Category: Not Factual

Trump Demands NBC ABC License Revocation Over Primetime Speech

Donald Trump demanded that NBC and ABC have their broadcast licenses revoked for declining to air his Thursday night primetime address on their primary television channels, falsely characterizing the networks’ editorial decision as part of a “plot” to hide information from the public. Both networks carried the speech live on their streaming platforms (NBC News NOW and ABC News Live) and aired detailed summaries after Trump concluded, but Trump attacked them anyway for not broadcasting it on their main channels, stating that “fraud like this should mean a revocation of their licenses.” White House communications director Steven Cheung amplified the demand, calling the networks “cowards” on social media.

Trump’s attack on broadcast licenses represents an escalation of his systematic pressure on media outlets through regulatory threats. Trump has previously weaponized FCC regulatory power against late-night hosts, calling for their termination and celebrating their departures, while FCC Chair Brendan Carr, a Trump appointee, has threatened broadcasters’ licenses in response to presidential complaints about coverage. Carr is currently investigating whether ABC’s talk show The View qualifies as a “bona fide news program” under equal time rules, using regulatory authority to punish editorial independence.

In the 23-minute address, Trump made unsubstantiated claims about election security, alleging without evidence that China conducted “the largest compromise of election data in history” and that American elections remain vulnerable to foreign interference. He accused unnamed national security officials of concealing information about election security while offering no documentation to support these assertions. Much of the “stolen” election data Trump referenced is publicly available for commercial purchase by political campaigns, undermining his claims of a security breach.

CNN declined to air the speech live, with anchor Kaitlan Collins stating the network would “monitor” Trump’s remarks to fact-check statements given his “well-documented history of saying blatantly false things about elections,” while Fox News broadcast the full address. Trump’s demand for license revocation targets networks that exercised editorial judgment about primetime coverage, using the presidency to punish outlets for decisions that displeased him and demonstrating contempt for the independence of broadcast journalism.



(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-election-fraud-address-nbc-abc-licence-b3016842.html)

Trump Revives False Claims Election Systems Compromised

President Donald Trump delivered a primetime White House address Thursday night, reviving unsubstantiated claims that the 2020 presidential election he lost was compromised by foreign interference. Trump alleged that American election systems face widespread vulnerabilities susceptible to manipulation, an assertion contradicted by extensive evidence and prior official assessments.

Documents Trump referenced during his speech, reviewed by CNN, largely describe vulnerabilities known for years and reflected in the 2021 U.S. intelligence community assessment. According to a source with direct knowledge, these materials were compiled to capture all information the government possessed on potential election interference concerns, but the intelligence community determined them either insufficiently concrete or incorporated them into minority reports rather than treating them as consequential findings.

No declassified information Trump cited supports claims that any previous election results, including the 2020 contest, were manipulated by foreign interference or domestic fraud in ways that would have altered outcomes. The intelligence community’s analysis determined that verbiage within the documents themselves did not warrant treating the concerns as having material impact on election integrity.

Trump’s revival of election-integrity doubts occurs four months before midterm elections, continuing a pattern of amplifying unsubstantiated conspiracy theories about U.S. electoral systems. His assertions conflict with findings from election officials, security experts, and his own appointed Department of Homeland Security officials, who have consistently affirmed the security and integrity of American elections.

The address reflects Trump’s ongoing effort to sow doubt about election outcomes unfavorable to him while promoting baseless narratives about systemic vulnerabilities, despite declassified records and official assessments providing no evidentiary support for claims of election manipulation affecting results.



(Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/trump-sows-doubt-election-integrity-midterms-rcna587853)

Trump Suggests Images of Iran School Bombing Were AI

President Donald Trump suggested during a Fox News interview Tuesday that images documenting a U.S. airstrike on an Iranian school may have been artificially generated, deflecting from mounting evidence that American missiles killed at least 150 people, including approximately 120 children. When confronted with photographic evidence showing fragments consistent with U.S. Tomahawk missiles at the strike site, Trump dismissed the documentation as potentially “AI generated” without providing any basis for the claim.

Trump declined to commit to releasing the findings of his administration’s ongoing investigation into the bombing, telling Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst that “I don’t think anybody’s going to ever be able to say what happened there.” When pressed on whether he would eventually disclose the results, Trump offered only a noncommittal “I guess so” and suggested his “military people” might have undisclosed reasons to withhold findings.

Internal administration sources previously told The New York Times that officials believed the school was struck by U.S. missiles, contradicting the initial public claim that Iran was responsible. Trump has explicitly rejected negotiations to end the Iran conflict, stating he does not want to pursue diplomatic solutions while simultaneously obscuring accountability for civilian casualties.

Trump’s dismissal of physical evidence as fabricated and his refusal to guarantee transparency on a catastrophic attack killing over 100 children demonstrates his systematic obstruction of accountability for actions taken under his authority. His administration has escalated military actions against Iran, including reimposing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously suppressing documentation of civilian harm resulting from those operations.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-suggests-images-of-iran-school-bombing-were-ai-generated-doesnt-commit-to-releasing-results-of-investigation/)neously suppressing documentation of civilian harm resulting from those operations.

Trump White House Report Attacks Smithsonian History Museum

Trump administration officials released a 162-page White House report on July 4 titled “Saving America’s Story” accusing the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History of “thinly veiled anti-Americanism” and “extreme political activism.” The report alleged the museum presents America as “a fundamentally oppressive nation” since Columbus and has been captured by ideological activists, demands that contradict the institution’s scholarly mission and documented historical record.

Lonnie Bunch, Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, directly rejected the White House characterization in a memo to staff, stating the report “is not a fair characterization of the work and totality of the National Museum of American History.” The Organization of American Historians, the nation’s largest group of U.S. history scholars, similarly condemned the report as executive branch overreach designed to force the Smithsonian to reshape its historical narratives to serve the administration’s political agenda.

This attack continues Trump’s broader assault on American cultural institutions. Trump issued an executive order targeting the Smithsonian with threats of federal funding cuts, demanding the elimination of exhibitions addressing racial themes under the banner of removing “divisive, race-based ideology.” His administration has dismantled slavery exhibits, restored Confederate statues, and removed references to Trump’s two impeachments and the January 6 Capitol insurrection from the National Portrait Gallery’s presidential portrait caption.

The Smithsonian, a 180-year-old institution with independent decision-making authority, receives most of its annual budget from Congress. Trump’s threat of funding cuts represents financial coercion designed to force institutional compliance with his reframing of American history, effectively weaponizing the federal government’s fiscal power to suppress historically accurate scholarship and suppress critical examination of America’s past.

Bunch confirmed the institution is reviewing the report but has not capitulated to its demands, maintaining the museum’s commitment to evidence-based historical presentation. The White House report and Trump’s escalating pressure on the Smithsonian exemplify his systematic effort to rewrite American history by suppressing documentation of slavery, racial injustice, and his own abuses of power.



(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/smithsonian-lonnie-bunch-white-house-antiamericanism-b3011746.html?fbclid=IwdGRjcATB0XJwZG9mA2ZkaWQWUKcWlLlueT6yqdAz9CmO8le_CVm22WV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR6F5p7mqDiBrH0yzymcruco_x2Nr78eafk7-Hx6GLViZ39GmiRC_xFlNOfgsA_aem_E7tLzyd1YREWljnSzqkRTw)

Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz Open After Iran War

President Trump claimed during a Sunday NBC News appearance that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, contradicting Iran’s assertion that it had closed the waterway. When host Kristen Welker pressed Trump on the conflicting statements following overnight U.S. military strikes on Iranian targets, Trump stated the strait was open but refused further discussion, citing a desire to honor the memory of late Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump’s account of recent events with Iran contradicts the pattern of escalation documented by U.S. Central Command. Trump asserted that Iran had agreed to a ceasefire deal the previous day before launching a drone attack on a commercial vessel within an hour, describing Iranian officials as “sick people.” According to CENTCOM, the United States completed a third round of strikes against Iran on July 11, targeting approximately 140 Iranian military positions with precision munitions launched from fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed Saturday that U.S. military strikes followed Iran’s attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship, which resulted in a missing crew member and significant vessel damage. The escalation marks a third military engagement between the two nations in one week, with Trump ordering strikes after Iran violated a ceasefire agreement.

Trump’s dismissal of substantive discussion about the military conflict and the Strait of Hormuz underscores his pattern of deploying military force while avoiding detailed accountability for the consequences. His refusal to engage with Welker’s direct questions about the strategic waterway’s status and his response strategy reflects his authoritarian approach to governance, where military decisions operate outside meaningful public scrutiny or democratic oversight.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-claims-the-strait-of-hormuz-is-open-in-testy-retort-to-nbcs-welker/)

Trump Attacks Haberman, Swan, Demands Media Worship Him

President Trump launched a lengthy Truth Social attack against journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, authors of the book “Regime Change,” which documents his second administration. Trump called Haberman “one of the most unattractive people in the News Business” and Swan a “lightweight assistant,” demanding media outlets instead declare him the “BEST POLITICAL ATHLETE OF ALL TIME” and cease critical coverage. The attack reflects Trump’s pattern of weaponizing his platform against journalists documenting his presidency.

In his post, Trump falsely claimed he won the 2024 election by a “historic landslide” against both Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, citing county and Electoral College numbers while attacking the “Failing New York Times” and other outlets for their coverage. He demanded media outlets acknowledge his electoral victory and abandon what he characterized as a decade of inaccurate reporting, stating they should concede defeat rather than continue scrutinizing his administration. Trump’s claims about election outcomes contradict documented results and reflect his documented pattern of denying electoral losses.

Trump extended his assault to multiple news organizations, including CNN, MSNBC, ABC, CBS, and NBC, characterizing them collectively as “FAKE NEWS” with no credibility. He claimed these outlets’ “Readership, Ratings, and Viewership are tanking” because the public recognizes their alleged dishonesty, and he demanded they stop publishing what he termed “inaccurate, false articles.” This attack on press freedom aligns with his documented pattern of demanding treason charges against media outlets for unfavorable coverage.

The tirade reveals Trump’s authoritarian demand for uncritical media coverage and absolute loyalty from institutions meant to maintain independence. His insistence that journalists declare him victorious and cease reporting reflects an expectation of state-controlled media rather than a free press operating in a democracy. This pattern mirrors his cultivation of unquestioning loyalty from close aides, extending the demand for total deference to the media landscape.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-slams-lightweight-jonathan-swan-as-he-declares-himself-best-political-athlete-of-all-time/)

Trump Demands Praise in Maggie Haberman Tirade

President Trump posted an extended tirade on Truth Social attacking journalist Maggie Haberman for her forthcoming book “Regime Change,” co-written with New York Times reporter Jonathan Swan, which documents his second administration. The book details scenes of Trump supergluing gold Fabergés in the Oval Office, cabinet members discussing the Epstein files, and a White House bedroom scattered with fast food wrappers, among other unflattering portrayals.

Trump demanded the book include effusive praise that never materialized, complaining in all-caps that Haberman failed to write passages acknowledging his victory or apologizing for prior criticism. He demanded language such as “TRUMP IS THE BEST POLITICAL ATHLETE OF ALL TIME” and “CONGRATULATIONS, MR. PRESIDENT. YOU HAVE BEATEN US FOR 10 YEARS,” framing his expectation that media outlets capitulate to his narrative as a baseline journalistic duty.

In his post, Trump attacked Haberman personally, calling her “Maggot Hagerman,” and branded the New York Times “The Failing New York Times.” He also used the post to attack Democrats broadly, labeling them “Dumocrats” who “are, generally, stupid people” and baselessly accusing them of planning a transition to communism as the 2026 midterms approach. This follows a pattern of Trump demanding absolute verbal alignment from officials, expecting staff and media alike to repeat his exact phrasing without deviation.

The outburst reflects Trump’s documented obsession with controlling his public image and punishing journalists who document his conduct without flattery. Trump surrounds himself with enablers who provide constant positive reinforcement, and his anger at Haberman’s independent reporting underscores his intolerance for any account that does not present him as infallible or triumphant.



(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-maggie-haberman-truth-social/)

Dr Oz becomes the latest MAHA advocate to post bizarre workout video: ‘Touch the toilet seat’ | The Independent

Dr. Mehmet Oz, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator, posted a workout video on July 11 demonstrating squat technique by advising viewers to imagine sitting on a toilet seat. The 66-year-old, who serves as the latest Trump administration official promoting the Make America Healthy Again agenda, filmed the backyard demonstration on social media while momentarily losing balance during his demonstration.

Oz instructed viewers to avoid leaning forward during squats and to “sit back like your bottom is about to touch the toilet seat,” emphasizing proper form to prevent injury and engage correct muscle groups. He also recommended brisk walking for heart health, comparing arteries to a tube while slapping a children’s slide as a visual aid, and demonstrated pull-ups on a monkey bar without difficulty.

Social media users mocked Oz’s squat form and fitness advice. One commenter stated “This is not proper form for a squat in any capacity” and told Oz to “stick to selling snake oil.” Another user joked about an upcoming book titled “How to Look Like a Complete Dork in the Park,” reflecting widespread criticism of his demonstration.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has similarly posted numerous workout videos to promote MAHA initiatives, including pull-ups and push-ups alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in blue jeans, a 2024 helicopter jump into the Pacific Ocean with Navy SEALs, and a shirtless cold-water plunge and hot tub session with musician Kid Rock while drinking whole milk. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joined the trend in December 2025, competing against Kennedy in a pull-up competition filmed near Ronald Reagan National Airport, where Kennedy completed approximately 20 pull-ups to Duffy’s 10.

Hegseth has also shared workout content focused on demonstrating physical capability with troops rather than offering fitness instruction, including weight-lifting sessions at Guantanamo Bay and running alongside service members. The administration’s fitness video campaign reflects broader efforts to project health and vigor through social media promotion.



(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/dr-oz-maha-workout-video-b3013231.html)ide service members. The administration’s fitness video campaign reflects broader efforts to project health and vigor through social media promotion.

Trump Fabricates Rwanda-Congo War Settlement

Donald Trump claimed aboard Air Force One that he personally settled eight wars, including a Rwanda-Congo conflict in which he alleged 15 million people “had their heads chopped off.” Trump made the assertion after a reporter questioned him about reports that his administration discouraged Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado from returning to Venezuela, contradicting his earlier denial of involvement.

The Rwanda-Democratic Republic of Congo conflict began in 2022 when Rwanda started providing military support to a Congolese rebel group. Rwanda and the D.R.C. signed a ceasefire agreement in Washington, D.C. in 2025, yet fighting has continued and the pact is deteriorating, undermining Trump’s characterization of a settled conflict.

Trump’s claim that 15 million people were decapitated in the Rwanda-Congo war has no factual basis. The death toll and methods of killing he described are unsupported by any evidence or reporting on the conflict.

Trump credited Machado with awarding him a Nobel Peace Prize in January, occurring shortly after he ordered the U.S. raid that abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Trump has since aligned himself with Maduro’s former vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, who has complied with his demands, contradicting the narrative of supporting democratic opposition to Maduro’s regime.

Trump’s pattern of falsely claiming credit for ending wars and fabricating casualty figures demonstrates his systematic use of the presidency to construct a fictional record of achievement while exercising direct control over foreign governments and their leadership succession.



(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump/trump-claims-he-ended-war-in-which-15-million-people-had-their-heads-chopped-off/)

FCC Investigation Halts View Political Candidate Bookings

The Federal Communications Commission under Chairman Brendan Carr launched an investigation in February into whether ABC’s daytime talk show “The View” violated the “equal time” rule, a 1930s regulation requiring broadcast programs to provide equal airtime to opposing candidates when featuring political candidates for public office. The mere threat of regulatory action has proven sufficient to alter the show’s editorial decisions without any formal FCC demands or rulings.

Since Carr’s announcement, “The View” has not booked a single political candidate running in a competitive midterm race, marking a dramatic shift from the program’s decades-long role as a premier campaign stop. The show recently rebuffed invitations for Democratic congressional nominees Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, citing caution regarding the ongoing FCC inquiry as one reason among others. While ABC’s spokesperson claims the show qualifies as a “bona fide news program” exempt from equal time rules, the network has chosen to restrict candidate appearances regardless of that legal argument.

Carr’s aggressive regulatory posture extends beyond “The View,” with his threats influencing which candidates appear on late-night talk shows across CBS, NBC, and ABC. A San Francisco radio station similarly curtailed political coverage after facing FCC scrutiny for reporting on immigration enforcement operations, demoting an anchor and discouraging reporters from pursuing stories that might attract regulatory attention. Democratic FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez denounced the agency’s conduct as a “censorship and control campaign” designed to alter media behavior through fear rather than formal rulemaking, noting that broadcasters are instructing staff to avoid triggering FCC action.

The regulatory pressure has complicated Democratic campaign access to traditional media during a critical election cycle. Multiple Democratic officials privately expressed concern that Carr’s equal time push will disadvantage their party in midterm races where Democratic candidates have historically relied on daytime television appearances. Meanwhile, tensions within the left flank emerged after host Sara Haines made inflammatory remarks about Democratic socialist candidate Avila Chevalier, prompting angry responses from allied figures questioning whether such candidates would receive future airtime on the platform.

ABC has taken the unusual step of enlisting viewers to pressure the FCC to drop its investigation, while legal experts remain skeptical of Carr’s recent attempts to expand agency oversight into streaming platforms and digital media. Despite threats that ABC could face regulatory consequences, the network ultimately opted to fight the FCC inquiry into “The View” rather than accept demands, though editorial caution has already taken hold regardless of the legal outcome.



(Source: https://www.semafor.com/article/07/05/2026/the-view-throttles-back-political-candidate-bookings-following-fcc-inquiry)

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