WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has announced a high-stakes Trump Putin summit scheduled for Friday, Aug. 15 in Alaska, setting the stage for renewed dialogue between Washington and Moscow.
The announcement comes as the administration escalates its confrontation with Harvard University, weighs the possible activation of the D.C. National Guard, and addresses growing public attention over the release of documents linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
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Harvard Dispute Intensifies
On Friday, Commerce Secretary Lutnick sent a letter to Harvard President Alan Garber accusing the university of violating legal and contractual obligations related to federally funded research programs and patents. Lutnick said the Commerce Department will launch an “immediate comprehensive review” of Harvard’s federally funded research projects.
The letter marks a significant escalation in the administration’s ongoing tensions with the Ivy League institution.
Possible D.C. National Guard Activation
The U.S. military is preparing for the potential activation of part of the D.C. National Guard to support local authorities, according to a U.S. official. No final decision has been made, and it is unclear how many personnel could be deployed from the 2,700-strong force.
Unlike other National Guard units, the D.C. Guard is under presidential authority—delegated to the defense secretary and secretary of the Army—rather than a state governor or the D.C. mayor.
If called upon, Guardsmen would serve in a support role for local law enforcement.
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Vance Denies Epstein Meeting at His Home
Vice President JD Vance publicly rejected reports that a meeting at his residence on Thursday involved top administration officials discussing the Epstein case.
“There was no meeting at my house last night. There just wasn’t,” Vance told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo in an interview aired Sunday. He confirmed that White House meetings occurred that day, but “not about the subject” alleged in media reports.
Vance attributed the rumors to a leaked calendar entry that was misinterpreted. He emphasized that Trump has instructed full transparency regarding Epstein-related information and that the administration is compiling “thousands and thousands” of documents for public release.
He also voiced support for House Oversight Committee Chair Rep. James Comer’s decision to subpoena Bill and Hillary Clinton in connection with the investigation.
Crime in Washington D.C.: Trump vs. Police Data
Trump announced he will hold a news conference at 10 a.m. Monday to address crime in Washington, D.C., criticizing Mayor Muriel Bowser’s handling of public safety.
“The Mayor of D.C., Muriel Bowser, is a good person who has tried, but she has been given many chances, and the Crime Numbers get worse,” Trump wrote on his social media platform.
However, preliminary data from the Metropolitan Police Department shows year-to-date crime in D.C. has fallen by 7% compared to last year, including a 26% drop in violent crime and a 5% reduction in property crime.
Trump pledged to “make [the capital] truly great again” and restore its image as “the most beautiful Capital in the World.”
