as high gas prices and other costs continue to strain household budgets.

Conclusion

President Trump’s repeated downplaying of inflation and affordability issues—describing them as a “hoax” and expressing affection for rising prices—places him at odds with public opinion and the economic realities facing many Americans. As Democrats mobilize to address these concerns directly, Trump’s dismissive rhetoric risks further alienating voters who are seeking real solutions to their everyday financial struggles. The contrast between Trump’s statements and the public’s economic anxieties highlights a critical divide in the current political landscape.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/dnc-plans-weekend-of-local-events-to-focus-on-affordability-concerns-under-trump

U.S. Begins Investigating Polymarket, a Test of a Key Regulator

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-06-26 21:08:00 — www.nytimes.com

In May, President Trump said it was critical that prediction markets thrive, a statement that has drawn scrutiny as federal regulators renew their investigation into Polymarket, a leading prediction market company with financial ties to Donald Trump Jr. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (C.F.T.C.)—a powerful but often overlooked federal agency—has launched its third inquiry into Polymarket, reigniting longstanding questions about whether the company is operating within the law.

Trump’s Support for Prediction Markets

Trump’s position, as reported, underscores his administration’s support for the growth of prediction markets. This stance comes despite ongoing concerns from lawmakers in both parties about the potential for insider trading and illicit profits on these platforms, which now process billions of dollars in trades each month. The president’s expressed priority for the industry’s success stands in contrast to the agency’s previous enforcement actions, including a $1.4 million fine against Polymarket in 2022 for operating without a license and a ban on serving U.S. customers.

Regulatory Retreat and Renewed Scrutiny

After Trump was sworn in and new leadership took over at the C.F.T.C., the agency retreated from a prior investigation into Polymarket, even as its own enforcement attorneys argued the case should proceed. The agency’s shift, coinciding with Trump’s tenure and the appointment of Caroline D. Pham as acting chair, led to the dropping of both C.F.T.C. and Justice Department investigations, clearing the way for Polymarket to expand its U.S. operations.

Ongoing Concerns and Legal Challenges

Despite Polymarket’s assurances that it bans U.S. customers from its international site and prohibits the use of virtual private networks, evidence has emerged that these rules are routinely circumvented. Recent criminal charges against individuals using confidential information to profit from Polymarket bets have further fueled concerns about the platform’s controls against insider trading.

Conclusion

President Trump’s public support for the prediction market industry, even as regulators investigate companies tied to his family, highlights the tension between promoting financial innovation and ensuring robust oversight. As the C.F.T.C. faces pressure to police this rapidly growing sector, Trump’s record and statements on the issue remain central to the ongoing debate over accountability and transparency in financial markets.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/26/us/politics/cftc-investigating-polymarket-trump.html