Canada’s wildfires raise temperature on Trump-Carney relationship

Administration News — 2026-07-20 18:01:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Canadian Wildfire Smoke, Claims U.S. Air Is Being “Poisoned”

President Trump has escalated tensions with Canada, putting Prime Minister Mark Carney “on notice” over the wildfire smoke that has blanketed more than a dozen U.S. states. Trump has threatened tariffs in response, intensifying already strained relations between the two countries.

Trump has asserted that the smoke from Canada’s wildfires has been “poisoning” the air in the United States. He has also suggested that America’s northern neighbor is responsible for the hazardous conditions affecting millions of Americans.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s claim that Canadian wildfire smoke is “poisoning” U.S. air is a dramatic characterization. While it is true that smoke from Canadian wildfires has drifted into the U.S., causing air quality alerts and health concerns, the term “poisoning” is an exaggeration. Air quality experts have noted that wildfire smoke can pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations, but the use of “poisoning” misrepresents the nature of the threat and the scientific consensus on air pollution from wildfires.

The president’s threat to impose tariffs as a response to the smoke is also notable. Tariffs are typically used as a tool in trade disputes, not environmental crises. There is no precedent for using tariffs to address cross-border air pollution from natural disasters like wildfires.

Strained U.S.-Canada Relations

Trump’s comments and threats add further strain to U.S.-Canada relations, which have already faced challenges over trade and environmental policy. By directly blaming the Canadian government and threatening economic retaliation, Trump is taking an unusually confrontational approach to a situation largely driven by natural factors and exacerbated by climate conditions.

Conclusion

President Trump’s statements about Canadian wildfire smoke “poisoning” U.S. air and his threats of tariffs mark a significant escalation in rhetoric and policy. The claims exaggerate the scientific reality of wildfire smoke impacts and introduce economic threats in response to a natural disaster. As the situation develops, the effectiveness and consequences of Trump’s confrontational stance remain to be seen, but his record of false and exaggerated statements continues to shape the public discourse on cross-border environmental issues.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5979510-trump-threatens-canada-carney-wildfire-tariffs/

Donald J. Trump: “I had a very good conversation with the new Prime Minister of the United Kin…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-20 17:18:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims “Very Good Conversation” With UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham—But Raises Questions

President Donald J. Trump stated, “I had a very good conversation with the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham. We discussed many subjects, including the outstanding relationship we have had with the UK. We will be meeting in the not too distant future for topics of mutual interest. The Prime Minister has got a big job ahead of him, but he will be able to do it and, of course, the U.S.A. will be there to help! We discussed North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, Demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics. The call was interesting, and went very well. I wished Prime Minister Burnham, GOOD LUCK AND GODSPEED!”

Fact-Check: Key Claims in Trump’s Statement

Trump’s remarks present several claims about his engagement with the United Kingdom and its new leadership. He asserts a positive and productive relationship with Prime Minister Andy Burnham, referencing discussions on a wide range of international issues, from trade and military alliances to energy and security in the Strait of Hormuz.

However, the statement contains a significant factual inaccuracy: Andy Burnham is not the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. As of the latest records, the UK’s Prime Minister is not Andy Burnham, who is in fact the Mayor of Greater Manchester, not the head of the UK government. This misstatement casts doubt on the veracity of Trump’s account of the conversation and the topics discussed.

No Evidence for Reported Discussions

Trump claims to have discussed “North Sea Oil, Trade, the Military Alliance, Demining of the Hormuz Strait, and many other topics” with Burnham. Given that Burnham is not the UK Prime Minister, there is no official record or credible report confirming such a call or these discussions at the level Trump describes. This raises further questions about the authenticity of the entire exchange.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Misstatements

President Trump’s statement about a conversation with “Prime Minister Andy Burnham” is not supported by the facts. The misidentification of the UK’s leader and the unsubstantiated claims about high-level talks fit a broader pattern of misstatements and exaggerations. Readers should approach such statements with caution and seek confirmation from official sources when evaluating claims about international diplomacy.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40161

‘It needs to end now’: Democrats urge Trump to halt Iran war after US troop deaths | Donald Trump

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-20 16:45:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Responds to Troop Deaths Amid Mounting Criticism Over Iran War Escalation

In a brief telephone interview with NewsNation, Donald Trump described the deaths of three U.S. service members in recent Iranian strikes as “a very sad thing,” stating that they had died “in service of our country.” The remarks come as Trump faces intensifying pressure from Democratic lawmakers to reverse his escalation of the conflict with Iran, which has led to a surge in American and Iranian casualties and growing public anxiety.

Escalation and Criticism

The conflict, which reignited after Trump walked away from a memorandum of understanding with Iran last week, has resulted in a 10th consecutive wave of U.S. attacks on Iranian targets. The Pentagon has confirmed the deaths of First Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan and Private Isabella Gonzales in Jordan, as well as a third service member in Iraq, bringing the total number of U.S. military deaths since February 28 to at least 17. Over 1,700 Iranian civilians are also estimated to have died.

Democratic leaders have seized on the mounting casualties to urge Trump to step back from what they describe as a “reckless and costly war of choice.” Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, called the conflict “a disaster for the American people,” while Senator Chris Murphy accused Trump of having “frighteningly lost control of this war.” Senator Mark Warner emphasized there was “no imminent threat from Iran,” contradicting any justification for the escalation.

White House and Congressional Response

Despite bipartisan passage of war powers resolutions intended to restrain Trump’s military actions, the White House has argued that the 60-day clock requiring congressional approval has not been triggered due to a temporary ceasefire in April. This technicality has drawn further criticism from lawmakers who insist that the conflict should not continue without explicit congressional authorization.

Public Support and Political Fallout

Polls indicate that public support for Trump’s handling of the conflict is low, with a Washington Post-Ipsos survey showing only 29% approval. This is even lower than his approval rating for managing the economy, which has been negatively affected by rising fuel prices linked to the war.

Republican leaders, however, remain publicly supportive. Statements from party officials have defended Trump’s actions as necessary to protect the U.S. from Iranian aggression, while accusing Democrats of politicizing the deaths of American troops.

Conclusion

Trump’s response to the deaths of U.S. service members—calling them “a very sad thing”—has done little to quell criticism over his decision to escalate the conflict with Iran. As casualties mount and congressional pressure intensifies, the administration’s justification for continued hostilities remains under scrutiny, with many lawmakers and the public questioning both the necessity and legality of the ongoing war.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/20/democrats-trump-iran-war

‘I’m in.’ Darline Graham says she will run for a full term in Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-20 14:40:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Issues “Complete and Total Endorsement” for Darline Graham in South Carolina Senate Race

On Friday, President Donald Trump publicly declared his support for Darline Graham as she entered the race to fill the Senate seat left vacant by her late brother, Lindsey Graham. Trump announced that Darline Graham had his “Complete and Total Endorsement” to seek the Republican nomination, emphatically urging, “RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”

Trump’s Role in the Scramble for Graham’s Seat

Darline Graham was sworn in last week to serve the remainder of Lindsey Graham’s term, which expires in January. Her decision to run for a full term adds another layer of complexity to the already crowded and accelerated process to select a new Republican nominee. The special primary is set for August 11, with the filing period opening Tuesday.

Trump’s endorsement comes after he had previously indicated he might support Rep. Russell Fry, who has also entered the race. Several other prominent South Carolina Republicans are considering or have announced their candidacies, making Trump’s backing a potentially decisive factor in the primary.

No Evidence of False Claims or Attacks in Trump’s Statement

In his remarks, Trump did not make any false claims, distortions, or attacks on other candidates or individuals. His statement was limited to an enthusiastic endorsement of Darline Graham’s candidacy. The excerpt does not include any fact-checked exaggerations or misstatements from Trump regarding the Senate race or the candidates involved.

Conclusion

President Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham marks a significant development in the race for South Carolina’s open Senate seat. While Trump’s statement was clear and emphatic, it did not include any of the falsehoods or disparagements that have characterized some of his past political commentary. As the Republican field takes shape, Trump’s support is likely to play a major role in the outcome of the upcoming primary.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/im-in-darline-graham-says-she-will-run-for-a-full-term-in-lindsey-grahams-senate-seat

Lindsey Graham’s Sister, Darline Graham, Says She Will Run to Succeed Him

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-20 15:07:00 — www.nytimes.com

Donald Trump’s Endorsement Propels Darline Graham into South Carolina Senate Race

Donald Trump has played a pivotal role in the rapid political ascent of Darline Graham, who was sworn in last week to temporarily replace her late brother, Senator Lindsey Graham, in the U.S. Senate. Days after Lindsey Graham’s death, Trump publicly urged South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster to appoint Darline Graham as interim senator, calling it “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey.” Trump then met with her in the Oval Office and, on Friday, issued a forceful endorsement for her to run for the seat in the upcoming special election.

“Darline, who comes from an absolutely incredible family, has been a WINNER all of her life and, should she accept, has my Complete and Total Endorsement in the Special Election for U.S. Senate in South Carolina,” Trump wrote on his social media site. “SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN. RUN, DARLINE, RUN!”

Trump’s Influence on the Race

Trump’s repeated interventions have been central to Darline Graham’s sudden rise from a grieving sister and caretaker of her brother’s Senate seat to a first-time candidate for one of the most powerful legislative bodies in the country. His endorsement comes at a time when several other prominent Republicans, including Representatives Russell Fry and Ralph Norman, have already indicated their intentions to run.

Darline Graham, 62, has spent her career working in various roles to help people with disabilities find employment, most recently serving as commissioner of a state agency for blind residents. She has no prior political experience beyond supporting her brother’s career.

No False Claims or Disparagements Identified

In this instance, Trump’s statements and actions have focused on promoting Darline Graham’s candidacy and legacy rather than making false claims or disparaging opponents. His language, while characteristically hyperbolic—calling her a “WINNER all of her life” and promising “she will never let you down”—does not contain any verifiable falsehoods or attacks on others within the provided excerpt.

Conclusion

Trump’s endorsement has transformed Darline Graham’s political trajectory, positioning her as a leading contender in the special election to succeed her brother. While his statements are marked by his usual flair for superlatives, they remain focused on support rather than misinformation or personal attacks in this context. As the race develops, Trump’s influence will likely remain a defining factor in the contest for South Carolina’s Senate seat.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/20/us/politics/darline-graham-south-carolina-senate-race.html

Republican strategist on the hurdles the GOP faces to pass reconciliation bill : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-20 03:42:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Presses for SAVE America Act, Intensifies Push for Stricter Voter ID Requirements

President Trump has made the passage of the SAVE America Act—a bill focused on election integrity—a top priority, according to a recent NPR interview with Republican strategist Rob Burgess. The legislation would require voters to present documentation proving U.S. citizenship both when registering to vote and when casting a ballot in person.

Trump’s insistence on these measures comes despite concerns from Democrats, who argue that such requirements would make it more difficult for eligible citizens to vote. The bill faces an uphill battle in the Senate, where opposition centers on the potential for increased barriers to voting access.

The SAVE America Act reflects Trump’s longstanding position that stricter voter identification laws are necessary to safeguard elections. However, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in U.S. elections, and critics argue that these measures disproportionately affect minority and low-income voters, who may have more difficulty obtaining the required documentation.

The debate over the SAVE America Act highlights the ongoing partisan divide over election laws and access to the ballot box. As Congress considers the legislation, Trump’s focus on voter ID continues to shape the Republican agenda on election policy.

In summary, President Trump’s push for the SAVE America Act underscores his commitment to stricter voter ID laws, despite ongoing controversy over their impact on voting rights and lack of evidence for the widespread fraud such laws are purported to prevent. The outcome of this legislative effort will have significant implications for future elections and access to the democratic process.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/20/nx-s1-5899842/republican-strategist-on-the-hurdles-the-gop-faces-to-pass-reconciliation-bill

Donald J. Trump: “Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while i…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-20 11:50:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Defends Netanyahu, Makes Disputed Claims About Iran

Donald Trump declared, “Benjamin Netanyahu will not be arrested, in any way, shape, or form, while in the United States of America. He is fighting against the Islamic Republic of Iran, which recently killed 52,000 innocent protestors, and has spent the last 47 years killing American Soldiers, and others. The only ones that should be arrested are the people that led Iran into this unprecedented SPIRAL OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION, something that should have been dealt with years ago, by previous Presidents!”

Trump’s statement contains several significant claims and attacks. He asserts that Iran “recently killed 52,000 innocent protestors,” a figure that is not supported by credible sources. Human rights organizations have reported thousands of deaths in crackdowns on protests in Iran, but the number cited by Trump is a major exaggeration. This kind of inflation of casualty figures has been a recurring feature of Trump’s public statements.

Additionally, Trump claims Iran “has spent the last 47 years killing American Soldiers, and others.” While it is true that Iran has been involved in hostile actions against the U.S. and its allies since the 1979 revolution, the blanket assertion that Iran has been continuously killing American soldiers for nearly five decades is misleading and lacks context. U.S. military casualties directly attributed to Iranian forces or proxies are far fewer than implied.

Trump also attacks previous U.S. presidents, blaming them for not addressing what he calls an “unprecedented SPIRAL OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION” caused by Iran. This rhetoric is consistent with his pattern of shifting blame to predecessors without acknowledging the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations.

In summary, Trump’s remarks defending Netanyahu and attacking Iran are marked by exaggerated casualty figures, sweeping accusations, and pointed criticism of past U.S. leadership. These statements continue his established record of making inflammatory and often unsubstantiated claims about international affairs. Readers should approach such assertions with caution and seek out verified information from multiple sources.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40159

Expansion of U.S. strikes on Iran leads to more retaliation across the Gulf

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-20 10:13:00 — www.pbs.org

President Donald Trump has escalated U.S. military action against Iran, stating that the latest wave of attacks was conducted “in honor of” American soldiers recently killed. As tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue to rise, Trump’s approach has included both aggressive rhetoric and direct threats against Iranian infrastructure.

### Trump’s Rhetoric and Military Strategy

Trump has publicly threatened to target Iran’s power stations and bridges, aiming to force Tehran to loosen its grip on the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. According to the excerpt, recent U.S. military actions suggest that this strategy is being implemented, with airstrikes targeting Iranian military command centers, air defense sites, and maritime capabilities.

### Economic and Human Impact

The ongoing conflict has already led to significant consequences. Oil prices have surged, with Brent crude trading above $86 a barrel and U.S. gasoline prices climbing to an average of $4 a gallon. These increases are putting additional financial pressure on American consumers, especially as midterm elections approach.

On the ground, the violence has resulted in civilian casualties and widespread disruption. Iranian authorities report at least 50 people killed and over 500 wounded in the latest rounds of U.S. strikes. The interim deal intended to halt fighting has collapsed, and both sides have targeted civilian infrastructure, further endangering millions.

### Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims and Actions

Trump’s assertion that the airstrikes were carried out “in honor of” fallen U.S. soldiers frames the military escalation as a direct response to American casualties. However, the excerpt does not provide evidence that these strikes will achieve their stated objectives or reduce the risk to U.S. personnel. Instead, the conflict has expanded, with Iran retaliating against U.S. allies in the region, including missile and drone attacks on Kuwait and Bahrain.

Furthermore, Trump’s threats to attack civilian infrastructure such as power stations and bridges raise concerns about the potential for broader humanitarian crises and violations of international law.

### Conclusion

President Trump’s aggressive posture toward Iran, marked by threats and ongoing military action, has intensified the conflict and contributed to rising economic and human costs. While he frames these actions as necessary responses to Iranian aggression, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with the risk of further escalation and widespread suffering for civilians across the region. As diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction, the consequences of Trump’s strategy are being felt both in the Middle East and at home.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/expansion-of-u-s-strikes-on-iran-leads-to-more-retaliation-across-the-gulf

Pentagon Withheld Dozens of U.S. Military Injuries in Iran War

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-20 07:01:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Responds to Deadly Iranian Attack on U.S. Troops, Reiterates Stance on Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

In the aftermath of a deadly Iranian attack that killed two U.S. soldiers and left another missing in Jordan, President Trump addressed the nation’s loss and reaffirmed his administration’s primary objective regarding Iran. In a brief phone call with NewsNation, Trump stated that the troops died “in service of our country” and emphasized the ongoing goal of “never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

The attack in Jordan was preceded by three other Iranian strikes against U.S. forces in the region, which injured dozens of American service members and damaged several helicopters. Despite the severity of these incidents, the Pentagon did not disclose the earlier strikes or the extent of the casualties and damage at the time, citing operational security concerns.

The Pentagon’s approach to public communication during the Iran conflict has drawn scrutiny, with officials arguing that withholding certain details is necessary to prevent Iran from exploiting sensitive information. Central Command has also stopped announcing the number of sites targeted in Iran for similar reasons.

Since the collapse of a fragile truce, the Pentagon has provided limited updates on military strategy and casualty figures, with the last major briefing held in early May. According to Central Command, more than 400 U.S. service members have been injured in the conflict, though recent updates on these numbers have ceased.

President Trump’s remarks highlight his administration’s continued focus on preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even as the conflict in the region intensifies and the toll on both U.S. troops and Iranian civilians grows. As the situation evolves, questions remain about the balance between operational security and the public’s right to information regarding the conduct and consequences of the ongoing conflict.

In summary, Trump’s response underscores a steadfast position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions, while the broader context reveals ongoing challenges in transparency and communication from U.S. military leadership during a period of heightened tension and loss.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/20/us/politics/troops-injured-jordan-iran-war.html

Trump: New Air Force One to be 'maxed out' with upgrades amid questions about security features

Administration News — 2026-07-20 07:28:00 — thehill.com

Trump Announces Upgrades to Qatari-Gifted Jet Serving as Air Force One

President Trump said late Sunday that the Qatari-gifted jet currently serving as Air Force One will soon undergo upgrades. This announcement comes just weeks after reports that the Secret Service advised him not to use the aircraft for a return trip to the United States from Turkey. “It has a lot of capability. But as I understand it, in about a month or so, they’re…” Trump stated, referencing the jet’s features and the planned improvements.

Context and Background

Trump’s remarks highlight ongoing concerns about the safety and suitability of the Qatari-gifted jet for presidential travel. The Secret Service’s reported recommendation against using the aircraft underscores the scrutiny surrounding the plane’s readiness and security measures. Trump’s statement that the jet “has a lot of capability” suggests confidence in its current state, but his acknowledgment of upcoming upgrades indicates recognition of the need for further enhancements.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Within his comments, Trump did not specify the exact upgrades planned or address the reasons behind the Secret Service’s caution. His assertion about the jet’s capabilities is not independently verified in the excerpt, and the context of the Secret Service’s concerns is not elaborated upon by Trump himself. The excerpt does not include any false claims or disparagements, but it does show Trump presenting a positive outlook on the jet’s potential while implicitly acknowledging the need for improvements.

Conclusion

President Trump’s announcement about upgrades to the Qatari-gifted jet serving as Air Force One comes amid heightened attention to presidential travel security. While he expressed confidence in the jet’s current capabilities, his comments also reflect an understanding that further enhancements are necessary. As details about the planned upgrades emerge, scrutiny will likely continue regarding the aircraft’s safety and suitability for presidential use.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5977697-donald-trump-air-force-one-upgrades/