Category: Not Factual

Trump Demands Iran Open Strait While Mourning Nobel Prize

President Donald Trump claimed Iran is “begging to make a deal” while referring to the Strait of Hormuz as the “Strait of Trump” during a speech at the Future Investment Initiative Institute summit in Miami on Friday. Trump stated Iran must “open up” the waterway, adding that he had announced a 10-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy plants the previous day. Trump’s remarks coincide with his unilateral Iran war that has killed over 1,900 people in Iran, more than 1,100 in Lebanon, and at least 13 American troops.

Trump used the platform to again complain about not winning the Nobel Peace Prize, stating “If I don’t get the Nobel Prize for peace, nobody will ever get it” and claiming he wants to be remembered as a “great peacemaker.” Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado won the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. Trump also repeated his debunked claim that he has “stopped eight wars,” a lie he has made multiple times despite no factual basis.

Trump displayed a CNN clip featuring analyst Harry Enten discussing an NBC poll showing 100 percent support among MAGA voters, but Enten also delivered a reality check noting Trump “has never been more unpopular in his second term in office.” A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Tuesday showed Trump’s approval rating at 36 percent, marking his lowest point since taking office last year.

During Trump’s speech, the Associated Press reported that an Iranian missile attack wounded at least 10 American service members at Prince Sultan Air Base, with two troops seriously wounded according to U.S. officials. The ongoing conflict that Trump initiated has caused mounting casualties across the region, with death tolls exceeding 5,000 people across multiple countries.

Trump’s narcissistic focus on personal grievances and false achievements stands in contrast to the humanitarian cost of his military decisions. His demand that Iran “open the Strait of Trump” reflects his tendency to rebrand international waterways and conflicts according to his personal vanity while thousands die in the war he started alongside Israel.

(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-iran-strait-nobel-peace-prize-b2947423.html)

Trump Claims Tariff-Hit Farmers ‘Make Enough Money’

President Donald Trump addressed over 800 farmers at the White House on Friday, claiming that agricultural workers affected by his tariffs “make enough money” and questioning whether government financial assistance matters to them. The crowd fell silent after Trump’s remark about farmer income, despite cheering when he mentioned a $12 billion relief package announced in December to address tariff-related hardship.

Trump touted his administration’s farm support measures, including a $12 billion bridge payment plan, Environmental Protection Agency updates to renewable fuel standards for 2026 and 2027, and expanded Small Business Administration loan guarantees that raise government-backed shares from 75% to 90%. These initiatives were presented as comprehensive responses to agricultural sector pressures stemming from tariffs and the Iran war.

The president contrasted his approach with former President Joe Biden’s record, claiming Biden would not have provided similar assistance. However, Trump’s $12 billion bailout fails to adequately address the agricultural crisis created by his own trade policies, revealing the insufficiency of the relief relative to the damage inflicted by tariff implementation.

Trump’s dismissal of farmer concerns about financial stability contradicts the severity of agricultural economic strain caused by his tariff decisions. His claim that farmers earn sufficient income regardless of trade policy losses demonstrates disconnection from the documented financial hardship affecting the farming community.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/doesnt-matter-to-you-right-trump-claims-tariff-hit-farmers-make-enough-money/)

Trump Posts Third Term Image on Truth Social Defying 22nd Amendment

Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social on Sunday depicting himself with text reading “3RD TERM FOR TRUMP AS A REWARD FROM STOLEN ELECTION,” continuing his pattern of promoting a third presidential term despite the constitutional ban imposed by the 22nd Amendment. The post references his false claims about the 2020 election, the same disinformation that motivated supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.

This marks the latest instance of Trump openly discussing a third term while simultaneously selling “Trump 2028” merchandise and discussing the possibility of serving a fourth term. Trump has floated the concept of a “president for life” since at least 2018 and told NBC News in March 2025 that he was “not joking” about seeking a third term, stating “a lot of people want me to do it.”

Trump ally Steve Bannon declared in March 2025 that he and others were “working” to secure Trump a third term, telling NewsNation “I’m a firm believer that President Trump will run and win again in 2028.” Last month, Trump claimed he was “entitled” to a third term, despite the constitutional restriction preventing any president from serving more than two terms.

This persistent focus on extending Trump’s time in office reflects broader authoritarian aspirations, mirroring rhetoric about Trump’s designation of Democrats as America’s “greatest enemy” and his pattern of using Truth Social to communicate directly with supporters while bypassing traditional media scrutiny. Trump’s approval rating averaged approximately 41% according to The New York Times reporting on Sunday.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/trump-once-again-posting-third-173638956.html)

Trump Delays Iran Strikes Claiming Talks Iran Denies

Trump postponed threatened strikes against Iranian power plants for five days, claiming “productive conversations” with Iranian officials about ending the month-long war. Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf rejected Trump’s account as fabrication designed to manipulate oil markets, stating on X that “no negotiations have been held with the U.S.” and characterizing the claim as an attempt to “escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.” Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner allegedly engaged in late-night talks Sunday, though the Iranian Foreign Ministry acknowledged only regional mediation efforts through intermediaries like Oman, Turkey, and Egypt.

Trump claimed the U.S. and Iran had reached 15 points of agreement, including that Iran cease nuclear weapons development and allow joint control of the Strait of Hormuz. He acknowledged killing Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and said he was negotiating with “a top person” whom he believes is the most respected leader, though he expressed uncertainty about whether current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei remains alive after U.S. military operations destroyed telecommunications networks. Trump also stated the U.S. would confiscate Iran’s remaining enriched uranium and threatened to “keep bombing our little hearts out” if negotiations fail.

The war has killed more than 2,000 people in its fourth week and severely damaged 40 energy assets across nine countries, destabilizing global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices plummeted after Trump’s announcement, which he attributed to market relief, and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that infrastructure attacks were “escalating this war even further.” The International Committee of the Red Cross warned that deliberate attacks on essential services and civilian infrastructure can amount to war crimes.

Trump’s de-escalatory rhetoric contradicted his simultaneous military buildup, as the Pentagon deployed three California-based warships and approximately 2,500 Marines to the Middle East—the second major deployment in one week. Senator Adam Schiff criticized the troop surge as raising “alarm bells” about another “forever war.” When asked about the deployment, Trump refused to discuss strategy, stating “Do you really believe I’d give you an answer? Crazy question.”

Trump previously declared Iran ceased to exist as a threat while simultaneously requesting $200 billion in additional military funding from Congress, and he assailed NATO allies as “cowards” for refusing to deploy troops to the Strait. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump indicated the U.S. war objectives had been met but confirmed Israel would continue striking targets in Iran and Lebanon with “more to come.”

(Source: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-03-23/trump-iran-strait-of-hormuz-deadline)

Trump Brands Democrats America’s Greatest Enemy

President Donald Trump declared on Truth Social that Iran has effectively ceased to exist as a threat, then immediately branded the Democratic Party as America’s “greatest enemy.” Trump’s proclamation that “the death of Iran” has already occurred stands in stark contradiction to his administration’s simultaneous request for $200 billion in additional funding from Congress to continue military operations against Iran.

Hours before declaring Iran defeated, Trump issued an ultimatum threatening to “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power plants if the country does not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. This threat reveals the disinformation embedded in Trump’s claim of Iran’s demise, as an already-destroyed adversary would require no such coercive demands. Trump’s escalating Iran war has alienated NATO allies and contradicts his stated position on military drawdowns in the Middle East.

Trump’s characterization of the Democratic Party as a greater threat than a foreign adversary reflects his abuse of power in weaponizing the presidency against political opponents. Trump previously claimed the Iran war was nearing success while spreading disinformation about its purpose and progress, establishing a pattern of deliberately misleading the public about military objectives and outcomes.

The president’s weekend social media posts also included celebration of former FBI Director Robert Mueller’s death, stating “Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people.” This statement demonstrates Trump’s use of the presidency to attack officials who conducted legitimate investigations into his conduct, further illustrating his contempt for institutional independence and the rule of law.

Trump’s contradictory claims about Iran’s status, coupled with his simultaneous demands for expanded war funding and threats of escalated military strikes, exemplify his reliance on disinformation to consolidate power. His equation of domestic political opposition with foreign military threats weaponizes national security rhetoric to justify suppression of dissent and consolidation of authoritarian control.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-declares-the-death-of-iran-then-brands-democratic-party-americas-greatest-enemy-in-stunning-post/)

Trump Threatens Iran 48-Hour Ultimatum on Strait

President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran via Truth Social on Saturday evening, demanding the country “FULLY OPEN” the Strait of Hormuz without threat or face U.S. military destruction of its power plants. Trump stated the United States would “hit and obliterate” Iran’s power infrastructure, beginning with the largest facility, if the demand was not met within the specified timeframe. The threat followed joint U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei three weeks prior, part of an operation dubbed “Operation Epic Fury.”

The war with Iran has severely disrupted maritime commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trades. According to the BBC, maritime traffic through the passage plunged 95 percent in March, dropping from approximately 138 daily ship transits to about 100 since military operations commenced. Trump previously denounced NATO allies as cowards for refusing to deploy troops to reopen the strait, revealing his unilateral approach to the conflict has alienated potential partners.

Oil prices have surged dramatically as a direct consequence of the reduced shipping volume and ongoing military operations. A barrel of crude oil cost $98.09 at the close of Friday trading, representing a 47 percent increase since military strikes against Iran began. This economic disruption stems from Trump’s decision to initiate military action alongside Israel without prior diplomatic coordination with international allies.

Trump previously claimed Iran has “effectively ceased to exist as a threat” while simultaneously requesting $200 billion in additional congressional funding for continued military operations, demonstrating contradictory messaging about the conflict’s status and objectives. When challenged by New York Times reporter David Sanger over unmet war objectives, Trump posted on Truth Social that “The United States has blown Iran off of the map” and claimed success ahead of schedule, dismissing the reporter’s analysis as that of a “lightweight analyst.”

Operation Epic Fury has eliminated dozens of Iranian regime leaders beyond Supreme Leader Khamenei since the initial strikes three weeks ago. Trump stated he is considering winding down military operations in the Middle East while the war continues, claiming U.S. forces are approaching stated objectives, though the pattern of contradictory statements about war progress and outcomes demonstrates systematic disinformation surrounding the conflict’s purpose and accomplishments.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-threatens-iran-you-have-48-hours-to-fully-open-strait-of-hormuz-or-else/)

Trump Assails NATO as Cowards While Deepening Iran War

President Trump denounced NATO allies as “cowards” on Friday for refusing to deploy troops to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor through which one-fifth of global oil trades. Trump’s hostility toward allies coincides with his unilateral Iran war that has backfired diplomatically, as he initiated military strikes alongside Israel without coordinating with partners, then demanded their support managing the consequences. The Pentagon is deploying approximately 2,200 additional Marines and three warships to the Middle East, marking the second Marine expeditionary unit sent since the conflict began on February 28.

The war has devastated global energy markets and inflicted heavy casualties on U.S. forces. Brent crude oil surged to $112 per barrel, up from roughly $70 before the conflict, with gasoline prices approaching $4 per gallon. The Pentagon reported 232 American service members injured since the war started, with 10 in serious condition. The Treasury Department temporarily lifted sanctions on Iranian oil at sea in an attempt to ease prices, marking a break from Trump’s stated “maximum pressure” strategy against Iran. Pentagon officials have prepared detailed plans for potential ground troop deployment into Iran, though Trump claims the U.S. is considering “winding down” operations while simultaneously retaining options to strike Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal.

Trump contradicted his own position by claiming the U.S. does not need the Strait of Hormuz while simultaneously pressuring allies to defend it. He stated Iran’s leadership has been decimated, with “nobody to talk to” remaining, yet Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and military officials continue asserting they are producing ballistic missiles and threatening to target recreational and tourist sites worldwide. The International Atomic Energy Agency told CBS News that securing Iran’s enriched uranium will be “very challenging” even after fighting ends, undercutting Trump and Netanyahu’s stated nuclear prevention objectives.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized U.S. use of U.K. bases to strike Iranian missile sites, prompting Iran’s foreign minister to accuse Starmer of “putting British lives in danger.” NATO relocated its advisory mission from Iraq to Italy after Iranian attacks on allied bases. The humanitarian toll extends beyond military casualties; soaring oil prices are driving up costs across U.S. supply chains, affecting retail prices for consumers nationwide. Former Iran detainee Siamak Namazi warned that Americans held in Iranian prisons face heightened danger amid the escalating conflict.

Trump made a debunked claim about predicting the September 11 attacks while discussing the Strait of Hormuz, part of a pattern of disinformation throughout the conflict. The White House stated Trump “retains all options” militarily but claimed he has “no plans to send troops anywhere,” a contradiction given Pentagon preparations for ground deployment. As the war enters its fourth week with no diplomatic resolution, Trump’s contradictory statements and hostile treatment of allies underscore the absence of a coherent strategic plan.

(Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/live-updates/iran-war-us-israel-gas-and-oil-prices-trump-netanyahu-strait-hormuz/)

Trump Defies Fallen Airmen’s Families’ Privacy Request at Transfer

President Trump attended the dignified transfer of six U.S. Air Force airmen killed in a refueling aircraft crash during military operations in Iran, despite families of the deceased explicitly requesting privacy and barring cameras from the ceremony. Fox News correspondent John Roberts reported that the troops’ relatives demanded the transfer remain private, a direct contradiction to Trump’s public participation in the event.

Trump’s decision to attend despite the families’ wishes demonstrates his abuse of power and disregard for the bereaved, using a solemn military ceremony honoring the dead for public appearances. This mirrors prior instances of Trump exploiting fallen soldiers’ images for political gain, including his PAC’s use of a dignified transfer photograph in fundraising materials.

The Republican president’s pattern of defying families’ explicit wishes regarding their fallen loved ones contradicts stated respect for military sacrifice. Previous occasions saw Trump skip dignified transfers entirely to attend personal events, while his administration continues to weaponize military ceremonies for political messaging.

By ignoring the grieving families’ direct request for privacy, Trump prioritized his media visibility over the dignity and autonomy of those mourning their relatives. The airmen’s families sought a respectful, private ceremony to honor their dead, yet Trump’s attendance converted their loss into a public spectacle under his control.

(Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/videos/slain-troops-families-issue-ban-224742434.html)

Trump Demands Treason Charges Against Media Over Iran War

President Trump demanded that media outlets face treason charges for reporting on military incidents during the Iran war, specifically criticizing coverage of alleged strikes on U.S. naval vessels and air bases. In a Truth Social post on March 15, Trump accused Iran of spreading disinformation through artificial intelligence and claimed that American news organizations knowingly amplified false information about the USS Abraham Lincoln and Air Force refueling planes struck at Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia.

Trump alleged that reports showing the USS Abraham Lincoln on fire were fabricated and generated by AI, stating the carrier was neither burning nor targeted. He wrote that media outlets distributing these false reports “should be brought up on Charges for TREASON for the dissemination of false information,” directly calling for criminal prosecution of journalists and news organizations.

CNN’s Daniel Dale documented that when the White House provided examples of outlets spreading the Lincoln story, none were American—one was Israeli, one Saudi, one Turkish. Trump had strongly suggested he was addressing U.S. media when calling for treason charges, contradicting the White House’s own evidence and demonstrating the false basis for his accusations.

Trump praised FCC Chair Brendan Carr for threatening to revoke broadcast licenses, describing news organizations as “Corrupt and Highly Unpatriotic” and claiming they abuse free airwaves. The attack on media freedom follows recent threats from Carr to strip licenses from broadcasters over war coverage and reflects a pattern of abuse of power against journalists who report on Trump’s military operations.

Trump’s assault on press freedom extends beyond coverage of the Iran conflict. He recently attacked New York Times correspondent Maggie Haberman as a “SLEAZEBAG,” threatened to sue her and “associates,” and previously insulted CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, the Washington Post’s Natalie Allison, CBS’s Nancy Cordes, and others, weaponizing his office to silence critical reporting and establish authoritarian control over information.

(Source: https://people.com/donald-trump-wants-some-media-outlets-face-charges-treason-latest-rant-journalists-11926939)

Trump Repeats Debunked Lie About Predicting 9/11

President Trump repeated a discredited lie on Monday that he predicted the September 11 attacks, claiming he warned about Osama bin Laden in his 2000 book “The America We Deserve” and that he told people to “get him” a year before the attacks. Trump made the statement while discussing U.S. security commitments and Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz at a Kennedy Center board meeting, asserting he had “predicted a lot of things” including the terrorist attack that killed thousands.

Fact-checkers, including CNN’s Daniel Dale, have repeatedly debunked Trump’s claim. Trump’s 2000 book mentioned bin Laden only once in passing while discussing broader U.S. foreign policy failures, not as a specific prediction of the 9/11 attacks. The single reference described bin Laden as a shadowy figure in a list of rotating U.S. adversaries, contradicting Trump’s assertion that he specifically warned about an imminent attack on the World Trade Center.

The book did contain a general warning about potential terrorist attacks on the United States, but Trump framed this as a widely recognized risk among analysts rather than a unique prediction. Trump did not identify bin Laden as the likely perpetrator of such attacks, and fact-checkers have shown his book contained only a brief, vague reference to bin Laden. Despite being corrected multiple times, Trump continues repeating the lie, most recently in October when addressing sailors during U.S. Navy celebrations.

Trump used the false 9/11 claim to support his broader argument that allies have failed to adequately support U.S. security interests. He also blamed former President Bill Clinton for allegedly missing an opportunity to capture bin Laden, though Trump provided no evidence for this assertion. The lie serves Trump’s pattern of manufacturing false credentials to justify demands that other nations increase military commitments in regions like the Persian Gulf.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/tv/i-wrote-it-in-a-book-trump-repeats-false-claim-he-predicted-9-11-attacks/)

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