Crews are draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool again as part of Trump’s troubled revamp

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-10 13:08:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Blames Vandalism for Reflecting Pool Failures as Project Faces Scrutiny

President Donald Trump’s high-profile effort to revamp the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been beset by problems, with the president repeatedly blaming vandals for the project’s failures—even as critics and court documents point to shoddy repair work.

Trump’s Claims and Promises

Trump initially announced that the renovations to the Reflecting Pool would last a century and declared on social media, “The goal is to have it done, at this higher level, prior to July 4th — We are ahead of schedule!” He directed that the pool’s bottom be painted “American flag blue,” aiming for completion before the nation’s 250th birthday celebrations.

However, within weeks of the project’s completion, the pool was plagued by an algae bloom and peeling of the new coating. Trump responded by blaming the peeling on acts of vandalism, despite mounting evidence and criticism that poor workmanship was at fault.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Vandalism Allegations

Court documents show that the National Park Service reported a June 9 incident involving a sharp knife or razor cutting the pool’s new liner. Trump has pointed to such incidents as proof of vandalism. Yet, critics—including attorneys for those charged and other observers—argue that these cases are being used to distract from the underlying issues with the repair work itself. At least three individuals have been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing pieces of paint, all pleading not guilty.

Experts have also cast doubt on Trump’s claims, suggesting the pool’s rapid deterioration is more consistent with substandard repairs than with deliberate sabotage.

Project Delays and Financial Questions

Despite Trump’s assurances that the project was ahead of schedule, the Reflecting Pool is being drained again for further repairs. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, whose agency oversees the National Park Service, has stated that the new round of draining was planned and necessary to clean up debris from the Independence Day fireworks display—an event Trump described as “the largest fireworks display in the world.”

Burgum also confirmed that the Trump administration will not seek new bids for the additional repairs, opting to use the same contractors who performed the initial work. This decision, along with the project’s ballooning costs—$1.7 million for a water-purification system and $14.7 million for repainting and waterproofing—has prompted Democratic lawmakers to launch an investigation into the use of taxpayer funds.

Conclusion

President Trump’s handling of the Reflecting Pool renovation has been marked by ambitious promises, shifting blame, and mounting controversy. His repeated claims of vandalism as the root cause of the project’s failures are contradicted by critics and court filings that point to poor workmanship. As the project faces further delays and scrutiny over its costs, questions remain about the administration’s transparency and accountability in managing one of the nation’s most iconic landmarks.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/crews-are-draining-the-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-again-as-part-of-trumps-troubled-revamp

Trump Administration Fires Members of Independent Election Group

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-10 13:08:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Ousts Bipartisan Election Commission Members Amid Baseless Fraud Claims and Power Expansion

President Trump has forced out the remaining members of the independent, bipartisan Election Assistance Commission (EAC), a move that leaves the federal agency leaderless just months before the midterm elections. The White House confirmed the immediate termination of Democratic appointees Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland, while accepting the resignation of Republican Christy McCormick. The commission’s fourth seat has been vacant since spring.

The White House stated that Trump reserved the right to remove individuals who “may not be totally aligned with the important task of securing America’s elections and ensuring every legal vote is counted.” The dismissals were framed as part of a broader strategy to safeguard elections from fraud and abuse, despite no evidence of widespread fraud.

Trump has repeatedly sought to cast doubt on the integrity of U.S. elections. For months, he has claimed—without evidence—that the country’s election system is fraudulent, laying the groundwork to blame potential Republican losses on supposed cheating rather than on the unpopular war in Iran or poor economic ratings. Trump has also falsely asserted that the 2020 election he lost was “rigged,” and has pushed for restrictive voting laws, including stringent voter ID requirements and severe limits on mail-in ballots. Notably, Trump himself voted by mail in a Florida special election in March.

The president hailed a recent Supreme Court decision granting him broad authority to fire independent regulators, calling it “the Greatest Increase in Presidential Power in the last 100 years,” and emphasizing its timing as critical.

Trump’s efforts to centralize control over elections have included an executive order requiring proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections and mandating that states count ballots by Election Day. A judge permanently blocked this order, ruling that Trump exceeded his authority.

Election experts and Democratic lawmakers have condemned the firings as politically motivated and dangerous for democracy. Michael Waldman, president of the Brennan Center for Justice, called the terminations “deeply concerning in light of President Trump’s relentless efforts to try to interfere in elections.” Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Joe Morelle labeled the firings “illegal” and part of Trump’s attempt to “take over” elections, warning that Americans deserve elections free from political interference.

The EAC, created after the disputed 2000 presidential election, has played a crucial role in helping states administer elections, certify voting systems, and improve cybersecurity. With the commission now leaderless and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency also lacking a Senate-confirmed director, state and local election officials are left without key federal support as they prepare for the upcoming vote.

Conclusion

Trump’s removal of the EAC’s remaining commissioners, coupled with his ongoing false claims about election fraud and efforts to tighten voting restrictions, marks a significant escalation in his campaign to undermine trust in U.S. elections and expand presidential power. The move has drawn sharp criticism from election experts and lawmakers who warn it threatens the independence and security of the nation’s electoral system.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/10/us/politics/trump-fires-election-assistance-commission-members.html

Iran and US to continue talks, but ceasefire is ‘OVER,’ Trump says

Donald Trump — 2026-07-10 10:02:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Declares End to Hostilities Deal “In No Uncertain Terms”

Donald Trump asserted Friday that the deal stopping hostilities is over “in no uncertain terms,” marking a definitive stance on the matter. This statement, made during a period of heightened international attention, signals a clear shift in the administration’s approach to the agreement.

Trump’s Claim and Its Implications

By stating the deal is over “in no uncertain terms,” Trump leaves little ambiguity about his position. This direct declaration raises immediate questions about the stability of the situation and the future of diplomatic efforts related to the hostilities in question.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Statement

Trump’s assertion is notable for its unequivocal language. However, the context and accuracy of this claim depend on the specifics of the deal and the current status of hostilities. The statement may be seen as an exaggeration or oversimplification if there are ongoing negotiations or partial ceasefires still in effect. Without additional context, Trump’s declaration could mislead audiences about the true state of affairs.

Pattern of Definitive Statements

This latest comment fits a broader pattern in which Trump has made sweeping or absolute statements about complex international agreements. Such remarks often attract scrutiny for their factual accuracy and potential to escalate tensions.

Conclusion

Trump’s statement that the deal stopping hostilities is over “in no uncertain terms” underscores his tendency to use strong, definitive language on sensitive issues. While this approach may appeal to some supporters, it also raises concerns about accuracy and the potential consequences for ongoing diplomatic efforts. Readers should remain attentive to the facts behind such declarations and seek out comprehensive information to understand the full context.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/10/donald-trump-iran-ceasefire-over-00993123

A major housing bill is set to become law at midnight. Trump says he won’t sign : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-10 09:55:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Dismisses Landmark Housing Bill, Demands Voter ID Legislation Instead

President Donald Trump has publicly downplayed the significance of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, a sweeping bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the nation’s housing affordability crisis. Despite widespread praise from both Democrats and Republicans, Trump called the legislation “a big yawn” and refused to sign it after it passed Congress in June.

Trump’s Indifference and Demands

On June 24, shortly after the bill’s passage, Trump refused to sign, reiterating his position in subsequent statements. In earlier Truth Social posts, he dismissed the bill as “of minor importance” and canceled a planned White House signing ceremony. Trump made clear he would only sign the housing bill if Congress also passed the SAVE America Act, a strict voter ID bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and photo ID to cast a ballot. That legislation has stalled in the Senate, lacking the 60 votes needed to advance.

“To me, compared to the SAVE America Act, just about everything is a big yawn,” Trump told reporters in June. On Friday morning, he posted on Truth Social: “I will not sign the Housing Bill, which has been fully approved by Congress and sent to the White House, in PROTEST over the fact that the United States Senate is not capable of passing THE SAVE AMERICA ACT.”

Legislative Impact

Despite Trump’s refusal to sign, House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered the housing bill to the president on June 29, starting a 10-day clock. Without presidential action, the bill will become law automatically at midnight.

The housing bill, described by lawmakers as the most significant in decades, aims to make homeownership more affordable by encouraging homebuilding and limiting corporate ownership of single-family homes—an idea Trump himself previously promoted. The bill also includes provisions to streamline construction and reduce costs for manufactured homes.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Position

While Trump has downplayed the bill’s importance, experts and lawmakers from both parties argue it is a critical step toward addressing the nation’s housing shortage. The bill’s bipartisan support reflects broad recognition that housing affordability has become a pressing issue for American families.

Conclusion

President Trump’s decision to dismiss and refuse to sign the bipartisan housing bill underscores his prioritization of unrelated voter ID legislation over a widely supported effort to address the housing crisis. As the bill becomes law without his signature, the contrast between Trump’s rhetoric and the bipartisan consensus in Congress highlights the ongoing debate over legislative priorities in Washington.

Source article

Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/10/nx-s1-5885027/housing-bill-without-trump-signature

Donald J. Trump: “I will not sign the Housing Bill, which has been fully approved by Congress …

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-10 08:16:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Threatens to Block Housing Bill, Demands Passage of Controversial Voting Legislation

President Donald J. Trump has announced he will not sign the Housing Bill, which has been fully approved by Congress and sent to the White House, unless the Senate passes the so-called SAVE AMERICA ACT. Trump claims this act is “polling at 97% with the Republican Party, and very high with the non-politician Dumocrats,” and insists it would require voters to show photo ID, proof of citizenship, and ban most mail-in ballots, except for limited exceptions.

False Claims and Attacks

Trump’s statement contains several misleading or false claims. He asserts that mail-in ballots are “crooked, corrupt, & destabilizing,” a claim repeatedly debunked by election experts and bipartisan officials who have found no widespread fraud associated with mail-in voting. Trump also disparages Democrats by calling them “Dumocrats” and threatens that the title of “DUMB” will revert to Republicans if they do not support his demands.

He further exaggerates the popularity of the SAVE AMERICA ACT, claiming it polls at 97% among Republicans and “very high” with Democrats, though no credible public polling supports these figures. Trump also warns of a “1929 catastrophic style DEBT CEILING BILL,” invoking the Great Depression without evidence that current fiscal debates resemble that era’s crisis.

Pressure and Threats

Trump frames the non-passage of his preferred legislation as “CRAZY, and a serious threat to any politician who votes against it,” signaling political retribution for dissent. He urges the Senate to “TERMINATE THE FILIBUSTER, and pass this, and every other Bill that true Republicans have ever dreamt of,” while claiming Democrats will eliminate the filibuster “in their very first hour” if given the chance—another assertion not grounded in current Senate rules or Democratic leadership statements.

Conclusion

Trump’s refusal to sign the Housing Bill unless his demands are met, combined with his pattern of false statements and personal attacks, highlights his ongoing efforts to undermine established election processes and pressure lawmakers with exaggerated claims. As the debate continues, Trump’s rhetoric remains at odds with verified facts and established democratic norms, raising significant concerns about the impact on legislative negotiations and public trust.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39915

Trump leans on ‘communist’ messaging as economic angst drives Democrats : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-10 04:00:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Escalates Anti-Communist Rhetoric, Blurs Lines Between Socialism and Communism

President Trump intensified his attacks on Democrats during a press conference at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, repeating a familiar line ahead of the fall midterms. “I want to get the word out because what’s forming is communism,” Trump said, framing communism as the greatest threat America has faced since its founding. He added, “Communism is easy to sell. I would be the greatest communist in history. I’d be right up there with [former Soviet leader Vladimir] Lenin.”

False Claims and Personal Attacks

Trump’s rhetoric is not new. During the previous election, he labeled Kamala Harris “Comrade Kamala” and circulated a fake photo of Harris addressing a crowd waving communist flags. When questioned about these personal attacks, Trump defended his strategy, stating, “I think we’re hitting a nerve. It’s a different kind of race. All we have to do is define our opponent as being a communist or a socialist or somebody who is going to destroy our country.”

Trump has also claimed that if Democrats “go communist,” they will “close your churches in this country,” and that “they will kill your people and that’s what they’re about. They want to end religion.” These statements conflate democratic socialism with communism and exaggerate the intentions of his political opponents.

Fact-Checking the Rhetoric

Experts cited in the excerpt clarify that democratic socialists advocate for retaining capitalism while expanding social programs and reducing inequality, not abolishing private property or ending religion as communists propose. Trump’s repeated conflation of these ideologies is a distortion designed to energize his base and create a new political “boogeyman.”

Contradictions in Policy

The excerpt also highlights a contradiction in Trump’s criticism of “communist influence” on Democrats. While attacking Democrats for supposed communist leanings, his administration has taken actions such as acquiring stakes in major U.S. industries like Intel and U.S. Steel—moves that critics argue resemble government intervention in the economy.

Conclusion

President Trump’s ongoing use of anti-communist rhetoric, personal attacks, and exaggerations about the intentions of his political opponents marks a continuation of a decades-old tactic in American politics. However, experts warn that his conflation of socialism and communism, and his unsupported claims about threats to religion and personal safety, are misleading and serve primarily to stoke fear and mobilize his supporters. As the political landscape shifts, the effectiveness and resonance of these attack lines remain uncertain, particularly with younger voters less influenced by Cold War-era fears.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/10/nx-s1-5876512/trump-communist-messaging-economy-democrats

Trump Pushes Out Last Federal Election Assistance Commission Members — ProPublica

ProPublica — 2026-07-09 22:00:00 — www.propublica.org

Trump Removes Election Assistance Commission Members, Puts Bipartisan Agency in Limbo

President Donald Trump has pushed out the three remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission (EAC), leaving the bipartisan agency in a state of uncertainty as he seeks to reshape the administration of elections ahead of this year’s midterms.

According to multiple sources cited by ProPublica, Trump fired Benjamin Hovland and Thomas Hicks, the Democrats on the commission, while Christy McCormick, the Republican member, was allowed to resign. The White House did not confirm the specifics but stated that the president “reserves the right to remove individuals that may not be totally aligned with the important task of securing America’s elections and ensuring every legal vote is counted.”

Sweeping Changes to Voter Registration

In March 2025, Trump issued an executive order directing the EAC to change the national voter registration form to require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote. Currently, most states require voters to attest to their citizenship under penalty of perjury, but do not require documentary proof. The move came after the Trump-aligned law firm America First Legal petitioned the EAC for the change. The commission had received hundreds of thousands of public comments but had not yet held a vote on the matter.

Concerns Over Bipartisan Governance

The EAC was established in 2003 to set standards for state voting systems and provide funding for upgrades. Its four-member board is designed to be evenly split between Republicans and Democrats, all nominated by the president at the recommendation of congressional leadership and confirmed by the Senate. The fourth commissioner, Don Palmer, a Republican, resigned in April. By removing the remaining members, Trump can attempt to appoint replacements who may be more receptive to his agenda.

Voter advocacy groups and Democratic state election officials have called the move “reckless and irresponsible.” The Bipartisan Policy Center described the departures as a “significant loss for one of the federal government’s few institutions explicitly designed around bipartisan governance.”

Fact-Check and Context

Trump’s actions and the executive order reflect his continued push for stricter voting requirements, despite a lack of evidence of widespread voter fraud. The EAC’s recent history includes progress on voting machine standards and resources for election officials, often with unanimous decisions despite partisan differences. The commission has also faced criticism for partisan infighting and chronic vacancies.

Conclusion

President Trump’s removal of the EAC’s remaining commissioners and his directive to require proof of citizenship for voter registration mark a significant shift in federal election oversight. The move has drawn sharp criticism from election experts and officials concerned about the future of bipartisan cooperation and the accessibility of the voting process. As the midterms approach, the impact of these changes on election administration remains to be seen.

Source article

Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/federal-election-assistance-commission-trump-dismantled

Trump restarts war with Iran and plays nice(ish) with Nato – podcast | US politics

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-09 23:00:00 — www.theguardian.com

Trump Declares Ceasefire Over, Revives Greenland Threats, and Praises NATO ‘Unity’ After Strikes on Iran

After the United States launched strikes on Iran this week, Donald Trump announced that the fragile ceasefire he had co-signed just last month was now over. In a series of statements that reignited diplomatic tensions, Trump also revived his previous threats to take Greenland, a move that had previously sparked international controversy. Before departing the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump claimed there was a lot of “love” and “unity” in the room.

Ceasefire Abandoned

Trump’s declaration that the ceasefire was over marks a sharp reversal from his earlier position. The ceasefire, which he had personally endorsed only weeks before, was intended to de-escalate tensions in the region. By abruptly discarding this agreement following the strikes on Iran, Trump has once again demonstrated a pattern of shifting positions on critical international issues.

Renewed Threats Over Greenland

In addition to ending the ceasefire, Trump reignited his threats to take Greenland. This is not the first time Trump has raised the idea of acquiring the territory, a proposal that has been widely dismissed by both Danish officials and international observers as unrealistic and provocative. The repeated mention of Greenland underscores Trump’s willingness to revisit contentious and previously rejected ideas, often to the bewilderment of allies and adversaries alike.

Claims of ‘Love’ and ‘Unity’ at NATO

Before leaving the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump asserted that there was a lot of “love” and “unity” in the room. This characterization stands in contrast to the often tense and fractious nature of recent NATO meetings, where disagreements over defense spending and policy direction have been common. Trump’s optimistic portrayal of the summit appears at odds with the reality reported by other participants and observers.

A Pattern of Contradictions

Trump’s latest statements highlight a recurring pattern: abrupt reversals, revived threats, and exaggerated claims of diplomatic harmony. These actions raise questions about the consistency and reliability of U.S. foreign policy under his leadership. As Jonathan Freedland discusses with Susan Glasser of the New Yorker, the challenge for international partners is how to make progress when confronted with a leader who appears to relive a diplomatic “Groundhog Day,” repeatedly cycling through the same disputes and declarations.

Conclusion

Donald Trump’s recent comments and actions—ending a ceasefire he had just signed, reviving threats to take Greenland, and claiming unity at a divided NATO summit—underscore ongoing concerns about his approach to diplomacy. The pattern of contradictions and exaggerated claims continues to complicate efforts to achieve lasting progress on the world stage.

Source article

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/audio/2026/jul/10/trump-iran-war-nato-podcast