Cost of Iran war grows, as Trump throws its end into question 

Administration News — 2026-07-11 15:00:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Threatens to End Negotiations with Iran, Raising Costs and Tensions

President Trump is threatening to blow up negotiations with Iran and return to all-out war, as tensions escalate over the Strait of Hormuz. The ongoing military operations in the region are steadily increasing in cost, with immediate expenses projected to run the government tens of billions of dollars.

Trump’s Threats and Their Consequences

According to the latest reports, President Trump’s posture has shifted toward a more confrontational approach, with explicit threats to end diplomatic efforts and escalate military action. This stance has directly contributed to the rising costs and instability in the Middle East, particularly as U.S. forces respond to continued escalations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Fact-Checking the Claims

The excerpt highlights the financial burden of these military operations, noting that the immediate cost to the U.S. government will be in the tens of billions of dollars. This figure underscores the significant impact of Trump’s threatened return to open conflict, both in terms of economic strain and regional security.

Conclusion

President Trump’s threats to abandon negotiations and resume all-out war with Iran have led to increased military expenditures and heightened tensions in the Middle East. As the situation continues to develop, the cost—both financial and geopolitical—remains a pressing concern for the United States and its allies.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5963663-iran-war-cost-rising/

England World Cup star Harry Kane confirms he played golf with Trump | Harry Kane

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-11 16:20:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Praises Harry Kane After Golf Outing, Drawing Social Media Backlash

Donald Trump surprised reporters on July 6 by revealing that he had previously played golf with England football captain Harry Kane, calling Kane a “great player” and a “good golfer.” Trump made these remarks following England’s 3-2 victory over Mexico in the World Cup round of 16, after which he also posted on social media, “Harry Kane of England is a GREAT player!!!” The next day, Trump elaborated, stating, “I think Kane is a great player. I played golf with him and I like him a lot. He’s a good golfer. He’s really great.”

Kane Confirms Golf Game with Trump

When asked by a reporter about Trump’s comments and the golf game, Kane confirmed that the round took place in Palm Beach, Florida, about 18 months earlier. Kane described the experience as “surreal,” saying, “He invited me to play when I was down in Palm Beach, so yeah, when the president invites you somewhere … it was a pretty surreal experience just to meet him and obviously play golf with him.” Kane, who plays for Bayern Munich and is known for his 3 handicap, also praised Trump’s golf skills: “His golf’s pretty good, to be honest with you. I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age, that’s for sure.”

Social Media and Public Reaction

Kane’s confirmation of the golf outing with Trump sparked immediate backlash on social media. Critics of the president questioned Kane’s decision to associate with Trump, with some suggesting that other high-profile players, such as Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, would have declined the invitation. Comments ranged from disappointment to outright condemnation, with one critic calling Kane a “dumb sports washing tool for authoritarianism.”

No False Claims or Attacks by Trump in This Instance

In this episode, Trump’s statements focused on praising Kane’s athletic and golfing abilities. The excerpt does not contain any false claims, exaggerations, or attacks on living individuals by Trump. Instead, Trump’s remarks were complimentary and centered on his positive impression of Kane both as a footballer and a golfer.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s public praise of Harry Kane following their golf outing highlights the intersection of sports and politics, and the scrutiny that can follow such associations. While Trump’s comments in this instance were positive and free of falsehoods or disparagements, the reaction underscores how public figures’ interactions with political leaders can become flashpoints for broader debates and criticism.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/11/england-world-cup-harry-kane-trump-golf

Sen. Whitehouse announces whistleblower allegations of construction problems at Kennedy Center

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-11 17:14:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump’s Aesthetic Demands and Kennedy Center Turmoil: Whistleblowers Detail Costly, Rushed Renovations

A new whistleblower disclosure has raised serious questions about the management and reconstruction of the Kennedy Center under President Donald Trump’s leadership, with allegations that the arts complex was subjected to rushed and improper renovations to satisfy Trump’s personal preferences and public image.

Whistleblower Allegations: Renovations Driven by Trump’s Whims

According to a release from Senator Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, the Government Accountability Project provided firsthand accounts from multiple former Kennedy Center project managers. The whistleblower report alleges that “the Center rushed a series of renovations driven by the President’s aesthetic whims and his desire to star in a series of televised events in December.” These claims are supported by internal documents, emails, and photographs, which were included in an 83-page appendix released by Whitehouse.

Costly Mistakes and Shoddy Construction

The report details several instances of waste and mismanagement, including steel columns rusting through fresh paint, a reflecting pool that may need to be rebuilt, and a brand-new bathroom floor torn out and replaced because Trump did not like the color of the tiles. The letter from Whitehouse describes this as treating “a national memorial to President Kennedy as if it were a private renovation project.”

Additionally, the whistleblower report alleges that the Kennedy Center rushed work before it was authorized by Congress to ensure completion in time for Trump to accept the new FIFA Peace Prize. In the process, the center is accused of bypassing required contracting guidelines, awarding no-bid contracts, and spending $8 million on a concert hall floor replacement by a firm with no experience in such projects.

Trump’s Seizure of the Kennedy Center and Legal Fallout

Trump’s involvement with the Kennedy Center began at the start of his second term, when he ousted the prior leadership and installed a new Board of Trustees that named him chairman and added his name to the building. This move led to widespread boycotts by artists and a legal battle, with a federal judge ultimately ordering the removal of Trump’s name from the venue. Trump also attempted to close the center for two years, but was ordered by the court to keep it open, as only Congress has the authority to change its name.

Conclusion: Waste and Controversy Amid Presidential Intervention

The whistleblower allegations paint a troubling picture of the Kennedy Center’s management under Trump, with claims of wasteful spending and disregard for proper procedures in pursuit of the president’s personal interests. As Senator Whitehouse seeks answers from the center’s executive director, the controversy underscores the broader challenges of political interference in national cultural institutions and the importance of accountability in public spending.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/sen-whitehouse-announces-whistleblower-allegations-of-construction-problems-at-kennedy-center

Trump rips Haberman, says she'll ‘pay the price’ over health reporting

Administration News — 2026-07-11 15:11:00 — thehill.com

Trump Attacks New York Times Reporter After Fitness Questions, Warns of Legal Consequences

President Trump sharply criticized New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman after she raised questions about his physical and cognitive fitness during an appearance on MS Now. Trump, in a lengthy Truth Social post on Saturday, warned that Haberman will “pay the price” when his multibillion-dollar lawsuit against the Times reaches court.

The former president’s comments came in direct response to Haberman’s public questioning of his health and mental acuity. Trump lashed out at Haberman, making her the target of his latest attack on the press. He framed his ongoing lawsuit against the New York Times as a mechanism for holding her accountable, escalating his rhetoric by suggesting personal consequences for her reporting.

This episode fits a broader pattern of Trump’s public statements, where he frequently disparages journalists and critics. His warning that Haberman will “pay the price” exemplifies his tendency to respond to scrutiny with threats of legal action and personal attacks. Such statements have drawn criticism for their chilling effect on press freedom and for contributing to a hostile environment for reporters.

Trump’s record includes numerous false and exaggerated claims about the media and his critics. In this instance, his assertion that a journalist will face consequences in court for raising questions about his fitness is both a personal attack and a distortion of the legal process, as lawsuits against news organizations are typically resolved on the merits of the reporting, not as retribution against individual journalists.

In summary, Trump’s latest remarks against Maggie Haberman highlight his ongoing strategy of attacking the press and threatening legal action in response to critical coverage. His statements serve as a reminder of his broader approach to criticism—one that often involves personal disparagements and unfounded claims about the consequences his critics will face.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/5964144-trump-slams-maggie-haberman/

New York Times reporters subpoenaed by DOJ : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-11 11:35:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Accuses New York Times of Defamation Amid Escalating Legal Battles

President Trump is currently engaged in multiple personal legal disputes with The New York Times, claiming that the newspaper has disparaged his reputation, undermined his reelection efforts, and committed defamation. The Times has rejected these accusations.

These legal confrontations come as the Department of Justice, under officials nominated by Trump, has intensified actions against journalists. Several Times reporters were subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury regarding their reporting on Air Force One, following stories that the Secret Service urged Trump to use an older plane due to security concerns with a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar. The Times reported that the newer plane lacked advanced defensive countermeasures.

The move to subpoena journalists marks a significant escalation in what is described as Trump’s years-long effort to intimidate and control U.S. media outlets. This campaign has included financial settlements with major networks, civil lawsuits, and federal criminal actions against multiple news organizations.

The Times has also launched its own legal action against the Defense Department for restricting reporter access, and is involved in a separate dispute with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The newspaper contends that the commission’s lawsuit is part of the Trump administration’s retaliation for its coverage of the president.

Trump’s repeated claims of defamation and efforts to challenge critical reporting reflect a broader pattern of attacking the press and attempting to limit scrutiny of his administration. The Times and other media organizations continue to defend their reporting and press freedom in the face of these unprecedented legal and political pressures.

Conclusion

Trump’s ongoing legal battles with The New York Times and other media outlets highlight his aggressive stance against critical coverage and his willingness to use the legal system to challenge and intimidate journalists. These actions raise significant concerns about press freedom and the public’s right to know how their government operates.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/11/g-s1-133160/justice-department-subpoenas-new-york-times-reporters-over-air-force-one-reporting

Donald J. Trump: “Maggot Hagerman has covered me incorrectly for ten years. Her book is a joke…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-11 11:23:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Attacks Reporter, Dismisses Book as “Fake News,” and Boasts of Cognitive Tests

President Donald J. Trump launched a scathing attack on journalist Maggie Haberman, claiming, “Maggot Hagerman has covered me incorrectly for ten years. Her book is a joke! 90% of it is Fake News.” Trump accused Haberman of profiting from what he called “bad reporting” and threatened that she “will pay the price when our Multi Billion Dollar Lawsuit against The Failing New York Times gets to Court, which should not be that long.”

False Claims and Personal Attacks

Trump disparaged Haberman personally, repeatedly using a derogatory nickname and labeling her a “loser.” He asserted that her reporting and book were motivated by a desire “to have Trump lose Elections,” but claimed, “as I sit in the Oval Office and ponder, that hasn’t worked out too well.” Trump further stated, “If she ever wrote the true story about me, it would actually be quite boring, but loaded with lots of SUCCESS.”

Exaggerated Lawsuit Claims

Trump referenced a “Multi Billion Dollar Lawsuit against The Failing New York Times,” suggesting imminent legal action. However, no evidence was provided in the excerpt to support the likelihood or scale of such a lawsuit, nor its prospects in court.

Boasts of Medical and Cognitive Testing

Trump claimed, “I just finished a perfect physical at Walter Reed, I do it every six months, and I requested another Cognitive Test, the only President to do so, three times, and I aced them all — Got every question right.” He asserted that “few people in Washington, D.C., could do so, including Maggot and her flunky associate, Jonathan Swan,” and wagered that they “couldn’t get 50% of the questions right.” These boasts are presented without independent verification in the excerpt.

Dismissal of Criticism and Book

Trump concluded by urging supporters not to buy Haberman’s book, calling it “garbage,” and reiterating his claims of success and victimization by the press.

Conclusion

President Trump’s response to Maggie Haberman’s reporting and book is marked by personal attacks, unsubstantiated legal threats, and repeated claims of media bias. His statements continue a pattern of dismissing unfavorable coverage as “Fake News” and exaggerating personal achievements, while offering little evidence to support his assertions. The rhetoric underscores his ongoing efforts to undermine critical journalism and shape public perception through direct, combative messaging.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39944

A look at the new regulations and incentives in the housing bill set to become law

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-10 17:55:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Refuses to Sign Bipartisan Housing Bill, Citing Senate Inaction on Election Legislation

President Trump announced he will not sign a sweeping new housing bill that passed Congress with bipartisan support, protesting the GOP Senate’s failure to approve his election legislation, known as the SAVE America Act. Despite his refusal, the bill is set to become law at midnight unless a last-minute veto occurs.

The president’s decision comes as a surprise to many, given that he has previously expressed only positive remarks about the housing measure. The legislation aims to address the nation’s housing affordability crisis by redefining manufactured housing standards, expediting loans for modular homes, and limiting large-scale purchases of homes by corporations. It also includes protections for rural renters and incentives for community banks to support housing development.

Trump’s refusal to sign the bill is not based on objections to its content, but rather as a protest against the Senate’s inaction on his preferred election legislation. This move highlights a political irony: while Congress is taking significant action on housing, the president is withholding his signature over an unrelated legislative priority.

As the bill moves forward without the president’s endorsement, it underscores the ongoing tensions between the executive branch and Congress, as well as the president’s willingness to leverage unrelated policy issues to advance his legislative agenda. The housing bill’s passage, despite Trump’s protest, marks a significant step in addressing the country’s housing challenges, even as political disputes continue to shape the legislative landscape.

Source article

Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/a-look-at-the-new-regulations-and-incentives-in-the-housing-bill-set-to-become-law

For Belgium's Beltway fans, a rout was the best revenge

Politics — 2026-07-10 15:41:00 — www.politico.com

President Donald Trump claimed full credit after FIFA lifted the suspension of American striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the United States’ Round of 16 World Cup match against Belgium, a move that sparked controversy both on and off the field.

## Trump Takes Credit Amid FIFA Controversy

As reported, the White House lobbied hard for Balogun’s eligibility, and Trump was quick to assert that the reversal was due to his administration’s efforts. This claim drew immediate backlash from Belgian sports authorities and fans, who argued that FIFA’s decision was politically motivated and suggested the organization had bowed to Trump’s influence.

## Belgian Response and Fallout

The Royal Belgian Football Association formally challenged FIFA’s reversal, and many Belgian fans criticized the move as unfair. Despite the controversy, Belgium dominated the match, never trailing the U.S., leading some to downplay the impact of Balogun’s participation.

## Ongoing Scrutiny

While some fans have moved on, the issue remains contentious in Brussels. Seventy-two members of the European Parliament have called for an investigation into FIFA President Gianni Infantino, specifically probing whether his relationship with Trump influenced the decision to overturn Balogun’s suspension.

## Conclusion

Trump’s decision to take credit for FIFA’s controversial ruling has fueled accusations of political interference in international sports. The ongoing investigation in Europe underscores the broader implications of such claims and the persistent scrutiny surrounding Trump’s role in the episode. The episode highlights the intersection of politics and sports, and the lasting impact of presidential involvement in high-profile international events.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/10/world-cup-2026/belgiums-beltway-buffs-beyond-balogun-00993584

Bipartisan housing bill becomes law after Trump's signature snub

Administration News — 2026-07-11 07:59:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Attempts to Stall Bipartisan Housing Bill Over Voter ID Dispute

President Trump sought to delay the passage of a major bipartisan housing bill in protest of the Senate’s refusal to advance his voter ID legislation, according to the latest developments reported in the
A bipartisan housing bill automatically became law early Saturday without President Trump’s signature, after Trump sought to stall it in protest of the Senate’s failure to pass his voter ID legislation. The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, is a comprehensive measure aimed to address housing affordability by increasing the supply of homes and lowering….

The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law early Saturday without President Trump’s signature. The president’s decision to withhold his signature was a direct response to the Senate’s failure to pass his proposed voter ID requirements. This move highlights Trump’s willingness to use unrelated legislation as leverage to advance his policy priorities.

Trump’s attempt to stall the housing bill underscores a pattern of tying unrelated issues together, a tactic that has drawn criticism for potentially undermining bipartisan efforts to address critical challenges such as housing affordability. The bill itself is designed to increase the supply of homes and lower housing costs, a priority for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

By refusing to sign the bill and linking his action to the Senate’s inaction on voter ID, Trump has again demonstrated his readiness to inject partisan disputes into the legislative process. This episode adds to a record of controversial interventions and public stances that have frequently drawn scrutiny and fact-checking.

In conclusion, President Trump’s protest against the Senate’s handling of voter ID legislation by attempting to stall a widely supported housing bill illustrates his ongoing strategy of leveraging unrelated policy battles to pursue his agenda. As the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becomes law without his endorsement, the episode serves as another example of Trump’s combative approach to governance and legislative negotiation.

Source article

Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5963773-bipartisan-housing-bill-now-law-donald-trump-signature-snub/

Week in Politics: Trump's housing bill protest fails; Trump and NATO; Maine's Democrats

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-11 06:43:00 — www.npr.org

President Trump Blocks Housing Bill in Protest Over Voting Restrictions

President Trump refused to sign a housing bill, now law, in protest over Congress not passing new restrictions on voting. This move highlights the president’s ongoing efforts to tie unrelated legislative priorities to his push for tighter voting laws.

According to the report, Trump’s decision to withhold his signature was not based on the contents of the housing bill itself, but rather as a form of protest aimed at pressuring lawmakers to adopt new voting restrictions. This action underscores Trump’s continued focus on voting regulations, a topic he has repeatedly raised and often misrepresented in public statements.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Position

Trump’s refusal to sign the housing bill demonstrates his willingness to use his presidential powers to advance his agenda on voting laws. While the excerpt does not include a direct quote, it clearly attributes the president’s opposition to the lack of new voting restrictions in the legislation. This aligns with Trump’s broader pattern of making exaggerated or misleading claims about election integrity and pushing for stricter voting measures, despite a lack of evidence supporting widespread voter fraud.

Conclusion

President Trump’s protest against the housing bill, now law, over the absence of new voting restrictions, illustrates his ongoing campaign to influence voting legislation. This episode is part of a larger pattern in which Trump has used his position to promote unfounded concerns about election security, often at the expense of unrelated policy priorities. Readers should be aware of the factual context behind Trump’s actions and statements as debates over voting rights continue.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/11/nx-s1-5888579/week-in-politics-trumps-housing-bill-protest-fails-trump-and-nato-maines-democrats