Trump admin updates: White House officials hold prayer vigil for Charlie Kirk

Republican lawmakers gathered at the Kennedy Center.

Last Updated: September 14, 2025, 9:58 PM EDT

White House officials and Republican lawmakers gathered at the Kennedy Center at 6 p.m. to hold a prayer vigil in remembrance of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

On Saturday, after long promising to impose consequences on Russia in an effort to get President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table to end the war in Ukraine, President Donald Trump pressed NATO nations to join him before he imposes potential sanctions.

Speaker Mike Johnson said Sunday that there is an appetite in Congress to impose sanctions on Russia, which he said are "overdue."

Sep 14, 2025, 3:08 PM EDT

Johnson says sanctions against Russia are ‘overdue’

As Trump pushes the goalpost on consequences for Russia by telling NATO countries to take action first, Republicans appeared eager to impose sanctions on Russia quickly but ultimately backed the president’s strategy.

“I do believe that desperate times call for desperate measures, and I think appropriate sanctions on Russia are far overdue,” Speaker Mike Johnson said on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson speaks during a press conference with House Republican leadership at the Republican National Committee near the US Capitol, Washington, September 9, 2025.
Will Oliver/EPA/Shutterstock

“I mean, I think there's a big appetite for that in Congress, so we're willing to work with the White House and our Senate colleagues in the House to get that done, and I'm anxious to do it personally.”

-ABC News’ Lalee Ibssa

Sep 14, 2025, 2:42 PM EDT

White House officials to hold prayer vigil for Kirk

Trump White House officials and Republican lawmakers will gather at the Kennedy Center at 6 p.m.to hold a prayer vigil in remembrance of Charlie Kirk.

According to a news release, those giving remarks include House Speaker Mike Johnson, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., senior adviser for U.S. Agency for Global Media Kari Lake, U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs, Anna Paulina Luna and Eli Crane, and Arizona Sen. Jake Hoffman, among others.

Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk speaks during a campaign rally for Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump at Desert Diamond Arena, August 23, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona.
Rebecca Noble/Getty Images

-ABC News’ Lalee Ibssa

Sep 13, 2025, 2:01 PM EDT

Pentagon says it won’t address reports of leaked National Guard deployment plan in Louisiana

The Pentagon declined Saturday to confirm a report that Secretary Pete Hegseth is planning to activate 1,000 Louisiana National Guard to help law enforcement in the state's "urban centers."

The Washington Post reported unsigned documents that showed a plan that "would allow the military to supplement law enforcement in cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge so long as Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican who has expressed support for the idea, asks the federal government for such assistance."

National Guard members patrol carrying weapons near the Washington Monument on August 25, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

ABC News has not confirmed the alleged documents.

In a statement attributed to a "war department official," the Pentagon said "leaked documents should not be interpreted as policy."

"We will not discuss these plans through leaked documents, pre-decisional or otherwise," the Pentagon said.

In order to use the Guard to conduct law enforcement, the president would need to rely on a state's governor to agree to mobilize the troops and keep them under his or her command.

Otherwise, the mission of the service members is restricted under law to protecting federal buildings and personnel.

Sep 13, 2025, 10:45 AM EDT

Trump says he's ready for Russian sanctions only if NATO agrees to same

After long promising to impose consequences on Russia in an effort to get President Putin to the negotiation table to end the war in Ukraine, Trump pressed NATO nations Saturday to join him before he imposes potential sanctions.

Trump posted on his social media platform an alleged letter he sent to NATO nations, urging them to stop purchasing Russian oil along with calling for “50% to 100% TARIFFS ON CHINA.”

President Donald Trump walks to board Marine One as he departs from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, September 11, 2025.
Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

“The purchase of Russian Oil, by some, has been shocking! It greatly weakens your negotiating position, and bargaining power, over Russia. Anyway, I am ready to 'go' when you are. Just say when?”

-ABC News' Lalee Ibssa

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