Trump floods the zone with press ban, triumphal arch, Kennedy Center

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Today's Top Stories - September 21, 2026

Today's Top Stories - September 21, 2026

President Trump in the last four days has discussed putting snipers and drones in the triumphal arch he plans as a gateway to the Capitol.

He’s also banned three media organizations from the White House over their coverage and has been photographed looking at printouts on Air Force One that appeared to suggest the demolishing of the Kennedy Center.

It’s all worrisome for Republicans, who are concerned he’s not showing voters that he’s focused on the economy and lowering prices, the issue that keeps popping up for them in polls as the Senate battleground widens and fears the GOP will lose the House majority expand.

“The guy was elected in 2016 off the phrase ‘build the wall,’ so I don’t think it’s a surprise to many Americans that building things is a passion of his,” said one Republican close to the White House. 

“The main problem the president and the party have is that national renovations aren’t controversial, but when the American people don’t have the money to renovate their own backyards, they aren’t going to love or care about the renovations the president is passionate about,” they added. 

Other Republicans note the president’s moves could be seen as ways to galvanize his hardcore base as the party seeks to maximize midterm turnout. 

“I think it solidifies things in the minds of people that love Trump, and I think it solidifies things in the minds of people that hate Trump,” said a Republican strategist, speaking on the condition of anonymity. 

Republican........

© The Hill