Trump Action Archive

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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• 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repeals endangerment finding for greenhouse gas emissions — The Trump administration's Environmental Protection Agency repealed the endangerment finding, a scientific determination that gave federal officials authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.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.

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• 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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• 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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• Trump administration sues California cities over natural gas restrictions — The Trump administration's Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court (Northern District of California) against the San Francisco-area cities of Morgan Hill and Petaluma, seeking to block local ordinances restricting natural gas infrastructure and appliances in new construction. The complaint alleged the ordinances violated a 1975 federal law preventing states and cities from regulating the "energy use" of products subject to federal standards. The suit represents the administration's latest effort to challenge local climate policies.
• Justice Department sued Arizona and Connecticut for failure to produce voter registration lists — The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division announced federal lawsuits against Arizona and Connecticut for failing to produce complete voter registration lists upon request. Attorney General Pamela Bondi stated this brings the total number of states sued to 23 plus the District of Columbia. The department cited authority under the National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, and Civil Rights Act of 1960 to demand production and inspection of statewide voter registration lists.
• Justice Department sued California cities over natural gas bans in new construction — The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of California against the cities of Morgan Hill and Petaluma, alleging their ordinances banning natural gas infrastructure and appliances in new construction violate federal law and preemption doctrine. The complaint seeks a declaration that the bans are preempted and a permanent injunction against their enforcement. Attorney General Pamela Bondi characterized the ordinances as "radical" and stated they harm consumers and American energy dominance.
• Trump administration demands voter lists from states; DOJ sues 22 states refusing compliance — The Trump administration has demanded that states surrender complete voter lists including sensitive personal information. The U.S. Justice Department is suing 22 states—many led by Democratic secretaries of state—that have refused to comply. The administration is reportedly attempting to build a national voter file and push states to more aggressively remove people from voter rolls. This action occurs amid heightened attention to secretary of state races in 2026, particularly in swing states critical to the 2028 presidential election.

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• Senate committee launches investigation into oil industry lobbying over EPA endangerment finding rollback — The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led by ranking Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse, sent letters to two dozen corporations—including oil giants Exxon, Chevron, Shell, BP, coal producers, auto manufacturers, trade associations, law firms, and right-wing think tanks—requesting documents on their role in lobbying the Trump administration to rescind the EPA's 2009 endangerment finding. The finding established that greenhouse gases harm human health and underpins virtually all U.S. climate regulations. Democrats lack subpoena power but expect compliance; the investigation signals potential future action if Democrats regain congressional control.

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• Federal appeals court allowed termination of $16 billion in climate grants — A federal appeals court ruled that the Trump administration can move forward with the termination of more than $16 billion in grants authorized by the Biden administration for non-profit organizations to fight climate change. The ruling permitted the administration to claw back congressionally appropriated funds.

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• Trump signed deficit-increasing tax cut bill with automatic Medicare cuts — In July 2025, President Trump signed legislation he described as "one big, beautiful bill." The Congressional Budget Office calculated the measure would increase the deficit by $3.4 trillion, triggering automatic cuts of $536 billion from Medicare over nine years beginning after the midterms. The bill also terminates Medicare coverage for legal immigrants who worked and paid Medicare taxes in America for decades.
• Congress passes "One Big Beautiful Bill" omnibus law cutting social programs — In July, Republicans passed an omnibus law that Trump called the "One Big Beautiful Bill," which extended the 2017 tax cuts that primarily benefited the wealthy and corporations while cutting Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and support for healthcare insurance purchases on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. The measure was passed under budget reconciliation rules, which cannot be filibustered, allowing passage without any Democratic votes. In the Senate, three Republicans voted against the bill, requiring Vice President J.D. Vance to cast the deciding vote.
• Trump celebrates passage of "One Big Beautiful Bill" tax-and-spending legislation at Iowa rally — President Trump held a campaign-style rally in Des Moines, Iowa, on July 4, 2025, to celebrate the passage of his signature "One Big Beautiful Bill" tax-and-spending legislation, which narrowly passed the House on Thursday. The bill permanently extends Trump's 2017 tax cuts, adds hundreds of billions to Pentagon and border security funding, slashes health insurance and food stamps, and phases out clean energy tax credits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates it will add nearly $3.3 trillion to the deficit over a decade. Trump used the event to mock Biden, repeat election falsehoods, attack the media, and announce plans for the nation's 250th anniversary celebration, including a UFC fight at the White House.
• Trump signed reconciliation spending bill eliminating renewable energy tax credits — President Trump signed a Republican reconciliation spending bill on July 4, 2025, that strips away tax credits and incentives for solar and wind energy production. Analysis by Energy Innovation projects electricity rates will rise by up to 18% by 2035, with household energy costs increasing by an average of $170 annually. Republican-leaning states will be hardest hit, with Missouri facing the largest increase at $640 per year. The bill also eliminates subsidies for energy-efficient home construction and upgrades.
• Trump signs major tax and spending bill with Medicaid and SNAP cuts — Donald Trump signed a comprehensive tax and spending bill on July 4, 2025, that extends tax cuts from his first term and creates new deductions for working-class voters. The legislation fundamentally restructures Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by imposing stricter work requirements and forcing states to share costs for the first time. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Medicaid changes could cost 11.8 million people their healthcare coverage, while 8 million people may lose SNAP benefits. The bill also channels tens of billions toward immigration enforcement and border wall construction.
• Trump signs sweeping tax and spending bill with Medicaid cuts and work requirements — On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed a comprehensive bill extending lower tax rates from his first term, creating new tax exemptions, and funding mass deportation plans. The legislation mandates the largest cuts in history to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), mostly taking effect after the 2026 election. It imposes work requirements for Medicaid enrollees and declines to extend Affordable Care Act premium subsidies, potentially leaving millions without affordable healthcare coverage.
• Trump signs tax-and-spending bill blocking Planned Parenthood from Medicaid funding — On July 4, 2025, President Trump signed a sprawling tax-and-spending reconciliation bill that includes a provision blocking Planned Parenthood affiliates from receiving Medicaid funding for at least one year. The provision, which abortion rights supporters call a "backdoor abortion ban," would force the organization to close roughly 200 health centers. Blue states with larger Medicaid populations would be disproportionately affected. Planned Parenthood immediately sued, and a federal judge granted a temporary freeze on the defunding provision for at least two weeks.
• Trump signs tax-and-spending bill into law — Donald Trump signed a sweeping spending and tax package into law on July 4, 2025, at a White House Fourth of July picnic. The bill passed the Senate by one vote and the House 218–214 on Thursday. It cuts federal safety-net programs (Medicaid and SNAP), allocates $170 billion to immigration enforcement, extends tax cuts skewed toward the wealthy, and ends green energy incentives. Researchers estimate 11.8 million people will lose Medicaid coverage and 8 million will lose SNAP benefits.
• Trump signed budget reconciliation bill into law — President Trump signed the budget reconciliation bill on July 4, 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced at the signing ceremony that Republicans were "laying a key cornerstone of America's new golden age."
• President Trump signed "The One Big Beautiful Bill" into law — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed "The One Big Beautiful Bill" into law on July 4, 2025. The document claims the legislation includes the "largest tax cut in history" for middle- and working-class Americans, permanent increases to the Child Tax Credit, border wall completion and ICE hiring, domestic oil and gas expansion, Medicaid restrictions on immigrants, military modernization, and $1.5 trillion in spending cuts. The fact sheet attributes specific benefits to the legislation without providing legislative text or independent verification.
• Budget reconciliation bill passed by Republicans and signed into law boosts fossil fuels and destroys government efforts to address climate change — Republicans passed a budget reconciliation bill that was signed into law on Friday, July 4. The legislation boosts fossil fuel development and eliminates government programs addressing climate change. This occurred as scientists warn of acute dangers from extreme heat, wildfires, storms, and floods, including the Texas flooding disaster that killed at least 80 people.
• H.R.1 tax and fiscal package became law on July 4, 2025 — On July 4, 2025, H.R.1 (Public Law 119–21), a major tax and fiscal package, became law. Some households saw improved cash flow and some businesses gained new incentives to invest. However, the article notes that tax changes helped only at the margin and did not reset housing prices, insurance premiums, food costs, or interest rates. For many families, the extra cash flow was quickly absorbed by expenses that had already risen.
• Major tax and fiscal package becomes law — Congress enacted Public Law 119-21 on July 4, 2025, a reconciliation measure authorized under H. Con. Res. 14, Title II. Reconciliation bills bypass the Senate filibuster and require only a simple majority, enabling expedited passage of fiscal legislation. The law's specific provisions are not detailed in this record, but reconciliation acts typically address taxes, spending, or deficit reduction with significant budgetary consequences.
• Became Law: Reconciliation Act Pursuant to H. Con. Res. 14

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court Allows Challenge to California's Emission Limits — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of fossil fuel companies and 17 Republican-led states, allowing them to challenge California's waiver to set stricter car emission standards than federal limits. The 7-2 decision overturns a lower court ruling that dismissed the lawsuit due to lack of standing. This waiver, periodically granted since 1967, has enabled California to lead in reducing vehicle pollution. The ruling does not immediately end California's standards but opens the door for legal challenges against them.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Diamond Alternative Energy, LLC v. EPA (24-7) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Diamond Alternative Energy, LLC v. EPA. Docket number(s): 24-7.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court releases opinion in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County (23-975) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County. Docket number(s): 23-975.
• US Supreme Court Ruling on Utah Railway Project — On May 29, 2025, the US Supreme Court issued an 8-0 ruling in favor of a multibillion-dollar oil railway expansion project in Utah, overturning a lower court's decision that had halted the project. The ruling limits the scope of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a key environmental law, by endorsing a narrower interpretation of environmental impact assessments. This decision is seen as a victory for the fossil fuel industry, allowing for faster expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure. The project, known as the Uinta Basin Railway, aims to transport crude oil from Utah to refineries on the Gulf Coast.

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• Trump Administration Sues Michigan and Hawaii Over Climate Laws — The Trump administration sued Michigan and Hawaii to stop them from filing lawsuits against major oil companies for their role in the climate crisis. This legal action challenges state-level environmental accountability efforts.
• Trump Administration Sues States Over Climate Lawsuits — The Trump administration sued Michigan and Hawaii to prevent them from filing lawsuits against major oil companies for their role in the climate crisis. This legal action challenges state efforts to hold companies accountable for environmental damage.
• DoJ Sues States to Block Climate Litigation Against Oil Companies — The U.S. Department of Justice has filed lawsuits against Michigan and Hawaii to prevent them from pursuing legal action against oil companies for their role in the climate crisis. The Justice Department claims that the Clean Air Act displaces states' authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions beyond their borders. This move is part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to halt climate accountability lawsuits, which it deems unconstitutional. The legal action has been met with condemnation from officials in the targeted states.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed executive order stopping enforcement of state climate laws — On April 8, 2025, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of Justice to "stop the enforcement" of state climate laws, which his administration suggested are unconstitutional or unenforceable. The order states "These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration's objective to unleash American energy. They should not stand." The action represents Trump's attempt to preempt state climate initiatives.
• Trump administration freezes $790 million in federal funding to Northwestern University — The Trump administration froze $790 million in federal funding to Northwestern University as part of broader crackdowns on students and faculty members across US colleges who have expressed opposition to Israel's military operations in Gaza. The freeze targeted the university in response to activism and legal representation related to pro-Palestinian causes.
• White House freezes federal funding for Cornell and Northwestern universities — The Trump administration froze over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University, citing investigations into alleged "failure to protect Jewish students" following pro-Palestinian campus protests. The freeze includes grants and contracts from federal departments of health, education, agriculture, and defense. Cornell received over 75 stop-work orders from the Department of Defense affecting research in defense, cybersecurity, health, and cancer. The action follows warning letters sent to 60 universities in early March and comes after Cornell's president published a defiant op-ed defending academic freedom and free discourse.
• Princeton University reports suspension of federal research grants — Princeton University announced that dozens of its federal research grants were suspended over allegations that the university promoted antisemitism. This action follows similar defunding threats against Columbia and Harvard, representing a coordinated campaign against major research institutions.
• Trump administration announces cancellation of $400 million in grants and loans to Columbia University — The Trump administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in grants and loans to Columbia University, alleging the school failed to protect students from antisemitic harassment. In response, Columbia officials capitulated to a series of changes demanded by federal officials, sparking outrage from advocates and prompting at least one prominent academic to leave the institution.
• Trump administration announces plan to review $9 billion in Harvard University contracts and grants — The Trump administration announced a plan to review approximately $9 billion in contracts and multiyear grants to Harvard University over accusations that the university failed to protect Jewish students and promoted "divisive ideologies over free inquiry." The action follows the defunding of Columbia University and represents escalating pressure on major research institutions.
• Trump administration considers consent decree to place Columbia University under federal control — The Trump administration is reportedly considering placing Columbia University under a legally binding consent decree, a dramatic escalation following the university's acceptance of administration-demanded changes as a condition for restoring $400 million in suspended federal grants and contracts. The proposal originates from the administration's antisemitism taskforce, composed partly of Justice Department lawyers who question Columbia's good faith compliance. If Columbia resists, the Justice Department would need to present its case in court, risking prolonged litigation and continued funding withholding.
• Trump administration freezes nearly $1 billion in federal funding from Cornell University — During a cabinet meeting, President Trump pressed Education Secretary Linda McMahon on withholding federal funds from universities deemed "not behaving." McMahon confirmed the administration has frozen nearly $1 billion in funding from Cornell University and is investigating multiple institutions while holding back grant money pending compliance discussions with university presidents.
• Trump administration pauses $175 million in federal funding to University of Pennsylvania — The Trump administration paused $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania over its inclusion of transgender athletes in women's college sports. This action represents another instance of defunding universities over policies the administration opposes.
• Trump administration demands Harvard surrender academic freedoms; Harvard refuses; administration retaliates by freezing $2.2bn in grants — The Trump administration (Departments of Education, HHS, and GSA) issued an 11 April demand letter to Harvard University president Alan Garber requiring sweeping reforms including installation of "viewpoint-diverse" faculty, elimination of DEI programs, and adoption of specific antisemitism definitions as conditions for continued federal funding. Harvard's legal team, citing First Amendment violations and constitutional limits on executive authority, rejected the demands as governmental overreach into academic freedom. Within hours, the administration froze $2.2bn in grants and a $60m contract in retaliation.
• Trump administration withheld Harvard University federal funding pending government control of admissions and intellectual content — On April 11, the Trump administration announced it would withhold $2.2 billion in grants already awarded and a $60 million contract from Harvard University unless the university permitted the federal government to control its admissions and intellectual content. The administration framed the action as addressing antisemitism. On April 22, Harvard filed suit against the departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, Education, Energy, and Defense, the General Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, NASA, and their leaders, alleging violation of the First Amendment and abuse of legal authority.
• White House claims letter to Harvard withholding federal funds was "unauthorized" — On Friday, April 18, the administration claimed that a letter sent to Harvard University on April 11 withholding federal grants until the university granted administration officials power over the school's students and programs was "unauthorized." However, the White House simultaneously stated it was standing by the letter. The letter was signed by three federal officials, placed on official letterhead, and sent from the email of a senior federal official. Harvard responded by pointing out the letter's official provenance and noting that the government's actions had "real-life consequences."
• Harvard University rejected Trump administration demand for control over university governance — On April 11, 2025, Harvard University rejected the Trump administration's demand to regulate "intellectual and civil rights conditions" at Harvard, including its governance, admissions, programs, and extracurricular activities, in exchange for continuation of $2.2 billion in multiyear grants and a $60 million contract. Harvard's lawyers stated the university would not surrender its independence or relinquish constitutional rights and would not allow itself to be taken over by the federal government.

Supporting reports

• Became Law: Joint Resolution for Disapproval of Marine Archaeological Resources Rule — Congress enacted a joint resolution disapproving a rule from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management regarding the protection of marine archaeological resources. This action reflects legislative oversight over federal regulations.
• Became Law: Providing for congressional disapproval of EPA rule on waste emissions charge — Congress enacted a resolution disapproving the Environmental Protection Agency's rule regarding waste emissions charges for petroleum and natural gas systems, impacting regulatory compliance procedures.
• EPA revokes methane emissions charge rule via Congressional Review Act — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule revoking the "Waste Emissions Charge for Petroleum and Natural Gas Systems" rule, effective immediately. Congress passed and President Trump signed a joint resolution of disapproval (H.J. Res. 35, Public Law 119-2) on March 14, 2025, nullifying the November 2024 EPA rule that implemented methane emissions reporting and compliance procedures for petroleum and natural gas facilities. The EPA removed the rule from the Code of Federal Regulations, eliminating reporting requirements and associated compliance procedures for affected industry segments.

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• US Senate confirms Chris Wright as energy secretary — The US Senate confirmed Chris Wright, CEO of Liberty Energy, as the energy secretary under Donald Trump's administration with a vote of 59-38. Wright, known for his controversial views on climate change, will oversee the Department of Energy, which manages a $50 billion budget, including the maintenance of the US nuclear weapons stockpile. Wright has been criticized for downplaying the effects of climate change, particularly in relation to wildfires in California. He will replace Jennifer Granholm, who supported renewable energy sources.
• US Senate confirms Pam Bondi as attorney general — The US Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as the attorney general with a 54-46 vote, largely along party lines. Bondi, a staunch ally of President Trump, will lead the Justice Department during Trump's second term. Her confirmation comes amid significant personnel changes within the department, including the firing of prosecutors involved in cases against Trump. Bondi has pledged to maintain the department's independence, but her ability to resist political pressure from the White House is under scrutiny. The department faces challenges with morale and concerns about becoming an extension of the White House.
• Confirmation of Pam Bondi as attorney general — The Senate confirmed Pam Bondi as attorney general, despite opposition from civil rights groups due to her history of anti-LGBTQ and anti-immigrant stances. The confirmation vote was largely along party lines, with one Democratic senator crossing over to support her.
• Senate finance committee advances RFK Jr's HHS nomination — The Senate finance committee voted to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination as the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The vote was along party lines, with 14 Republicans supporting and 13 Democrats opposing. This advancement sets the stage for a full Senate vote. Kennedy's nomination has been controversial due to his past comments on vaccines and healthcare policies. Despite initial concerns, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy supported the nomination after receiving commitments from the administration. The full Senate vote is expected soon, with Kennedy likely to be confirmed given the Republican majority.
• US Senate confirms Russell Vought to lead OMB — The US Senate confirmed Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with a 53-47 vote along party lines. Vought, a key figure in Project 2025, faced strong opposition from Democrats who fear he will work with Donald Trump to dismantle the federal government. Despite an all-night debate by Democrats, Vought's confirmation proceeded, raising concerns about potential overreach in federal funding decisions and the consolidation of executive power.
• Senate confirms Russell Vought as OMB director — Senate Republicans confirmed Russell Vought as the director of the Office of Management and Budget on February 6, 2025. Vought is known for his right-wing views and has been associated with Project 2025, which aims to reshape government functions.