Donald J. Trump: “ABC Fake News and its shaky anchor, David Muir, said that the Reflecting Poo…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-13 21:53:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Attacks ABC News Over Reflecting Pool Coverage, Claims Vandalism the Real Cause

President Donald Trump has sharply criticized ABC News and anchor David Muir, claiming their report on the draining of the Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., was misleading and failed to address the true cause of the issue. Trump asserted, “the Reflecting Pool was drained to address Peeling Paint (there is no paint, it was slashed with a knife, or box cutter, high grade colored waterproofing liner – it was VANDALISM!) and Algae Blooms (also caused by Vandals, but removed long ago!). In other words, the story was FAKE NEWS, but heavily slanted away from the real cause of the problem, Vandalism.”

Disputing the Official Explanation

According to Trump, the widely reported reasons for draining the Reflecting Pool—peeling paint and algae blooms—were inaccurate. He insisted there is no paint involved and that the real issue was vandalism, specifically damage to the pool’s waterproofing liner. Trump further claimed that the algae blooms, cited as a maintenance concern, were also the result of vandalism and had already been addressed.

Exaggerated Claims About D.C. Safety and Restoration

Trump went on to tout recent improvements in the nation’s capital, stating, “60 monuments and fountains have been cleaned and fully renovated in D.C., and crime is at record lows! Washington has never looked better, or been safer!” These sweeping statements about crime and city conditions are not supported by the ABC News report he criticized, and Trump provided no evidence for the claim that crime is at “record lows.”

Fact-Checking Trump’s Assertions

Trump’s remarks disparaged both the reporting of ABC News and the integrity of their anchor, labeling the story as “FAKE NEWS” and accusing the network of bias. His statements about the cause of the Reflecting Pool’s maintenance and the state of crime in Washington, D.C., stand in contrast to the explanations provided by officials and reported by ABC News.

Conclusion

President Trump’s response to the Reflecting Pool story highlights his ongoing pattern of attacking media outlets and offering alternative explanations that often lack supporting evidence. His claims about vandalism as the sole cause and record-low crime rates in D.C. are not substantiated by the ABC News report he criticized. As Trump continues to challenge unfavorable coverage, his statements underscore the importance of careful fact-checking and transparency in public discourse.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40020

Marco Rubio launches campaign to dismantle international criminal court | Marco Rubio

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-13 20:39:00 — www.theguardian.com

Donald Trump Escalates Campaign Against International Criminal Court, Imposes Sanctions Over Investigations

Donald Trump has intensified his administration’s opposition to the International Criminal Court (ICC), issuing an executive order six weeks into his second term that declared a “national emergency” in response to what he described as the ICC’s “illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel.” Trump’s order imposed sweeping sanctions on ICC officials, including chief prosecutor Karim Khan, two deputies, and six judges, specifically targeting their investigations into Israeli conduct in Palestine and alleged war crimes by US service members in Afghanistan.

Trump’s administration further expanded its sanctions regime throughout 2025, targeting Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, and three Palestinian human rights groups involved in gathering evidence of possible Israeli war crimes.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s characterization of the ICC’s actions as “illegitimate and baseless” has been challenged by international legal experts. The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, only investigates crimes committed in states that are party to the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the court. The United States has not ratified this treaty, and the court has not opened investigations into crimes committed on American soil.

Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch, stated that “Trump wants to be able to commit war crimes on the territory of countries that have accepted the court’s jurisdiction – that’s what this is about.” Roth and other experts emphasized that the ICC is not claiming jurisdiction over US conduct within the United States, but rather over alleged crimes committed by Americans in countries that have accepted ICC jurisdiction.

Contradictory Stance on ICC Jurisdiction

Notably, the Trump administration has previously supported the ICC’s jurisdiction in certain contexts, such as welcoming investigations into Russian war crimes in Ukraine, a signatory to the Rome Statute. This selective approach has drawn criticism for hypocrisy and for undermining the rules-based international order established after World War II.

Potential Global Impact

The Trump administration’s aggressive measures against the ICC, including threats of sanctions, travel bans, and visa revocations for those cooperating with the court, have raised concerns among legal experts and human rights advocates. Critics warn that these actions could amount to obstruction of justice under the Rome Statute and threaten global access to justice, from Ukraine to Sudan.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s campaign against the ICC is marked by false and misleading claims about the court’s jurisdiction and motives. By imposing sanctions and pressuring other nations to abandon the ICC, Trump’s administration risks isolating the United States and undermining international efforts to hold perpetrators of war crimes accountable. The move has sparked widespread condemnation from legal experts and human rights organizations, who argue that it erodes the very foundations of international justice.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/13/marco-rubio-dismantle-international-criminal-court

Who is Darline Graham Nordone, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister?

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-13 17:44:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Publicly Recommends Darline Graham Nordone for Senate Seat as “Fabulous Tribute” to Lindsey Graham

In the wake of Senator Lindsey Graham’s death, President Donald Trump took to social media to recommend that South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoint Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as the interim senator. Trump described the selection as “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”

Trump’s Public Endorsement

Hours before Governor McMaster’s official announcement, Trump publicly stated that he had advised the governor to pick Nordone for the role. By making his recommendation public, Trump placed his personal stamp on the appointment process, framing Nordone’s selection as an act of respect for the late senator’s legacy.

No False Claims or Attacks in Statement

In this instance, Trump’s comments were focused on honoring Lindsey Graham’s memory and supporting his sister’s temporary appointment. The excerpt does not contain any false claims, exaggerations, or attacks on individuals from Trump regarding this appointment.

Context of the Appointment

Darline Graham Nordone, who has not previously held public office, was chosen to serve the remaining months of her brother’s Senate term. Her appointment follows decades of public service by Lindsey Graham, with Nordone often by his side at political events and campaign appearances. The special primary next month will determine which Republican will move forward to face Democrat Annie Andrews in the general election.

Conclusion

President Trump’s public recommendation for Darline Graham Nordone’s interim Senate appointment underscores his ongoing influence within the Republican Party and his willingness to weigh in on key political decisions. In this case, Trump’s statement was a gesture of tribute, without the falsehoods or personal attacks that have characterized some of his other public remarks.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/who-is-darline-graham-nordone-the-late-sen-lindsey-grahams-sister

Lindsey Graham’s sister is named to serve out brother’s term : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-13 15:17:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Endorses Darline Graham Nordone to Succeed Late Senator Lindsey Graham

In the wake of Senator Lindsey Graham’s unexpected death, President Trump has publicly recommended Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill the vacant Senate seat. Trump made his endorsement clear in a social media post, stating, “This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”

Swift Republican Support for Graham’s Sister

Following Senator Graham’s passing, top Republicans quickly rallied around the idea of appointing his sister to serve out the remainder of his term. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announced the appointment, which will last only a few months until a special primary election is held on August 11. It remains uncertain whether Darline Graham Nordone will seek a full term in the Senate.

Trump’s Influence on the Appointment

President Trump’s endorsement played a significant role in shaping the Republican response to the vacancy. His public support for Darline Graham Nordone was echoed by other party leaders, including Senator Tim Scott, who appeared alongside her at the official announcement. Trump’s statement framed the appointment as a fitting way to honor Lindsey Graham’s legacy.

No False Claims or Attacks in Trump’s Statement

Within the excerpt, Trump’s involvement is limited to his social media endorsement of Darline Graham Nordone. There are no documented false claims, distortions, or attacks attributable to Trump in this context. His statement focused on paying tribute to Lindsey Graham and supporting his sister’s appointment.

Conclusion

President Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham Nordone underscores his ongoing influence within the Republican Party, particularly in shaping responses to unexpected political developments. While his statement in this instance was supportive and free of falsehoods or disparagements, it highlights the significant weight his public positions continue to carry in party decisions and succession planning.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/13/nx-s1-5891839/lindsey-graham-senate-seat-darline-graham

US refunds $81bn in Trump tariffs after supreme court ruled them illegal | Trump tariffs

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-13 19:35:00 — www.theguardian.com

President Trump’s Tariff Strategy Backfires as Supreme Court Forces Billions in Refunds

President Donald Trump has repeatedly pitched tariffs as a universal solution for America’s economic challenges, claiming they would revive domestic manufacturing, secure better trade deals, and shrink the federal deficit. However, new budget data reveals a starkly different outcome after a Supreme Court decision forced the government to refund tens of billions of dollars in tariffs deemed illegal.

## Supreme Court Ruling Undercuts Tariff Policy

Tariffs have been central to Trump’s economic agenda since he returned to office last year. In February, the Supreme Court struck down a significant portion of the additional tariffs Trump had ordered, compelling the government to return the collected funds to affected companies. According to Treasury figures, the U.S. has paid out $81 billion in tariff refunds so far this fiscal year—an enormous increase from just $5 billion during the same period last year. Most of these refunds occurred in May and June, directly tied to the court’s decision.

## Contradiction Between Claims and Outcomes

Trump had promoted the tariffs as a “catch-all fix for the economy,” promising they would bring factories back to America, improve trade deals, and close the federal budget deficit. Yet, the latest data shows the opposite: the deficit, which had temporarily narrowed due to tariff revenue, is now widening again. In the first nine months of the fiscal year, the deficit reached $1.367 trillion, a 2% increase. Meanwhile, the government’s interest payments on debt soared to over $1 trillion, up 14%, and military spending rose 5% due to the ongoing war in the Middle East.

## Ongoing Uncertainty and New Tariff Plans

The administration’s current temporary 10% global tariff is set to expire on July 24. Despite the recent setback, the White House is preparing new duties, citing concerns over lax enforcement of anti-forced labor laws and excessive industrial capacity abroad.

## Conclusion

President Trump’s assertion that tariffs would be a comprehensive solution to America’s economic woes has not held up under scrutiny. The Supreme Court’s intervention and the resulting $81 billion in refunds highlight the legal and fiscal vulnerabilities of his approach. As the deficit grows and economic pressures mount, the effectiveness of Trump’s tariff strategy remains in serious question, with significant consequences for businesses and taxpayers alike.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/14/trump-tariffs-us-refunds

Lindsey Graham’s Sister Appointed to Finish His Senate Term After Trump’s Backing

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-13 18:27:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Endorses Appointment of Lindsey Graham’s Sister to Senate Seat

President Trump weighed in on the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of her brother, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. In a social media post, Trump called the appointment of Ms. Nordone “a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly!”

Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, announced the decision hours after Trump’s public endorsement, emphasizing that he consulted with the president after speaking with Ms. Nordone. McMaster stated, “I called the president afterwards, and he thought that it was a great idea.”

Ms. Nordone, who has worked to help people with disabilities find jobs but has no prior political experience, accepted the appointment and said she would finish her brother’s work for the remainder of his term. She indicated she does not plan to run in the upcoming special Republican primary.

Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina also endorsed the appointment in a social media post following Trump’s remarks.

The appointment comes as South Carolina prepares for a special Republican primary election on August 11, with several potential contenders already emerging. The state’s strong conservative leanings make the Republican nominee a favorite to win the seat in November.

Trump’s endorsement highlights his continued influence over Republican politics in South Carolina and underscores the tradition of appointing family members to fill vacant seats in Congress.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/13/us/politics/trump-graham-sister-south-carolina-senate.html

Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline, will serve out his Senate term

Politics — 2026-07-13 15:13:00 — www.politico.com

Donald Trump Backs Darline Graham Nordone as “Fabulous Tribute” to Late Senator Lindsey Graham

President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the appointment of Darline Graham Nordone, the younger sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, to serve out the remainder of her brother’s Senate term. Trump made his support clear on Truth Social, calling Nordone’s appointment a “fabulous tribute” to the late senator.

Trump’s approval was a key factor in the decision, according to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster’s advisers. After McMaster reached out to the White House to discuss the possibility of Nordone filling the seat, Trump was described as “very receptive” to the idea. The president’s blessing is considered crucial in South Carolina’s deeply conservative political landscape.

Nordone’s appointment comes as the state prepares for a competitive Republican primary on August 11, with several high-profile candidates already considering bids for the seat. While Nordone is expected to serve as a caretaker, she has not yet indicated whether she will seek a full term.

Trump has not made any public statements about his preferences for the long-term successor to Graham’s seat, but his influence is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming race.

Conclusion

Trump’s endorsement of Darline Graham Nordone underscores his continued sway over Republican politics in South Carolina. As the race for the Senate seat heats up, Trump’s future statements and endorsements will likely shape the field and the outcome of the primary.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/13/lindsey-graham-sister-finish-senate-term-00995350

FIFA President Gianni Infantino potentially faces investigations over Trump’s World Cup involvement

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-07-13 13:18:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump Thanks FIFA for Suspending U.S. Player’s Ban After His Intervention, Prompting Ethics Outcry

“Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Donald Trump posted on Truth Social after FIFA announced it would suspend the one-match ban of U.S. soccer star Folarin Balogun ahead of the World Cup knockout round. Trump’s public celebration came after reports surfaced that he had personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to ask for a review of Balogun’s red card suspension.

The phone call, confirmed by Infantino, took place just hours after the U.S. defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina. Infantino stated that during their conversation, he explained to Trump that the case was under review by FIFA’s independent judicial bodies. According to The New York Times, Trump called Infantino again after FIFA announced the suspension delay, telling the FIFA president that the organization had made the right decision.

Trump did not directly take credit for the outcome, but his involvement has sparked international controversy. European lawmakers and human rights groups are now demanding ethics investigations into both Trump’s and Infantino’s actions. Critics argue that Trump’s intervention undermined the integrity of the disciplinary process and violated principles of political neutrality in global sports.

The decision to let Balogun play drew sharp criticism from Belgium, the U.S.’s next opponent, and led to formal complaints from organizations like FairSquare, which focuses on human rights in sports. Over 50 members of the European Parliament have signed a letter supporting an ethics complaint against Infantino, and further action is being considered by the International Olympic Committee.

Despite Trump’s celebratory tone, the U.S. team went on to lose 4-1 to Belgium and failed to advance to the World Cup quarterfinals. The controversy over Trump’s intervention has reignited debate over political influence in international sports and raised questions about the impartiality of FIFA’s disciplinary decisions.

As investigations proceed, Trump’s role in the suspension reversal remains under scrutiny, highlighting ongoing concerns about the intersection of politics and global athletics.

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Source: https://www.politifact.com/article/2026/jul/13/fifa-president-gianni-infantino-potentially-faces/

FactCheck.org Wins Sigma Delta Chi Award for Fact-Checking

FactCheck.org — 2026-07-13 11:28:00 — www.factcheck.org

Trump’s Tariff Claims Face Repeated Fact-Checks for Misleading and False Statements

President Donald Trump’s statements on tariffs have repeatedly come under scrutiny for misleading and false claims, according to award-winning fact-checks recognized by the Society of Professional Journalists. FactCheck.org, which recently won its fourth Sigma Delta Chi award for fact-checking, was honored for its careful analysis of Trump’s tariff assertions.

False and Misleading Tariff Claims

Among the claims examined by FactCheck.org were Trump’s misleading calculations regarding “reciprocal tariffs” he sought to impose on nations worldwide. The fact-checks also addressed his misleading justification for higher tariffs on imports of European goods. Most notably, Trump has repeatedly and falsely insisted that tariffs would be paid by other countries, not by American consumers. This assertion has been thoroughly debunked by economic experts and fact-checkers, who have shown that the costs of tariffs are typically borne by importers and ultimately passed on to U.S. consumers.

Recognition for Calling Out Falsehoods

The Society of Professional Journalists highlighted the importance of confronting deliberate falsehoods and misstatements in journalism. During the virtual awards ceremony, judges praised the fact-checkers for their clear presentation of the facts and for holding Trump accountable for his inaccurate tariff statements.

A Pattern of Deceptive Claims

This is not the first time Trump’s statements have been the subject of award-winning fact-checking. FactCheck.org has previously been recognized for its work exposing deceptive claims made about federal health care legislation and other policy areas.

Conclusion

President Trump’s repeated false insistence that tariffs would be paid by other countries, along with misleading justifications for tariff policies, have been carefully analyzed and debunked by independent fact-checkers. The recognition of this work underscores the ongoing need for rigorous, factual reporting in the face of persistent misinformation from public officials.

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Source: https://www.factcheck.org/2026/07/factcheck-org-wins-sigma-delta-chi-award-for-fact-checking/

Trump urges S.C. governor to appoint Sen. Graham’s sister as temporary replacement

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-13 12:15:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Calls for Lindsey Graham’s Sister to Fill Senate Seat After Senator’s Death

President Donald Trump publicly recommended on Monday that South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, as Graham’s temporary replacement in the U.S. Senate. Trump posted on social media that Nordone should fulfill the remainder of Graham’s term, which expires in January.

Graham, who died over the weekend at age 71, was known for his close relationship with his sister, whom he raised after their parents died when they were young. Nordone was by Graham’s side earlier this year as he filed for reelection, highlighting their longstanding family bond.

The appointment process is moving quickly, with sources indicating that the interim senator could be sworn in as soon as Wednesday. Governor McMaster is expected to announce his decision later Monday, and Senator Tim Scott, who has spoken with Graham’s sister multiple times since the senator’s death, plans to attend the announcement.

A special election will be held next month to determine the Republican nominee for the general election to fill Graham’s seat. The open Senate seat has already sparked significant interest among South Carolina’s Republican leaders, many of whom are eager to advance their political careers.

Trump’s public endorsement of Darline Graham Nordone is a notable intervention in the state’s political process, underscoring his ongoing influence within the Republican Party and in South Carolina politics specifically. The recommendation comes amid a rapidly evolving situation, as state and federal laws governing special elections and ballot deadlines add complexity to the process.

As the state prepares for both an interim appointment and a special election, Trump’s statement has added a new layer of attention and urgency to the decision facing Governor McMaster. The coming days will determine whether Trump’s preferred candidate is selected to temporarily fill the seat of one of the Senate’s most prominent Republicans.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-urges-s-c-governor-to-appoint-sen-grahams-sister-as-temporary-replacement