Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Leaked AfD documents reveal decade-long courtship of Trump and MAGA figures — A data breach of Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party has exposed over 420,000 emails and documents spanning from 2013 to present, revealing systematic efforts to cultivate relationships with Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, and other MAGA-aligned figures. The leak shows AfD officials crafting obsequious messages to Trump after his 2016 election, requesting political favors (including removal of UN "enemy state" clauses), and coordinating with Trump administration officials during his second term, including meetings with State Department representatives and Vice President JD Vance with party co-leader Alice Weidel in February 2025.

Supporting reports

• Hillary Clinton suggested Putin has leverage over Trump — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggested that Vladimir Putin possesses compromising information on Trump. The statement was made in the context of Trump's reported request to restrict Ukrainian communications networks during active Russian military operations.
• Hillary Clinton alleged Trump's Russia alignment stems from financial interests and potential blackmail — Hillary Clinton publicly stated three reasons for Trump's alignment with Russia: first, his admiration for authoritarian leaders who can kill opponents and his desire to become a dictator; second, financial motivation through oil, gas, and critical minerals deals with Russia and carving up Ukrainian assets involving Trump and his family; and third, her belief that Putin possesses compromising material on Trump (photos, videos) similar to Epstein files, which Trump has fought to keep sealed. Clinton suggested that public release of Epstein files would shock even Trump supporters about his conduct.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration suspended Russia sanctions — The Trump administration suspended Russia sanctions that Trump had recently signed into law, representing a reversal of its own policy and a unilateral easing of economic pressure on Russia.

Supporting reports

• Trump arranged U.S. purchase of Russian diesel — Trump made a deal for the United States to purchase Russian diesel fuel, providing an economic lifeline to Russia during its ongoing military conflict with Ukraine. The transaction occurred as part of Trump's broader policy alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin and was cited alongside other actions demonstrating Trump's support for Russia.
• Ukraine's Sanctions Commissioner analyzed economic impact of Russian diesel purchase — Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine's Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, published a mathematical analysis of the Trump administration's announced purchase of Russian diesel. Vlasiuk calculated that a single 40,000-ton tanker covers less than two hours of U.S. diesel consumption, while the U.S. exports 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily—meaning the Russian shipment is equivalent to just 4.5 hours of U.S. exports. Vlasiuk questioned why "one of the world's largest diesel exporters is buying diesel from an aggressor state just to cover two hours of domestic consumption," characterizing the purchase as economically irrational and politically motivated.

Supporting reports

• Energy Secretary Wright claimed sanctions pressure benefits Russia — Energy Secretary Chris Wright, appearing on CNN, argued that the administration's pressure on Ukraine—rather than Russia—to end the war was actually pressuring Russia. When asked if the U.S. stance had shifted to pressure Ukraine instead of Russia, Wright responded: "Oh, this is pressuring Russia. Russia does not have diesel to export. The only way they can get diesel to export is to turn down the conflict with Ukraine." He characterized the approach as "quite innovative," despite Russia's demonstrated ability to export diesel and the administration's own diesel import deal with Russia.

Supporting reports

• Starlink and Starshield services restricted in Ukraine — Ukraine's access to Starlink and Starshield satellite communication systems was abruptly restricted without warning or explanation. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated the restrictions came from the U.S. government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied U.S. involvement, claiming SpaceX was responsible, while SpaceX and the White House blamed each other. The timing coincided with Trump's pressure on Ukraine not to attack Russian refineries and preceded intensive Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian territory. Starshield's speed limitations rendered it unable to detect Russian missiles traveling above approximately 100 miles per hour.
• Elon Musk ordered Starlink slowdown during Ukrainian bombardment — The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of Starlink service during one of the worst bombardments of the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces lost control of their drones when Starlink slowed during the attack, impairing their defensive capability at a critical moment.

Supporting reports

• Trump ordered military to cut off Starshield satellite communications to Ukraine — The Trump administration ordered the military to cut off Starshield satellite communications that were being used by Ukrainians defending their homes from Russian drones. This action was part of a broader shift in U.S. policy toward Russia and away from European allies.

Supporting reports

• Trump waives Russia sanctions legislation passed by Congress — President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 last month after bipartisan congressional passage, but issued an executive order on Friday waiving the sanctions, restrictions, and duties on Russia that were due to take effect on October 18. The legislation targeted Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers, and directed Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on top importers of Russian oil and gas. Trump's waiver comes amid his public criticism of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and a separate agreement to purchase Russian diesel.
• Trump waived Russia sanctions days before implementation — President Trump issued an executive order waiving sanctions on Russia that Congress had passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (86–11 in the Senate). The action drew immediate criticism from lawmakers of both parties, who characterized it as capitulation to Putin and a betrayal of Ukraine. Trump's stated rationale centered on reducing U.S. gas prices ahead of midterm elections on November 3, citing a diesel import deal with Russia. The move represented an escalation in Trump's alignment with Putin and contradicted congressional intent to pressure Russia economically during its invasion of Ukraine.
• Trump cancelled congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia — The Trump administration cancelled congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia. This action was part of a broader pattern of pro-Russia policy shifts including urging Europe to purchase more Russian gas, ordering military cutoff of Starshield satellite communications to Ukraine, and discussing joint economic projects with Russia.
• Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress had enacted — Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress, led by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, had pushed for. The action removed economic penalties previously imposed on Russia, reportedly as part of Trump's broader alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The waiver occurred amid Trump's simultaneous purchase of Russian diesel and his handling of Starlink connectivity over Ukraine during Russian military operations.
• Trump announced waiver of congressionally mandated Russia sanctions — Two days before congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia were set to take effect, Trump announced he would waive them. The sanctions had been enacted by Congress as a binding requirement, but Trump exercised executive authority to suspend their implementation, circumventing the legislative mandate.

Supporting reports

• Trump denies knowledge of Starlink restrictions in Ukraine — Trump denied responsibility for temporary restrictions on Starlink access to Ukrainian military forces, stating "I don't know if it was anybody, because it wasn't me, and I don't think it was Elon." Ukrainian President Zelenskyy subsequently clarified that Starlink speed was reduced rather than shut down entirely, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept drone attacks on civilians and conduct military operations in occupied territories. Zelenskyy stated the speed has been partially but not fully restored.

Supporting reports

• Trump criticizes Ukraine and Zelenskyy in Newsmax interview — Trump gave a one-on-one interview to Newsmax in which he criticized Ukraine and President Zelenskyy, citing a former Ukrainian TV host sanctioned for spreading Russian propaganda. Trump claimed that Biden's provision of weapons to Ukraine depleted U.S. stocks and attributed Russia's initial military setback to a "wrong turn onto farmland" rather than Ukrainian military success. He stated "It should end soon" and called Zelenskyy "more difficult to deal with than Putin," adding "I'm not a big fan of Zelenskyy. They've destroyed that country."

Supporting reports

• Ukraine received no warning of Russian strikes; intelligence sharing questioned — On October 14, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine received no advance warning from Western partners of Russia's overnight strikes on Kyiv. The disclosure raised concerns that Trump is making good on his threat to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine unless it ceases striking Russian oil refineries. When asked by reporters, Trump stated the U.S. is still sharing intelligence with Ukraine.

Supporting reports

• SpaceX restricted Starlink/Starshield speed limits during Russian attack on Ukraine — Ukrainian presidential advisor Serhiy Beskrestnov reported that SpaceX, without warning, restricted speed limits on Starlink terminals (Starshield) used by Ukraine's military, reducing drone control speeds to 160 kph (100 mph) during a major Russian barrage. Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles and over 120 drones, killing at least five Ukrainians and leaving 600,000 without power. The U.S. provided no intelligence warning. Musk initially blamed Trump; the White House blamed Musk. Both Starlink and Starshield systems were affected.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration threatens to suspend intelligence sharing and weapons sales to Ukraine — The Trump administration warned Ukraine and European allies that the US could suspend intelligence sharing and halt European purchases of US weapons for Ukraine if Kyiv does not cease deep strikes on Russian energy facilities. The Financial Times reported that the administration is threatening to halt the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) weapons procurement program and cut intelligence sharing. National security reporter Michael Weiss noted that PURL represents billions of dollars in weapons sales to Europe for Ukrainian defense, and that Trump's threat would cost American defense industry revenue while benefiting only Moscow.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine — Trump posted on Truth Social that an "energy ceasefire" had been agreed between Russia and Ukraine, instructing both parties not to break it. This followed his earlier blame of Ukraine for high fuel prices and his statement that Ukraine needed "a new leader." Zelenskyy had conditionally offered to stop striking Russian refineries if Russia ceased attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, but Trump's unilateral announcement of a ceasefire without formal negotiation or Ukrainian confirmation raised questions about executive overreach.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces temporary sanctions lift on Russian diesel imports — President Trump announced a deal with Vladimir Putin to temporarily lift US sanctions on Russian diesel imports, claiming it would reduce fuel prices that have surged 70% since the US war on Iran. The agreement involves 300,000 tonnes released immediately, 500,000 in November, and 1 million tonnes thereafter. Energy analysts predict minimal impact due to shipping delays and small quantities relative to US daily consumption. The announcement infuriated President Zelenskyy and prompted Trump to blame Ukraine for high fuel prices.

Supporting reports

• Trump's lawyer attacked Nobel Committee decision — Trump's lawyer David Schoen issued a statement attacking the Nobel Committee's decision to award the prize to Pillay, calling her "an unabashed hater of America and Israel" and her investigation into Israeli genocide "phony." Schoen contrasted Pillay's award with Trump's Abraham Accords and efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war and counter Iran.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced oil deal with Putin to supply diesel fuel to the US market — Trump announced via Truth Social that he and Vladimir Putin reached an agreement for Russia to supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel immediately, 500,000 tons in November, and 1,000,000 tons thereafter, with an additional 3,000,000 tons to follow. Trump stated the deal would lower diesel prices for Americans, farmers, ranchers, and truckers. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy immediately responded, stating the deal provides additional funding for Russia's war effort and accused Trump of using Ukraine peace negotiations as a smokescreen while colluding with Putin.

Supporting reports

• New York Times reported Trump administration negotiations for Lukoil asset purchase — On October 3, the New York Times reported that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff—neither diplomats—have been negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a multibillion-dollar deal to purchase assets of Russian oil giant Lukoil at depressed prices due to U.S. sanctions. The sale would remove those assets from sanctions, making them far more valuable. Beneficiaries would include a major Trump donor and Middle Eastern investors tied to the Trump family and Witkoffs. The U.S. government would take a stake through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Putin allegedly suggested the deal on September 5, after Senator Lindsey Graham's death on July 11. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would need to approve the deal.

Supporting reports

• South Korea contradicts White House Alaska LNG announcement — The Trump administration announced a $350 billion investment package with South Korea that included the Alaska LNG project. However, South Korea's government stated it would only begin reviewing the project and that "no decision has been made" on whether to invest or the size of any investment. South Korea's industry minister expressed regret to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, saying the White House announcement exceeded what had been agreed.
• Trump falsely claims South Korea agreed to $50 billion Alaska LNG investment — Trump announced that the South Korean government had agreed to invest $50 billion in a liquefied natural gas pipeline in Alaska, with Senator Dan Sullivan present. In reality, the Commerce Department and South Korea's Industry Ministry had only agreed to "commence working" on such a project. South Korea's industry minister Kim Jung-kwan stated that "putting out figures, or using definitive language, goes far beyond what was agreed," and South Korea's president Lee Jae Myung emphasized the plan would proceed only if financially viable and meeting legal requirements in South Korea.

Supporting reports

• Trump calls Canada trade partnership "hostile act," threatens tariffs on Europe — Trump stated that if Canada becomes the first associate member of the European Union, he would "consider it a hostile act" and would impose "very serious tariffs" or stop trading with Europe. He also threatened that if Europe accepts Canada as an associate member, "we'll put heavy tariffs on them," escalating trade tensions with major allies.

Supporting reports

• Trump claimed Ukraine-Russia energy infrastructure agreement without confirmation — While returning from a golf weekend in Ireland, Trump stated on Air Force One that he had asked President Zelenskyy not to strike Russian refineries, citing diesel price concerns. Later, Trump posted on Truth Social that Ukraine and Russia had agreed to halt strikes on each other's energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy subsequently posted that no such agreement existed, stating Ukraine had only proposed that partners secure an agreement with Russia and that Russia had not committed to anything. The claim appeared designed to shift blame for rising oil prices from Russian actions to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration implements tariffs on Canada; Canada retaliates with counter-tariffs — Trump's trade war against Canada has escalated, with Canada implementing retaliatory tariffs that went into force during the week of September 12, 2026. The tariffs have disrupted cross-border commerce between International Falls, Minnesota and Fort Frances, Ontario, causing Canadian consumers to reduce spending in US border towns and US businesses to report significant revenue declines. The trade dispute has also been accompanied by Trump's derogatory comments about Canada and suggestions that Canada become the 51st US state, generating widespread anger among Canadian residents and officials.

Supporting reports

• White House posts bald eagle attacking Canada goose image amid trade tensions — The White House posted a photograph on social media in late August 2026 showing a bald eagle standing atop a dead Canada goose, apparently as a symbolic message during failed trade talks and rising US-Canada tensions. The image, viewed millions of times, was used to convey that the United States could not be challenged by Canada. The post occurred amid broader trade disputes between the two nations.

Supporting reports

• Canada implemented retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods — Canada's retaliatory tariffs on U.S.-made goods went into effect, matching Trump's tariffs dollar for dollar and rate for rate, covering approximately $20 billion in U.S. goods. Trump responded by escalating the trade conflict, banning certain Canadian products outright and establishing new tariffs on Canadian motorcycles, alcohol, and dairy products, effective September 29. The escalation continues a trade war initiated by Trump's unilateral tariff actions.

Supporting reports

• AfD wins 43.8% in Saxony-Anhalt legislative election — Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party won 43.8% of the vote in a legislative election in Saxony-Anhalt on September 8, 2026. The AfD is anti-immigrant and pro-Russia. Vice President J.D. Vance and billionaire Elon Musk have publicly supported the party. Musk posted congratulations to AfD co-founder Alice Weidel, and an AfD leader responded expressing hope for cooperation and investment. Right-wing leaders across Europe, including ousted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, celebrated the result.
• Musk posts congratulations to AfD co-founder — Elon Musk posted "Well done!" in German to Alice Weidel, co-founder of the AfD, following the party's election victory. An AfD leader responded with thanks and expressed hope for "strong and constructive cooperation" with Musk, noting that "Germany would then once again be a place worth investing in."
• AfD wins landslide election in Saxony-Anhalt state — Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a major electoral victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt. While the AfD is not taking control of the national government due to Germany's parliamentary system and widespread opposition from other parties, the statewide win signals growing support for the far-right movement and is being treated as a serious warning across Germany and Europe. The result reflects voter anger over immigration policy rather than pandemic-related grievances or economic despair alone.