Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Afghan SIV translator detained by ICE despite legal entry and green card processing — Zia S, a 35-year-old Afghan wartime translator who legally entered the US in October 2024 with an approved special immigrant visa (SIV) and humanitarian parole, was arrested by masked ICE agents on July 16, 2025, during a routine biometrics appointment for his green card in East Hartford, Connecticut. He was transported to a detention facility in Plymouth, Massachusetts. A judge issued a temporary stay preventing his removal, but he remains detained. DHS claims he is under investigation for an unspecified "serious criminal allegation," which his attorney denies. He is the third known Afghan ally to be seized by ICE since Trump returned to power.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration lifted export controls on AI chips and design software for China — The Trump administration reversed earlier restrictions and approved export licenses for Nvidia's H20 artificial intelligence accelerator and chip design software for sale to China, according to Bloomberg reporting. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who met with President Trump and attended a Chinese government conference, announced the decision on Chinese state television. The reversal came after the administration had tightened controls on H20 sales in April and represented a departure from Biden-era export control policy designed to maintain U.S. technological advantage.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration imposed tariffs on U.S. allies including Japan, Europe, and South Korea — The Trump administration imposed tariffs on allied nations including Japan, Europe, and South Korea. The tariffs fragment the American alliance system and degrade U.S. manufacturing capacity by cutting allies off from American markets and vice versa, while leaving China's economy largely unweakened. The move represents a shift from earlier tariffs on China, which the administration found too difficult to enforce.

Supporting reports

• 30-year Treasury yield rose to 5% — The 30-year Treasury yield rose to 5%, reflecting market concerns about inflation, deficits, and economic stability. The increase signals rising borrowing costs for government and private entities and reflects investor concerns about the economic trajectory.
• Consumer Price Index rose 0.3% in June, 12-month inflation at 2.7% — The Consumer Price Index increased 0.3% in June, with the 12-month inflation rate reaching 2.7%, the highest since February and above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Core inflation (excluding food and energy) rose 0.2% monthly and 2.9% annually. Specific price increases included durable goods (+0.5%), linens (+5.9%), oranges (+4.7%), olives (+4.4%), and cookware (+4%), attributed partly to Trump's tariffs beginning to work through the economy.
• Trump administration imposed 50% tariff on copper imports — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick justified a 50% tariff on copper imports, stating the tariff was necessary for domestic steel production to support military capability. Nearly all U.S. copper imports come from Canada, Chile, and Peru, making the tariff a significant trade action against allied and partner nations.
• Trump imposed 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes — Trump imposed a 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes. Mexico supplies approximately 50% of tomatoes consumed in the United States, making the tariff likely to significantly increase consumer prices for a staple food item.
• Rep. Tony Gonzales expressed support for tariffs despite district impact — Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) was asked on CNN whether Trump's 30% tariff on all goods from Mexico—Texas's biggest trading partner—would hurt his constituents. Gonzales responded that it may hurt them but he supports the president, stating that Mexico has been able to get away with everything for too long.
• White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett claimed Trump has "seen some sketches of deals" — White House Economic Senior Advisor Kevin Hassett was asked on ABC why there are no trade deals yet despite Trump's promises. Hassett responded by characterizing Trump as one of the most successful businessmen of the 20th century because of his ability to squeeze everything out of every deal, and stated that Trump has "seen some sketches of deals."

Supporting reports

• Trump announces 30% tariff on EU and Mexico goods effective August 1 — On Saturday, July 12, 2025, President Trump announced via Truth Social that goods imported from the European Union and Mexico will face a 30% US tariff rate starting August 1, 2025. The announcement shocked European capitals, as the European Commission and US trade representative Jamieson Greer had spent months negotiating a deal they believed was acceptable, involving a 10% tariff. EU trade ministers scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday to consider retaliatory measures worth €21 billion.
• Trump maintains 10% universal tariff on UK goods with limited negotiation scope — Lord Mandelson, British ambassador to the US, stated that the 10% universal tariff on most UK goods imported into the US is likely "here to stay," though he indicated there is "scope" for negotiations in specific sectors such as technology. The comments reflect acceptance of Trump's tariff regime while acknowledging limited room for bilateral adjustment. A separate 25% tariff on British steel remains subject to further negotiation.
• EU leader Ursula von der Leyen announced retaliatory countermeasures against U.S. tariffs — EU leader Ursula von der Leyen announced that the European Union is prepared to implement countermeasures in response to Trump's 30% tariffs, which take effect August 1. Von der Leyen stated that the EU and other American trading partners are forging closer ties and laying groundwork for a global trading system that revolves less around the United States.
• Trump announced 30% tariffs on the European Union — Trump announced 30% tariffs on the European Union in a form letter released over the weekend. The tariffs are set to take effect on August 1. EU leader Ursula von der Leyen responded by stating the EU is prepared to retaliate with countermeasures and is seeking to create new trade alliances around the world while excluding the United States, signaling a shift away from U.S.-centered global trade.