On 23 November 2025, representatives of the United States and Ukraine met in Geneva for discussions on the U.S. peace proposal. The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace.
Both sides agreed the consultations were highly productive. The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps. They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework.
The Ukrainian delegation reaffirmed its gratitude for the steadfast commitment of the United States and, personally, President Donald J. Trump for their tireless efforts aimed at ending the war and the loss of life.
Ukraine and the United States agreed to continue intensive work on joint proposals in the coming days. They will also remain in close contact with their European partners as the process advances.
Final decisions under this framework will be made by the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States.
Both sides reiterated their readiness to continue working together to secure a peace that ensures Ukraine’s security, stability, and reconstruction.
Full Detailed English Summary of the White House Press Briefing
November 20, 2025 Based on the official subtitles from the White House video (C-SPAN / White House YouTube)
Press Secretary: Karoline Leavitt Special Guest: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Location: James S. Brady Press Briefing Room Time: 1:00 PM EST – approx. 47 minutes long
Opening Remarks – Karoline Leavitt (0:00 – 6:30)
Welcomes everyone and introduces “a very special guest today, Secretary McMahon.”
Yesterday: First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Marine Corps Air Station New River and Camp Lejeune, NC – met students, educators, military families, and Marines. “May God bless all of them.”
September jobs report: +119,000 jobs added (more than double expectations), construction +19,000 (biggest monthly gain in a year). Almost all private-sector and went to American-born workers – “the opposite of the previous administration.”
Inflation under control, wages up 3.8 % year-over-year. Real wages on track for ~$1,200 gain for the average worker in 2025 vs. ~$3,000 loss under Biden due to 9 % inflation.
Thanksgiving affordability:
Gas prices projected to be the lowest since 2021 (thanks to “drill, baby, drill”).
American Farm Bureau: full Thanksgiving dinner down ~5 %, 16-lb turkey down >16 %.
Tax policy: no tax on tips, overtime, Social Security; Piper Sandler study says average tax refund next year up ~$1,000 – “could be a record-breaking tax refund season.”
Major announcement: Trump took “a significant step” toward closing the Department of Education. New inter-agency agreements with Labor, Interior, HHS, and State to transfer legally required programs. Goal: return education to states and localities.
43-day Democratic government shutdown (longest in history) proved the point: 90 % of Dept of Ed furloughed, schools stayed open, teachers paid, zero impact → “America does not need a federal Department of Education.”
Since 1979: >$3 trillion spent, per-pupil spending up 245 %, yet math/reading scores down. 2024 NAEP: 13-year-olds at decades-low in math, lowest reading scores ever recorded.
Introduces Linda McMahon as the “amazing leader” executing the president’s vision.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Speech (6:30 – 16:30)
Speaking directly to American families about the “hard reset” of education – Trump’s top campaign promise.
This week: six groundbreaking inter-agency agreements to delegate redundant programs → cuts bureaucratic bloat, shifts authority to states, local superintendents, school boards, and parents.
Critics claim “defunding education” or “no plan” – “could not be further from the truth.”
Americans gave Trump the popular vote because they see the broken top-down system:
Only 3 in 10 students read proficiently.
$1.7 trillion in student debt, <50 % of graduates work in their field.
Teachers leaving due to burnout and over-regulation.
Polling: when told only “shutting down Dept of Ed” → 51 % oppose; when told funding preserved and programs moved → 56 % support.
Dept of Ed is a “pass-through entity” – doesn’t teach a single child. Shutdown proved money can flow directly to states.
Her 50-state tour (14 states so far): states are already innovating – science of reading (Mississippi Miracle, Louisiana, Florida, Iowa, Tennessee), school choice, etc.
Final mission: fully empower states for an “educational renaissance.” “We are not ending federal support for education – we are ending federal micromanagement.”
Q&A Session (16:30 – end)
Elizabeth (Politico) – Will Congress codify the transfers? McMahon: Already briefed dozens of members; once transfers proven successful, will ask Congress to make permanent.
Brian – Update on Harvard negotiations? McMahon: Ongoing, “very comfortable” – close to finalizing.
Diana – Federal AI standard for schools? Does Trump personally use AI? McMahon: Saw amazing AI tutoring at Alpha School in Austin (2 hrs/day individualized, then life-skills). Needs guardrails but very promising. Leavitt: Never seen Trump use AI.
Michael – Charter-school grants / special-needs funding during transition? McMahon: Zero interruption – legally obligated. First transfers (WIOA/Perkins) already to Labor; their grant system far superior (“ours is held together with bubble gum”).
Carrie/Rick – Half of medical schools reportedly defying new DEI rules – consequences? McMahon: President has been clear – DEI offices closed, rules stripped. Measures will continue.
Rick – Only 3/10 students literate – will states fix it? McMahon: States already leading – science of reading success stories. Federal government only 8–10 % of education budget; too much spent on compliance. Will publish “best-practices toolkit” from 50-state tour.
(Leavitt takes over)
Javier (Spanish media) – Why legacy media silent on murdered journalists in Mexico? Trump plan for cartels? Leavitt: Condemns murders. Mexico (President Sheinbaum) has been “incredibly cooperative.” Trump keeping all options on the table against cartels.
Question on NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani meeting tomorrow Leavitt: “It speaks volumes that a communist is coming to the White House” because that’s who NY Democrats elected. Trump willing to work with anyone for Americans.
Nancy (CNN) – Trump said 6 Dem lawmakers committed “sedition punishable by death” – does he want them executed? Leavitt (strong pushback): They made a video urging active-duty troops to defy lawful orders – extremely dangerous, breaks chain of command. Former CIA/Navy officers knew exactly what they were doing. “If Republicans did this, this room would explode.”
10–15. Ukraine peace plan updates Leavitt: Trump frustrated with both sides. Rubio & special envoy Whitkopf have worked quietly for a month, engaging Russia and Ukraine equally. Plan exists, both sides briefed, talks ongoing. “We believe it should be acceptable to both.”
Remaining rapid-fire: G20 (US not participating in talks, only handover), “Piggy” nickname for reporter (“Trump is frank”), Coast Guard, France relations, Qatar mediation rumors (declined details), etc.
Briefing ends abruptly because President Trump is about to meet freed Israeli hostages upstairs.
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:
Section 1. Background. In Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025 (Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff To Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits), I found that conditions reflected in large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits, including the consequences of those deficits, constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States that has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States. I declared a national emergency with respect to that threat, and to deal with that threat, I imposed certain ad valorem duties that I deemed necessary and appropriate. In Annex II to Executive Order 14257, I set forth a list of certain goods that, in my judgment, should not be subject to the ad valorem rates of duty imposed pursuant to that order.
In Executive Order 14346 of September 5, 2025 (Modifying the Scope of Reciprocal Tariffs and Establishing Procedures for Implementing Trade and Security Agreements), I modified the scope of products subject to the reciprocal tariff imposed under Executive Order 14257, as amended, and I issued an updated version of Annex II to Executive Order 14257.
I have received additional information and recommendations from various officials who, pursuant to my direction, have been monitoring the circumstances involving the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257. After considering the information and recommendations these officials have provided to me, the status of negotiations with various trading partners, current domestic demand for certain products, and current domestic capacity to produce certain products, among other things, I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to further modify the scope of products subject to the reciprocal tariff imposed under Executive Order 14257, as amended. Specifically, I have determined that certain agricultural products shall not be subject to the reciprocal tariff imposed under Executive 14257, as amended. Accordingly, updated versions of Annex II to Executive Order 14257, as amended, and the Annex to Executive Order 14346 entitled, “Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners,” are attached to this order and shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on November 13, 2025. In my judgment, these modifications are necessary and appropriate to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257.
Sec. 2. Updating Scope of Duties Globally.The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States shall be modified as provided in Annex I to this order. The modifications shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern standard time on November 13, 2025. To the extent that implementation of this order requires a refund of duties collected, refunds shall be processed pursuant to applicable law and the standard procedures of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for such refunds.
Sec. 3. Implementation. (a) The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall continue to monitor the circumstances involving the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 and shall regularly consult on such circumstances with any senior official they deem appropriate. The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative shall inform me of any circumstance that, in their opinion, might indicate the need for further action by the President.
(b) Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative are directed and authorized to take such actions, including adopting rules, regulations, or guidance, and to employ all powers granted to the President, including those granted by IEEPA, as may be necessary to implement and effectuate this order. The Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the United States Trade Representative, consistent with applicable law, may redelegate any of these functions within their respective department or agency. All executive departments and agencies shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement this order.
Sec. 4. 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. 5. 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 or 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.
(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the United States Trade Representative.
In a wide-ranging “60 Minutes” interview, President Donald J. Trump cast the first nine months of his term as historically successful, citing record stock market gains, global peace efforts, and a hard line on law and order while pressing Democrats to end the government shutdown and work with him on health care. He criticized Obamacare as costly and fixable with bipartisan talks once the government reopens, backed stricter immigration enforcement with legal reentry pathways, and said tariffs helped lift markets and 401(k)s. Trump endorsed ending the Senate filibuster to pass reforms, described the Gaza cease-fire as “very solid,” warned misbehavior by Hamas would be met “immediately,” and said the U.S. must address nuclear testing and remain vigilant on China and Venezuela. He argued crime in Democrat-run cities may warrant federal intervention but said he has held back so far.
President Trump on 60 Minutes: “Greatest Nine Months in the History of the Presidency”
Marking the most accomplished nine months of any presidency in history, President Donald J. Trump used his powerhouse interview on 60 Minutes to showcase record stock market gains, global peace breakthroughs, and his unwavering commitment to law and order. Highlighting these remarkable successes, President Trump made clear to Democrats: reopen the government and work with him to keep America on the path to even greater prosperity and security.
Here the top moments you may have missed:
On ending the Democrat Shutdown: “We keep voting. I mean, the Republicans are voting almost unanimously to end it — and the Democrats keep voting against ending it… They’ve lost their way.”
On Obamacare: “Obamacare is terrible. It’s bad healthcare at far too high a price. We should fix that. We should fix it, and we can fix it with the Democrats. All they have to do is let the country open, and we’ll fix it. They have to let the country open and I’ll sit down with the Democrats and we’ll fix it.”
On healthcare: “We can make it much less expensive for people and give them much better healthcare — and I’d be willing to work with the Democrats on it, [but] the problem is they want to give money to prisoners, to drug dealers, to all these millions of people that were allowed to come in with an open border from Biden, and nobody can do that. Not one Republican would ever do that.”
On negotiating with Democrats: “We can fix [healthcare]… but I’m not going to do it by extortion. I’m not going to do it by being extorted by the Democrats who have lost their way… It’s going to get solved. Eventually, they’re going to have to vote — I think they have to. And if they don’t vote, that’s their problem. I think we should do the nuclear option… it’s called ending the filibuster.”
On illegal immigration: “The policy has to be ‘you came into the country illegally; you’re going to go out.’ However, you’ve also seen, you’re going to go out, we’re going to work with you, and you’re going to come back into our country legally.”
On the next three years: “We have been acknowledged as having the greatest nine months in the history of the presidency — so if I can keep that going, I’ll be very happy.”
On the Supreme Court’s tariffs case: “Because of tariffs, we have the highest stock market we’ve ever had. Because of tariffs, 401(k)s are at the highest level — and this is millions of people — than we’ve ever had… I think it’s the most important subject discussed by the Supreme Court in 100 years.”
On “retribution”: “It’s the opposite. I think I’ve been very mild mannered. You’re looking at a man who was indicted many times and I had to beat the rap otherwise I couldn’t have run for President. They tried to get me not to run for President by going after me and by indicting me!”
On nuclear weapons testing: “We have more nuclear weapons than any other country. I think we should do something about denuclearization… we’re the only country that doesn’t test — and I don’t want to be the only country that doesn’t test.”
On the ceasefire in Gaza: “It’s very solid. You hear about Hamas, but Hamas could be taken out immediately if they don’t behave. They know that. If they don’t behave, they’re going to be taken out immediately.”
On crime in Democrat-run cities: “If you had to send in the Army or send in the Marines, I’d do that in a heartbeat… but I haven’t chosen to do it because I haven’t felt we need it.”
On China: “It’s like everybody else. We’re a threat to them, too… This is a very competitive world, especially when it comes to the China and the U.S. We’re always watching them and they’re always watching us. In the meantime, I think we get along very well, and I think we can be bigger, better, and stronger by working with them as opposed to just knocking them out.”
On Venezuela: “They’ve been treating us very badly — not only on drugs, they’ve dumped hundreds of thousands of people into our country that we didn’t want. People from prisons; they emptied their prisons into our country. They emptied their mental institutions and their insane asylums into the United States of America.”
White House. In this message, President Trump condemns domestic violence as an attack on families and pledges strong action to protect survivors. He highlights support for victims, urging anyone in danger to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The statement outlines efforts to enforce the law, including arrests and prosecutions, strengthening border security, dismantling trafficking networks, and conducting large-scale deportations of violent offenders. It also notes the TAKE IT DOWN Act to protect children and families from online exploitation and deepfakes. The message closes with a promise to build safer homes and communities by holding abusers accountable and standing with survivors.
Presidential Message on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The shameful scourge of domestic violence is a direct assault on our Nation’s most sacred and fundamental institution: the family. For a family to be strong, all its members must feel safe. Domestic violence, which particularly affects women, who so often are the backbone of our families, and their vulnerable children, is particularly corrosive This National Domestic Violence Awareness month, my Administration renews its commitment to ending domestic violence by restoring the rule of law, cleaning up our Nation’s streets, and aggressively arresting and prosecuting every criminal who terrorizes our fellow citizens and their families.
From the quiet seclusion of our homes and workplaces to the bustling centers of our cities and towns, every year, the violent plague of domestic violence inflicts searing pain, trauma, and heartbreak upon as many as 10 million precious American lives. As President, I am steadfastly devoted to uplifting survivors of domestic violence and ensuring they know they are never alone, and that help and support are always within reach. For immediate and confidential support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
To further safeguard American communities and protect families from domestic violence, I am securing our southern border, dismantling human trafficking networks, and conducting the largest mass deportation operation in American history. We are removing dangerous illegal immigrants who have brought bloodshed and mayhem onto our streets—many of whom have been charged heinous crimes, including domestic abuse, against citizens of our Nation. I have also supported our law enforcement officers who so often must respond to and work to prevent domestic violence. And I signed into law the TAKE IT DOWN Act—a landmark step that strengthens protections for children and families against digital exploitation and deepfakes, which are far too often used by abusers to target their victims online.
This month, we affirm that the American Dream should be within reach for our fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons. Under my leadership, violent criminals are once again being deported and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law—and we are once again a Nation committed to the sacred principles of law, order, and justice. Together, we will foster safer homes and stronger communities by striving to eliminate domestic violence in all its horrific forms, holding perpetrators accountable, and empowering survivors with unwavering support.
Donald Trump began by celebrating the Navy and the military, asserting that the United States possesses the greatest military in the world, which was largely rebuilt during his first term
Trump Touts Military, Claims Middle East Breakthrough, Blames Democrats for Crime and Layoffs
Trump Touts Military, Claims Middle East Breakthrough, Blames Democrats for Crime and Layoffs
In prepared remarks, Donald Trump praised the U.S. Navy and military as “the greatest,” saying he rebuilt them and that current operations have curbed Caribbean cartel drug routes by sea. He claimed to be advancing a swift hostage-and-cease-fire deal involving Hamas that he called a “great deal for Israel” and the Arab and Muslim world—framing it as a potential first in “3,000 years.” Domestically, he painted cities as gripped by unrest, saying Portland is “burning,” citing high violence in Chicago, and asserting Washington, D.C., went from “a hell hole to a safe place” in 12 days. He described the economy as “record setting,” labeled recent job cuts “Democrat layoffs,” called Obamacare a “disaster” needing fixes, and criticized a judge he said he appointed.
Donald Trump briefly answered reporters’ questions today about the investigation into alleged crimes by former FBI Director James Comey, who was appointed by President Barack Obama.Trump called Comey “corrupt,” saying he lied about Trump’s alleged ties to Russia. “The only thing Comey didn’t anticipate was that he’d get caught,” Trump said, stressing this is about justice, not “revenge.” He claimed Comey lied to Congress. Media reports, Trump added, noted that Comey once posted a photo of arranged seashells that supposedly formed a number associated in slang with “murder” and with Trump’s presidency.
Before departing the White House to represent the United States at the RYDER Cup, Trump opened his remarks by focusing on the recent charges against Comey. He repeatedly described Comey as a “dirty cop” and a “corrupt, radical left Democrat,” saying even Democrats are better than Comey.
Trump insisted the case is about justice, not payback, arguing Comey was “caught” lying to Congress. He said Comey gave a very specific, emphatic answer to an important question, checked it several times, but “the only problem” was that the answer “was a lie.”
Denying the existence of any “enemies list,” Trump said he hopes “others” will also face charges. He argued the Justice Department had been “weaponized like no one in history” and said such things must not be allowed to happen to the country. He claimed “sick, radical left people” had pursued legal cases against him for four years, starting when he took office in 2016, and “found nothing.”
Beyond the political accusations, Trump offered a foreign-policy update, saying the U.S. is “very close to a deal on Gaza.” He expects it would be the eighth such agreement, returning hostages, ending the war, and bringing peace.
Turning to domestic issues, Trump praised the U.S. economy, citing “fantastic” numbers, low prices, and “virtually no inflation,” and said the country is respected worldwide. He blamed any potential government shutdown entirely on “radical left Democrats,” alleging that Democratic leaders such as Chuck Schumer are trying to block government funding while demanding money for undocumented immigrants.
Trump said Democrats want a shutdown because they aim to provide billions—“and ultimately trillions of dollars”—to illegal migrants, some of whom he claimed are criminals; he accused them of supporting open borders and allowing men to compete in women’s sports.
“I’m sending a copy of this letter to the Secretary General, and I demand an immediate investigation. No wonder the United Nations hasn’t been able to do the job that they were put in existence to do…” – President Donald J. Trump
Donald J. Trump @realDonaldTrump
A REAL DISGRACE took place at the United Nations yesterday — Not one, not two, but three very sinister events! First, the escalator going up to the Main Speaking Floor came to a screeching halt. It stopped on a dime. It’s amazing that Melania and I didn’t fall forward onto the sharp edges of these steel steps, face first. It was only that we were each holding the handrail tightly or, it would have been a disaster. This was absolutely sabotage, as noted by a day’s earlier “post” in The London Times that said UN workers “joked about turning off an escalator.” The people that did it should be arrested! Then, as I stood before a Television crowd of millions of people all over the World, and important Leaders in the Hall, my teleprompter didn’t work. It was stone cold dark. I immediately thought to myself, “Wow, first the escalator event, and now a bad teleprompter. What kind of a place is this?” I then proceeded to make a Speech without a teleprompter, which kicked in about 15 minutes later. The good news is the Speech has gotten fantastic reviews. Maybe they appreciated the fact that very few people could have done what I did. And third, after making the Speech, I was told that the sound was completely off in the Auditorium where the Speech was made, that World Leaders, unless they used the interpreters’ earpieces, couldn’t hear a thing. The first person I saw at the conclusion of the Speech was Melania, who was sitting right up front. I said, “How did I do?” And she said, “I couldn’t hear a word you said.” This wasn’t a coincidence, this was triple sabotage at the UN. They ought to be ashamed of themselves. I’m sending a copy of this letter to the Secretary General, and I demand an immediate investigation. No wonder the United Nations hasn’t been able to do the job that they were put in existence to do. All security tapes at the escalator should be saved, especially the emergency stop button. The Secret Service is involved. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
On September 22, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order officially designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization. The order highlights Antifa’s involvement in violent, anarchist activities aimed at overthrowing the U.S. government and law enforcement through intimidation, coercion, and illegal tactics. The directive mandates federal agencies to investigate and dismantle Antifa-affiliated operations and funding networks. Citing a surge in violence—including assaults on ICE officers, attacks on journalists, and organized riots—Trump emphasized the urgent need to restore law and order across the country. This move underscores his administration’s broader campaign to combat domestic terrorism and protect American communities from politically motivated violence.
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Designates Antifa as a Domestic Terrorist Organization
DESIGNATING ANTIFA AS A DOMESTIC TERRORIST ORGANIZATION: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Order to designate Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.
The Order notes that Antifa is a militarist, anarchist enterprise that calls for the overthrow of the U.S. government, law enforcement authorities, and our system of law—using illegal means, including violence and terrorism, to accomplish these goals.
The Order directs the Federal government to investigate, disrupt, and dismantle all illegal operations conducted by Antifa or any person claiming to act on behalf of Antifa. It also calls for investigating, disrupting, and dismantling the funding sources behind such operations.
DISMANTLING ANTIFA’S USE OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE: Antifa engages in coordinated efforts to obstruct enforcement of Federal laws, with the goal of achieving policy objectives by coercion and intimidation – this is domestic terrorism.
Antifa has engaged in armed standoffs with law enforcement, organized riots, violently assaulted ICE and other law enforcement officers, and engages in routine doxing of political figures and activists, threatening public safety.
ICE officers are now facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them.
An Antifa-affiliated group in Portland, Oregon, doxed ICE officers, publishing their names, pictures, and personal addresses online.
A journalist was violently assaulted by Antifa protestors while reporting on a protest in Portland.
Using pepper spray, baseball bats, and tasers, Antifa members violently attacked Trump supporters during a Patriot March in Pacific Beach, California.
The group recruits and radicalizes young Americans to engage in this violence and works to conceal identities of members and funding sources, frustrating law enforcement efforts.
Antifa’s efforts to advance political violence and suppress lawful political speech must be stopped.
RESTORING LAW AND ORDER: Every American deserves to be safe, and President Trump is dedicated to restoring law and order in communities across the United States.
President Trump: “I am pleased to inform our many U.S.A. Patriots that I am designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. I will also be strongly recommending that those funding ANTIFA be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.”
President Trump has been relentless in his efforts to combat terrorism, from designating cartels as foreign terrorist organizations to ordering military strikes on narcoterrorists.
President Trump has deployed Federal resources to stop the violence in our cities, including sending the National Guard to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Memphis.
It’s the White House live stream of President Trump signing a presidential memorandum on Sept. 15, 2025—an order launching the “Memphis Safe Task Force,” part of a federal anti-crime push focused on Memphis (with Trump also hinting Chicago could be next).
Restoring Law and Order in Memphis
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY THE SECRETARY OF WAR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY THE DIRECTOR OF THE UNITED STATES MARSHALS SERVICE THE DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, FIREARMS, AND EXPLOSIVES THE ADMINISTRATOR OF DRUG ENFORCEMENT THE DIRECTOR OF HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATIONS THE UNITED STATES ATTORNEY FOR THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF TENNESSEE
SUBJECT: Restoring Law and Order in Memphis
Section 1. Background. The city of Memphis, Tennessee, is suffering from tremendous levels of violent crime that have overwhelmed its local government’s ability to respond effectively. This situation has become dire in one of our Nation’s most historic cities. According to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Memphis in 2024 had the highest rate of violent crime per capita, including some of the highest per capita rates of murder, robbery, and aggravated assault, and property crimes such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft, in the country. The city, a beacon of American culture that was Elvis’s home and is often called the birthplace of rock and roll and the blues, should be safe and secure for all of its citizens and Americans who visit its historic landmarks such as Graceland, Beale Street, and the Memphis Pyramid. To restore public safety and order, State and local leaders have requested Federal assistance, and I will act quickly to ensure that Federal authorities assist Memphis law enforcement to the fullest possible extent.
Sec. 2. Memphis Safe Task Force. (a) There is hereby established a Memphis Safe Task Force (Task Force), whose objective shall be to end street and violent crime in Memphis to the greatest possible extent through the promotion and facilitation of hypervigilant policing, aggressive prosecution, complex investigations, financial enforcement, and large-scale saturation of besieged neighborhoods with law enforcement personnel, and which shall coordinate closely with State officials in Tennessee and local officials in Memphis to share information, develop joint priorities, and maximize resources to make Memphis safe and restore public order. The Task Force shall be chaired by an individual selected and appointed by the Attorney General, who shall direct all Task Force functions and who shall coordinate with the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor. The Task Force shall also include representatives from the following executive departments and agencies (agencies), as designated by the head of the relevant agency:
(i) the Department of the Treasury;
(ii) the Department of War;
(iii) the Department of Justice;
(iv) the Department of Health and Human Services;
(v) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
(vi) the Department of Transportation;
(vii) the Department of Homeland Security;
(viii) the United States Marshals Service;
(ix) the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
(x) the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives;
(xi) the Drug Enforcement Administration;
(xii) Homeland Security Investigations; and
(xiii) the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee.
(b) The Chairman of the Task Force may also designate other agencies to participate in the Task Force as the Chairman deems necessary, as well as Inspectors General from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Treasury, the Department of Labor, the Department of Education, the Department of Energy, the United States Postal Service, the Small Business Administration, and such other agencies as the Chairman of the Task Force determines. The head of an agency designated by the Chairman shall select a representative of the agency to serve on the Task Force.
(c) The Task Force may, to the extent permitted by law, request operational assistance from and coordinate with the Memphis Police Department, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the Memphis Area Transit Authority, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the Tennessee Alcohol Beverage Commission, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the Tennessee State Probation and Parole Office, the Tennessee Department of Corrections, the Arkansas State Police, the Mississippi State Police, the Shelby County Attorney’s Office, the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office, the Memphis City Prosecutor’s Office, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Shelby County Pretrial Services, the Shelby County Probation Section, and other Federal, State, and local officials as appropriate.
(d) The Task Force shall utilize the strategies and principles of Federal, State, and local law enforcement coordination developed and deployed pursuant to Executive Order 14252 of March 27, 2025 (Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful), and Executive Order 14333 of August 11, 2025 (Declaring a Crime Emergency in the District of Columbia), as appropriate and consistent with applicable law, to coordinate and ensure effective integrated action by Federal, State, and local law enforcement authorities to address extensive and pervasive criminal activity and reduce crime in Memphis; enforce Federal immigration law; provide the Memphis Police Department with assistance to facilitate the recruitment, retention, and enhancement of capabilities of its police officers; dramatically increase the Federal, State, and local law enforcement presence and Federal coordination with State and local law enforcement, as appropriate; and coordinate strict enforcement of applicable quality-of-life, nuisance, and public-safety laws, including those laws prohibiting assault, battery, larceny, graffiti and other vandalism, unpermitted disturbances and demonstrations, noise, trespassing, public intoxication, drug possession, sale, vagrancy and use, and traffic violations, to make Memphis safe and secure again.
(e) The Task Force shall report to me as necessary through the Assistant to the President and Homeland Security Advisor regarding safety in Memphis and the tasks set forth in subsection (d) of this section. As part of this reporting, the Attorney General, in consultation with the Task Force, shall assess whether public-safety circumstances in Memphis require additional executive action.
Sec. 3. Mobilizing the National Guard to Protect Memphis. (a) The Secretary of War shall request that the Governor of Tennessee, under section 502 of title 32, United States Code, make available National Guard units of Tennessee to support public safety and law enforcement operations in Memphis, in such numbers and for such duration as the Governor may deem necessary and appropriate to assist with the activities of the Task Force. The Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall request such National Guard support as necessary and appropriate to accomplish this mission.
(b) The Secretary of War is further authorized to coordinate with State Governors and authorize the mobilization and training of further National Guard personnel, under section 502 of title 32, United States Code, to support the activities of the Task Force as he may deem necessary and appropriate to augment this mission.
Sec. 4. General Provisions. This memorandum 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.
