Summary: President Donald J. Trump’s peace summit at the White House on August 19, 2025, is being hailed globally as a game-changing step toward ending the war in Ukraine. Bringing together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European leaders, the summit is praised as a historic breakthrough that restored American leadership on the world stage and opened a credible path to lasting peace. From NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to lawmakers across the U.S., experts and officials alike credited Trump’s firm diplomacy and strategic vision for breaking years of deadlock, uniting allies, and pressuring Vladimir Putin into meaningful negotiations. Many now believe this bold move could soon lead to a definitive peace deal that stops the bloodshed and secures stability in Europe.

President Trump’s Peace Summit Hailed as a Game-Changer

President Donald J. Trump’s groundbreaking peace summit at the White House yesterday is being celebrated by world leaders, national security experts, lawmakers, and others as a monumental stride toward resolving the longstanding war in Ukraine. The summit, which brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and key European allies, marked another transformative moment in the pursuit of peace.

Here’s what they’re saying:

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte: “Without President Trump, this deadlock with Putin would not have been broken. He is the only one who could do this.”

Gen. Jack Keane (ret.): “You can’t overstate the significance of what we all witnessed and to describe it, as you have and others, as ‘historic’ certainly is factual… What we saw there is the undisputed global leader sitting down with the prominent leaders in Europe and President Zelensky to discuss a pathway forward for peace — and it is stunning.”

Former Special Envoy Nathan Sales: “Peace is closer today than it was yesterday. President Trump didn’t capitulate; he stood firm. Even Zelenskyy says this was the best meeting he’s had with Trump. That’s the path to a durable peace.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul: “That was a very positive meeting and whoever had the idea to bring all these European leaders together in addition to President Zelenskyy — that was a brilliant, brilliant idea. And having it come so quickly after Alaska was very important… This is very positive progress.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to Poland Daniel Fried: “A deal to end Russia’s war against Ukraine could emerge.”

Former National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, Jr.: “Let’s be clear — it’s Donald Trump who’s cleaning up the Biden mess.”

Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe: “It’s going to be very difficult … but what’s different in the last two weeks is we now have an opening we didn’t have before to at least start working in that very, very difficult direction.”

Lexington Institute VP for Defense Rebecca Grant: “This is the 100% restoration of American leadership, with NATO and our European allies now united with us in a way that we’ve never seen before… Trump has really done a great job… Masterful leadership.”

Batya Ungar-Sargon: “It’s truly amazing to see the unity between Trump, Zelensky, and the European leaders. There is finally a consensus developing around how this horrific war ends. It’s clear now Putin agreeing to security guarantees in Alaska was a huge breakthrough, and territorial swaps are now on the table from the Ukrainian side. You won’t hear this in the mainstream legacy media who would rather lie than give Trump any credit, but make no mistake about it: This is Trump’s win. ‘The path is open. You opened it,’ as Germany’s Chancellor Merz put it.”

Lex Fridman: “What a great day and meeting between Trump & Zelenskyy. I pray for peace soon”

Larry Kudlow: “If anybody can get a peace deal and end the Russian war on Ukraine, as I’ve said before, it’s President Trump. And, right now, he’s moving at warp speed. Bypassing a cease-fire and moving straight to a peace deal, it appears that he has already got a NATO-like security guarantee agreement from President Vladimir Putin.”

Harold Ford, Jr.: “I give President Trump tremendous credit for where we are.”

Newsmax’s Ed Henry: “This President today actually did the work to move us closer to a peace deal… This is Diplomacy 101.”

ACT for America Founder and Chairman Brigitte Gabriel: “President Trump’s pursuit of peace for two countries he does not live in is inspiring. This war was started by Putin and allowed by Joe Biden, but President Trump is the one who is taking all the arrows to end it. The most selfless leader our nation has ever had.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “The whole thing was a big moment — unprecedented… After three years of deadlock and no talks and no change in circumstances, this is the first time where there seems to be some movement.”

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent: “It was an incredible group to have in the White House, all led by President Trump. The culmination of that was a call with President Putin — and my strong belief is that there will be a bilateral meeting between President Putin and President Zelenskyy. That’s the only way to end this conflict is to get the two sides talking.”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth: “What an honor it was to watch Our President forge the peace process today. No other leader on Planet Earth could do what he did in Alaska, today at the White House, or in the future. President Trump is a tough & relentless peacemaker — the world owes him a debt of gratitude.”

U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker: “We have a World War I-style land war right now on the European continent. Nobody thought this would ever happen, but here it is — and President Trump, thankfully, was elected last November and has brought us to a position of getting a peace deal where we are possibly a couple meetings away from having the killing end.”

Speaker Mike Johnson: “Don’t believe the Fake News – President Trump is the PEACE PRESIDENT. His leadership is making our enemies FEAR us, our allies TRUST us, and the world is SAFER and more stable because of it. This is the leadership Americans voted for!”

Senate Majority Leader John Thune: “President Trump should be commended for his dogged determination to bring peace to Ukraine and for his courage to engage with all parties in a way his predecessor refused to do. As peace talks continue today in Washington, the U.S. Senate stands ready to provide President Trump any economic leverage needed to keep Russia at the table to negotiate a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.”

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso: “We’re seeing America’s strength and leadership under President Trump. The killing needs to stop. A longstanding, verifiable peace between Ukraine and Russia is going to be good for Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the United States.”

Senate Republican Conference Chair Tom Cotton: “Unlike his predecessor, President Trump has demonstrated peace through strength on the world stage.”

Sen. Marsha Blackburn: “President Trump has not wavered in his pursuit of peace through strength on the world stage. He is willing to do what Joe Biden never could.”

Sen. Katie Britt: “President Trump is the President of Peace and the Dealmaker in Chief. History needs his strong leadership on the world stage in this pivotal moment.”

Sen. Ted Cruz: “We’re seeing the prospect of peace because Donald Trump is a strong commander-in-chief. Putin and our enemies are afraid of him. That’s a good thing.”

Sen. Deb Fischer: “I am encouraged that Russia remains at the negotiating table as President Trump continues peace talks to end the war in Ukraine, and I commend the president for convening European leaders in Washington to secure lasting peace in Europe. This is what’s possible when America leads with strength.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham: “Well done, Mr. President. A significant step forward today. Thank you for meeting with President Zelensky and our European allies. You’re right to want to end this bloodbath honorably and justly. It is in America’s interest to make sure this war never restarts again. There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel after all these years of fighting, brutality and heartache. President @realDonaldTrump is the right man at the right time to end this bloodbath.”

Sen. James Lankford: “President Trump has made it clear that ending this three and a half year war is a top priority. After meeting directly with Russia, he is now bringing together European leaders and Ukraine to chart the path toward a meaningful and lasting peace.”

Sen. Bernie Moreno: “President Trump delivering a master class in leadership, showcasing American strength in a way Joe Biden could never have imagined possible.”

Sen. Tommy Tuberville: “Thank goodness we got President Trump that’s speaking for us. He’s a leader… Putin respects President Trump, and that’s the key card to play in this game… This is right up his [Trump’s] alley, Larry. He loves to negotiate. He’s a peacemaker. I mean, he’s already stopped, what, five, six, seven wars that have been fighting all over the world the last 10, 15 years.”

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer: “President Trump is the president of PEACE.”

Rep. Michael Baumgartner: “Every American should appreciate President Trump’s determination to help bring an end to the fighting in Ukraine. President Trump certainly assembled an impressive group of western leaders for this meeting.”

Rep. Andy Biggs: “President Trump is the President of Peace! Nations around the world see that real leadership is back in the Oval Office.”

Rep. Tim Burchett: “Nothing President Trump does is by accident, it’s all a part of his plan. I trust @realDonaldTrump to achieve peace in Ukraine, just like he’s done all across the globe.”

Rep. Buddy Carter: “No one could’ve gotten these two men to the point that they are now than Donald J. Trump. He is the chief negotiator. He has done more to negotiate peace in the last eight months than anyone in the history of the world.”

Rep. Mike Carey: “@POTUS is committed to ending wars, and his record shows it. I was glad to see him assemble our allies in Washington to find a diplomatic plan for peace in Ukraine.”

Rep. Andrew Clyde: “President Trump is the PEACE President.”

Rep. Pat Fallon: “Peace through strength!”

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick: “I commend and thank President Trump for today’s critical meeting with President Zelenskyy and our European allies. This is peace through strength: American resolve matched with allied unity, securing a safer and freer world for generations to come. There is more work ahead, but I am confident the United States, Ukraine, and our allies will rise to this moment—and together, deliver the triumph of a just and lasting peace.”

Rep. Lance Gooden: “The mainstream media is more outraged by President Trump working to deliver peace in Ukraine than by Joe Biden allowing Russia to invade Ukraine in the first place.”

Rep. Brett Guthrie: “@POTUS has proven that strong American leadership on the world stage is essential to obtaining peace and deterring conflict. Excited by the progress made yesterday at the White House to finally bring an end to the war in Ukraine.”

Rep. Mike Haridopolos: “President Trump is the PEACE President. The Russians, Ukrainians, and Europeans came to the table on OUR terms to bring a conclusive END to this destructive war. This is what happens when countries respect American leadership.”

Rep. Mark Harris: “Obama and Biden did a terrible job handling Putin, which is why we are in the mess we are in today. We need peace – and President Trump is the man finally bringing everyone to the table!”

Rep. Kevin Hern: “Let’s be clear: there’s only one leader in the world that has any chance of bringing Ukraine and Russia together to end this war, and that’s President Trump.”

Rep. Richard Hudson: “Thank you President Trump. For the first time in four years, we are seeing real progress toward peace in Ukraine. You are demonstrating that peace through strength, coupled with the art of the deal, can halt the bloodshed and move the world closer to a lasting peace.”

Rep. Wesley Hunt: “President Trump is the peace President. He is determined to stop the killing and save lives. He is our negotiator-in-chief and will not stop until there is a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.”

Rep. Brad Knott: “President Trump has consistently pursued peace. From a position of strength, he has placed immense pressure on Russia and has positioned us well to hopefully secure durable peace in Ukraine.”

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna: “I am praying for POTUS and the other leaders to come to an agreement on Peace. That is what the world needs.”

Rep. Michael McCaul: “President Biden’s weakness on the global stage led to a world on fire, and President Trump is working tirelessly to extinguish the flames. I was proud to see him welcome so many European leaders and allies to the White House to chart a peaceful path forward that includes security guarantees for Ukraine. If anyone can secure lasting peace in Europe, it’s President Trump — as he’s already proven by brokering peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Rwanda and the DRC, and others. His strength and resolve have no doubt brought Putin to the table, and Congress stands ready to use economic tools at our disposal to continue putting leverage on Putin to negotiate in good faith. I will continue to support this administration’s historic commitment to peace through strength and look forward to seeing the progress that follows.”

Rep. Barry Moore: “President Trump is doing more for peace across the globe in his first few months than prior administrations did throughout their whole term!”

Rep. Andy Ogles: “Trump is not a warmonger—he’s a peacemaker. The world has fewer wars because of Donald Trump’s leadership.”

Rep. Keith Self: “PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH.”

Rep. Claudia Tenney: “President Trump brought Zelensky and European leaders to the table to secure Ukraine. He knows Putin cannot be trusted, and by isolating him economically and rallying world leaders, Trump is forcing him into negotiations. This is historic leadership.”

The White House

August 19, 2025

Sources: White House , Midtown Tribune USA News

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

On August 19, 2025, the President signed into law H.R. 1316, known as the “Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act.” This law amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to require the Secretary of Commerce to provide annual reports to Congress on applications for dual-use export licenses.

The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is now mandated to report annually to Congress on license applications, enforcement actions, and authorizations related to the export, reexport, release, and in-country transfer of items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These items include dual-use goods, which have both civilian and military applications.

The law specifically requires the report to cover entities operating in countries under U.S. arms embargoes (Country Group D:5) that are listed on BIS’s Entity List or Military End-User List. The reports must include details such as the name of the applying entity, export destinations, decisions on license applications, and information on related enforcement activities. Except for aggregate statistics, this information is exempt from public disclosure to protect sensitive details.

This legislation aims to increase transparency and congressional oversight regarding export controls on sensitive technologies to maintain American technological and strategic superiority.

Congressional Bill H.R. 1316 Signed into Law

On Tuesday, August 19, 2025, the President signed into law:

H.R. 1316, the “Maintaining American Superiority by Improving Export Control Transparency Act”, which amends the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 to require the Secretary of Commerce to report annually to Congress on applications for dual-use export licenses.

The White House

August 19, 2025

SOURCES: WHITE HOUSE , Midtown Tribune USA News

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

On April 23, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order to eliminate disparate-impact liability, a legal theory that presumes discrimination when outcomes differ across racial or other groups, even without discriminatory intent. Labeling it unconstitutional and a threat to meritocracy, the order revokes prior approvals of Title VI regulations supporting such liability and directs agencies to deprioritize its enforcement. Within 30 days, the Attorney General must identify all federal rules and guidance tied to disparate-impact for repeal or amendment. Agencies must also review pending investigations, lawsuits, and consent decrees relying on this theory within 45 to 90 days, while exploring federal preemption of state laws using similar standards. The order aims to ensure equal opportunity, promote merit-based hiring, and protect the American Dream by treating individuals based on skills, not immutable traits.

Presidential Actions

RESTORING EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY AND MERITOCRACY

Executive Orders

April 23, 2025

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Purpose.  A bedrock principle of the United States is that all citizens are treated equally under the law.  This principle guarantees equality of opportunity, not equal outcomes.  It promises that people are treated as individuals, not components of a particular race or group.  It encourages meritocracy and a colorblind society, not race- or sex-based favoritism.  Adherence to this principle is essential to creating opportunity, encouraging achievement, and sustaining the American Dream.
But a pernicious movement endangers this foundational principle, seeking to transform America’s promise of equal opportunity into a divisive pursuit of results preordained by irrelevant immutable characteristics, regardless of individual strengths, effort, or achievement.  A key tool of this movement is disparate-impact liability, which holds that a near insurmountable presumption of unlawful discrimination exists where there are any differences in outcomes in certain circumstances among different races, sexes, or similar groups, even if there is no facially discriminatory policy or practice or discriminatory intent involved, and even if everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.  Disparate-impact liability all but requires individuals and businesses to consider race and engage in racial balancing to avoid potentially crippling legal liability.  It not only undermines our national values, but also runs contrary to equal protection under the law and, therefore, violates our Constitution.  
On a practical level, disparate-impact liability has hindered businesses from making hiring and other employment decisions based on merit and skill, their needs, or the needs of their customers because of the specter that such a process might lead to disparate outcomes, and thus disparate-impact lawsuits.  This has made it difficult, and in some cases impossible, for employers to use bona fide job-oriented evaluations when recruiting, which prevents job seekers from being paired with jobs to which their skills are most suited — in other words, it deprives them of opportunities for success.  Because of disparate-impact liability, employers cannot act in the best interests of the job applicant, the employer, and the American public. 
Disparate-impact liability imperils the effectiveness of civil rights laws by mandating, rather than proscribing, discrimination.  As the Supreme Court put it, “[t]he way to stop discrimination on the basis of race is to stop discriminating on the basis of race.”
Disparate-impact liability is wholly inconsistent with the Constitution and threatens the commitment to merit and equality of opportunity that forms the foundation of the American Dream.  Under my Administration, citizens will be treated equally before the law and as individuals, not consigned to a certain fate based on their immutable characteristics.

Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to eliminate the use of disparate-impact liability in all contexts to the maximum degree possible to avoid violating the Constitution, Federal civil rights laws, and basic American ideals.

Sec 3.  Revoking Certain Presidential Actions.  The following Presidential approvals of the regulations promulgated under 42 U.S.C. 2000d-1 are hereby revoked:
(a)  the Presidential approval of July 25, 1966, of the Department of Justice Title VI regulations (31 Fed. Reg. 10269), as applied to 28 C.F.R. 42.104(b)(2) in full; and
(b)  the Presidential approval of July 5, 1973, of the Department of Justice Title VI regulations (38 Fed. Reg. 17955, FR Doc. 73-13407), as applied to the words “or effect” in both places they appear in 28 C.F.R. 42.104(b)(3), and as applied to 28 C.F.R. 42.104(b)(6)(ii) and 28 C.F.R. 42.104(c)(2) in full.

Sec. 4.  Enforcement Discretion to Ensure Lawful Governance.  Given the limited enforcement resources of executive departments and agencies (agencies), the unlawfulness of disparate-impact liability, and the policy of this order, all agencies shall deprioritize enforcement of all statutes and regulations to the extent they include disparate-impact liability, including but not limited to 42 U.S.C. 2000e-2, 28 C.F.R. 42.104(b)(2)–(3), 28 C.F.R. 42.104(b)(6)(ii), and 28 C.F.R. 42.104(c)(2). 

Sec. 5.  Existing Regulations.  (a)  As delegated by Executive Order 12250 of November 2, 1980 (Leadership and Coordination of Nondiscrimination Laws), the Attorney General shall initiate appropriate action to repeal or amend the implementing regulations for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for all agencies to the extent they contemplate disparate-impact liability.
(b)  Within 30 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General, in coordination with the heads of all other agencies, shall report to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy:
(i)   all existing regulations, guidance, rules, or orders that impose disparate-impact liability or similar requirements, and detail agency steps for their amendment or repeal, as appropriate under applicable law; and
(ii)  other laws or decisions, including at the State level, that impose disparate-impact liability and any appropriate measures to address any constitutional or other legal infirmities.

Sec. 6.  Review of Current Matters.  (a)  Within 45 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General and the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall assess all pending investigations, civil suits, or positions taken in ongoing matters under every Federal civil rights law within their respective jurisdictions, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, that rely on a theory of disparate-impact liability, and shall take appropriate action with respect to such matters consistent with the policy of this order.  
(b)  Within 45 days of the date of this order, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, and the heads of other agencies responsible for enforcement of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Public Law 93-495), Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (the Fair Housing Act (Public Law 90-284, as amended)), or laws prohibiting unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices shall evaluate all pending proceedings that rely on theories of disparate-impact liability and take appropriate action with respect to such matters consistent with the policy of this order.
(c)  Within 90 days of the date of this order, all agencies shall evaluate existing consent judgments and permanent injunctions that rely on theories of disparate-impact liability and take appropriate action with respect to such matters consistent with the policy of this order.  

 Sec. 7.  Future Agency Action.  (a)  In coordination with other agencies, the Attorney General shall determine whether any Federal authorities preempt State laws, regulations, policies, or practices that impose disparate-impact liability based on a federally protected characteristic such as race, sex, or age, or whether such laws, regulations, policies, or practices have constitutional infirmities that warrant Federal action, and shall take appropriate measures consistent with the policy of this order.
(b)  The Attorney General and the Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission shall jointly formulate and issue guidance or technical assistance to employers regarding appropriate methods to promote equal access to employment regardless of whether an applicant has a college education, where appropriate.

Sec. 8.  Severability.  If any provision of this order, or the application of any provision to any individual or circumstance, is held to be invalid, the remainder of this order and the application of its other provisions to any other individuals or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

Sec. 9.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect: 
(i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or 
(ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals. 
(b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations. 
(c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. 


                               DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
    April 23, 2025.

Sources: WH.gov , Midtown Tribune

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York