Category: USA

Source: United States White House

President Donald J. Trump is delivering real progress in making homeownership and housing more affordable for American families. Now, fresh data from Freddie Mac shows that mortgage rates have fallen to their lowest level since September 2022 — underscoring the Trump Administration’s ongoing commitment to lowering costs for hardworking Americans.

“This lower rate environment is not only improving affordability for prospective homebuyers, it’s also strengthening the financial position of homeowners,” Freddie Mac stated in its latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

These encouraging developments are part of a broader wave of positive momentum in the housing market under President Trump’s leadership:

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dipped to a new multi-year low, driving monthly housing payments to their most affordable levels in over two years and mortgage affordability to a four-year high.
• The National Association of Realtors’ Housing Affordability Index has climbed to its highest level since March 2022 as family incomes rise and rates moderate, marking seven straight months of improvement.
• Apartment rents have declined for six straight months, dipping to their lowest level in four years.
• In 2025, 62% of homebuyers purchased properties at a discount to the original listing price — the highest share since President Trump’s first term.
• Mortgage refinance applications have surged 132%, allowing homeowners to lock in lower rates and save thousands annually.
• Home purchase applications are up nearly 10% over last year, signaling growing confidence among buyers.
• Builders are accelerating construction, with housing starts at a five-month high.

President Trump is also taking decisive action to further drive down costs and expand access to homeownership:

• President Trump directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to purchase $200 billion in mortgage-backed securities to further drive down borrowing costs.
• President Trump took executive action to prohibit large institutional investors from buying single-family homes that should be available for everyday American families.
• The Trump Administration barred illegal aliens from accessing taxpayer-backed mortgages, ensuring resources are directed to U.S. citizens.
• The Trump Administration eliminated the burdensome Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule, saving Americans tens of millions of dollars annually and streamlining local housing decisions.

The Trump Administration remains fully committed to building a strong, accessible housing market that works for every American family. This includes continued efforts to combat inflation, support job creation, increase housing supply, and promote long-term prosperity — so that all Americans can thrive and own their piece of the American Dream.

Source: United States White House

Today, our Nation commemorates the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima—a monumental struggle that advanced the cause of victory in the Pacific Theater during the Second World War.

Under a clear morning sky on February 19, 1945, the United States Marines prepared to storm the beaches of Iwo Jima, a remote but heavily fortified island 750 miles from Tokyo.  For years, American forces had been locked in a great island-by-island campaign across the Pacific against imperial Japan.  Iwo Jima’s capture promised a vital foothold for Allied operations and a critical step toward the enemy’s homeland.

When the first Marines charged ashore, they came under fire from Japanese defenders hidden in bunkers and tunnels carved into the island’s rocky terrain.  Determined to take the island, Marines pressed deeper inland over 5 punishing weeks, backed by the thunder of American Naval firepower and fighting yard by yard through smoke, ash, and the fire of guns amid constant shelling and ferocious infantry charges.

As the brutal fight raged on, individual acts of unmatched courage began to define the battle.  Among the countless heroes was the legendary Corporal Hershel “Woody” Williams.  Tasked with destroying deeply entrenched enemy positions, Woody advanced time and again under intense gunfire, armed with nothing but a flamethrower.  For more than 4 hours, he singlehandedly cleared a path for American tanks after the rest of his comrades fell—retreating from the front line five times to resupply before returning and successfully completing his mission.  Woody’s extraordinary valor earned him the Medal of Honor.  In total, 27 Medals of Honor were awarded for actions at Iwo Jima, the most of any single battle in World War II.

After 36 days of brutal combat, Japanese resistance ended, securing Iwo Jima’s place among the most consequential and hard-fought battles in American history.  Early in the campaign, the raising of the Stars and Stripes atop Iwo Jima’s highest peak, Mount Suribachi, became an enduring image—an unmistakable symbol of American resolve, sacrifice, and victory in the Pacific.

Of the 70,000 servicemen who fought at Iwo Jima, nearly 7,000 of America’s finest Marines gave their lives on the island in defense of our freedom—offering the full measure of their devotion to the Republic they served until their very last breath.  As we commemorate the Battle of Iwo Jima and as we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we remember the enormous sacrifices of the Greatest Generation, and we renew our solemn promise to honor their legacy by defending the liberties they secured.

Source: United States White House

As President Donald J. Trump visits Georgia today, he returns to a state that is seeing real recovery, safer communities, and renewed strength under his leadership — as more work remains to fully reverse the economic damage of the Biden era. These are meaningful victories for Georgia families and workers, yet President Trump is resolute: He will not rest until every Georgian enjoys lower prices, higher wages, secure communities, and prosperity that reaches every corner of the state.

Lower energy costs are putting money back in Georgians’ pockets.

Tax relief is boosting take-home pay for working families.

• Thanks to President Trump’s and Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts Act, the average Georgia family is saving $3,086 on their taxes this year.
• Georgians stand to see wages rise by up to $6,700 per person over the next several years.
• Tax reforms will protect 204,000 Georgia jobs in the coming years.
• Georgia is receiving an investment of more than $218 million in rural health care thanks to Republicans — strengthening communities across the state.

The Trump Administration’s ICE has taken scores of criminal illegal aliens — including killers, rapists, and drug dealers — off Georgia’s streets.

• A criminal illegal alien from Mexico — who was already deported once before — was arrested and charged with raping an 11-year-old girl while her 10-year-old sister was in the room.
• A criminal illegal alien from Mexico — who already had an active warrant for murder — was arrested.
• A criminal illegal alien from El Salvador with convictions for seven counts of felony burglary was arrested.
• A criminal illegal alien from Honduras with pending charges for battery of an unborn child, assault on a female, and domestic violence was arrested.
• A criminal illegal alien from Canada and convicted firearms trafficker, alleged gang member, and former member of Canada’s Top 25 Most Wanted List, was arrested.

Home affordability is showing positive movement — with much more relief on the way as President Trump implements his home affordability agenda.

• The average price of a Georgia home is down nearly 2% over last year.
• In the Atlanta metro area — one of the top 20 metro areas with the largest illegal alien population — the median home listing price is down 4.1% over the past year, ranking near the top in falling home prices.

Critical infrastructure and disaster recovery support continues to flow.

• The Trump Administration recently announced more than $1 billion in funding now available to Georgia communities and healthcare facilities.

Major investments are creating jobs and economic opportunity across the state, with companies committing billions to Georgia projects.

• As part of Japan’s $550 billion investment pledge to the United States, a $600 million synthetic diamond grit facility is advancing in Georgia to meet critical manufacturing and semiconductor needs while reducing reliance on foreign supplies.
• Amazon Web Services plans to invest an estimated $11 billion to expand infrastructure in Georgia, projected to create at least 550 high-skilled jobs.
• Salesforce is investing $15 million to grow its Georgia presence, adding over 250 new jobs.
• JS Link announced a $223 million investment for a rare earth magnet plant, expected to create 520 new jobs.

The proof is in the progress: Lower costs, more opportunities, safer communities, and renewed economic energy mean Georgia families are winning again under President Trump — and the best is yet to come. Republican leadership is building a brighter, more prosperous future for all Georgians — and today’s visit underscores President Trump’s unrelenting commitment to finishing the job.

Source: United States White House

President of the United States of America, Donald J. Trump, and President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, met in Washington, D.C., on February 19, 2026.

Recalling the historic Agreement Between the United States of America and the Republic of Indonesia on Reciprocal Trade, the two leaders noted with satisfaction swift and continued efforts by both countries, and confirmed their strong commitment to implementing this GREAT DEAL.  The Agreement will help both countries to strengthen economic security, promote economic growth, and thereby continuously lead to global prosperity.

The two leaders instructed relevant ministers and secretaries to take further steps for a NEW GOLDEN AGE of the ever-growing U.S.-Indonesian Alliance.

Signed in Washington, D.C., this 19th day of February, two thousand and twenty-six.

For the Government of the                          For the Government of the

United States of America:                           Republic of Indonesia:

Donald J. Trump                                           Prabowo Subianto

President                                                        President

Source: United States White House

BOLSTERING NATIONAL SECURITY BY PRESERVING CRITICAL SUPPLY CHAINS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order mobilizing the Defense Production Act to protect domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides — two critical inputs essential to military readiness and America’s agricultural strength, respectively.

• The Order finds that any interruption of supply of either of these critical materials could leave our defense industrial base and food supply vulnerable to hostile foreign actors.
• The Order delegates the President’s authority under the Defense Production Act to the Secretary of Agriculture to require the performance of contracts or orders related to these materials to promote the national defense, and to determine the proper allocation of materials, services, and facilities necessary to ensure a continued and adequate supply of these products. It directs the Secretary of Agriculture to exercise that authority in consultation with the Secretary of War.
• The Order directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue orders and regulations as needed for implementation.

COUNTERING THREATS TO AMERICA’S DEFENSE AND FOOD SECURITY: President Trump is acting to ensure domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, the loss of which would cripple critical supply chains.

• Elemental phosphorus is a key input in defense supply chains — crucial for smoke, illumination, and incendiary devices, semiconductors in radar, solar cells, sensors, and optoelectronics, and modern lithium-ion battery chemistries used in weapon system supply chains.
• Elemental phosphorus is also a critical precursor element for the production of glyphosate-based herbicides, which are the most widely used crop-protection tools in U.S. agriculture — enabling efficient food and livestock feed production that protects food supply chains and ensures the availability of healthy, affordable food options within reach for American families.
• With only one domestic producer of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, and U.S. needs far exceeding current output, the threat of reduced or ceased production gravely endangers national security and defense, which includes food-supply security.
• The Administration continues to support research and investment into next-generation crop protection technologies, but ensuring a stable supply of existing critical inputs remains essential to safeguarding food security and national defense.

ADVANCING AMERICA FIRST INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH: President Trump has consistently prioritized policies that secure domestic supply chains, protect national defense, and support American agriculture and families.

• In March 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order allowing the Defense Production Act to be used to expand domestic mineral production capacity.
• In April 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order to revitalize America’s maritime industry to strengthen the nation’s economic and national security.
• In May 2025, President Trump leveraged the Defense Production Act to enhance domestic capability to manage spent nuclear fuel, as part of the Administration’s push to expedite and promote the production and operation of nuclear energy.
• President Trump has repeatedly used Section 232 tariffs to protect against threats to our national security and to strengthen manufacturing sectors critical for our national and economic security.
• President Trump has also secured billions of dollars in private-sector and foreign investments to expand domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthen America’s industrial base.

Source: United States White House

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By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.) (the “Act”), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered:

Section 1.  Policy and Findings.  Elemental phosphorus is pervasive in defense supply chains and is therefore crucial to military readiness and national defense.  It is a key input in smoke, illumination, and incendiary devices and is a critical component for manufacturing the semiconductors that are central to numerous defense technologies, such as radar, solar cells, sensors, and optoelectronics.  It is also increasingly important in modern lithium-ion battery chemistries used in a multitude of weapon-system supply chains.  For these and other reasons, on November 7, 2025, the Department of the Interior, acting pursuant to the Energy Act of 2020, designated phosphate as a critical mineral.

Elemental phosphorus is also a critical precursor element for the production of glyphosate-based herbicides, which play a critical role in maintaining America’s agricultural advantage by enabling farmers to efficiently and cost-effectively produce food and livestock feed.  As the most widely used crop protection tools in United States agriculture, glyphosate-based herbicides are a cornerstone of this Nation’s agricultural productivity and rural economy, allowing United States farmers and ranchers to maintain high yields and low production costs while ensuring that healthy, affordable food options remain within reach for all American families.   

There is no direct one-for-one chemical alternative to glyphosate-based herbicides.  Lack of access to glyphosate-based herbicides would critically jeopardize agricultural productivity, adding pressure to the domestic food system, and may result in a transition of cropland to other uses due to low productivity.  Given the profit margins growers currently face, any major restrictions in access to glyphosate-based herbicides would result in economic losses for growers and make it untenable for them to meet growing food and feed demands.

Ensuring an adequate supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides is thus crucial to the national security and defense, including food-supply security, which is essential to protecting the health and safety of Americans.  Nonetheless, the United States’ ability to domestically produce those critical inputs is extremely limited.  Indeed, there is only a single domestic producer of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, and this producer does not meet our annual needs for those inputs.  For that reason, more than 6,000,000 kilograms of elemental phosphorus are imported from other countries annually.  Future reduction or the cessation of domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides would gravely threaten American national security by disrupting, and requiring the further offshoring of, this Nation’s defense supply chain including by having a debilitating impact on domestic agricultural capabilities.

I accordingly find that, consistent with the Department of the Interior’s designation, elemental phosphorus is a scarce material that is critical to national defense and security.  Our Nation’s inadequate elemental phosphorus production, which must sustain both defense manufacturing and our significant agricultural needs, and the threat of increased domestic scarcity leave us vulnerable to hostile foreign actors and pose an imminent threat to military readiness. 

Consistent with these findings, I find that ensuring robust domestic elemental phosphorus mining and United States-based production of glyphosate-based herbicides is central to American economic and national security.  Without immediate Federal action, the United States remains inadequately equipped and vulnerable.  Accordingly, I hereby find, pursuant to section 101 of the Act, that domestic elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides meet the criteria specified in section 101(b) of the Act (50 U.S.C. 4511(b)).

Sec. 2.  Ensuring an Adequate Supply of Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate-Based Herbicides.  (a)  Notwithstanding Executive Order 13603 of March 16, 2012 (National Defense Resources Preparedness), the authority of the President conferred by section 101 of the Act to require performance of contracts or orders (other than contracts of employment) to promote the national defense over performance of any other contracts or orders, to allocate materials, services, and facilities as deemed necessary or appropriate to promote the national defense, and to implement the Act in subchapter III of chapter 55 of title 50, United States Code (50 U.S.C. 4554, 4555, 4556, 4559, 4560), is delegated to the Secretary of Agriculture (Secretary) with respect to ensuring a continued and adequate supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides.

(b)  The Secretary shall use the authority under section 101 of the Act (50 U.S.C. 4511), in consultation with the Secretary of War, to determine the proper nationwide priorities and allocation of all the materials, services, and facilities necessary to ensure a continued and adequate supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. 

(c)  The Secretary shall issue such orders and adopt and revise appropriate rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement this order.

(d)  In exercising the authority delegated in this section, the Secretary shall take into account the President’s judgment that domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides is critical to the national defense.  Accordingly, the Secretary shall ensure that any order, rule, or regulation issued under this section does not place the corporate viability of any domestic producer of elemental phosphorus or glyphosate-based herbicides at risk. 

Sec. 3.  Immunity.  This order confers all immunity provided for in section 707 of the Act (50 U.S.C. 4557).  Additionally, domestic producers of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides are required to comply with this order, in accordance with the provisions of 7 C.F.R. part 789.  

Sec. 4.  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 Department of Agriculture.

                             DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,

    February 18, 2026.

Source: United States White House

Today, President Donald J. Trump hosts leaders from the black community at the White House to mark Black History Month and reflect on the Administration’s ongoing efforts to expand economic opportunity, strengthen education, and promote justice for every American. Through targeted policies and broad reforms, President Trump has prioritized initiatives that deliver tangible benefits to black families while ensuring prosperity is accessible to every American citizen — fostering a stronger nation united by shared success for all.

Here’s what you need to know about President Trump’s second term:

• President Trump awarded hundreds of millions of dollars in additional funding to strengthen educational outcomes at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), building on longstanding commitments to enhance access to quality higher education for students nationwide.
• President Trump’s historic push to pass the SAVE America Act will safeguard the voices of black Americans — and all Americans — by preventing illegal votes from disenfranchising any citizen.
• Trump Accounts — a new, historic savings tool made possible by President Trump’s Working Families Tax Cuts Act — provides newborn black Americans and all children with early exposure to the stock market, helping to bridge generational wealth gaps through compounded growth.
• President Trump’s landmark Working Families Tax Cut Act secured No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security, and a long list of other major tax benefits, delivering relief to millions of eligible black workers and families across the workforce.
• President Trump secured a tax-free $1,776 Warrior Dividend bonus for U.S. service members — including the 350,000 black service members proudly serving our country.
• President Trump is protecting the hard-earned benefits of the 2.4 million black veterans in the U.S. by reducing the backlog of veterans waiting for VA benefits, reforming the VA loan home program to help veterans keep their homes, and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in the system.

In his first term, President Trump’s policies were equally transformative:

• President Trump relocated the Federal HBCU Initiative back to the White House — ensuring it remained a key priority of his Administration and elevating support for these vital institutions.
• President Trump signed the FUTURE Act into law, securing a historic $255 million in annual funding for HBCUs and increasing funding for Pell Grants to make college more affordable for low-income students from all backgrounds.
• President Trump authorized more than $100 million for scholarships, research, and centers of excellence at HBCU land-grant institutions, fostering innovation and academic excellence.
• President Trump granted full forgiveness of $322 million in hurricane-related disaster relief loans to four HBCUs, allowing them to focus fully on educating their students without the burden of debt.
• President Trump lifted restrictions that barred HBCUs with religious affiliations from accessing federal funding for capital projects, expanding opportunities for faith-based education.
• President Trump’s America First agenda drove record-low unemployment for Black Americans, with over 350,000 lifting themselves out of poverty through booming manufacturing and smarter trade policies that benefited workers nationwide.
• President Trump created Opportunity Zones, a game-changing initiative that attracted $75 billion in new private investment into economically distressed communities — creating $11 billion in new wealth for minority neighborhoods and revitalizing areas long overlooked.
• President Trump signed the First Step Act into law, enacting historic criminal justice reforms to make the system fairer, reduce recidivism, and provide second chances for individuals reentering society — impacting families and communities across the country.

As we celebrate Black History Month amid America’s 250th anniversary, President Trump remains committed to policies that lift up all Americans and secure the American Dream for generations to come.

Source: United States White House

Today, the First Lady and I join the millions of Christians in the United States and around the world in observing Ash Wednesday—a solemn day of prayer and repentance and the beginning of the Lenten season.

Every Ash Wednesday, Christians receive ashes in the shape of a cross on their foreheads as a visible reminder of our belonging to Jesus Christ and our enduring need for penance.  For the next 40 days, in remembrance of Jesus’ 40 days of temptation in the desert, followers of Christ will pray, fast, and give alms to deepen their faith, reflect on His redeeming Passion and death, and prepare their hearts for the coming Easter miracle.

As the holy season of Lent begins, we are reminded that the practices of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving have been foundational to our strength from the earliest days of our national story.  From the Colonists who turned to prayer and fasting in the heart of the Revolutionary War to the unmatched compassion and generosity of America’s churches, hospitals, and charitable institutions, these righteous acts of faith over the centuries have always stood at the center of our identity, our heritage, and our way of life.

This Ash Wednesday, as we remember the Passion and ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we send our best wishes for a meaningful Lenten season.  Above all, as we prepare for the triumphant resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday—the greatest miracle in the history of mankind—we pause to remember those sacred words:  “This is the time of fulfillment.  The Kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe in the Gospel.”

Source: United States White House

class=”has-heading-3-font-size”>Key Takeaways

• The regulatory burden imposed by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has increased the compliance and liability costs associated with consumer financial products, which financial institutions pass on to consumers in the form of higher prices and reduced product offerings. The Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) estimates that since 2011, the CFPB has cost consumers between $237-$369 billion, including fiscal costs, increased borrowing expenses, and reduced originations.
• Of the total above, CEA finds that increased borrowing costs amount to at least $222-$350 billion^[1] ($160-253 per borrower) from the CFPB’s inception in 2011 through 2024.
  • Broken down by loan type, the CFPB’s rulemaking has cost consumers $116-$183 billion in higher mortgage costs ($1,100-$1,700 per originated loan), $32-$51 billion for auto loans ($91-$143 per loan), and $74-$116 billion for credit cards ($80-$126 per loan). These costs significantly surpass the CFPB’s reported $21 billion returned to consumers (about $15 per borrower).
• In 2024 alone, the CEA estimates the combined annual cost of credit for mortgages, autos, and credit cards is between $24-$38 billion.
• CEA also estimates that the higher borrowing costs from CFPB policies significantly reduced loan originations, resulting in an economic efficiency loss of between $1.5-$5.7 billion to consumers.
• The annual paperwork burden alone from CFPB rules exceeds 29 million hours or the equivalent of 14,100 full-time employees spending all of their time on documentation and reporting requirements at a conservative cost of just under $2.5 billion. From 2011 to 2024, the Bureau’s paperwork burden costs have  cost businesses $21 billion.^[2]
• The CFPB has received $8.9 billion in total transfers from the Federal Reserve between 2011 and 2024 when adjusted for inflation. Since funds transferred to the CFPB would otherwise have been transferred to the US Treasury, the lost revenue results in a marginal excess tax burden (METB) of $4.4 billion. Taken together, the fiscal cost of the CFPB since inception is over $13 billion.

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^[1] All values in this analysis are reported in (2025 $) unless otherwise stated.

^[2] Some or all of these compliance costs may be embedded in the form of the higher borrowing costs for consumers estimated above

Source: United States White House

Today, I send my greetings and best wishes to all those celebrating Ramadan.

Every Ramadan stands as a reverent season of spiritual renewal, reflective meditation, and appreciation for God’s countless blessings.  This sacred time for many Americans emphasizes prayer and fasting, strengthens familial and community ties, and affirms our shared values of compassion, charity, mercy, and humility.

The God-given right to freely worship is a hallmark of our Nation and a pillar of our prosperity and strength.  For this reason, every day, my Administration is ensuring that all citizens can practice their faith, follow their conscience, and worship freely—because freedom of religion means the freedom to practice your religion proudly and without fear of persecution.

In this season of grace and goodwill, I offer my prayers for happiness and fulfillment at home, unity and peace throughout the world, and blessings in the year to come.