Trump admin updates: US military is preparing for possible activation of National Guard in DC

In an interview taped before Trump announced his Friday summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin over Russia’s war with Ukraine, Vice President JD Vance credited Trump, along with Secretary Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, for their role in pushing negotiations forward.

"I've got to give the president a huge amount of credit here, Maria, because this is a major breakthrough for American diplomacy," Vance told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo in an interview taped Friday and aired on "Sunday Morning Futures."

Asked about his hopes for the outcome of a potential summit, Vance acknowledged that the U.S. understands that both sides might be dissatisfied, but he believed it was worthwhile to pursue a summit in order to end the conflict.

"Both the Russians and Ukrainians are likely to be dissatisfied with the outcome," Vance said, emphasizing Trump's role. "I believe that meaningful negotiations cannot take place without the leadership of Donald J. Trump."

Vance also shared a private exchange he had with the president.

"The president said this to me today privately, said, 'Look, maybe this works out, maybe it doesn't, but it's worth the effort. It's worth trying, and we're going to keep on using the diplomatic influence of the president of the United States to accomplish an end to this conflict,'" he said.

-ABC News’ Kelsey Walsh

The Trump administration is once again escalating its clash with Harvard University -- this time by taking aim at the school’s lucrative patents.

Commerce Secretary Lutnick sent Harvard President Alan Garber a letter on Friday that accuses Harvard of violating its legal and contractual obligations related to federally funded research programs and patents.

Lutnick said the Commerce Department is launching an "immediate comprehensive review" of Harvard’s federally funded research programs.

"The Department places immense value on the groundbreaking scientific and technological advancements that emerge from the Government’s partnerships with institutions like Harvard," Lutnick said in the letter. "However, this privilege carries with it a critical responsibility for Harvard to ensure that intellectual property derived from federal funding aligns with the Bayh-Dole Act, its associated regulations, and our contractual agreements, thereby maximizing the benefits to the American public," he added.

The Bayh-Dole Act allows universities that receive federal funding to seek ownership of their inventions. If Harvard failed to properly disclose or patent those inventions, that means the federal government could seize ownership of the patents or grant licenses to third parties.

Harvard sharply condemned the move.

"This unprecedented action is yet another retaliatory effort targeting Harvard for defending its rights and freedom. Technologies and patents developed at Harvard are life-saving and industry-redefining," Harvard wrote in a statement to ABC News.

"We are fully committed to complying with the Bayh-Dole Act and ensuring that the public is able to access and benefit from the many innovations that arise out of federally funded research at Harvard," the university added.

-ABC News’ Selina Wang

President Donald Trump announced that he's nominating State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce to be the next deputy representative of the United States to the United Nations.

"I am pleased to announce that I am nominating Tammy Bruce, a Great Patriot, Television Personality, and Bestselling Author, as our next Deputy Representative of the United States to the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador," Trump wrote on his social media platform. "Since the beginning of my Second Term, Tammy has been serving with distinction as Spokesperson of the State Department, where she did a fantastic job. Tammy Bruce will represent our Country brilliantly at the United Nations."

-ABC News’ Hannah Demissie

President Donald Trump said he will be meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, Aug. 15 in Alaska.

"The highly anticipated meeting between myself, as President of the United States of America, and President Vladimir Putin, of Russia, will take place next Friday, August 15, 2025, in the Great State of Alaska. Further details to follow. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" he posted on his social media platform.

Earlier, he had hinted at the timing and location, saying, "I think you'll be very happy."