Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Guardian publishes explainer on 145 statewide ballot measures across 39 states in midterm elections — The Guardian reports on 145 statewide referendum measures voters will face in 39 states during the upcoming midterm elections. Key ballot initiatives include California's proposed billionaire wealth tax (Proposition 40), property tax measures in Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Tennessee, trans athlete and medical care restrictions in five states, noncitizen voting requirements in six states, and abortion rights protections in Idaho, Nevada, and Virginia. The article notes the long-run passage rate for referendums is approximately 41%.

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.