The first member of the President's Cabinet (first discussed in my August 30, 2026 ANP Article) was the Secretary of State. This position is equivalent to a minister of foreign affairs and the Secretary of State is the President's principal advisor on all foreign affairs matters. After the Vice President (1st in line), The Secretary of State is 4th in the presidential line of succession (preceded by the Speaker of the House of Representatives (2nd in Line) and the President pro tempore of the Senate (3rd in line)). The rest of the Cabinet follow in succession in the order that their departments became members: (5) Secretary of the Treasury, (6) Secretary of War, (7) Department of Justice Attorney General, (8) Secretary of the Interior, (9) Secretary of Agriculture, (10) Secretary of Commerce, (11) Secretary of Labor, (12) Secretary of Health & Human Services, (13) Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, (14) Secretary of Transportation, (15) Secretary of Energy, (16) Secretary of Education, (17) Secretary of Veterans Affairs, (18) Secretary of Homeland Security, (19) Trade Representative, (20) Director of the Office of Management & Budget, (21) Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, (22) Administrator of the Small Business Association, and (23) White House Chief of Staff.
In 1781, the Department of Foreign Affairs was created under the Articles of Confederation (discussed in 6 parts over 6 of my September 18 to 24, 2025 ANP Articles: Intro to Article IV, Article V to VI, Articles VII to VIII, Article IX, Articles X to XIII, Signers). Once the US Constitution was ratified, the 1st United States Congress re-established the department, renaming it the Department of State in 1789 and creating the Office of the Secretary of State to run the department. Thomas Jefferson (discussed in my July 21, 2025 ANP Article) was the first Secretary of State.
What does a Secretary of State actually do? First and foremost, they supervise the United States foreign service and immigration policy while simultaneously running the entire department. The Secretary of State advises the president on appointment/dismissal/recall of diplomats and ambassadors; conducts foreign policy to include conducting negotiations, interpreting, and terminating treaties related to foreign policy. The Secretary of State can attend international conferences, international organizations, and international agencies as a representative of the US. The Secretary of State is responsible for communicating issues in foreign policy to both Congress and US citizens. The Secretary of State provides services to US citizens living or traveling abroad (providing credentials like passports) and protects US citizens, their property, and their interests in foreign countries.
The Department of State also has domestic responsibilities. It stores the Great Seal of the United States and monitors its use. The Secretary of State negotiates with foreign countries to extract US fugitives. The Secretary of State validates the resignation of the President or Vice President only if the resignation is declared in writing and delivered to the Office of the Secretary of State (Secretary of State Henry Kissinger validated the resignations of both President Richard Nixon and Vice President Spiro Agnew).
In addition to these responsibilities, Congress may create law that assigns additional duties to the Secretary of State. The last time this happened was in 2014 when the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act was passed.
The Secretary of State is the 3rd highest official of the executive branch after the President and Vice President. Historically, 6 Secretaries of State have gone on to become an elected President of the US: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Martin Van Buren, and James Buchanan Jr. Other Secretaries of State campaigned for President but were unsuccessful (either before or after their term of office as Secretary of State).
On January 21, 2025, our current Secretary of State, Marco Rubio who was sworn in by Vice President JD Vance. Secretary Rubio was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 99 to 0. He is the 72nd US Secretary of State.
On September 4, 2026, President Trump signed the EO Supporting America’s Ranchers acknowledging the vital role Ranchers play in our nation's food supply chain and cultural heritage. But the national herd level is experiencing a 75-year low while demand has grown 10% in the last decade. President Trump has ordered a review of all regulations, guidance, and policies governing Ranchers. It will assist Ranchers in combatting predation by the gray wolf and the Mexican wolf. It requires a review of "country-of-origin" labeling law and regulations for the ability of the Trump Administration to mandate this labeling on all beef products.
The accompanying Fact Sheet President Donald J. Trump Supports America’s Ranchers explaining that this EO defends and strengthens our nation's ranching industry, equips Ranchers for modern challenges, and continues President Trump's fight for American Ranchers in reversing the Autopen Administration's harmful policies and regulatory burdens.
On September 4, 2026, President Trump signed the EO Promoting Fair Competition In Livestock Markets And Expanding Market Access for American Meat Producers to allow American Ranchers to butcher, process, package, and sell their meat to consumers throughout our great nation even when the products cross state lines. This EO will enforce the Packers & Stockyards Act, PL 67-51, 42 Stat 159,7 USC 181. This EO will investigate expanding interstate market access for eligible meat products and re-establishing small and very small meat processing centers by individual Ranchers.
On September 2, 2026, the White House published the release G20 Innovation Ministerial Concludes with Consensus Statement recognizing that emerging technologies have the potential to unlock prosperity, enhance productivity, and expand opportunity for all our peoples (click here for the full statement) as well as consensus on the Carolina Principles for Emerging Technologies, AI Prosperity Objectives, and the AI Prosperity Compact. Representatives from the following nations and unions were present at the two-day Ministerial: the African Union, the Argentine Republic, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Federative Republic of Brazil, Canada, the People’s Republic of China, the European Union, the French Republic, the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of India, the Republic of Indonesia, the Italian Republic, Japan, the United Mexican States, the Republic of Poland, the Russian Federation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Korea, the Republic of Türkiye, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
On August 31, 2026, the White House published the Fact Sheet President Donald J. Trump Announces Deal with Nine Additional Pharmaceutical Manufacturers to Lower Drug Prices for Americans touting, once again, President Trump's Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) pharmaceutical pricing and announcing that 89% of the branded drug market (representing 26 manufacturers) are now participating in the program. It is believed that this will bolster US pharmaceutical supply chains and reserves with 9 pharmaceutical manufacturers investing at least $19.6 billion in US manufacturing and some are donating active pharmaceutical ingredients to the Strategic Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Reserve (SAPIR) further reducing US dependence on foreign nations for our national medical needs. Combined, these actions lower costs for US consumers with historic low prices available through the TrumpRx website.
I am really, really leery of a "one login fits all" approach to anything. I have individual logins with individual passwords for just about everything I do. When the VA decided to stop with the MyHealthEVet login choosing to force people to get either a Login.gov or an ID.me (a private Israeli company) account in order to use MyHealthEVet online portal, I chose to NOT continue using it. I do everything in person or by phone now and deliver my med renewals to the pharmacy drop box for refills. In addition, organizations that have better security than the various government agencies get hacked. I can only imagine what the hacking tally will be once this goes into effect. One database of user names & log ins will get you government-wide info on everyone who interacts with ANY government agency. A hacker's paradise!
Unfortunately, many people will appreciate the convenience of not having to remember multiple usernames and passwords. I suppose once you log in, not having to log in again just to access a different portion of the government website megalith would be appreciated by some. However, I'm sure there will be a 2- or even 3-factor identification process and it won't be just a simple user name and password that you will have to provide each time you access the system. Only time will tell what kind of a mess this will turn out to be.
On August 31, 2026, the White House published the Fact Sheet President Donald J. Trump Announces Historic Oil Agreement to Secure American Energy Dominance and Drive Venezuela’s Economic Recovery explaining that the Secretary of State and Secretary of War brokered a deal with Venezuela for 65 billion barrels of oil that will secure stable and low cost oil in the American Hemisphere and replenish and expand US oil reserves. This deal will also drive Venezuelan economic recovery and reconstruction in their oil sector. This move is seen as following the Monroe Doctrine while expelling foreign adversaries from our American Hemisphere.
On September 2, 2026, the White House published the release President Trump Secures the Biggest Oil Deal in World History which will not only cost US taxpayers nothing but will ultimately lower their fuel costs across the board. This release also corrects propaganda media's attacks on this deal assuring that this is a private deal, not a deal with the Venezuelan government. The plan emulates the existing Chevron operations in Venezuela. None of the 17 oil fields identified in this deal were being operated by Venezuelans. Cost savings are expected to be seen by US consumers by the end of the year with costs rapidly lowering over 2027.
On September 2, 2026, President Trump met with Secretary Duffy and US Travel Executives to celebrate the Summer Of Travel which broke US travel records this year (I'm guessing it's because of the FIFA Games, not because US citizens have the money to travel).
On September 3, 2026, Vice President Vance briefed members of the media because our favorite Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, resigned to stay home with her toddler and newborn baby. VP Vance made a joke that he hoped he messed up just a little or he might find himself being assigned the Press Secretary position permanently, alluding to Secretary Rubio being assigned additional jobs.
On September 5, 2026, the Department of War celebrated it's first full year of restoration as the US Department of War (X post).
On September 1, 2026, in an X post, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles announced that President Trump met with leading oil refiners and distributors to see what could be done to lower prices at the gas pump for American consumers. These leaders used California as an example of how Dumocrats in general, and the Autopen Administration in particular, have attacked American energy, shut down refineries, and driven up costs for American consumers. President Trump and his Administration are working on cutting regulations that enable higher prices.
HR6500 - Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027 was introduced by Jason Smith (R-MO-8) on December 9, 2025. The bill had 1 cosponsor (GOP). This bill extends funding from October 1, 2026 to December 11, 2026 in order to avoid another government shutdown before the mid-term elections are completed. This bill funds most programs at the FY2026 level and extends several authorizations that were set to expire September 30, 2026. In addition it extends the freeze on cost-of-living adjustments for Members of Congress, limits pay increases for the Vice President and certain political appointees, and provides death gratuities to beneficiaries of the two Members of Congress who died while in office.
On August 31, 2026, First Lady Melania Trump announced a partnership between the Fostering the Future Initiative and 26 esteemed universities (X post).
On September 1, 2026, the Office of the First Lady announced that the First Lady and her team are working to transform the historic rooms of the White House into an immersive Christmas celebration in time to welcome guests not only from the US but from around the world as well (X post).
On September 2, 2026, the White House published the Presidential Message on National Preparedness Month (last discussed in my September 3, 2025 ANP Article) calling upon every American citizen to ready themselves and their families, homes, businesses, and communities for natural and man-made threats. The time to prepare is before disaster strikes. Make sure you have adequate insurance, know evacuation routes should you need to leave your home, maintain an emergency kit (see my August 12, 2026 ANP Article on what to include in your first aid kit), and stay informed. On June 23, 2026, the National Resilience Strategy (discussed in my June 25, 2026 ANP Article) focused on readiness, responsibility, and results. States and communities were invited to participate by building their own operational capacity to manage the emergencies unique to their location. State and local governments can respond in a more timely manner than the Federal Government which allows the Federal Government to focus on national catastrophic events. President Trump writes:
Strength begins with a Nation that is ready to act and such readiness is embodied by Americans who stand strong, who never back down, and who always put America First. This month, we honor our brave first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and selfless volunteers. When the alarm sounds, they do not hesitate. They answer the call, protect their fellow Americans, and help keep our communities and our Nation safe and secure. Together, we resolve to build a more prepared, ready, and resilient America.
Every American child deserves the chance to grow up healthy and achieve their own unique American Dream. Together, we will fight to eradicate this vicious disease and build a future of greater hope, health, and possibility for America’s children.
Recovery is a testament to the strength of the American Spirit and the promise of a second chance. This month, we stand with those on the road to recovery and the families and communities who support them along the way. Together, we will help more Americans break free from addiction and lead healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.
On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed by Great Britain and the newly independent United States officially ending the Revolutionary War and recognized the 13 colonies as free, sovereign, and independent unified states. The Treaty of Paris is one part of the Peace of Paris encompassing all treaties signed in Paris, France from 1229 to 2015. However, this treaty would not be fully ratified by the Confederation Congress until January 14, 1784.
On August 31, 2026, President Trump announced on Truth Social that Robert Gilman, a Massachusetts teacher and former US Marine, has returned home after being held in Russia for 4 years. Robert is the 109th American freed since President Trump started his 2nd term as President.
Robert went to Russia to teach English; however, he was accused of assaulting a police officer and sentenced to 10 years in prison in January 2022. While in prison, he suffered physical abuse by the prison staff. He is now receiving care at the Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas.
192 Democrats refuse to condemn Socialism HR1490 Kathy Castor (D-FL), Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Donald G David (D-NC), Jared F Golden (D-ME), Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX), Marie Gluesenkamp (D-WA), Darren Soto (D-FL), and Gabe Vasquez (D-NM) along with Kevin Kiley (I-CA) voted FOR the condemnation while 18 members (11 democrats and 7 republicans) did not vote on the issue at all.
Every single Democrat (all 212 of them) voted against the largest tax cut in American history HR1.
Extreme Liberal Democrats voted AGAINST holding Iran accountable as the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism.
Democrats voted against protecting girls in women’s sports (meaning they want BOYS to be allowed into the girls locker rooms, rest rooms, and sport teams)
207 Democrats voted against protecting children from taxpayer-funded transgender treatments HR3492 and 4 Republicans joined them in voting NO: Gave Evans (R-CO), Brian K Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Kennedy (R-UT), and Michael Lawler (R-NY) whereas 3 Democrats voted YES: Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Donald G Davis (D-NC), and Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX)
156 Democrats voted against the S5 Laken Riley Act and 13 did not vote at all whereas 46 Democrats voted FOR S5.
Democrats forced TWO unprecedented government shutdowns one that began October 1, 2025 and lasted 44 days ending November 12, 2025 and the other being a partial shutdown of 76 days ending May 2, 2026.
There will not be a shutdown, partial or otherwise, over the mid-term election cycle as President Trump signed HR6500 into law (discussed above) which funds the government through December 11, 2026. The Fact Sheet concludes:
This isn’t your grandparents’ Democrat Party. The contrast couldn’t be clearer. Last night, the Extreme Liberal Democrat Party showed Americans exactly where they’re headed. President Trump and Republicans are putting America First and delivering commonsense policies to protect American families, workers, public safety, and our national security.
On September 2, 2026, President Trump gave a speech at a Rose Garden Dinner explaining his plans for the mid-term election cycle. He stated he plans to campaign in 35 places where the commies are gaining steam between now and November 3, 2026. Also, be prepared for the first ever mid-term RNC convention coming up this month in Dallas, Texas.
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.
