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

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."

Dr. Vinay Prasad will return to the Food and Drug Administration after being forced out two weeks ago, resuming his role overseeing vaccine, gene editing and blood product regulation, according to an HHS spokesperson.

"At the FDA’s request, Dr. Vinay Prasad is resuming leadership of the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research,” a Health and Human Services spokesperson said. “Neither the White House nor HHS will allow the fake news media to distract from the critical work the FDA is carrying out under the Trump administration."

Prasad came under fire recently over his handling of a gene therapy that had been approved by the FDA and which he banned from being used and then reversed course under pressure from the company that makes it and advocates for its use.

A conservative backed campaign led by Laura Loomer and Rick Santorum also criticized his past political and scientific positions.

He left the FDA saying he didn’t want to be a distraction two weeks ago.

-ABC News’ Eric Strauss