Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Judge allows federal buyout offers to proceed — US District Judge George O’Toole Jr. ruled that buyout offers for federal employees could proceed, despite legal challenges from unions. The "Fork in the Road" program, which offers deferred resignation plans to federal employees, was previously halted but is now allowed to continue. The ruling comes amid widespread layoffs and restructuring efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk. The decision has been met with criticism from unions, who argue it undermines the rights and dignity of public servants.
• Judge rules Trump can downsize federal government with worker buyouts — A federal judge, George O’Toole Jr, ruled that Donald Trump's buyout program for federal employees can proceed. This decision allows 65,000 government workers who volunteered to resign under the program to move forward. The ruling came after unions sued, claiming the program was illegal, but the judge found they lacked standing to challenge it. The program, led by Elon Musk, aims to reduce federal spending by offering buyouts to federal employees, with plans to cut staff by up to 70% in some agencies.

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• Kash Patel accused of orchestrating FBI purge — Kash Patel, nominated by Donald Trump to lead the FBI, has been accused by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of orchestrating a purge of FBI agents. Durbin claims Patel, as a private citizen, directed the firing of senior FBI personnel through the White House deputy chief of staff and the acting attorney general. These actions allegedly contradict Patel's testimony at his Senate confirmation hearing. Durbin has called for an investigation into the matter, suggesting that Patel may have committed perjury.

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• National Treasury Employees Union Sues Over CFPB Closure — The National Treasury Employees Union filed a lawsuit against Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, for his directive to cease operations of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), claiming it undermines Congress's authority to create the agency.
• Union sues over CFPB closure — The National Treasury Employees Union filed a lawsuit against Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, over his directive to cease operations of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The union argues that this action undermines Congress's decision to establish the CFPB to protect consumers.
• Case update — Mayor and City Council of Baltimore et al. v. CFPB (D. Md.) 1:25-cv-00458 — Plaintiffs moved for a TRO enjoining defendants from defunding the CFPB, to which the government responded in opposition on Feb. 20, 2025.

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• Most charges against Gaza protesters dismissed — A significant number of charges against protesters involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the US have been dismissed. Data from a dozen major cities shows that about 60% of the 2,800 charges, summons, and citations against Gaza protesters were dropped or not filed. Legal advocates argue that mass arrests and charges are tactics used to silence protesters and deter future participation, despite many cases not holding up in court. The dismissals highlight concerns about the use of policing to suppress dissent and the potential chilling effect on free speech.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks Trump administration's buyout offer — A federal judge has maintained a temporary block on the Trump administration's buyout offer for federal employees. The buyout program, which has been criticized for its lack of clarity and legitimacy, is part of broader efforts by the administration to restructure the civil service. The judge's decision comes amid concerns about the program's legality and its potential impact on federal workers, including those in sensitive positions. The ruling provides temporary relief to employees facing pressure to make quick decisions about the buyout.
• Judge maintains block on Trump’s federal worker buyout plan — A federal judge, George O’Toole, has decided to maintain a temporary restraining order against the Trump administration's proposed mass buyout plan for federal workers. The plan, which offers severance pay to over 2 million federal employees in exchange for their resignation, is being challenged in court by federal workers' unions. They argue that the program is illegal as it lacks Congressional approval. The restraining order prevents the implementation of the buyout while the judge considers a longer-term block.

Supporting reports

• Senate confirms Russell Vought as OMB director — Russell Vought was confirmed by the US Senate as the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) following a narrow, party-line vote. Vought, a Trump appointee, has been a controversial figure due to his advocacy for a powerful executive branch and his role in the Project 2025 blueprint. His confirmation was met with opposition from Democrats, who boycotted the vote and criticized his past actions, including a freeze on federal grant funding. Vought's confirmation signals a continuation of policies aimed at reducing the influence of federal agencies.

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• CIA offers buyouts to workforce — The CIA offered buyouts to its entire workforce, a move that could significantly reduce the agency's personnel and impact its operational capabilities. This action aligns with broader efforts to downsize federal agencies.

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• Former NLRB member sues over firing — A former member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) filed a federal lawsuit against President Trump and the new NLRB chairman, arguing her firing was illegal. This legal action challenges the administration's influence over labor relations.

Supporting reports

• Judge blocks federal worker buyout deadline — A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from imposing a midnight deadline for federal workers to voluntarily resign and take buyouts until a hearing occurs. This decision temporarily halts the administration's efforts to reduce the federal workforce.

Supporting reports

• Unions sue over privacy violations — Federal employee unions filed a lawsuit accusing the Trump administration of violating federal privacy laws by granting DOGE access to sensitive government payment systems. This legal action seeks to protect employee privacy and data security.

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• Vought confirmed as OMB director — Despite Senator Angus King's objections, the Senate confirmed Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Management and Budget. King had warned that Vought's views on presidential power posed a threat to the constitutional structure of the government.
• Senate confirms Russell Vought — The US Senate confirmed Russell Vought, a co-author of Project 2025, to lead the White House budget office. Vought's confirmation reflects the administration's commitment to its policy agenda and budgetary priorities.
• Senate confirms Russell Vought as OMB director — Russell Vought was confirmed by the US Senate as the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) following a narrow, party-line vote. Vought, a Trump appointee, has been a controversial figure due to his advocacy for a powerful executive branch and his role in the Project 2025 blueprint. His confirmation was met with opposition from Democrats, who boycotted the vote and criticized his past actions, including a freeze on federal grant funding. Vought's confirmation signals a continuation of policies aimed at reducing the influence of federal agencies.

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• FEC chair removed by Trump — Federal Election Commission chair Ellen Weintraub was removed from her role by President Trump, a move she claims was illegal. This action raises concerns about the independence and integrity of the FEC.
• Trump Purges Federal Employees — President Trump continued his purge of federal employees, firing Ellen Weintraub of the Federal Elections Commission and Colleen Shogan, the Archivist of the United States, both of whom had roles in overseeing electoral integrity and presidential records.

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• Trump nominates Neil Jacobs to NOAA — President Trump nominated Neil Jacobs to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Jacobs, previously cited for misconduct related to "Sharpiegate," raises concerns about the agency's leadership and integrity.

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• FBI submits list of January 6 investigators to DOJ — The FBI has complied with a demand from the US Department of Justice to provide a list of agents involved in the investigations related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. The list, which excludes names, includes details of 5,000 to 6,000 agents such as employee numbers, job titles, and roles. This submission follows a weeklong standoff and raises concerns among FBI employees about potential retaliation from the Trump administration. The acting FBI director, Brian Driscoll, expressed concerns about the safety of personnel if the list becomes public.

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• Judge blocks Trump from placing USAID employees on leave — U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols blocked the Trump administration from placing over 2,000 employees of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on paid leave, countering claims of corruption made by Trump and his allies. The judge's ruling prevents the administration from executing its plan without evidence.
• Judge blocks Trump and Musk's attempt to put USAid workers on leave — A judge temporarily blocked an effort by Donald Trump and Elon Musk to put thousands of workers from the US Agency for International Development (USAid) on leave. This action was part of Musk's "department of government efficiency" initiative, which has been attempting to dismantle various federal agencies, including shutting down DEI programs and eliminating entire agencies. The judge's decision halts the administration's move, pending further legal review.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks federal employee buyout plan — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration and DOGE/Musk from implementing a federal employee buyout plan. Judge George O'Toole Jr. set a hearing to consider further blocking the offer, which unions argue is unlawful and harmful to federal operations. The plan's legality and impact on civil service stability are under scrutiny.
• Trump administration restricts DOGE access to Treasury systems — Following a lawsuit by government employee unions, the Trump administration filed a proposed order to temporarily restrict DOGE officials' access to sensitive Treasury payment systems. The order allows two DOGE employees to read data without further access. This move likely preempted a judicial restraining order, and its acceptance by the judge or plaintiffs remains uncertain.
• Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s buyout deadline for federal employees — A federal judge, George O’Toole, temporarily blocked the Trump administration's deadline for federal employees to decide on a buyout offer. The deadline, initially set for February 6, 2025, was extended to allow time for legal briefs before a hearing. The buyout offer involved severance pay and benefits for those leaving their jobs, with new reforms for those staying. The judge's decision provides time for further legal examination without indicating the final ruling outcome.
• Case update — American Federation of Gov’t Employees, AFL-CIO v. Ezell (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10276 — Judge George O'Toole issued an order to pause the program and extend the deadline until Monday when a hearing is scheduled.

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• Gwynne Wilcox sues Trump and NLRB chair over dismissal — Gwynne Wilcox, a former member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), has filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump and Marvin Kaplan, the NLRB chair, following her dismissal. Wilcox claims her removal was politically motivated and violated the National Labor Relations Act. Her lawsuit seeks an injunction for her reinstatement, arguing that her termination undermines the NLRB's independence and leaves the board unable to function due to a lack of quorum. The White House justified the dismissal by labeling Wilcox and others as "far-left appointees."

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• FBI agents sue DOJ over retaliation fears — Two groups of unnamed FBI agents have filed lawsuits against the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prevent it from collecting information on agents involved in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol riot and Donald Trump's mishandling of classified documents. The lawsuits argue that the DOJ's actions could lead to retaliatory firings, violating civil service protections. The lawsuits were filed after Emil Bove, the acting deputy attorney general, ordered the FBI to compile a list of agents involved in these cases for personnel review.
• Case update — Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association; John Does 1-4; Jane Does 1-3 v. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00328 — Judge Cobb ordered consolidation of this case and John and Jane Does 1-9 v. Department of Justice.
• Case update — John and Jane Does 1-9 v. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00325 — Judge Jia Cobb ordered consolidation of this case and Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association v. Department of Justice .
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association; John Does 1-4; Jane Does 1-3 v. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00328 — Judge Cobb issued a temporary restraining order , which had been mutually proposed by the parties. The TRO prohibits the government from publicly releasing any list before the court rules on whether to grant a preliminary injunction. The briefings for a preliminary injunction will be filed by March 21, 2025.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — John and Jane Does 1-9 v. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00325 — Judge Jia Cobb issued a temporary restraining order , which had been mutually proposed by the parties. The TRO prohibits the government from publicly releasing any list before the court rules on whether to grant a preliminary injunction. The briefings for a preliminary injunction will be filed by March 21, 2025.

Supporting reports

• Federal employee unions file lawsuit against Trump administration — Three federal employee unions have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, alleging that Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge) was granted unprecedented access to sensitive government records. The lawsuit claims that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent violated federal privacy laws by allowing Musk's team full access to the Bureau of the Fiscal Service's confidential payment systems. The unions argue that this access puts millions of Americans' personal data at risk. The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Monday.
• Case update — Alliance for Retired Americans v. Scott Bessent et al (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00313 — The parties in the suit mutually proposed an order that Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly adopted. It limits access to Treasury Department payment records and systems to two (Musk-affiliated) Special Government Employees in the Department (“read-only” access), other employees who need to access the record to perform their duties, or individuals who are already entitled to access the records under statute.

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• DOJ offers protection to DOGE workers — Interim US attorney for DC Ed Martin sent a letter to Elon Musk offering protection for DOGE workers and indicated he would seek legal action against anyone impeding their work. This move supports the controversial Department of Government Efficiency's operations.

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• Presidential memorandum limits lame-duck CBAs — President issued a memorandum limiting collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) made in the 30 days before a new administration. These CBAs, which attempt to bind the new President to previous policies, are deemed inconsistent with democratic governance. The memorandum directs agency heads to disapprove such agreements unless they cover law enforcement officers. The memorandum was signed on January 31, 2025, and published in the Federal Register.
• White House issued memorandum restricting lame-duck collective bargaining agreements — The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing executive departments and agencies to prohibit collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) executed in the 30 days prior to a change in presidential administrations. The memorandum states that such agreements "purport to bind a new President to his predecessor's policies" and directs agency heads to disapprove any CBA that creates new contractual obligations, makes substantive changes to existing agreements, or extends their duration. The order cites the Department of Education's January 17, 2025 CBA regarding remote work as an example of agreements the administration views as constraining.

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• FBI launches sweeping staff cuts — The FBI initiated a significant round of staff cuts as part of the Trump administration's efforts to overhaul the agency. At least five top FBI officials in major US cities, including Miami, Philadelphia, Washington, New Orleans, and Las Vegas, were ordered to resign or face termination. This move is part of a broader purge targeting career law enforcement officials, particularly those involved in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol attack and other Trump-related cases. The FBI Agents Association criticized the firings, warning of weakened national security capabilities.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration offers federal workers resignation deal — On January 27, the Trump administration sent an email titled “Fork in the Road” to federal workers, offering them the option to resign while keeping their pay until September. This move is seen as an attempt to clear positions for loyalists within the federal workforce.
• Trump administration offers buyouts to federal workers — The Trump administration has offered buyouts to nearly all federal employees, encouraging them to resign by February 6, 2025. This move, communicated via an email from the Office of Personnel Management, is part of an effort to significantly reduce the federal workforce. The email outlined new standards for employee conduct and warned of agency downsizing. The offer includes more than seven months' salary for those who choose to resign. Unions and some politicians have criticized the move, arguing it pressures workers to leave and could disrupt federal programs.
• Trump administration offers mass resignation to federal workers — The Trump administration, through the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), sent an email to nearly 3 million federal employees offering them "deferred resignations" effective at the end of September. The email warned that those who choose to stay might face layoffs or reassignment. This move, linked to efforts by Elon Musk to downsize federal agencies, has been criticized for its potential impact on government services and its questionable legality. The offer excludes postal and military service members and those in immigration enforcement and national security roles.
• Trump administration issues "deferred resignation" offer to federal employees — The Trump administration has issued a "deferred resignation" offer to 2 million federal employees, allowing them to resign effective September 30, 2025, while remaining exempt from in-person work requirements until then. This offer is not a "buyout," as it does not guarantee a lump sum payment. Instead, employees may be placed on paid administrative leave, but this is not assured. The offer has been criticized for potentially violating federal law, which caps voluntary resignation incentives at $25,000, and for misleadingly being described as a severance offer by Elon Musk.
• Trump proposes buyout for federal employees — The Trump administration proposed an inducement for federal employees to resign, which was reportedly sent without approval from the White House, leading to confusion and frustration among federal workers.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration issues guidance for Schedule Policy/Career — The Office of Personnel Management issued guidance to agency heads on January 27 for implementing "Schedule Policy/Career," a plan to replace nonpartisan civil service protections with positions loyal to Trump. This move reinstates a controversial plan from Trump's first term, which was rescinded by Biden, and aims to strip tens of thousands of federal workers of their civil service protections.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration halts federal grants and loans — On January 27, the Trump administration ordered a pause on all federal government grants and loans, requiring that they ban diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This directive affects a wide range of federal programs and funding.
• Trump freezes federal grants, loans, and payments — President Trump ordered an immediate freeze on federal grants, loans, and payments to millions of Americans, citing a need to review their appropriateness and potential ties to DEI initiatives. This action, which affects funds previously allocated by Congress, has been criticized as illegal under the 1974 Impound Control Act. The freeze has caused widespread confusion and concern, with reports of Medicaid portals being down nationwide and various federal programs in disarray.
• Trump administration freezes federal funding for DEI and environmental programs — The Trump administration announced a freeze on federal grants targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and environmental initiatives, described as "illegal DEI programs" and "green new scam" initiatives. This funding pause, set to activate on the evening of January 28, 2025, could impact trillions of dollars in grants and loans, affecting programs such as school meals for low-income students and wildfire preparedness. The Office of Management and Budget has requested details from federal agencies about over 2,600 programs that could be affected.
• White House rescinds spending freeze on federal loans and grants — The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) rescinded a policy that temporarily paused federal loans and grants, reversing a decision made earlier in the week. This policy had initially halted funding for various programs, including Medicaid. The rescission followed a federal judge's restraining order against the funding freeze, which was issued due to conflicting messages from the White House. Despite the rescission, the White House press secretary stated that the executive orders on federal funding remain in effect.
• Trump administration memo orders freeze on federal financial assistance — The Trump administration issued a memo directing federal agencies to freeze the disbursement of all federal financial assistance, effective January 30, 2025. The memo, authored by acting OMB Director Matthew J. Vaeth, requires agencies to submit detailed information about their financial assistance programs by February 10, 2025. The freeze will remain until the Office of Management and Budget reviews and approves each program. The memo excludes direct assistance to individuals, such as Social Security and Medicare. The stated purpose is to prevent federal resources from advancing certain policies deemed wasteful by the administration.
• Trump administration rescinds federal funding freeze memo — The Trump administration rescinded a memo that froze federal funding after it caused widespread chaos and legal challenges. The initial freeze had paused federal grants and loans, affecting public programs and government spending.
• Case update — National Council of Nonprofits v. Office of Management and Budget (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00239 — The Government submitted a Notice that the OMB had rescinded the challenged memo. On the same day, the White House Press Secretary stated , “This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
• Case update — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — The Government submitted a notice that the OMB had rescinded the challenged memo. On the same day, the White House Press Secretary stated , “This is not a rescission of the federal funding freeze. It is simply a rescission of the OMB memo. Why? To end any confusion created by the court's injunction. The President's EO's on federal funding remain in full force and effect, and will be rigorously implemented.”
• Trump administration sued over funding freeze — The Trump administration faced a lawsuit from multiple states over a funding freeze memo. Despite rescinding the memo, the administration argued in court for the lawsuit's dismissal. However, a judge ordered the release of funds, citing conflicting statements from the administration's press secretary, which suggested the freeze was still in effect.
• Reports of Medicaid portal outages following funding freeze — Following the Trump administration's memo to freeze federal financial assistance, reports emerged of Medicaid portal outages across all 50 states. Senator Ron Wyden confirmed the outages, describing them as a "blatant attempt to rip away health insurance from millions of Americans." The White House attributed the outages to technical issues, but the Medicaid website cited delays due to executive orders on grant payments. Medicaid provides health insurance to nearly a fifth of all Americans.
• Trump administration freezes federal funding — The Trump administration announced a freeze on all federal funding and grants, claiming it would ensure the removal of "Marxist" diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This decision affects various programs, including Meals on Wheels and Medicaid, which are essential for many Americans. The Office of Management and Budget later issued a memo to rescind the freeze, but the press secretary contradicted this, indicating the cuts were still in effect. The situation has led to significant public outcry and legal scrutiny.
• Trump issues executive order freezing government grants — Former President Trump issued an executive order freezing government grants, which was described as illegal and a direct assault on congressional authority. The order was rescinded after two days due to public outrage and pressure from lawmakers. The freeze caused significant disruption and uncertainty for millions of Americans dependent on government benefits and payments. The swift public and political response highlighted the power of civic engagement in countering executive overreach.
• Trump’s administration freezes federal grants — The Office of Management and Budget under Trump sent out a memo freezing all federal grants and loans without prior approval from the White House, leading to concerns about a constitutional crisis.
• Court issues injunction against Trump Administration — U.S. District Court Judge Jack McConnell issued an injunction against the Trump Administration, preventing it from impounding federal funds intended for states. The court found that the Executive's pause in disbursement of federal funding would cause irreparable harm to states' ability to provide vital services. The injunction ensures that federal financial assistance to states remains uninterrupted.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of New York v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00039 — Judge McConnell issued a temporary restraining order against the OMB policy to allow the states to file their motion for a preliminary injunction. Judge McConnell's order notes that the case is not moot because “the alleged rescission of the OMB Directive was in name only and may have been issued simply to defeat the jurisdiction of the courts.” The judge also wrote, "the States are likely to succeed on the merits of some, if not all, their claims."