Friday, 5 September 2025

Trump signed an executive order rebranding the Pentagon as the 'Department of War,' attempting to formalize the name change without requiring congressional approval. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been authorized to introduce legislation to revert to the pre-1947 name.

The U.S. added just 22,000 jobs in August, continuing a sharp slowdown in hiring and marking the first time since 2020 the economy lost jobs in monthly revisions. The unemployment rate showed signs of cooling labor market conditions amid concerns over Trump's tariff policies.

Trump announced the 2026 G-20 summit will be hosted at his Doral Resort in Miami, facing bipartisan criticism for mixing foreign diplomacy with his personal business interests similar to controversies in his first term.

Trump sent 10 stealth fighter planes to Puerto Rico as part of a military response to counter Caribbean drug cartels, following U.S. accusations that Venezuela conducted a hostile act against a U.S. warship and after a deadly U.S. missile strike in the Caribbean.

Trump confirmed three finalists for the Federal Reserve chair position: Kevin Hassett, Mark Warsh, and Christopher Waller. A Senate hearing on Fed nominee Stephen Miran took place as officials scrutinize candidates for the top economic post.

The Justice Department opened a criminal inquiry into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, investigating claims of mortgage fraud after Cook refused to accept Trump's firing of her from her position.

Trump stated he would like to see two candidates drop out of the crowded New York City mayoral race. Reports indicate Trump has been pushing Mayor Eric Adams to withdraw, though Adams said he is staying in the race to prevent another candidate from winning.

The Trump administration is considering deploying National Guard troops to Chicago, Baltimore, and New Orleans amid an immigration enforcement blitz. Chicago is preparing for a potential deployment as city officials and organizers push back against federal pressure.

Putin stated that Western troops deployed to Ukraine would be 'legitimate targets,' in response to France's proposal that 26 nations would provide postwar security support and potential troop presence in Ukraine.

RFK Jr., Trump's health secretary, faced Senate scrutiny with accusations of 'reckless disregard for science and the truth' regarding his vaccine policies. A former CDC director offered to repeat under oath statements about why she was fired from the agency.