Donald Trump has had a bizarre 24 hours, suggesting he might not attend his own son's wedding, insisting on building a controversial arch without approval, and hinting at a possible invasion of Cuba. Here's your roundup of the latest nonsense to emerge from Trump's America.
1. Trump Might Not Go to His Own Son's Wedding
Donald Trump Jr. is getting married this weekend, reportedly in the Bahamas. When asked in the Oval Office whether he planned to attend, Trump replied, "That's one I can't win. He'd like me to go, but it's going to be just a small little private affair and I'm going to try and make it." He added, "I'm in the midst - I said, 'you know this is not good timing for me. I have a thing called Iran and other things.'" Notably, in the 82 days since the Iran war started, Trump has spent at least 14 playing golf. Of his son's bride-to-be, Palm Beach socialite Bettina Anderson, Trump said, "He's got a very -- a person who I've known for a long time. And hopefully they're going to have a great marriage."
2. He Insists He Doesn't Need Planning Permission for the Arc De Trump. He Absolutely Does.
Trump was granted approval for the design of the 250-foot "Arc De Trump" he plans to erect on a roundabout in Washington DC by the US Commission of Fine Arts, which he nominated. The arch, significantly taller than the 99-foot Lincoln Memorial, would feature gold statues including a winged Lady Liberty-like figure. Veterans and historians have sued, citing the Commemorative Works Act of 1986, arguing Trump needs congressional authorization. The administration claims it doesn't, because Congress approved two tall columns on a nearby bridge in the 1920s—which were never built. The FAA is also investigating potential risks to aircraft near the Pentagon and Reagan National Airport.
3. Trump Gives Biggest Hint Yet That He's Going to Invade Cuba
Asked about Cuba, Trump said previous presidents had considered intervening for decades, but "it looks like I'll be the one that does it." This comes after he insisted there would be no further escalation in pressure on Cuba's government, and the indictment of former President Raul Castro on murder charges.
4. Democrats Publish 'Autopsy' of 2024 Election Defeat
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin released a critical study of the party's 2024 campaign failures. The 192-page report, authored by Democratic consultant Paul Rivera, calls for a renewed focus on Middle America and the South, noting that millions of Americans suffer from poor healthcare, job losses, and failing infrastructure but vote against their interests because they don't see themselves reflected in the Democratic Party. The report was concluded last December but sat on by party higher-ups.
5. Trump Finds a New 'Election Fraud' Lie to Trot Out
Trump falsely claimed election fraud in Maryland, alleging "500,000 mail-in ballots that were corrupt." In reality, the Maryland State Board of Elections said some voters received primary ballots for the wrong party due to a vendor error. Affected voters will receive replacement ballots, and any original ballots will be voided. Even if voters attempted fraud, unique identifiers would automatically void them. Trump either has no understanding of US election procedures or feigns ignorance.
