Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Federal appeals court declines to dismiss criminal charges against congresswoman McIver — A federal appeals court (Third Circuit) ruled 2-1 that criminal charges against U.S. Congresswoman LaMonica McIver should not be dismissed. McIver, a New Jersey Democrat, was charged in May 2025 with interfering with an arrest at Delaney Hall immigration detention facility during a congressional oversight visit. The court ruled her actions were "non-legislative" and thus not protected by the speech and debate clause. McIver faces up to 17 years in prison and claims selective prosecution by the Trump administration.

Supporting reports

• DOJ civil rights division investigates Jan. 6 witness Cassidy Hutchinson — The New York Times reported that the civil rights division of Trump's Justice Department is investigating former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson, who testified before Congress in 2022 implicating Trump in the January 6 insurrection. The investigation focuses on whether Hutchinson lied to Congress. The Times described the assignment to the civil rights division—which typically enforces federal anti-discrimination statutes—as "highly unusual."

Supporting reports

• Rep. Tony Gonzales faced resignation calls over harassment of staffer — Three Republican women—Representatives Anna Paulina Luna, Nancy Mace, and Lauren Boebert—called for Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) to resign following revelations that he had sexually harassed a married staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles, by requesting explicit photos and pressing her on sexual positions via text messages. Santos-Aviles died by suicide. Speaker Mike Johnson declined to call for Gonzales's resignation, stating that accusations alone should not be the litmus test for resignation and that investigations should be allowed to play out.
• Representative Tony Gonzales faces resignation calls over sexual misconduct allegations — Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX) is facing calls to resign following allegations that he pressured a staff member into a sexual relationship. Gonzales, who is married with six children, has denied the allegations, but published text messages show explicit content and the staffer warning him he was "going too far." The woman later died by suicide. House Speaker Johnson has endorsed Gonzales for reelection despite the pressure for resignation.
• Multiple House Republicans called for Rep. Tony Gonzales to resign — Several House Republicans publicly called for Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) to resign immediately following the release of texts showing he pressured an aide who later committed suicide for sexually explicit photos. However, some Republicans privately expressed frustration with Speaker Johnson's handling of the matter, with one Republican characterizing Johnson's leadership as "feckless" and accusing Johnson and senior Republicans of trying to "brush this under the rug" to protect their majority.
• Rep. Nancy Mace criticized handling of Rep. Tony Gonzales matter — Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) stated that the matter involving Rep. Tony Gonzales would "probably just [be swept] under the rug like they always do," characterizing the conduct as "disgusting" and "shameful," and stating it is "why so many women feel like second class citizens." Mace called for Gonzales to resign.
• Rep. Thomas Massie called for Rep. Tony Gonzales to resign — Rep. Thomas Massie (R-WI) called for Rep. Tony Gonzales to resign. When asked about Speaker Johnson's comments defending Gonzales, Massie stated that Johnson and other Republicans were "looking past his egregious transgressions to keep us in the majority" and that the party was "not well-served by the damage this is going to the GOP's reputation, particularly after the way they handled the Epstein" matter.
• Rep. Tony Gonzales refused to resign following sexual harassment allegations — Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX), following a meeting with Speaker Mike Johnson, stated that he was not resigning despite the release of texts showing he pressured an aide who later committed suicide for sexually explicit photos.
• Speaker Mike Johnson condemned Congressional boycott of State of the Union — Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the Congressional boycott of Trump's State of the Union address, calling it "shameful" and arguing that members of Congress represent over 750,000 people each and are obligated to fulfill their role and responsibility by attending.
• Speaker Mike Johnson met with Rep. Tony Gonzales amid resignation calls — Following the release of texts showing Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) pressured an aide who later committed suicide for sexually explicit photos, Speaker Mike Johnson met with Gonzales in his office. Johnson made clear to reporters that he would not call for Gonzales's resignation, citing the need to maintain the House Republican majority. Gonzales stated after the meeting that he was not resigning. Johnson did not call for a House Ethics Committee investigation, did not reach out to Gonzales's staff to inquire about the allegations, and did not encourage Gonzales not to run again. The National Republican Congressional Committee continued to support Gonzales, and Trump endorsed him in December 2025.
• US congressman Tony Gonzales refuses resignation calls over alleged affair and sexual coercion of staffer — Republican congressman Tony Gonzales refused calls from fellow Republicans to resign following allegations that he sexually coerced a senior staffer, Regina Ann Santos-Aviles, through explicit text messages and pressure. Santos-Aviles died by suicide in September 2025. Gonzales denied the affair, claimed blackmail, and stated facts would emerge. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the investigation must play out but stopped short of demanding resignation. Multiple Republican colleagues, including Thomas Massie and Lauren Boebert, called for his immediate removal.
• Rep. Nehls states personal politics supersede ethical standards — Rep. Troy Nehls (R-NE) was asked by CNN whether Rep. Gonzales should resign given the circumstances of a staffer's suicide. When asked "Aren't some things bigger than politics?", Nehls replied: "No. Not up here, not the way we do what we do in the House." The statement reflects an explicit rejection of ethical standards in favor of partisan advantage.
• Speaker Johnson refuses to call for Rep. Gonzales resignation — Speaker Mike Johnson declined to call for Rep. Tony Gonzales to resign following the disclosure of his alleged coercion of a staffer into an affair that ended in her suicide. Johnson's stated reason was that Gonzales's departure would reduce the House GOP to a one-seat majority, compounded by Rep. Thomas Massie's frequent votes with Democrats. This decision prioritizes partisan control over institutional accountability.
• Regina Santos-Aviles suicide following alleged coercion by Rep. Tony Gonzales into affair — Adrian Aviles, husband of Regina Santos-Aviles, a congressional staffer, disclosed that his wife died by suicide after being pressured by Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) into an affair. Aviles stated he possesses messages documenting Gonzales's conduct and appeared on CNN describing the impact on their son. Speaker Mike Johnson has declined to call for Gonzales's resignation, citing the narrow House GOP majority and the unpredictability of Rep. Thomas Massie's votes. Rep. Troy Nehls (R-NE) stated that resignation would be inadvisable given the razor-thin majority, asserting "Not up here, not the way we do what we do in the House" when asked if some things are bigger than politics.

Supporting reports

• Senator Mark Kelly sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for military censure in retaliation for protected speech — Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona filed a lawsuit against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Defense Department, Navy Secretary John Phelan, and the Navy Department, alleging violations of his First Amendment rights, the Speech and Debate Clause, separation of powers, due process, federal law governing retired officer ranks (10 USC 1370), and the Administrative Procedure Act. The suit challenges Hegseth's January 5 formal censure of Kelly, which followed Kelly's November 18 participation in a video with five other Democratic veterans in Congress warning military and intelligence personnel that they have a legal duty to refuse unlawful orders. The lawsuit seeks to declare the censure and related actions unlawful and unconstitutional, vacate them, and enjoin their enforcement.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Kelly v. Hegseth (D.D.C.) 1:26-cv-00081 — Plaintiff moved for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction.
• Sen. Kelly sued Secretary Hegseth to block reduction of his Navy rank and retirement pay for protected speech — Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) filed a lawsuit against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth seeking an injunction to prevent unilateral reduction of Kelly's Navy rank and retirement pay in retaliation for a video urging service members not to follow unlawful orders. Kelly's complaint alleges First Amendment violation, retaliation for protected legislative speech, and an unprecedented executive attack on congressional independence and military oversight authority.
• Senator Kelly sued Defense Secretary Hegseth over military retaliation — Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) sued Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and the Pentagon to block their efforts to punish him for a video he participated in last year with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders, asking a federal judge to find the move "unlawful and unconstitutional."
• Mark Kelly sues Hegseth over military rank reduction and pension censure — Democratic Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit in Washington DC federal court challenging Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's formal censure and threatened demotion/pension reduction. The censure targeted Kelly and five other military-veteran lawmakers for a November video urging service members to resist unlawful orders. Kelly argues the action violates free speech, legislative independence, and separation of powers. The lawsuit names Hegseth, the Department of Defense, the Navy, and Navy Secretary John Phelan as defendants and seeks to vacate the censure and all related actions.
• Senator Mark Kelly files lawsuit against Defense Secretary Hegseth over retaliation for protected speech — Senator Mark Kelly filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's attempt to reduce his rank and pension as punishment for the video urging troops to refuse illegal orders. Kelly characterized Hegseth's actions as an "unconstitutional crusade" that sends a chilling message to retired military members that speaking against the administration will result in loss of rank and pay. Kelly argued that such retaliation violates constitutional protections and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing military veterans' free speech.
• Pentagon censures Senator Mark Kelly and launches administrative proceedings — Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth formally censured Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy captain, in January and initiated administrative proceedings that could result in rank reduction and pension cuts. Kelly participated in the same November video about military duty to illegal orders. Kelly has responded with litigation arguing the Pentagon's actions violate constitutional protections.

Supporting reports

• Senator Slotkin said she is under federal investigation — Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said in an interview that federal prosecutors are investigating her for participating in a video with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
• DOJ threatens Federal Reserve with criminal indictment over interest rate policy — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly stated that the Department of Justice threatened criminal charges against the Fed related to a multi-year renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Powell characterized the threat as retaliation for the Fed's decision to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than presidential preference, stating the threat was "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."
• Federal investigation opened against Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin for video urging troops to refuse illegal orders — Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin announced she is under federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for her participation in a video released in 2025 in which she and five other Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds urged U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders. The video's message aligns with established military law and constitutional principle. President Trump called the video "seditious behavior by traitors" punishable by death; the White House later clarified he did not seek execution but wanted them "held accountable." Slotkin characterized the investigation as weaponization of federal government to intimidate political opponents.
• Senator Elissa Slotkin faces federal criminal investigation for oath video — Senator Elissa Slotkin is now under federal criminal investigation for appearing in a video urging service members to remember their oath and refuse illegal orders. The investigation represents potential criminalization of speech encouraging military personnel to uphold constitutional obligations and refuse unlawful commands.
• Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are under investigation — Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are being investigated by the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia over their participation in a viral video calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
• Trump DOJ investigates Democratic lawmakers over military video on illegal orders — Three House Democrats—Jason Crow (Colorado), Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), and Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania)—confirmed that the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C., led by Jeanine Pirro, requested interviews regarding their participation in a November video instructing troops they need not comply with illegal orders. The investigation expands to five lawmakers total; the Pentagon also formally censured Senator Mark Kelly and launched administrative proceedings. Trump called the video "seditious" and threatened capital punishment, later walking back but maintaining the lawmakers face "serious jeopardy."

Supporting reports

• California Republicans file suit to block Newsom's fast-track redistricting plan — Republican state legislators in California filed an emergency petition on Tuesday to block Governor Gavin Newsom's mid-year redistricting plan, which aims to counter Texas's redrawn congressional maps. The suit argues the legislative process violates a 30-day introduction-to-vote requirement and bypasses the state's independent citizens redistricting commission. Newsom announced the plan to use California's voting power to counteract Republican gains expected from Texas redistricting, framing it as a response to Trump's influence over mapmaking in Republican-led states.
• Texas House Republicans impose surveillance protocols and "permission slips" on Democratic lawmakers — Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows ordered around-the-clock police escorts and mandatory "permission slip" forms for Democratic representatives who had left the state to break quorum on redistricting votes. Democrats, who had fled to California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and New York to delay Republican efforts to redraw congressional districts favoring Donald Trump, returned to Austin on Monday. Upon return, they faced surveillance including plainclothes officers following them to homes and grocery stores. On Tuesday, Democrats tore up the permission slips and occupied the House floor in protest, calling the protocol "demeaning" and an attack on their dignity and freedom of movement.
• Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows demanded Democratic representatives sign commitment statements and assigned state troopers to monitor their movements to ensure attendance at redistricting vote. — After 51 Democratic Texas state representatives returned from a quorum-breaking absence on August 19, House Speaker Dustin Burrows required them to sign statements committing to appear for a Wednesday vote on congressional redistricting maps. Refusal to sign risked arrest. Burrows also assigned state troopers to monitor the Democrats' movements around the clock until the final vote. The measure would convert five Democratic congressional seats to Republican-dominated districts at President Trump's direction.
• Texas House speaker assigned state troopers to police Democratic members — The Republican Texas House speaker assigned state troopers to police Democratic members to ensure they show up and provide enough lawmakers present to conduct business. This enforcement mechanism was used to compel attendance during legislative sessions, including redistricting votes.

Supporting reports

• Texas Governor Abbott requests expulsion of House Democratic leader from legislature — Texas Governor Greg Abbott asked the Texas Supreme Court to allow him to expel Representative Gene Wu, the leader of the House Democrats, from the legislature, claiming Wu had abandoned his office by leaving the state to break quorum on the redistricting vote. Legal experts disagreed with the characterization, with constitutional law expert Charles Rhodes stating there is "absolutely no authority that says breaking quorum is the same as the intent to abandon a seat."
• Texas Governor Abbott filed emergency appeal to remove Democratic caucus chair — Texas Governor Abbott filed an emergency appeal with the state Supreme Court to remove Democratic caucus chair Rep. Gene Wu from office, calling him "the ringleader" of lawmakers who left the state in recent days, and arguing the move constitutes "abandonment of their office." In response, Wu said, "I took an oath to the Constitution, not a politician's agenda, and I will not be the one to break that oath."
• Texas governor files petition to remove Democratic state representative from office — Texas Governor Greg Abbott filed an emergency petition with the state supreme court seeking to remove state representative Gene Wu, chair of the House Democratic caucus, from office for leaving the state to prevent a quorum on redistricting legislation. Abbott stated that Democratic lawmakers "abandoned their duty to Texans" and must face consequences. Wu responded that denying quorum was a constitutional duty and moral obligation to prevent what he characterized as Trump's demand for additional congressional seats through gerrymandering.

Supporting reports

• Texas senator requests FBI assistance to locate and arrest Democratic state lawmakers who left state — U.S. Senator John Cornyn of Texas requested that FBI Director Kash Patel assist Texas law enforcement in locating and arresting Democratic state legislators who departed the state to prevent a quorum on redistricting votes. The request escalates a confrontation between Texas Republicans (backed by Trump) seeking aggressive congressional redistricting and Democratic lawmakers who fled to Illinois. Governor Greg Abbott filed an emergency petition to remove state representative Gene Wu from office, and state troopers were ordered to arrest and return absent members. The FBI declined to comment on the request.
• Senator John Cornyn requests FBI arrest of Democratic legislators — Republican Senator John Cornyn of Texas asked the FBI to find and arrest the Democratic legislators who left the state to break quorum on the redistricting vote. Trump told reporters the FBI might have to get involved. The request represents a significant overreach of federal power to enforce state legislative quorum requirements.
• Senator Cornyn claims FBI agreed to assist in locating Texas Democratic lawmakers — Senator John Cornyn claimed the FBI had agreed to help locate Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block a Republican-backed gerrymandered congressional map. Democrats condemned the claim as authoritarian overreach and weaponization of federal law enforcement. The FBI declined to comment; an administration official and federal law enforcement source told NBC News the government did not plan to arrest the lawmakers and had not assisted in locating them. No lawmakers have been charged with a crime.
• Sen. John Cornyn requested FBI assistance to locate Texas House Democrats who fled the state — Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) issued a statement that Kash Patel, head of the FBI, approved his request for the FBI to assist state and local law enforcement in locating House Democrats who left Texas to avoid a legislative session. Cornyn characterized the absent legislators as "rogue" and stated they cannot avoid their constitutional responsibilities. Legal experts questioned the legal basis for FBI involvement in locating state legislators.

Supporting reports

• Attorney General Bondi proposes removal of DOJ Public Integrity Section oversight — Attorney General Pam Bondi introduced a proposal in 2025 that removes the DOJ's Public Integrity Section from the approval process for cases against public officials and political candidates. The change gives presidentially appointed U.S. attorneys greater authority to pursue prosecutions of lawmakers without the oversight historically exercised by the Public Integrity Section. This structural change facilitates the targeting of political opponents without institutional checks.
• Interim U.S. Attorney Martin seeks grand jury investigation of Senator Chuck Schumer — Ed Martin, Trump's first pick for interim U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., sought a grand jury investigation into Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for saying that Supreme Court Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch would "pay the price" for ruling against abortion rights. Martin's efforts were rebuffed by the DOJ's Public Integrity Section, which exercises oversight in cases against public officials. A proposal by Attorney General Pam Bondi earlier in 2025 cut the Public Integrity Section out of the approval process, giving presidentially appointed U.S. attorneys more authority to pursue lawmaker prosecutions.

Supporting reports

• Congressional debate and legislative response to unilateral military action — Following Trump's June 21 airstrikes, Congress faced pressure to assert constitutional war powers. The article documents fractured Republican response—Senator John Fetterman praised decisive action while Representative Thomas Massie raised constitutional authority concerns. Democrats and independent voices called for congressional intervention and formal approval. The article calls for citizens to contact representatives demanding a resolution halting military operations until formal approval is granted and for Congress to reform War Powers limitations.
• Congress Criticizes Trump's Unilateral Military Action — Members of Congress, including Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sean Casten, criticized President Trump's decision to bomb Iran without congressional approval, arguing it violated the Constitution. They emphasized that no imminent threat from Iran justified the military action and called for adherence to the War Powers Resolution.
• Representative Ronny Jackson rejected congressional notification requirement — Representative Ronny Jackson (R-TX) told Fox News Channel host Maria Bartiromo that Trump did not have to notify Congress because "[w]e do not have trustworthy people in Congress especially on the left side of the aisle." He claimed that sharing information with Democrats and opposing Republicans would be equivalent to "put[ting] the [ayatollah] on the phone." The article notes there is no basis for this statement.
• Representative Sean Casten called bombing an impeachable offense — Representative Sean Casten (D-IL) posted on social media that the bombing constituted "an unambiguous impeachable offense" because no president has authority to bomb another country that does not pose an imminent threat without congressional approval. He stated: "I'm not saying we have the votes to impeach. I'm saying that you DO NOT do this without Congressional approval."
• House Democratic veterans announce support for War Powers Act resolution against Trump's Iran airstrikes — Twelve House Democratic military veterans, led by Representative Pat Ryan, issued a letter on Monday demanding congressional approval for Trump's airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The veterans, some with Iraq and Afghanistan service records, characterized the strikes as "preventive air strikes" conducted without congressional consent and drew parallels to pre-war Iraq and Afghanistan decisions. Multiple War Powers Act resolutions are gaining momentum on Capitol Hill, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer pushing for a vote as early as the week of June 23. The veterans demanded clear answers on military objectives, costs, and potential casualties before escalation.
• Trump attacked Rep. Thomas Massie for opposing Iran strikes — On June 23, Trump posted on Truth Social attacking Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, writing "GET THIS 'BUM' OUT OF OFFICE, ASAP!!!" after Massie introduced a War Powers Resolution and spoke out against Trump's military strikes on Iran.

Supporting reports

• Congressman Al Green removed from Trump address — During a joint session of Congress, Congressman Al Green was removed from the House chamber after repeatedly interrupting President Donald Trump's speech. House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Green's removal after he shouted "He has no mandate" and refused to sit down. The sergeant-at-arms carried out the removal, marking a rare event in congressional history. Green, a vocal critic of Trump, had previously announced his intention to file articles of impeachment against the president. The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of Democratic protests during Trump's address.
• Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber — Democratic Rep. Al Green was removed from the House chamber after disrupting President Trump's address to Congress. Green had previously announced plans to file articles of impeachment against Trump, highlighting tensions between the executive and legislative branches.
• House member removed from Congress chamber — During Donald Trump's speech to Congress, Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, was removed from the chamber after shouting at the president. Green's outburst came in response to Trump's claims of having a significant electoral mandate. The Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, instructed the sergeant at arms to remove Green after he refused to maintain decorum. This incident occurred amidst a broader protest by Democrats, some of whom walked out wearing "resist" shirts.
• Al Green removed from Trump address after heckling — During President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, Congressman Al Green was removed from the chamber after heckling the president. Green shouted, "You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!" which prompted House Speaker Mike Johnson to order the House serjeant at arms to escort him out. This incident occurred amidst a highly charged atmosphere, with Republicans cheering and Democrats expressing dissent through various forms of protest.
• House votes to censure Rep. Al Green — The House of Representatives voted to censure Democratic Rep. Al Green for disrupting President Trump's address to Congress. Ten Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the resolution, reflecting internal party divisions and the contentious political climate.
• House censure of Al Green for interrupting Trump's joint address — On March 5, 2025, Democrat Al Green interrupted President Trump's joint address to Congress, shouting "he has no mandate" while pumping a walking cane. Speaker Mike Johnson had Green forcibly removed. Two days later, on March 7, the House passed Republican Dan Newhouse's censure resolution against Green with 210 votes in favor (all Republicans plus 10 Democrats). Green was required to stand before the House dais as Johnson read the censure. This was the only censure to pass in 2025.
• House votes to censure Al Green — The US House of Representatives voted to censure Representative Al Green for disrupting President Trump's joint session address. The vote, which included support from some Democrats, accused Green of breaching proper conduct. This censure reflects the political tensions and disciplinary measures within Congress regarding decorum and conduct during official proceedings.