Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump announces DC golf course renovation despite federal judge's halt order — Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on October 18 that renovation work on the historic East Potomac Golf Links would begin November 15, directly contradicting a federal judge's order halting tree removal and requiring notice before substantive construction. Judge Ana Reyes had previously ruled the government must pause work over environmental and historic preservation concerns. The judge responded by ordering the Trump administration to clarify by 8pm Sunday whether its legal position had changed from a Friday filing claiming only "preliminary thought" had been given to the project.

Supporting reports

• Trump states he could have prosecuted political opponents but chose restraint, then asserts presidential power is absolute — From the Oval Office on October 7, 2026, Trump told reporters he could have taken "very bad things" against Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and Barack Obama but refrained out of respect for the presidency. He then stated "I can do whatever I want, if I want," asserting that despite two impeachments and actions by political opponents, he views the presidency as a "very sacred position" and retains unlimited executive authority.

Supporting reports

• Trump refuses to rule out declaring state of emergency before midterm elections — In a Time magazine interview, President Trump declined to rule out declaring a state of emergency before the November midterm elections, stating "I don't rule anything out or in. We'll see." He also said he "could use" the Insurrection Act to deploy military troops domestically, noting that "a lot of people think I should use it sometimes." Trump dismissed low approval ratings as "fake numbers" and blamed media for misrepresenting his earlier statements about the Iran war's duration.
• Trump expresses regret over Supreme Court appointments and discusses using Insurrection Act — In a 75-minute TIME magazine interview, Trump stated he regretted appointing Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett because they ruled against him on tariffs, mail ballots, and birthright citizenship. He expressed unapologetic expectations of judicial loyalty, stating "I do like loyalty, yeah." When asked whether he would rule out declaring a state of emergency before the midterms unless there was widespread violence, Trump said "I don't rule anything out or in" and indicated he could use the Insurrection Act, saying "A lot of people think I should use it sometimes."
• Trump defies congressional authority in TIME magazine interview — The President of the United States openly defied Congress during a TIME magazine interview, according to the article. The specific nature of the defiance is not detailed in the text provided, but the article characterizes the President's statements as demonstrating "no grasp on reality at all" and notes the defiance as part of a pattern of constitutional violations occurring under the current administration.

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• Administration refuses to spend $810 million Congress appropriated — On September 26, the Trump administration announced it is refusing to spend $810 million that Congress appropriated on a bipartisan basis for research in Health and Human Services and programs serving immigrants and minority groups, characterizing the spending as "wasteful and harmful government spending that does not benefit American citizens." The Government Accountability Office has determined that such "pocket rescissions" are unconstitutional, as they violate the constitutional requirement that the president "take care that the laws be faithfully executed" and usurp Congress's power of the purse.
• Administration announced refusal to spend approximately one billion dollars Congress appropriated for programs helping Americans — On Friday, September 27, the Trump administration announced it was refusing to spend approximately one billion dollars that Congress had appropriated for programs designed to help the American people. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) stated that this refusal to spend congressionally appropriated funds is illegal. The action came as the administration faced criticism over other spending decisions and policy implementations.
• Sen. Collins denounced $810 million in pocket rescissions — Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) posted on X that Congress received an $810 million package of pocket rescissions from the administration without warning or consultation. Collins stated this represents an attempt by OMB to undermine Congress's constitutional power of the purse, violating the Impoundment Control Act. She noted the OMB intentionally withheld funds for months to execute the unlawful cancellation of bipartisan appropriations. Collins pledged to work with colleagues to address the illegal actions.
• Government Accountability Office found Trump's funding cancellation unconstitutional — The Government Accountability Office sent a letter to congressional leaders on September 29 stating that Trump's cancellation of $810 million in federal funding, primarily for Health and Human Services programs serving refugees and asylum seekers, violated the Constitution. Trump used the "pocket rescission" process to bypass Congress, ensuring the funds would go unspent before the end of the fiscal year.
• Complaint filed: State of California et al. v. Trump (N.D. Cal. 3:26-cv-11185) — Seven states (California, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, and Oregon) filed a complaint in the Northern District of California challenging President Trump's Sept. 25, 2026 rescission of $810 million in federal appropriations, including $567 million for refugee and entrant assistance at HHS. The states allege the administration timed the rescissions to expire before Congress could act under the Impoundment Control Act and withheld additional funds as "quiet impoundments." They seek declaratory relief, injunctive relief, and an order compelling the administration to obligate and spend the withheld funds, arguing the impoundments violate the separation of powers, the Presentment Clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Complaint filed: State of New York v. U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development — The State of New York filed suit in federal district court challenging HUD's decision not to obligate $56.1 million in congressionally appropriated funds for the Housing Counseling program. Trump announced a "pocket rescission" of the funds on September 25, 2026, citing alleged failure to reduce delinquencies and claiming grantees pursued "DEI-centric discriminatory agendas." New York alleges HUD exceeded its statutory authority, violated the Administrative Procedure Act, and breached the mandatory obligation requirement in 12 U.S.C. § 1701x(a)(4)(A). The state seeks declaratory relief, vacatur of HUD's decisions, and an order compelling full obligation of the appropriation.
• Trump administration withheld $810 million in congressionally allocated funds — The Trump administration is refusing to spend $810 million in funds that Congress allocated. More than half of the withheld money—over $405 million—is designated for programs supporting refugees, asylees, and other non-citizens. The impoundment represents an assertion of executive power over congressionally mandated spending.

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• Trump campaign promises $5,000 dividend checks to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win midterm elections — At a Republican midterm convention in Dallas on September 9, Trump promised to distribute $5,000 checks to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win control of Congress, calling it the "Trump Dividend." The payout would cost approximately $1.2–1.3 trillion and would require congressional approval. Trump did not explain funding mechanisms. Multiple Republican lawmakers and observers noted the promise contradicts constitutional authority and echoes unfulfilled prior pledges (DOGE dividend, tariff rebates, stimulus checks).
• Trump suggests renaming geographic features after himself at convention speech — During the Dallas convention speech on September 9, Trump proposed renaming the Hormuz Strait the "Trump Strait," Lake Michigan "Lake America," and New Mexico "New America." He stated "I should get something out of it" regarding the strait naming and joked about personal financial benefit from geographic rebranding.
• VP Vance interviewed on Fox about $5,000 dividend promise — Fox host Bret Baier interviewed VP JD Vance after Trump's convention speech on September 9. When asked how a $1.3 trillion dividend payout would be funded without bankrupting the country, Vance claimed tariffs had generated substantial revenue and that the president was offering to share wealth created by his policies. A Community Note fact-check on X noted that annual tariff revenue (under $300 billion) cannot fund a $1.3 trillion payout and that previous cash dividend promises were never delivered.
• Trump claimed Iran war will end after midterm elections — Trump told reporters that Iran is prolonging the war to influence U.S. midterm elections and that he expects the conflict to end and gas prices to decline once the elections conclude. He stated, "They can't hold out any longer" and characterized Iran as "desperate to try and affect the election." However, Wall Street Journal reporting revealed that Trump's top advisors, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have warned him the Iran war could continue through the remainder of his term. Hegseth has already extended troop deployments in the Middle East and planned additional extensions.
• Trump promised $5,000 checks to all adults if Republicans win midterms — At the "Trumpapaloosa" midterm convention in Dallas, Trump promised that if Republicans win the midterm elections, his administration will distribute $5,000 checks to all adult Americans. Trump branded the proposal the "Trump Dividend" and attributed it to "our tremendous strength and success economically." The plan would cost more than a trillion dollars and would require congressional approval, which Trump did not acknowledge.
• Trump pledges $5,000 payment to voters if Republicans win midterms — At the Republican National Convention in Dallas on September 10, President Trump promised a $5,000 check to every U.S. adult citizen if Republicans win the midterm elections. The pledge is widely understood within Trump's own circle as non-credible; no similar payments have been distributed during his second term despite prior promises. The announcement occurred during a lengthy speech that included incoherent remarks and calls for audience loyalty pledges.
• Trump Dividend: America Is Winning — and Americans Should Win With It — The White House published this release on 2026-09-10 through its releases channel.
• FDA announces priority review voucher fee rate for fiscal year 2027 — The Food and Drug Administration published a notice establishing the fiscal year 2027 fee rate for using priority review vouchers at $1,798,596. This fee applies to applications for tropical disease, rare pediatric disease, or material threat medical countermeasure products submitted with a priority review voucher, in addition to standard Prescription Drug User Fee Act fees. The rate is effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and was calculated based on the difference between average costs of priority and standard drug application reviews in fiscal year 2025, adjusted for cost increases.
• Trump gave cash gifts to executive assistant and staff — Trump gave his executive assistant Natalie Harp and two other young female employees gifts totaling $45,000 in cash last year, approximately one-third of their $150,000 annual salary. He also gave $20,000 to Walt Nauta, his co-defendant in the classified documents case. Richard Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, stated the gifts appear to violate federal law prohibiting federal employees from receiving salary supplements from outside sources. Don Fox, acting director of the Office of Government Ethics under Obama, said the legality was unclear because such payments were not previously envisioned by OGE.
• Trump claimed he may not need congressional approval for $5,000 checks — During a backstage Fox News interview at the RNC convention, Trump was asked about the $5,000 dividend proposal. He responded that "there are a lot of people who think I don't even need congressional approval because we've made so much money," suggesting he might implement the policy unilaterally without legislative authorization.
• Trump claimed oil prices would drop after military conflict — Trump told reporters at the RNC convention that oil prices would drop "very rapidly" once the U.S. wins "the military conflict or war," and that he was "pretty sure" this would happen shortly after the election. The bulletin notes he has made similar claims for seven months while oil prices have continued to rise.
• Ron DeSantis criticized Trump's $5,000 check proposal — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly denounced Trump's proposal to deliver $5,000 checks to Americans if Republicans hold their ground in the midterm elections. DeSantis warned that the infusion of cash would stir more inflation and expressed concern about borrowing an additional $1.5 trillion and flooding it into the economy.
• Trump claimed $5,000 checks would be funded by growth — During a press availability at the RNC convention in Dallas on September 11, Trump was asked how he would pay for proposed $5,000 checks to Americans. He responded that the checks would be funded by economic growth, and when asked about deficit impact, he said he was not worried about it. Economic data cited in the bulletin indicates GDP growth is weak.

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• Trump administration petitions Supreme Court to override congressional authority over White House construction — The Trump administration, through U.S. Solicitor General D. John Sauer, filed a petition with the United States Supreme Court on August 14, 2026, seeking to allow continued construction of a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the site of the demolished East Wing of the White House. Trump demolished the East Wing without congressional approval and began construction of the ballroom, initially claiming no taxpayer cost but with estimates now reaching $900 million, primarily funded by taxpayers. Lower courts and an appeals court ruled the project requires congressional approval; the administration claims the ballroom is 65% complete and critical for national security.
• Trump administration petitions Supreme Court to halt appeals court order blocking White House ballroom construction — The Trump administration filed an emergency petition with the US Supreme Court requesting a stay of the DC Circuit Court of Appeals' decision halting construction of a $400 million White House ballroom. The appeals court had ruled the project lacked required Congressional approval. Solicitor General D John Sauer argued the ballroom is part of an integrated military security complex essential to national security. Chief Justice Roberts set a Tuesday deadline for plaintiffs to respond. The lower court had blocked aboveground work but permitted underground security construction to continue.
• Trump asked Supreme Court to allow White House ballroom construction to continue — Trump asked the Supreme Court to clear the way for his White House ballroom to continue construction before an appeals court ruling halting above-ground work goes into effect on August 21. The Trump administration argues the injunction "threatens the security and safety" of the president.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs Executive Order 14418 restricting birthright citizenship based on parental status and commercial surrogacy. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14418 on August 6, 2026, implementing restrictions on birthright citizenship following the Supreme Court's June 30, 2026 decision in Trump v. Barbara. The order directs federal agencies to deny citizenship recognition to children born in the U.S. when neither parent is a citizen and one or more conditions apply: a parent is designated a terrorist or foreign government employee, parents engaged in commercial surrogacy or citizenship-purchase transactions, or the child was born in U.S. territories where federal statute does not confer citizenship. The Secretary of State, Attorney General, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Commissioner of Social Security must ensure agency compliance within 30 days.
• Trump signs executive order restricting birth tourism and citizenship acquisition via childbirth on U.S. soil — President Trump signed Executive Order 14419 on August 6, 2026, establishing policy to prevent "birth tourism"—entry of foreign nationals on nonimmigrant visas for the purpose of giving birth in the United States. The order delegates authority to the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to deny visas, revoke travel authorization, bar entry, and remove aliens engaged in or facilitating birth tourism. The order defines birth tourism as entry via nonimmigrant visa for childbirth purposes or efforts to facilitate such entry. Secretaries may grant exemptions on humanitarian grounds or national interest.
• Trump issues executive order restricting birth tourism via nonimmigrant visas — President Donald Trump signed an executive order on August 6, 2026, directing the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to prevent foreign nationals from entering the United States on nonimmigrant visas for the purpose of giving birth. The order authorizes visa denial, revocation, permanent entry bars, and removal of individuals engaged in birth tourism, and permits sanctions against entities facilitating such schemes. The order defines birth tourism as entry via nonimmigrant visa to give birth or efforts to facilitate such entry, and allows exemptions on humanitarian or national-interest grounds.
• Trump issues executive order restricting birthright citizenship based on Supreme Court ruling — President Trump issued an executive order on August 6, 2026, implementing restrictions on birthright citizenship following the Supreme Court's June 30, 2026 decision in Trump v. Barbara. The order directs federal agencies to deny citizenship recognition to children born in the U.S. whose parents fall into specified categories: designated foreign terrorists, foreign government employees, those engaged in commercial transactions to obtain birthright citizenship, or those born in U.S. territories where citizenship is not conferred by statute. The order requires State Department, DOJ, DHS, and Social Security Administration to enforce compliance within 30 days.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14418 restricting birthright citizenship based on parental status — President Trump signed Executive Order 14418 on August 6, 2026, directing federal agencies to deny citizenship recognition to children born in the United States whose parents do not include a U.S. citizen, in four specified categories: when either parent is designated a terrorist or foreign government employee; when parents engaged in commercial transactions to secure birthright citizenship; or when birth occurs in U.S. territories where citizenship is not conferred by statute. The order cites the Supreme Court's June 2026 decision in Trump v. Barbara as legal foundation and directs State, Homeland Security, Justice, and Social Security to issue implementation guidance within 30 days.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14419 restricting entry and visa authorization for foreign nationals engaging in birth tourism — President Trump signed Executive Order 14419 on August 6, 2026, directing the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security to prevent entry, deny visas, revoke travel authorization, and permanently bar foreign nationals who enter or attempt to enter the United States for the purpose of giving birth. The order defines birth tourism as entry via nonimmigrant visa for childbirth purposes and authorizes removal of those who previously engaged in or plan to engage in such activity. The order states it aims to protect immigration system integrity and prevent exploitation of nonimmigrant visa categories.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive orders restricting birthright citizenship and birth tourism — The White House published a fact sheet on August 6, 2026, announcing that President Trump signed two executive orders. The first identifies categories of children of aliens ineligible for birthright citizenship consistent with the Supreme Court's June 30, 2026 decision in Trump v. Barbara. The second delegates authority to the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security to halt birth tourism. The fact sheet claims the administration has deported over 3 million individuals, filed denaturalization claims against 88 people, and purged tens of thousands of individuals from voter rolls.
• Trump signs executive orders further restricting birthright citizenship — Trump signed two executive orders designed to further restrict eligibility for birthright citizenship and to prevent people from entering the U.S. to give birth. The orders target four groups of children and are likely to face legal challenges. They come just over a month after the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship as constitutionally protected.
• Trump signed two new executive orders targeting birthright citizenship — Trump signed two executive orders targeting birthright citizenship 37 days after the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in Trump v. Barbara that his first-day 2025 order was unlawful and violated the Fourteenth Amendment. One new order expands categories of people deemed ineligible for birthright citizenship; the other targets "birth tourism." Trump called the Supreme Court decision "very unfortunate" and stated the administration is "making adjustments."
• Trump signs executive orders targeting birthright citizenship after Supreme Court rejection — On Thursday, August 7, 2026, President Trump signed two executive orders seeking to restrict birthright citizenship protections under the 14th Amendment. The first order expands categories of children ineligible for automatic US citizenship to include children of members of "foreign terrorist organizations" and certain foreign government employees, and denies citizenship to children whose parents engaged in fraudulent activity. The second order targets "birth tourism" by directing federal agencies to prosecute operators arranging such travel. Both orders face expected legal challenges, coming weeks after the Supreme Court rejected Trump's initial, broader attempt to deny citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and temporary visa holders.
• Trump signs new birthright citizenship order — Former President Donald Trump signed a new executive order aimed at altering the interpretation of birthright citizenship in the United States. This order challenges the current understanding of the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. The order is expected to face legal challenges and could potentially reach the Supreme Court for a final decision on its constitutionality.

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• Trump imposed tariffs under Section 301 of Trade Act of 1974 — When the 150-day deadline for Section 122 tariffs expired on Friday, July 25, 2026, Trump announced he was imposing tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which permits the president to impose tariffs on countries using forced labor. A senior administration official stated the tariffs address forced labor, a focus Trump has maintained for years. Law professor Barry Appleton noted that Section 301 allows permanent tariffs without congressional approval, suggesting the administration is seeking to bypass Congress entirely.
• Trump imposed tariffs under Section 122 of Trade Act of 1974 — After the Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA-based tariffs, the Trump administration invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows the president to impose tariffs in the case of an international financial emergency. These tariffs were limited to 150 days.
• Trump imposes new tariffs under emergency powers — President Trump announced the imposition of new tariffs on products from over 60 countries, claiming authority under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which allows tariffs in cases of forced labor. This follows a previous Supreme Court ruling that struck down earlier tariffs as unconstitutional. The administration's approach is seen as an attempt to bypass Congress's authority to raise revenue, which is constitutionally reserved for the legislative branch.
• Supreme Court struck down Trump tariffs as unconstitutional — The Supreme Court ruled that the tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act were unconstitutional. Following the ruling, Trump announced he would find alternative legal mechanisms to reimpose tariffs, stating "We have alternatives. Great alternatives."

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• Trump formally notified Congress of resumed strikes on Iran — Trump formally notified Congress that the U.S. has resumed strikes on Iran, claiming the Pentagon has another 60 days to conduct strikes before the timeline specified by the War Powers Act expires. This notification follows Trump's earlier claim that hostilities had ended on April 7 with a ceasefire declaration, despite continued military operations and the maintenance of a blockade on Iranian ports.
• Trump notifies Congress of resumed strikes on Iran — On July 13, 2026, President Trump formally notified Congress that the U.S. has resumed military strikes against Iran, claiming that the Pentagon has another 60 days to conduct operations before needing congressional approval under the War Powers Act. This notification follows a pattern of circumventing congressional authority regarding military engagements.

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• Trump posts about Slaughter decision and expanded presidential power — Trump posted on social media celebrating the Slaughter v. Trump decision, stating that 90 years of precedent had been "completely and unequivocally overruled" and that this greatly increases presidential power "at a time when it is most needed."

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• Supreme Court strikes down 91-year-old precedent, grants president unlimited removal power over independent agencies — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in Slaughter v. Trump that federal law restricting the president's ability to fire members of independent executive agencies (including the FTC) violates the constitutional separation of powers. The decision overruled Humphrey's Executor v. U.S., a 91-year-old precedent, and endorsed the "unitary executive" theory, granting the president sweeping authority over approximately two dozen multi-member agencies Congress intended to be independent.
• Supreme Court rules in Trump v. Slaughter to expand presidential removal power over independent agencies — On June 29, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in Trump v. Slaughter that the president has broad authority to remove members of independent federal agencies, effectively overturning the 91-year-old Humphrey's Executor precedent. The decision arose from Trump's March 2025 firing of FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. Fired officials and legal experts warn the ruling eliminates civil service protections, enabling politicization, corruption, and pay-to-play dynamics in federal agencies designed to operate independently.
• US Supreme Court rules Trump can fire independent agency leaders, overturning 90-year precedent — The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in Trump v. Slaughter that the president can fire leaders of independent agencies without cause, overturning the 1935 Humphrey's Executor precedent. The case centered on Trump's March 2025 firing of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter via email. The ruling affects approximately two dozen agencies with multi-member bipartisan boards, including the FTC, NLRB, and Federal Reserve. Justices Sotomayor, Jackson, and Kagan dissented, arguing the decision grants the president unconstitutional power and defies centuries of political practice and congressional authority.
• Supreme Court rules president has unrestricted power to remove independent agency officials — The Supreme Court decided Slaughter v. Trump in a 6–3 decision, holding that the president has complete authority to remove officers from independent agencies established by Congress without cause. The case arose when Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic FTC commissioner, claiming her service conflicted with his administration's priorities. The majority rejected 90 years of precedent requiring removal only for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance." Justices Sotomayor, Kagan, and Jackson dissented, arguing the ruling grants the president power exceeding even the English Crown and undermines centuries of bipartisan practice protecting nonpartisan expertise in agencies like the FTC, EPA, SEC, and others.
• Supreme Court Affirms Federal Reserve Independence — The Supreme Court ruled in favor of maintaining the independence of the Federal Reserve, rejecting challenges that could have subjected the institution to increased political influence. This decision preserves the Fed's ability to operate without direct political pressure, which is crucial for maintaining economic stability and policy effectiveness.
• Supreme Court Decision Weakens Independent Agencies — The Supreme Court delivered a ruling that significantly weakens the authority of certain independent federal agencies. This decision could lead to increased political influence over these agencies, potentially affecting their ability to function autonomously and effectively.
• Supreme Court allows Trump to fire FTC commissioner and overturns major restraint on presidential power — The Supreme Court ruled that President Trump has the authority to fire the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner, effectively overturning a significant limitation on presidential power. This decision marks a shift in the balance of power between the executive branch and independent federal agencies, potentially increasing presidential control over such agencies. The ruling could have far-reaching implications for the independence of federal regulatory bodies and the separation of powers within the U.S. government.
• Supreme Court Overturns 90-Year-Old Independent Agency Protections — The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old precedent protecting members of independent agencies from being fired by the president without cause. Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned in dissent that the ruling "reshapes our government," noting that dozens of independent commissions are now likely to become purely executive agencies, shifting tremendous power over broad swaths of American life into the president's hands.
• Supreme Court Overturns Protections for Independent Agencies — The Supreme Court overturned a 90-year-old precedent that protected members of independent agencies from being fired without cause by the president. Justice Sonia Sotomayor warned that this decision could transform these agencies into executive-controlled entities, concentrating power in the presidency. This ruling is seen as a significant shift in the balance of power within the U.S. government.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Trump v. Slaughter (25-332) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Trump v. Slaughter. Docket number(s): 25-332.
• Trump claims unchecked power following Supreme Court ruling — Following the Supreme Court's decision in Slaughter v. Trump, President Trump stated that he now has the authority to remove heads of independent agencies at will, which he believes will allow him to control these agencies to serve his administration's interests. This claim raises concerns about the potential politicization of agencies that have historically operated independently of presidential influence.
• Supreme Court rules in favor of Trump in Slaughter v. Trump — On June 29, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 in favor of President Donald J. Trump in the case of Slaughter v. Trump, allowing him to fire members of independent agencies created by Congress. This decision overruled nearly 90 years of precedent that limited presidential power over such agencies, asserting that the president has complete control over executive branch officials. The dissenting justices warned that this ruling undermines the independence of agencies designed to operate free from political influence.
• US Supreme Court rules president can fire independent agency heads at will — On Monday, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of President Trump in a case brought by former Federal Trade Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, who was fired in March. The court overturned a 90-year-old precedent by holding that the president has the right to remove the head of any federal government agency at will. The decision, justified through the unitary executive theory, grants the president sole total control over the executive branch and opens the door to what critics call an "imperial presidency."

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• Trump considered suspending habeas corpus to accelerate mass deportations — The New York Times reported that Trump actively considered suspending habeas corpus—the constitutional right for people to challenge their detention in court—in an effort to accelerate his mass deportation campaign early in his second term, after the Supreme Court ruled that migrants expelled under the Alien Enemies Act were entitled to challenge their deportations in court before being removed. The consideration of suspending a fundamental constitutional protection represents an extraordinary assertion of executive power.
• White House considered suspending habeas corpus for undocumented immigrants — According to reporting by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan in the New York Times, the Trump administration came much closer to suspending the writ of habeas corpus than previously known. Last spring, after the Supreme Court said undocumented immigrants had the right to challenge their deportations, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller proposed simply suspending habeas corpus and deporting them without legal process. The Constitution permits suspension only "in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion."
• Trump administration changed immigration detention policy to circumvent habeas corpus rights — After being warned away from suspending habeas corpus, the Trump administration found an alternative: it changed longstanding policy concerning immigrants who had been in the U.S. for a long time. Previously, those caught on the border could be detained without a hearing, while those who had been here for years could request bond. The administration now treats long-term residents as if they had just arrived, throwing them into detention without a bond hearing. Judges have ruled against this new interpretation, but the administration is ignoring the rulings.

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• Trump rejected Iran's ceasefire response and refused congressional authorization for continued war — On May 11, 2026, President Trump rejected Iran's response to a U.S. one-page memorandum proposing a framework for nuclear talks. Iran had reiterated its determination to control the Strait of Hormuz and called for reparations for war damages, an end to the naval blockade, and unfreezing of Iranian assets. Trump declared the Iranian response "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE" and told reporters the proposal was a "piece of garbage," warning the ceasefire was on "massive life support." Critically, Trump continued to rely on the ceasefire to justify refusing to seek congressional authorization for the war, despite the 60-day War Powers Act deadline expiring on May 1, 2026.

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• Trump administration claims War Powers Resolution compliance by declaring Iran war "terminated" despite ongoing blockade — The Trump administration argued on Friday that it did not require congressional approval under the 1973 War Powers Resolution at the 60-day mark because the war with Iran had "terminated" on April 7, despite the U.S. continuing to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports—an act of war. When asked how the war could be terminated while the military enforced the blockade, Trump told reporters it was a "very friendly blockade" that "nobody's even challenging." Senator Tammy Duckworth challenged the claim as false, noting that U.S. and Iranian ships were exchanging missile fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Secretary of State announces shift in military operations against Iran — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the military operation known as Epic Fury against Iran has concluded, transitioning to a new phase called Project Freedom, which aims to open the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes after the deadline set by the War Powers Act for congressional approval of military action.
• Secretary of State Rubio announced end of Operation Epic Fury and transition to Project Freedom — Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign against Iran, is concluded and the administration is transitioning to Project Freedom, an effort to open the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came after the May 1 deadline imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act, which required either congressional approval or withdrawal of troops within 60 days of notifying Congress of military action.
• Trump claims war has "terminated" to avoid War Powers Act compliance — The Trump administration insists the war with Iran has "terminated," a characterization that would exempt the president from the requirement under the 1973 War Powers Act to either withdraw troops or obtain congressional approval for continuing military actions. This claim is made despite ongoing military exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz.

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• Trump claimed no prior president sought War Powers Act congressional approval — On May 1, 2026, President Trump told reporters that he did not need to seek congressional authorization to extend military operations against Iran because "it's never been sought before" and "nobody's ever asked for it before." Trump stated that "every other president considered it totally unconstitutional" and that the administration agreed with that interpretation. The claim contradicts historical practice; presidents before Trump have honored the 60-day War Powers Act requirement for congressional approval of military operations.
• Trump claimed War Powers Act 60-day clock terminated after ceasefire — On May 1, 2026, sixty days after notifying Congress of military action in Iran on March 2, Trump sent letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley stating that hostilities that began on February 28 had "terminated" on April 7, when Trump ordered a two-week ceasefire. Although hostilities and a U.S. blockade of Iran continued, the administration maintained the ceasefire was in place until July 10, 2026.
• Trump notified Congress of claimed termination of Iran hostilities under War Powers Act — On May 1, 2026, President Trump sent letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley claiming that hostilities with Iran that began on February 28 had terminated on April 7 when Trump ordered a two-week ceasefire. The letter asserted no exchange of fire had occurred since April 7, despite U.S. forces firing on an Iranian tanker on April 19 and continuing a blockade of Iranian ports. The administration stated it would continue building military presence in the region. This action occurred on the 60-day deadline imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act, which requires presidential withdrawal of forces or congressional authorization by that date.
• White House asserted to Congress that Iran hostilities have terminated despite ongoing military presence — The White House sent a letter to Congress asserting that hostilities with Iran have "terminated" despite the continued presence of U.S. armed forces in the region. The assertion was made to circumvent a May 1 legal deadline for congressional approval to continue the war, which Trump began without congressional authorization two months prior.

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• Trump posted social media message calling for filibuster elimination — President Trump posted on his social media account calling on the Republican Senate to eliminate the filibuster to pass legislation including "The Save America Act" and other measures he characterized as previously unthinkable. He stated that without the filibuster, "We could pass one bill after the other" and "we wouldn't lose for 50 years."
• Trump told reporters filibuster elimination would enable unprecedented legislative agenda — President Trump told reporters that eliminating the filibuster would allow passage of "laws and acts and things that we never even dreamt of passing" and stated that without it "we wouldn't lose for 50 years," indicating an intent to use legislative supermajority power to entrench Republican control beyond normal democratic cycles.
• Trump called for Senate to abolish the filibuster — Trump posted on Truth Social urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune to abolish the filibuster, claiming it would allow Republicans to pass legislation "at a record clip," including the Save Act. Trump stated that without the filibuster, Republicans "wouldn't lose for 50 years." When asked about the post in the Oval Office, Trump elaborated that eliminating the filibuster would allow passage of laws "we never even dreamt of passing."

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• Trump declines to seek congressional authorization for Iran military operations — Trump has refused to seek congressional approval for military operations against Iran, claiming Iran posed an "imminent threat" under the War Powers Act. Trump's own intelligence agencies contradicted the imminent threat claim. The War Powers Act requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours and cease military action within 60 days unless Congress declares war or authorizes the specific military action. The 60-day window closes on May 1, 2026. Trump stated he has "all the time in the world" and told reporters not to rush him, comparing the conflict to Vietnam, Iraq, and World War II. Trump previously claimed in January that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional.

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

• Trump threatened renewed military action if ceasefire terms not met — By Wednesday night, Trump backed away from celebratory statements about the ceasefire and posted a lengthy threat that all U.S. military assets would remain in place around Iran until the "REAL AGREEMENT" was fully complied with. He threatened that if compliance did not occur, "the 'Shootin' Starts,' bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before," and reiterated demands that Iran have no nuclear weapons and the Strait of Hormuz remain open.
• Trump threatens military action against Iran while contradicting his own deal claims — Trump posted threats on Truth Social declaring that all U.S. ships, aircraft, and military personnel will remain positioned around Iran until the "REAL AGREEMENT" is fully complied with. He threatened that if compliance does not occur, "Shootin' Starts, bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before." Trump also announced that Iran agreed to no nuclear weapons and an open Strait of Hormuz—terms that directly contradict his simultaneous claim that the ten-point framework is a fake hoax, since those terms originate from that framework. He stated the U.S. military is "Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest."
• Trump threatened renewed military action against Iran — Trump posted on Truth Social that all U.S. ships, aircraft, and military personnel will remain in place around Iran with additional ammunition and weaponry for the "lethal prosecution and destruction" of Iran until the ceasefire agreement is fully complied with. He stated that if compliance does not occur, "the 'Shootin' Starts," bigger and stronger than ever before. He also reiterated that no nuclear weapons and an open Strait of Hormuz were agreed terms.

Supporting reports

• Trump issued ultimatum to Iran demanding compliance by 8:00 p.m. April 7 or face "obliteration" — During an Easter Egg Roll event and subsequent White House press conference, President Trump threatened Iran with complete destruction if the country did not comply with his demands by 8:00 p.m. on April 7, 2026. Trump stated "The entire country could be taken out in one night. And that night might be tomorrow night" and claimed he had a plan but would not disclose it to the media. He also made false claims about Iranian civilians requesting continued bombing and falsely attributed the killing of Osama bin Laden to himself.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order directing DHS to pay all employees during partial shutdown — President Trump issued an executive order on April 3, 2026, titled "Liberating the Department of Homeland Security From the Democrat-Caused Shutdown," directing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to use agency funds with "reasonable and logical nexus" to DHS functions to pay all department employees during a 49-day partial government shutdown. The order follows a similar directive for TSA agents issued the previous week. The shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history, has left thousands of DHS workers without pay despite reporting to work.
• White House issues memorandum directing DHS to use available funds to compensate employees during shutdown — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on April 3, 2026, directing the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to use funds with "reasonable and logical nexus" to DHS functions to provide compensation and benefits to approximately 35,000 DHS employees, including Coast Guard civilians, FEMA staff, and CISA cybersecurity professionals, who the memorandum states have gone without paychecks for nearly two months due to a shutdown attributed to congressional Democrats. The memorandum characterizes the situation as an emergency compromising national security.

Supporting reports

• The Save America Act: A Modern Day Poll Tax — The Democracy Docket article discusses the implications of the Save America Act, which is characterized as a modern-day poll tax. The act is critiqued for potentially restricting voting rights and access, drawing parallels to historical poll taxes that disenfranchised voters. The article emphasizes the importance of monitoring such legislative actions as they can significantly impact democratic participation and election fairness.
• Trump administration executive order restricting mail-in voting challenged in federal court — A coalition of civil rights groups filed a lawsuit in federal court in Massachusetts on Thursday challenging an executive order Trump signed on Tuesday that restricts mail-in voting. The order instructs the federal government to create a list of eligible voters in each state and directs the US Postal Service to transmit mail-in ballots only to people on that list. The plaintiffs argue the order violates the Constitution's separation of powers, Article I Section 4 (state control of elections), the Voting Rights Act, and the Privacy Act. This is Trump's second attempt to unilaterally alter voting procedures; a previous order was largely blocked by a federal judge last year.
• Ensuring Citizenship Verification and Integrity in Federal Elections — President Trump issued an executive order directing creation of lists of US citizens eligible to vote in each state and requiring the US Postal Service to refrain from sending mailed ballots to anyone not on those lists. The order drew immediate condemnation for apparent unconstitutionality and swift threats of legal action from voting rights advocates.
• Trump issues executive order on voter eligibility lists and mail ballot restrictions — President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration to compile a national voter file and restricting mail-in ballot use. The order requires USPS to establish rule-making for a process prohibiting mail-in ballots unless voters are on a federal approval list. Election law experts and Democratic officials immediately challenged the order as unconstitutional, citing the Constitution's grant of election authority to states. Multiple lawsuits were announced within hours of signing.
• Trump signs executive order restricting mail-in ballots and directing national voter file compilation — President Trump signed an executive order attacking mail-in voting, directing the Department of Homeland Security to work with the Social Security Administration to create a federal list of verified U.S. citizens eligible to vote in each state. The order directs the U.S. Postal Service to send mail-in ballots only to voters on the list and to mark each ballot with a unique barcode. It threatens states refusing to cooperate with loss of federal funding and directs Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate anyone wrongfully distributing mail-in ballots. Election law experts and Democratic officials immediately challenged the order as unconstitutional.
• Trump signed executive order restricting mail-in voting — The White House published a fact sheet characterizing the Trump administration's policies on transgender issues as dismantling "woke" initiatives. The document claims the administration declared two immutable sexes as official policy, banned federal funding for gender-affirming medical care for minors, ended federal support for "gender ideology" curricula, enforced sex-based sports eligibility, reinstated military service standards based on biological sex, eliminated gender ideology from service academies, directed enforcement of single-sex spaces based on biological sex, ended gender self-identification on federal documents, and redirected billions in grants. The fact sheet attributes policy changes to multiple health systems and sports organizations.
• White House issued fact sheet on Trump administration policies regarding transgender-related healthcare, military service, and education — The White House published a fact sheet on March 31, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that directs the Secretary of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration to compile state citizenship lists of eligible voters, requires the Postmaster General to establish secure ballot procedures through USPS, and directs the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute election officials who issue ballots to ineligible voters and to withhold federal funds from noncompliant states. The fact sheet frames the order as strengthening election integrity and preventing non-citizen voting.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order requiring citizenship verification for federal elections — On March 31, Trump signed an executive order directing the administration to compile lists of verified eligible voters in each state and requiring USPS to deliver mail-in ballots only to voters on state-approved absentee lists. On April 21, 37 Democratic senators warned that the order illegally transforms USPS into an election administration agency. State attorneys general filed suit on April 22, and senators introduced the Absentee and Mail Voter Protection Act to nullify the order. Election law experts called it unconstitutional.
• Trump's mail-voting executive order drew legal challenges and legislative response — On Tuesday, March 31, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order framed as an "election integrity" measure that directs the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration to create a national voter list, orders the Postal Service to send mail-in ballots only to those on the list, and instructs the Attorney General to withhold federal funds from "non-compliant" states and cities. Legal experts and voting rights advocates say the order is unconstitutional and likely to be blocked by courts, as the President lacks authority over elections—a power reserved to states and Congress.
• Trump signs executive order restricting mail-in voting and directing creation of national voter list — Trump signed an executive order at 5:00 PM requiring the federal government to compile a list of US citizens eligible to vote in each state and mandating that ballots be sent only to those on each state's approved mail-in ballot list. The order threatened to withhold federal funding from states that disobey. The Postal Service was directed to monitor mail-in ballot distribution for federal elections.
• Trump signed executive order restricting mail-in voting nationwide — President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to compile and transmit state citizenship lists to election officials, requiring the Postal Service to implement unique ballot identifiers (barcodes) on mail-in ballots, and instructing the Attorney General to prioritize investigation and prosecution of election officials and others involved in issuing ballots to non-citizens. The order mandates DHS establish infrastructure within 90 days and USPS complete rulemaking within 120 days to enforce these requirements across federal elections.
• Trump issues executive order on citizenship verification and mail-in ballot tracking for federal elections — President Trump signed Executive Order 14399 on March 31, 2026, directing the Department of Homeland Security to compile and transmit to state election officials a "State Citizenship List" derived from federal citizenship, naturalization, and Social Security Administration records. The order requires the U.S. Postal Service to initiate rulemaking within 60 days mandating that all outbound ballot mail bear unique Intelligent Mail barcodes and "Official Election Mail" markings, with states required to submit lists of eligible mail-in voters to USPS at least 60 days before elections. The order directs the Attorney General to prioritize investigation and prosecution of state and local election officials and others involved in issuing ballots to ineligible individuals. The USPS must issue final rules within 120 days.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14399 directing federal citizenship verification and mail-in ballot tracking for federal elections — Trump signed an executive order on March 31 to restrict mail-in voting by creating a list of eligible US citizen voters in every state and prohibiting the US Postal Service from sending absentee ballots to voters not on state-approved lists. The order threatens to withhold federal funding from states that refuse to comply. States including Oregon and Arizona have challenged the order, arguing it violates the Constitution.
• Trump signs executive order restricting mail-in voting

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order directing DHS to immediately pay TSA agents during partial shutdown — President Trump signed an executive order on Friday, March 28, 2026, instructing the Department of Homeland Security to immediately pay Transportation Security Administration agents who had gone without pay for over 42 days due to a partial government shutdown. The order came after House Republicans rejected a Senate-passed funding deal for key DHS subagencies. Trump blamed Democrats for prioritizing "criminal illegal aliens" over American citizens. DHS confirmed TSA began paying its workforce immediately, with officers potentially receiving paychecks by March 30. The shutdown had caused nationwide staffing shortages, record airport wait times, and nearly 500 TSA resignations.
• Trump signs presidential memorandum directing DHS to pay TSA employees from available funds — Trump signed a presidential memorandum late Friday, March 28, directing DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin to restore pay to TSA employees who had missed two paychecks. The memo instructed the secretary to redirect funds "that have a reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations" to cover accrued pay and benefits. White House border czar Tom Homan stated the measure was "a start" but acknowledged thousands of other DHS employees remained unpaid and that ICE deployment at airports would continue pending TSA staffing recovery.
• Trump announces emergency order to pay TSA agents — President Trump announced he would sign an emergency order to pay TSA agents who have gone unpaid for over a month, although the legality and source of the funding remain unclear. This announcement came amid growing airport congestion and dissatisfaction with the handling of TSA funding.
• Trump issued executive order to pay TSA employees during 44-day DHS funding impasse — During a record-breaking 44-day Department of Homeland Security funding impasse, Trump issued an executive order to authorize payment of TSA employees. The shutdown resulted from Republican infighting between the House and Senate over DHS funding, with House Republicans rejecting a Senate proposal. House Speaker Johnson sided with House Republicans against Senate Majority Leader Thune's approach. TSA agents reported receiving only partial paychecks despite the executive order authorization.
• Trump declared national emergency to pay TSA officers during DHS shutdown — The White House issued a fact sheet stating that President Trump declared a national emergency to authorize payment of TSA officers who had gone unpaid during a Department of Homeland Security shutdown. The document claims Trump also deployed ICE officers to major airports to assist with crowd control and security. The fact sheet cites media reports indicating that TSA wait times improved after workers received back pay and absenteeism declined.
• Trump signs executive order directing TSA back pay during DHS partial shutdown — Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Transportation Security Administration to pay employees back pay during an ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. TSA employees received retroactive paychecks covering at least two full pay periods on Monday. The order instructed DHS to use funds with "reasonable and logical nexus to TSA operations" to cover salaries. Airport security lines reportedly shortened following the payment. Congress remains deadlocked over DHS funding, with Democrats and Republicans disagreeing over guardrails on immigration enforcement operations.

Supporting reports

• Trump acknowledged circumventing constitutional war declaration requirement — At an annual Republican congressional fundraising dinner, Trump acknowledged that he was avoiding the word "war" to circumvent the constitutional requirement for congressional approval. He stated: "I won't use the word war 'cause they say if you use the word war, that's maybe not a good thing to do. They don't like the word war because you are supposed to get approval. So I will use the word military operation." He characterized the Iran action as a "tremendous success" of his "military operation."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened Iran with strikes on civilian power plants via social media — On Saturday evening at 7:44 p.m., President Trump posted a threat to attack and "obliterate" Iranian power plants if Iran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The threat targeted civilian infrastructure, which constitutes a war crime under international law. The post was made publicly on social media and immediately destabilized markets and regional security, prompting Iran to threaten retaliatory strikes on Israeli and Gulf state power plants.
• Trump threatened to attack Iranian power plants — At 7:44 p.m. on March 22, Trump posted a threat to attack and obliterate Iranian power plants, including the largest one, if Iran did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz without threat within 48 hours. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres noted in a conversation with Politico that attacks on civilian energy infrastructure constitute war crimes.
• Trump threatens military action against Iran — President Trump issued a threat to Iran, stating that if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully opened within 48 hours, the U.S. would "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants. This statement escalates tensions between the U.S. and Iran amid ongoing military conflicts.
• Trump issued 48-hour ultimatum to bomb Iran's energy infrastructure — Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum threatening to bomb Iran's energy infrastructure—civilian systems including power plants—rather than military targets. Iran's military command responded immediately, stating that if the U.S. strikes Iranian energy infrastructure, Iran will target U.S. and allied infrastructure across the Middle East, including energy systems, IT infrastructure, and desalination facilities. The threat escalated the risk of regional war spiral.
• Trump issued 48-hour ultimatum to Iran over Strait of Hormuz — Trump posted an ultimatum on social media at 7:44 PM Saturday: "If Iran doesn't FULLY OPEN, WITHOUT THREAT, the Strait of Hormuz, within 48 HOURS from this exact point in time, the United States of America will hit and obliterate their various POWER PLANTS, STARTING WITH THE BIGGEST ONE FIRST!" The deadline would expire at 7:44 PM Monday. Iran's parliament speaker immediately responded that if power plants are targeted, critical infrastructure and oil facilities throughout the region would be considered legitimate targets.
• Trump threatens to destroy Iranian power plants as war crime — On March 22, Trump posted on Truth Social demanding Iran fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours or face U.S. military destruction of Iranian power plants. Ben Saul, UN special rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, stated the threatened attack would constitute a war crime under the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit destruction of civilian infrastructure not justified by military necessity. Trump was using the power plants as leverage to coerce Iran into reopening the strait, not claiming military necessity. Iran immediately rejected the threat and warned of retaliation against regional energy infrastructure.