Vue lecture

Trump’s threat against an NBC journalist is an attack on reality | Margaret Sullivan

The president’s call for the FCC to scrutinize Kristen Welker’s innocuous remarks is a sign of desperation

With his approval ratings tanking, the crucial midterm elections looming, and his war with Iran turning into a quagmire, Donald Trump has entered full freak-out mode.

It’s not hard to tell. Just look at what happened this week when he lashed out at Kristen Welker, the well-respected host of NBC’s Meet the Press, and one of the best-known journalists in the nation.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

© Photograph: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

© Photograph: NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

  •  

Dolly Parton brought divided Americans together. What can we learn from her? | Margaret Sullivan

The singer had a serendipitous mixture of humor, humility and humanity. We could all stand to channel it a bit more

The moment that the world found out that Dolly Parton had died, I was in a hair salon in the reddest congressional district in New York state. The neighborhood on the shore of Lake Erie where I move every summer voted solidly for Donald Trump in 2024.

I often pass a lawn sign that has something misogynistic to say about New York’s Democratic governor, Kathy Hochul, and the mere mention of Kamala Harris’s name can bring derisive jokes. Of course, there certainly are liberals and independents to be found, but on balance the area leans right.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: LGI Stock/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

© Photograph: LGI Stock/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

© Photograph: LGI Stock/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images

  •  

Trump is full speed ahead in making money off being the US president | Margaret Sullivan

Some restraint on Trump’s excesses might be accomplished if November’s midterm elections give Democrats more power

Donald Trump is essentially unrestrained when it comes to enriching himself during his second term, with no sign of stopping. If anything, he’s ramping things up.

The numbers so far are astonishing. He amassed $2.2bn in 2025 revenues, the Guardian and other news outlets have reported.

Continue reading...

© Photograph: Samuel Corum/PI/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Samuel Corum/PI/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

© Photograph: Samuel Corum/PI/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

  •  
❌