Will Weissert, Author at The Rapid City Post

Memorial Circle, the proposed plot of land near Memorial Bridge where the Independence Arch could be built is seen in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Trump says Washington has waited 200 years for the arch he wants to build. Not quite

February 3, 2026

President Donald Trump wants to build a massive arch near the Lincoln Memorial. He says the idea dates back around 200 years but was interrupted by the Civil War — despite history suggesting that wasn’t what happened. Trump nonetheless envisions the arch as reminiscent of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. He plans to unveil it as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations. Trump has similarly argued that his new ballroom is justified since officials throughout history clamored for one, another dubious claim.

President Donald Trump holds an executive order he signed in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump announces upcoming IndyCar race through Washington’s streets — including Pennsylvania Avenue

January 30, 2026

President Donald Trump has announced an IndyCar race will be held through the streets of Washington as part of America’s 250th birthday celebrations. The race is set for August 23, and could feature cars speeding past the White House at nearly 200 mph. Trump signed an executive order creating the event, alongside Roger Penske, owner of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IndyCar. Details about the race were sparse, but Trump emphasized its potential economic benefits. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the excitement of racing down Pennsylvania Avenue. Trump said he’d urged organizers to choose the best route through the city, even if it’s challenging to approve.

FILE - President Donald Trump is illuminated by a camera flash as he gestures while walking across the South Lawn of the White House, Nov. 2, 2025, in Washington, after returning from a trip to Florida. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File)

Here’s where Trump’s most jaw-dropping promises stand a year into his second term

January 17, 2026

President Donald Trump has made lots of promises during the first year of his second term in the White House. Some ideas have come to fruition. Others have faded away. Some are kicking around. These include a new Air Force One gifted by Qatar and the U.S. annexation of Greenland. Trump has also ordered an investigation into Joe Biden’s use of the autopen. Trump talked up reopening Alcatraz for detainees and extending mortgage terms to 50 years, but there’s been little progress. And some ideas have lost steam. That’s the case with making Canada the 51st state and eliminating the federal income tax.

President Donald Trump points after arriving at Palm Beach International Airport on Air Force One, Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump issues a flurry of pardons, including for a woman whose sentence he commuted in his first term

January 16, 2026

President Donald Trump has issued a series of pardons, including for the father of a large donor to his super PAC and a woman who ended up back in prison after he commuted her sentence during his first term. Adriana Camberos was convicted in a separate plot in 2024 after previously being convicted as part of a scheme to divert 5-Hour Energy drink bottles acquired for resale in Mexico and instead keep them in the U.S. Camberos and her brother were among 14 pardons Trump issued Thursday and Friday, along with eight commutations. He also pardoned banker Julio Herrera Velutini, whose daughter, Isabela Herrera, donated $3.5 million to Trump’s MAGA Inc. super PAC.

President Donald Trump speaks at a dedication ceremony for a portion of Southern Boulevard, which the Town of Palm Beach Council recently voted to rename,"President Donald J. Trump Boulevard," Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Trump offers to restart US mediation in Nile River dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia

January 16, 2026

President Donald Trump says he’s ready to restart U.S. mediation between Egypt and Ethiopia over Nile River water sharing. Mediation efforts began during Trump’s first term but collapsed in 2020 when Ethiopia withdrew. Ethiopia inaugurated the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam last fall, which could double its electricity generation. Egypt opposes the dam, fearing it will reduce its Nile water share. Trump posted a letter to Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi expressing his readiness to mediate. Trump often claims credit for ending conflicts, though some claims are exaggerated.

President Donald Trump gestures to a container of milk before he signs a bill that returns whole milk to school cafeterias across the country, in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Milk gets a perch on Trump’s desk but takes a back seat at bill signing

January 14, 2026

An Oval Office ceremony meant to celebrate milk was overshadowed by President Donald Trump making news on other fronts. Before an assembled group that included dairy farmers and children, Trump discussed Iran, an alleged leaker’s capture and a pair of executive orders he had signed. Even by Trump standards, the “Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act” signing was a surreal scene. The president is accustomed to putting foreign leaders on notice and making major news in an instant, often during long public events on various unrelated topics and always with cameras rolling. But dairy products aren’t usually involved.

President Donald Trump wears a gift, which he calls a "Happy Trump" pin, during a meeting with oil executives in the East Room of the White House, Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump wears a new ‘Happy Trump’ lapel pin, but insists he’s never happy

January 9, 2026

President Donald Trump is showing off a lapel pin he says is called “Happy Trump,” featuring a cartoonish version of himself. He wore it Friday under the more traditional American flag pin during an event in the White House’s East Room with oil executives. Trump said the pin was a gift but maintained he’s never actually happy and won’t be satisfied until America is great again. Presidents have worn flag pins since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, with variations like Joe Biden’s American flag crossed with Ukraine’s. Barack Obama faced criticism in 2007 for not wearing one, but resumed the practice later.

Supporters of Colombian President Gustavo Petro attend a rally he called to protest comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, in Bogota, Colombia, Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Santiago Saldarriaga)

Trump invites Colombian president to White House days after threatening it with military strike

January 7, 2026

President Donald Trump has abruptly changed his tone about his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro. Trump said Wednesday that they had exchanged a friendly phone call and he had invited the leader of the South American country to the White House. Trump posted on his social media site that Petro “called to explain the situation of drugs and other disagreements that we have had.” Trump had said after the U.S. operation to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro that “Colombia is very sick too” and accused Petro of ”making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”

FILE - President Barack Obama, from right, Vice President Joe Biden, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Ohio Gov. John Kasich walk on the first green during a round of golf at Andrews Air Force Base, Md., June 18, 2011. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)

Trump wants to overhaul the ‘president’s golf course.’ He hasn’t played there yet

January 2, 2026

Presidents often find solace in golfing, and Joint Base Andrews in Maryland is a favorite spot because it’s close to the White House and has built-in security. Known as “the president’s course,” Andrews has hosted presidents dating back to Gerald Ford. Barack Obama played it more than 100 times. Then there’s Donald Trump. He’s an avid golfer but doesn’t play Andrews, preferring courses his family owns. Now, he’s planning a major renovation project for the golf courses at Andrews with legendary champion Jack Nicklaus serving as architect. The White House says the project’s cost, and when work will start, hasn’t been determined — nor has who will pay for it.

President Donald Trump speaks at his Mar-a-Lago club, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

US launches strikes against Islamic State group in Nigeria after attacks target Christians

December 26, 2025

President Donald Trump says the U.S. launched a deadly strike against Islamic State forces in Nigeria, after spending weeks accusing the West African country’s government of failing to rein in the persecution of Christians. Trump posted news of the strike Thursday night on his social media site. He said last month that he’d ordered the Pentagon to begin planning for potential military action in Nigeria following the claims of Christian persecution. The State Department then announced that it would restrict visas for Nigerians and their family members involved in mass killings and violence against Christians. The U.S. recently designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act.

President Donald Trump, speaks accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, during a NORAD, North American Aerospace Defense Command, Tracks Santa Operation call at his Mar-a-Lago club, Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2025, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump warns against infiltration by a ‘bad Santa,’ defends coal in jovial Christmas calls with kids

December 24, 2025

President Donald Trump marked Christmas Eve by chatting with children about their holiday wishes. Vacationing at Mar-a-Lago in Florida he and first lady Melania Trump took calls from kids through the North American Aerospace Defense Command, which has long playfully tracked Santa’s journeys around the globe. Trump joked about ensuring St. Nick isn’t a “bad Santa” infiltrating the country. He was in a jovial mood. Asked about leaving cookies for Santa, Trump laughingly suggested Santa might be disappointed if there weren’t any given his “cherubic” stature. He also defended “clean, beautiful coal” as a Christmas gift.

Sitting next to founder and CEO of Dell, Michael Dell, left, President Donald Trump speaks during a roundtable discussion with business leaders in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump’s ‘gold card’ program goes live, offering US visas starting at $1 million per person

December 10, 2025

President Donald Trump has announced the long-awaited launch of a “gold card” program offering legal status and a pathway to U.S. citizenship. Individuals can pay $1 million, and corporations can pay $2 million per foreign-born employee. The program is meant to replace EB-5 visas and is aiming at attracting top talent and generate federal revenue. Trump said the funds will benefit the U.S. government. The program effectively offers a green card, but Trump argued that it will mean a stronger path to citizenship. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the program will include $15,000 for applicant vetting and said Trump’s idea was to “bring the best people into America.”

President Donald Trump stands during his arrival at the Kennedy Center for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump is meeting Mexican President Sheinbaum in person for the first time at World Cup draw

December 5, 2025

President Donald Trump is finally meeting with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Their long-delayed face-to-face discussion will focus on next year’s World Cup and possibly tariffs — but not immigration. Trump has been in office more than 10 months, and meeting with Mexico’s leader is often a priority for U.S. presidents. Trump and Sheinbaum were set to meet in June, but that was canceled. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will also attend the World Cup draw in Washington. Mexico remains the United States’ largest trading partner, and the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is under review.

President Donald Trump talks to reporters as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, in Washington, en route to Joint Base Andrews. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Trump teaming up with Jack Nicklaus to revamp ‘president’s golf course’ at Joint Base Andrews

November 22, 2025

President Donald Trump says he’s teaming up with legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus to revamp the golf courses at Joint Base Andrews. On Saturday, Trump took an aerial tour of the courses and promised improvements. He suggested that the rest of the base needs some fixing up as well, but announced that Nicklaus would serve as architect for any facelift of the golf courses. Located near the White House, Andrews has long been a favorite golfing spot for past presidents. Trump has mostly preferred his own properties in Florida, New Jersey and Virginia for golfing. Questions remain about who will pay for the redesign and improvements, as Andrews is military property. The White House hasn’t commented.

FILE - President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Nov. 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

50-year mortgages? NFL kickoff rules? Here’s where some of Trump’s latest jaw-dropping musings stand

November 12, 2025

President Donald Trump often offers ideas that once seem outlandish, then repeating them until they gain traction and begin sounding more mainstream. Some, like imposing tariffs and pardoning Capitol rioters, have become reality. Others, like 50-year mortgages and revenue checks from tariffs, remain in limbo. Trump also has suggested bonus checks for air traffic controllers and changing NFL kickoff rules, but those suggestions may be fading away. Proposals like enforcing the death penalty in Washington, D.C., and retaking Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan appear even less likely to come to fruition. Ideas like creating a U.S. sovereign wealth fund and naming a stadium after him are still being discussed.

FILE - A worker walks among debris from a largely demolished part of the East Wing of the White House, Oct. 23, 2025, in Washington, before construction of a new ballroom. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

These are the 37 donors helping pay for Trump’s $300 million White House ballroom

November 12, 2025

The White House’s list of 37 donors to President Donald Trump’s $300 million ballroom project includes crypto billionaires, powerful financiers, tobacco companies, tech giants, media companies, longtime Republican donors and several of the president’s neighbors in Florida. The list is incomplete and doesn’t include some donors who have announced their planned contributions publicly. The White House hasn’t said how much each donor is giving, and almost none has been willing to divulge that. Very few of the listed donors were willing to comment publicly on their contributions when contacted by The Associated Press.

FILE - New York Mets former outfielder Darryl Strawberry speaks before number retirement ceremony, June 1, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray, File)

Trump pardons former Mets great Darryl Strawberry on past tax evasion and drug charges

November 7, 2025

President Donald Trump has pardoned former New York Mets star Darryl Strawberry on past tax evasion and drug charges. Strawberry, an eight-time All-Star, struggled with legal and personal issues after his baseball career. He pleaded guilty to tax evasion in 1995 and went to prison on drug-related charges. A White House official said Trump approved the pardon, highlighting Strawberry’s Christian faith and longtime, post-career sobriety. Strawberry expressed gratitude on Instagram. He emphasized that it wasn’t about politics. Strawberry played for the Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants from 1983 to 1999. He was 1983 National League Rookie of the Year and was on four World Series-winning teams with the Mets and Yankees.

FILE - Former Tennessee House Speaker Glen Casada arrives at the federal courthouse in Nashville, Tenn., on May 9, 2025. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Trump pardons former Tennessee House speaker convicted of federal public corruption charges

November 6, 2025

President Donald Trump has pardoned former Tennessee House speaker Glen Casada and his aide Cade Cothren. The White House says the Justice Department over-prosecuted them under Trump’s predecessor, President Biden. Casada and Cothren were convicted in a public corruption case. Casada was sentenced to three years in prison, and Cothren to two and a half years. The pardons continue Trump’s pattern of granting clemency to political allies and public figures. A White House official said the case involved minor issues and resulted in a net profit loss of less than $5,000. The official said Biden’s Department of Justice “significantly over-prosecuted these individuals.”

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump participate in a Halloween at the White House event on the South Lawn, Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump hosts White House Halloween bash with superheroes and presidential lookalikes amid shutdown

October 30, 2025

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania hosted a Halloween celebration at the White House. The couple handed out full-sized candy bars and Twizzlers in special, presidential-seal boxes on Thursday night to children dressed as superheroes, dinosaurs, and even the first couple itself. They emerged on the South Lawn to an orchestral version of “Thriller.” Trump wore a blue suit and red tie, while Melania was in a brown coat over an orange dress. The event went ahead despite Trump having just returned from a six-day Asia trip, and the government being shut down. Temporary walls obscured the view of construction of Trump’s new White House ballroom, which has led to the demolition of the East Wing.

FILE - President Donald Trump talks to reporters about the table full of fast food in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, Jan. 14, 2019, for the reception for the Clemson Tigers. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

What shutdown? Trump isn’t canceling travel, golf or his ballroom even with the government shuttered

October 29, 2025

Shutdown? What shutdown? President Donald Trump is barreling along like the government isn’t shuttered, keeping up international and domestic travel while construction crews race to transform the White House to accommodate his new ballroom. Other presidents have cut back on travel and events during past shutdowns, including Trump himself when the government was defunded during his first term. Allies say this business-as-usual strategy makes him look presidential, cutting programs backed by Democrats while making sure other priorities are funded. Democratic critics say it makes Trump look callous as workers go unpaid and some people lose benefits to help them buy food.

Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao

October 23, 2025

President Donald Trump has pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who created the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. Zhao served prison time after failing to stop criminals from using the platform to move money connected to child sex abuse, drug trafficking and terrorism. Zhao had asked Trump for a pardon previously. Zhao has deep ties to World Liberty Financial, a crypto venture that the Republican president and his sons Eric and Donald Jr. launched in September.

FILE - President Donald Trump holds the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy as FIFA President Gianni Infantino looks on during an announcement in the Oval Office of the White House, Aug. 22, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

Trump threatens to yank World Cup games from Boston though it’s up to FIFA to choose sites

October 15, 2025

President Donald Trump is threatening to relocate World Cup matches set to be played next year in suburban Boston. He suggested Tuesday that parts of the city had been “taken over” by unrest. The city is set to stage seven matches as the U.S. cohosts the 2026 World Cup with Mexico and Canada. It wasn’t immediately clear what unrest Trump was referring to, but earlier this month there were multiple arrests in connection with a pro-Palestinian protest that turned violent on Boston Common. World Cup host sites aren’t up to Trump but are contracted with FIFA, which would face significant logistical and legal issues if it made changes now.

President Donald Trump speaks as he meets with Argentina's President Javier Milei in the Cabinet Room of the White House, Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Trump honoring Charlie Kirk with Presidential Medal of Freedom on what would be his 32nd birthday

October 14, 2025

President Trump is posthumously awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk. Kirk was a conservative activist who was fatally shot last month while speaking at Utah Valley University. Tuesday’s ceremony coincides with what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday. Trump praised Kirk at his funeral as a “great American hero” and a “martyr” for freedom. Kirk founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and played a significant role in conservative politics. In a sign of Kirk’s close ties to the administration, he will be the first recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in Trump’s second term.

President Donald Trump poses for a photo with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before he boards Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, near Tel Aviv, as Israel's President Isaac Herzog, left, watches. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Trump wants to push for Middle East peace. Netanyahu is still talking up Israel’s military might

October 13, 2025

President Donald Trump has declared Israel’s war with Hamas over and sees the ceasefire as a chance for lasting peace in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is more cautious, calling the deal a proposal to free hostages and end the war. On Monday, both leaders praised each other effusively, but had different views on future peace prospects. Trump sees economic development as a bridge for peace, while Netanyahu was more focused on uniting against threats. Trump also mentioned Iran’s potential role in peace talks, a sentiment that received a muted response from Israeli lawmakers.

President Donald Trump shakes hands with AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot in the Oval Office of the White House, Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, in Washington, as Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz watch. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

AstraZeneca agrees to lower drug prices for Medicaid under Trump administration deal

October 10, 2025

AstraZeneca has agreed to lower prescription drug costs for Medicaid under a deal with the Trump administration. Announced Friday, the agreement involves AstraZeneca offering most-favored-nation pricing — matching the lowest prices in other developed nations. This follows a similar deal by Pfizer that Trump announced last month. Both agreements build on an executive order signed by Trump in May, urging drugmakers to lower prices or face government limits. AstraZeneca also announced a $4.5 billion investment in a new manufacturing plant in Virginia, part of a $50 billion U.S. investment plan by 2030.

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.