Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Department of Justice announces settlement agreement with Cornell University on civil rights compliance and agricultural research funding — The Department of Justice, Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services announced a settlement with Cornell University requiring the university to invest $30 million in agricultural research through 2028, pay $30 million to the federal government over three years, adopt DOJ civil rights training guidance, provide admissions data for statistical analysis, and comply with requests regarding foreign funding sources. In exchange, the federal government will close pending investigations into Cornell's admissions policies and civil rights concerns, restore terminated grants, and treat Cornell as eligible for future federal funding.
• White House issues fact sheet on Cornell University settlement — The White House issued a fact sheet on November 7, 2025, announcing a settlement between the Trump Administration and Cornell University. According to the document, Cornell will pay a $30 million penalty to the United States over three years, invest $30 million in agricultural research over three years, conduct annual campus climate surveys regarding Jewish student safety, and comply with federal civil rights laws. The fact sheet states the agreement addresses alleged racial discrimination in admissions, DEI practices in hiring, and anti-Semitic incidents on campus.

Supporting reports

• Sean Charles Dunn acquitted of assault for throwing sandwich at federal agent — Sean Charles Dunn, a former Department of Justice paralegal, was found not guilty of assault by a DC jury on November 6, 2025, after throwing a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent during a protest on August 10, 2025, in Washington DC. Dunn's attorneys argued the sandwich throw was a harmless protest gesture, while prosecutors contended it was an assault. The acquittal represents another legal setback for federal law enforcement efforts during Trump's federal intervention in the capital.
• Jury acquits former DOJ paralegal of assault charge — On November 6, 2025, a jury acquitted Sean Dunn, a former DOJ paralegal, of a misdemeanor charge for allegedly throwing a salami submarine sandwich at a federal agent. The federal agent, wearing a bulletproof vest, had claimed the sandwich "exploded" against his chest, though the sandwich remained intact in its wrapper. The acquittal occurred after jury selection began on November 4.
• Sean Dunn acquitted of assault for throwing sandwich at Border Patrol agent — Sean Dunn, charged with assaulting Border Patrol agent Greg Lairmore by throwing a Subway sandwich, was found not guilty by jury. Lairmore testified the sandwich "exploded all over" his chest, but photographic evidence showed the sandwich remained in its wrapper on the ground after contact with Lairmore's bulletproof vest. The acquittal contradicted the agent's account of the incident's severity.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed: AFGE, AFSCME, NAGE v. OPM Director Kupor et al. (D. Mass.) — The American Federation of Government Employees, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, and National Association of Government Employees filed suit in federal district court challenging the Office of Personnel Management's "Merit Hiring Plan," which includes an essay question in federal civil service job applications asking applicants how they would help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities. Plaintiffs allege the question violates the First Amendment by compelling speech aligned with presidential priorities and chilling critical speech, and also violates the Privacy Act and Administrative Procedure Act. They seek a court order declaring the question unlawful and permanently enjoining its use in federal hiring.

Supporting reports

• Ed Martin appointed to multiple DOJ roles including weaponization working group — Ed Martin, a combative lawyer with strong MAGA credentials and a history of promoting false election fraud claims and representing January 6 rioters, was appointed by Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead a "weaponization working group" targeting alleged DOJ abuses under Democratic administrations. Martin was also given titles including special attorney for mortgage fraud, associate deputy attorney general, and pardon attorney. He has publicly stated that if Trump's enemies "can't be charged, we will name them … and in a culture that respects shame, they should be people that are ashamed." Former prosecutors expressed alarm at his role in spurring indictments of Trump's political opponents.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel used FBI jet for personal travel to girlfriend's event — FBI Director Kash Patel flew on a government jet to State College, Pennsylvania, to watch his girlfriend, country music artist Alexis Wilkins, sing the national anthem at a wrestling match. After news stories and social media posts highlighted the personal use of taxpayer-funded aircraft, Patel became angered. He subsequently forced out Steven Palmer, a 27-year FBI veteran and head of the critical incident response group overseeing FBI pilots, demanding Palmer's immediate resignation or face termination. Palmer became the third head of that unit to be fired or removed under Patel's leadership.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon restricted military communications with Congress — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered that Pentagon personnel must coordinate all interactions with Congress through the building's central legislative affairs office. The order requires DOD officials to obtain permission from the department's main legislative affairs office before communicating with lawmakers or congressional aides. This represents a major shift from previous policy, which allowed individual military branches and Pentagon agencies to handle their own communications with Congress. Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE), a five-time military commander, criticized the order as an "amateur move" that creates a "large barrier between the military and Congress" and noted that military members are now afraid to communicate with lawmakers.

Supporting reports

• DC U.S. Attorney's Office in crisis under Jeanne Pirro leadership — The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia is experiencing severe institutional disruption under U.S. Attorney Jeanne Pirro. The office has lost approximately one-third of its staff through dismissals, demotions, and resignations. The fraud, public corruption, and civil rights unit has been particularly hard hit, losing nearly half its prosecutors, its former chief Jon Hooks, and three former supervisors. Hooks, a senior prosecutor with nearly 20 years of service, was fired by Pirro's top aide Jonathan Hornok during a farewell party for departing colleagues. The departures have significantly damaged the office's capacity to pursue major white-collar cases.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge planned to block Trump's federal employee layoffs during shutdown — A federal judge announced plans to issue a ruling blocking President Trump's layoffs of federal employees during the government shutdown. An official decision was expected to be handed down soon.
• Federal judge extended block on mass layoffs during shutdown — A federal judge extended her temporary block to prevent the Trump administration from carrying out mass layoffs during the government shutdown, saying, "I believe that I will find that their actions are arbitrary and capricious, as shown by the haphazard way in which the [reductions-in-force] have rolled out, and they are intended for the purpose of political retribution."

Supporting reports

• Federal appeals court overturns injunction blocking rescission of collective bargaining rights — A federal appeals court overturned an initial sweeping injunction that had blocked Trump's March executive order rescinding collective bargaining rights for federal workers. Following this reversal, the Trump administration promptly stripped hundreds of thousands of federal workers of their union contracts in August 2025. Court proceedings in the case continue.

Supporting reports

• Judge Susan Illston grants temporary restraining order blocking Trump's mass layoffs during government shutdown — On Wednesday (October 15, 2025), Judge Susan Illston of the US District Court's Northern District of California granted a temporary restraining order blocking Trump's latest mass layoffs from the government shutdown. The order represents a significant legal victory for unions battling the administration's workforce reduction efforts.
• Federal court rules Trump's federal worker layoffs during shutdown illegal — A federal court in San Francisco ruled that Trump's layoffs of federal workers during the government shutdown were illegal. The ruling represented a judicial check on executive action during the shutdown.
• Federal judge temporarily blocked firing of federal employees during shutdown — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from firing federal employees during the government shutdown, saying the move appeared to be politically motivated and adding, "It's a human cost that cannot be tolerated."
• Federal judge issues temporary injunction blocking federal worker layoffs — A federal judge on October 16, 2025, issued a temporary injunction blocking the Trump administration's layoffs of more than 4,000 federal workers. The injunction halted the firings, though the administration signaled that additional cuts were planned and that the current layoffs represented only a partial reduction in the workforce.
• Judge Illston grants temporary injunction blocking Trump administration federal employee firings during shutdown — Federal Judge Susan Illston of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration's mass firings of federal employees during the government shutdown. The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by labor unions (AFGE and AFSCME) alleging that the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Personnel Management violated law by threatening and executing reductions in force during the shutdown. Judge Illston found evidence that OMB and OPM "took advantage of the lapse in government spending" and acted "arbitrarily and capriciously" in excess of authority.
• Trump administration lays off 4,000 federal workers; federal judge issues temporary injunction — The Trump administration laid off more than 4,000 federal government workers during the shutdown. On October 16, 2025, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction blocking the firings. The Office of Management and Budget director, Russ Vought, stated that the 4,000 layoffs were merely a "snapshot" and that the total number could exceed 10,000. The administration indicated further cuts were expected.

Supporting reports

• Trump fired White House Personnel Director Sergio Gor. — Trump fired Sergio Gor as White House Personnel Director after Gor disclosed that he had previously lied about his birthplace, claiming to have been born in Malta when he was actually born in the Soviet Union. Trump announced that Dan Scavino, who began his career as Trump's golf caddie and is known primarily for fanatical loyalty to Trump, would replace Gor as head of the White House Personnel Office while remaining Deputy Chief of Staff. Scavino will also be appointed as Ambassador to India.

Supporting reports

• Journalists and protesters sue Trump administration for pattern of brutality in Chicago — Journalists and protesters in the Chicago area filed a lawsuit on October 6, 2025, against the Trump administration alleging a "pattern of extreme brutality" designed to "silence the press and civilians." The suit targeted federal officers' use of force against journalists, peaceful protesters, and religious leaders. On October 9, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) restricting federal officers' use of flash-bang grenades, tear gas, pepper spray, and other "less-lethal" weapons and tactics. On October 16, after videos emerged of agents throwing tear gas canisters into crowds and charging protesters, Ellis required officers to wear body cameras.
• Coalition of Chicago journalists and organizations sued Trump administration — A coalition of Chicago journalists, non-profit organizations, and unions sued the Trump administration, arguing that federal agents have engaged in a "pattern of extreme brutality" at local protests to "intimidate and silence the press and civilians." The filing notes, "Never in modern times has the federal government undermined bedrock constitutional protections on this scale or usurped states' police power by directing federal agents to carry out an illegal mission against the people for the government's own benefit."

Supporting reports

• 282 former DOJ officials signed letter criticizing administration — MSNBC reported that a coalition of 282 former Justice Department officials, including former prosecutors, FBI agents, immigration judges, and civil rights attorneys, signed an open letter to "sound the alarm about this administration's degradation of DoJ's vital work, and its assault on the public servants who do it."
• 282 former Department of Justice career officials issued letter warning Trump administration is destroying the DOJ — 282 former Department of Justice career officials—including prosecutors, FBI agents, intelligence analysts, civil rights attorneys, and immigration judges—wrote a letter warning that Trump and his appointees are destroying the Department of Justice. The letter called out the administration's violation of court orders, destruction of anti-corruption units, endangering national security, and using law enforcement to persecute those Trump sees as enemies. The officials stated, "We believe it's our duty to sound the alarm."

Supporting reports

• Federal agencies issue partisan shutdown blame statements in apparent Hatch Act violation — Multiple federal agencies (VA, HUD, HHS, Interior, Commerce, Labor, NLRB, National Archives, Patent Office, FTC) issued emails and public statements on September 30 blaming Democrats and the "radical left" for an impending government shutdown. The statements used identical or similar language across agencies and included partisan characterizations. Legal experts characterized the coordinated messaging as violating the Hatch Act, which restricts political activities by federal employees, and potentially violating federal law on lobbying with taxpayer funds.
• HUD website displays partisan shutdown message blaming "radical left" — The Department of Housing and Urban Development posted a large red banner on its homepage blaming the "radical left" for the looming government shutdown and stating the Trump administration wants to keep government open. The message appeared after Republican and Democratic leaders failed to reach a spending agreement by the Tuesday night deadline. HUD spokesperson Matthew Maley defended the banner as reporting on shutdown impacts, while critics characterized it as inappropriate partisan propaganda on a public agency website.
• Veterans Affairs spokesperson issues partisan shutdown statement — A Department of Veterans Affairs spokesperson issued a statement on Tuesday using charged political rhetoric, blaming "radical liberals in Congress" for attempting to shut down the government to achieve "open borders" and other partisan characterizations, while warning of impacts to veterans care and assistance programs.
• White House violated Hatch Act by using federal agencies to blame Democrats for shutdown — During the government shutdown crisis on September 30, the White House violated the Hatch Act—which prohibits use of government resources for partisan gain—by directing federal agencies to send emails to employees blaming Democrats for the shutdown. Agencies including the Social Security Administration, Small Business Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and Department of Commerce sent emails stating Trump "opposes a government shutdown" but Democrats were "blocking this Continuing Resolution… due to unrelated policy demands." The Department of Housing and Urban Development posted a banner calling the "Radical Left" responsible for the shutdown. The Department of Veterans Affairs issued a statement blaming "Radical liberals in Congress" for attempting to shut down the government.
• HUD posted banner blaming "radical left" for shutdown — The Department of Housing and Urban Development posted a bright red banner on its website on September 30 blaming the "radical left" for the impending government shutdown. The banner read, "The Radical Left are going to shut down the government and inflict massive pain on the American people unless they get their $1.5 trillion wish list of demands. The Trump administration wants to keep the government open for the American people." The non-profit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen subsequently filed a complaint with the US Office of Special Counsel, calling the banner a "blatant violation" of the Hatch Act.
• White House threatens federal worker layoffs during government shutdown — The Trump administration warned that federal worker layoffs are imminent if the government shutdown continues. Vice President Vance stated the administration would "lay some people off" and take "extraordinary steps" to maintain essential services. Approximately 750,000 federal employees face furlough with pay withheld, while essential workers such as military and border agents may be forced to work without pay. OMB Director Russ Vought announced the White House is also pausing or canceling infrastructure and clean energy funding to Democratic-leaning states.
• Department of Education employees' email accounts manipulated with partisan talking points — NBC News reported that Department of Education employees who were furloughed discovered their email out-of-office messages had been altered to include partisan talking points blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. Five civil servants provided copies of their manipulated messages, which had been rewritten in the first person without their consent. Employees stated the alterations violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity.
• Federal agencies deploy partisan messaging blaming Democrats for shutdown, potentially violating Hatch Act — Multiple federal agencies, including Treasury, Agriculture, Education, and at least a dozen others, have used official websites and employee out-of-office messages to blame Democrats for the government shutdown. The Department of Education altered employees' automated replies without their knowledge or approval. Legal experts and watchdog groups argue this constitutes a violation of the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity. Public Citizen and the Democracy Defenders Fund have filed complaints with the GAO and Special Counsel's office.
• Department of Education changed furloughed employees' out-of-office messages to blame Democrats — During the government shutdown, the Department of Education changed automated out-of-office email replies for furloughed employees from generic messages to ones blaming Democrats for the shutdown. When employees changed the messages back to neutral language, the Department changed them again to blame Democrats. This represents use of government communications infrastructure to advance partisan messaging during a shutdown.
• Trump administration threatens mass firings of federal employees during shutdown — On Thursday morning, the Trump administration threatened to fire many employees at federal agencies across the nation, creating fear and uncertainty among furloughed workers. Some employees printed out furlough notices and pay stubs in preparation for potential unemployment. The threat occurred amid the ongoing government shutdown and the administration's use of the crisis to pursue policy goals, including cutting climate funding and freezing construction projects.
• Federal agencies post partisan messages blaming Democrats for shutdown operations curtailment — Several federal government departments posted partisan and potentially illegal messages stating that their operations were curtailed due to "the Radical Left Democrat shutdown." Sources at the Education Department reported that out-of-office email messages were changed without staff permission to use rhetoric blaming Democrats for the shutdown. The action represents an apparent coordinated effort to use government communications infrastructure for partisan messaging during the funding lapse.
• White House issues fact sheet attributing government shutdown economic impacts to Democratic opposition to funding restrictions on healthcare for undocumented immigrants — The White House published a fact sheet on October 3, 2025, presenting state-by-state economic projections attributed to a government shutdown. The document claims the Council of Economic Advisers warns of $15 billion in weekly GDP losses, projects 43,000+ additional unemployed Americans over a month-long shutdown, and lists estimated impacts on WIC recipients, SNAP beneficiaries, consumer spending, and gross state product by state. The fact sheet frames the shutdown as caused by Democratic demands to fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration implements mass deferred resignation program for federal workers — The Trump administration oversaw the largest mass resignation in U.S. history on September 28, 2025, with over 100,000 federal workers formally quitting through a deferred resignation program. The program costs $14.8 billion, paying workers full salary and benefits while on administrative leave for up to eight months. The total expected departures across all reduction programs is approximately 275,000 employees. Federal workers cited months of "fear and intimidation," public vilification, job insecurity, and threats of firings as reasons for departing, with many describing the environment as deliberately hostile.
• Resignations of Federal Workers Take Effect — The Trump administration's cuts to the federal workforce resulted in the resignations of over 100,000 federal workers, effective immediately. Many of those leaving reported feeling pressured and fearful due to the administration's actions. This year's cuts are projected to lead to a total loss of at least 275,000 federal workers, marking the largest decline in civilian federal employment since World War II.
• Over 100,000 federal workers resign as part of workforce reduction — More than 100,000 federal workers' resignations took effect on September 30 as part of the Trump administration's cuts to the federal workforce. Those departing reported being forced out through fear and pressure from administration officials. This year's cuts will result in the loss of at least 275,000 workers, the largest decline in civilian federal employment in a single year since World War II. OMB Director Russell Vought previously stated the goal was to make federal workers not want to come to work and to put them "in trauma."

Supporting reports

• Trump appoints Lindsey Halligan as U.S. attorney to prosecute Comey — Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience, as U.S. attorney to pursue charges against former FBI director James Comey. Halligan's prior role in the administration involved efforts to eliminate slavery from Smithsonian exhibits, which Cobb characterized as an attempt to "whitewash" American history and "paint America as something that it isn't."

Supporting reports

• Trump agreed to meet with Schumer and Jeffries on budget negotiations — After spending his third consecutive day on the golf course while a government shutdown loomed in three days, Trump agreed to meet with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries on Monday afternoon at 2 p.m. to discuss budget negotiations. Senate Majority Leader John Thune called for a clean continuing resolution to keep the government open while negotiations continue.
• Trump reverses course, schedules White House meeting with bipartisan congressional leaders to avert shutdown — President Trump reversed his earlier decision to cancel a meeting and scheduled a Monday afternoon gathering at the White House with the top four congressional leaders—House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer—to negotiate a government funding agreement before the Tuesday night deadline. Democrats conditioned support on extending expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits; Republicans opposed linking healthcare policy to the continuing resolution. Trump told CBS News he believed a shutdown was likely and that he could use executive power to eliminate what he called "waste, fraud and abuse."
• Schumer and Jeffries meet Trump without shutdown deal — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries met with President Trump and Vice President Vance to negotiate government funding before the fiscal year ends on September 30. No deal was reached. Trump indicated willingness to discuss healthcare premium tax subsidies expiring at year-end but insisted Democrats fund the government first. Schumer stated Trump appeared unaware of impending healthcare insurance increases. Jeffries noted House Republicans were absent from negotiations, calling their position unserious.
• Schumer and Jeffries met with Trump on government shutdown and ACA health care subsidies — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries held a closed-door meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office to negotiate averting a government shutdown while preserving ACA health care premium subsidies. Schumer stated Trump appeared to hear about health care consequences for the first time. Jeffries said significant differences remain and Democrats will not support a partisan Republican spending bill that cuts health care. The meeting occurred as Republicans coordinated messaging claiming Democrats seek to provide free health care to migrants and transgender people.

Supporting reports

• HUD rolls back Fair Housing Act enforcement — Trump appointees at the Department of Housing and Urban Development are rolling back enforcement of the Fair Housing Act, a decades-old civil rights law banning discrimination in housing. Current and former HUD employees told the New York Times that Trump's appointees have made it nearly impossible to do their jobs, blocked lawyers from communicating with clients without approval, and used gag orders and intimidation to block discrimination cases from moving forward.

Supporting reports

• Trump appoints Lindsay Halligan as U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Maryland — On September 20, 2025, the day after Erik Seibert's resignation, President Trump appointed Lindsay Halligan, a White House aide with no experience as a prosecutor, to replace Seibert as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Maryland. The legality of Halligan's appointment is being challenged in court.
• Trump fired US Attorney and appointed personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan — Trump fired the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, citing insufficient evidence to indict NY AG Letitia James for mortgage fraud. He then appointed Lindsey Halligan, one of his former personal attorneys with no criminal law experience, to replace him. Trump stated Halligan had "worked with me for a long time" and "stood up for my rights during the Unconstitutional and UnAmerican raid on my home, Mar-a-Lago."
• Trump fires US Attorney Erik Siebert, replaces with inexperienced personal attorney — US Attorney Erik Siebert resigned from the Eastern District of Virginia after pressure to issue criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Attorney General Pam Bondi initially appointed Mary Cleary as acting US attorney, but Trump revoked that nomination the same evening and elevated Lindsey Halligan, his former White House assistant and personal attorney with no prosecutorial experience, to the position. Halligan's career has focused on insurance matters in Florida, with federal case filings limited to Trump-related matters.
• Trump appoints former lawyer Halligan as US attorney for Eastern District of Virginia, pressures Bondi to investigate political enemies — Donald Trump announced the appointment of Lindsey Halligan, his former lawyer and special assistant, as US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, replacing experienced prosecutor Erik Siebert. In public posts on Truth Social, Trump explicitly pressured Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue investigations of political enemies, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, citing his own impeachments and indictments as justification for "justice" to be "served now."
• Erik Siebert removed as US Attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — Trump removed Erik Siebert as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia on Friday, creating confusion among the office's 300+ attorneys and staff. Siebert's chief deputy, who normally would have succeeded him, was also demoted. Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan, a White House adviser and former personal lawyer with insurance law background and no prosecutorial experience, as Siebert's replacement. Prosecutors expressed concern about Halligan's ability to handle sensitive investigations including those into James Comey and Letitia James.
• Trump removes US attorney and appoints White House aide with no prosecutorial experience as interim replacement — Donald Trump removed Erik Siebert, the US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, after Siebert declined to bring charges against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James despite Trump's demands. Trump then appointed Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience and the most junior lawyer on his personal legal team, as interim US attorney. Halligan was sworn in by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The move alarmed prosecutors about political pressure to indict Trump's political enemies regardless of evidence strength.
• Trump replaces acting U.S. attorney with White House aide and former personal lawyer — President Trump replaced acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert, a career prosecutor, with White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan. The replacement occurred after Siebert concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress or New York attorney general Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud. Trump had exploded at Siebert over the weekend over these prosecutorial decisions.
• Lindsey Halligan sworn in as interim US attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience, was sworn in as the interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. This appointment followed the removal of her predecessor, Erik Siebert, by Donald Trump after Siebert declined to bring charges against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James. Halligan's appointment has raised concerns among current and former prosecutors about potential political pressure to indict Trump's political adversaries without sufficient evidence. Trump is expected to nominate Halligan for a full term in the Senate.
• Trump appointed Halligan as interim U.S. Attorney despite lack of federal prosecution experience — On September 23, 2025, President Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan, a 36-year-old insurance lawyer with no federal criminal prosecution experience, as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan had previously served on Trump's legal team defending him against classified documents charges and suing CNN on his behalf. According to the article, Trump appointed Halligan specifically because he was "desperate to find someone to indict former FBI Director James Comey and other political enemies."
• Lindsey Halligan appointed as U.S. attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan, who leads the administration's review of Smithsonian Institution museum exhibits, was appointed to replace Erik Siebert as acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan has no experience as a prosecutor.
• Trump removed U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert from Eastern District of Virginia — President Trump forced Erik Siebert, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, from his post after Siebert raised concerns about potentially charging former FBI Director James Comey and other perceived enemies of the president. Trump then installed Lindsey Halligan, one of his former personal attorneys with minimal prosecutorial experience, as temporary U.S. attorney in Siebert's place. This removal enabled the subsequent indictment of Comey by a politically loyal prosecutor.
• Lindsey Halligan appointed as US Attorney despite lack of prosecutorial experience — Lindsey Halligan, age 36, was appointed as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia—one of the most significant prosecutorial offices in the country—despite having no experience as a prosecutor at any level. Her career included only three federal cases, all while serving as one of Trump's personal attorneys. She previously worked as an insurance lawyer in Florida. Under federal law, she can serve as interim US Attorney for only 120 days unless extended by federal judges or confirmed by the Senate.
• Trump forces out previous US Attorney Erik Siebert for refusing to prosecute political opponents — Fortune reported that newly appointed US Attorney Lindsey Halligan replaced Erik Siebert, whom Trump forced out for refusing to pursue charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Halligan, age 36, has never prosecuted a case at any level and has participated in only three federal cases while serving as one of Trump's personal attorneys. Siebert, by contrast, was listed as an attorney on 675 federal cases during his prosecutorial career.

Supporting reports

• Senator Tammy Duckworth demands VA hospital evict ICE agents — On 17 September, Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), a former Army helicopter pilot who lost both legs in combat, publicly demanded that Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins evict ICE agents from the Edward Hines Jr VA hospital parking lot, which had been used as a staging ground for immigration raids. Duckworth criticized the VA's cooperation with "reckless, paramilitary activities" that harm veterans and servicemembers by enabling deportations of family members with minimal due process.

Supporting reports

• Former CDC Director Monarez testifies that RFK Jr. operates without scientific basis — Susan Monarez, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions that Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is operating according to ideology without regard for science. Monarez stated that Kennedy fired her after she refused to approve changes to the childhood vaccination schedule without supporting research.
• Former CDC director testified she was fired for scientific integrity — Appearing before the Senate health committee, former CDC director Susan Monarez testified that she was fired for "holding the line on scientific integrity." She said she was directed to only work with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's political appointees at the agency, "and not to speak or work with career scientists." She also testified that RFK Jr. said "there was no scientific evidence associated with [COVID-19] vaccines," called the CDC "the most corrupt federal agency in the world," and said its employees "were killing children, and they don't care."
• Senator Cassidy warns against Kennedy-appointed immunization panel — Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) warned against the panelists that Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices after purging the panel responsible for making changes to the childhood vaccine schedule. Insurance companies also signaled they will disregard any changes made by Kennedy's panel and continue covering vaccines, indicating lack of confidence in the panel's scientific judgment.
• Susan Monarez testifies against Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s actions — Former CDC director Susan Monarez testified before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, criticizing Health and Human Services Director Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for operating based on ideology rather than scientific evidence. Monarez was fired by Kennedy after refusing to support changes to the childhood vaccination schedule without proper research.

Supporting reports

• Three former senior FBI officials sue Kash Patel for wrongful termination — Three former senior FBI officials, including one who served as acting director, filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel alleging wrongful termination. The lawsuit claims the FBI has become politicized under Patel's leadership, with allegations that Patel was instructed to fire agents who investigated Trump. The suit was referenced during Patel's Senate testimony, though he declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee on FBI leadership and politicization allegations — FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his first oversight hearing since confirmation in February. Democratic senators pressed him on the politicized firing of top FBI agents, the transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a lower-security prison, and a premature arrest announcement in the Charlie Kirk murder investigation. Patel denied politicization claims, defended his leadership, and refused to provide specific numbers on agent departures, describing Democratic inquiries as seeking "media hits and fundraising clips."
• Patel stated assault weapons ban could reduce political violence — Sen. Amy Klobuchar asked FBI Director Kash Patel whether an assault weapons ban could result in fewer instances of political violence. Patel responded: "I think there are instances on this legislation that could prevent future attacks."
• Patel testified at Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on FBI resource allocation — FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee and claimed he was unaware that Baltimore's domestic terrorism squad had been wiped out to reassign agents to immigration enforcement. The hearing was highly combative, with Patel arguing with Democratic senators. Sen. Dick Durbin stated that political opponents should not be treated as enemies, and Sen. Cory Booker suggested Patel's tenure would be short-lived.
• FBI Director Kash Patel testified before Senate Judiciary Committee — FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his performance during the investigation into Charlie Kirk's murder and budget cuts at the agency. When questioned about Epstein case files, Patel stated that material in the files is limited and does not show Epstein trafficked girls to anyone other than himself, asserting "There is no credible information—none…that he trafficked to other individuals." Senator Adam Schiff expressed astonishment at this statement, and Patel yelled at Schiff when challenged on his assertion that the Bureau of Prisons alone made the decision to move Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security work camp.
• Sen. Kennedy asked Patel about Epstein trafficking victims — Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) asked FBI Director Kash Patel who, if anyone, Jeffrey Epstein trafficked young women to. Patel responded: "There is no credible information, none, that he trafficked to other individuals."

Supporting reports

• Three former FBI agents filed lawsuit against Kash Patel — Three former FBI agents filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel portraying him as a "partisan neophyte more interested in social media and swag" than professional law enforcement, occurring on the same day Patel mishandled the Kirk shooting investigation.
• Three former FBI officials sue Kash Patel for wrongful termination over Trump investigations — Three senior FBI officials—Brian Driscoll Jr., Steven Jensen, and Spencer Evans—filed a federal lawsuit in Washington DC against FBI Director Kash Patel and the federal government, alleging wrongful termination and unlawful political influence. The complaint alleges Patel stated he was instructed by the White House to fire agents who worked on Trump investigations, and that Emil Bove pressured officials to compile lists of agents involved in January 6 investigations. The officials seek reinstatement, backpay, and a declaration that their firings were illegal.
• Three former FBI officials sued Patel and DOJ for politicizing the FBI — Three former top officials at the FBI filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Patel, the FBI, Attorney General Bondi, the Department of Justice, and the president, accusing them of unlawfully politicizing the FBI and purging anyone who had ever worked on a criminal investigation of Trump. The lawsuit suggests Bongino had an "intense focus on [using] his social media profiles to change his followers' perceptions of the FBI."
• FBI director and deputy director focused on social media rather than investigation — FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, both MAGA influencers without law enforcement experience, appeared to prioritize social media activity over the investigation into Kirk's shooting. Hours after the shooting, Patel's personal social media account posted a picture of himself and Kirk; minutes later, Patel's official FBI account posted conflicting updates about the suspect's custody status. Both officials appeared focused more on posting than conducting investigative work.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — Driscoll v. Patel (D.D.C. 1:25-cv-03109) — Three senior FBI officials, including former FBI Acting Director Brian J. Driscoll, Jr., filed suit in federal district court challenging their summary dismissal by FBI Director Kash Patel on August 8, 2025. The plaintiffs claim they were entitled to statutory protections under the FBI Senior Executive Service (5 U.S.C. § 3151), which permits removal only for specified causes such as misconduct or neglect of duty. They allege their terminations violated the Fifth Amendment Due Process Clause and the First Amendment, arguing the dismissals were retaliatory and based on perceived political disloyalty rather than lawful cause. Plaintiffs seek reinstatement and an injunction against further adverse action without due process.