May 26, 2026

Karoun Demirjian of the New York Times: Donald “Trump, the oldest man to be inaugurated as president, had a physical exam at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday, and said that his doctors had given him a clean bill of health. 'Everything checked out PERFECTLY,' Mr. Trump, who will turn 80 next month, wrote on social media Tuesday afternoon after the fourth publicly disclosed medical exam of his second term.” * ~~~

~~~ * All official statements, social media posts and casual remarks made by Mr. Trump are subject to verification analysis by the Trump Truthometer, which is both very reliable and has been stuck on "Pants on Fire" since 1949. ~~~ 

The New York Times' liveblog of developments in the Iran war is here. From the pinned item at 12 noon ET: “Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned on Tuesday that they would issue a 'decisive reciprocal response' to any attacks that violated the cease-fire, after U.S. Central Command said it had conducted strikes in 'self-defense' against Iranian mine-laying boats in the Strait of Hormuz.... The country’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said in a written statement that the war with the United States had shown that American military bases in the Middle East are no longer safe.... The ratcheting up of hostilities after a period of relative calm added to the uncertainty surrounding negotiations for a potential peace deal. ... [Donald] Trump and his administration have continued to offer conflicting signals about the state of play, making statements over the weekend indicating that a deal, at least to open the key oil and gas shipping lanes of the strait, was close at hand.” 

Supremes Rule Against Free Speech. Ann Marimow of the New York Times: “The Supreme Court on Monday dealt a setback to immigration judges challenging restrictions on their ability to speak out on public policy.... A group of immigration judges filed suit in 2020 over a government policy limiting their work-related public statements, saying it violated their free speech rights. The National Association of Immigration Judges said such restrictions interfered with their ability to guest lecture at universities and to speak to community groups about matters of public importance, an issue that has taken on greater significance as Mr. Trump has put new pressure on the immigration system. The judges are part of an administrative court system and make decisions about asylum claims, deportations and other related matters. They are overseen by the Executive Office for Immigration Review, a division of the Justice Department.... The justices’ unsigned ruling was a procedural one and allows the litigation to continue in the lower courts.”

The Best-laid Schemes o' Them Supremes Gang Aft Agley. Emily Cochrane of the New York Times: “A panel of federal judges on Tuesday rejected Alabama’s effort to use a new voting map for the November midterm elections, saying that the districts discriminated against Black people and could not be used so shortly before a vote. The state is likely to appeal the decision directly to the Supreme Court, which last month ruled that a Louisiana congressional map drawn to create two majority-Black House districts was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. Gov. Kay Ivey, a Republican, has already set special primaries in August in four House districts that would be affected by her state’s new congressional map. The ruling further confuses the electoral landscape across the South, as Republican-led legislatures have raced to implement new district lines after the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It also demonstrates how the ruling from the nation’s highest court has further muddled how lower courts interpret the landmark civil rights law. If the case makes it to the Supreme Court, it will be the first major test of the high court’s new standard for challenging congressional maps under the Voting Rights Act.

“In its order, the three federal judges made clear that they had reviewed the arguments through the lens of the Supreme Court’s so-called Callais ruling last month but maintained that the state’s map intentionally discriminated against Black voters.... The decision was issued by Judge Stanley Marcus, who was nominated to the bench by former President Bill Clinton; and by Judges Anna M. Manasco and Terry F. Moorer, both named to their posts by ... [Donald] Trump.” The AP's report is here. AND here's a Democracy Docket report.

     ~~~ Marie: If the Supremes take this up again -- and if they don't dare punt it to the super-secret shadow docket -- six of them very well may have to top their courtroom outfits with white hoods. At least the rest of us will have the pleasure of watching you racist old farts squirm and wiggle your way outta your latest anti-democratic plot. And, BTW, I have every confidence they will discover a circuitous but successful route to get to Jim Crown Blvd. ~~~

~~~ Wait, Wait! There's More! South Carolina Redistricting. Eduardo Medina, et al., of the New York Times: “The South Carolina Senate abruptly adjourned on Tuesday without taking up a new congressional map that aimed to eliminate the state’s lone majority Black district and cement an entirely Republican delegation. By refusing to act, lawmakers defied pressure from ... [Donald] Trump and national conservatives to wade into the country’s redistricting wars before the November elections. A failed effort to stop debate Tuesday afternoon signaled that with thousands of votes already cast on the first day of early voting, there was no longer enough support among Republicans to push through new district lines before the state’s June 9 primary. Instead, the State Senate agreed to adjourn, effectively punting votes on a new map until after the primary. The vote ensures that for now, South Carolina will remain among the outliers in the South.”

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Today is primary runoff day in Texas. 

Eric Schmitt of the New York Times: “American military forces conducted what U.S. Central Command said were 'self-defense strikes' in southern Iran on Monday 'to protect our troops from threats posed by Iranian forces.' The targets included missile launch sites and Iranian boats trying to place mines, Capt. Tim Hawkins, a Central Command spokesman, said in a statement.... A senior U.S. military official said Iranian surface-to-air missiles threatened some of the nearly two dozen U.S. Navy warships — including two aircraft carriers and their escort vessels — in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea enforcing a blockade against vessels trying to enter or leave Iranian ports. The official added that the U.S. strikes hit near Bandar Abbas, a major port and Iranian navy base. American and Iranian forces have had other skirmishes since a cease-fire took effect about six weeks ago. But the strikes on Monday came as Iranian negotiators arrived in Qatar for talks on ending the war, and they threatened to upend a fragile potential agreement that ... [Donald] Trump has said could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and relieve the greatest energy disruption in modern times. That Iranian missile batteries were reportedly zeroing in on U.S. Navy ships came as no surprise, despite repeated assertions from Mr. Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other military leaders that the 38-day American-Israeli military campaign had vastly degraded or destroyed much of Iran’s combat power.” 

     ~~~ An AP report is here. See Akhilleus' commentary at the end of yesterday's thread.

Aaron Boxerman of the New York Times: “...  the contours of a deal emerging this week to end the war reflected how Mr. Trump’s pressure campaign does not appear to have decisively shifted Iran’s stance on its nuclear program.... The Strait of Hormuz was already supposed to be open at this point. Free passage had been Mr. Trump’s condition for pausing the war in April.” The link appears to be a gift link. 

     ~~~ Marie: Who's afraid of the Big Bad Trump? Well, not Iran. Not Israel (see linked story below). Not former friends like Canada and Greenland, who are finding ways to band together against the U.S. Nope, the most prominent people who are afraid of Donald Trump are lily-livered GOP members of Congress. They make up the one group that has the Constitutional power to shut down most of his threats, even kick him out of office. The Congressional GOP is a conspiracy of the useless. Update: see also Paul Krugman, linked below.

Here a good summary of the main things Trump did wrong in starting, executing & trying to end the Iran war by James Horncastle, republished in Informed Comment. Just scanning the list reinforces everything you thought about how monumentally stupid Trump is. 

Tom Nichols of the Atlantic: Many observers, including Trump's prominent supporters, are horrified as they watch Trump “stagger to an incoherent defeat” in his war against Iran. “Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told Trump that the mullahs would fall; CIA Director John Ratcliffe, however, told him that such a prediction was 'farcical.'... [Saturday], the president told Axios that the chance of reaching an agreement with the Iranians was a 'solid 50/50,' and that he either would accept a 'good' deal or 'blow them to kingdom come.' Neither of these things is going to happen. Instead, a piece of paper will, at some point, come out of a meeting room in Pakistan. It will certify that the United States must accept a major strategic defeat in the Middle East. And Donald Trump, who brought America to this point because of his ego and his incompetence, will sign it.” Thank you to akaWendy for this gift link. Definitely worth a read. (Also linked yesterday.)  

Bibi Vows to Escalate. Ephrat Livni of the New York Times: “As ... [Donald] Trump sent conflicting messages about whether any progress had been made on a deal to end the war with Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel on Monday signaled that his country’s fight with the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah would intensify. 'We are at war with Hezbollah,' Mr. Netanyahu said in a video on social media. Despite an American-brokered cease-fire that took effect in April, Israel and Hezbollah have continued to clash, with each side accusing the other of violating the truce. The fighting has recently escalated, exposing the limits of the fragile agreement. In Mr. Netanyahu’s video statement on Monday night, he said that Israeli forces had in recent weeks killed more than 600 Hezbollah militants and indicated that the military would intensify the pressure. 'But we are not removing our foot from the pedal,' Mr. Netanyahu said. 'On the contrary, I said to press on the pedal even more.'” ~~~

~~~ Marie: Here's something I haven't read a whit about since Bibi talked Trump into launching this disastrous war: ~~~

~~~ Cheryl Rofer in LG&$: "Seems like it’s time to talk about the destabilizing effect of Israel’s nuclear arsenal." 

While Americans remembered loved ones -- especially those who fought in the country's wars -- here was Donald Trump's dignified Memorial Day message, delivered on his failed social media platform at about 6:00 am ET Monday: “I laugh at all of the Dumocrats, RINOS, and Fools who know nothing about the potential deal I am making with Iran, things that haven’t even been negotiated yet, weak and ineffective people like failed Senator Thom Tillis (Soon out of office!), Bill Cassidy, who just suffered a massive Primary loss, really bad Congressman Thomas Massie, a major sleazebag who lost in a landslide  to a great American Patriot (Endorsed by 'TRUMP') after showing tremendous disloyalty to his Party (and Country!), and almost all Dumocrats, people that have totally lost their way, constantly supporting bad policy and even worse candidates, but are constantly critical of each and every fantastic win I have.” Via Mediaite. ~~~

~~~ Heather Cox Richardson reports on other Trump posts, especially ones concerning Iran. She also does a Page Six-style gossip rundown of Trump administration lowlights jockeying for power. It's an enjoyable read if you like laughing derisively at people who soon may try to ruin your life -- because these deplorable people despise you, too, and/or because they're so incompetent.  

Dan Diamond of the Washington Post: “... Donald Trump on Tuesday is expected to undergo his third scheduled medical checkup in 13 months, as outside physicians say they have persistent questions about the nearly 80-year-old president’s health and fitness.... While the White House has a round-the-clock medical team that can privately attend to the president if needed, Walter Reed has facilities for advanced imaging and other procedures.... Independent doctors have asked why Trump’s hands have been repeatedly bruised, why his legs are swollen and whether his occasional sleepiness is a sign of a deeper issue, saying that they find White House explanations insufficient.... Trump has touted his performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, which is used to screen for dementia or cognitive decline.” (Also linked yesterday.) Here's an NBC News story. ~~~

Yeah, he looks great. At a Cabinet meeting, 2025.

     ~~~ BTW, if you're impressed with what a genius Trump is ("the doctors had never seen anything like it") because he says he "aced" the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test not once, not twice, but three times, here's Jim Acosta taking the same test live on the YouTubes. (Also linked yesterday.)   

The Abasement of the People's House, Ctd. Barnum & Trump's “Greatest Show on Earth.” Rachel Dobkin of the Independent: “Construction work has started at the White House for the UFC ring to celebrate ... Donald Trump’s birthday. In an event dubbed UFC Freedom 250, six bouts are expected to be held on the White House South Lawn on June 14. The fight is being marketed as one of the many events to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, but it also falls on Trump’s 80th birthday. 'This will be the greatest show on Earth,' Trump said from the Oval Office earlier this month as the UFC fighters set to participate in the bouts stood behind him.”

“Dumpster Fire of the Vanities.” Paul Krugman: “On Memorial Day the New York Times published an article with the headline 'Trump is the only person who can save America, according to his cabinet.' The article offered a quantitative analysis of senior-official sycophancy. As the article notes, Donald Trump likes to hold long, televised cabinet meetings. In these meetings, according to the Times, 'On average, at least one of every six sentences either flattered Mr. Trump, gave him credit or criticized his political opponents. This 'Dear Leader' treatment is unprecedented in American history.... Some of this reflects Trump’s own personality. His inner self is obviously a bottomless pit of insecurity. He self-medicates by demanding Pyongyang-level flattery, destroying national monuments and replacing them with garish, vulgar trash, persecuting critics and comedians, and starting stupid wars....  

“When prominent people in a republic act as if they were living in a monarchy, the republic increasingly becomes a monarchy in reality.... Republicans in Congress have abandoned their role as an independent branch of government.... And the Roberts Supreme Court has gone most of the way toward giving Trump dictatorial powers.... [What we're witnessing] is, in fact, a self-reinforcing doom loop. Trump needs and demands sycophantic praise and unfettered power in part to compensate for the fact that he’s such an objective failure. And while his manifest unfitness is part of the explanation for his failure, his policy disasters also have a lot to do with the bubble that surrounds him.” The New York Times article is here.

Marie: Members of my family were Fidel Castro's victims. I hate that we are doing this to Cubans: ~~~

~~~ Ed Augustin & Lisette González of the New York Times: “Life ... across much of Cuba, already difficult because of an economy that has been in shambles for years, has become even worse since the Trump administration mounted its escalating pressure campaign against the country’s communist government.... Outside Havana, the capital, power outages now last 20 hours a day. The lack of energy has set off an enormous humanitarian crisis that has become deadly.... The U.S. oil blockade has left millions without cooking gas.” (Also linked yesterday.)

David Streitfeld of the New York Times: “Just as the new religion of A.I. seemed to be solidifying its control over mankind’s destiny..., Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope, published with great ceremony on Monday his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, or 'Magnificent Humanity.' The 42,300-word policy statement is respectful and named no names, but is at heart a sharp rebuke to Silicon Valley’s assertions that it alone can be trusted to develop the future. 'A.I. can be a valuable tool,' the pope acknowledged, but the technology 'tends to amplify the power of those who already possess economic resources, expertise and access to data.'” 

     ~~~ Marie: I think this matters. In my lifetime, there has not been a pope who did any good, IMO. Francis -- who, like a good doctor, did no harm -- broke the long chain of pontiffs pontificating, and he may have done something else: paved the way for Leo. It's too early to say, and Leo can still blow it, but the Magnifica Humanitas could provide a model and rationale for intelligent design of intelligent design. As a famous nitwit often says, "We'll see what happens." ~~~

~~~ Ruth Graham & Elizabeth Dias of the New York Times: “Leo signed 'Magnifica Humanitas' on the 135th anniversary of 'Rerum Novarum,' known in English as 'Rights and Duties of Capital and Labor.' That encyclical, on labor in the context of the Industrial Revolution, was written by Pope Leo XIII, who was the inspiration for Leo XIV’s papal name. Like his 19th-century predecessor, the current pope is consciously tackling what is expected to be one of the most pressing issues facing humanity over the course of his papacy.... Here are some of Leo’s themes and arguments that stand out.”

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New Jersey. Winnie Hu & Nate Schweber of the New York Times: “Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey, a Democrat who has clashed with the Trump administration over immigration policies, joined protests outside a detention center in Newark on Monday in support of detainees participating in a hunger strike. Ms. Sherrill heard from family members of detainees, who have complained about rotten and spoiled food and inadequate medical care at Delaney Hall. Dozens of protesters waved signs, banged on drums, and chanted 'Free Them All!' The governor told the crowd she had requested access but was denied. 'No matter what your immigration status is, you shouldn’t be treated with anything less than dignity in this country,' said Ms. Sherrill.... After the governor left, the scene worsened outside the detention facility. A tense standoff erupted between Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and protesters who blocked an entrance; the agents responded by firing pepper balls and spray at the protesters. Senator Andy Kim, who was trying to de-escalate the situation, was among those affected.” A Guardian story is here. ~~~

~~~ Some would be heroes: ~~~

Andy Kim, after Trump's ICE agents 
peppersprayed him.

Andy Kim, cleaning up Capitol after Trump's 
Jan. 6 insurrection fail.

     ~~~ Ryan Mancini of the Hill: “Sen. Andy Kim (D-N.J.) on Monday was pepper-sprayed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers while demonstrators gathered outside an immigration detention facility in Newark, N.J. Videos circulated online of mutual aid volunteers pouring water into Kim’s eyes while he held an ice pack in his hand.... Kim said he saw ICE agents tackle and restrain demonstrators, while 'agents fired pepper balls and spray into the crowd.'... Kim told the New Jersey Globe that it was difficult to breathe after ICE officers pepper-sprayed him and demonstrators, with other officers using batons to disperse the crowds.... 'What I witnessed and experienced today was shameful,' the New Jersey Democrat said. 'Delaney Hall is a failure; it’s this administration’s failure. The only way to make this right for our communities is to shut it down and make sure the failures we’ve seen never happen again.'... [Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne] Mullin posted on X that there was no hunger strike at the facility and called the Democrats’ visit to Delaney Hill a 'political stunt.'”

New Jersey. Tracey Tully of the New York Times: Late last week, Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. [R] “began to re-engage with political leaders after being absent for nearly 12 weeks with an undisclosed medical condition during a high-stakes re-election campaign.... [Two local Republican officials] said that Mr. Kean assured them that he was expected to recover fully but did not divulge the nature of the mysterious health condition that has kept him away from Congress since the middle of March.... Mr. Kean’s aides have refused to answer even basic questions about the nature of his condition, even as they insisted that he was expected to make a full recovery and hoped to return to work soon.... Last year, constituents grew so fed up with his decision not to hold in-person town hall events that they held regular gatherings near his office in Bernardsville that became known as 'finding Kean Fridays.' (He eventually relocated the office to a corporate park in a more remote area of the state.)... Early machine voting [in New Jersey primaries] starts on Tuesday.” ~~~

     ~~~ Marie: I don't mean to make light of Kean's affliction because I assume it is serious, but my guess is that it is related either to a mental-health condition (suicide attempt?) or a sex-related situation (a failed penile implant operation by Trump's infectious disease coordinator Dr. Brian Christine?). 

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Iceland. Amelia Nierenberg of the New York Times: “In recent months, the top of the world has felt precarious as ... [Donald] Trump repeatedly threatened to 'get' Greenland, Iceland’s closest neighbor. And the 400,000 or so Icelanders have been seriously debating the once unthinkable: Has the time come to try to join the [European Union]? 'The Greenland crisis definitely hit a nerve,' Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir said in February, in an interview at her office in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital.... Iceland is heading toward a referendum as soon as this summer on whether to plunge into exploratory talks with the European Union about membership. The process could take years, but the fact that there is a big debate signals a real change.”