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

Georgia official discusses Trump's claims about election security

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-19 08:06:00 — www.npr.org

In a December 1, 2020, press conference, Gabriel Sterling, Georgia’s voting system implementation manager, directly addressed President Donald Trump, urging him to cease spreading false claims about election fraud. Sterling warned that such rhetoric was inciting potential violence, stating, “Someone’s going to get hurt. Someone’s going to get shot. Someone’s going to get killed. And it’s not right.” (kuer.org)

Despite Sterling’s plea, President Trump continued to propagate unfounded allegations of election fraud. On the same day as Sterling’s press conference, Trump tweeted: “Rigged Election. Show signatures and envelopes. Expose the massive voter fraud in Georgia. What is Secretary of State and @BrianKempGA afraid of. They know what we’ll find!!!” (citizensforethics.org)

This persistent dissemination of false claims by President Trump contributed to a climate of hostility and threats against election officials. Sterling’s warnings underscored the real dangers posed by such misinformation, highlighting the urgent need for responsible discourse to protect the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of those administering it.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/19/nx-s1-5896326/georgia-official-discusses-trumps-claims-about-election-security

Donald J. Trump: “The People of Aberdeen, in Scotland, are dancing in the streets because the …

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-19 09:05:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Makes Sweeping—and Misleading—Claims About North Sea Oil and Aberdeen

Donald Trump has issued a series of bold statements about the future of North Sea oil and the city of Aberdeen, following the appointment of Andy Burnham as the United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister. Trump claimed, “The People of Aberdeen, in Scotland, are dancing in the streets because the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has stated that he will be opening up, all the way, the invaluable North Sea Oil!” He went on to describe the North Sea as “one of the Greatest Sources of quality Oil on Earth,” asserting that it has “hundreds of years of Capacity left, with much not even found yet,” and predicted that this would transform the UK “from a Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World!”

Exaggerations and Distortions

Trump’s remarks are notable for their sweeping optimism and questionable accuracy. The claim that the North Sea has “hundreds of years of Capacity left” is a significant exaggeration. Industry experts and official reports have consistently stated that North Sea oil reserves are in decline, with most estimates suggesting that production will continue to decrease over the coming decades, not centuries. The assertion that much oil remains “not even found yet” further stretches the reality, as exploration has become increasingly costly and yields have diminished.

Trump also stated, “Britain pays Norway Billions of Dollars a year to buy its Oil, which they get from a less valuable part of the North Sea — How ridiculous is that!” This characterization ignores the complex economics of oil trading and the fact that Norway’s North Sea sector has been more productive and profitable than the UK’s in recent years.

Attacks on Aberdeen’s Windmills

In addition to his oil claims, Trump attacked local renewable energy efforts, saying, “the UK is going to move the old and horrible looking windmills, which loom over and destroy the City of Aberdeen. That will be a big day for the Country, and will be very much appreciated by everybody.” This is not only a disparagement of Aberdeen’s wind energy infrastructure but also misrepresents public opinion, as there is no evidence that such a move would be “very much appreciated by everybody.” Wind energy remains a significant and growing part of the UK’s energy mix, and many residents and officials support its expansion.

Conclusion

Trump’s latest comments about North Sea oil and Aberdeen are marked by exaggerations, distortions, and attacks on renewable energy. His portrayal of the UK as a “Poverty Stricken Disaster” poised for instant transformation through oil alone ignores the economic realities and the country’s ongoing shift toward renewable energy. As with many of his public statements, Trump’s remarks are best viewed with a critical eye and a commitment to the facts.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40108

Battleground state election officials respond to Trump’s efforts to reshape voting process

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

Election Officials Reject Trump’s False Claims on Voter Rolls and Foreign Interference

In a recent speech, President Trump claimed that nearly 280,000 noncitizens are registered to vote nationwide and accused Democrats of indifference to the issue. He also asserted that Georgia was one of 18 states whose voter files were compromised by China, referencing a total of 220 million files nationwide.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Election administrators in key battleground states quickly pushed back on these statements. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes directly challenged Trump’s figures, stating, “I just don’t think that the president has his facts right. And I don’t think he’s telling the entire story. I think his numbers are wrong. In fact, when we dug a little bit deeper into some of the documentation, we know the numbers are wrong.” Fontes emphasized that election officials are focused on running secure elections and dismissed Trump’s grievances as lacking credibility.

Gabe Sterling of the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office addressed Trump’s claim about Chinese interference, clarifying that the information in question is publicly available voter data, not evidence of hacking or vote manipulation. Sterling explained, “They bought it because this is the publicly available information. And what is the theory of the crime here? What are they going to do with it? This is stuff that anybody can get. They can’t change a vote. They can’t change a tally. They can’t take your vote away. None of that works.” He further noted that intelligence assessments have shown no impact on election outcomes in 2020, 2022, 2024, or beyond.

Bipartisan Consensus on Election Integrity

Both Fontes, a Democrat, and Sterling, a Republican, agreed that Trump’s allegations do not change the results of past elections. Fontes highlighted the transparency and safeguards in place, stating that public portions of voter rolls allow for independent verification that only registered voters cast ballots. He also criticized the ongoing spread of misinformation from the White House, saying, “The lies from the White House are making us look terrible, and that’s problematic for our voters.”

Sterling echoed this sentiment, pointing out that election administrators have long been aware of attempts to access voter data and have robust systems to address such issues. He stressed that Trump’s rhetoric only serves to harm his own party’s prospects, especially in competitive states like Georgia and Michigan.

Conclusion

President Trump’s recent claims about noncitizen voter registration and foreign interference in state voter rolls have been thoroughly debunked by top election officials from both parties. Their unified response underscores the ongoing challenge of combating misinformation about U.S. elections and highlights the professionalism and transparency of those responsible for safeguarding the democratic process. As these officials continue their work, they urge voters to trust in the integrity of the nation’s elections and to look past baseless accusations.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/battleground-state-election-officials-respond-to-trumps-efforts-to-reshape-voting-process

Trump on US service members killed in Jordan: 'It’s a very sad thing'

Administration News — 2026-07-19 07:05:00 — thehill.com

Trump Responds to Deaths of U.S. Troops in Jordan, Ties Tragedy to Iran Policy

President Trump addressed the recent deaths of U.S. service members in Jordan, calling the incident “a very sad thing.” He stated, “We hate to see it happen. They were in service of our country. And they, every one of them will never allow, they’ll fight to the death. But never allowing Iran to have a nuclear weapon.”

Trump’s Remarks and Their Implications

Trump’s comments linked the sacrifice of U.S. troops directly to his administration’s stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. By asserting that the fallen service members “will never allow” Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, Trump appeared to conflate their deaths with his broader foreign policy objectives. This rhetorical move frames the tragedy within the context of ongoing tensions with Iran, despite the lack of direct evidence in the excerpt connecting the Jordan attack to Iran’s nuclear program.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Statement

Within the excerpt, Trump’s remarks do not contain a specific false claim about the circumstances of the attack or Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, his statement could be seen as an exaggeration by implying that the primary mission or legacy of the fallen troops is tied to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. The excerpt does not provide evidence that this was the case for the service members killed in Jordan.

Conclusion

President Trump’s response to the deaths of U.S. troops in Jordan highlights his tendency to connect military tragedies to his administration’s foreign policy priorities, particularly regarding Iran. While expressing condolences, he used the moment to reinforce his stance against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, a move that may oversimplify the complex realities faced by U.S. service members in the region. Readers should be aware of how such statements can shape public understanding of international events and U.S. military policy.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5976615-trump-reacts-jordan-deaths-iran-strikes/

Trump claims the country’s voting systems are vulnerable in primetime address : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-17 03:42:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Repeats Baseless Claims About Election Integrity in Primetime Address

President Trump used a primetime national address Thursday night to repeat familiar and unfounded claims about the security of U.S. elections, just months before a midterm election in which Republicans are expected to face losses.

No Evidence for Claims of Fraud

During his speech, Trump did not provide any new evidence that fraudulent votes have been cast. He has a long record of sowing doubts about election security, including his persistent and false insistence that he won the 2020 election. In the address, Trump spoke about foreign governments attempting to sway election results and the possibility of voting machines being hacked—issues that have been widely discussed for years. He also declassified intelligence reports that he claimed supported his assertions of “shocking vulnerabilities” in the U.S. election system, but did not present proof that these vulnerabilities had been exploited.

Pushing the SAVE America Act

Trump used the national platform to urge Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote. He framed the issue in stark terms, saying, “Addressing this crisis of election security demands that Congress must pass the SAVE America Act. How easy is that to do, unless you want to cheat? The only reason you wouldn’t do it is you want to cheat.” This rhetoric, which implies that opposition to the bill is tantamount to supporting cheating, is not supported by evidence and continues his pattern of casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral process.

Political Motivations and Lack of Focus on Key Issues

The address comes after Trump’s repeated attempts to change election administration through executive actions—efforts that have been blocked by the courts. He has also refused to sign a bipartisan housing bill in protest over the lack of progress on the SAVE America Act, but this move did not sway Congress. Despite the importance of issues like the cost of living to voters, Trump spent little time addressing these concerns in his speech, instead focusing on election security.

Laying Groundwork to Discredit Upcoming Elections

Trump’s continued focus on alleged vulnerabilities—without evidence that they have been exploited—appears to be an attempt to lay the groundwork for questioning the legitimacy of the upcoming midterm elections, where Republicans are widely expected to lose seats. By stating, “unless you want to cheat,” Trump is preemptively casting doubt on the fairness of the results, a strategy he has used in previous election cycles.

Conclusion

President Trump’s primetime address once again amplified unsupported claims about election integrity and disparaged those who oppose his proposed legislation. Despite years of investigations and court rulings finding no widespread fraud, Trump continues to undermine confidence in the electoral process. As the midterms approach, his rhetoric risks further eroding public trust in American democracy.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/17/nx-s1-5896426/trump-claims-the-countrys-voting-systems-are-vulnerable-in-primetime-address

What voters are making of the Iran War dragging on

Politics — 2026-07-19 04:00:00 — www.washingtonpost.com

Trump’s Prediction on Iran War Timeline Contradicted by Prolonged Conflict and Economic Fallout

When the United States first struck Iran, President Trump said the war would last mere weeks. Five months later, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Ceasefires have come and gone, military strikes have stopped and restarted, and the region remains unstable.

Broken Promises on War Duration

President Trump’s claim that the conflict with Iran would be over in “mere weeks” has proven inaccurate. Despite his assurances, the fighting has persisted for months, with no clear end in sight. This ongoing instability has undermined the administration’s initial messaging and raised questions about the accuracy of Trump’s public statements regarding the conflict’s duration.

Economic Impact: Rising Gas Prices and Global Uncertainty

The prolonged hostilities have had significant consequences beyond the battlefield. Gas prices have surged as the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for global oil shipments—has repeatedly reopened and closed due to the conflict. This volatility has affected consumers and markets worldwide, contradicting any suggestion that the situation would be quickly resolved with minimal disruption.

Failed Diplomacy and Renewed Attacks

The Trump administration attempted to broker another deal with Iran in June, but those efforts collapsed this month. As a result, attacks have resumed, further destabilizing the region and casting doubt on the administration’s ability to bring about a lasting peace.

Conclusion: A Record of Unfulfilled Promises

President Trump’s assertion that the war with Iran would be brief has not matched the facts on the ground. The ongoing conflict, repeated ceasefire failures, and economic fallout highlight a pattern of overpromising and underdelivering. As the situation continues to evolve, the gap between Trump’s statements and the reality of U.S. engagement in Iran remains a critical issue for both policymakers and the public.

Source article

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/07/19/what-voters-are-making-iran-war-dragging/

Donald J. Trump: “For many years, I have called for bold, swift, and decisive action to protec…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-17 20:59:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims to Declassify “Critical Intelligence” on U.S. Election Security, Alleges Massive Vulnerabilities

Donald Trump announced what he described as the “immediate declassification and release of critical intelligence” that he claims reveals “shocking vulnerabilities in our election infrastructure.” In a statement, Trump asserted, “the system we have today falls catastrophically short” of ensuring secure and accurate vote counting. He further alleged that the U.S. election system is exposed “to hacking, exploitation and foreign interference” at unprecedented levels, and claimed that this information “has for many years been covered up and hidden from you.”

Trump’s Claims of Election System Failures

Trump’s remarks centered on the idea that the current U.S. election system is fundamentally insecure. He stated that the evidence he is releasing “shows that the election system we have dangerously exposes… to hacking, exploitation and foreign interference.” He also claimed that the documents were reviewed and confirmed by the “White House Government Transparency Task Force,” the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board, and “top intelligence agency chiefs.”

Allegations of a Cover-Up

In his announcement, Trump accused unnamed officials of hiding vital information from the public, saying, “this vital information has for many years been covered up and hidden from you.” He positioned the release of these documents as a turning point, stating, “that all changes right now.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Assertions

Trump’s statements in this excerpt repeat familiar themes from his past rhetoric about election security and alleged vulnerabilities. However, the excerpt does not provide any specific evidence or examples of the vulnerabilities he claims exist, nor does it substantiate the assertion that intelligence agencies have confirmed these findings. The claim that the election system is “catastrophically short” of security and “dangerously exposes” the country to foreign interference is not supported by any details in the provided remarks.

Conclusion

Trump’s latest comments continue his pattern of making sweeping, unsubstantiated claims about the integrity of U.S. elections. While he promises the release of documents and alleges a long-standing cover-up, the excerpt offers no concrete evidence or verifiable details to support these assertions. As with previous statements, these remarks serve to cast doubt on the election system without presenting clear, factual substantiation. Readers are encouraged to seek out the actual documents referenced and to rely on independent, nonpartisan sources for verified information about U.S. election security.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40102

Darline Graham’s career centered disability. Now she could help shape national policy

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-18 16:21:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Urges Darline Graham to Run for Senate as Disability Advocates Face Policy Threats

Donald Trump has called on Darline Graham, sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to run for a full Senate term, as reported in coverage of her recent appointment to fill her brother’s seat. This development comes at a time when disability rights advocates are expressing concern over recent federal policy shifts and proposed cuts that could impact services for people with disabilities.

Trump’s Encouragement and Policy Context

According to the report, Trump has urged Darline Graham to seek a full Senate term following her brother’s passing. While Graham herself has a long record in vocational rehabilitation and public service, she has not previously held elected office. Her appointment and Trump’s encouragement place her in the national spotlight at a moment of heightened political tension around disability policy.

Impact of Trump Administration Policies

The article highlights that the Trump administration moved to dismantle the Department of Education and transfer oversight of special education services to the Department of Health and Human Services. Many experts believe this shift could put students with disabilities at risk. Additionally, the report notes that massive cuts to Medicaid from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Lindsey Graham supported, threaten disability services in many states. While Lindsey Graham did not comment publicly on these actions, he was described as a vocal ally of Trump and his administration.

Disability Advocates’ Concerns

Advocates in South Carolina and beyond are watching closely to see how Darline Graham will approach these issues. Her background in disability services is well regarded, but the broader policy environment shaped by recent federal actions remains a central concern for those working to protect and expand rights for people with disabilities.

Conclusion

Trump’s push for Darline Graham to run for a full Senate term comes amid ongoing debates over federal disability policy and funding. As advocates work to defend critical services, the actions and positions of national leaders—including Trump’s encouragement and the administration’s policy record—remain under close scrutiny.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/darline-grahams-career-centered-disability-now-she-could-help-shape-national-policy

Trump election speech divides a GOP wary of midterms

Administration News — 2026-07-18 16:00:00 — thehill.com

President Trump’s Push for SAVE America Act Sparks GOP Frustration

President Trump’s determined campaign to secure congressional approval for the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE America) Act is causing visible tensions within his own party. According to the excerpt, Trump is pressing for passage of the legislation “at all costs,” a stance that has left many Republicans frustrated, particularly as the midterm elections approach. These frustrations were heightened after Trump delivered a primetime address Thursday night, in which he revisited his ongoing grievances.

Trump’s insistence on prioritizing the SAVE America Act, despite resistance from some Republicans, highlights his willingness to pick contentious fights within his party. The excerpt makes clear that Trump’s approach is seen by some GOP members as a strategic misstep, especially given the high stakes of the upcoming elections.

While the excerpt does not provide direct quotes or specific false claims from Trump’s address, it does attribute to him a clear position: he is pushing for the SAVE America Act regardless of the political cost, and he used a national platform to reiterate his frustrations with the legislative process and his party’s reluctance.

This episode underscores a broader pattern in Trump’s political strategy—one marked by public displays of dissatisfaction and a readiness to challenge even his own allies when his legislative priorities are at stake. As the midterms draw near, the fallout from Trump’s approach may have significant implications for party unity and electoral outcomes.

In summary, President Trump’s unwavering push for the SAVE America Act, and his willingness to publicly air his frustrations, is creating internal GOP conflict at a critical political moment. The coming weeks will reveal whether his strategy strengthens or further divides his party as they head into the midterm elections.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5975430-senate-gop-split-voter-id-bill/