Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order expanding power of Musk's Doge agency — On February 26, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order to expand the power of Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" (Doge). The order mandates a centralized system for recording and justifying federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans, with oversight by Musk's team. It excludes law enforcement, military, immigration, and national security activities. The order is part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce, with plans for significant downsizing in various agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Executive Order on Government Efficiency Initiative — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 26, 2025, to implement the "Department of Government Efficiency" Cost Efficiency Initiative. This order mandates federal agencies to establish systems for recording and justifying payments under federal contracts and grants, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability. It requires agency heads to review and potentially terminate or modify existing contracts to reduce federal spending. The order also includes provisions for reviewing contracting policies and freezing credit card use, with certain exceptions for critical services. The initiative seeks to streamline government spending and improve efficiency.
• White House issued executive order directing federal agencies to implement cost-efficiency measures through centralized contract and grant justification systems, travel restrictions, and real property reviews. — The White House issued an executive order on February 26, 2025, titled "Implementing the President's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Cost Efficiency Initiative." The order directs all federal agencies (excluding law enforcement, military, immigration enforcement, and intelligence community) to establish centralized technological systems recording every contract and grant payment with written justifications; review and potentially terminate or modify existing contracts and grants within 30 days; freeze employee credit cards for 30 days except for disaster relief and critical services; restrict non-essential travel; and conduct comprehensive reviews of contracting policies and real property holdings. Agency heads must consult with DOGE Team Leads and report monthly to the DOGE Administrator.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on government contracting efficiency — The White House published a fact sheet on February 26, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump implementing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. The fact sheet states the order directs agencies to review all contracts and grants for waste, fraud, and abuse; requires government payments and travel expenses to be justified and made publicly available where possible; and instructs the General Services Administration to submit a plan for disposing of unnecessary real property. The fact sheet claims the federal government spent approximately $759 billion on contracts in fiscal year 2023 with "minimal safeguards."
• Trump signed executive order expanding Elon Musk's "department of government efficiency" — On February 26, 2025, Trump signed an executive order expanding the power of Elon Musk's so-called "department of government efficiency." The order calls for a "transformation" in federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans by requiring a centralized payment system monitored by Musk's team. The order states "This order commences a transformation in Federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans to ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public."
• Executive order on government spending signed — President Trump signed an executive order that places the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) in charge of reviewing all payments from the U.S. government. This order centralizes spending oversight under DOGE, which is led by Amy Gleason, and aims to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.
• — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14222, initiating the "Department of Government Efficiency" Cost Efficiency Initiative. This order mandates federal agencies to implement systems for recording and justifying payments, reviewing contracts and grants, and managing real property to enhance transparency and accountability in government spending.

Supporting reports

• OMB and OPM prepare for mass firings — The heads of the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Management sent a memo to federal agencies to prepare for mass firings and submit "reorganization plans" by March 13. This directive could lead to significant changes in the federal workforce.
• White House demands federal agencies plan for mass layoffs — The Trump administration issued a memo demanding federal agencies to identify hundreds of thousands of potential layoffs by March 13. The memo, sent by Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget, targets employees performing non-essential functions not mandated by statute or regulation. This move has sparked concern among trade union leaders and federal employees, who fear the privatization of services and the dismantling of essential government functions. The administration's actions are seen as part of a broader effort to reduce the federal workforce and cut costs.
• Memo on federal government reform sent — Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought and Office of Personnel Management acting director Charles Ezell sent a memo to department heads outlining a plan to reform the federal government, claiming inefficiency and waste. The memo cites the public's support for President Trump's agenda as a mandate for these changes. The memo indicates a push for significant reductions in government spending and workforce.
• Plans for agency layoffs announced — Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought announced that agency heads should prepare for large-scale layoffs and submit plans for reorganizing their agencies by March 13. This directive follows significant cuts already made within the federal workforce.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel instructs FBI staff to ignore Musk's request — Kash Patel, the newly confirmed FBI director, instructed FBI employees to disregard an email from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) demanding federal workers list their weekly achievements. This directive from Elon Musk, tasked with reducing government size under Trump's administration, caused confusion across federal agencies. Patel's message emphasized that the FBI would follow its own review procedures and coordinate responses if necessary. The FBI is seeking guidance from the Department of Justice on how to proceed with the request.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration fires thousands of federal workers — The Trump administration has fired thousands of federal workers from agencies responsible for managing public lands, including the US Forest Service and the Department of the Interior. This action has left significant operational gaps, particularly affecting wildfire response and conservation efforts. The firings targeted employees in probationary status, many of whom had dedicated years to public service. The move has sparked concerns about the agencies' ability to manage extreme weather events and has led to fears of increased privatization of public lands. Unions and labor advocates are preparing legal challenges, and legislators are urging the administration to reverse the firings.

Supporting reports

• Federal judges block DOGE from accessing Treasury data — At least two federal judges have blocked Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing sensitive data from the Department of the Treasury. This action follows a lawsuit filed by Public Citizen on behalf of federal unions and a nonprofit organization, which argued that DOGE's access to such information would violate privacy rights. The Department of Justice agreed to restrict DOGE's access to Treasury data, except for two special employees who were granted limited access. One of these employees resigned after past racist social media posts were discovered.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — New York et al v. Donald J. Trump (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01144 — Judge Vargas granted a limited preliminary injunction, enjoining the Treasury Department from granting access to DOGE-affiliated individuals to any payment record, payment systems, or any other data systems maintained by the Treasury Department containing personally identifiable information and/or confidential financial information of payees. The court noted that “a real possibility exists that sensitive information has already been shared outside of the Treasury Department, in potential violation of federal law.” The court ordered the Treasury Department to submit a report by March 24 including several forms of information and certifications including “the vetting and security clearances processes that members of the Treasury DOGE Team have undergone;” ”setting forth the legal authority pursuant to which each DOGE Team member was employed by or detailed to the Treasury Department;” and “explaining the reporting chains that govern the relationship between the DOGE Team members, USDS/DOGE, and Treasury leadership.”

Supporting reports

• USDA mistakenly fired bird flu officials — The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accidentally terminated several employees working on the H5N1 avian influenza outbreak. The USDA had previously announced plans to optimize its workforce by cutting staff, a move supported by Elon Musk's unofficial agency, the "department of government efficiency." The USDA is now attempting to rehire the affected employees to rectify the situation. This incident is part of broader federal workforce reductions, including significant job losses at the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration.

Supporting reports

• Judge allows Trump administration to continue mass firings of federal workers — A federal judge, Christopher Cooper, ruled that the Trump administration can continue its mass firings of federal employees, rejecting a bid by labor unions to halt the downsizing. The unions had sought to block the administration from firing hundreds of thousands of federal workers and granting buyouts to those who quit voluntarily. The judge stated that the court likely lacks jurisdiction over the claims, suggesting the unions file complaints with the Federal Labor Relations Authority instead. This ruling is temporary while litigation continues.
• Judge rules Trump administration can continue mass firings — A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration can proceed with mass firings of federal employees, rejecting a bid by labor unions to halt the downsizing of the federal workforce. The decision affects approximately 2.3 million federal workers, with the IRS beginning layoffs of around 7,000 employees. The ruling allows the administration to continue its efforts to reduce the size of the federal government, despite opposition from labor unions representing affected workers.
• Trump administration conducts mass firings of federal workers — The Trump administration has initiated mass firings of federal workers, citing "poor performance" as the reason. However, many of the terminated employees, including those with positive performance reviews, claim the firings are unjustified. The administration's actions have led to legal challenges, with a federal judge ruling against a restraining order to halt the firings. The firings have affected thousands of probationary employees and have raised concerns about potential legal and financial repercussions for the government.

Supporting reports

• USDA employees fired over Neuralink review — Over the weekend, USDA employees involved in reviewing Elon Musk's company Neuralink were fired. The dismissals included about 20 people from the FDA’s office of neurological and physical medicine devices, some of whom were overseeing Neuralink. This action raises concerns about the integrity of regulatory oversight and potential political influence in the review process of high-profile tech companies.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order to empower Doge committee — President Trump signed an executive order granting the Doge committee, led by Elon Musk, the power to shrink the federal workforce. This move is part of a broader strategy to halt government spending and increase efficiency, despite legal challenges from unions and concerns about the impact on federal agencies' operations, particularly in health sectors.

Supporting reports

• Mass termination of probationary federal workers across multiple agencies — The Trump administration, through Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), terminated approximately 24,000 probationary federal workers across agencies including the US Forest Service, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health and Human Services on February 14, 2025. Workers were given minimal notice (some two hours) to return equipment. Subsequent legal challenges resulted in court-ordered reinstatements, though implementation has been inconsistent, leaving workers in administrative limbo with uncertain benefits and job status.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order Ending Procurement and Use of Paper Straws — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14208, directing federal agencies to cease procurement and use of paper straws. The order mandates the development of a national strategy to eliminate policies disfavoring plastic straws and addresses contract policies with entities banning plastic straws. This action revokes a previous order promoting federal sustainability.
• Executive Order to Eliminate the Federal Executive Institute — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14207 to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute, a program providing leadership training to federal employees. The order directs the Office of Personnel Management to take necessary steps to dismantle the institute, revoking prior documents establishing it. The action aims to refocus government efforts on serving taxpayers and reducing bureaucratic influence.
• Trump issues executive order ending paper straw procurement — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 10, 2025, directing federal agencies to cease the procurement and use of paper straws. The order mandates the elimination of policies that disfavor plastic straws and requires the development of a national strategy to end the use of paper straws within 45 days. This strategy will address contract policies with entities that ban or penalize plastic straw use and utilize all available tools to implement the policy nationwide. The order aims to reverse previous policies promoting paper straws as part of environmental sustainability efforts.
• Trump issues executive order to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 10, 2025, to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute, a government program established over 50 years ago to provide leadership training to federal employees. The order directs the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to take necessary steps to dismantle the institute, citing the need to refocus government efforts on serving taxpayers and reducing the influence of the federal bureaucracy. The order also revokes prior documents establishing the institute, including a 1968 Presidential Memorandum and provisions of Executive Order 11348.
• White House issues fact sheet on elimination of Federal Executive Institute — The White House issued a fact sheet on February 10, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute. The order directs the Office of Personnel Management to terminate the institute and revoke related documents. The fact sheet characterizes the institute as a wasteful 50-year-old program created during the Johnson administration for bureaucratic leadership training, and notes it operates a resort property in Charlottesville, Virginia formerly used as a luxury hotel.
• White House signed executive order eliminating the Federal Executive Institute — The White House issued an executive order directing the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to eliminate the Federal Executive Institute, a federal leadership training program established in 1968. The order characterizes the institute as a program that has enlarged the "Washington, D.C., managerial class" and states it should be eliminated to refocus government on serving taxpayers and the Constitution rather than the federal bureaucracy. The order revokes prior presidential memoranda and executive orders establishing the institute.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• DOGE accesses CMS systems — Unvetted representatives from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) accessed payment and contracting systems at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to search for fraud or waste. This unauthorized access raises concerns about data security and oversight.

Supporting reports

• Energy Department grants DOGE IT access — Energy Secretary Chris Wright granted a DOGE associate access to the Energy Department's IT system despite objections from the department's general counsel. This decision raises concerns about the security and integrity of sensitive government systems.

Supporting reports

• Musk's DOGE team targets NOAA for elimination — Bloomberg reports that Elon Musk's DOGE team has targeted the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for possible elimination. NOAA is a critical agency providing weather forecasts and cooperating internationally on climate data. The potential elimination of NOAA raises concerns about the impact on global weather forecasting and scientific cooperation.
• Musk's DOGE team disrupts government agencies — WaPo reports that Musk's DOGE team has sought access to sensitive data and disrupted operations in at least 15 government agencies. The team has focused on gaining control of key agencies like OPM, GSA, and the Treasury Department. The lack of transparency about DOGE's personnel and actions raises concerns about government integrity and data security.

Supporting reports

• DOGE cuts at Department of Education — Approximately 20 representatives from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are working to cut spending and staff at the Department of Education as President Trump prepares an executive order to dismantle the department. This action threatens the department's ability to function effectively.
• EPA employees face potential firing — Over 1,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees were notified they could be fired immediately. This action is part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size of federal agencies and limit their regulatory power.

Supporting reports

• EPA places environmental justice employees on leave — The EPA placed more than 160 environmental justice employees on paid administrative leave. This action is part of the administration's efforts to reduce the agency's focus on environmental justice issues.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders NGO funding review — President Trump issued an executive memo ordering a review of federal funding to all non-government organizations. This review could impact the financial support and operations of NGOs across various sectors.

Supporting reports

• USAID employees placed on leave — The Trump administration announced that thousands of global USAID employees would be placed on administrative leave starting Friday, with orders to return to the US within 30 days. This action is part of the administration's efforts to restructure and control foreign aid operations.

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.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration releases order to identify civil servants for dismissal — The Trump administration released an order requiring federal agencies to identify civil servants who could be stripped of legal protections against arbitrary dismissal. This order potentially affects a large number of federal employees, undermining the 1978 Civil Service Act's protections. The move is seen as an effort to politicize the federal workforce by allowing dismissals based on political loyalty.
• Trump demands mass resignations of civil servants — President Trump demanded the mass resignation of civil servants, offering eight months' pay for those who resign within a week. This move is part of an effort to reshape the federal workforce to be more loyal to his administration. The Office of Personnel Management sent an email to approximately 2.3 million federal workers, indicating a push to create a "reliable, loyal, trustworthy" workforce, raising concerns about politicization of the civil service.
• Trump issues executive order stripping civil servants of protections — President Trump signed an executive order that strips civil servants of many employment protections, making it easier to dismiss them for political reasons. This order is seen as an attempt to bypass the 1978 Civil Service Act, which ensures that federal workers are hired based on merit and cannot be arbitrarily dismissed. The move has been criticized as an attack on the independence and integrity of the civil service.
• Musk announces "deferred resignation" program for federal employees — Elon Musk, using his access to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), emailed all federal civil employees to announce a "deferred resignation" program. The program offers pay and benefits until September 30, 2025, for employees who choose to resign, with minimal work requirements. The program has been condemned by the American Federation of Government Employees as it could disrupt federal government operations. Musk's influence in Washington stems from his role in the Department of Government Efficiency, despite not being a federal employee.
• Agencies can rescind resignation agreements at their discretion — The OPM memo states that agencies can rescind the "deferred resignation" agreement at their sole discretion, without review by the Merit Systems Protection Board or any other forum. While employees can request a rescission of their resignation, the agency is not obligated to agree. This provision gives agencies significant control over the resignation process and limits employees' ability to challenge decisions.
• Federal employees may be required to work despite resignation agreement — The OPM contract for the "deferred resignation" agreement specifies that federal employees who accept the offer must work through February 28. After this date, they may not be expected to work except in "rare circumstances" determined by their agency. The contract does not define these circumstances, leaving the decision to the agency's discretion. This contradicts earlier claims that employees would not have to work during the resignation period.
• OPM contract waives federal employees' legal rights — The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) released a contract for the "deferred resignation" agreement, which includes a waiver of federal employees' rights to enforce the agreement in court or any other forum. Section 13 of the contract states that employees waive their right to pursue any legal action related to their employment or the resignation offer. This waiver includes claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act and prohibits labor unions from filing grievances on behalf of employees.
• Trump administration offers "deferred resignation" to federal employees — The Trump administration, through the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), offered a "deferred resignation" deal to federal employees, claiming they could resign effective September 30 and receive full pay without working until then. However, the fine print revealed employees might still be required to work until their resignation date. About 20,000 federal workers accepted the offer. The administration aimed for a 5-10% resignation rate, but the offer was misleadingly reported as a "buyout" without a lump sum payment. The deal's terms were clarified in a new OPM memo and contract.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders review of FEMA — Trump ordered a review of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the disaster response agency, and suggested there is "political bias" in the agency. Trump previously criticized the agency's response to Hurricane Helene. The order states "Despite obligating nearly $30 billion in disaster aid each of the past three years, Fema has managed to leave vulnerable Americans without the resources or support they need when they need it most." A review council – which includes the secretaries of defense and homeland security, Pete Hegseth and Kristi Noem – will report to Trump within 180 days.
• White House issued memorandum directing FAA and Transportation Secretary to review hiring decisions and safety protocols from prior four years — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 30, 2025, directing the Secretary of Transportation and FAA Administrator to review all hiring decisions and safety protocol changes made during the prior four years and take corrective action including replacement of individuals who do not meet qualification standards. The memorandum attributes a January 29 aircraft-helicopter collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to prior administrations' hiring practices, specifically citing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. It orders a return to merit-based recruitment and a systematic assessment of hiring and safety standard deterioration.
• Trump signed executive order on aviation safety — President Trump signed an executive order on aviation safety that rolls back diversity initiatives. This action was taken following a tragic plane crash involving a mid-air collision between a commercial flight and a US military helicopter. Trump claimed, without evidence, that diversity initiatives contributed to the crash. The executive order aims to reverse changes made under the Biden administration regarding air traffic controller hiring standards, which Trump criticized as part of diversity programs.
• Trump fires TSA chief — President Trump fired Transportation Security Administration (TSA) chief David Pekoske as part of a broader effort to reshape leadership within federal transportation agencies following the air disaster.
• Trump freezes federal hiring — The Trump administration implemented a freeze on the hiring of all federal employees, including air traffic controllers, despite warnings from the Department of Transportation about staffing shortages at critical air traffic control facilities.
• Trump signs executive order on FAA staffing — President Trump signed an executive order that blames previous administrations for "problematic and likely illegal decisions" regarding staffing and diversity initiatives at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The order emphasizes a return to "merit-based recruitment" to ensure aviation safety.
• — President Trump signed an executive order that blames previous administrations for "problematic and likely illegal decisions" that he claims minimized merit and competence in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The order emphasizes a return to "merit-based recruitment, hiring, and promotion" within the FAA.

Supporting reports

• Trump expands Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency — Trump signed an order expanding the power of Elon Musk's so-called "department of government efficiency." The order calls for a "transformation" in federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans by requiring a centralized payment system to be monitored by Musk's team. The order states it "commences a transformation in Federal spending on contracts, grants, and loans to ensure Government spending is transparent and Government employees are accountable to the American public."

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.