Will Weissert, Author at The Rapid City Post

President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Dr. Trump? The president reprises his COVID era, this time sharing unproven medical advice on autism

September 22, 2025

President Donald Trump isn’t a doctor. But he played one on TV Monday, offering copious amounts of unproven medical advice that he suggested — without providing evidence — might help reduce autism rates. Trump suggested pregnant women avoid Tylenol, despite the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists endorsing it as safe. Speaking alongside vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump also recommended spreading out key immunizations for newborns. He claimed, without evidence, a link between autism and acetaminophen. His statements drew criticism from actual medical experts and recalled the unfounded claims he tossed out during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Air Force One at Morristown Airport, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Morristown, N.J. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump deploys National Guard to Memphis, calling it a ‘replica’ of his crackdown on Washington

September 15, 2025

President Trump has announced the deployment of the National Guard to Memphis to combat crime, testing the limits of presidential power by using military force in cities. Trump made Monday’s announcement with Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, calling it a “replica” of efforts in Washington. Last month, Trump deployed National Guard troops to the nation’s capital, claiming it reduced crime. Despite Memphis police reporting decreases in major crime categories, the White House suggested the city’s crime rate is higher than the national average. Governor Lee supports the deployment, while Memphis Mayor Paul Young opposes it.

FILE - President Donald Trump stands beside photos of Kennedy Center Honors nominees at the Kennedy Center, Aug. 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Sugar Coke? Department of War? Where some of Trump’s most jaw-dropping promises stand

September 14, 2025

Given just how much President Donald Trump talks in public, it can be hard to keep up with all of his promises — even his most outlandish ones. Once a pledge has been made, though, the president has a way of making notions that once seemed implausible inch toward appearing routine, the more repeats them. From putting cane sugar back in U.S. Coke to ending daylight saving time to creating the Department of War, some of Trump’s biggest jaw-dropping comments have gone nowhere, while others are working their way toward fruition.

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before he enters a restaurant near the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Washington, to have dinner with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump dines at a restaurant near the White House to promote his federal law enforcement surge in DC

September 9, 2025

President Donald Trump had dinner at a seafood restaurant near the White House as part of his effort to promote deploying the National Guard and federalizing the police force in the nation’s capital. Trump on Tuesday dined at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab with some of his Cabinet members. Since announcing the federal crackdown on August 7, some restaurants have reported a drop in reservations, and protests have become common. Trump claims crime has decreased and says friends have told him that they appreciate efforts to remove homeless encampments. Nearly 2,200 arrests have been reported since the crackdown began.

President Donald Trump speaks at a dinner in the Rose Garden of the White House, Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump threatens Chicago with apocalyptic force and Pritzker calls him a ‘wannabe dictator’

September 6, 2025

President Donald Trump is amplifying his promises to dispatch the National Guard to Chicago by posting a parody image from “Apocalypse Now” featuring a ball of flames as helicopters zoom overhead. On Friday, Trump signed an executive order seeking to rename the Defense Department the Department of War. His post Saturday proclaims, “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.” Trump has threatened Chicago and other Democratic-led cities with crackdowns. Illinois’ Democratic governor, JB Pritzker, responded that Trump “is threatening to go to war with an American city. This is not a joke. This is not normal.” He called the president a “wannabe dictator.”

President Donald Trump listens as first lady Melania Trump repeats a question for him during a dinner in the State Dinning Room of the White House, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump to attend the US Open men’s final Sunday, marking another trip to a major sporting event

September 4, 2025

President Donald Trump plans to attend the men’s final of the U.S. Open on Sunday. The White House confirmed Thursday that Trump is expected to make a daytrip to New York and return to Washington after the match. Trump was a regular at the tournament when he was a New York real estate mogul and reality TV star. He hasn’t attended since 2015, after being booed at a match. The Trump Organization once controlled a suite at the U.S. Open but suspended it in 2017. Having a sitting president attend the tournament is unusual, with the last being Bill Clinton in 2000.

National Capital Planning Commission Chairman Will Scharf presides over a National Capital Planning Commission meeting, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

Demolition for new White House ballroom doesn’t need approval, Trump-appointed commission head says

September 4, 2025

The head of the National Capital Planning Commission says crews can start demolishing parts of the White House for a new ballroom without needing approval. Will Scharf, appointed by President Trump in July, said Thursday that the commission doesn’t have jurisdiction over demolition and site preparation work on federal property. Crews have begun preparing to build a $200 million ballroom, which will likely change the East and West Wings. Scharf dismissed the need for early commission oversight, and praised the project. He also criticized the Federal Reserve for renovations to its building that have gone over budget, an issue Trump himself has been sharply critical of.

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

From Jackson to McKinley: What Trump’s new choice of presidential hero says about his evolving goals

September 1, 2025

Donald Trump has shifted his admiration from Andrew Jackson to William McKinley. During his first term, Trump idolized Jackson for his populist approach. Now, he’s focused on McKinley, the 25th president, who was known for championing tariffs and leading a major expansion in U.S. territory. Trump frequently praises McKinley’s use of tariffs to boost the economy and reduce the national debt. This change reflects Trump’s evolving political mindset, moving from attacking elites to targeting foreign countries and globalists. McKinley’s legacy of tariffs provides Trump with historical justification for his trade policies. The shift highlights how Trump adapts his political reasoning to fit his current goals.

President Donald Trump, surrounded by family members of soldiers killed in Afghanistan at the attack at Abbey Gate, holds up a signed proclamation honoring the fourth anniversary of the attack, in the Oval Office of the White House, Monday, Aug. 25, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump honors fallen US service members and criticizes Biden to mark Afghanistan bombing anniversary

August 25, 2025

President Donald Trump has marked the fourth anniversary of a suicide bombing that killed 13 U.S. service members during the Afghanistan withdrawal by signing a proclamation honoring them. On Monday, Trump criticized President Joe Biden for the attack, which also killed over 100 Afghans on Aug. 26, 2021. Trump called it a significant failure by the previous administration. The Biden White House followed a withdrawal timeline negotiated by Trump’s administration. A review found decisions by both Trump and Biden led to Afghanistan’s military collapse. Trump has ordered a new review of the withdrawal, seeking answers for what happened.

President Donald Trump holds the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy during an announcement in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

2026 World Cup draw will be held at Washington’s Kennedy Center, Trump says

August 22, 2025

President Donald Trump says that the draw for the 2026 World Cup will happen on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington. He made the announcement with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office. The U.S. is hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico. The event will determine the tournament’s groups and opening round games. Trump has taken over the Kennedy Center, installing himself as chair. Infantino brought the World Cup trophy to the Oval Office, and Trump joked about keeping it, calling it “a beautiful piece of gold.”

President Donald Trump departs an event to mark National Purple Heart Day in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump orders increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington to ‘make DC safe again’

August 7, 2025

The White House has announced an increased federal law enforcement presence in Washington, D.C., for at least the next week to combat crime. This move follows President Donald Trump’s suggestions that his administration could take over running the city. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that federal personnel from various police forces would be visible on the streets starting at midnight. This initiative will last for at least a week, but there will be the option to extend. The decision comes after a recent assault on a government worker, and amid Trump’s criticism of rising crime in the city. Local officials, however, can point to declines in carjackings and homicides since 2023.

FILE - Penn State offensive lineman Nick Dawkins (53) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Minnesota, Nov. 23, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr, File)

Trump signs order to clarify college athletes’ employment status amid NIL chaos

July 25, 2025

President Trump has signed an executive order directing federal authorities to clarify whether college athletes can be considered employees of their schools. The move aims to establish clearer national standards in the NCAA’s name, image, and likeness era. The order seeks to address the chaotic landscape of college sports, where athletes can now earn income from endorsements and schools can pay them directly. Trump’s order also calls for preserving scholarships and roster spots for non-revenue sports and asks the Justice Department to protect athletes’ rights.

This combination of photos boarding Air Force One shows President Donald Trump, left, April 29, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md., and President Joe Biden, April 16, 2024, at Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport in Scranton, Pa.. (AP Photo)

Trump’s pace of early travel largely mirrors Biden’s, but with more sports events and golf

July 19, 2025

Moving at the “speed of Trump” is one of the White House’s favorite phrases, but when it comes to presidential travel, Donald Trump’s pace is about the same as that of his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden. By his six-month mark in office on July 20, Trump will have made 49 trips to 14 states and seven foreign countries. That’s not far off from Biden’s pace. The Democrat made 45 trips to 17 states and three foreign countries early in his presidency during the pandemic. Trump’s second-term travel is also less prolific than his first, at least in terms of visiting different parts of the United States.

President Donald Trump speaks during a ceremony to sign the "Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act," in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump will visit Scotland, where his family has golf courses, and will talk trade with Starmer

July 17, 2025

President Donald Trump plans to visit Scotland next week. The White House says Trump will be in Turnberry and Aberdeen and plans to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss trade. The July 25-29 trip includes stops at Turnberry, home to a historic golf course and resort Trump purchased in 2014, and Aberdeen, where there is one Trump golf course and a second one opens in August. Trump previously said he’d meet with Starmer in Aberdeen. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also confirmed Thursday the Republican president and first lady Melania Trump will visit the United Kingdom in September for a state visit, meeting King Charles at Windsor Castle.

Trump says Coca-Cola will use real sugar in its US flagship drink. The company isn’t confirming that

July 16, 2025

President Donald Trump says that Coca-Cola had agreed to use real cane sugar in its flagship soft drink in the U.S. at his suggestion. The switch from high-fructose corn syrup in Coke sold in the United States would put Coca-Cola in line with its practice in other countries, including Mexico. It wouldn’t affect Trump’s drink of choice, Diet Coke, which uses aspartame as a calorie-free beverage. Trump called the change a “very good move.” But the Atlanta-based Coca-Cola Co. didn’t confirm the move, saying only that it appreciated Trump’s enthusiasm while promising that more details on new offerings within its products would be shared soon.

Trump plans to tour Texas flood damage as the scope of the disaster tests his pledge to shutter FEMA

July 10, 2025

President Donald Trump is visiting Texas on Friday to assess catastrophic flooding that has killed at least 120 people. Despite his past calls to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Trump has praised the federal response to the disaster. He plans to tour affected areas by air, meet first responders and speak with victims’ families. The administration has shifted focus from reducing federal disaster management to addressing the tragedy’s human impact. But even though Trump hasn’t been as vocal about his push to shutter FEMA, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in recent days has highlighted efforts to streamline its operations.

FILE - From left, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., and Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, look at portraits of former presidents as President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office of the White House, in Washington, May 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Trump on past presidents: Ike was ‘underrated,’ FDR ‘amazing,’ Polk ‘sort of a real-estate guy’

July 8, 2025

President Donald Trump has shared his unique takes on past presidents and their portraits while discussing his White House redecorating efforts. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday, Trump explained how he personally selected portraits to redecorate the White House’s Cabinet Room, and admitted to sometimes liking the frames as much as the portraits they surrounded. He noted that James K. Polk was “sort of a real estate guy,” and called Dwight Eisenhower underrated. He referred to the “Great Andrew Jackson” and said that Franklin D. Roosevelt was “amazing.” As he has in the past, Trump also heaped praise on William McKinley and his love of tariffs.

‘Dear Donald.’ Trump posts fawning private text from NATO chief on social media

June 24, 2025

A message from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to President Donald Trump heaps praise on him as he heads to a two-day NATO summit. The message starts by congratulating Trump on his “decisive action in Iran” and then gets even more flattering, gushing about perhaps achieving “something NO American president in decades could have done.” Rutte says Trump’s ordered U.S. bombing in Iran “makes us all safer.” The Republican president posted the message on his social media site Tuesday. The message appeared to be sent via Signal, a private messaging app that sparked scandal for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. NATO and the White House won’t say how the message was sent.

Trump says Gabbard was ‘wrong’ about Iran and Israeli strikes could be ‘very hard to stop’

June 20, 2025

President Donald Trump says his director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was “wrong” when she previously said that the U.S. believed Iran wasn’t building a nuclear weapon. In comments Friday before an evening fundraiser in New Jersey, Trump also suggested that it would be “very hard to stop” Israel’s strikes on Iran in order to negotiate a possible ceasefire. Trump has recently taken a more aggressive public stance toward Tehran as he’s asked for more time to weigh whether to attack Iran by striking its well-defended Fordo uranium enrichment facility. The facility is buried under a mountain and believed to be out of the reach of all but America’s “bunker-buster” bombs.

A fan takes a photo with Savannah Chrisley, daughter of reality television star Todd Chrisley, after she spoke outside the Federal Prison Camp, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, in Pensacola, Fla. (AP Photo/Dan Anderson)

Trump issues series of pardons for politicians, a union leader and a rapper

May 28, 2025

President Donald Trump has issued a new series of pardons, awarding them to a former New York congressman, a Connecticut governor, a rapper known as “NBA YoungBoy,” a labor union leader and a onetime Army officer who flaunted safety measures during the coronavirus pandemic. Trump also commuted the sentence of Larry Hoover, a former Chicago gang leader serving a life sentence. Trump’s actions mixed his willingness to pardon high-profile Republicans and other supporters, donors and friends with the influence of Alice Marie Johnson, whom Trump recently named his pardons czar after he offered a pardon to her in 2020.

President Donald Trump gestures while answering a reporter's question during an event in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, Monday, May 12, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

Trump relishes uttering the outlandish. Here’s where some of his most showstopping comments stand

May 22, 2025

It may start as a casual aside, a wee-hours social media post or a much hyped announcement. Whatever the delivery mechanism, President Donald Trump loves to toss out startling ideas aimed at dropping jaws, commanding headlines and bolstering his political brand. His sometimes implausible notions may turn into reality, or — through repetition — no longer sound so outlandish. At other times, Trump just moves on. Some ideas just seem to fade away or go underground. From U.S. annexation of Canada, Greenland and Panama to checking out Fort Knox to see if the gold is still there, some of Trump’s jaw-droppers are still going, while others came to nothing.

President Donald Trump speaks as he hosts the 2025 NCAA Champion, University of Florida men's basketball team in the East Room of the White House, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump hosts NCAA basketball champion Florida Gators at the White House

May 21, 2025

President Donald Trump has honored the 2025 NCAA basketball champion Florida Gators at the White House, proclaiming that “lesser teams would have crumbled” during its nail-biting title game victory. “It was looking bad,” Trump said, noting that Houston led by as many as 12 points in a game Florida rallied to win 65-63 in San Antonio in April. ”Did you think you were going to win?” Wednesday’s East Room ceremony featured top Trump administration leaders from Florida, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Florida Sens. Rick Scott and Ashley Moody.

President Donald Trump speaks during a Kennedy Center board dinner in the State Dining Room at the White House, Monday, May 19, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Trump vows to turn the Kennedy Center around as he seeks to remake arts and culture in America

May 20, 2025

President Donald Trump hosted the Kennedy Center’s leadership, reinforcing how much time he’s devoting to remaking one of the nation’s premier cultural centers in a larger effort to ideologically and socially overhaul the nation’s arts scene. Monday night’s meeting in the White House’s State Dining room of the center’s board of trustees follows Trump firing its previous members and announcing that he’d serve as chair. Trump called it a “hot board” and said of the center, “We’re gonna turn it around.” He also said of running the board, “When I said, ‘I’ll do this,’ I hadn’t been there” and joked, “That’s the last time I’ll take a job without looking at it.”

Will Weissert.