Fauci and His Senate Nemesis Rand Paul to Face Off in Hearing

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-29 06:12:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Announces New Restrictions on Gain-of-Function Virus Research

On Tuesday, President Trump announced new restrictions on gain-of-function research, a type of scientific work that involves altering the genetic makeup of viruses to better understand how they evolve and how pandemics might be prevented. This move comes amid ongoing controversy and debate over the origins of the coronavirus pandemic and the role of U.S.-funded research in China.

Background of the Controversy

The announcement follows renewed scrutiny of gain-of-function research, which has been at the center of political and scientific debate. Senator Rand Paul has insisted that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, previously led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, funded dangerous research on viruses in China that allegedly spun out of control. Dr. Fauci has repeatedly denied these claims, stating that the research was tightly controlled and did not contribute to the pandemic.

Fact-Checking the Claims

The government places strict controls on gain-of-function research, and there is no direct evidence in the excerpt that supports the allegation that U.S. funding led to the creation of the coronavirus in a Chinese laboratory. Many scientists, along with Dr. Fauci, maintain that the virus most likely originated naturally, jumping from animals to humans.

Trump’s Position and Policy Response

President Trump’s announcement of new restrictions on gain-of-function research signals a policy response to the ongoing debate and public concern. While the excerpt does not include a direct quote from Trump, it clearly attributes the decision to him and highlights his administration’s stance on tightening oversight of this controversial area of scientific study.

Conclusion

President Trump’s move to impose new restrictions on gain-of-function research underscores the political and scientific tensions surrounding the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. As the debate continues, the administration’s actions reflect a cautious approach to research that has been the subject of misinformation and heated public discussion. The facts remain that there is no conclusive evidence linking U.S.-funded research to the pandemic’s origins, and the government continues to enforce strict controls on such work.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/29/us/politics/fauci-testifies-rand-paul.html

Donald J. Trump: “Senator Ron Johnson is working hard with Senate Republican Leadership to ado…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-28 20:09:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Urges Senate to Pass Budget Resolution, Makes Claims About SAVE AMERICA ACT

President Donald J. Trump has called on the Senate to adopt a Budget Resolution before the August recess, emphasizing its importance as the “first step towards getting as much of THE SAVE AMERICA ACT as possible in a Budget Bill, funding our Troops, and helping our Farmers.” Trump asserted, “This Resolution can be adopted at a simple Majority threshold,” and pressed the Senate to “GET IT DONE!”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s statement highlights several key points: the urgency of passing a Budget Resolution, the connection to the SAVE AMERICA ACT, and the assertion that the resolution can pass with a simple majority. While it is true that budget resolutions in the Senate can be adopted with a simple majority, the broader claims about the SAVE AMERICA ACT and its impact on troops and farmers warrant closer scrutiny.

The SAVE AMERICA ACT and Budget Procedure

The SAVE AMERICA ACT, as referenced by Trump, is positioned as a legislative priority. However, the specifics of what the act entails and how much of it could be included in a budget bill remain unclear from the statement alone. Budget resolutions set the framework for federal spending but do not themselves allocate funds or enact policy changes. Any substantive provisions from the SAVE AMERICA ACT would require subsequent legislation or reconciliation instructions.

Funding Troops and Farmers

Trump links the passage of the Budget Resolution to funding for troops and farmers. While budget resolutions can set overall spending levels for defense and agriculture, actual funding decisions are made through appropriations bills. The implication that passing the resolution directly funds these priorities is an exaggeration of the process.

Conclusion

President Trump’s call for swift Senate action on a Budget Resolution underscores his legislative priorities and his push for the SAVE AMERICA ACT. However, his statements conflate the procedural role of a budget resolution with the actual enactment of funding and policy. Readers should be aware that while a budget resolution is an important step, it does not itself guarantee funding for specific programs or the passage of broader legislative packages.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40390

Lindsey Graham remembered for impact on South Carolina and the world

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-28 17:50:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Remembers Lindsey Graham at Memorial, Highlights Close Relationship

At the memorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham, President Donald Trump delivered remarks praising Graham’s career and character, calling him “a force to be reckoned with all over the world.” Trump described Graham’s rise from rural South Carolina to the heights of American politics, emphasizing his steadfast convictions and magnetic personality.

During his eulogy, Trump also referenced the evolution of his relationship with Graham, recalling a humorous incident from the 2016 presidential campaign when he gave out Graham’s personal cell phone number during a heated moment on the trail. Trump noted that, despite this, the two became close friends, with Graham continuing to call him over the years.

The service, attended by international dignitaries and U.S. officials, underscored Graham’s influence on both domestic and foreign policy, as well as his close alliance with Trump in the Senate. The president’s remarks reflected the personal and political bond that developed between the two men, highlighting Graham’s adaptability and commitment to advancing his agenda for South Carolina and the nation.

While Trump’s comments at the memorial were largely complimentary and lighthearted, they also served to remind attendees of the complex and sometimes contentious history between the two figures, particularly during the 2016 campaign. Ultimately, Trump’s speech focused on Graham’s legacy and their enduring friendship, offering a glimpse into the personal dynamics that shaped recent years in Washington.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/lindsey-graham-remembered-for-impact-on-south-carolina-and-the-world

Leaders pay final tributes to Lindsey Graham : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-28 12:08:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Remembers Lindsey Graham, Recalls Past Antics and Praises Senate Legacy

President Trump delivered a eulogy for the late Sen. Lindsey Graham at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, describing Graham as a “legend” and “giant of the U.S. Senate.” Trump’s remarks came during the first of two days of tributes for Graham, who died earlier this month at age 71.

Trump’s Reflections on Graham and Their Relationship

Trump expressed fondness for Graham, despite their contentious history during the 2016 GOP presidential primary. He recounted a notorious incident from that campaign, admitting, “I shouldn’t have done” it when he shared Graham’s personal cell phone number with millions. Trump repeated the digits during the funeral, drawing laughter from those in attendance.

“But it was Lindsey who had the last laugh because while I blew up his phone for one day, we became great friends, and Lindsey did not stop calling me for the next 10 years,” Trump said, highlighting the evolution of their relationship from rivals to close allies.

Praise for Graham’s Senate Record and Foreign Policy Stance

Trump described Graham as a legislative powerhouse and one of his closest confidantes, particularly on foreign policy. He remarked, “He never saw a war that he didn’t like,” referencing Graham’s hawkish reputation, but added, “he wanted it for the good of our country.” Trump also credited Graham with helping shepherd his signature tax and spending bill through the Senate, joking, “a lot of Lindsey goodies in there, I can tell you.”

Personal Anecdotes and Graham’s Final Days

Trump shared a lesson Graham said he learned from his parents’ pool hall business: “You have to be funny enough that people will keep coming back, and you have to be tough enough that you can stay in business and thrive.” He praised Graham’s humor and toughness, calling him “the first person to make you laugh, and one of the last people that you really ever wanted to fight.”

Trump noted that Graham “died doing the work he was born to do,” referencing Graham’s final trip to Ukraine and his work on a sanctions deal aimed at ending Russia’s assault on the country.

Conclusion

President Trump’s remarks at Lindsey Graham’s funeral highlighted both the personal and political dimensions of their relationship, including past controversies and shared legislative victories. Trump’s eulogy underscored Graham’s influence in the Senate and his steadfast approach to foreign policy, while also recalling moments of levity and camaraderie that defined their unlikely friendship.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/28/nx-s1-5909232/lindsey-graham-funeral

Donald J. Trump: “Fauci told everyone he was a great basketball player, so I assumed that he w…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-28 19:35:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Attacks Fauci’s Athleticism in Latest Public Statement

In a recent statement, President Donald J. Trump disparaged Dr. Anthony Fauci, questioning both his athletic ability and his credibility. Trump claimed, “Fauci told everyone he was a great basketball player, so I assumed that he would be easily able to throw a ball to Home Plate. It turned out that he was a phony on that, just like he was on everything else (See below!). He was a terrible ‘athlete,’ and this is, by far, the worst throw I have ever seen in years of watching first pitches!”

Disparagement and Exaggeration

Trump’s comments directly attack Fauci’s character, labeling him a “phony” and a “terrible ‘athlete.’” He further exaggerates by calling Fauci’s ceremonial first pitch “the worst throw I have ever seen in years of watching first pitches.” These remarks continue a pattern of public disparagement and personal attacks that Trump has frequently employed against critics and public figures.

Fact-Check: Fauci’s Athletic Claims

There is no public record of Dr. Fauci claiming to be a “great basketball player.” Trump’s assertion that Fauci “told everyone he was a great basketball player” appears to be an exaggeration or fabrication. Fauci, who threw the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game in 2020, has publicly acknowledged his nerves and lack of pitching experience before the event.

Pattern of Personal Attacks

This latest statement is consistent with Trump’s history of using personal attacks and hyperbolic language to undermine opponents. By calling Fauci a “phony” and mocking his athletic performance, Trump seeks to discredit not only Fauci’s physical abilities but also his professional reputation.

Conclusion

President Trump’s recent statement about Dr. Fauci is marked by exaggeration and personal disparagement. The claim that Fauci boasted about his basketball skills is unsupported, and the attack on his ceremonial first pitch serves as another example of Trump’s tendency to use ridicule and false claims against those he criticizes. Readers should be aware of the factual context behind such statements and the broader pattern of rhetoric employed.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40386

White House teleprompter operator accused over Trump bets no longer in job, official says | US politics

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-28 18:42:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Defends Prediction Markets Amid White House Betting Scandal

Donald Trump has defended the prediction markets industry, stating that states should avoid regulating them and instead leave oversight to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. This stance comes as controversy surrounds a White House teleprompter operator who reportedly used inside knowledge to place bets on what Trump would say in major speeches, including the State of the Union address.

The operator, Gabriel Perez, is no longer employed by the federal government after ABC News reported he had won more than $100,000 by betting on the content of Trump’s speeches through the online prediction market Kalshi. The White House confirmed Perez had been placed on unpaid leave before his departure, following revelations that his winnings amounted to more than half of his $175,000 annual salary.

Kalshi’s policy prohibits betting based on information gained through one’s job, and the platform referred the suspicious trades to federal regulators. The incident has heightened scrutiny of prediction markets, which have seen explosive growth, with trading volume on Kalshi soaring from $100 million last year to $3 billion today.

Critics argue that prediction markets are essentially unregulated gambling, prompting some states to attempt bans. However, Trump’s position is clear: he favors federal oversight by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission rather than state-level regulation.

This episode highlights the growing risks of insider trading in prediction markets and underscores Trump’s consistent support for minimal state intervention, even as concerns mount over the integrity of these platforms.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/28/white-house-telemprompter-trump-bets

Democrats are focused on affordability. Some say they should focus on democracy too

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-28 15:21:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump’s Unfounded Claims About Election Fraud Remain a Central Issue

As the 2024 campaign intensifies, President Trump continues making unfounded claims about election fraud, a stance that has drawn significant attention from both Democratic candidates and party leaders. While Democratic candidates have focused on affordability, some within the party argue that the threat to democracy posed by Trump’s repeated false statements about the electoral process cannot be ignored.

Persistent Falsehoods About Election Integrity

President Trump has maintained a pattern of making baseless allegations regarding the legitimacy of U.S. elections. Despite a lack of credible evidence, he has repeatedly asserted that widespread fraud tainted the results of the 2020 presidential election. These claims have been thoroughly debunked by bipartisan election officials, courts, and independent fact-checkers, yet Trump continues to promote them in public statements and campaign appearances.

Impact on the Political Discourse

Trump’s ongoing insistence on election fraud has shifted the focus of political debate. While affordability and economic issues remain top concerns for many voters, Democratic leaders warn that failing to address Trump’s falsehoods about democracy could have lasting consequences. They argue that unchecked misinformation undermines public trust in the electoral system and threatens the foundation of democratic governance.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Multiple investigations and audits, including those conducted by Republican-led states, have found no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election. Nevertheless, Trump’s repeated assertions continue to circulate among his supporters, fueling conspiracy theories and casting doubt on future elections.

Conclusion: Democracy at Stake

President Trump’s continued promotion of unfounded election fraud claims remains a critical issue in American politics. As Democratic candidates debate how best to address affordability and other policy challenges, party leaders emphasize the importance of confronting misinformation about democracy head-on. The persistence of these false statements underscores the ongoing struggle to protect the integrity of the nation’s electoral process.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/28/nx-s1-5903108/democrats-are-focused-on-affordability-some-say-they-should-focus-on-democracy-too

Donald J. Trump: “RT @realDonaldTrumpWe’re going to bring this heroic young man, and his famil…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-28 12:30:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Promises High Civilian Honor for Heroic Young Man in White House Ceremony

President Donald J. Trump announced on July 28, 2026, that he intends to bring a “heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor.” Trump praised the individual as “very brave” and declared, “he deserves it!”

Public Recognition for Heroism

In his public statement, Trump highlighted the bravery of a young man who reportedly saved another boy, suggesting both would be honored at the White House. The president’s message emphasized the significance of civilian acts of courage and his willingness to use the platform of the presidency to recognize such deeds.

No Evidence of False Claims or Disparagement

The statement from Trump, as presented, does not contain any apparent false claims, exaggerations, or attacks on others. Instead, it focuses on commending the actions of a private citizen and promising public recognition. There are no fact-checkable misstatements or contradictions within the excerpt.

Conclusion

President Trump’s announcement underscores his intent to celebrate acts of heroism by private citizens with high-profile recognition. While his statement is notable for its praise and promise of a White House ceremony, it does not include any of the false or disparaging remarks that have characterized some of his previous public communications. The focus remains on honoring bravery and bringing positive attention to civilian acts of courage.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40383

Trump to meet with Ukraine's Zelenskyy and Israel's Netanyahu

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-28 05:35:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Announces High-Profile Meetings with Zelenskyy and Netanyahu, Signaling Major Foreign Policy Moves

President Trump has stated that he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, setting the stage for what he describes as a significant day in foreign policy. This announcement places Trump at the center of two of the world’s most closely watched conflicts, as both Ukraine and Israel face ongoing crises.

Trump’s declaration of these meetings underscores his continued engagement with international leaders and signals his intention to play a prominent role in shaping U.S. foreign policy discussions. While the details of the agenda remain unclear, Trump’s move to publicize the meetings highlights his strategy of high-profile diplomacy.

As with previous statements, it is important to scrutinize the context and implications of Trump’s foreign policy announcements. His approach often involves bold claims and headline-grabbing gestures, which can sometimes outpace the substantive outcomes of such meetings. Observers will be watching closely to see whether these discussions lead to concrete policy shifts or serve primarily as opportunities for Trump to project influence on the global stage.

In summary, President Trump’s announcement of back-to-back meetings with President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Netanyahu marks a notable moment in his foreign policy activity. As these meetings unfold, the public and policymakers alike will be looking for clarity on Trump’s positions and the tangible results of his diplomatic efforts.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/28/nx-s1-5909329/trump-to-meet-with-ukraines-zelenskyy-and-israels-netanyahu

Donald J. Trump: “RT @realDonaldTrumpBREAKING NEWS: The Failing New York Times, after 10 years…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-27 18:47:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Attacks The New York Times, Vows to Continue Defamation Lawsuit

Donald Trump has once again taken aim at The New York Times, claiming the publication has engaged in “10 years of harassment, slander, and libel.” In a statement, Trump asserted that The Times “just failed again in their desperate attempt to have our powerful Defamation Lawsuit against them dropped.” He further stated that, as requested, a judge has called for an updated complaint, which Trump says will “lay out, in extreme detail, all the ways in which The Times has repeatedly and consistently acted, with actual malice in defaming me, my family, our Great MAGA Movement, and America, itself.”

Trump’s Ongoing Claims of Media Bias

Trump’s remarks continue his longstanding pattern of attacking major media outlets, particularly those that have published critical coverage of him or his associates. In his statement, he accused The Times and its “comrades” in the mainstream media of “publishing, promoting, and dealing in Fake News.” This rhetoric echoes Trump’s frequent use of the term “fake news” to discredit unfavorable reporting, a tactic he has employed throughout his political career.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Accusations

While Trump frames his lawsuit as a defense against “actual malice” and “defamation,” he has not provided specific evidence in this statement to substantiate his claims that The Times acted with malice or published knowingly false information. Legal experts note that for a defamation case to succeed, a plaintiff must prove that the defendant acted with actual malice—meaning they knew the information was false or acted with reckless disregard for the truth. Trump’s broad accusations against The Times and the media at large are consistent with his history of making sweeping, unsubstantiated claims about press coverage.

Conclusion: Trump’s Battle with the Press Continues

Trump’s latest statement underscores his ongoing conflict with The New York Times and the broader media landscape. By pledging to continue his defamation lawsuit and promising an updated complaint, Trump signals that he will persist in his efforts to challenge and discredit media organizations he views as adversarial. As this legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s claims will withstand judicial scrutiny or serve primarily as another chapter in his public campaign against the press.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40338