Taylor Swift songs removed from Trump and White House’s social media posts | Trump administration

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-08-09 09:33:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump’s Social Media Accounts Target Taylor Swift and Other Pop Stars, Prompting Backlash and Song Removals

Donald Trump’s campaign and White House social media accounts have repeatedly used Taylor Swift’s music in videos posted online, often to mock or provoke the pop star. In one instance, a video posted on August 3 featured Trump and Melania Trump watching fireworks, set to Swift’s song “August.” The accompanying text read, “I’m sure @Taylor Swift is going to be super excited we used her song! #taylorswift #maga #august.” Another post from Trump’s campaign poked fun at Swift’s 2012 album, Red, with the message, “Did you know Taylor Swift wrote a whole album about the color of the Republican party?” and suggested parody track titles.

Both of these videos, along with others featuring Swift’s music, have since been silenced on social media platforms. This pattern extends beyond Swift: Trump-related accounts have used songs from artists such as Ariana Grande, Katy Perry, Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Kenny Loggins, all of whom have publicly objected to the use of their music in this context.

Grande and Carpenter have both condemned the use of their music in Trump’s videos, with Grande calling it “barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense” after her music was used over footage of ICE agents detaining people. Carpenter described a video soundtracked with her song during immigration raids as “evil and disgusting,” demanding, “Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda.”

Trump has a history of attacking Swift directly. After Swift endorsed Democratic vice-president Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, Trump declared, “I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT!” He later wrote, “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT?’”

Despite the removal of music from these videos, Trump’s campaign has continued to use pop culture references as a form of “rage bait” to provoke reactions online. Swift herself has not commented on the recent incidents. Meanwhile, her Eras tour has become the highest-grossing tour of all time, generating about $2.2 billion worldwide, and her album The Life of a Showgirl became the most pre-saved album ever on Spotify ahead of its October 2025 release.

The repeated use of artists’ music without consent, combined with Trump’s public disparagement of Swift, underscores the ongoing tensions between the campaign’s social media strategy and the artists whose work they appropriate. As artists continue to object, the controversy highlights broader issues of copyright, consent, and political messaging in the digital age.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/09/taylor-swift-songs-removed-trump-white-house-posts

WATCH LIVE: Senate passes Graham’s Russia sanctions bill, confirms dozens of nominees

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-07 16:13:00 — www.pbs.org

President Trump’s Influence Looms Over Justice Department Amid Controversial Settlement

President Trump’s ongoing influence over the Justice Department has come under renewed scrutiny following the Senate’s consideration of Todd Blanche for attorney general. The debate centers on a controversial settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service, which established a $1.8 billion fund to compensate individuals who feel mistreated by the criminal justice system and granted Trump and his family members immunity from tax audits.

Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who announced his support for Blanche’s nomination, voiced concerns about Trump’s sway over the department. Cassidy specifically cited worries about the potential for the $1.8 billion fund to be used for payouts to Trump’s supporters who stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Despite these reservations, Cassidy argued that confirming Blanche was preferable to allowing Trump to select another nominee for the role, stating, “This is not a referendum on President Trump, it is a decision regarding Mr. Blanche in very specific circumstances.”

The path to confirmation for Blanche has been complicated by bipartisan scrutiny of the IRS settlement, which not only created the compensation fund but also shielded Trump and his family from future tax audits. This arrangement has raised alarms among both Republicans and Democrats about the potential for abuse and the precedent it sets for presidential influence over the Justice Department.

Cassidy’s decision to support Blanche came after opposition from Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, effectively making his vote decisive. Cassidy, who previously voted to convict Trump on impeachment charges, lost a Republican primary earlier this year after Trump endorsed his opponent, further highlighting the former president’s enduring grip on the party.

Conclusion

The Senate’s deliberations over the attorney general nomination underscore persistent concerns about President Trump’s influence over the Justice Department and the far-reaching implications of settlements that benefit him and his family. As the process moves forward, questions remain about the independence of the nation’s top law enforcement agency and the accountability of those in power.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-senate-passes-grahams-russia-sanctions-bill-confirms-dozens-of-nominees

Michigan Senate Candidate, a Former Trump Critic, Shifts Toward Election Skepticism

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-09 08:23:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Repeats False Claims of Election Fraud in Michigan, Amplifies Discredited Allegations

President Trump continues to assert baseless claims of widespread voter fraud in Michigan, repeating debunked allegations and casting doubt on the legitimacy of recent elections. In a recent speech, Trump said Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for Senate, had “a real shot” in a state he claimed was “riddled with voter fraud.” He warned supporters, “Get ready for another Rigged Election.”

Trump has also seized on former Representative Mike Rogers’s unproven claim that voting irregularities cost him a Senate seat in 2024, echoing accusations made by election deniers in 2020. At the Detroit Economic Club in January, Trump asserted Rogers “won” the Senate seat two years ago, adding, “I think they took that away from you last time. They rigged the election on you.” Trump’s remarks were promoted by Rogers on social media and used in fundraising appeals.

Despite these repeated assertions, there is no evidence to support Trump’s claims of a “voter fraud scheme” in Michigan or that ballots arriving in Detroit after Election Day “swung the election.” Michigan’s elections have been described as “safe, secure” by state officials, and Rogers never formally challenged the results through a recount or court filing.

Trump’s fixation on election fraud and his amplification of false claims have continued to shape the political landscape in Michigan. He has vowed to support legislation imposing nationwide voter identification and proof of citizenship requirements and limiting voting by mail, policies that align with his ongoing narrative of election insecurity.

As the November election approaches, Trump’s rhetoric remains a central force in Michigan politics, despite repeated fact-checks and official assurances that the state’s elections are fair and secure. His persistent promotion of falsehoods about voter fraud underscores the enduring impact of misinformation on public trust in the democratic process.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/09/us/politics/mike-rogers-michigan-senate-elections.html

What to watch as legal battle over birthright citizenship heats up again

Administration News — 2026-08-09 05:00:00 — thehill.com

President Trump’s Renewed Push to Restrict Birthright Citizenship Sparks Legal Showdown

President Trump’s second attempt to restrict birthright citizenship has set the stage for another high-profile legal battle over the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. The administration’s new orders, designed more narrowly than previous efforts, aim to withstand legal scrutiny and advance Trump’s long-standing position on limiting citizenship rights for children born in the United States to non-citizen parents.

Narrower Orders, Same Controversy

Trump’s administration has crafted these new directives in response to earlier legal setbacks, hoping a more focused approach will survive in court. The move reflects Trump’s continued push to reinterpret the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States.” This latest action underscores his administration’s determination to challenge established constitutional protections, despite widespread criticism and repeated legal challenges.

Legal and Political Fallout

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and several Democratic-led states have already signaled their intent to contest Trump’s orders in court. The legal battle is expected to focus on the constitutional language and the historical intent behind the 14th Amendment. Trump’s efforts have drawn sharp criticism from civil rights advocates, who argue that the administration’s actions are a direct attack on longstanding American principles.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

While the excerpt does not include a verbatim quote or specific false statement from Trump, it clearly attributes the administration’s position and actions to him. Trump’s repeated attempts to restrict birthright citizenship have been widely criticized as legally dubious and contrary to the plain text of the Constitution. Legal experts and fact-checkers have consistently pointed out that the 14th Amendment’s language is clear, and previous court rulings have upheld birthright citizenship for children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

Conclusion

President Trump’s renewed push to restrict birthright citizenship has reignited a contentious debate over the 14th Amendment and the fundamental rights it guarantees. As the administration prepares for another legal battle, the outcome will have significant implications for the future of citizenship and constitutional interpretation in the United States. The ongoing controversy highlights the persistent divide over immigration policy and the lengths to which Trump is willing to go to reshape American law.

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Source: https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/6017779-trump-birthright-citizenship-legal-challenges-14th-amendment/

Private prisons announce $1.4 billion in revenue as immigration detentions climb : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-08 05:00:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump’s Push for Record Immigration Detention Drives Profits for Private Prison Companies

President Trump’s stated goal of detaining 100,000 people at once is fueling a surge in revenue for America’s largest private prison companies, CoreCivic and GEO Group, as immigration detention approaches record levels.

Trump’s Detention Target Shapes Industry Strategy

According to CoreCivic executives, the company’s recent deals—including the sale of four detention centers to the Department of Homeland Security—are part of a broader strategy to meet President Trump’s goal of having 100,000 people in detention at the same time. CoreCivic has made agreements to continue operating these centers and is seeking opportunities to build more facilities, while GEO Group is also in talks to expand its operations under the same policy direction.

Financial Ties and Policy Influence

President Trump’s financial interests in CoreCivic and GEO Group have come under scrutiny. An analysis by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW) of Trump’s most recent financial disclosure found that his brokers executed 29 trades in private prison stocks since he returned to office, with the first purchases occurring on the tenth day of his second term. The total value of these trades, split between GEO Group and CoreCivic, reached into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Administration Connections to Private Prisons

The Trump administration’s ties to the private prison industry extend beyond policy. Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, previously worked as a paid consultant for GEO Group before joining the government, and former Attorney General Pam Bondi lobbied for GEO Group prior to her appointment. Additionally, the acting director of ICE, David Venturella, is a former GEO Group executive.

Record Profits Amid Expanding Detention

CoreCivic and GEO Group reported a combined $1.4 billion in revenue over the spring, as the U.S. held nearly 66,000 people in immigration detention—numbers not seen since January. CoreCivic’s revenue rose by over 27% compared to the same quarter last year, while GEO Group’s revenues increased by 15%. Both companies are capitalizing on new revenue streams, such as electronic ankle monitors for Haitian immigrants who lost protected status, and expanded transportation contracts tied to increased deportations.

Conclusion: Trump’s Policies and Personal Stakes

President Trump’s aggressive detention targets and personal financial stakes in the private prison industry have created a windfall for companies like CoreCivic and GEO Group. As immigration detention nears record highs, the administration’s policies continue to drive profits for the private sector, raising ongoing questions about conflicts of interest and the human cost of mass detention.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5923881/geo-group-corecivic-immigration-detention

Restoration of America PAC – FactCheck.org

FactCheck.org — 2026-08-07 10:58:00 — www.factcheck.org

President Donald Trump Requested Senate Candidate to Withdraw, Then Nominated Him for Ambassador Post

In a notable example of President Donald Trump’s direct influence over Republican political races, Republican Nate Morris suspended his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Kentucky in May—at Trump’s request. Following his withdrawal, Morris endorsed Rep. Andy Barr for the Republican nomination in the Senate race. Shortly after, Trump nominated Morris in July to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Colombia.

This sequence of events highlights Trump’s continued involvement in shaping the Republican field and rewarding allies. The Restoration of America PAC, a major conservative super PAC, had previously spent over $1.6 million on TV ads supporting Morris’s Senate candidacy before his withdrawal.

The episode underscores Trump’s willingness to intervene in primary contests and his practice of offering high-profile appointments to those who align with his political strategy. As the 2026 election cycle unfolds, Trump’s influence remains a defining factor in Republican politics, shaping both campaign outcomes and the distribution of key diplomatic posts.

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Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/08/restoration-of-america-pac/

Todd Blanche narrowly confirmed as Trump’s attorney general in overnight vote

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-08 10:18:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s Push for Political Retribution Shapes Justice Department Leadership

President Donald Trump’s influence over the Justice Department intensified early Saturday as the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche, Trump’s former personal attorney, as attorney general. The confirmation, decided by a narrow 50-49 vote, underscores Trump’s stated desire to use the nation’s top law enforcement agency to investigate his political adversaries.

Trump’s Agenda Drives DOJ Direction

Since returning to the White House last year, Trump has made clear his intention to direct the Justice Department’s focus toward his perceived enemies. The excerpt reports that Trump’s “stated desire” is to use the agency to investigate political opponents, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans concerned about the erosion of the department’s traditional independence.

Blanche’s confirmation followed a contentious process, largely due to a controversial settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. Under pressure from Senate Republicans, Blanche promised in writing to abandon Trump’s proposed $1.8 billion compensation fund for the president’s allies, including individuals who attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021. The settlement also included provisions to shield Trump and his family from IRS tax audits, which Blanche agreed to rein in.

Loyalty to Trump Raises Alarm

Blanche’s rapid ascent to the top Justice Department post came after Trump fired the previous attorney general, Pam Bondi, in April. Once in the acting role, Blanche moved quickly to advance Trump’s interests, accelerating investigations into Trump’s perceived foes and announcing the controversial “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” The excerpt notes that under Bondi and Blanche’s leadership, the department has lost thousands of employees through firings, resignations, or voluntary departures, raising further concerns about politicization.

Conclusion: Independence at Stake

The Senate’s confirmation of Blanche—Trump’s close ally and former criminal defense lawyer—marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle over the Justice Department’s independence. Trump’s clear position, as reported in the excerpt, is to use the department as a tool for political retribution. This approach has sparked deep divisions in Congress and among the American public, highlighting the stakes for the rule of law and the future of democratic institutions.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/todd-blanche-narrowly-confirmed-as-trumps-attorney-general-in-overnight-vote

Trump Aberdeen!

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-08 19:31:00 — trumpstruth.org

Please provide the EXCERPT from Trump Aberdeen! that you would like me to review and write about.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40668

Week in Politics: Blanche confirmed as attorney general; Iran-Oman Strait deal stalls : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-08-08 06:43:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Dismisses Polls and Doubles Down on Disputed Claims Amid Mounting Criticism

President Trump is once again under scrutiny for his handling of key national and international issues, as he continues to reject unfavorable polling and push forward with controversial executive actions.

Rejecting Polls, Ignoring Public Sentiment

Despite major polls showing that nearly two-thirds of Americans believe the ongoing war should not have been started, Trump has dismissed these results, labeling them as “fake” and insisting his own polls are “just great”—without providing any supporting data. This pattern of rejecting widely reported facts and substituting unsubstantiated claims has drawn criticism, even from some of his own supporters. As NPR’s Ron Elving notes, “against the facts on full display, that’s just too much of a stretch, even for many Trump backers. You don’t build credibility by straining credulity.”

Escalation Threats and Diplomatic Dilemmas

With Iran reportedly gaining control over the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. seeking an exit from the conflict, Trump has found himself with limited options. According to the report, he has responded by threatening escalation and relying on Oman to negotiate a favorable deal, highlighting the administration’s lack of leverage in the region.

Renewed Attacks on Birthright Citizenship

Trump has also signed two new executive orders aimed at limiting eligibility for birthright citizenship, just weeks after the Supreme Court struck down his previous attempt to eliminate it. These latest orders are described as more targeted, seeking exceptions around earlier court decisions in hopes of achieving a partial victory and salvaging political standing. This ongoing effort to circumvent judicial rulings has raised further questions about Trump’s respect for constitutional boundaries.

Conclusion

President Trump’s continued rejection of unfavorable facts, reliance on unverified claims, and persistent attempts to bypass legal checks underscore a pattern of behavior that has fueled controversy throughout his tenure. As public opinion shifts and legal challenges mount, the credibility gap between Trump’s statements and the documented reality appears to be widening, leaving both supporters and critics questioning the path forward.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/08/nx-s1-5921263/week-in-politics-blanche-confirmed-as-attorney-general-iran-oman-strait-deal-stalls

What to know about Trump’s new attempt to limit birthright citizenship

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-08 10:39:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Exaggerates Scope of “Birth Tourism” as Administration Moves to Restrict Birthright Citizenship

President Donald Trump has once again moved to limit who can become an American citizen, issuing executive orders this week that seek to restrict birthright citizenship and target foreigners who give birth in the United States. The new orders come just months after the Supreme Court struck down a previous attempt to limit birthright citizenship, a decision Trump acknowledged, saying the latest orders were made with “adjustments” to keep the ruling in mind.

Despite the Supreme Court setback, Trump pressed forward, introducing narrower orders that focus on specific categories of people. These include children born to adults with connections to foreign embassies or organizations, as well as anyone considered an “alien enemy” of the United States. The orders also seek to disqualify babies born as a result of “birth tourism” and children of parents tied to groups designated as terrorist organizations.

Exaggerated Claims About “Birth Tourism”

A key claim made by Trump in support of these orders is the scale of “birth tourism.” On Thursday, the president stated, “I’ll tell you right now, hundreds of thousands, OK? Hundreds of thousands,” referring to the number of birth tourism cases. However, this figure is not supported by available data. Experts say Trump’s estimate is a significant exaggeration. According to Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, an associate policy analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, “The hundreds of thousands just seems like an overestimate based on the sort of limited data that we have available.”

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that in 2024, nearly 9,600 children were born to foreign mothers with an official address outside the country. Even the Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank that advocates for lower immigration, estimated that only 20,000 to 26,000 birth tourists come to the U.S. each year—far short of the “hundreds of thousands” claimed by Trump.

Legal and Constitutional Challenges Ahead

Trump’s executive orders are expected to face legal challenges, especially given the Supreme Court’s previous decision upholding the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, with limited exceptions. The new orders attempt to expand those exceptions, but advocates and legal experts argue that the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent will likely prevent these changes from taking effect.

Conclusion

President Trump’s renewed push to restrict birthright citizenship is marked by exaggerated claims about the prevalence of “birth tourism” and a continued effort to narrow the definition of who can become an American. As legal challenges loom, the administration’s latest actions highlight an ongoing drive to reshape U.S. immigration policy, even in the face of constitutional and judicial barriers.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/what-to-know-about-trumps-new-attempt-to-limit-birthright-citizenship