SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " donald trump " 4,112 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Why Trump’s effort to build more refineries won’t lower gas prices
President Donald Trump wants to reverse the decades-long decline in the number of US refineries in operation, which he believes is key to lowering gas prices, and he recently called oil executives to the White House to make that push.
Trump turns to golf, family business on Irish visit's second day
Donald Trump turns his focus Sunday to golf and promoting his business interests, as he wraps up a two-day Ireland visit so far marked by his off-the-cuff diplomacy causing another stir.
Trump turns to golf, family business on Irish visit's second day
Donald Trump turns his focus Sunday to golf and promoting his business interests, as he wraps up a two-day Ireland visit so far marked by his off-the-cuff diplomacy causing another stir.
Trump turns to golf, family business on Irish visit's second day
Donald Trump turns his focus Sunday to golf and promoting his business interests, as he wraps up a two-day Ireland visit so far marked by his off-the-cuff diplomacy causing another stir.The American l...
Irish leaders react after Trump says he'd 'love' to see a unified Ireland
President Donald Trump sparked the ire of some Irish leaders shortly after his arrival in Dublin Saturday when he expressed an interest in seeing a unified Ireland.
Republican Midterm Convention Was a Delusional Party for Trump
The Republican Party's midterm convention was a delusion celebration of Donald Trump that dismissed many of the issues impacting Americans.
Trump ally in Wisconsin sticks close to the president as Democrats push to flip swing district
Wisconsin Democrats are hoping to unseat a Republican congressman with close ties to President Donald Trump
Germany’s Political Tailspin: Your Weekly SPIEGEL Recap
It might be tempting to dismiss the results of last Sunday’s state election in Saxony-Anhalt, in which the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party raked in 43.8 percent of the vote, as a rather unimportant extremist blip in a state that hardly anyone can find on the map. And you wouldn’t necessarily be wrong to do so. The state’s population – around 2.1 million – is a mere 2.5 percent of the German total. And while the state capital of Magdeburg was once the political heart of the Holy Roman Empire back when Otto the Great used to hang out there (more than a millenium … no … milennium … nope … millennium ago), it is today something of a backwater, albeit one with a ginormous cathedral in its center. We wanted to briefly interrupt this week’s newsletter to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our subscribers, both new and old. And to remind you all that a free subscription gets you access to this newsletter every Saturday. A paid subscription, by contrast, gets you one DER SPIEGEL article every weekday, delivered to your inbox. We strive to select pieces that both demonstrate what Europe’s leading newsmagazine has to offer and provide an international audience – namely, you – with an insight into how Germany and Europe view the world. If you haven’t already signed up for a paid subscription, please consider doing so if you can. Our Substack channel relies entirely on reader support and we are excited to continue offering you the best of DER SPIEGEL. Subscribe But even beyond the fact that a huge percentage of the voters in the state decided to place an X next to a party with an ideological lineage that runs rather directly back to the right-wing extremist soup out of which the Nazi Party was born, the results are a perfect example of a phenomenon that has been plaguing German elections in recent years: the lack of an obvious path to a majority. Call it the Balkanization of German politics. There are a number of developments driving the phenomenon, but for the purposes of this newsletter, here are two of the most salient: Persistent voter frustration with the country’s two (former) big-tent parties – the Christian Democrats (CDU) on the center-right (17.2 percent in Saxony-Anhalt last Sunday) and the Social Democrats (SPD) on the center-left (9.3 percent). The presence of parties on the far left (Left Party), the populist left (the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – BSW) and the far right (AfD) with which mainstream parties are reluctant to form coalitions. So what happens now? Stories of the Week A Lack of Leadership The answer for many people in the country, and particularly within the CDU, is clear: pin (some of) the blame on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to a survey taken directly after the election in Saxony-Anhalt, 88 percent of respondents agreed with the statement that if the federal government in Berlin were doing a better job, the AfD wouldn’t be as strong. And it is true that the predominant impression of the federal government ever since Merz was sworn in on May 6, 2025, is one of ineffectiveness and bickering. His rather unique combination of bumbling-plus-bravado has also not exactly endeared him to the German public. Indeed, his standing in the country is so shaky that his popularity – according to recent polls – has now dropped even below the historic lows associated with his predecessor Olaf Scholz. The situation is such that the CDU even opted to keep him largely out of the campaign ahead of the Saxony-Anhalt vote. And since then, dissatisfied rumblings within the CDU have grown louder. DER SPIEGEL’s Swantje Karich notes that the problems with the CDU go much deeper than Merz. “The center-right has a trust problem. At a press appearance following the devastating election result in Saxony-Anhalt, Friedrich Merz said that the party wanted to ‘reach people more effectively’ through ‘emotional engagement.’ It sounded as though he were announcing a political program. On the basis of that statement, it is difficult to take his empathy seriously.” “The Chancellor’s chastened appearance did, at least, reveal where he stands: with his back to the wall. Elections will be held in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania next week, and the CDU could fare even worse there. The party is polling at between 8 and 10 percent in the state.” “What is at stake is the political tradition that has lent stability to the Federal Republic since 1945: a democratic conservatism that understands what must be preserved, but also how to embrace progress and openness to the world. If the Union continues along its current path, it risks becoming politically irrelevant after the 2029 federal election – and Germany could soon find itself with a government of the far right.” The Trumpification of Political Debate? It is often said in Germany that to understand the political and social trends that will soon be dominant in Europe, one need only look across the Atlantic to the United States. When it comes to political debate, that has certainly proven true. Donald Trump understood early on that triggering mouth-foaming outrage among Democrats is an ideal way to both generate headlines and to secure loyalty among supporters. And he realized that far more quickly than the left side of the political spectrum understood that simply ignoring the old man might be the best recipe. To be sure, there have been signs recently that the US president may be over-relying on the strategy. Earlier this week, in an apparent grandpa-discovers-AI moment, Trump sent out 60 posts in the space of 10 hours, many of them AI-assisted images portraying him as a hero – or showing Iceland as part of the US (outrageous!!!). It was also during that slew of schlock that he explicitly backed the AfD with an “MGGA” post. In Germany, though, the outrage cycle remains in full swing, with much of the focus on those who would dare to vote for the AfD. They are alternately portrayed as being dim-witted, ungrateful, backward, racist or all of the above. That, argues DER SPIEGEL columnist Sabine Rennefanz, is not particularly helpful. “Everywhere on election night, people spoke of a watershed moment, a rupture, a turning point. But what is that supposed to mean in concrete terms? A watershed would imply an interruption, a moment of pause – perhaps even a willingness to rethink and learn. At first, there was little sign of that in the main television panels. Instead, the familiar rituals that had already shaped the election campaign continued: outrage, lecturing and abuse.” “That’s just the tone, one might object. They’re only talk shows. Given that the party’s state branch has been classified by domestic intelligence officials as confirmed right-wing extremist, there are more important problems than hurt feelings on television. Yet although the condescending tone is not the cause of the AfD’s success, it is an expression of the broader mood within the so-called political center – a kind of institutional blindness that too often treats material concerns as a communications problem.” “People have a pretty good sense of whether you like them – whether you approach them with curiosity or merely study, lecture and manage them as a problem group. They notice whether you genuinely want to understand their fears and pain, or whether you are simply waiting for the chance to correct them. They can also tell whether someone still has the energy to change things, or whether they have barricaded themselves behind platitudes and empty phrases.” “Anyone who wants an egalitarian democratic society cannot promise equality only to those whose language, tastes and moral convictions they share. They must also acknowledge the wounds, resentments and fears of those whose political conclusions they consider wrong. Acknowledging them does not mean agreeing with them. But a democracy that communicates with almost half its citizens only through warnings and labels gives up on political debate before it has even begun. An atmosphere must be created in which people can express their opinions without fearing that they will be canceled. We are currently a long way from that.” East-West? One of the clear undercurrents in the election last Sunday was, of course, Germany’s ongoing east-west divide, particularly as it pertains to the success of the AfD. Historically, the party has been far stronger in the former East German states than in former West German states. The fact that this generalization no longer reliably holds is certainly one of the primary concerns that many have about the party’s growth. And yet, there is still a distinct flavor of “stupid easterners, they don’t understand democracy” to the coverage. In the weeks before the vote, there was even a rather interesting back-and-forth in Germany’s culture pages about how ungrateful eastern Germans allegedly are for being pulled out of their pre-reunification backwardness and into the light of the West. DER SPIEGEL’s Jochen-Martin Gutsch has had enough. “Ten years ago, in 2016, elections were also held in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD won more than 20 percent, which at the time rightly provoked outrage and incomprehension in western Germany. Today, in 2026, the AfD is also polling at around 20 percent in western German states, but this no longer provokes outrage and incomprehension. Instead, it is now regarded as proof of democratic conviction and civilizational resistance. After all, in the east, it’s 40 percent!” “This allows people to continue feeling morally superior to the East, but the wiser course would be to admit: if something doesn’t happen soon, the West will turn AfD-blue too. Or bluish.” “But will anything happen? The truly depressing thing about election night was not so much the AfD leaders intoxicated by their own success. It was the representatives of the other parties, who once again said that they were utterly shocked, needed some time to digest the result and would, of course, not simply return to business as usual. The SPD, a former big-tent party, celebrated its ‘stable’ result of 9.3 percent. Congratulations!” “For 10 years, the AfD has gone from one electoral success to the next. And still, the established parties remain ‘shocked’ and scratch their heads in astonishment. How long can they keep being shocked? Friedrich Merz says he may need to communicate his reform ideas in a more ‘emotional’ way. So the CDU’s political professionals sit down together after the election, mull over a strategy, and in the end come up with this: Fritz, try to be a little more relaxed, charismatic and emotional – or something. Beyond that: no political plan, no defiance, no promise of a future. That is frightening.” What was good, what was bad for democracy? Good: Voter turnout in Saxony-Anhalt was 77.8 percent, the highest ever recorded in the state. Whatever one thinks of the result, that figure is encouraging. Democracy needs citizens to take an interest. Bad: Although a strong AfD result had been expected in Saxony-Anhalt, many politicians from the mainstream parties – including in Berlin – appeared confused, helpless and overwhelmed in their initial reactions. That is not how they will win back voters’ trust. Last Week’s Highlights: 🗳️ Meet the Germans Who Voted for the AfD: Why would voters in a country like Germany, with its Nazi past, vote for a right-wing party? It’s a question only an editor in Berlin could come up with. On the ground, the view is different. 🟦 How the AfD Wants to Expand Its Power Across Germany: The far-right AfD is planning to decimate public broadcasting in Saxony-Anhalt, revamp education and install extremists in positions of power. And it is eyeing victory on the national stage as well. 🕯️ The Continuing Reverberations of September 11: It was a generational shock, and the consequences can still be felt today - from massive surveillance and significant increases in presidential power to violent excesses at ICE. 🤝 “For Europe, Canada Is the Preferred Partner in Trans-Atlantic Relations”: In an interview with DER SPIEGEL, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne discusses his country’s failed trade deal with the US and why Canada is looking to Europe. 🏛️ The True Historical Roots of the AfD: During the Weimar Republic in the 1920s, there were numerous parties on the extreme right espousing “Germany first” nationalism. The Nazis may not be the best comparison for today’s AfD. 🌊 AfD in a Landslide: Merz Is the Wrong Leader for Germany: The right-wing Alternative for Germany won in a landslide in Saxony-Anhalt state elections on Sunday. What does that mean for the country at large? Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful week! Subscribe Share Leave a comment Your SPIEGEL Substack Team Compiled and edited by Charles Hawley
Trump says Iran probably responsible for attack on Saudi pipeline
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iran was probably responsible for an aerial attack on Saudi Arabia that shut down its East-West pipeline, one of the kingdom's main routes for exporting crude while bypassing the Strait of Hormuz.
Donald Trump lands in Dublin for two-day Ireland visit
US president will hold talks with Ireland’s leftwing president Catherine Connolly, and play golf
President Trump arrives in Dublin to meet Ireland’s leaders before attending golf tournament
President Donald Trump touched down in Ireland Saturday morning where he holds a courtesy call with Irish President Catherine Connelly Connolly.
Trump will meet with Ireland’s leaders before heading to his golf club in Doonbeg
President Donald Trump is landing in Dublin on Saturday for talks with Ireland's president and prime minister.
After GOP convention, Trump heads to his Irish resort
President Donald Trump was heading to Ireland on Friday for a weekend at his golf resort, after two days spent trying to energize Republicans for the midterms.
Trump Says He Would Be OK With China Building Cars in US
WASHINGTON, Sept 11 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Friday he would not oppose Chinese automakers buildings cars in the United States despite widespread opposition from U.S. lawmakers and car companies. "If China wanted to come in and open a plant to build their cars here,
Prosecutor brought in to lead investigation of Trump foes tells AP that he has resigned
An ally of President Donald Trump said Thursday that he has resigned from his post leading a Justice Department investigation into whether former law enforcement and intelligence officials conspired against the Republican president.
Widow breaks tradition of keeping politics out of 9/11 remembrances
Terry Strada, a widow of a 9/11 victim, broke the long-standing tradition of keeping politics out of Sept. 11 remembrances and called on President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for the attacks.
Why does Donald Trump keep poking fun at Ken Paxton's looks?
At the midterm Republican Convention in Dallas, Trump ribbed Paxton’s style during both of his primetime addresses.
Vance’s midterm pitch is strikingly different from Trump’s
Vice President JD Vance offered a more realistic and nuanced midterm pitch, which was a striking contrast to President Donald Trump’s all-is-great, we’re-in-the-Golden-Age approach.
‘Tired of politics’: By GOP convention’s end, even Trump had tapped out
DALLAS — President Donald Trump walked a tightrope this week, awkwardly balancing the political with the solemn. By the end, it all seemed too much, even for America’s ultimate political scrapper. Trump spent two days here in full campaigner-in-chief mode in front of an adoring audience inside the American Airlines Center in Dallas, headlining both […]
Justice Department secures first-of-its-kind deportation through secretive court
(CNN) — In a victory for President Donald Trump, the Justice Department announced Friday that it secured a first-of-its-kind deportation through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a secretive tribunal that
Justice Department secures deportation of Afghan woman through secretive ‘Alien Terrorist’ court
In a victory for President Donald Trump, the Justice Department announced Friday that it secured a first-of-its-kind deportation through the Alien Terrorist Removal Court, a secretive tribunal that had never been used before the administration activated it this summer.
Vance? Rubio? DeSantis? Cruz? Republicans at Dallas convention ponder options for post-Trump leader
The vice president's speech solidified his status as a potential frontrunner, and President Donald Trump talked him up afterwards as a “very talented guy” who “did a very good job."
Donald Trump election 'dividend' proposal reboots Chris LaCivita feud with Ron DeSantis
The past isn't forgotten even though it's been papered over.
There is a long history of bribery in US politics – is Donald Trump continuing it?
The US president has pledged to pay all American adults US$5,000 if the Republican Party wins the midterm elections in November.
Donald Trump mocked on TIFF opening night with 3 jabs at his attempt to rename Lake Ontario
Donald Trump received 3 rousing jabs from Toronto International Film Festival personnel and Toronto’s mayor on opening night, all of whom took aim at the president’s attempt to rename Lake Ontario.
Trump snaps at reporter who questioned $5,000 checks for voters
The reporter asked President Donald Trump why voters need $5,000 if his economic policies are working.
Fact check: Trump, RFK Jr. and others make false claims on night 2 of GOP convention
President Donald Trump delivered another rapid-fire series of false claims on the second night of Republicans’ midterm convention on Thursday. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did his own barrage of wrongness. And various other speakers uttered statements that were untrue, misleading or missing critical context.
Fact check: Trump, RFK Jr. and others make false claims on night 2 of GOP convention
(CNN) — President Donald Trump delivered another rapid-fire series of false claims on the second night of Republicans’ midterm convention on Thursday. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did his own barrage of wrongness. And various other speakers uttered statements that were untrue, misleading or missing critical context.Here is a fact check of some of the assertions from the final day of the convention. This is not intended as a comprehensive list of Thursday’s falsehoods.Trump’s many false claimsTrump made numerous false claims, some of which he also made in his longer speech Wednesday.Trump claimed that there were “no empty seats” in the Dallas arena as he spoke Thursday, which was visibly untrue. CNN White House correspondent Alayna Treene, who was there, wrote in a live chat right after Trump made the claim that “I’m looking at rows of empty seats” and that “the idea that there are ‘no empty seats’ is just laughably untrue,” though she also said the room was mostly full. Trump has for years made false claims about supposedly never having had an empty seat.Trump further inflated one of his favorite fictional figures, claiming Thursday that “$22 trillion” in investment has come into the US; on Wednesday, he had put it at “over $20 trillion,” and even that lower figure has no apparent basis in reality. As of the time he spoke Thursday, the White House’s own website claimed there had been “$11.2 trillion” in “major investment announcements” this term, not “over $20 trillion,” and the White House figure was itself a major exaggeration of actual investment.Trump, talking about elections, lied that “there’s never been bigger cheaters” than Democrats; there is no basis for broadly describing Democrats as election cheaters. For the second straight night, Trump falsely claimed that the Biden administration allowed “25 million people” to pour into the country, though that number is nowhere close to correct. Trump again falsely claimed that former President Joe Biden and other Democrats “created the worst inflation in American history,” though even peak Biden-era inflation, 9.1% in June 2022, was far from the all-time record of 23.7%; it was a 40-year high, but the rate then fell sharply before Trump returned to office.Trump also baselessly claimed that Democrats would “defund the police” and give “voting rights and welfare to 25 million illegal aliens” if they won the midterms. Republicans will still control the White House in 2027 and 2028 and the president would be in position to veto any such changes if a Democratic-controlled Congress sought to make them, but there is no indication that Democrats want to do so. Also, even groups favoring strict immigration policies estimate that the total undocumented population is far less than “25 million” or even 20 million.As he did Wednesday, Trump claimed the US now has the world’s lowest prescription drug prices. The assertion is so broad that it is unclear what exactly Trump is referencing. But experts told CNN they highly doubt that the prices for brand-name drugs in the US are generally less than they are in other countries, and the Trump administration has not provided details to prove the claim.“It’s tough to claim that you’re getting the lowest prices anywhere in the world and then also not have any evidence to support that,” said Andrew Mulcahy, a senior health economist at RAND, while Diederik Stadig, senior healthcare economist at financial institution ING, said, “To say that the US now has the lowest drug prices in the world is at this moment not true.”And as he did Wednesday, Trump said “more Americans are working today than ever before” – which is true but nearly meaningless, since the number of people working in the US generally rises over time simply because the population rises over time.“There are more Americans working because there are more Americans. That’s the entire analysis,” Justin Wolfers, a University of Michigan professor of public policy and economics, wrote in his newsletter in August.RFK Jr.’s false claims on the pandemic, Trump’s record and moreFalse claim about Democrats and the 2024 electionKennedy unsuccessfully ran for the 2024 Democratic presidential nomination before withdrawing to run as an independent and then eventually endorsing Republican candidate Donald Trump. In Kennedy’s Thursday convention speech, he complained of how the Democrats handled the nomination race.At one point, he said, “For the first time in history, they cancelled their own convention. No voter ever cast a primary ballot for Kamala Harris, no elected delegate was ever consulted; the party of ‘No Kings’ simply anointed a queen.”Kennedy is entitled to express unhappiness about how quickly Democratic leaders coalesced around then-Vice President Harris after Biden unexpectedly dropped out of the race in July 2024, after the primaries were over and less than four months from Election Day. But it’s not true that the party canceled its convention or that delegates didn’t get any say.The convention was held; it was a four-day event in Chicago in August 2024. Democratic convention delegates officially nominated Harris in a virtual roll call vote in advance of the convention. It’s true that Harris was the only candidate on the roll call ballot, but that’s because she was the only candidate who gathered enough delegate signatures to appear on the ballot.It’s clear that party elites’ backing of Harris played a key role in the unusual nomination process. But Kennedy’s specific allegations that the convention was abandoned and delegates were cut out of the process are not true.False claim that Democrats closed ‘every church’ during the Covid-19 pandemicWhile attacking Democrats, Kennedy claimed that, during the Covid-19 pandemic, “They closed every church in our country for a year.”It’s not true that every church in the country was closed for a year, nor even that every church in a Democratic state was closed for a year.Every state issued some type of guidance or order about social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic, but many states – including some led by Democrats and some led by Republicans – incorporated religious exemptions into those limitations on social interactions.According to a Pew Research Center analysis from April 2020, 15 states allowed religious gatherings to continue without a limit on their size. That set of states included Colorado, Michigan and Pennsylvania, which all had Democratic governors. And at least two states with Republican governors, Alaska and Idaho, were among the states that prohibited religious gatherings at least briefly.False claim that Trump ‘ended nine wars’Trump has repeatedly claimed that he has ended “eight wars.” Kennedy went one higher on Thursday, declaring, “President Trump has ended nine wars.”That’s false. Trump hasn’t even ended eight wars.Trump’s list of eight includes two situations that were never actually wars during his tenure: a diplomatic dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia and a mysterious supposed situation between Serbia and Kosovo. The list also includes a war, involving Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that hasn’t actually ended despite a peace agreement brokered by the Trump administration.In addition, the list includes the war between Israel and Hamas, but Israel continues to conduct frequent attacks in Gaza despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. And it includes the brief 2025 conflict between Israel and Iran, though Israel proceeded to join the US in starting another war against Iran in 2026.Claim about reversing a decline in longevityKennedy speaking of the Trump administration, claimed Thursday: “We have now reversed a 30-year decline in longevity. “Kennedy referenced preliminary data that he said he had received from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week, but it’s unclear what metric of longevity he’s referring to.CDC data shows that US life expectancy had been steadily increasing for decades before a sharp drop during the Covid-19 pandemic. Life expectancy had already started to rebound in 2022, under the Biden administration, and reached a new record high in 2024 before Trump’s second term began.Preliminary data shared by the CDC in July suggests that life expectancy probably hit another record high in 2025.CNN has reached out to HHS for clarification on Kennedy’s comments.Claim that Democrats ‘lost 360,000 children’Speaking about Democrats, Kennedy said: “They somehow lost 360,000 children and they turned our federal government into the biggest child trafficking operation in world history.”Trump and other Republicans have made similar claims. But there’s no basis for the assertion that Democrats “lost” so many children or that the federal government was engaged in human trafficking.A 2024 report from the inspector general for the Department of Homeland Security said Immigration and Customs Enforcement had reported that more than 32,000 unaccompanied migrant children failed to appear as scheduled for immigration court hearings after being released or transferred out of custody between fiscal years 2019 and 2023 – a period that, notably, includes two years and four months under the first Trump administration. The report also said that 291,000 unaccompanied migrant children during this period were not given notices to appear in court.The report said that ICE had “no assurances” these children “are safe from trafficking, exploitation, or forced labor.” But it did not say all the children were actually “lost” and did not definitively assert that any of them were trafficked – let alone that the government was somehow involved in a trafficking operation. And, again, the report spanned parts of both a Republican administration and a Democratic administration.Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, told CNN in 2024: “Long story short, no, there are not 320,000 kids missing. 32,000 kids missed court. That doesn’t mean they’re missing, it means they missed court (either because their sponsor didn’t bring them or they are teenagers who didn’t want to show up). The remaining 291,000 cases mentioned by the (Office of the Inspector General) are cases where ICE hasn’t filed the paperwork to start their immigration court cases.”Vance on inflation, crime and taxes on Social SecurityA false claim about the media and Biden-era inflationVice President JD Vance mocked the media during part of his speech on Thursday. But he made a false claim about Biden-era inflation while lampooning how the media supposedly challenged him over another false claim on that subject.Vance said: “The president and I would go during a campaign, we’d say, ‘You know, inflation is as high as it’s been in 100 years,’ and the fake news would say, ‘No, no, no, it’s as high as it’s been in 68 years.’ That ain’t good, ladies and gentlemen.”Mainstream journalists, at least, wouldn’t say that inflation under Biden was as high as it had been “in 68 years.” Rather, CNN and others noted that peak inflation under the Biden administration, 9.1% in June 2022, was the highest in about 40 years.Vance is entitled to make his general point that this correction still doesn’t make Biden-era inflation sound good, but his specific number was, again, wrong. And he didn’t acknowledge that inflation fell sharply under Biden after hitting the 40-year high, declining to 2.9% in Biden’s last full month in office, December 2024, and 3.0% in January 2025, when Trump and Vance were inaugurated.The rate was 3.4% in July 2026, the most recent month for which data is available.Trump didn’t end taxes on Social SecurityVance claimed, “We’ve ended taxes on Social Security.” Several other convention speakers, including Rep. Lisa McClain of Michigan, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania and Ohio House candidate Derek Merrin, similarly said the administration has achieved “no tax on Social Security.”It hasn’t. The big domestic policy bill Trump signed in 2025 did create an additional, temporary $6,000-per-year tax deduction for individuals age 65 and older (which phases out for individuals earning $75,000 per year or more), but as the White House has implicitly acknowledged, millions of Social Security recipients will continue to pay taxes on their benefits even before the temporary new deduction expires after 2028.The Social Security Administration said in 2025 that “the bill ensures that nearly 90% of Social Security beneficiaries will no longer pay federal income taxes on their benefits.Claim about violent crime rate under BidenWhile criticizing the Biden administration, Vice President JD Vance claimed Thursday that the US “became a country where violent crime exploded, unless, of course, you could afford private security.”But violent crime did not explode under Biden. In fact, as FactCheck.org reported last month, data collected and published by the FBI shows that the national violent crime rate was at a lower level in 2023 and 2024, the last two full calendar years of Biden’s term, than it was in 2020, the last full calendar year of Trump’s first term. The year 2020 was highly unusual in many ways – violent crime jumped amid the Covid-19 pandemic – but Biden nonetheless left office with violent crime lower than it was when he took over. In fact, the 2024 violent crime rate was even lower than the 2019 rate under Trump before the pandemic.There was an increase in violent crime during the earlier part of Biden’s term. But given the subsequent decline, it’s misleading at best to claim violent crime “exploded” with no further context.Asked earlier this month about Trump’s similar previous claims to have reversed a Biden-era upswing in violence, crime data expert Jeff Asher said in an email: “No, crime began dropping significantly in 2023 during the Biden administration. Murder fell at record rates in 2023, 2024 and 2025 and, while 2026 may not feature a record decline nationally, it is still on track to see a sizable double-digit decline this year. Violent crime similarly fell nationally in 2023 and 2024, though the drops were more muted than the decline that was recorded by the FBI in 2025.”Other GOP speakersMike Johnson’s false claim about the inflation Republicans inherited from BidenSome other speakers at the convention took aim at inflation under Biden. House Speaker Mike Johnson claimed that “Republicans inherited from the Biden administration record-high inflation.”That’s not true. The inflation rate was 2.9% in Biden’s last full month in office, December 2024, and 3.0% in January 2025, when Trump took over. That’s lower than the most recent rate, 3.4% in July 2026, and nowhere close to the all-time record of 23.7%, which was reached in 1920, or the highest point of Jimmy Carter’s presidency, 14.8%, which was reached in 1980.Johnson correctly said moments later that inflation reached “a 40-year high of 9.1% inflation” under Biden. But a 40-year high is not an all-time record. More importantly, Johnson didn’t explain that 9.1% was much higher than the rate Trump inherited or that the 9.1% rate occurred in June 2022, with roughly two-and-a-half years left in Biden’s term.The cumulative increase in prices from the beginning of the Biden administration to the end was also not the highest in US history. Federal figures show that beginning-to-end inflation under Biden was less than half of that during Carter’s term.What Johnson left out of his claim about a congressional resolutionWhile attacking Democrats as extreme, Johnson said: “Just last week, nearly every Democrat in the House of Representatives voted against condemning socialism and Marxism. They voted against it.”But the resolution didn’t use the word “Marxism.” And Johnson didn’t mention that the resolution wasn’t only about condemning socialism. Rather, it contained other language that Democratic leadership said was the focus of the party’s opposition to the resolution.The resolution’s first provision said it “condemns and denounces socialism in all its forms, including the Democratic Socialists of America, and opposes the implementation of socialist policies in the United States.” But its fifth provision said it “calls for enactment of the SAVE America Act,” Trump’s favored elections bill, which contains various provisions opposed by many Democrats.So while it’s very possible many Democrats would have opposed the resolution even without its expression of support for the SAVE America Act, the call to pass this elections bill served as a poison pill that ensured most Democrats wouldn’t support it.“House Resolution 1490 explicitly calls for enactment of the so-called SAVE America Act, which is the top legislative priority of far-right extremists,” Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries said in a statement last week.A New Mexico candidate left out key context in an attack on his opponentGreg Cunningham, a Republican House candidate in New Mexico, used some of his Thursday speech to criticize his Democratic opponent, Rep. Gabe Vasquez. Cunningham said of Vasquez: “He even voted against a resolution honoring the sacrifices and service of the brave men and women in law enforcement who protect, every day, our communities.”But Cunningham left out important context about the resolution. While its focus was expressing support for law enforcement, its preamble contained statements praising the Trump administration and criticizing “leftist activists,” “progressive politicians” and “sanctuary city policies” for allegedly making law enforcement less safe.In other words, a House member might vote against such a resolution, as the vast majority of Democrats did, because they disagreed with conservative components of it, not the general expressions of support for law enforcement. (CNN has reached out to Vasquez’s campaign and House office for comment on his vote.) It’s common for parties to write resolutions in a way that would make it difficult for opponents to support but would open those opponents to campaign attacks if they voted “no.”An Ohio candidate’s misleading attack about Democrats and votingMerrin, the Republican candidate running against Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur for a House seat in Ohio, claimed in his speech, “While Democrats talk about letting illegal immigrants vote in our election, Republicans fight for proof of citizenship, photo ID and fair elections.”It’s a big country, so it’s possible some Democrat somewhere is talking about letting undocumented people vote in some election. But Merrin’s claim is misleading at best. There is no proposal from Democrats in Congress to let undocumented people vote in the 2026 midterms – the election Merrin appeared to be referring to when he said “our election” – or vote in future federal elections.CNN has reached out to Merrin’s campaign for an explanation of his claim.House Majority Leader Steve Scalise invoked a similar theme in his speech Wednesday, claiming that Democrats had voted last week “to allow illegals to vote in our federal elections.” But there was no congressional vote on letting undocumented immigrants vote in any elections.Rather, there was a vote on the non-binding Republican resolution that included multiple provisions, including one that “reiterates the notion that American elections are for American citizens only,” one supporting Trump’s favored elections bill and one denouncing socialism.Opposing that multi-clause resolution doesn’t necessarily mean someone supports voting by any non-citizens, let alone non-citizens in the country illegally.This article has been updated with additional items.CNN’s Deja Oliver contributed to this report.The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
Hinson doesn’t rule out Trump’s pledge of $5K to adults; calls for relief for families
Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ashley Hinson said Thursday she wants to look at all proposals aimed at improving affordability for working families, including recent comments from President Donald Trump to pay out $5,000 to U.S. adults.
Virginia Beach sailor pardoned by Trump after weapons conviction
NORFOLK, Va. — A Virginia Beach sailor was pardoned by President Donald Trump last week after spending four years in federal prison for possessing and selling unregistered weapons. Patrick Tate
Trump’s pledge for $5K checks catches officials and allies off guard, sparks GOP blowback
President Donald Trump blindsided many of his own administration officials and allies with his vow to pay all American adults $5,000 if Republicans keep control of Congress, prompting an internal scramble on Thursday to backfill the proposal’s specifics, two people familiar with the matter told CNN.
President Trump’s $5,000 pledge surprises Wisconsin Republicans
President Donald Trump promised that if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate in November, every American adult will get a $5,000 check.
Trump’s $5,000 Promise and Other Takeaways From the GOP Midterm Convention
The Republican midterm convention may have lived up to the nickname “Trump-a-palooza” after President Donald Trump promised a $5,000 dividend for adult Americans – if Republicans maintain control of the House and Senate after the midterm election. “Pretend that I’m on the ballot,” Trump said in his ...
Trump promised $5,000 checks if Republicans win the midterms. How would that work?
President Donald Trump promised on Wednesday to send every American adult a $5,000 check if Republicans keep control of the U.S. House and Senate after the midterm elections. "If the Republicans win, you win with us and you get $5,000," Trump told the crowd at the Republican Midterm Convention in Dallas. "It will be called the Trump dividend." WATCH: Trump promises $5,000 'dividend' for Americans if GOP wins midterms Trump said the rationale behind the
Trump administration offers rare muted response on new sanctions against Israel
(CNN) — President Donald Trump and his top foreign policy aide, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have not condemned the United Kingdom, France, Canada and others for their planned sanctions
Trump to send $500 rebate checks to nearly one million Obamacare enrollees
A day after promising to send $5,000 dividend payments to all Americans, President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he would distribute $500 rebate checks to nearly one million Affordable Care Act enrollees in 30 states.
Supreme Court again rejects push to use Trump-backed congressional map in Missouri
The U.S. Supreme Court again rejected Missouri congressional maps backed by President Donald Trump on Thursday, a loss for Republicans trying to maintain control of the House in the pivotal midterm elections.
Sick Of It! Fix Health Care Now: Reversing The Trump-GOP Medicaid Cuts
This month, Protect Our Care is highlighting the first of our policy proposals to fix health care now: reversing the Trump-GOP Medicaid cuts. Last year, Donald Trump and Republicans cut...
Republicans try to defy history with convention in Dallas
President Donald Trump and party leaders believe that by talking about all the good things that have happened over the last two years, they can boost GOP energy nationwide.
WATCH: Trump promises $5,000 'dividend' for Americans if GOP wins midterms
President Donald Trump promised on Wednesday to send every adult American citizen a $5,000 "dividend" if Republicans keep control of both the Senate and House of Representatives in the midterms.
Trump makes stunning first-of-its-kind cash promise in bid to rally GOP voters at Dallas midterm convention
President Donald Trump promised a $5,000 "Trump dividend" to every adult citizen if Republicans keep Congress at the GOP midterm convention.
In pictures: The first-ever Republican midterm convention
Republicans are gathering in Dallas for an unusual 2026 GOP midterm convention, an event backed by President Donald Trump and designed to energize voters, raise money and highlight key Republican candidates ahead of the elections in November.
The Latest: Trump highlights his own record at midterm Republican convention
Republicans are gathering in Dallas for a unique two-day midterm convention, focusing on President Donald Trump. Trump plans to speak both nights and Vice President JD Vance will also address
Politics or NFL? Trump’s Dallas rally conflicts with season opener
President Donald Trump’s Republican midterm convention in Dallas has competition Wednesday night: the NFL season opener.
Sen. John Fetterman makes a surprise cameo praising Republicans at the GOP convention
The Democratic senator appeared on video promoting the efforts of President Donald Trump and Sen. Dave McCormick in shaping the U.S. Steel deal with Nippon Steel.
WATCH: Trump says oil prices will come down after midterm elections
President Donald Trump, in an exchange with reporters before traveling to Dallas for the midterm Republican convention, added that he believes Iran will finally relent after the pivotal elections are held in the U.S.
Kathy Griffin jokes Barron Trump sends her notes pleading, ‘Don’t kill my daddy’
Kathy Griffin looks back on her Donald Trump photo scandal, joking to EW that Barron Trump sends her notes saying, ‘Don’t kill my daddy.’
Competing court orders add confusion to Missouri congressional elections
Dueling court orders eight weeks before Election Day left Missouri’s congressional map uncertain Tuesday as legal wrangling over a redistricting plan backed by President Donald Trump sparked fresh confusion.
Live fact check: Night 1 of the Republican Midterm Convention
President Donald Trump will appear at an unconventional national convention thrown by the Republican Party Wednesday night in Dallas.
With AI memes, Trump promotes mythical version of himself as challenges stack up ahead of midterms
In the real world, President Donald Trump is struggling to stop inflation, rout the Iranian government and restore American manufacturing with tariffs. It's a different story in the fantastical vision that he shares with supporters on social media.
Republicans gather in Dallas for two-day midterm convention billed as 'Trump-a-Palooza'
The highly unusual midterm convention puts President Donald Trump at the center of this fall’s midterm elections — whether the candidates running like it or not.
At 9/11 tribute, Trump adds new claim to his disputed role after attack
There is no evidence backing up President Donald Trump’s claim about firefighters carrying him to safety after the attack. It's part of his evolving — and often disputed — account of his 9/11 actions.
Trump gave $45,000 holiday gifts to Natalie Harp and two other White House aides
President Donald Trump gave sizable holiday gifts to four White House aides, according to new financial disclosures released by the administration.
Oregon Democrats seek to calm voters’ election uncertainties
Oregon Democrats express faith in the upcoming vote-by-mail election despite ongoing legal battles over President Donald Trump's attempt to restrict mail ballot delivery.
Ted Cruz swears off Supreme Court spot, despite Donald Trump's asking
Despite a clear affinity for the Supreme Court, Cruz said he turned President Trump down three times already.
Donald Trump Jr.'s venture capital firm rejects House Democrat's accusations of "insider political influence"
Rep. Jamie Raskin launched an investigation last month into the president's son's investment firm and its "almost clairvoyant" business moves.
After a decade as GOP’s main character, Trump gets one more starring role at midterm convention
For a decade, President Donald Trump has made himself his party’s main character — a singular force around whom its rallies, conventions and political identity have revolved.
An embattled Donald Trump is increasingly using sports as prop
Sports is the rare topic in which the president has succeeded in shifting the conversation to his preferred terms
Republicans kick off a 'Trumpapalooza' of a midterm convention Wednesday in Texas
Republicans have never held a midterm convention before. But there's also never been a president like Donald Trump. Billed as a "Trumpapalooza," the unprecedented event kicks of in Dallas Wednesday.
The world’s best-paid politician is getting a $1 million pay rise
Singapore’s ministers are already among the world’s highest-paid politicians, with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong earning more than four times US President Donald Trump’s annual government salary.
Trump gave Natalie Harp and two other aides $45,000 each in cash gifts for holidays
President Donald Trump gave Natalie Harp and two other White House aides $45,000 each in cash gifts, according to financial disclosure statements.
With AI memes, Trump promotes mythical version of himself as challenges stack up ahead of midterms
President Donald Trump is using memes to portray himself as powerful amid struggles with inflation and international issues.
Trump gave $45,000 holiday gifts to Natalie Harp and two other White House aides
President Donald Trump has given substantial holiday gifts to four White House aides, according to financial disclosures released by the administration | 830 WCCO
Can the 'best showman in politics' deliver again? GOP bets on Trump at historic midterm convention
Donald Trump headlines the first-ever GOP midterm convention in Dallas, aiming to energize low-propensity MAGA voters ahead of key 2026 races.
Saginaw County business not yet concerned about Canadian tariffs
Canada imposed tariffs on hundreds of U.S. products in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s 50% tariffs on Canadian goods.
Canada hits US imports with tariffs, intensifying trade war
Canada imposed tariffs of 15% to 50% on hundreds of products from the U.S. on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Mark Carney bets that standing up to President Donald Trump will
Fact-checking Trump's stories about his own 9/11 response
President Donald Trump recounted his response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in an interview and event leading up to the 25th anniversary this week, repeating statements that lack evidence about aiding in the recovery.
Trump honors 9/11 first responders — and plugs his political priorities
President Donald Trump on Tuesday honored the heroes of the September 11, 2001, terror attacks — but couldn’t resist mentioning the Iran war and communism.
Canada hits US imports with tariffs, intensifying trade war
Canada imposed tariffs of 15% to 50% on hundreds of products from the U.S. on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Mark Carney bets that standing up to President Donald Trump will
Smithsonian head Lonnie Bunch to retire amid Trump administration effort to reshape institution
Lonnie Bunch III said Tuesday that he will retire as the head of the Smithsonian Institution, a role that placed him at the center of President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape the world’s largest museum organization.
What to watch as Republicans gather in Dallas for Trump's unusual midterm convention
President Donald Trump and thousands are expected to arrive in Dallas this week. What to know about candidates, road closures and security
Live Results: New Hampshire midterm primaries
The race to replace retiring three-term Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is one of a handful across the country that could determine control of the U.S. Senate for the second half of President Donald Trump’s final term.
'South Park' sends brutal message to Trump after Emmy win
"South Park" isn't done sticking it to President Donald Trump.
Trump’s Bombardier threat puts aerospace supply chain at risk
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to ban the sale of aircraft from Canada’s Bombardier unless it manufactures planes in the U.S. In response, the maker of private jets noted that many components for its planes, including the wings, are produced in the U.S. and its supply chain relies heavily on U.S. companies. Since Canada-U.S. […]
Trump threatens Canadian jetmaker Bombardier
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to ban the sale of aircraft from Canada’s Bombardier unless it manufactures planes in the United States
The Latest: Canada strikes back with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of US goods
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, in response to his latest round of tariffs on Canada.
National GOP to feature Cunningham vs. Vasquez race at midterm convention
Overview: Vasquez criticizes Cunningham for appearing at event after Trump posted of renaming New Mexico "New America" President Donald Trump is headlining a first-ever “Midterm Convention” for the Republican Party this week in Dallas and at least one New Mexico candidate is on the announced agenda. This story was originally published at New Mexico Political […]
Joel Pollak on LA homelessness, Gavin Newsom's bills
California Post opinion editor Joel Pollak joins Cheryl Casone to discuss Mayor Karen Bass being pressed on Los Angeles homelessness spending, President Donald Trump's tax incentives for Hollywood and Governor Gavin Newsom's progressive bills.
What to know about Canada’s trade war with U.S. as tariffs take effect
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, in response to the latest round of tariffs on Canada
What to know about Canada’s trade war with U.S. as tariffs take effect
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods, in response to the latest round of tariffs on Canada
Canada's 20% tariffs on US goods like milk, steel and golf clubs take effect
President Donald Trump threatened to ban Bombardier aircraft sales on Truth Social just hours before Canada's retaliatory tariffs hit $20 billion in U.S. goods.
Donald Trump threatens to halt Canadian Bombardier sales to US
Cheryl Cassoni reports on President Trump's threat to halt Canadian airplane maker Bombardier's sales to the US. Vogel Group's Samir Kapadia analyzes the trade pressure campaign and its political stakes in battleground states.
Trump threatens Canadian jetmaker Bombardier, which has an extensive US footprint
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to ban the sale of aircraft from Canada’s Bombardier unless it manufactures planes in the United States.
Trump threatens Canadian jetmaker Bombardier, which has an extensive US footprint
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to ban the sale of aircraft from Canada’s Bombardier unless it manufactures planes in the United States.
Trump threatens Canadian jetmaker Bombardier, which has an extensive US footprint
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to ban the sale of aircraft from Canada’s Bombardier unless it manufactures planes in the United States.
Democrats see rare signs of hope in solidly red Arkansas’ midterms
Democrats are trying to capitalize on President Donald Trump’s disapproval ratings while Libertarians pitch themselves to those frustrated by both major parties.
Democrats enter the midterms looking to conquer red territory
With November’s midterm matchups largely set, Democrats are optimistic that they can seize control of Congress by running strong campaigns in red territory while Republicans hope that President Donald Trump’s increased involvement, and his $400 million MAGA Inc. war chest, can help them defend narrow majorities in the House and Senate.
Music legend considering leaving the U.S. because of Donald Trump: ‘I’m not aboard’
The eight-time Grammy Award winner made the revelation during a recent interview.
What to know about Canada's escalating trade war with the U.S.
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods. The outcome could resonate far beyond Canada.
What to know about Canada's escalating trade war with the U.S.
Canada struck back at U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday with tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods. The outcome could resonate far beyond Canada.
What to watch as Republicans gather in Dallas for Trump’s unusual midterm convention
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans will descend on Dallas this week for a two-day convention dreamed up by President Donald Trump to rally his supporters ahead of th
Trump wants voters to pretend he’s on the ballot. The Republican Party is going along for the ride
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is embracing his inner cowboy, seeking to gallop into this week's Republican convention in Dallas and save the midterm
The GOP was confident about keeping its Senate majority. Now the fight for control is wide open
WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans appeared to have a firm grip on the Senate heading into the final two years of President Donald Trump’s term. But with less than t
Trump wants voters to pretend he’s on the ballot. The Republican Party is going along for the ride
President Donald Trump may try to channel the role of cowboy as he heads to the first-ever off-year Republican convention in Dallas beginning Wednesday | News-Talk 1380 WAOK
Trump wants voters to pretend he’s on the ballot. The Republican Party is going along for the ride
President Donald Trump may try to channel the role of cowboy as he heads to the first-ever off-year Republican convention in Dallas beginning Wednesday | WWJ Newsradio 950
Trump wants voters to pretend he’s on the ballot. The Republican Party is going along for the ride
President Donald Trump may try to channel the role of cowboy as he heads to the first-ever off-year Republican convention in Dallas beginning Wednesday.
‘South Park’ Turns Emmy Win Into Another Donald Trump Punchline
“South Park” is known for turning political figures into punchlines, but the show apparently had no plans to leave Donald The ‘South Park’ Turns Emmy Win Into Another Donald Trump Punchline first appe...
House Ag Chair Seeks Extension, Beef Import Plan Seen as Political Sho
House Ag Committee Chair Glenn Thompson is seeking a waiver to serve another term, having reached the six-year term limit for GOP chairs.President Donald Trump announced a plan to pa
EU seeks to reassure a Trump-rattled Greenland with promise of a new partnership and investment
The European Union is promising Greenland a stronger partnership and hundreds of millions of euros in investment, wanting to reassure Greenland after U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to take control of the island.