{
  "id": 4120091,
  "title": "Why Trump keeps changing the subject: Is the US president distracted as mid-terms near, or is it all deliberate?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/why-trump-keeps-changing-the-subject-is-the-us-president-distracted",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-29T05:44:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2026/08/29/why-trump-keeps-changing-the-subject-is-the-us-president-distracted-as-mid-terms-near-or-is-it-all-deliberate/233155"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the November mid-term elections approach, US President Donald Trump has been diverting attention away from the Iran war and economic concerns with a series of unusual stunts. The 80-year-old former reality star seems to be employing the tactic of changing the subject when his policies are unpopular, according to William Galston of the Brookings Institution.\n\nThe war in Iran is proving problematic for Trump, as his approval ratings consistently hover in the low 30s. The Atlantic reported that the White House's strategy is to avoid further military action and focus on less newsworthy economic measures against Tehran. Trump recently announced plans to rename Lake Ontario \"Lake America\" in an apparent attempt to shift the conversation away from the conflict.\n\nIn addition to the Iran issue, Trump has also been focusing on economic matters, with the White House promoting 14 recent wins in areas like suppressing mail-in ballots and increased deportations. However, the high cost of living due to rising oil prices remains a significant concern for voters.\n\nTrump has also attempted to draw attention to his own record by posting about cleaning and regrouting the White House entrance on his Truth Social network. Despite his efforts to change the subject, the Iran war and economic challenges could continue to overshadow his agenda as the mid-term elections loom.",
  "summary": "WASHINGTON, Aug 29 — From trolling Canada about a lake to suddenly talking about Kim Jong Un, US President Donald...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Trump ranks himself 'greatest' US president ever, above Lincoln, Washington",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/trump-ranks-himself-greatest-us-president-ever-above-lincoln",
        "published": "2026-08-29T06:02:04.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}