The Cabinet's role is inferred from Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the US Constitution (discussed in my October 7, 2025 ANP Article) which states:
The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States; he may require the Opinion, in writing, of the principal Officer in each of the executive Departments, upon any Subject relating to the Duties of their respective Offices, and he shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment.
The Cabinet is comprised of the heads of the various departments who sit near the President based on when their department was added to the Cabinet: VP, Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, Secretary of War, Department of Justice Attorney General, Secretary of the Interior, Secretary of Agriculture, Secretary of Commerce, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of Health & Human Services, Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Energy, Secretary of Education, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Secretary of Homeland Security, Trade Representative, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, Administrator of the Small Business Association, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The Vice President is a member of the Cabinet by law but he has no control over the Cabinet.
Department heads are confirmed by the Senate and acting heads may participate in Cabinet meetings. Department heads have full administrative control over their department but follow the guidance and direction of the President. The Cabinet has 23 members: the VP, 15 Department heads, and 7 Cabinet-level officials of which all but 2 are confirmed by the Senate.
These members serve at the pleasure of the President. They can be removed for any reason without Senate approval. (How this applies to the elimination of an entire Department I am unsure; however, President Trump has already set a goal of removing the entire Department of Education by the end of his 2nd term.) These department heads are subject to impeachment by the Senate for the same reasons as the President: treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors. In addition to these members, the President can also create committees or task forces for specific purposes and assign multiple department heads to participate in the committee or task force.
Every Presidential Action (Executive Orders, Proclamations, and other Presidential Actions) taken will apply to one or more of these Department heads or Cabinet-level officials; however, there will usually be one primary Department head assigned to take the lead on the various actions. However, in President Trump's Cabinet, these officials often work jointly on whole-of-government actions to implement the policies of the Trump Administration.
I have been searching for a method to organize these weekly summaries of what is happening at the White House and have decided to try organizing these actions by the Cabinet member who is responsible for fulfilling the action, in alphabetical order by department. Just a note, not every department will have Presidential Actions to report, so only those with Presidential Actions will be reported. Please let me know what you think of this method of organization.
For this first use of the new format, I will endeavor to find something each cabinet member has done this week to implement the Trump Policies that We The People voted to have done. In the future, only White House and Presidential Actions will make the summary.
On August 26, 2026, President Trump signed the Proclamation Further Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer which directs the Secretary of Agriculture to monitor the situation and alert the President when the TRQ needs to be adjusted based on domestic supply and consumer needs. The accompanying Fact Sheet President Donald J. Trump Further Ensures Affordable Beef for the American Consumer explains the purpose of the proclamation is to address the price of beef that has risen due to a shortage of beef in the US supply. This updated quota starts on September 1, 2026 and ends November 30, 2026 allowing an additional 100,000 tons per month of lean beef trimmings to be added to US ground beef and encourages sellers to reduce the price by 25% for consumers. This action is to offset the higher US demand for beef while the US beef market is in short supply due to autopen's actions that reduced domestic cattle herds to their lowest level in 75 years. President Trump is committed to lower prices for consumers while protecting US ranchers and farmers.
On August 25, 2026, the CIA Director made an in-person trip to Moscow to meet with President Putin about the "signals" that pointed towards President Putin's intentions to begin limited incursions into Europe and Mr. Ratcliffe was there to convince him to set that goal aside. However, something tells me his trip will be for naught. President Putin will do as he thinks best regardless of what the rest of the world (including the US) thinks (much like President Trump).
On August 28, 2026, a large blast near Kiev, Ukraine, is seen. Conspiracy Theorists abound with speculation about the relationship between Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow and the blast near Kiev.
On August 27, 2026, Secretary Lutnick spoke with the media about the withdrawal of Canada from trade negotiations for purely political reasons. The Secretary thinks after the Canadian election process is concluded, their trade negotiators will return to the table to resume talks on the trade agreement.
On August 27, 2026, the US AG spoke about his trip to Puerto Rico and the successful efforts to dismantle violent drug trafficking organizations based there. Why is he in Puerto Rico celebrating the "successful efforts" there when there is so much fraud, crime, & treason here in the US, and in Washington DC in particular, that needs to be investigated?
On August 24, 2026, the White House published the release President Trump Champions Educational Freedom — Putting Students and Parents First as he welcomed students, parents, and educational advocates to the White House to celebrate the expansion of educational freedom, restoration of parental rights, the return of the power to the states, and insuring US students are the center of all educational decisions. The release concludes:
President Trump’s agenda is clear and proven: educational freedom belongs to parents, excellence belongs in the classroom, and America’s children deserve schools free from ideology, waste, and federal overreach. As students return to class this fall, they do so under an Administration that has delivered historic results in record time.
On August 26, 2026, President Trump signed EO Declaring a National Emergency to Secure the United States Bulk-Power System directs the Secretary of Energy to consult with the Secretary of War, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and other senior officials to implement this EO to secure US infrastructure from foreign interference. In other words, President Trump and his Cabinet want the US electric infrastructure to replace all foreign components with components made from trusted sources (my what an expense that will be and guess who will pay for these upgrades). The President writes:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the situation with respect to the foreign supply of bulk-power system electric equipment constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States and hereby declare a national emergency with respect to that threat.
EPA under the Trump Administration will work to be at the forefront of developing and incorporating advances in NAMs into its scientific framework to ensure Agency assessments and scientific work uses high-quality, gold standard science.
On August 27, 2026, Administrator Zeldin announced unveiled two scientific advancements that will help eliminate animal testing:
Modernizing Surfactant Assessment: Surfactants are chemicals used widely in soaps, detergents, and cleaning products. EPA has updated its scientific framework to better predict how these specific formulas may irritate the lungs using 3D human airway tissue, providing science that is faster, more human relevant, and less dependent on animal testing—without compromising safety. This allows reviewers to safely estimate risks using existing digital models rather than ordering new animal studies.
Adopting GHS Mixture Standards: EPA will use an international, scientifically backed formula, the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) mixtures equation, to predict oral toxicity for some pesticides. This decision follows a comprehensive analysis—conducted with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences—that evaluated nearly 700 pesticide formulations, which showed the mixtures equation can reliably identify products that are minimally toxic by the oral route. By using globally recognized, data-driven calculation formulas, the agency can accurately assess risks based on a mixture's known ingredients, eliminating the need to test the final blended product on animals.
On August 26, 2026, CONSTITUTION X announced Secretary Kennedy found $2.2 Trillion of US taxpayer funds were fraudulently paid over 4 million transactions in all 50 states and 5 territories. There were originally 80 people on the HHS anti-fraud team but Xavier Becerra and the Autopen Administration transferred 74 of them leaving only 6 people to watch for the fraud. Secretary Kennedy called this the CRIME OF THE CENTURY. And few people are talking about it!
On August 27, 2026, Secretary Kennedy corrected the announcement of 2 deaths because of measles by Governor Shapiro of Pennsylvania were totally fabricated. He likened the Shapiro announcement to the fraud committed during COVID where deaths WITH a condition identified as deaths CAUSED by a condition. Secretary Kennedy pointed out that the one infant was too young to even begin receiving any vaccines, much less the measles vaccine. He also calls out CNN's Dana Bash for inciting panic and accusing Secretary Kennedy of likely being responsible for a measles outbreak.
THERE IS NO MEASLES OUTBREAK!
However, it IS true that under the Autopen Administration (2021-2025) tens of millions of illegal aliens were released into the US with NO vaccines of any kind, including the COVID vaccine that was mandated (forced) upon US citizens.
On August 25, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new, permanent, interagency law enforcement task force called the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) which was created by a Trump Executive Order 14288 Strengthening and Unleashing America's Law Enforcement To Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens (discussed in my April 28, 2025 ANP Article) in which President Trump stated:
For the first time, law enforcement will have a permanent task force in every state and territory nationwide.
The goals of the task force are to
end the presence of criminal cartels, foreign gangs, and transnational criminal organizations throughout the United States, dismantle cross-border human smuggling and trafficking networks, end the scourge of human smuggling and trafficking, with a particular focus on such offenses involving children — across all 52 U.S. states and territories.
On August 27, 2026, HUD Secretary Turner announced that HUD would not fund a homeless industrial complex. The 2013 Housing First policy, which was called a continuum of care, is a total failure. HUD's current goal is first treatment progressing into self-sufficiency for the most vulnerable in our country.
On August 27, 2026, President Trump signed the EO Honoring the American History of the Great Lakes and Renaming Lake Ontario as Lake America which cites EO 14172 Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness signed January 20, 2025 (discussed in my January 20, 2026 ANP Article) as the policy being used to rename Lake Ontario as Lake America within 30 days of this EO. President Trump sees the US as caring for the lake more than Canada in that we provide 9 of the 11 ice breaking vessels keeping the shipping lanes open in winter. In addition, the US has invested almost $4 Billion to protect the Great Lakes ecosystem with Canada investing far less in the same time period. It is part of our heritage and integral to exploration, settlement, commerce, and defense. President Trump writes:
From the colonial period through the early republic, the Lake served as a critical artery for American trade, commerce, and military logistics, including the establishment in Oswego of a historic fort and the first United States port of call from the St. Lawrence Seaway, shipbuilding and naval operations during the War of 1812 at Sackets Harbor and other New York posts, and the movement of goods, settlers, and later industrial cargoes that linked the interior of the United States to eastern markets and the Atlantic. Maritime commerce on the broader Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system — of which the Lake is the easternmost and gateway segment — continues to generate substantial economic activity for the United States, supporting hundreds of thousands of American jobs and billions of dollars in annual economic output, cargo value, and related business revenue, with our ports, carriers, and States deriving a significant share of the system’s benefits in iron ore, limestone, coal, agricultural products, and other bulk commodities. Water from the Lake is used to supply nuclear, natural gas, and oil-fired power plants and to supply municipal drinking water to nearby communities. United States domestic and cross-border shipping activity on the Great Lakes system has historically underpinned regional manufacturing, steel production, agriculture, and energy supply chains in several States, reflecting the strategic and economic importance of these waters to the United States that continues to this day. The Lake will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy. In recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that the Lake officially be renamed as Lake America.
On August 20, 2026, new DNI Director Jay Clayton visited CIA Headquarters. We have heard nothing from him since. Not even on firing more deep staters, although Acting DNI Pulte did eliminate about 30% of the workforce, I'm sure there are many more who need to find new places to work.
On August 25, 2026, Secretary Rubio and his wife participated in a personal interview where he discussed what he's learned since being Secretary of State. He did not realize the breadth and scope of the position and how many other departments depend on interacting with the State Department. He also mentioned that most citizens only interact with the State Department when they have passport needs/issues.
President Trump said it best: “Canada is easily the most difficult and unreasonable. They feel entitled, but they are not a State, and will be entitled no longer!” Canadian leadership chose retaliation over partnership — and America is no longer willing to carry them.
On August 28, 2026, President Trump, in a Truth Social post, announced that the US now has a trade agreement with Venezuela for oil. This deal was negotiated by Secretary Hegseth and Secretary of State Rubio with Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez. Using private businesses based in the US, this deal secures more than 65 billion barrels of oil which will double US oil reserves.
So when do gas prices drop? Well, President Trump is expected to meet on Tuesday with oil refining executives about bringing down the price of gas for the US consumer.
On August 25, 2026, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced there is a massive hiring push to recruit air traffic controllers. The Department is streamlining the process: start by having a 2 year degree, complete the FAA Academy curriculum, move directly into a tower for on-the-job training.
On August 24, 2026, the White House published the release Operation Economic Outcast: Total Isolation of the Iranian Regime announcing the beginning of the US effort to sever every remaining link to economic stability in the country of Iran. This action follows the complete decimation of Iran's military and crippling of its nuclear program. Not only does this operation sanction Iran entirely, it will also sanction any country or entity doing business with Iran, removing them from the US Dollar system. The report concludes:
For decades, President Trump has been clear: the Islamic Republic of Iran — the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism for nearly half a century — can never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. Operation Economic Outcast delivers on that promise, cutting off the regime’s last remaining means to threaten the United States and ensuring Tehran stands alone, bankrupt, and broken.
Secretary Bessent is expected to attend the G20 summit in Georgia to discuss with G20 attendees the idea of joining the financial sanctions against Iran.
On August 24, 2026, the VA reminded Veterans they can go to the VA website to learn about VA Benefits, apply for VA Health Care, and apply for Financial Benefits.
On August 28, 2026, Vice President Vance and EPA Administrator Zeldin have teamed up together to seek an independent EPA Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation into the disaster that occurred February 3, 2023 when a Norfolk Southern train derailed East Palestine, Ohio, spreading contaminants throughout the community impacting the air, soil, water needed by the community.
On August 28, 2026, the White House published the release President Trump Was Right: America Controls the Strait of Hormuz announcing all Iranian mines have been cleared from international shipping lanes. Almost 1,500 commercial vessels, carrying 750 million barrels of crude, have transited the strait, none of the crude was from Iran. Current traffic is rated at 2/3 pre-Epic Fury commencement. The release concludes:
The economic pressure on the Iranian regime is only tightening. Operation Economic Outcast is now cutting off every remaining lifeline to the regime as a domestic fuel crisis, collapsing currency, and crushing inflation starves the regime of its ability to project power. President Trump has been clear: he will keep the pressure on the Islamic Republic until it can no longer threaten the world.
On August 25, 2026, a great disservice was rectified for 3 Marines and their records were corrected to properly reflect their heroism during the Abbey Gate debacle 5 years ago. Gunnery Sergeant Jonathan Eby, Corporal Michael Gretzon, and Lance Corporal Jordan Houston were officially recognized for having gone above and beyond to help their fellow Marines.
On March 16, 2026, the White House announced that Chief of Staff Susie Wiles was diagnosed with breast cancer but will continue to serve as Chief of Staff as she goes through her treatment. While Susie Wiles is in attendance at most of President Trump's functions, she is normally off to the side and out of camera view.
Space is a critical domain for American national security, economic growth, scientific discovery, and technological innovation. American superiority in space depends on the strength, skill, and character of those who explore, secure, and build the industries critical to it. To continue to lead the world in space exploration and technology, while securing and defending our national interests in space, the Nation must prepare the next generation of astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, civil servants, and warfighters and ensure that they are capable of advancing American interests in space. Achieving this goal requires us to recruit, train, and retain America’s best and brightest from across the Nation. Therefore, it is my Administration’s policy to strengthen the Nation’s space workforce by expanding opportunities to educate and develop the next generation of leaders across the space domain.
To that end, this Proclamation establishes the Presidential Commission on the United States Space Academy. The chair of this committee shall be the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the co-chairs shall be the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology (APST) and the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy. The Executive Director of the program shall be the Deputy Administrator of NASA. Members of this committee shall consist of the Secretary of War, the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Secretary of the Air Force, and others the committee invites to join at the discretion of the Chair in consultation with the co-chairs.
On August 24, 2026, the First Lady, Melania Trump, posted on X that her Be Best Fostering the Future Initiative elevates Foster Youth based on merit and talent while lifting them beyond their economic circumstance, or any other condition, that may limit their opportunities.
On August 26, 2026, the White House published the release Trump Delivers: 14 Recent Wins You May Have Missed addressing headlines from this past week on America First wins from election integrity SCOTUS ruling to cracking down on US Visas to cutting off illegals from taxpayer benefits to drastically reducing fentanyl deaths.
As our Nation commemorates 250 glorious years of Independence, we give thanks for the abundant natural resources of our homeland and for the generations of Americans whose labor preserved these treasures. Together, we will ensure that our majestic national parks endure as a source of adventure, respite, inspiration, and awe for generations to come.
On August 24, 2026, the White House published the Presidential Message on Overdose and Drug Poisoning Awareness Week (last discussed in my August 29, 2025 ANP Article) renewing the resolve of the Trump Administration to rid our nation of the scourge of illicit drugs and synthetic poisons that have plagued us for decades. So far, the steps being taken by the Trump Administration have reduced fentanyl deaths by 22% and overall drug deaths by 14% in the past year. President Trump writes:
The strength of our country rests upon the health of its people, and my Administration is restoring hope in every community touched by addiction. Earlier this year, I launched the Great American Recovery Initiative, uniting government, healthcare, faith communities, and the private sector behind one mission of prevention, treatment, and recovery. This program is making proven treatments more accessible, supporting Americans and families on the road to recovery, and giving every person the opportunity to build a healthy and hopeful future. This week, we remember every American lost to overdose and drug poisoning, stand with the families who carry their memory, and support all those working to overcome addiction. Above all, we vow to end the devastation wrought by deadly drugs and build a stronger, healthier, and safer America.
On August 27, 1776, Patriots fought at the Battle of Brooklyn (also known as the Battle of Long Island). The Patriots were defeated giving the British access to the Port of New York (which they would hold for the remainder of the war). A total of 20,000 British & Hesse-Kassel troops fought the 10,000 Patriots. On the British side, 64 were killed, 293 wounded, and 31 were reported as missing. On the Patriot side, 300 were killed, 800 wounded, and 1,079 were reported as captured or missing. The Patriots evacuated to Brooklyn Ferry while the rear guard kept fires burning to deceive the4 British. By 7am on August 30, 1776, Washington's remaining 9,000 troops all evacuated with no further loss of life. This battle taught the Patriots that victory would not come easy and the battle would be long and bloody. Yet the Patriots persisted fighting for their independence, freedom, and liberty as if their very lives depended upon their final victory.
On August 29, 1778, Patriots fought at the Battle of Rhode Island (also known as the Battle of Quaker Hill). A total of 6,700 British and Hesse-Kassel troops and 10,100 Patriots and French troops clashed. This was the first battle where the French joined the Patriots and, of course, the commanders of each the joint force tended to clash. On the British side, 38 were killed, 210 were wounded, and 12 were reported as missing. On the Patriot side, 30 were killed, 137 were wounded, and 44 were reported as missing. The Patriots made an orderly, unhurried withdrawal to Bristol and Tiverton leaving Rhode Island under British control. The site was ultimately abandoned by the British when the French fleet arrived to assist the Patriots.
On August 26, 2026, President Trump signed the Proclamation Fifth Anniversary of the Attack at Abbey Gate (last discussed in my August 26, 2025 ANP Article) when a lone ISIS-K terrorist, recently released from prison by the Taliban, detonated a body-worn bomb killing 13 American Service Members and wounding 45 more as well as injuring more than 160 civilians. President Trump writes:
As a Nation, it is our sacred duty to honor — with the deepest respect and reverence — the men and women in uniform who gave their lives that day, to remember all that was taken from their families, and to never forget their names: Staff Sergeant Ryan C. Knauss, USA; Staff Sergeant Darin T. Hoover, USMC; Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo, USMC; Sergeant Nicole L. Gee, USMC; Corporal Hunter Lopez, USMC; Corporal Daegan W. Page, USMC; Corporal Humberto A. Sanchez, USMC; Lance Corporal David L. Espinoza, USMC; Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, USMC; Lance Corporal Rylee J. McCollum, USMC; Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola, USMC; Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui, USMC; and Petty Officer Third Class Maxton W. Soviak, USN.
On July 2, 2021, President Autopen did not notify the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces before withdrawing American forces from Bagram Airfield in the middle of the night. This decision surrendered our largest military base in Afghanistan to the Taliban and thousands of terrorists and criminals were released from prisons. Kabul fell shortly thereafter leaving our troops no choice but to hastily attempt to evacuate. President Trump writes:
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim August 26, 2026, as a day in commemoration of the 5th anniversary of the attack at Abbey Gate. I encourage all Americans to remember the heroism of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and the Gold Star Families who carry on their proud legacy.
On August 22 & 23, 2026, the IndyCar Freedom250 Grand Prix (last discussed in my August 23, 2026 ANP Article) was held in Washington DC. President Trump waved the green flag to start the race. Racers completed 147 laps around the nation's capital.
On August 27, 2026, President Trump awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the Crew of Artemis II. President Trump celebrated their liftoff (discussed in my April 2, 2026 ANP Article), spoke with them while they were in orbit (discussed in my April 8, 2026 ANP Article), celebrated their return to earth (discussed in my April 11, 2026 ANP Article), and invited them to the Oval Office (discussed in my April 30, 2026 ANP Article).
On August 28, 2026, President Trump was treated to a phone call (at about 4:59 to 12:12) to the International Space Station:
Karoline Leavitt truly set a new standard for the White House Press Secretary. She fought for the facts, defended the America First agenda, and never, ever surrendered.
While she will be sorely missed, her desire to spend time with her children is lauded (especially with all the leftist insanity of loony left women killing their infants, toddlers, and children). One can hope that once her children are in school, she can return to politics. Here are a few of her most FIERY responses to the propaganda media for your entertainment:
Those are some of the exact words used by Google’s censors, aka 'Orwellian content police,' in describing many of our controversial stories. Stories later proven to be truthful and light years ahead of the mainstream media. But because we reported those 'inconvenient truths' they're trying to bankrupt ANP.
