Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump eliminates vehicle fuel economy standards — On September 26, Trump announced the elimination of vehicle fuel economy standards established under former President Joe Biden, continuing efforts to lock the United States into dependence on fossil fuels.
• Trump administration slashes clean car fuel economy standards — The Trump administration announced Monday the rollback of clean car rules that had required automakers to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency for model years 2022–2031. The Department of Transportation's new rule, called "Freedom Means Affordable Cars," reverses Biden-era standards that mandated 8–10% annual fuel efficiency increases. The administration estimates the change will reduce vehicle costs by $1,300 but will increase fuel consumption by 100 billion gallons through 2050, boost carbon dioxide emissions by 5%, and raise fuel spending by $185 billion. Environmental groups and public health advocates condemned the move.
• Trump administration finalizes rollback of federal vehicle fuel economy standards — The Transportation Department finalized a rollback of federal vehicle fuel economy requirements on Monday, reducing the projected 2031 fleetwide average from 49.3 miles per gallon to 34.9 miles per gallon. The administration projects compliance cost savings of approximately $1,289 per vehicle for automakers. However, federal projections indicate drivers will spend over $1,600 in additional fuel expenses over a vehicle's lifetime, with increased gasoline consumption and emissions.
• Trump administration eviscerates pollution limits on cars, trucks, and power plants — The Trump administration has removed or significantly weakened environmental regulations governing emissions from vehicles and power generation facilities. The article states the administration "eviscerated pollution limits on cars, trucks and power plants" as part of a broader pattern of rolling back environmental protections. This action reduces federal oversight of major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and represents a reversal of prior regulatory standards.

Supporting reports

• EPA eliminated greenhouse gas emission limits for power plants — The Environmental Protection Agency announced it is eliminating rules that limit greenhouse gas emissions from coal and natural gas power plants and intends to prevent future administrations from implementing such regulations. The action was framed as necessary to "unleash" American energy production.

Supporting reports

• Private Equity Climate Risks Consortium releases report on top 20 PE firms' fossil fuel energy portfolios — The Private Equity Climate Risks Consortium published research showing that the world's top 20 private equity firms manage $7.3 trillion in assets and operate energy portfolios producing 1.5 billion tons of greenhouse gases annually—more than all but four countries. The firms own 15,000 miles of pipelines, 124GW of power generation capacity across 370 fossil fuel plants, and hundreds of oil and gas fields. Despite capacity to transition away from fossil fuels, firms including BlackRock, GIP, EQT, and Kayne Anderson increased fossil fuel holdings compared to 2024, and are investing heavily in natural gas plants to power AI datacenters.

Supporting reports

• Wildfires and smoke create hazardous air quality across North America — More than 800 wildfires in Canada and at least a dozen in northern Minnesota, driven by extreme weather caused by climate change, are producing smoke that exposes Americans from the Midwest to the Northeast to hazardous levels of air pollution. Detroit, Minneapolis, and Chicago rank in the top five most polluted cities in the world. New York City officials are distributing N95-type masks to commuters. More than 115 million people are in the plume of unhealthy to hazardous air quality, with conditions expected to worsen. The Trump administration has dismissed addressing climate change as a "scam."
• Canadian wildfire smoke degraded air quality in Northeast before World Cup final — Smoke from more than 100 uncontrolled fires in Canada blanketed the Northeast and Midwest with unhealthy air quality, occurring just as New Jersey prepared to host the World Cup final outdoors on July 20, 2026. The environmental degradation affects public health and major international sporting events.

Supporting reports

• U.S. Department of Transportation withdraws offshore wind grant to California — The Department of Transportation withdrew a nearly $427 million Biden-era grant for a proposed offshore wind project in California that would have generated electricity for 25 million homes. The withdrawal undermines California's goal to develop 25 gigawatts of offshore wind energy by 2045 and prompted California's attorney general to send notice of intent to sue.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration invokes emergency powers to restart shuttered oil pipeline in California — The Trump administration invoked emergency powers to bring an oil operation back online in California. The pipeline had been shuttered for over a decade following a 2015 rupture that spilled 140,000 gallons of crude oil into the ocean. California's attorney general filed legal action to block the plan, citing environmental and public health concerns and federal interference with state sovereignty.

Supporting reports

• Interior Secretary Burgum cited fabricated national security rationale to cancel wind turbine projects — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced cancellation of wind turbine projects that had already been funded, citing a report from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claiming wind turbines pose a national security threat because drones could use them as cover for undetectable attacks on the U.S. The rationale was widely characterized as absurd and motivated by Trump's personal animus toward wind energy stemming from a decades-old dispute over a wind farm near his golf course in Scotland.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration dismantles deep-ocean observation system — The Trump administration is tearing out a $368 million deep-ocean observation system that monitors marine ecosystems, coastal environments, and ocean currents affecting climate change. The U.S. began operating the system in 2016 and expected it to continue for 25 years. The action aligns with Project 2025's criticism of federal science programs for paying too much attention to climate change. Democrats have pledged to fight the plan.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks Trump administration transfer of National Center for Atmospheric Research supercomputing center — Senior U.S. District Judge R. Brooke Jackson issued a preliminary injunction stopping the Trump administration from transferring NCAR's supercomputing center from Boulder, Colorado to the University of Wyoming. The judge found the move was likely retaliation against Colorado tied to the president's public dispute with Governor Jared Polis. The injunction holds while the broader case proceeds, and the judge signaled the administration is likely to lose on the merits.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — University Corporation for Atmospheric Research v. National Science Foundation (D. Colo.) 1:26-cv-01061 — Judge Jackson granted University Corporation for Atmospheric Research's (UCAR) motion for a preliminary injunction, enjoining National Science Foundation (NSF) from divesting UCAR or National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) of any rights, resources, or responsibilities related to the NCAR-Wyoming Supercomputing Center (NWSC). The court held that UCAR was likely to succeed on its Administrative Procedure Act (APA) claim that NSF's decision to transfer stewardship of the NWSC was arbitrary and capricious, finding that the agency offered no reasoned explanation for the decision and disregarded the public-comment process it had itself announced.

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• EPA finalizes amendments to hydrofluorocarbon use restrictions under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule amending restrictions on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) use across multiple refrigeration and air conditioning subsectors. The rule extends compliance dates for semiconductor manufacturing equipment (to January 1, 2030), establishes graduated schedules for supermarket systems and cold storage warehouses (interim limits until January 1, 2032), adjusts temperature thresholds for intermodal refrigerated transport containers, extends deadlines for laboratory equipment, removes installation deadlines for residential AC/HP equipment manufactured before January 1, 2025, and allows modest cooling capacity increases in supermarket systems. The rule becomes effective July 27, 2026.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration loosened federal refrigerant rules for HFCs — On Thursday, the Trump administration loosened federal refrigerant rules for grocery stores and air-conditioning companies, easing limits on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Trump presented the change at a White House event as a way to reduce grocery prices. Industry and environmental critics noted that HFCs are potent climate pollutants and that some U.S. companies had already invested in alternatives the rule was designed to encourage, making the rollback economically and environmentally counterproductive.
• White House issues fact sheet on EPA refrigerant rule revisions and compliance deadline extensions — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump terminated Biden-era refrigerant regulations through EPA revisions to the 2023 Technology Transitions Rule, extending compliance deadlines for hydrofluorocarbon use, and proposing corrections to the 2024 Emissions Reduction and Reclamation Rule to relax leak repair requirements. The fact sheet claims these actions will save Americans $2.4 billion total, preserve over 350,000 jobs, reduce food prices, and lower operating costs for supermarkets, air conditioning systems, semiconductor manufacturing, and medical supply transportation.
• Trump held an Oval Office press conference announcing a deregulation plan for grocery store refrigeration systems as an affordability measure while dismissing concerns about Senate Republican opposition to other administration priorities. — Trump held an Oval Office press conference to announce a plan to lower grocery prices through deregulation of refrigeration systems in grocery stores. When questioned about Senate Republican backlash to the weaponization fund and other priorities, Trump stated he did not know if he was losing control of the Senate and claimed he "only does what's right." The press conference reflected ongoing tension between the White House and GOP Senate leadership over fiscal and policy priorities.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration paid companies to halt wind energy projects — The Trump administration is paying companies approximately $2 billion to stop wind projects and has cancelled or stalled dozens of other renewable energy products, according to reporting by Catherine Rampell of The Bulwark. This action occurred amid an energy crisis and contributed to higher costs for diesel, fertilizer, and other products, placing additional pressure on farmers already suffering from tariff-related economic damage.
• Corporate bankruptcies reached highest level in more than a decade — Corporate bankruptcies in 2025 reached their highest level in more than a decade, according to reporting by Catherine Rampell of The Bulwark. This economic deterioration occurred as Trump's tariff policies cut into manufacturing jobs and contributed to broader economic instability across multiple sectors.
• Trump's tariffs and deportations caused farm bankruptcies to rise 46 percent — According to Catherine Rampell of The Bulwark, Trump's tariffs, combined with deportations of farm workers and cancellation of foreign food aid programs, led farm bankruptcies to rise 46 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year. Higher costs for diesel, fertilizer, and other products resulting from the Iran war are placing farmers under additional economic pressure, contributing to what Rampell characterized as Trump acting as "an economic serial killer, whacking firms left and right."

Supporting reports

• Trump administration blocks two permitted US wind energy projects and pays companies to reinvest in oil and gas — The Trump administration's Department of the Interior canceled two permitted offshore wind energy projects this week, offering millions in refunds to the companies if reinvested in oil and gas or liquefied natural gas. Global Infrastructure Partners (BlackRock subsidiary) will receive up to $765m for a liquefied natural gas facility; Golden State Wind can recover up to $120m in lease fees if invested in oil and gas assets on the Gulf Coast. Both companies agreed not to pursue new offshore wind projects in the US. The administration framed the action as promoting energy security and affordability.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration approves BP's Kaskida ultra-deepwater oil drilling project in Gulf of Mexico — The Trump administration's Interior Department approved BP's $5 billion Kaskida project, an ultra-deepwater oil drilling operation in the Gulf of Mexico that will drill 6,000 feet into water and extend 6 miles into the seabed—deeper than Mount Everest's height. The project is expected to extract 80,000 barrels of oil daily from six wells starting in 2029. Environmental groups filed a lawsuit on the 16th anniversary of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, alleging the project poses catastrophic environmental and community risks and that BP has failed to demonstrate safe drilling capabilities or adequate containment measures for potential spills of up to 4.5 million barrels.

Supporting reports

• President exempts Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-07, exempting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from Federal, State, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for one year (April 20, 2026–April 20, 2027). The exemption applies to operations subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Ass'n v. Meink. The determination invokes section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, citing paramount national interest. Certain statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317) remain applicable.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation essential to national defense, waiving procedural requirements. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-08, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains, mining, logistics, terminals, and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination cites a prior national energy emergency declaration and asserts that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-10 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act to declare grid infrastructure and supply chains (transformers, transmission lines, substations, power electronics, and related materials) essential to national defense. The determination finds that domestic production capacity is dangerously limited and foreign-dependent, posing a threat to defense readiness. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic manufacturing capability.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity as national defense priority. — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-11 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity essential to national defense. The determination, published April 23, 2026, finds that without federal action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand domestic petroleum capacity.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity as national defense priority — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-12 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints, permitting delays, and infrastructure bottlenecks. The President waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to prioritize large-scale energy infrastructure development, manufacturing, and deployment as essential to national defense. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-09, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, made pursuant to Executive Order 14156 (declaring a national energy emergency), finds that domestic capability cannot be met under existing market conditions due to financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• Trump invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal purchases and financial support for domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity constitute industrial resources essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The memorandum, issued pursuant to a January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand petroleum infrastructure, citing constrained financing, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations as barriers. The determination waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act regulations — President Trump signed a Presidential Determination on April 20, 2026, granting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada a one-year exemption from certain Clean Water Act regulations. The fact sheet states the exemption prioritizes national security and military readiness while claiming compliance with "toughest Federal standards." The determination removes what the administration characterizes as "unnecessary obstacles" to pilot training and operational effectiveness.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal action on large-scale energy infrastructure development and financing — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to a prior national energy emergency declaration (Executive Order 14156), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic energy infrastructure capability, citing financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers as obstacles. The memorandum waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that grid infrastructure and supply chains—including transformers, transmission lines, substations, and related equipment—are essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The determination, issued pursuant to the January 20, 2025 National Energy Emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic production capacity. The memorandum waives procedural requirements of Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) to expedite implementation.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity — President Trump issued a Presidential Determination under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, declaring natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity to be industrial resources essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to the national energy emergency declared in Executive Order 14156 (January 20, 2025), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, financial commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure, waiving standard procedural requirements under the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act to expand coal supply chains and baseload power generation — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The memorandum directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination, including making purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand coal supply chain capacity and baseload generation availability, and waives certain procedural requirements of the Act.
• White House issues presidential memorandum exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, exempting the U.S. Air Force's jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from federal, state, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for a one-year period (April 20, 2026 to April 20, 2027). The memorandum cites section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and notes that some operations are subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Association v. Meink. The exemption does not apply to certain specific statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317).
• Trump signs memos invoking Defense Production Act to expand domestic fossil fuel production — On Monday, President Trump released multiple memoranda citing his January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, directing the energy secretary to expand US oil, coal, and natural gas production under the Defense Production Act. Trump claimed inadequate domestic energy supply poses a national security threat and ordered federal action to ensure "resilient domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity." The memos authorized the energy secretary to make purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to enable fossil fuel projects.

Supporting reports

• EPA finalizes amendments to oil and natural gas emissions standards, modifying temporary flaring provisions and net heating value monitoring requirements. — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized amendments to the New Source Performance Standards (NSPS OOOOb) and Emissions Guidelines (EG OOOOc) for crude oil and natural gas facilities. The rule extends the allowable duration for temporary flaring of associated gas from 24 hours to 72 hours during equipment malfunctions, maintenance, and safety situations, with provisions for longer durations under exigent circumstances. The EPA also revised net heating value (NHV) monitoring requirements for flares and enclosed combustion devices, expanding exemptions from continuous monitoring to all flare and control device types when inert gases are not present, while requiring monitoring only when inert gases are added or other scenarios decrease NHV content. The rule becomes effective June 8, 2026.

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• Pentagon delayed military reviews for wind farm projects — Wind farms across the United States experienced delays as the Trump administration's Pentagon sat on military reviews that were previously considered routine. At least 30 onshore wind farm projects were affected by the Pentagon paperwork logjam, representing approximately 7.5 gigawatts of stalled electrical capacity—enough to power several cities. The reviews are necessary to ensure wind farm turbines do not interfere with military radar or aviation systems.

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• Trump administration cancels offshore wind leases and pays TotalEnergies $928 million — The Trump administration announced it will pay $928 million in taxpayer funds to French energy company TotalEnergies to buy back wind farm leases acquired under the Biden administration—one off New York, one off North Carolina. TotalEnergies will reinvest the payment in U.S. oil and gas projects, including a liquefied natural gas export facility in Texas. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum declared the move marked the end of "taxpayers subsidizing unreliable, unaffordable and unsecure energy." North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (D) criticized the expenditure as wasteful and counterproductive to renewable energy development.
• Trump Administration Pays $928 Million to TotalEnergies — The Trump administration announced it would pay $928 million to TotalEnergies to buy back leases for two wind farms acquired under the Biden administration. This move is part of a broader strategy to shift focus from renewable energy to fossil fuels, with TotalEnergies expected to invest the funds in U.S. oil and gas projects.

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• Trump EPA repeals endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions — The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency repealed the endangerment finding, a scientific determination that gave federal officials authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Environmental groups and state attorneys general argue this repeal undermines the Department of Justice's simultaneous legal challenge to Vermont and New York's "climate superfund" laws, which require major polluters to pay for climate damages. The contradiction—claiming federal preemption while denying federal regulatory authority—may strengthen state defenses in climate litigation.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court agrees to hear fossil fuel industry petition challenging Boulder climate suit — The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear a petition from energy producers seeking to dismiss a climate accountability lawsuit brought by Boulder, Colorado, against major oil companies. The energy industry argues that federal law should preempt the state/municipal claims, a preemption argument that may now be weakened by the EPA's repeal of the endangerment finding.

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• Trump administration pays $1 billion to TotalEnergies to cancel offshore wind leases — In March 2026, the Trump administration announced a deal paying nearly $1 billion in taxpayer dollars to French energy firm TotalEnergies to terminate offshore wind lease projects off New York and North Carolina. TotalEnergies agreed to abandon the windfarms and pledge not to develop new offshore wind in the US, while investing hundreds of millions in oil and gas. On June 3, seven state attorneys general (led by New York's Letitia James) sued, arguing the deal violated the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Judgment Fund Act, and requesting the court strike down the agreement and halt implementation.

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• EPA Rescission of 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and Repeal of Motor Vehicle GHG Emission Standards — The Environmental Protection Agency issued a final rule rescinding the 2009 Endangerment Finding for greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles and engines and repealing all associated GHG emission standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and engines under Clean Air Act section 202(a)(1). The EPA concluded that the statute does not authorize regulation of GHG emissions based on global climate change concerns, that the major questions doctrine bars such authority, and that GHG standards are futile in addressing identified climate risks. The rule eliminates all GHG measurement, reporting, and compliance obligations for manufacturers of model years 2012 and beyond, effective April 20, 2026.

Supporting reports

• Environmental groups sue EPA over revocation of endangerment finding — More than a dozen health and environmental organizations, including the American Public Health Association, American Lung Association, and Sierra Club, filed a lawsuit in Washington DC circuit court challenging the EPA's revocation of the "endangerment finding"—the legal determination that greenhouse gas buildup endangers public health and has underpinned federal climate regulations since 2009. The rollback also eliminated vehicle emission safeguards. Trump called it "the single largest deregulatory action in American history." A separate petition was filed by 18 young people challenging the same rescission on constitutional grounds.

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• Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered speech at Munich Security Conference attacking postwar international order — Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the 62nd Munich Security Conference (February 13–15, 2026) and attacked the three pillars of U.S. postwar foreign policy: global trade, international institutions, and climate agreements. He characterized global trade as economically ruinous, international institutions as sovereignty-undermining, and climate policy as a "cult" impoverishing Americans. He framed "mass migration" as a civilizational threat and called for Europe to join the U.S. in rejecting the post–World War II international order in favor of "Western civilization" dominance, defined narrowly as white and Christian heritage.
• Secretary of State Rubio delivers address at Munich Security Conference on transatlantic alliance — Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026, reaffirming the Trump administration's commitment to a transatlantic alliance grounded in "mutual strength, shared heritage, and unapologetic defense of Western civilization." The White House release states the speech drew on "Europe's profound Christian foundations" and urged European leaders to "reclaim their sovereignty" and reject "unchecked mass migration and climate extremism." The release compiled reactions from Republican lawmakers, media figures, and commentators praising the address.
• Rubio addresses Munich Security Conference — Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a reassuring message to America's allies at the Munich Security Conference, striking a less aggressive but still firm tone about the administration's intent to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance and push its priorities. Rubio addressed the conference a year after JD Vance delivered a harsh critique of European values. Rubio made clear the Trump administration is sticking to its policy goals while offering a calmer tone.
• Secretary of State Rubio endorsed white Christian nationalism at Munich Security Conference — Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented an endorsement of white Christian nationalism at the Munich Security Conference over the weekend. According to the article, this position did not persuade European countries to abandon their defense of democracy or align with the U.S. trajectory toward authoritarianism. Instead, retired lieutenant general Mark Hertling assessed that the endorsement squandered the strategic advantage the U.S. partnership with Europe has historically provided.

Supporting reports

• EPA revoked endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions — The Environmental Protection Agency revoked the endangerment finding that has been the basis for regulating emissions from cars and power plants since 2009. The finding reflected scientific consensus that greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels endanger the health and general welfare of the American people. The Trump administration claims the revocation will save Americans $1.3 trillion, primarily through cheaper cars and trucks, but did not factor in costs of extreme weather or pollution-related health issues.
• Trump administration announces repeal of 2009 endangerment finding on greenhouse gases — The Trump administration, led by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, announced it will formally rescind the 2009 Obama-era endangerment finding that determined CO2 and other greenhouse gases endanger public health and welfare. This finding has served as the legal foundation for federal climate regulations under the Clean Air Act. The White House press secretary characterized the action as "the largest deregulatory action in American history." Environmental groups have pledged legal challenges, arguing the move will expose Americans to climate risks and health harms while benefiting fossil fuel interests.
• Trump EPA rescinds 2009 endangerment finding, eliminating legal basis for federal climate regulations — The Trump administration, through EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, finalized the rescission of the 2009 endangerment finding—the legal foundation for all federal climate regulations under the Clean Air Act. The administration characterized this as the "largest deregulatory action in American history" and claimed it would save $1.3 trillion, though provided no methodology. Environmental groups including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Earthjustice, and Sierra Club pledged immediate litigation. The move follows Trump's campaign-trail request for $1 billion from oil executives in exchange for scrapping environmental rules.
• Trump EPA revokes endangerment finding, eliminating climate pollution regulation authority — The Trump administration's EPA, led by Administrator Lee Zeldin, revoked the 2009 endangerment finding that authorized the agency to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, power plants, and industrial sources under the Clean Air Act. Trump called it "the single largest deregulatory action in American history." The move eliminates the EPA's legal basis to impose emissions tracking, reporting, and limits on transportation sources, though stationary sources remain technically covered under a separate Clean Air Act section. Environmental groups and California have pledged legal challenges; experts project 18 billion additional tons of planet-warming pollution by 2055 and up to $4.7 trillion in climate and air-pollution costs.
• EPA moves to revoke greenhouse gas emissions authority — The Environmental Protection Agency moved to revoke its longstanding authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions under the endangerment finding. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin claimed the endangerment finding, which stated that greenhouse gases pose a threat to human health, was built on a "con job" and asserted that climate change does not endanger public health.
• White House issues fact sheet announcing EPA revocation of 2009 Endangerment Finding — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump has revoked the EPA's 2009 "Endangerment Finding" that classified greenhouse gases as harmful to human health under the Clean Air Act. The document claims this action eliminates the regulatory foundation for vehicle emissions standards, fuel economy mandates, and power plant regulations. The fact sheet asserts the revocation will save American families an average of $2,400 on vehicle purchases and reduce overall regulatory costs by $1.3 trillion. The announcement includes statements from industry groups, conservative organizations, and Republican officials supporting the action.