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.

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

President Trump: grocer Giant Eagle will lower prices on 'more than' 300 products

Administration News — 2026-07-19 22:16:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Claims Giant Eagle Will Lower Prices on Over 300 Products

President Trump on Sunday announced that the regional grocer Giant Eagle would be lowering prices on “more than” 300 products this summer, a move he said was aimed at addressing concerns about affordability. “I have just been informed that Giant Eagle, a GREAT American Grocery Company, will be lowering Prices, by a lot, across more than 300 products this Summer, through Labor…,” Trump stated.

Trump’s Assertion on Grocery Prices

Trump’s statement highlights his ongoing efforts to address public worries about rising costs. By attributing the price cuts to Giant Eagle, he positioned the move as a significant step in making everyday goods more affordable for American families. However, the excerpt does not provide independent verification of the claim or detail whether the decision was directly influenced by Trump or was part of the grocer’s own business strategy.

Fact-Checking the Claim

The excerpt centers on Trump’s announcement and does not include evidence or confirmation from Giant Eagle regarding the scope or timing of the price reductions. Without additional context or corroboration, it remains unclear whether Trump’s statement accurately reflects the company’s plans or if it overstates the impact of the price changes.

Conclusion

President Trump’s claim that Giant Eagle will lower prices on more than 300 products this summer underscores his focus on affordability. However, the excerpt offers only Trump’s account, without supporting details from the grocer or independent sources. As with many of Trump’s public statements, further verification is necessary to assess the accuracy and significance of the claim. Readers should remain attentive to additional information from Giant Eagle and other stakeholders to fully understand the implications of this announcement.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5977446-giant-eagle-lowers-grocery-prices/

Politics chat: How much faith can you have in the country’s election systems? : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-19 07:04:00 — www.npr.org

Trump’s Claims on Election Security Face Scrutiny as Evidence Fails to Support Allegations

President Trump has once again raised alarms about the security of U.S. elections, claiming in a primetime address, “Tonight, I’m announcing the immediate declassification and release of critical intelligence, revealing shocking vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure.” Despite these assertions, the documents released do not substantiate his claims that Americans have been “blatantly lied to” about the security of election systems.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Election Security Allegations

According to the intelligence documents referenced by Trump, while China and Iran did express preferences for Trump to lose the 2020 election and considered efforts to influence the outcome, there is no evidence that either country interfered in the election, changed votes, or hacked voting machines. The documents also confirm that Russia attempted to influence the election to defeat Joe Biden and undermine public confidence, but again, no votes were changed.

Trump also claimed that China had obtained voter information. However, it is noted that public versions of voter files are widely available online, making this claim misleading.

False Claims About Noncitizen Voting

Trump’s administration has repeatedly claimed that about a quarter million people were registered illegally to vote in federal elections in four states. However, reviews over the years have found only a handful of cases of noncitizen voting, indicating that such occurrences are extremely rare.

Push for Federal Control and the SAVE Act

President Trump has advocated for the federal government to “take over elections,” a stance at odds with the Constitution, which assigns election administration to state governments. He has also pressured lawmakers to pass the SAVE Act, which would require photo ID and proof of citizenship to register to vote and curtail mail-in voting. Trump warned Republicans that unless the SAVE Act passes, they will “never win another election,” and went further at Mount Rushmore, declaring, “But if we terminate the filibuster, as we should do, and immediately vote for the SAVE America Act, then we will not lose… an election for a hundred years.”

Despite Trump’s efforts, there is no evidence that his claims about election security have shifted public opinion or legislative momentum. Polls show that voters are more concerned with issues like the cost of living than with election administration.

Conclusion

President Trump continues to make unsubstantiated claims about widespread vulnerabilities and fraud in U.S. elections, despite a lack of supporting evidence. Intelligence reports and independent reviews consistently show that while foreign actors have tried to influence public opinion, there is no proof that votes were altered or that noncitizen voting is a significant problem. As Trump persists in these claims, concerns grow that his rhetoric could undermine voter confidence and participation, with potential consequences for both parties.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/19/nx-s1-5890938/politics-chat-how-much-faith-can-you-have-in-the-countrys-election-systems

[No Title] – Post from July 20, 2026

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-19 21:32:00 — trumpstruth.org

On July 19, 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social:

“Republicans should add Iran to the Russian Sanctions Bill. That’s what Lindsey wanted to do, and it was going to happen. IMPORTANT!!!” (supertrumptracker.com)

This statement suggests that Senator Lindsey Graham advocated for including Iran in the Russian sanctions legislation and that such an amendment was imminent.

Fact-Check:

1. Claim about Senator Lindsey Graham’s Position:

   • There is no public record or statement from Senator Graham indicating that he proposed adding Iran to the Russian sanctions bill. Without corroborating evidence, this assertion remains unverified.

2. Claim about Legislative Action:

   • As of July 19, 2026, there has been no official movement in Congress to incorporate Iran into the Russian sanctions framework. Legislative processes are typically documented and accessible, yet no such records exist to support this claim.

Conclusion:

President Trump’s assertion regarding Senator Graham’s stance and the legislative process lacks supporting evidence. Without verifiable information, these claims cannot be substantiated.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40149

Trump Says New Air Force One Will Be Taken Out of Service to Be ‘Maxed Out’

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-19 22:05:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Claims Qatari-Donated Jet Will Soon Be “Maxed Out” with Security Upgrades, Despite Lacking Air Force One Defenses

President Trump said on Sunday that the Boeing luxury jet donated by Qatar, which he recently took overseas, would soon be “maxed out,” suggesting it could receive additional defensive capabilities to match the standards of older jets used for presidential travel. Trump made these comments after returning to Washington from New Jersey aboard the jet, a Boeing 747-800 gifted by Qatar—a plane he has said he plans to use for his presidential library after leaving office.

Trump’s Comments on Jet Security

When a reporter pointed out that the Qatari jet does not have antimissile defense systems, Trump responded, “Well, it has — it has a lot, and you know it has a lot of capability, but as I understand it, in about a month or so, they’re going to send it to have it be maxed out. So they’re going to be sending it, and they’ll have it be maxed out. It’ll take about a month.” However, Trump did not specify what upgrades would be made or whether the one-month timeline was realistic. The White House did not immediately clarify what “maxed out” meant or confirm the schedule.

Security Shortcomings and Contradictions

Trump’s remarks appeared to acknowledge that the plane’s security measures are not as extensive as those on jets built specifically to serve as Air Force One. The New York Times reported that the Qatari jet, which Trump flew to Turkey for a NATO summit, lacks the same defensive countermeasures as the older Air Force One, including antimissile capabilities. After this reporting, the administration launched a leak investigation, with the FBI delivering subpoenas to Times reporters.

The Qatari-donated jet, about 14 years old, underwent a rushed and costly process to make it safe for presidential use. In contrast, Boeing’s dedicated Air Force One models are equipped with advanced antimissile defenses, hardened wiring against electromagnetic pulses, midair refueling capability, and a medical suite.

Trump’s Criticism of Older Jets

Despite having repeatedly criticized the older Air Force One jets as “too dated and stiff in its appointments,” Trump ultimately flew out of Turkey on one of those older planes, reportedly on the advice of the Secret Service. Officials have described the Qatari jet as a “bridge” plane until two new, fully equipped jets commissioned from Boeing are delivered.

Conclusion

Trump’s statements about the Qatari jet’s capabilities and the promised upgrades raise questions about the accuracy and feasibility of his claims. While he suggested significant improvements would be made within a month, the specifics remain unclear, and the plane currently lacks the advanced security features of the traditional Air Force One. The episode highlights ongoing concerns about presidential travel security and the administration’s transparency regarding these critical upgrades.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/19/us/politics/trump-air-force-modifications.html

$600,000 for a presidential pardon? Inside the growing industry of clemency lobbying : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-19 07:13:00 — www.npr.org

Trump White House Rejects Criticism Over High-Dollar Pardon Lobbying

The Trump White House has dismissed criticism that its approach to presidential pardons has fueled a lucrative lobbying industry, insisting that the decision to grant clemency remains solely with President Trump.

According to reporting discussed on NPR, the traditional Department of Justice-led pardon process—once governed by strict guidelines and a formal review—has been sidelined. Instead, the process now centers on the White House, where aides and lawyers review applications and present them directly to Trump. This shift has opened the door for individuals with connections to the administration to advocate for clients seeking pardons, sometimes charging fees as high as $5 million.

When pressed on concerns that this new system has created an economy ripe for abuse, the White House has “on the whole, rejected this idea that the process that they have in place is one that creates this economy that could be seen as nefarious or creating malfeasance.” Their stated position is that they do not engage with outside lobbying efforts, are not receiving funds, and are simply following the process the president wants.

Despite these assurances, the reported rise in high-stakes lobbying for pardons—highlighted by cases such as rapper Boosie BadAzz’s $600,000 payment to a lobbying firm—has drawn scrutiny. Critics argue that the new system prioritizes personal connections and wealth over fairness and transparency.

In summary, while the Trump White House maintains that the president alone decides who receives a pardon and denies any involvement in the growing pardon lobbying industry, the shift away from established Department of Justice procedures has raised significant ethical and legal questions about access and influence in the clemency process.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/19/nx-s1-5896394/600-000-for-a-presidential-pardon-inside-the-growing-industry-of-clemency-lobbying

Christopher Maccio, the Great Opera Singer, was AMAZING at the World Cup today — He"took the house down!" President DONALD J.TRUMP

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-19 19:38:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Praises Opera Singer Christopher Maccio’s World Cup Performance

In a statement that drew attention for its enthusiastic tone, President Donald J. Trump declared, “Christopher Maccio, the Great Opera Singer, was AMAZING at the World Cup today — He ‘took the house down!’” The comment, delivered with characteristic flair, highlights Trump’s penchant for superlative praise and public endorsements.

Trump’s Record of Exaggeration

Trump’s statement about Maccio is notable for its sweeping language, describing the singer as “AMAZING” and claiming he “took the house down.” While such expressions are common in Trump’s public remarks, they often blur the line between objective assessment and hyperbole. In this case, the president’s words serve as an example of his tendency to use grandiose language when discussing public figures or events he supports.

Fact-Checking the Claim

The phrase “took the house down” is a colloquialism typically used to describe an outstanding performance that receives overwhelming approval from an audience. Without independent reports or evidence from the World Cup event itself, it is difficult to verify the accuracy of Trump’s assessment. However, the statement does not contain any specific factual claims that can be directly disproven, but rather reflects Trump’s subjective opinion and style of public commentary.

Pattern of Public Statements

This latest comment fits a broader pattern in Trump’s communication style, where he frequently uses exaggerated praise or criticism to make a point. While such remarks can energize supporters, they also raise questions about the reliability and objectivity of his public statements.

Conclusion

President Trump’s enthusiastic endorsement of Christopher Maccio’s World Cup performance is consistent with his history of using hyperbolic language to describe people and events. While the statement does not contain a verifiable falsehood, it exemplifies Trump’s tendency toward exaggeration, a hallmark of his public persona. Readers should remain aware of this pattern when evaluating the substance of his remarks.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40148

Trump said the election system is broken. What do swing voters make of the claim? : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-19 07:13:00 — www.npr.org

Trump’s Primetime Speech on Elections Draws Mixed Reactions from Swing State Voters

President Trump used a rare primetime address from the White House to argue that the nation’s election system is “vulnerable and broken.” According to NPR’s reporting, Trump’s claims in the speech were “exaggerated and mostly not new,” continuing his pattern of casting doubt on U.S. elections.

Voters Skeptical of Trump’s Claims

Swing state voters interviewed by NPR expressed skepticism and fatigue over Trump’s repeated focus on the 2020 election. Colleen from Pennsylvania, after watching the speech online, questioned Trump’s boasts about his first 18 months in office, saying, “who’s he even talking about? Because I don’t see how any of that applies to most of us.” She dismissed Trump’s fixation on the 2020 election, stating, “I really honestly feel like he’s nuts. Like, I don’t know. What are we – why are we living in the past with this election stuff? Buddy, you’re done. You’re not running anymore.”

Michelle from Michigan and Evan from Wisconsin echoed this sentiment. Michelle said she tunes out as soon as Trump brings up the 2020 election, while Evan argued that “whether there was election fraud or not, he needs to just move past it and admit it.”

Concerns Over Election Doubts and Exaggerations

Other voters saw Trump’s speech as an attempt to sow chaos and doubt ahead of the midterms. Wally in Georgia said, “the only purpose of the speech was to try to front-run some doubt into the upcoming midterms that probably isn’t going to end up going his way.” NPR’s reporting directly notes that Trump’s claims about election vulnerability were “exaggerated,” highlighting the ongoing pattern of misinformation.

Support for Trump’s Election Security Proposals

Not all voters were critical. John in Pennsylvania and Quintero in Nevada supported Trump’s push for the SAVE America Act, which would require voter identification and proof of citizenship. Gerald in Georgia said Trump’s speech “hit a home run,” and that everything Trump said confirmed his existing beliefs.

Conclusion: Deep Divides and Persistent Misinformation

The reactions from swing state voters reveal deep divisions and widespread skepticism about Trump’s continued claims regarding election integrity. While some remain loyal, many see his repeated, exaggerated assertions as an attempt to undermine confidence in the electoral process. As NPR’s report makes clear, changing minds on this issue remains a significant challenge in today’s polarized political climate.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/19/nx-s1-5898445/trump-said-the-election-system-is-broken-what-do-swing-voters-make-of-the-claim

Donald Trump arrives by helicopter to attend World Cup final alongside Gianni Infantino | World Cup 2026

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-19 14:16:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump’s World Cup Final Appearance Highlights Pattern of Political Intervention and Mixed Public Reception

Donald Trump made headlines on Sunday as he became the first sitting US president to attend a World Cup final on home soil, arriving at the New York New Jersey Stadium via Marine One. His presence was marked by a relatively subdued reaction from the crowd, with only scattered boos when he appeared on the stadium’s video screens following the US national anthem—an atmosphere less hostile than at other sporting events he has attended during his presidency.

A Record of Political Intervention

Trump’s appearance at the World Cup final was not merely ceremonial. The president has developed a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and recently called Infantino to lobby for a review of USA star Folarin Balogun’s controversial red-card suspension before the team’s last-16 match. FIFA ultimately reversed Balogun’s ban, but the political intervention drew criticism and was seen as casting a pall over the US team, which exited the tournament after a defeat to Belgium. This episode underscores Trump’s willingness to insert himself directly into international sports controversies, raising questions about the appropriateness and impact of such interventions.

Public Response and Historical Context

Trump’s attendance at major sporting events has often been met with mixed reactions. While his arrival at the World Cup final was met with less hostility than at previous events—such as the Super Bowl, US Open, Daytona 500, and NBA Finals, where he was loudly booed—his presence remains polarizing. Notably, Trump was also front and center at last summer’s Club World Cup final at the same stadium, where he presented the trophy to Chelsea and faced a chorus of boos from the crowd.

Historically, Trump’s attendance marks a departure from precedent. When the US last hosted the World Cup in 1994, then-president Bill Clinton did not attend the final; the trophy was presented by Vice President Al Gore. Trump’s decision to attend and his prominent role in the trophy presentation reflect his penchant for high-profile appearances and direct involvement.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Involvement and Controversy

Trump’s actions at the World Cup final—particularly his intervention in the Balogun suspension—fit a broader pattern of political involvement and controversy that has defined his presidency. While his attendance at the event was historic, it also reignited debates about the boundaries between politics and sports, and the impact of presidential influence on international competitions. As Trump continues to make appearances at major sporting events, the public and political responses to his involvement remain as divided as ever.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/19/donald-trump-world-cup-final

Andy Biggs and David Schweikert offer competing visions for Republican Party in Arizona governor primary

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-19 13:39:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s Endorsement Looms Large in Arizona’s Republican Gubernatorial Primary

Donald Trump’s influence continues to shape Arizona’s Republican politics, as his endorsement of Rep. Andy Biggs defines the high-stakes primary for governor. Biggs, who has built his career championing Trump’s agenda and refusing to compromise with Democrats, is now the standard-bearer for the party’s hard-line wing in the state.

Trump’s endorsement is described as a “double-edged sword” in Arizona. While no Republican has lost a statewide primary with Trump’s backing, the record in general elections is far less favorable. Since 2018, only one Trump-endorsed Republican—former Gov. Doug Ducey—has managed to win statewide office. Despite Republicans outnumbering Democrats and independents in voter registration, Democrats now hold both Senate seats and the top three state offices.

In 2022, a Trump-backed slate of Republicans, led by Kari Lake for governor, refused to moderate their message in the general election, believing that energizing the MAGA base would secure victory. Instead, they lost, highlighting the risks of aligning too closely with Trump’s uncompromising style in a changing Arizona electorate.

Biggs, who boasts of having a “direct line to Trump,” has played a prominent role in national Republican politics, including efforts to block the certification of the 2020 election. He now refuses to say whether Joe Biden’s win was legitimate, a position that echoes Trump’s persistent refusal to accept the 2020 results.

The excerpt also notes that Trump’s endorsement has become a litmus test for Republican candidates in Arizona. On the congressional side, Trump has endorsed former Arizona Cardinals kicker Jay Feely, who has faced criticism for living outside the district he seeks to represent.

Conclusion

Trump’s continued involvement in Arizona’s Republican primaries underscores his grip on the party’s direction, even as it poses challenges in general elections. The state’s recent electoral history suggests that unwavering loyalty to Trump’s agenda may energize a segment of the base but risks alienating the broader electorate needed to win statewide. As Arizona’s GOP grapples with its identity, Trump’s endorsements remain both a powerful asset and a potential liability.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/andy-biggs-and-david-schweikert-offer-competing-visions-for-republican-party-in-arizona-governor-primary