Judge Quashes Justice Dept. Subpoena in 2020 Election Inquiry

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-07 17:28:00 — www.nytimes.com

Judge’s Ruling Undercuts Trump’s False Claims of 2020 Election Fraud

A federal judge in Atlanta has delivered a significant setback to efforts to revive investigations into President Trump’s false claims that he was cheated out of victory in the 2020 election. Judge William M. Ray II ruled that the five-year statute of limitations for any possible crimes related to the 2020 race has “long expired,” effectively blocking further criminal charges stemming from that election.

Trump’s Persistent Falsehoods

At the heart of the case are Trump’s repeated and widely debunked allegations that he lost the 2020 election to Joseph R. Biden Jr. only because of widespread fraud. These claims have been thoroughly investigated and dismissed by election officials from both parties, as well as by Congress, judges, and law enforcement. Nevertheless, Trump’s insistence on these falsehoods has fueled a series of federal law enforcement actions, including the FBI’s seizure of hundreds of boxes of records and ballots from a Fulton County election warehouse.

Judge’s Rebuke of DOJ Efforts

Judge Ray’s order quashed a “staggering” grand jury subpoena seeking personal information about thousands of Fulton County election workers. He described the subpoena as an “arbitrary fishing expedition” and an “unreasonable” use of grand jury powers. The judge, who was appointed by Trump, wrote that even if the Department of Justice found individuals who supported Trump’s theory that the 2020 election was unfair, “that is because the statute of limitations for any possible crime arising from the 2020 election has long expired.”

Impact on Election Workers and Public Trust

The repeated investigations, driven by Trump’s allegations, have had a chilling effect on election workers and voters in Fulton County. Local officials described the requests for private information as “intimidation,” raising concerns about the erosion of trust in the electoral process.

A Record of Debunked Claims

Every major conspiracy theory advanced by Trump and his allies—including those targeting election workers, mail ballots, and voting machines—has been examined and ultimately debunked. The unproven claim that Fulton County election workers helped Democrats steal the election was a central part of Trump’s unsuccessful effort to overturn Biden’s win in Georgia.

Conclusion

Judge Ray’s ruling is a decisive blow to the Justice Department’s attempts to pursue Trump’s false claims and marks another chapter in the ongoing fallout from his baseless allegations of election fraud. The decision underscores the lack of evidence behind Trump’s assertions and highlights the lasting damage such falsehoods have inflicted on public confidence in American elections.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/us/politics/2020-election-inquiry-trump-georgia.html

Trump says stock market drove his 2025 income gains, but the majority came from crypto

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-07-07 15:02:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump’s Claim About Profiting From the Stock Market Rated “Mostly False” by Fact-Checkers

President Donald Trump recently faced scrutiny over his latest financial disclosure, which revealed his wealth had surged by more than $2 billion in a single year. When asked by a reporter on July 1 how he would respond to critics who say he’s profiting off the presidency, Trump replied, “Well, you know why I’m profiting? Because the stock market’s going up — everybody’s profiting. Do you have a 401(k)? … So we’re all profiting. I’m profiting because I have a lot of money and a lot of cash.”

However, a detailed review of Trump’s 927-page financial disclosure form shows that the majority of his income gains in 2025 did not come from the stock market. While Trump’s stock holdings and transactions make up a significant portion of the document, the form also reveals that cryptocurrency ventures brought in $1.4 billion, and another $400 million came from non-stock sources such as real estate, legal settlements, overseas licensing agreements, and Trump-branded merchandise.

Experts and media analyses confirm that these non-stock sources accounted for well over half of Trump’s income gains in 2025. For example, a New York Times analysis estimated Trump’s total income at $2.2 billion, with up to 81% coming from non-stock sources. Similarly, a Forbes analysis suggested that two-thirds of his gains were unrelated to the stock market.

Fact-checkers concluded that Trump’s statement contains an element of truth—he did benefit from a strong stock market—but it omits crucial information that would give a more accurate picture of his financial gains. The vast majority of Trump’s reported income increase in 2025 came from sources other than the stock market, particularly cryptocurrency, which also resulted in significant losses for nearly one million investors in his meme coin.

In summary, Trump’s claim that he is profiting primarily because “the stock market’s going up” is misleading. The evidence shows that most of his financial gains in 2025 were driven by other ventures, not the stock market. Fact-checkers rated his statement as “Mostly False.”

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Source: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2026/jul/07/donald-trump/disclosure-crypto-stocks-wealth/

Thank you!NATO is stronger because Trump demanded more:

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-07 10:51:00 — trumpstruth.org

President Donald Trump’s assertive approach to NATO burden-sharing has led to significant increases in defense spending among member nations. Since 2017, Europe and Canada have collectively added $1.2 trillion to their defense budgets, a figure NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has termed the “Trump Trillion.” (washingtonexaminer.com)

Historically, the United States and a few European countries shouldered the majority of NATO’s defense responsibilities. Previous U.S. presidents urged European allies to increase their defense expenditures, but many continued to rely heavily on American support. President Trump challenged this dynamic by demanding that all NATO members fulfill their commitments, including Article 3 of the North Atlantic Treaty, which mandates that each member build and maintain its own defense capabilities. (washingtonexaminer.com)

This pressure culminated in a landmark agreement in The Hague, where NATO allies committed to spending 5% of their gross domestic product on defense and related investments. This new standard replaced previous targets that had often been treated as ceilings rather than minimum requirements. (washingtonexaminer.com)

The increased defense spending has not only bolstered European security but also benefited the U.S. economy. European and Canadian investments in American-made defense equipment have supported over 112,000 U.S. jobs, with an additional 83,000 jobs sustained through investments by European defense companies in the United States. (washingtonexaminer.com)

While some allies have been slow to meet these new commitments, the overall trend indicates a stronger, more self-reliant NATO. President Trump’s insistence on equitable burden-sharing has reinforced the alliance, ensuring that all members contribute fairly to collective defense. (washingtonexaminer.com)

In conclusion, President Trump’s demands for increased defense spending among NATO allies have led to substantial financial commitments, enhancing both the alliance’s strength and the U.S. economy. This approach underscores the importance of shared responsibility in maintaining global security.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39876

Nation’s 250th Celebration Fireworks Sent D.C. Air Pollution Spiking

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-07 11:39:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump’s Boast of “Largest Fireworks Show in History” Leaves Washington Blanketed in Unhealthy Air

President Trump had promised that the 40-minute Freedom 250 fireworks display in Washington would be “the largest fireworks show in history,” featuring some 850,000 pyrotechnics. However, the event, intended to celebrate 250 years of American independence, resulted in a significant spike in air pollution across the capital, according to an analysis by Clarity Movement, an air monitoring firm.

Air Quality Deteriorates After Fireworks

Data from 26 city-operated sensors showed that pollution in the form of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5)—which can contribute to asthma, heart disease, and other health issues—peaked at more than six times normal levels in the early morning hours following the display. The poor air quality persisted for roughly five hours after the show concluded, with two sensors near the National Mall reaching levels considered “very unhealthy.” All but one monitor recorded air quality that was unhealthy for the general population, not just sensitive groups.

Environmental and Health Concerns Overlooked

The analysis also revealed that airborne magnesium, a metal used in fireworks that can irritate skin and lungs, increased by more than 9,000 percent. Prior to the event, the National Park Service had conducted its own assessment, finding that air quality would be “hazardous” near the National Mall and “very unhealthy” in downtown Washington, Capitol Hill, and Arlington, Virginia. The Park Service also projected that fine particulate matter could drift as far as 15 miles downwind, but did not release these estimates to the public.

Despite these warnings, Trump’s promise of a record-breaking spectacle overshadowed the environmental and health risks. The American Lung Association has warned that inhaling firework smoke is detrimental to health, and the latest State of Global Air report found that air pollution killed nearly eight million people globally in 2023.

Fact-Check: Trump’s Exaggerated Claims

Trump’s assertion that the show would be “the largest fireworks show in history” is difficult to verify and appears exaggerated, especially given the negative environmental impact and the lack of transparency about the risks involved. The event’s aftermath demonstrates a disregard for public health warnings and environmental consequences in pursuit of spectacle.

Conclusion

President Trump’s push for an unprecedented fireworks display in Washington resulted in a dramatic decline in air quality, exposing residents to unhealthy conditions for hours. While the event was billed as a historic celebration, the facts reveal that the environmental and health costs were significant and largely unaddressed in Trump’s public promises. This episode underscores the importance of balancing public festivities with responsible consideration for community health and environmental impact.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/07/climate/washington-dc-fireworks-air-pollution.html

Live updates: Trump criticizes NATO allies as he arrives in Turkey for summit; Platner's support dissolves

Administration News — 2026-07-07 10:11:00 — thehill.com

President Trump Downplays Concerns Over F-35 Jet Sales to Turkey During Ankara Visit

President Trump, during a high-profile visit to Ankara, Turkey, made clear he had “no concerns over selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey,” as he began a two-day NATO Summit with a ceremonial welcome and a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Trump’s comments come amid ongoing controversy and international scrutiny regarding the sale of advanced U.S. military technology to Turkey, a NATO ally that has faced criticism for its purchase of Russian defense systems. Despite these tensions, Trump expressed a dismissive attitude toward potential risks or fallout, signaling a willingness to proceed with the arms deal.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Position

Trump’s professed lack of concern stands in contrast to warnings from defense experts and some U.S. lawmakers, who have cited security risks and the potential for sensitive technology to be compromised. The president’s stance, as reported in the meeting, downplays these widely discussed issues and ignores bipartisan calls for caution.

No evidence or detail was provided in the excerpt to support Trump’s position or address the specific concerns raised by critics. His response, as reported, reflects a pattern of minimizing or dismissing expert warnings on complex international security matters.

Conclusion

President Trump’s remarks in Ankara underscore his ongoing tendency to downplay or disregard expert concerns, particularly in matters involving sensitive military technology and international alliances. As the debate over the F-35 sale continues, Trump’s posture raises questions about the administration’s approach to national security and alliance management, leaving observers and policymakers seeking greater clarity and caution in future dealings.

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Source: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5956322-live-updates-trump-nato-summit-platner-maine-senate/

Toyota is moving from Mexico to the United States (Texas!). A really big deal. Tariffs at work! President DONALD J. TRUMP

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

Trump Claims Toyota Is Moving to Texas Due to Tariffs—Fact-Check Shows Distortion

President Donald Trump declared, “Toyota is moving from Mexico to the United States (Texas!). A really big deal. Tariffs at work!” This statement, presented as a major economic victory, has been widely circulated and fact-checked for accuracy.

Trump’s Statement and Its Implications

Trump’s claim suggests that Toyota, the global automaker, is relocating production from Mexico to Texas specifically because of his administration’s tariffs. By attributing the move to his trade policies, Trump frames the development as a direct result of his economic strategy and a win for American jobs.

Fact-Check: The Reality Behind Toyota’s Plans

Fact-checkers have found Trump’s statement to be misleading. Toyota did announce plans to expand operations in the United States, including investments in Texas. However, the company did not move an existing plant from Mexico to Texas. Instead, Toyota’s investments were part of a broader North American strategy that included continued operations in Mexico. The automaker itself clarified that its new investments in Texas were not the result of tariffs and did not involve relocating facilities from Mexico.

Exaggeration of Tariff Impact

Trump’s assertion that “Tariffs at work!” overstates the influence of his trade policies on Toyota’s business decisions. Industry analysts and Toyota representatives have repeatedly stated that the company’s investments in the U.S. were planned prior to the tariff announcements and were not a reaction to them. There is no evidence that tariffs were the decisive factor in Toyota’s expansion in Texas.

Conclusion: A Pattern of Exaggerated Economic Claims

President Trump’s statement about Toyota moving from Mexico to Texas due to tariffs is not supported by the facts. While Toyota has invested in Texas, it has not relocated operations from Mexico, and the company’s decisions were not driven by U.S. tariffs. This episode highlights a recurring pattern in Trump’s public statements—exaggerating the impact of his policies and distorting the facts to claim credit for business decisions made independently by major corporations. Readers should approach such claims with scrutiny and rely on verified information to understand the real effects of government policy on the economy.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39875

Trump administration takes major steps to roll back gun regulations

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-06 17:35:00 — www.pbs.org

During his campaign for the White House, President Donald Trump pledged to expand Second Amendment rights across the country. Now, his administration is taking significant steps to roll back gun restrictions that were put in place for public safety.

Trump Administration Moves to “Modernize” Gun Policy

Earlier this year, the Justice Department, under Trump’s direction, unveiled a major plan to reduce regulations on purchasing firearms, arguing that the changes would “modernize gun policy.” The administration has also taken more targeted actions, including challenging gun restrictions in Democratic-led states.

Efforts to Roll Back Key Gun Safety Rules

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), under the Trump administration, has proposed about three dozen rollbacks. While many are administrative, some are substantial. Notably, the administration has proposed rolling back a rule intended to close the so-called “gun show loophole,” a move that has drawn sharp criticism from gun reform advocates. Additionally, the administration is seeking to reduce regulations on devices like bump stocks, which were used in the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting.

Controversial Changes Affecting Mental Health Restrictions

Another controversial rollback involves reducing restrictions on people with mental illness owning firearms. The ATF itself warned that such changes could increase the risk of mass casualty events. However, the Trump administration’s position clarifies that only those involuntarily committed to psychiatric institutions would lose gun rights, not those who voluntarily seek treatment. This change has been debated since the Obama administration, but Trump’s team is pushing for less restrictive rules.

Legal Challenges to State Gun Laws

Since Trump took office, the Department of Justice has shifted the focus of its Civil Rights Division to enforcing gun rights, a departure from its historical role in voting rights and school desegregation. The Trump administration has filed seven lawsuits against jurisdictions across the country, including recent challenges to California’s handgun regulations and Virginia’s assault weapons ban. This aggressive legal strategy marks a new approach not previously seen from the Civil Rights Division.

Potential Impact on Assault Weapons Bans

The Supreme Court is set to review cases involving state and local assault weapons bans. If the Court rules against these bans, it could render similar laws in about a dozen states unconstitutional, affecting regulations that have been in place since the 1990s and were often enacted in response to mass shootings.

Conclusion

President Trump’s administration has made expanding gun rights a central priority, actively rolling back regulations and challenging state-level restrictions. These actions represent a significant shift in federal gun policy, with potential consequences for public safety and state authority over firearms regulation. As the Supreme Court prepares to weigh in, the future of gun control laws across the country hangs in the balance.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/trump-administration-takes-major-steps-to-roll-back-gun-regulations

Trump Expected to Tell Turkey He Is Ready to Restore Access to F-35 Jets

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-07 05:01:00 — www.nytimes.com

Trump Signals Willingness to Reverse F-35 Ban on Turkey, Faces Congressional Hurdles

President Trump is expected to tell Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he is prepared to restore Turkey’s access to the F-35 stealth fighter jet program—a move that would reverse a ban Trump himself imposed seven years ago on national security grounds. Trump, who is heading to a NATO summit in Ankara this week, has said he was preparing to bring a gift that would make Erdogan “very happy.” However, the shift could face significant opposition in Congress, which could seek to block the action.

Trump’s position marks a dramatic reversal from his first term, when Turkey was expelled from the F-35 program in 2019 after purchasing advanced S-400 antiaircraft systems from Russia. At the time, the U.S. government feared that Russia could use the S-400s to gather intelligence on the F-35’s stealth capabilities. The White House then stated, “The F-35 cannot coexist with a Russian intelligence collection platform that will be used to learn about its advanced capabilities.” Despite this, Trump was reportedly never comfortable with the decision and has frequently blamed his predecessor, Barack Obama, for the circumstances that led to it.

Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly mused, both publicly and privately, about reversing the ban. Last month, sitting in the Oval Office with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump said he would bring Erdogan a gift that would make him “very happy.” Vice President JD Vance confirmed that Trump had directed administration officials to find a way to deliver the jets to Turkey, stating, “The president ​has ⁠asked us to do that.” Trump later added, “We will work it out.”

Despite Trump’s determination, legal and congressional barriers remain. A law passed by Congress in 2020 blocks the sale of F-35s to Turkey unless the administration certifies that Turkey no longer possesses the Russian S-400 systems. Administration officials have floated various options, such as transferring the S-400s to a third party or making them inoperable, but no mechanism has been finalized.

Trump’s unpredictable approach and willingness to bypass established restrictions have raised concerns among lawmakers and allies. Some Republicans, including Senator Jim Risch of Idaho, have expressed skepticism, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticized the idea of selling F-35s to Turkey, citing Erdogan’s hostile rhetoric toward Israel and regional neighbors.

Trump’s stance on the F-35 issue is part of a broader pattern of erratic foreign policy moves. He has repeatedly complained that European allies do not contribute enough to NATO and has adopted some of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s talking points about the war in Ukraine. Trump’s unpredictable behavior has splintered the alliance and created uncertainty among U.S. partners.

As Trump prepares to meet Erdogan and other NATO leaders in Ankara, the fate of the F-35 deal remains uncertain. While Trump insists, “We will work it out,” the path forward is complicated by legal, political, and diplomatic challenges. The episode underscores Trump’s willingness to reverse his own policies and challenge longstanding U.S. security concerns, even in the face of significant opposition at home and abroad.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/06/us/politics/trump-turkey-f35.html

Trump was introduced to red and yellow cards in 2018

Politics — 2026-07-06 19:55:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Claims Ignorance of Soccer’s Red Card System Despite Prior Oval Office Lesson

President Donald Trump stated Monday that he “didn’t know what a red card was” before last Wednesday’s U.S.-Bosnia soccer match. However, this claim stands in contrast to a documented 2018 Oval Office meeting, where FIFA President Gianni Infantino personally explained soccer’s disciplinary system to Trump.

Contradictory Statement

According to the account, Infantino visited Trump after the United States secured the right to co-host the 2026 World Cup. During this meeting, Infantino demonstrated the use of yellow and red cards, explaining, “Yellow card is a warning, and when you want to kick out someone, a red card. Like this!” Trump appeared engaged, responding, “I like that,” as he picked up the red card and held it up, thanking Infantino for the explanation.

Fact-Check: Trump’s Familiarity with Red Cards

Trump’s recent assertion that he was unfamiliar with the red card system is contradicted by the Oval Office exchange. The interaction was not only verbal but also included a physical demonstration of both yellow and red cards. This suggests that Trump had, in fact, been introduced to the concept well before the U.S.-Bosnia match.

Conclusion

President Trump’s claim of ignorance regarding soccer’s red card system is undermined by his own documented experience in 2018. The discrepancy highlights a pattern of statements that do not align with the factual record. As the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 World Cup, Trump’s remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of accuracy and consistency from public officials.

Source article

Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/06/world-cup-2026/trump-showed-a-red-card-in-2018-00988439

Donald J. Trump: “The United States Military has never been stronger, or more powerful. No oth…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-06 23:58:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims “Historic” Military Strength and Calls for Massive Defense Spending—But the Facts Tell a Different Story

President Donald J. Trump has declared, “The United States Military has never been stronger, or more powerful. No other Nation can do what we do (It’s not even close!). This year we set even more Historic Recruiting Records, months ahead of schedule. Morale has never been higher.” He further urged Congress to pass “Reconciliation 3.0, with 350 Billion Dollars for Defense, plus THE SAVE AMERICA ACT,” calling these measures the “Number One Priority” to ensure America’s continued freedom.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims of Military Strength

Trump’s assertion that the U.S. military has “never been stronger, or more powerful” is a sweeping statement that does not align with available data. While the United States maintains the world’s largest defense budget and advanced capabilities, military experts and official reports have noted ongoing challenges, including recruitment shortfalls, aging equipment, and readiness issues. The claim that “no other Nation can do what we do (It’s not even close!)” exaggerates the gap, as other countries—including China and Russia—have made significant advances in military technology and force projection.

Questionable Recruiting “Records”

Trump’s statement that “this year we set even more Historic Recruiting Records, months ahead of schedule” is not supported by Pentagon data. In recent years, the U.S. military has faced persistent difficulties in meeting recruiting goals, with several branches missing their targets. The assertion of “historic” records and early achievement is contradicted by official reports highlighting the challenges in attracting new service members.

Morale and the “HOTTER” War Department

The claim that “morale has never been higher” is also at odds with surveys and reports from within the armed forces. Issues such as extended deployments, housing problems, and pay concerns have contributed to morale challenges. Trump’s description of the “WAR DEPARTMENT” as “HOTTER” is rhetorical and does not reflect any official measure of military effectiveness or readiness.

The Push for $350 Billion in Defense Spending

Trump’s call for Congress to prioritize $350 billion in additional defense funding, alongside the SAVE AMERICA ACT, is a significant policy position. While he frames this as essential to national security, such a dramatic increase would represent a major escalation in military spending, far beyond current budget proposals. The urgency and scale of this request are not backed by a clear explanation of need or strategy.

Conclusion: Exaggerations and Unsubstantiated Claims

President Trump’s statements about the strength, morale, and recruiting success of the U.S. military, as well as his push for unprecedented defense spending, rely on exaggerations and claims not supported by official data. While the U.S. military remains a global leader, the facts do not match Trump’s portrayal of unmatched power and record-breaking achievements. As Congress considers future defense budgets, it is crucial to separate rhetoric from reality and base decisions on accurate assessments of military needs and capabilities.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39869