Explore the ever-evolving realm of American politics, with a spotlight on the enigmatic former President, Donald Trump. Our article presents a thoughtfully curated selection of today’s most noteworthy Donald Trump news, meticulously gathered from credible sources. Whether you’re intrigued by his perspectives on pivotal political matters or curious about his potential future ventures, our mission is to provide you with the freshest glimpses into Trump’s recent actions and positions. Join us on an insightful journey as we delve into the latest developments surrounding this iconic figure in contemporary American politics.
Today’s Donald Trump News
1- Trump, NY attorney general argue over scope of looming fraud trial
In the ongoing legal battle, former U.S. President Donald Trump and New York Attorney General Letitia James are engaged in a dispute over the scope of an impending fraud trial. Trump’s lawyers are attempting to convince a New York judge to dismiss most or all of James’s lawsuit, which accuses Trump of significant fraud. On the other side, James’s legal team is urging the judge to hold Trump and other defendants, including his adult sons and the Trump Organization, accountable for fraud even before the trial begins. Justice Arthur Engoron, overseeing the case, is expected to make a ruling on these motions soon.
The trial itself is slated to commence on October 2nd. This legal battle comes amidst Trump’s strong lead in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, despite facing multiple legal challenges, including four criminal indictments, to which he has pleaded not guilty. The heart of James’s allegations is that Trump repeatedly lied in financial statements to secure favorable loan and insurance terms. She contends that he overstated property values, including Mar-a-Lago and Trump Tower, potentially inflating his net worth by up to $3.6 billion. Trump has dismissed the lawsuit as a “witch hunt,” while his lawyers argue that James lacks the authority to sue over non-fraudulent private transactions and that many of her claims exceed the statute of limitations.
A recent appeal court decision complicated matters, leading to a temporary stay of the trial. A five-judge panel will decide whether the trial should proceed. James criticized Trump’s request for a delay as “brazen and meritless,” warning of potential disruptions not only to this trial but also to others Trump is involved in. Her lawsuit seeks to prohibit Trump and his sons from operating businesses in New York and demands at least $250 million in penalties. (Source)
2- EXCLUSIVE: Oil and gas workers association with 47,000 members endorses TRUMP in 2024 – in blow to DeSantis on day he unveils his energy plan in Texas
The Oil and Gas Workers Association, with 47,000 members, has endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race. This comes as Ron DeSantis unveiled his energy plan in Texas on the same day. Association President Matt Coday cited Trump’s actions, including withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement and his support for American oil and gas jobs, as the reasons for their endorsement.
DeSantis, aiming to position himself as a policy-focused GOP candidate, announced plans to boost U.S. oil and gas production with a goal of achieving $2 gas by 2025. However, he’s trailing Trump by 46 points in the Republican presidential nomination polls.
The Oil and Gas Association, with members across the nation, highlighted Trump’s support for the industry during his presidency, with millions of jobs and energy dominance. They criticized President Joe Biden’s policies for focusing on renewable energy and limiting oil leasing on federal land, arguing that these actions threaten national security and the economy. The association stressed that increased oil production could lead to lower gas prices and criticized Biden’s use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserves.
DeSantis, in his past role as governor, had opposed some of Trump’s energy policies, focusing on protecting Florida’s coasts and wetlands from drilling. Now, he plans to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and reduce electric vehicle subsidies, while Biden seeks to advance carbon pollution reduction and clean energy initiatives. This development underscores the significance of energy-related issues in the upcoming presidential race, with Trump securing the endorsement of a major oil and gas workers association. (Source)
3- WATCH: Trump Reacts To Rupert Murdoch’s Fox News Departure, Rips Network: ‘There’s Something Missing’
In a recent interview at Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump commented on Rupert Murdoch’s departure from Fox News, hinting at a shift in the network’s tone. The interview, conducted by Raheem Kassam for The National Pulse, focused on the media’s stance toward Trump, particularly Fox News.
Trump expressed his well-wishes for Murdoch upon his departure and recalled his positive history with Fox. He mentioned Roger Ailes, the former chairman of Fox News, as a friend but hinted at external influences on the network’s direction, suggesting “globalists” might be involved.
Trump highlighted his administration’s accomplishments but expressed a sense of disconnect with Fox, saying, “there’s an overhang that you just feel there’s something missing.” When asked if Murdoch’s departure was linked to opposing Trump during the primary cycle, Trump indirectly criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, stating, “Well, they put everything against DeSanctimonious, and he’s not a talented person.”
The full interview is set to air next week, promising more insights into Trump’s views on various topics. Rupert Murdoch, aged 92, announced his transition to Chairman Emeritus at Fox and News Corp, with his son Lachlan becoming the sole chairman. Murdoch criticized competitors for siding with political elites and expressed optimism about the companies’ future despite challenges. Fox has faced declining ratings after Tucker Carlson’s departure and changing dynamics among conservative viewers. (Source)
4- DOJ move for gag order in Trump Jan. 6 case puts judge in tough spot
The Justice Department’s request for a gag order on former President Trump in the Jan. 6 case has presented a challenging situation for the court. The DOJ argues that Trump’s “disparaging and inflammatory” remarks about those involved in the case could prejudice the jury pool and intimidate witnesses. However, granting the request raises First Amendment concerns and aligns with Trump’s narrative that the DOJ is trying to hinder his electoral prospects.
Legal experts emphasize the need to balance Trump’s rights as a defendant with First Amendment considerations. The court aims to establish clear guidelines for Trump’s statements to avoid jeopardizing the case. Trump’s tendency to make inflammatory remarks presents a challenge, and he may need warnings before a formal order is issued.
Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is also facing a motion for recusal from Trump, may opt to move up Trump’s trial date if his comments risk a fair trial. This approach would send a message to Trump without directly policing his speech. Trump’s response frames the request as an attack on his free speech rights, which could bolster his political capital. However, experts note that a gag order would not prevent him from discussing the case publicly.
While Trump may launch a First Amendment challenge, courts have authority to protect the fair administration of justice by preventing statements that could interfere with jury selection and witness testimony. (Source)
5- Trump team takes credit for Biden’s trip to meet autoworkers
The Trump campaign is claiming credit for President Biden’s upcoming trip to Michigan to meet with striking United Auto Workers (UAW) union members. They argue that Biden’s visit is a response to Trump’s prior announcement of a trip to the state.
According to Trump Campaign Senior Advisor Jason Miller, Biden’s visit is seen as a political move to address pressure arising from Trump’s plans. They suggest that if Trump had not announced his trip, Biden may not have made the visit.
Trump had initially announced plans to address union workers in Detroit, opting to skip the second GOP primary debate. In response, Biden decided to visit Michigan to meet with UAW workers who are on strike, seeking improved pay and benefits during a contract dispute with major automakers. Trump’s campaign also criticized Biden’s electric vehicle (EV) policies, raising concerns among union workers. They accused Biden of prioritizing his liberal base over the interests of auto workers.
The White House’s announcement of Biden’s trip coincided with an expansion of the UAW strike to include facilities of Stellantis and General Motors (GM) across multiple locations in the United States. UAW President Shawn Fain invited President Biden to join the picket line. Despite Biden’s claims of being a pro-union president, the UAW has not endorsed his reelection campaign, emphasizing the need for actions, not just words, to earn their support. (Source)
6- Trump notches another delegate selection rule win in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Republicans have unanimously approved a primary delegate plan that maintains a winner-take-all threshold, a move seen as benefiting Donald Trump. This decision aligns with Trump’s campaign strategy to influence state delegate-selection rules in his favor. The vote on this delegate plan is part of Trump’s broader effort to reshape state party rules to support his presidential bid. This strategy has already seen success in several states, with revisions favoring Trump’s candidacy.
Massachusetts Republicans, while maintaining the winner-take-all threshold, have also introduced an incentive for Trump’s challengers. If Trump fails to secure over 50 percent of the vote in the March primary, the party will proportionally award delegates to candidates who garner more than 10 percent of the vote.
This change is an attempt by the financially struggling state party to encourage well-funded candidates to campaign in Massachusetts, potentially revitalizing the party’s financial situation. The move from the winner-take-all model of 2020, which was implemented to protect Trump as the incumbent president, to a proportional model is designed to attract a more diverse field of candidates to compete for the state’s 40 convention delegates.
Despite these adjustments, Trump still holds an advantage, especially if he continues to maintain strong poll numbers and lawsuits aiming to block him from the Massachusetts ballot fail. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ campaign has also agreed to these new rules, although some party members suggest they still favor Trump. The revamped delegate plan and other measures, such as potential fees for candidates to appear on the primary ballot, aim to make Massachusetts a more attractive campaign destination and revive the struggling state Republican party. (Source)