Former Sen. Flake on what GOP objections over Blanche’s nomination means for Trump : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-31 05:42:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Delays Attorney General Nomination, Banking on GOP Senate Majority

President Trump has stated that he can wait until after Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn leave the Senate in the new year before moving forward with the nomination of Todd Blanche as attorney general. This approach signals Trump’s belief that Republicans will maintain a majority in the Senate after the midterm elections—a calculation that carries significant political risk.

According to the discussion on NPR, Trump is refusing to provide written assurances requested by Tillis and Cornyn regarding the nomination. The report attributes this refusal to Trump’s desire to preserve both the “weaponization fund” and the “immunity deal,” indicating he wants to keep these controversial elements in play as leverage.

Trump’s stance underscores his ongoing influence over the Republican Party, particularly through his ability to threaten the political futures of senators who might oppose him. However, as noted in the interview, this power is beginning to wane, especially among senators not facing reelection.

The standoff over the Blanche nomination highlights Trump’s willingness to bypass Senate objections by keeping Blanche as acting attorney general if necessary. This move sidesteps the traditional confirmation process and raises questions about the balance of power between the executive branch and Congress.

In summary, Trump’s handling of the attorney general nomination demonstrates his continued reliance on political maneuvering and his reluctance to compromise with members of his own party, even at the expense of Senate norms. As the midterms approach, the outcome of this standoff will test the durability of Trump’s hold on the GOP and the Senate’s role in checking presidential power.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/31/nx-s1-5913739/former-sen-flake-on-what-gop-objections-over-blanches-nomination-means-for-trump

Federal Appeals Court Rejects Bid to Block Trump’s Mail Voting Restrictions:

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-31 20:46:00 — trumpstruth.org

A federal appeals court has declined to block President Donald Trump’s executive order that overhauls mail-in voting procedures, despite concerns about its legality and potential impact on upcoming elections.

The executive order, signed on March 31, 2026, directs federal officials to compile lists of American citizens and mandates that states allow only individuals on these lists to register and vote. This directive has raised significant questions about its constitutionality and the president’s authority over state-managed election processes.

In June, a federal judge blocked the order in approximately two dozen states and the District of Columbia, ruling that it exceeded presidential powers. However, the recent decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a previous ruling that denied a preliminary injunction against the order. The appellate panel stated that the case is “unripe for review in its present posture,” indicating that legal challenges could proceed if the administration implements the order in a manner that violates federal law or the Constitution.

The Trump administration has defended the executive order, asserting that it aims to ensure the integrity and fairness of elections. Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate described the court’s decision as a “big win” for the president’s efforts to maintain election security.

Critics argue that the order could lead to voter disenfranchisement and confusion, particularly if implemented close to election dates. The legal battles surrounding this directive underscore the ongoing debates over federal versus state control of election procedures and the balance between election security and voter access.

As the situation develops, further court rulings and potential Supreme Court involvement may provide clarity on the order’s legality and its implications for future elections.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40408

Justice department moves to dismiss its charges against Olympian over reflecting pool | Trump administration

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-31 18:13:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump’s Sabotage Claims About Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Contradicted by New Evidence

Donald Trump had claimed that efforts to sabotage the $15 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool were underway, with Olympian David Hearn among those accused of damaging the site. However, new court filings and witness testimony have revealed that these claims were not supported by the facts.

### Trump’s Sabotage Allegations

Trump asserted that Hearn and others were involved in deliberate efforts to damage the reflecting pool. Hearn, who was the only person facing a felony charge, denied the administration’s accusations of sabotage and pleaded not guilty.

### Evidence Contradicts Trump’s Claims

A recent motion by government lawyers, based on documents from the Department of the Interior, showed that the pool’s damage occurred before Hearn visited the site. The documents described a “rushed and flawed installation process,” with repeated failures of the pool liner and extensive peeling throughout the reflecting pool.

It was only after these documents were produced that prosecutors acknowledged the damage was due to a botched installation, not vandalism as initially represented by the Department of the Interior under Trump’s administration.

### Witness Testimony and Legal Irregularities

A National Park Service official testified that the pool had substantial preexisting damage, including leaks of over one million gallons of water per week and a liner that already contained a rip. The same repairs would have been required regardless of Hearn’s alleged conduct.

Defense attorneys highlighted irregularities in the grand jury process and called for a review of the entire record, arguing that the government’s approach was “ready, fire, aim.”

### Conclusion

The case against David Hearn, brought during Trump’s administration and based on claims of sabotage, has now been dismissed after evidence showed the damage was unrelated to any alleged vandalism. This episode underscores a pattern of false accusations and government overreach, with Trump’s claims about the reflecting pool’s sabotage ultimately contradicted by the facts.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/31/reflecting-pool-damage-olympian

Charges Dropped Against Ex-Olympian David Hearn Accused of Damaging Reflecting Pool

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-31 21:12:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump’s False Claims About Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Damage Contradicted by Federal Prosecutors

President Trump repeatedly claimed that widespread damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was caused by vandals slashing its new blue liner with knives. However, a motion filed by U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro on Friday directly contradicted Trump’s assertions, revealing that the damage was actually the result of a botched installation by a government contractor, not vandalism.

Earlier this month, Pirro herself had echoed Trump’s claims, stating at a news conference that there was “tremendous evidence” supporting a felony charge against David Hearn, a former Olympic canoeist accused of vandalizing the pool. Pirro noted that Hearn faced up to 10 years in prison. But in her Friday filing, Pirro explained that prosecutors had been misled by the Interior Department, which falsely attributed nearly all the damage to vandals while withholding information that the pool’s new lining had begun peeling within two days of completion.

Upon visiting the site, prosecutors saw that the damage was widespread and not limited to areas accessible to Hearn. Further investigation revealed that the problems with the pool’s lining developed during the renovation itself, not from outside interference. Pirro wrote, “Given all of this newly discovered information, it is difficult to attribute the widespread damage to the Reflecting Pool to vandalism.”

Despite mounting evidence of contractor error, the Trump administration continued to defend the project as a success. An Interior Department spokeswoman previously stated, “President Donald J. Trump is an expert builder who fixed the Reflecting Pool permanently before deranged people vandalized it.” Trump also initially claimed he had personally chosen the contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings, because it had worked on one of his golf clubs, but later reversed himself, saying he did not know the firm.

The administration’s narrative extended to other issues at the pool. After an algae bloom turned the water bright green, Trump claimed vandals had dumped fertilizer into the pool, even though algae blooms have plagued the site for decades and no one has been charged with such an act.

The Justice Department’s motion to dismiss the felony charge against Hearn highlights a pattern of false statements and misattribution by Trump and his administration regarding the Reflecting Pool’s problems. The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government projects, especially when public statements are contradicted by the facts.

The Reflecting Pool remains closed for inspection and repair, with questions lingering about the Interior Department’s conduct and the administration’s handling of the renovation.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/31/us/politics/david-hearn-reflecting-pool-vandalism-charges.html

What’s in the proposed deal to disarm Hamas and withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-31 17:55:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Calls Gaza Disarmament Plan a “Great Breakthrough,” Experts Question Feasibility

President Trump today described a new U.S.-backed road map for Gaza as a “great breakthrough,” claiming, “Nobody’s ever thought that would — nobody thought that would be possible to disarm Hamas. That shows you how much success we’re having with Iran.” Trump’s remarks came as U.S. and Board of Peace officials announced a multi-step agreement aimed at disarming Hamas, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, and reconstructing the territory.

The Plan and Trump’s Framing

According to officials, the agreement would begin with Hamas police transferring small arms to a new internationally trained police force, followed by the installation of a new transitional government in Gaza, and the deployment of international troops to replace Israeli forces. The most challenging step would be the disarmament of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, with heavy weapons and tunnels to be decommissioned and stored by the interim Palestinian government.

President Trump linked the plan’s prospects to his administration’s approach to Iran, suggesting the deal’s progress reflects broader U.S. success in the region. However, this characterization glosses over the significant obstacles acknowledged by both U.S. and international officials.

Skepticism from Experts and Stakeholders

Experts interviewed for the report noted that while Hamas has agreed to a form of disarmament, the process is highly conditional and fraught with mistrust. Hamas leaders stated they would only put weapons in “storage” inside Gaza if Israel acts first, and the weapons would be handed to Palestinians, not Israel. Israeli officials, meanwhile, reiterated that there would be “no withdrawal whatsoever” of Israeli forces unless Hamas undergoes “genuine disarmament,” highlighting a fundamental impasse.

Aaron David Miller of the Carnegie Endowment described the plan as “tethered, frankly, to a galaxy far, far away, rather than to the realities back here on planet Earth,” citing entrenched red lines on both sides and political distractions, including those attributed to Trump.

Conclusion

While President Trump has publicly celebrated the agreement as a historic achievement, the facts on the ground suggest the path forward is uncertain and fraught with challenges. The mutual distrust between Hamas and Israel, the sequencing of disarmament and withdrawal, and the looming Israeli election all cast doubt on the plan’s viability. Despite Trump’s optimistic framing, experts and officials caution that the agreement’s implementation remains highly unlikely under current conditions.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/whats-in-the-proposed-deal-to-disarm-hamas-and-withdraw-israeli-forces-from-gaza

Trump and Netanyahu May Be at Odds Again Over Gaza Plan

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-31 18:05:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Claims Israel Is “Very Happy” With Gaza Disarmament Plan Despite Israeli Concerns

President Trump dismissed concerns on Friday about the viability of his newly announced plan to disarm Hamas, insisting that Israel was “very happy” with the agreement—even as signals from Israel’s government indicated otherwise. “We do have an understanding with Israel,” Trump told reporters after a cabinet meeting at Camp David. “Israel is very happy about it. Israel helped us.” Just a day earlier, Trump had called the plan a “historic breakthrough,” but he quickly tempered expectations, describing the situation as “very complex” and warning that the process would likely have “ups and downs.”

Disputed Claims and Uncertain Support

Trump’s public insistence on Israeli support stands in contrast to the actual response from Israeli officials. While Trump claimed Israel was on board, the Israeli government circulated statements from a “diplomatic official” emphasizing the need for “genuine” disarmament by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel’s right-wing national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, openly called the plan “unacceptable” on social media—a sign of deep reservations within the Israeli leadership.

The plan, brokered by the Board of Peace, a multinational body Trump established in early 2025, aims to oversee peace efforts between Israel and Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza. Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey played central roles in the negotiations. Trump announced Thursday night that Hamas had agreed to “complete disarmament,” a claim that remains in doubt. On Friday, Hamas indicated it would only begin surrendering “heavy weapons” once Israel halted attacks on Gaza and showed no intention of giving up light weapons, which are crucial for maintaining its political control.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Assertions

Trump’s assertion that the agreement “shows you how much success we’re having with Iran” was made without any supporting evidence. The excerpt notes that when pressed on how the sequencing of disarmament and Israeli withdrawal would work, Trump sidestepped the question and offered no details.

The new agreement largely repeats promises made in the October 2025 cease-fire, under which both sides accused each other of failing to uphold their commitments. The process outlined in the 15-point agreement is gradual, with a two-week window to determine an implementation schedule and provisions for extensions.

Complex Realities and Political Tensions

Trump’s approach has put additional strain on his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has not issued a formal statement on the plan. The two leaders have disagreed on key issues, including diplomacy with Iran and Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah. Trump has rejected Netanyahu’s warnings that Iran only responds to military and economic pressure, instead pursuing negotiations with Tehran.

The situation remains fluid, with both Israel and Hamas prioritizing their own interests and continuing to argue over the meaning of disarmament. Trump, meanwhile, faces the challenge of ensuring follow-through on the agreement while juggling numerous competing priorities.

Conclusion

President Trump’s claims about Israeli support for his Gaza disarmament plan are contradicted by statements from Israeli officials and the ongoing reluctance of both Israel and Hamas to fully commit to the terms. As the process moves forward, the success of the plan—and Trump’s credibility on the issue—remains far from certain.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/31/us/politics/new-gaza-plan-hailed-by-trump-again-pressures-netanyahu.html

Trump says he may pull Todd Blanche’s nomination to circumvent GOP holdouts : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-31 05:42:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Threatens to Delay Attorney General Nomination Over Senate Opposition to IRS Settlement

President Trump has stated he is willing to hold off on the nomination of Attorney General Todd Blanche until January, citing a potentially easier political calculation in the Senate after the departure of two Republican senators. The move comes as Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina demand written guarantees about a Justice Department settlement that ended Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax returns.

Trump’s Leverage Over Senate Confirmations

Trump has suggested he may temporarily withdraw Blanche’s nomination if Cornyn and Tillis do not relent in their demands. According to reporting, Trump indicated he could simply renominate Blanche once both senators, who are leaving office at the end of the year, are gone. Trump has publicly taken credit for their departures, highlighting his refusal to endorse either senator and noting his endorsement of Cornyn’s primary challenger.

IRS Settlement and Immunity Deal at Center of Dispute

The controversy centers on a settlement that included the creation of a nearly $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, which Blanche claims is no longer active. However, a related immunity deal that shields Trump, his family, and his businesses from IRS audits of past tax returns remains in effect, according to Blanche. Cornyn and Tillis are seeking assurances that the anti-weaponization fund is indeed dead and clarification on the scope of the immunity deal before supporting Blanche’s nomination.

Trump’s Position: Withhold Guarantees, Delay Nomination

Trump’s posture is clear: he would rather delay the nomination than provide the requested guarantees about the immunity deal, which directly benefits him and his family. This approach underscores Trump’s willingness to use his influence over Senate confirmations to protect his personal interests, even at the risk of further political complications.

Conclusion

President Trump’s handling of the Blanche nomination highlights his ongoing efforts to leverage Senate dynamics for personal and political advantage. By threatening to delay the nomination and refusing to provide transparency about the IRS settlement, Trump continues to prioritize his own interests, raising questions about accountability and the integrity of the confirmation process.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/31/nx-s1-5913860/trump-says-he-may-pull-todd-blanches-nomination-to-circumvent-gop-holdouts

Donald J. Trump: “I am pleased to announce that the man who so foolishly led the Indiana State…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-31 09:50:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Blames Indiana Senate Leader for GOP Losses, Launches Personal Attack

Donald Trump issued a scathing statement targeting Indiana State Senate President Rodric Bray, blaming him for Republican election losses and calling for his resignation. Trump claimed, “the man who so foolishly led the Indiana State Senate, with almost every Candidate losing their Race, many of them in Office for years, will not be seeking Re-Election as Senate President because he wouldn’t have had a chance to be elected — Better yet would be if he would resign from Office, completely, but he will be met by us at the Indiana Polls.”

Direct Attacks and Disparagement

Trump did not hold back in his criticism of Bray, labeling him a “FOOL” and asserting that Bray “should be ashamed of himself for costing our Country, mainly the Republican Party, two U.S. House Seats, and for costing all of his colleagues who went along with him, an Election loss!” He further accused Bray of leading “wayward Senators, led down the Path of Destruction.”

Exaggerated Claims

Trump also boasted about his own electoral performance in Indiana, stating, “we won with the Highest Vote in the History of the State.” This claim is presented without supporting evidence in the statement, and such assertions have frequently been fact-checked and found to be exaggerations in the past.

Conclusion

Trump’s statement combines personal attacks, blame-shifting, and unsubstantiated boasts. By targeting Bray and attributing Republican losses to his leadership, Trump continues his pattern of publicly disparaging political opponents and overstating his own achievements. These remarks highlight Trump’s ongoing use of inflammatory rhetoric and questionable claims to shape political narratives and rally his base.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40403

Trump needles Cornyn as Blanche remains blocked

Donald Trump — 2026-07-31 08:13:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Defends $1.8 Billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” Despite Contradictory Statements from Legal Team

President Trump has publicly defended his proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” a move that has drawn scrutiny and raised questions about the accuracy of his claims. This defense comes even as his attorney, Blanche, stated earlier this month that the fund is not moving forward.

Contradictory Claims on the Fund’s Status

The president’s insistence on the existence and defense of the $1.8 billion fund stands in stark contrast to recent statements from his own legal team. Blanche, representing Trump, made it clear that the initiative is not progressing, directly contradicting Trump’s public position. This discrepancy highlights a pattern of conflicting narratives coming from Trump and those speaking on his behalf.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Defense

Trump’s defense of the fund is not supported by the latest information from his legal representatives. The contradiction between Trump’s statements and Blanche’s admission raises concerns about the reliability of Trump’s public claims. This is not the first instance where Trump’s statements have been at odds with those of his aides or legal team, further fueling debates about transparency and truthfulness.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Misinformation

President Trump’s continued defense of the $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” despite clear indications from his attorney that it is not moving forward, exemplifies his ongoing pattern of making statements that are later contradicted by those closest to him. This episode underscores the importance of scrutinizing public claims and seeking clarity amid conflicting information from the president and his representatives. Readers are left to question the veracity of Trump’s statements and the implications for public trust in presidential communications.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/31/congress/trump-needles-cornyn-01019003

Up First briefing: Hamas-Israel deal; Todd Blanche; U.S. economy : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-31 06:30:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Claims Breakthrough Gaza Deal, But Key Disputes Remain

President Trump is claiming that Hamas will completely disarm and Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza under a new groundbreaking deal. According to the president, his Board of Peace agreed to the plan with the support of mediators from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar. The announcement comes more than nine months after a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire was signed.

However, a senior official from the Palestinian militant group told NPR they would only give up their weapons if Israel withdraws from Gaza first, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to respond. This directly contradicts Trump’s assertion that Hamas will disarm as part of the deal, highlighting a significant gap between the president’s claims and the positions of the parties involved.

The deal faces hurdles over whether the Israeli or Hamas portion of the agreement should take place first. Trump’s push for a win with Gaza comes as the midterm elections approach, with political analysts warning of consequences if the Iran war continues and gas prices keep rising.

In a separate development, Trump is considering withdrawing his nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to officially take over the role. Two Republican senators are withholding their support for Blanche due to the Department of Justice’s deal with the president to end his IRS lawsuit. Trump says the withdrawal could be temporary until those two senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, leave office in January.

The senators are requesting written assurances from the Justice Department that both the settlement and the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund are off the table. They also want clarity on the tax immunity deal for Trump, his family, and his businesses. Reporting indicates that Trump would rather withdraw Blanche’s nomination than provide senators with guarantees of deals that favor him.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statements about a Gaza breakthrough are being challenged by facts on the ground and by the parties directly involved. His claims of Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal do not align with the positions of Hamas or the lack of response from Israel. As political and legal pressures mount, Trump’s public assertions continue to face scrutiny and contradiction from those involved in the negotiations and from within his own party.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/31/g-s1-136527/up-first-newsletter-trump-hamas-israel-todd-blanche-us-economy