Trump’s English-Only Order Hits HUD

August 18, 2025

Trump (3) — (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is set to adopt President Trump’s order designating English as the official language of the United States, launching an English-only initiative.

“We are one people, united, and we will speak with one voice and one language to deliver on our mission of expanding housing that is affordable, helping those in need, caring for our most vulnerable Americans, and revitalizing rural, tribal, and urban communities,” HUD Deputy Secretary Andrew Hughes wrote in a memorandum obtained by The New York Post.

“HUD will continue to ensure that all persons have meaningful access to HUD programs and services,” Hughes stressed, adding that the agency “will continue to provide communication services to the hearing and seeing impaired, and persons with related disabilities.” Other languages will be permitted for accommodations regarding the Americans with Disability Act and the Violence Against Women Act.

“All HUD communications, correspondence, and physical and digital published materials will be produced exclusively in English,” the memo says, noting that the department “will no longer offer non-English translation services.” Hughes added that employees are to “immediately remove all printed or digital collateral about non-English translation services currently displayed in HUD offices or HUD-funded facilities.”

President Trump’s March order says that a “nationally designated language is at the core of a unified and cohesive society, and the United States is strengthened by a citizenry that can freely exchange ideas in one shared language.”

“To promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement, it is in America’s best interest for the Federal Government to designate one — and only one — official language,” the order adds. “Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society.”

The Department of Justice has also issued English-only guidance and initiated internal reviews to phase out “unnecessary multilingual offerings.”

Trump Strikes at Mail-in Ballots

August 18, 2025

trump (17) — (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Monday morning to announce that he plans to lead an effort to remove mail-in ballots from U.S. elections.

“I am going to lead a movement to get rid of MAIL-IN BALLOTS, and also, while we’re at it, Highly ‘Inaccurate,’ Very Expensive, and Seriously Controversial VOTING MACHINES, which cost Ten Times more than accurate and sophisticated Watermark Paper, which is faster, and leaves NO DOUBT, at the end of the evening, as to who WON, and who LOST, the Election,” he wrote.

“We are now the only Country in the World that uses Mail-In Voting,” Trump continued. “All others gave it up because of the MASSIVE VOTER FRAUD ENCOUNTERED. WE WILL BEGIN THIS EFFORT, WHICH WILL BE STRONGLY OPPOSED BY THE DEMOCRATS BECAUSE THEY CHEAT AT LEVELS NEVER SEEN BEFORE, by signing an EXECUTIVE ORDER to help bring HONESTY to the 2026 Midterm Elections.”

“Remember, the States are merely an ‘agent’ for the Federal Government in counting and tabulating the votes,” Trump emphasized. They must do what the Federal Government, as represented by the President of the United States, tells them, FOR THE GOOD OF OUR COUNTRY, to do.” Going on to describe left-wing policies, Trump wrote, “Democrats are virtually Unelectable without using this completely disproven Mail-in SCAM.”

“ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING, and everybody, IN PARTICULAR THE DEMOCRATS, KNOWS THIS. I, AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, WILL FIGHT LIKE HELL TO BRING HONESTY AND INTEGRITY BACK TO OUR ELECTIONS. THE MAIL-IN BALLOT HOAX, USING VOTING MACHINES THAT ARE A COMPLETE AND TOTAL DISASTER, MUST END, NOW!!! REMEMBER, WITHOUT FAIR AND HONEST ELECTIONS, AND STRONG AND POWERFUL BORDERS, YOU DON’T HAVE EVEN A SEMBLANCE OF A COUNTRY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER!!!” he declared.

President Trump signed an executive order in March to support election integrity and demand stricter registration measures.

The order, called “Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections,” says the United States “fails to enforce basic and necessary election protections employed by modern, developed nations, as well as those still developing.”

Trump’s D.C. Crackdown Nets 68 Arrests in One Night

August 18, 2025

trump AI — (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

A federal crime initiative under President Trump’s leadership resulted in 68 arrests in a single night in Washington, D.C., as part of a renewed effort to clean up the nation’s capital. The operation, launched earlier this month, has already removed over 300 suspects, including illegal immigrants, drug traffickers, and violent offenders.

The mass arrest occurred on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Charges included aggravated assault, assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled substance, fleeing law enforcement, and multiple firearms violations. Officials reported the seizure of 15 illegal guns during the operation.

The White House credited the success to the president’s directive to restore law and order in the city. Since the crackdown began on August 7, 2025, authorities have made 308 arrests. This includes 135 illegal immigrants alleged to have ties to gang activity or violent crimes.

In addition to the arrests, three homeless encampments were removed from public areas. According to the White House, the clearings were conducted peacefully and without arrests. A spokesperson described the cleanups as “intentional” and aimed at restoring dignity and safety to public spaces in the capital.

Attorney General Pam Bondi praised law enforcement’s efforts, highlighting the arrests of homicide suspects and drug traffickers. In a statement, Bondi reaffirmed the administration’s support for local and federal officers and their mission to make Washington, D.C., secure once again.

President Trump echoed that commitment, stating that the city would be reclaimed from “tents, squalor, filth, and crime.” He promised that Washington, D.C., would be restored to its historic status as “the most beautiful Capital in the world.”

The operation underscores a broader law-and-order strategy central to President Trump’s platform. With crime rates in major urban centers drawing national concern, the administration’s actions in Washington serve as a model for restoring public safety and upholding the rule of law.

Rubio Rebukes ABC’s Raddatz Over Claim Trump ‘Elevated’ Putin

August 18, 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio strongly pushed back against ABC anchor Martha Raddatz after she claimed President Trump had “elevated” Russian President Vladimir Putin by hosting him at the Alaska summit. Rubio argued that Putin already holds a position on the world stage and that engaging with him is a matter of practical diplomacy, not prestige.

Raddatz suggested that by greeting Putin and treating him as a peer, Trump had given Moscow undue legitimacy. Rubio dismissed the accusation as unserious. “Putin is already on the world stage,” Rubio said, noting that any effort to resolve the war in Ukraine must include direct engagement with Russia’s leader. “You’re not going to end a war between Russia and Ukraine without dealing with Putin. That’s just common sense. I shouldn’t even have to say it.”

When pressed on what concessions might have been discussed at the summit, Rubio declined to disclose details. He insisted that sensitive diplomacy is best conducted in private, without media speculation or political grandstanding. According to Rubio, public posturing undermines the effectiveness of negotiations and risks prolonging conflict.

The exchange highlights a clear divide between critics in the media who frame Trump’s foreign policy as appeasement, and Trump officials who argue that practical diplomacy is necessary for peace. Rubio’s response underscores a shift from symbolic gestures toward direct engagement, an approach that seeks results rather than optics.

Trump’s Weaponization Czar Warns January 6 Committee Associates of Possible Investigations

August 18, 2025

Department-of-Justice-DOJ-YinYangGetty-via-Canva-Pro — Department of Justice (DOJ) (YinYang/Getty via Canva Pro)

President Trump’s Justice Department signaled that former associates of the January 6 Select Committee could face legal scrutiny. Ed Martin, appointed to lead the DOJ’s Weaponization Working Group earlier this year, warned that individuals tied to the panel should “keep an eye on their mailbox,” suggesting that subpoenas or inquiries may soon follow.

Martin, a conservative attorney and activist, was tapped in February 2025 by Attorney General Pam Bondi to direct investigations into what the administration calls politically motivated prosecutions. During an appearance on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, he highlighted that while President Biden issued broad pardons for January 6 Committee members and some witnesses before leaving office, those pardons do not cover every associate or action linked to the panel.

The January 6 Committee, dissolved in 2023, faced sharp criticism from Republicans for what they argued was a partisan attempt to criminalize political opposition. Now, under President Trump, the Justice Department is signaling a new phase of accountability. Martin’s comments suggest that those who used the committee to target conservatives may themselves face questions about misconduct or abuse of power.

The development marks a dramatic reversal of fortunes. For years, Trump allies were the focus of investigations, indictments, and public hearings tied to the January 6 unrest. Today, it is the committee’s former staff and affiliates who find themselves on notice from the very government they once investigated.

FDA Proposes Sugar Cut in Orange Juice to Aid Struggling Citrus Growers

August 18, 2025

The Food and Drug Administration is moving to lower the minimum sugar requirement for pasteurized orange juice, a change aimed at helping American citrus farmers remain competitive amid declining harvests. The proposal would drop the mandated Brix level—a measure of natural sugar—from 10.5% to 10%.

The adjustment translates to a reduction of roughly one gram of sugar per eight-ounce serving, bringing it from 18 grams down to 17 grams. Officials say the change will have little to no effect on taste or nutrition but will provide significant relief to growers. Florida’s citrus industry, long battered by citrus greening disease and extreme weather, has seen sugar levels in its oranges fall. Producers have often been forced to import juice from Mexico and Brazil to meet the higher U.S. standard.

Under the FDA’s plan, farmers could market more of their domestic crop as juice without relying on imports. Industry analysts estimate the shift could save growers more than $50 million annually. The change is part of a larger FDA review of more than 250 food identity standards to modernize outdated regulations.

Health experts note that while orange juice provides vitamin C, potassium, and folate, it still contains high natural sugar and no fiber. Nutritionists continue to advise moderation, even with the adjustment. The proposed rule does not classify orange juice as “healthier” but rather updates the standard to reflect today’s agricultural realities.

European Leaders Join Trump and Zelenskyy in Washington to Show United Front on Ukraine

August 18, 2025

Several top European leaders are set to join Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C., for a high-level meeting with President Trump. The gathering underscores a coordinated push to demonstrate solidarity with Ukraine while pressuring Moscow toward a credible peace process.

The European delegation includes British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Their presence highlights the importance Europe places on Ukraine’s sovereignty and the belief that any negotiated peace must fully involve Kyiv.

The meeting follows reports from the Alaska summit between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where Moscow floated proposals for peace that would require Ukraine to give up territory. European officials have expressed strong opposition to any deal that rewards Russian aggression or undermines Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Instead, leaders are calling for binding U.S. security guarantees to protect Ukraine against further attacks.

According to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Washington is prepared to extend NATO-style security assurances—similar to Article 5 protections—without granting full NATO membership. Such guarantees would commit the United States and allies to Ukraine’s defense in the event of renewed aggression, a step seen as critical to stabilizing the region.

Rubio: Only Path to Ukraine Peace Requires Concessions From Both Sides

August 18, 2025

Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the only path to a lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia will require concessions from both parties. His remarks came during an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, where he outlined a realist approach to ending the conflict, now stretching into its fourth year.

Rubio emphasized that negotiations cannot succeed if either side demands total victory. “Everybody goes into a negotiation wanting 100 percent of what they want. The only way to reach a deal is for each side to get something and each side to give something,” he said. His statement reflects a strategic pivot in U.S. diplomatic posture under President Trump’s administration, one more focused on resolution than indefinite escalation.

The comments follow reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin offered NATO-style security guarantees to Ukraine during the recent summit in Alaska with President Trump. Though the offer was seen as a potential breakthrough, Rubio stopped short of confirming any ceasefire agreement. He noted that talks are ongoing but warned that peace remains elusive without mutual compromise.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to participate in upcoming negotiations. The prospect of a new diplomatic track has been cautiously welcomed, though many Western leaders remain skeptical of Moscow’s intentions. Rubio, however, framed the moment as an opportunity to shift from rhetoric to results, urging both sides to pursue practical solutions rather than hardline ultimatums.

Rubio’s remarks mark a notable shift in tone from prior years of blanket military support and point toward a pragmatic, values-based diplomacy. Whether this approach leads to a lasting resolution will depend on the willingness of both Ukraine and Russia to put national pride aside for the sake of stability and life.

Gal Gadot Joins Hostage Families in Tel Aviv as Pressure Mounts to End Gaza War

August 18, 2025

Israeli Hostages — (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)

Israeli actress Gal Gadot joined grieving families in Tel Aviv demanding the release of hostages still held by Hamas. Her appearance at Hostages Square on August 17 came during a nationwide protest aimed at pressuring the Israeli government to secure the captives’ return and end its ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

The event, known as “Israel on Hold,” was organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. Demonstrators called for an immediate ceasefire and resolution to bring home the approximately 50 remaining hostages taken during Hamas’ October 7 attack. Nearly 20 of those hostages are believed to still be alive. The protest included business closures, traffic blockades, and coordinated demonstrations across multiple cities.

Gadot was seen embracing Lishay Miran-Lavi, the wife of hostage Omri Miran, and Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker. Her public support gave visibility to the families’ anguish and emphasized the urgency of their demands. As a cultural figure with international influence, her participation brought increased media attention to the rally’s central message: bring the hostages home.

This movement also reflects growing domestic pressure on Israeli leadership. Many families have voiced concern that Israel’s expanding military operations in Gaza could endanger the lives of the hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has prioritized dismantling Hamas infrastructure, but critics argue the hostages must be given priority.

Scottish Grandmother Wins Legal Battle After Arrest in Abortion Buffer Zone

August 18, 2025

Planned Parenthood building (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson, File)

A 75-year-old Scottish grandmother has seen her case dropped after being arrested for standing peacefully outside an abortion clinic with a sign offering support to women in crisis. Rose Docherty, the first person charged under Scotland’s new buffer zone law, refused to accept a police warning, stating her actions were lawful and compassionate.

Docherty was arrested on February 19, 2025, outside Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow. She held a sign reading, “Coercion is a crime. Here to talk, only if you want.” Despite her non-confrontational presence, authorities charged her under the Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024, which bans any behavior that could influence decision-making within 200 meters of abortion facilities.

The law, enacted in September 2024, aimed to curb harassment but has drawn criticism for its broad language. Under pressure from legal advocates, the Scottish government chose not to proceed with the case. The Procurator Fiscal confirmed the charges were withdrawn and that Docherty’s sign would be returned.

The legal group ADF International, which represented Docherty, praised the outcome as a significant win for free speech and peaceful expression. They warned the buffer zone legislation sets a dangerous precedent by criminalizing compassionate outreach and restricting individual rights under the guise of public safety.

Critics of the law have pointed to comments from Scottish Greens MSP Gillian Mackay, who admitted during parliamentary debate that even prayer inside one’s home could violate the law if visible from within the zone. This admission sparked outrage from civil liberties groups and religious organizations concerned about government intrusion into personal belief and expression.