Do scandals still matter in politics? : NPR

NPR Topics: Politics — 2026-07-10 15:24:00 — www.npr.org

Trump Sympathizes with Embattled Democrat, Casts Doubt on Sexual Assault Allegations

This week, as political scandals dominated headlines, Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy surrounding Democrat Graham Platner, who ended his Senate campaign in Maine after a rape allegation became public. When asked about Platner’s situation, Trump responded, “And it’s really a question of whether or not you believe the woman. A lot of people say big falsehoods. It’s—he’s in a bind.” Trump’s remarks, delivered aboard Air Force One, reflected a sympathetic stance toward Platner and cast doubt on the credibility of the woman making the allegation.

A Pattern of Dismissing Allegations

Trump’s comments are notable for their alignment with his broader approach to scandal. Rather than distancing himself or remaining silent, Trump framed the situation as a matter of personal belief, suggesting that falsehoods are common in such cases. This echoes his own history of dismissing or minimizing allegations of sexual misconduct, including the recent civil jury finding that he sexually abused and defamed E. Jean Carroll, for which he was ordered to pay $5.8 million.

Shifting Standards in Political Scandal

The NPR discussion highlighted how Trump’s approach—questioning accusers and expressing skepticism about their claims—has become emblematic of a new era in American politics. While scandals involving personal behavior once ended political careers, Trump’s survival and continued support among Republican voters have shifted expectations. His infamous assertion that he could “stand on Fifth Avenue and shoot someone” without losing voters, and his past boasts about grabbing women, have not derailed his political ambitions.

Conclusion: A New Playbook for Scandal Response

Trump’s reaction to the Platner case underscores a broader trend: politicians increasingly use scandal as an opportunity to rally their base and question the motives of accusers, rather than showing contrition or stepping aside. By casting doubt on allegations and expressing sympathy for those accused, Trump continues to reshape the boundaries of political accountability—and the public’s expectations for how leaders respond to serious accusations.

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Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/07/10/nx-s1-5853142/do-scandals-still-matter-in-politics

Trump-appointed judge dismisses seditious conspiracy case against Proud Boys | US Capitol attack

US politics | The Guardian — 2026-07-10 20:58:00 — www.theguardian.com

Judge Cites Trump’s Desire to Excuse Capitol Attackers in Dismissal of Proud Boys Seditious Conspiracy Charges

A federal judge appointed by Donald Trump has acknowledged that the recent dismissal of seditious conspiracy charges against Proud Boys leaders was driven by Trump’s well-known intention to excuse the violence of his supporters during the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.

Trump’s Position Shapes Legal Outcome

US District Judge Timothy Kelly, in a detailed memorandum, made clear that the Department of Justice’s request to dismiss the prosecutions was motivated not by legal or factual considerations, but by Trump’s desire to extend clemency to those convicted for their roles in the Capitol attack. Kelly wrote, “President Trump’s views about the prosecution of those who attacked the US Capitol on January 6 – whether those views are based on fact or fiction – are well known, as is his intention to extend clemency to them.”

Clemency for Capitol Attackers

Upon returning to office in 2025, Trump commuted the sentences of Proud Boys leaders Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Zachary Rehl, who had been convicted of seditious conspiracy and other serious crimes, as well as Dominic Pezzola, who was convicted of assaulting an officer and breaking a Capitol window to allow rioters inside. Trump’s sweeping clemency order covered about 1,500 individuals charged or convicted for participating in the Capitol attack, though their convictions technically remained in place.

Judge’s Reluctant Approval

Judge Kelly noted that the government’s motion to dismiss the charges came after an appeals court vacated the convictions, leaving him with little practical choice. However, he emphasized that the dismissal was “clearly based not on facts or the law, but on Trump’s desire to excuse the violence of his supporters.” Kelly observed, “[T]here is little mystery about why the Government is moving to dismiss this case, or whether dismissal is in fact what the Executive seeks.”

A Stark Warning

In his filing, Kelly reiterated the gravity of the January 6 attack, calling it “a perilous event” and “an attack on people, including police officers, many of whom were injured,” as well as “an attack on a coordinate branch of government – Congress.” He warned that preserving the nation’s constitutional framework requires collective action, regardless of partisan preference.

Conclusion

This case highlights how Trump’s personal views and intentions have directly influenced the legal outcomes for those involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. Judge Kelly’s memorandum underscores the unprecedented nature of this intervention and its implications for accountability and the rule of law in the United States.

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Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jul/10/proud-boys-seditious-conspiracy-case-dismissed

Why the Olympics won’t have a Balogate

Politics — 2026-07-10 17:15:00 — www.politico.com

Trump Claims Sole Credit for Olympics and World Cup as White House Intervention in Global Sports Raises Eyebrows

President Donald Trump has once again placed himself at the center of the world’s biggest sporting events, asserting, “The beautiful thing about what I did is I ran [for president again]. I never thought of it, and then all of a sudden I realized, you know, I just got the Olympics, and I totally got that myself, and I just got FIFA. I got that myself.”

This bold claim comes as Trump’s direct involvement in international sports governance has drawn renewed scrutiny. His recent call to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging a review of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s red card, has thrust the intersection of politics and global sport into the spotlight. Trump’s interventionist approach stands in stark contrast to the more measured stance adopted by Olympic officials as Los Angeles prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.

Fact-Checking Trump’s Claims

Trump’s assertion that he alone secured the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup for the United States exaggerates the reality. The decisions to award these events to the U.S. were the result of years-long bids and collaborative efforts involving multiple stakeholders, including local organizing committees, city officials, and international sports bodies. While Trump’s administration supported these bids, the notion that he “totally got that myself” is not supported by the facts.

White House and FIFA: A Close Relationship

Trump’s involvement with FIFA has been unusually close, with Infantino frequently appearing at Trump’s side and even creating FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize to award to the president. This level of public praise and engagement is a sharp contrast to the approach taken by Olympic organizers, who have kept more distance from the White House.

Olympic Officials Chart a Different Course

Unlike FIFA, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the LA28 organizing committee have maintained a more independent posture. IOC President Kirsty Coventry has not appeared publicly alongside Trump, and LA28 chair Casey Wasserman has managed the relationship with the White House in a low-profile manner. Behind the scenes, however, cooperation continues, including logistical planning and visa facilitation for Olympic athletes and staff.

Conclusion

President Trump’s repeated efforts to claim sole credit for bringing the Olympics and World Cup to the United States misrepresent the collaborative nature of these achievements. His interventionist tactics and public statements continue to blur the lines between politics and global sport, raising important questions about the future of international sporting events under an administration eager to take center stage. As the world looks ahead to the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, the dynamics between sports organizations and the White House will remain under close watch.

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Source: https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/07/10/world-cup-2026/no-olympic-peace-prize-ioc-fifa-balogate-00993493

Trump exaggerates about how much illegal immigration raised rental housing prices

PolitiFact – Rulings and Stories — 2026-07-10 16:56:00 — www.politifact.com

Trump Exaggerates Impact of Immigration on Housing Costs, Fact-Check Finds

President Donald Trump has once again sought to link rising housing costs to illegal immigration under President Joe Biden, making claims that do not align with available data. On July 8, when asked about a Federal Reserve working paper on the effects of unauthorized immigration on U.S. labor and housing, Trump asserted, “What’s happening is housing costs are going down because — and rental costs are going down — because we’re getting so many illegals out of the country. But Joe Biden raised the cost of housing by 40 and 50% — the cost of (a) rental — because they were housing illegal aliens in all of those empty units.”

Fact-Checking the Claims

Trump’s statements misrepresent the findings of the Federal Reserve paper. The research attributed just 4.3 percentage points of the 22.6% overall increase in rental housing prices from 2021 to 2024 to unauthorized immigration during Biden’s tenure. This means unauthorized immigration accounted for about 19% of the total increase, not the 40–50% rise Trump claimed.

Additionally, there is no evidence supporting Trump’s assertion that the Biden administration housed immigrants in the U.S. illegally in vacant homes. A similar claim from a Trump-aligned campaign ad was previously rated false by PolitiFact.

What the Data Actually Shows

According to the Congressional Budget Office, from 2021 to 2024, about 1.6 million immigrants per year either entered the U.S. illegally, overstayed their legal status, or were awaiting immigration court proceedings. The Federal Reserve paper used the Zillow Observed Rent Index to show that rental prices climbed 22.6% on average in metropolitan areas during this period. However, the main driver of price increases was a lack of new housing construction, not immigration.

Experts caution against blaming rising rents primarily on unauthorized immigration. Newly arrived immigrants often have low housing demand and tend to share housing with others, which further undermines Trump’s narrative.

Conclusion

Trump’s claim that Biden caused a 40–50% increase in rental costs by housing illegal immigrants in empty units is not supported by the data. While unauthorized immigration played a small role in rising rents, the effect was far less than Trump alleged, and there is no evidence of immigrants being housed in vacant homes. The claim is rated mostly false, highlighting a pattern of exaggeration and misinformation in Trump’s statements on this issue.

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Source: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2026/jul/10/donald-trump/immigration-rental-housing-federal-reserve/

Donald J. Trump: “It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Jay Feely, who is run…

Trump's Truth – Latest Posts — 2026-07-10 15:19:00 — trumpstruth.org

Trump Endorses Jay Feely for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, Makes Sweeping Claims on Policy and Record

Donald Trump has issued a full-throated endorsement of Jay Feely, describing him as an “America First Patriot” and a “TOTAL WINNER, on and off the field.” Trump’s statement, which highlights Feely’s personal and professional background, also includes a series of policy promises and characterizations that warrant closer examination.

Trump’s Claims About Feely’s Record

Trump asserts that Feely is a “multiple-time winner of National Football League ‘Man of the Year’ honors” and that his career was “loaded up with Accolades and WINS.” However, the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year Award is given annually to one player, and while Feely has been nominated by his teams, he has not won the league-wide honor multiple times. This exaggeration is consistent with Trump’s pattern of inflating the achievements of those he endorses.

Policy Promises and Exaggerations

Trump claims that Feely will “fight hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our Border SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, Ensure LAW AND ORDER, Advance Election Integrity, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment.” These sweeping promises echo familiar talking points but lack specific evidence or policy details. The assertion that the Second Amendment is “always under siege” is a frequent rhetorical device Trump uses, though there is no current legislative threat to the constitutional right.

Conclusion: Familiar Patterns in Trump’s Endorsements

Trump’s endorsement of Jay Feely follows a familiar pattern: effusive praise, exaggeration of credentials, and broad policy claims. While intended to energize supporters, these statements often stretch the facts or present misleading characterizations. As voters in Arizona’s 1st Congressional District consider their choices, it is important to scrutinize both the substance and accuracy of such endorsements.

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Source: https://trumpstruth.org/statuses/39923

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.

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