A new executive memorandum establishes a National Coordination Center program for private firms to conduct offensive cyber operations, while bipartisan House leaders draft a major ethics committee overhaul.
A significant expansion of executive authority in the digital domain was codified this week through a White House memorandum titled “Expanding Capabilities to Combat Transnational Cyber-Enabled Crime.” The directive authorizes the National Coordination Center (NCC) to oversee a program where vetted U.S. companies may conduct cyber surveillance and cyber effects operations against foreign criminal organizations. This move signals a shift toward utilizing private sector technical capabilities as an instrument of national power, albeit under a framework of federal direction and strict administrative oversight.
The memorandum establishes rigorous entry requirements for participating firms, including mandatory contracts with the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). To ensure accountability and mitigate the risks of unauthorized digital escalations, the administration is instituting a financial barrier to entry: participating companies must undergo rigorous vetting and may be required to post a bond or escrow of at least $1 million. While the memo encourages information sharing across federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies, the government will not approve specific private-sector operations until a consensus procedural framework is finalized by the Homeland Security Council within the next 60 days.
On Capitol Hill, legislative activity remains focused on internal governance during the August pro forma sessions. Representatives Kat Cammack and Teresa Leger Fernández are spearheading a bipartisan effort to overhaul the House Ethics Committee. The proposed framework, targeted for a September debut when lawmakers return from recess, aims to create a centralized system for staff complaints. This “one-stop shop” is intended to address long-standing criticisms regarding the complexity and perceived opacity of reporting workplace misconduct and harassment within the legislative branch. Leger Fernández expressed optimism that the bipartisan coalition will reach a consensus on these reforms to ensure the House can effectively police itself.
In the administrative sphere, the White House is preparing for a transition in its communications leadership. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is scheduled to depart her post at the end of August 2026. President Trump indicated that Leavitt will transition into a role as a senior outside advisor, a move that comes as the administration navigates complex naval personnel issues. Navy leadership recently met with approximately 200 family members of the USS Abraham Lincoln crew on August 8 to address mental health and self-harm concerns following an extended Middle East deployment. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao confirmed on August 14 that the vessel is returning to the U.S., to be replaced by the USS George Washington.
The regulatory environment continues to evolve through departmental actions and judicial settlements. The FDA has proposed reclassifying blue light cystoscopy systems from Class III to Class II devices and granted Fast Track Designation to Phanes Therapeutics for a new biliary tract carcinoma treatment. Simultaneously, the DOJ secured a $46 million settlement and a deferred prosecution agreement from Veloxis Pharmaceuticals following admissions of illegal kickbacks in a healthcare fraud action. These actions, coupled with the preliminary approval of a national trust bank charter for a crypto firm partially owned by the President’s family, underscore a period of active administrative maneuvering.
Furthermore, the Navy is currently evaluating a redesign of Ford-class aircraft carriers to align with President Trump’s aesthetic preference for World War II-era vessel profiles. This potential shift in naval architecture, alongside the Democratic National Committee’s approval of the 2028 primary calendar—placing South Carolina first on January 22—highlights the intersection of executive preference and long-term institutional planning. As the House and Senate remain in pro forma sessions with no committee meetings scheduled, the focus remains on these administrative pivots and the forthcoming legislative ethics framework.
Miles Harrington serves as the Senior Correspondent for Federal Systems & Executive Power at Just Right News, where he brings a disciplined, constitutionalist lens to the inner workings of the American government. With a focus on the mechanics of the federal bureaucracy and the limits of executive authority, Harrington has established himself as a vital voice for readers who value transparency, accountability, and the preservation of the separation of powers.
A native of Richmond, Virginia, Harrington’s perspective is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Dominion. Growing up in a city defined by its historical significance and its role as a center of American jurisprudence, he developed an early appreciation for the foundational principles of the Republic. His upbringing in Richmond—a place where the legacy of the Founding Fathers is woven into the landscape—instilled in him a belief that the federal government should remain within its constitutional bounds. This background informs his skepticism of centralized overreach and his commitment to reporting on the ways in which the administrative state impacts the lives of everyday citizens.
In his current role, Harrington specializes in the complexities of federal systems. He doesn’t just report on the headlines of the day; he digs into the structural shifts within the executive branch that often go unnoticed by the mainstream press. Whether he is analyzing the implications of a new federal regulation or investigating the expansion of agency jurisdiction, his work is characterized by a rigorous adherence to the facts and a dedication to the rule of law.
Harrington is perhaps best known for his signature feature series, “How Washington Works.” Through this ongoing project, he demystifies the often-opaque processes of the nation’s capital, pulling back the curtain on the “Deep State” and the unelected officials who wield significant influence over national policy. By breaking down complex legislative maneuvers and executive orders, he empowers Just Right News readers to understand the true levers of power in Washington. His reporting serves as a necessary check on the federal government, ensuring that the actions of those in power are held up to the light of public scrutiny.
Now based in Washington, D.C., Harrington operates at the epicenter of the political world, yet he remains intentionally distanced from the “Beltway bubble.” His proximity to the halls of power allows him to maintain a robust network of sources across the federal landscape, but his heart remains in the principled conservatism of his Virginia roots. He views his role not merely as a reporter, but as a steward of the public trust, dedicated to providing the clarity and context that conservative voters need to navigate an increasingly complex political environment.
Through his sharp analysis and unwavering commitment to the truth, Miles Harrington continues to be a cornerstone of the Just Right News team. His work ensures that the principles of limited government and executive restraint remain at the forefront of the national conversation, providing a crucial service to those who believe in a government that is truly of, by, and for the people.