WATCH LIVE: Sen. Paul holds contempt vote after Fauci invokes 5th Amendment

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-05 18:45:00 — www.pbs.org

Trump Administration Cast Doubt on Validity of Biden Pardons Amid Fauci Contempt Dispute

As Dr. Anthony Fauci faces a contempt vote in the Senate for invoking the Fifth Amendment during a congressional hearing, questions about the scope and validity of presidential pardons have taken center stage—particularly those issued by President Joe Biden to perceived adversaries of Donald Trump.

Trump Administration Challenged Biden Pardons

The excerpt reveals that officials from President Donald Trump’s administration have “repeatedly called into question the validity of the Biden pardons,” specifically citing Biden’s use of an autopen for official business. This ongoing skepticism from Trump’s administration has contributed to legal uncertainty for witnesses like Fauci, who was pardoned by Biden for acts committed between 2014 and January 2025.

Legal experts cited in the report note that, despite the Trump administration’s doubts, the pardons are considered valid by legal standards. However, the administration’s public questioning of their legitimacy has added to the complexity of the legal landscape, especially for those who may be called to testify before Congress.

Implications for Future Trump Pardons

The article also highlights that this case could set a precedent, as many expect President Trump to issue similar pardons to members of his own administration who might face congressional scrutiny. The outcome of the current dispute over Fauci’s Fifth Amendment rights and the validity of Biden’s pardons could influence how future congressional investigations proceed, particularly if Trump returns to office and issues new pardons.

Fact-Check: Are Biden’s Pardons Valid?

Despite the Trump administration’s repeated challenges, legal experts maintain that the use of an autopen does not invalidate a presidential pardon. The Constitution grants the president broad pardon powers, and there is no legal basis for dismissing a pardon issued in this manner.

Conclusion

The Trump administration’s persistent questioning of Biden’s pardons has fueled legal and political uncertainty around high-profile congressional investigations. As the Senate prepares to vote on holding Fauci in contempt, the debate over the reach and validity of presidential pardons—especially in the context of adversarial politics—remains unresolved. The precedent set in this case could have far-reaching implications for future administrations and their ability to shield allies from prosecution.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-live-sen-paul-holds-contempt-vote-after-fauci-invokes-5th-amendment

Trump urges GOP senators to back off hemp ban

Donald Trump — 2026-08-05 17:28:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Personally Called Sen. Ted Budd About Delay Provision, Senate Aide Says

President Donald Trump directly intervened in Senate proceedings by calling Sen. Ted Budd regarding a delay provision, according to a Senate aide. This reported action highlights Trump’s ongoing involvement in legislative negotiations and his willingness to personally lobby lawmakers on specific provisions.

The aide’s account, as reported, attributes the outreach to Trump himself, underscoring his hands-on approach to influencing the legislative process. While the excerpt does not provide details on the content of Trump’s conversation with Budd or the specific nature of the delay provision, it illustrates the president’s active engagement with members of Congress to shape outcomes in line with his administration’s priorities.

This direct communication is consistent with Trump’s record of personally reaching out to lawmakers to advocate for his positions or to pressure for legislative changes. Such interventions have, in the past, drawn scrutiny regarding the transparency and motivations behind presidential involvement in congressional affairs.

In summary, President Trump’s reported call to Sen. Budd about a delay provision serves as another example of his assertive and personal approach to governance. As more details emerge, the implications of this outreach for the legislative process and for Trump’s influence over Congress will continue to be closely watched.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/08/05/congress/donald-trump-hemp-ban-cr-01026529

Donald J. Trump: “I was 28-1 last night on Endorsements, and numerous of them were outliers, b…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-05 15:16:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Claims Overwhelming Endorsement Success, Attacks Media Coverage

Donald Trump asserted, “I was 28-1 last night on Endorsements, and numerous of them were outliers, but if you studied the Fake News, you would think it was just the opposite, 1-28. All they talked about was the one, and that’s why they call it the FAKE NEWS! President DJT.” This statement highlights both his self-reported success rate in political endorsements and his ongoing criticism of media coverage.

Exaggerated Claims of Endorsement Victories

Trump’s claim of a 28-1 record on endorsements suggests a near-perfect track record. However, this assertion is presented without supporting evidence in the excerpt, and such claims have frequently been scrutinized in the past for exaggeration. Trump has a history of inflating his political influence by selectively counting only favorable outcomes or redefining what constitutes an “endorsement win.” Without independent verification, the accuracy of the 28-1 figure remains questionable.

Attacks on the Media

In the same statement, Trump disparages the media, labeling them as “Fake News” for allegedly focusing on a single loss rather than his purported 28 victories. This tactic of attacking the press is consistent with his broader strategy of undermining unfavorable coverage by casting doubt on the credibility of journalists and news organizations. By claiming, “All they talked about was the one,” Trump seeks to portray the media as biased and untrustworthy, a recurring theme in his public communications.

Conclusion

Trump’s latest comments continue a pattern of making bold, often unsubstantiated claims about his political success while simultaneously attacking the media for negative coverage. His assertion of a 28-1 endorsement record and his labeling of the press as “Fake News” serve to bolster his image among supporters but raise questions about the accuracy and transparency of his statements. As with many of Trump’s public pronouncements, careful scrutiny and independent fact-checking are essential to separate fact from exaggeration.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40594

Why Congress Wants a Closer U.S.-Israel Defense Partnership

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-05 13:38:00 — www.nytimes.com

President Trump Pushes for Shift in U.S.-Israel Military Relationship Amid Congressional Debate

President Trump is actively pushing for a dramatic shift in the United States’ longstanding approach to military support for Israel, as Congress considers phasing out direct financial aid in favor of a deeper, legally mandated defense and technology partnership. This move, also championed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, comes at a time when political support for sending billions in taxpayer dollars to Israel’s military has dropped sharply across the U.S. political spectrum.

A New Strategic Partnership

Under the proposed changes, the U.S. would move away from the current system of providing $3.8 billion annually in military aid to Israel—a policy set to expire in 2028—and instead focus on integrating U.S. and Israeli defense and intelligence capabilities. The House and Senate have both included measures in the annual defense policy bill that would formalize these partnerships, creating a new office within the Defense Department to oversee joint development of weapons, technology, and intelligence sharing.

Trump’s Influence and the “America First” Stance

The push for this shift is closely tied to Trump’s “America First” approach, which calls on U.S. allies to contribute more significantly to their own defense. Representative Marlin Stutzman, an Indiana Republican aligned with Trump’s stance, has introduced a resolution to end the decades-old memorandum of understanding that guarantees direct military aid to Israel. Instead, Stutzman and Trump advocate for a relationship based on “mutual defense cooperation and joint economic investment.”

This approach is gaining traction as lawmakers from both parties express reluctance to renew the current aid arrangement, especially amid growing criticism of Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war. Trump’s position is also reflected in Netanyahu’s public campaign to appear less reliant on U.S. military aid, further aligning the two leaders’ strategies.

Controversy and Criticism

The proposed partnership has sparked significant controversy in Congress. Critics warn that such deep integration could give Israel too much influence over sensitive U.S. defense matters and potentially compromise American sovereignty. Some lawmakers, including Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Thomas Massie, argue that mandating joint production of weapons and technology goes too far, while others, like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have raised alarms about the risk of merging parts of the U.S. military with the Israel Defense Forces.

Supporters of the shift, however, insist that the legislation would not merge the two militaries or place troops under shared authority. They argue that the partnership would simply enable joint investment in research and development, benefiting both nations’ security and economies.

Conclusion

As Congress debates the future of U.S.-Israel military cooperation, President Trump’s push for a new strategic partnership marks a significant departure from decades of direct aid. The outcome of this debate will shape not only the U.S.-Israel relationship but also the broader landscape of American foreign policy and defense strategy in the Middle East.

Source article

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/05/us/politics/congress-us-israel-defense-partnership.html

Trump’s Efforts to Sway Foreign Elections are Missing Something

Donald Trump — 2026-08-05 09:00:00 — www.politico.com

Please provide the excerpt from “The president is being all-too-brazen.” so I can review it and determine whether it meets the publishing criteria.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2026/08/05/trump-sway-foreign-elections-01024341

Why Is Omaha Retesting Some Yards for Lead but Not Others? — ProPublica

ProPublica — 2026-08-05 04:00:00 — www.propublica.org

A Trump Administration Policy Change Made Omaha Lead Cleanup Harder

A key policy shift by the Trump administration has made it significantly more difficult for Omaha residents to qualify for federal lead contamination cleanup, according to a timeline in the investigation by Flatwater Free Press and ProPublica.

In October 2020, the Trump administration issued new guidance that tripled the amount of lead required in soil before a property would be eligible for potential cleanup. Before this change, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had been considering expanding the Omaha cleanup effort, which could have included nearly 27,000 properties. The new, much higher threshold dramatically reduced the number of homes that would qualify for remediation.

This policy change has had direct consequences for Omaha residents. Over the past 10 months, many have contacted the city and federal government after independent tests showed their yards contained enough toxic lead to warrant cleanup under previous EPA rules. However, the responses from authorities have been inconsistent. Some residents received new testing and promises of additional cleanup, while others were denied or never heard back.

The Trump administration’s decision to raise the lead threshold has left many residents in limbo, even as tests by journalists found lead levels above the old EPA limit. The city of Omaha has cited EPA rules in refusing to act on test results from outside groups, and the EPA now prioritizes cleanup only within the official Superfund site boundaries or in cases directly impacting children.

The Trump administration’s move to weaken lead cleanup standards has made it harder for families in Omaha to get the help they need, despite clear evidence of ongoing contamination. This policy change highlights the real-world impact of federal environmental decisions on communities still grappling with the legacy of industrial pollution.

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Source: https://www.propublica.org/article/omaha-nebraska-lead-superfund-epa-retesting

Donald J. Trump: “Great news for the Republican Party. El-Sayed, a Communist loser who hates J…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-08-05 09:10:00 — trumpstruth.org

Donald Trump Launches Personal Attacks and Exaggerates Election Results

In a recent statement, Donald Trump made a series of inflammatory remarks and questionable claims following the results of a political race. Trump said, “Great news for the Republican Party. El-Sayed, a Communist loser who hates Jews and Israel, is the projected winner in his race with the Socialist. As usual, the Polls were way off on this one. She was not expected to do nearly as well as she did. Now, the Dumocrats crazy policies will only get worse!”

Personal Attacks and Disparagements

Trump’s statement includes direct personal attacks, labeling El-Sayed as a “Communist loser who hates Jews and Israel.” Such language is not only disparaging but also lacks substantiation within the excerpt provided. These types of attacks have been a recurring feature of Trump’s public communications, often targeting political opponents with inflammatory rhetoric.

Exaggerations and Misstatements

Trump also claimed that “the Polls were way off on this one,” and that the candidate “was not expected to do nearly as well as she did.” While polling errors can occur, Trump’s blanket assertion that polls are consistently inaccurate is an exaggeration not supported by the excerpt. Additionally, his characterization of Democratic policies as “crazy” is a subjective attack rather than a factual critique.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Record

Within this statement, Trump continues a pattern of making unsubstantiated and exaggerated claims about political opponents and election outcomes. His use of derogatory language and broad generalizations serves to inflame rather than inform. Fact-checking such statements is crucial to maintaining an accurate public record and holding leaders accountable for their words.

Conclusion

Trump’s recent remarks highlight his ongoing reliance on personal attacks, exaggerations, and unsupported claims when discussing political opponents and election results. Readers should be aware of the distinction between opinion and fact, especially when evaluating statements from public figures. Accurate information and respectful discourse remain essential for a healthy democratic process.

Source article

Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/40593

Senate faces long to-do list and little time before recess

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-04 17:40:00 — www.pbs.org

Donald Trump Weighs in on Max Miller Abuse Allegations, Citing His Own 2016 Campaign as Example

In the midst of mounting pressure on Republican Congressman Max Miller over allegations of domestic abuse—allegations Miller denies—President Trump has weighed in, telling Miller over the phone, “It’s going to be a tough race” if he stays in for the fall, and that Miller “might not be able to pull this one out.” Miller, however, responded to Trump by referencing Trump’s own example in the 2016 presidential race as his reason for staying in the contest.

This exchange comes as the House Ethics Committee announced it is investigating the allegations against Miller, which stem from a custody dispute with his ex-wife. Despite calls from multiple senators, including Miller’s own father-in-law, a senator from Ohio, for Miller to resign, Miller has stated he will not withdraw from the race. If he remains past next Monday, his name will stay on the ballot and Republicans will not be able to remove it.

Trump’s comments highlight the political stakes and personal calculations at play as the party faces internal turmoil. By invoking his own experience in 2016, Trump appears to encourage Miller to persist despite controversy, underscoring a familiar pattern of defiance in the face of adversity.

As the situation develops, the outcome will test both Miller’s resolve and the Republican Party’s ability to navigate scandals in a high-stakes election season.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/senate-faces-long-to-do-list-and-little-time-before-recess

Israeli Strikes May Undermine Trump’s Peace Plan for Gaza

NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-08-05 07:05:00 — www.nytimes.com

Soon after President Trump announced a new plan last week to deliver peace and security in Gaza, the Palestinian enclave instead experienced a spike in deadly Israeli bombings, threatening to undermine hopes for long-awaited progress.

### Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan Faces Immediate Setbacks

President Trump’s recently unveiled 15-point plan, released by his Board of Peace, aimed to secure a cease-fire, disarm Hamas, and establish a new administration in Gaza. The plan also called for a complete Israeli withdrawal. However, the announcement was quickly followed by some of the deadliest Israeli airstrikes in Gaza since an October cease-fire, with at least 18 people killed on Sunday, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

### Unclear Details and Immediate Pushback

Key details of Trump’s plan remain unclear, including the timetable for Hamas disarmament. The plan’s lack of specificity has raised concerns that it could unravel before any real progress is made. Israeli officials have publicly rejected the terms of the agreement, with a spokesman for the Israeli prime minister’s office stating, “The version that has been made public does not reflect Israel’s positions.” Israel has not signed the agreement and has conveyed its concerns to American counterparts, particularly regarding the disarmament of Hamas.

### Regional and Local Reactions

The Board of Peace’s high representative for Gaza, Nickolay E. Mladenov, criticized Israel’s recent attacks, noting that civilian casualties and destruction of medical supplies followed “intense efforts” by mediators to reach a deal. Mediator countries Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey condemned what they called “ongoing Israeli violations” in Gaza.

Hamas, for its part, accused Israel of deliberately escalating violence to block the plan, while Israel insisted its strikes targeted Hamas fighters and weapons infrastructure.

### Doubts Over Implementation

Negotiators described Trump’s agreement with Hamas as a “road map” to cement the cease-fire and begin reconstruction. However, immediate doubts arose over whether either side would carry out the agreement. The plan gives parties two weeks to determine a schedule for implementation, but sequencing disagreements have already emerged. Israel insists it will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed, while Hamas says it will only relinquish heavy weapons if Israel halts attacks and withdraws.

### Conclusion

President Trump’s Gaza peace initiative has encountered significant obstacles almost immediately after its announcement. With both Israeli and Hamas officials expressing skepticism and violence escalating on the ground, the plan’s future remains uncertain. The lack of clear details and mutual distrust between the parties threaten to leave Gaza’s population in continued limbo, raising questions about the viability of Trump’s proposed path to peace.

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Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/05/world/middleeast/israel-strikes-gaza-peace-deal.html

Reflecting Pool case highlights disconnect between Trump’s claims and court record

PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-04 17:45:00 — www.pbs.org

Donald Trump Publicly Rebukes U.S. Attorney Over Lincoln Memorial Case, Highlighting Pattern of Contradictions

President Donald Trump has once again drawn attention for publicly rebuking a top Justice Department official, this time U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, after she dropped charges related to alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. According to reports, Pirro’s job is “reportedly safe for now” following a meeting with Trump, but the president did not hold back in criticizing her decision to determine that the damage was not caused by vandalism.

Trump’s public attacks on Pirro came after her office filed a motion to dismiss criminal charges against former U.S. Olympian David Hearn and others, who had been accused of ripping the pool’s lining. The filing stated that the damage was actually due to “flawed installation by the contractor and the rush to complete the project prior to events associated with the America 250 celebration”—a direct contradiction to Pirro’s earlier public statement that “the evidence shows, and we will prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that Hearn willfully destroyed property at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.”

This episode is part of a broader pattern in the Trump administration, where the president and officials often make strong public claims that are later contradicted or walked back by government lawyers in court filings. Legal experts note that such disconnects undermine the professionalism expected from federal prosecutors and raise questions about political pressure influencing legal decisions.

Trump’s willingness to apply public pressure on Justice Department officials has been a recurring theme, with legal analysts warning that such actions can lead to rushed or unfounded prosecutions and, ultimately, professional embarrassment or worse for government lawyers. The case also highlights the risks when public statements are not supported by thorough investigation or evidence, as was the case with the Lincoln Memorial incident.

In summary, Trump’s public rebuke of Pirro underscores ongoing concerns about the administration’s approach to justice and the frequent gap between public rhetoric and legal reality. This pattern not only affects the credibility of government institutions but also has real consequences for those caught in the crosshairs of high-profile prosecutions.

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Source: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/reflecting-pool-case-highlights-disconnect-between-trumps-claims-and-court-record