Summary — Executive Order: Restoring the United States Department of War

President Trump issued an Executive Order to restore the historic name “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Department of Defense. The order’s purpose is to reflect America’s strength and willingness to fight and win wars, rather than solely emphasizing defense, aligning with the Founders’ original intent from 1789.

Key Implementation Directives:

• The Secretary of Defense is authorized to use the title “Secretary of War” in official, public, and ceremonial contexts.
• The Department of Defense and its offices may be referred to as the “Department of War.”
• Subordinate officials can use corresponding secondary titles (e.g., Deputy Secretary of War).
• All executive departments must recognize these titles, provided they don't conflict with legal obligations.
• Statutory references to the Department of Defense remain in effect until legally changed.
• Within 30 days, the Secretary of War must notify Congress of any offices using the new designation.
• Within 60 days, the Secretary of War must submit recommendations for legislative and executive actions to permanently rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War.

The order clarifies that it does not impair existing legal authority or budgetary functions, is subject to appropriations, and does not create enforceable rights. The costs for publishing the order will be borne by the Department of War.

Summary — Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Strengthens Efforts to Protect U.S. Nationals from Wrongful Detention Abroad

President Trump signed an Executive Order empowering the U.S. government to respond forcefully against wrongful detentions of Americans abroad. The order allows the Secretary of State to designate countries as State Sponsors of Wrongful Detention, triggering measures such as sanctions, travel restrictions, export controls, and inadmissibility of nationals. The designation can be lifted if detainees are released and credible assurances are provided to prevent future violations. The order also applies to non-state actors who control territory.

The White House framed the move as a correction to what it called Biden-era weakness, arguing adversaries exploited Americans as bargaining chips. Trump reaffirmed his “America First” commitment to bringing U.S. citizens home, citing the release of 72 Americans since returning to office. High-profile cases include:

• Marc Fogel, American teacher detained in Russia for over 3 years (released Feb. 2025).
• Ksenia Karelina, ballet dancer detained in Russia for 14 months (released Apr. 2025).
• Keith Siegel, hostage of Hamas for 484 days (freed Feb. 2025).
• George Glezmann, detained by the Taliban for 836 days (freed Mar. 2025), joining Ryan Corbett and William McKenty freed on Inauguration Night.
• Edan Alexander, U.S.-Israeli held by Hamas for 584 days (returned Jul. 2025).

The administration argued the policy strengthens U.S. sovereignty, deters adversaries, and ensures wrongful detentions are no longer viable tools of coercion.

Summary — Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Restores the United States Department of War

President Trump signed an Executive Order restoring the historic name “Department of War” as a secondary title for the Department of Defense, marking his 200th Executive Order. The order allows officials to use titles like “Secretary of War” and directs agencies to recognize them, while also instructing the Secretary of War to recommend steps to permanently rename the Department.

The White House frames this move as projecting strength, resolve, and readiness, arguing that “Department of War” conveys greater power than “Department of Defense.” The fact sheet highlights historical precedent, noting the original Department of War (1789) led America through key victories in the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II, and quotes George Washington: “To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.”

The administration ties the change to Trump’s “peace through strength” doctrine — citing military readiness, national pride, the Army’s 250th birthday parade, a strike on Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and record-high recruiting numbers — as proof of renewed U.S. military power and resolve under his leadership.

Summary — President Trump’s Approval Rating Hits New High

A new poll shows President Trump’s approval rating has climbed to 55%, the highest ever recorded for him. The White House attributes the surge to support for the America First agenda and confidence in his leadership. Pollster James Johnson called it confirmation of Trump’s transformative connection with the public. The article highlights the Administration’s achievements, including restoring safety to Washington, D.C., securing the border, driving investments, record stock market highs, job and wage growth for American workers, tax cuts for families, landmark trade deals, and advancing pathways to peace. It frames the milestone as proof of Trump’s consistent ability to deliver on promises despite being underestimated.

Summary — Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Implements a Historic U.S.-Japan Framework Agreement

President Trump signed an Executive Order implementing a landmark U.S.-Japan framework agreement that expands American market access while bolstering economic security. Under the deal, Japan committed to purchase $8 billion in U.S. agriculture, $7 billion annually in U.S. energy, a 75% increase in U.S. rice, and to lift restrictions on American car and truck imports while recognizing U.S. automotive standards. Japan will also subsidize clean energy vehicles made in the U.S. In return, the U.S. will apply a 15% baseline tariff on nearly all Japanese imports, with sector-specific adjustments for steel, aluminum, copper, aerospace products, pharmaceuticals, and natural resources. Crucially, Japan pledged a $550 billion investment in U.S. industries — including semiconductors, AI, shipbuilding, and energy — to create jobs, expand manufacturing, and strengthen supply chains. The White House framed the agreement as part of Trump’s broader push for reciprocal trade, citing similar multi-billion-dollar deals with the EU, UK, and Asian partners, positioning the U.S. as the global leader in innovation and economic growth.

Summary — President Trump’s AI, Energy Dominance Agenda Fuels $1B Investment

Hitachi Energy announced a $1 billion investment in U.S. electrical grid infrastructure, including $457 million for a new large power transformer facility in Virginia. This investment is expected to create thousands of jobs and support the artificial intelligence revolution. The company cited the White House AI Action Plan as a key catalyst, aligning with President Trump’s energy dominance agenda to fortify supply chains and establish the U.S. as a global AI powerhouse. This follows a previous $92 billion commitment from energy and tech companies for AI and energy infrastructure in Pennsylvania earlier this year, reflecting a broader trend of onshoring production and expanding manufacturing under the America First trade policy.

Show notes — Nominations Sent to the Senate (September 3, 2025)

This White House announcement from September 3, 2025, details President Donald J. Trump’s nominations sent to the Senate for various federal positions. Key nominations include Erwin Antoni for Commissioner of Labor Statistics, Laura DiBella and Robert Harvey as Federal Maritime Commissioners, Steven Haines as Assistant Secretary of Commerce, and George Holding as the U.S. Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Other significant nominees are Sriprakash Kothari for Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, Ryan McCormack for Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, Peter Metzger for Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the Treasury, and Brian David Miller as U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Additionally, Trent Morse was nominated to the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Joshua Simmons as General Counsel of the CIA, and Christopher Yeaw as Assistant Secretary of State for Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Stability. The announcement also includes the withdrawal of previous nominations for Terrence Gorman, Penny Schwinn, and Christopher Gilbert.

Summary

The White House reports that overall inflation in the United States has eased, with the headline Consumer Price Index rising at a 1.9% annualized rate from January through July 2025. While core goods inflation (excluding food and energy) has increased modestly, this has been offset by a decline in services inflation. Contrary to some claims, the rise in goods inflation is a global trend, and U.S. core goods inflation remains low at 1.2% over the past 12 months and 1.1% annualized since January. The report highlights that U.S. goods prices have increased less than expected compared to other countries, indicating a relatively favorable inflation performance.