Trump Action Archive

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• Trump administration targets noncitizen academics for pro-Palestinian speech and activism — The Trump administration, through the Department of Homeland Security and directed by executive orders signed in January 2025, has arrested and deported or sought to deport noncitizen students and scholars for pro-Palestinian activism and speech. Targets include Mahmoud Khalil (Columbia University graduate) and Rümeysa Öztürk (Tufts University student). The administration relied on dossiers compiled by the rightwing Canary Mission and information from the far-right Zionist group Betar USA to identify targets. Federal judges have ordered the release of detainees, but the administration continues enforcement efforts.

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• Trump fires FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter — President Trump moved to fire Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic FTC commissioner, before her term was set to expire in 2029. The firing was made without cause, citing only policy differences. Slaughter was one of two Democratic commissioners Trump sought to remove from the consumer protection and antitrust agency. The move drew criticism from Democratic senators and antimonopoly groups who viewed it as an attempt to eliminate internal opposition to corporate interests within the agency.
• Trump fires Rebecca Slaughter from Federal Trade Commission — In March 2025, President Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, the last remaining Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission, claiming her continued service was "inconsistent with [the] Administration's priorities." Although Trump had initially appointed Slaughter, he asserted the right to remove her under Article II of the Constitution, despite Congress having structured the FTC position to shield it from presidential politics. This action became the predicate for the Slaughter v. Trump case, which the Supreme Court decided in Trump's favor on June 29, 2026.
• Trump administration fires Rebecca Slaughter from FTC; she files lawsuit challenging termination — In March 2025, President Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, a Democratic FTC commissioner appointed in 2018, via email. Slaughter and fellow Democratic commissioner Alvaro Bedoya (also fired) filed a lawsuit challenging their terminations days later. In July 2025, a federal judge reinstated Slaughter, but the Trump administration appealed. In September 2025, the Supreme Court allowed Trump to remove Slaughter while the case proceeded, signaling the Court's intent to overturn Humphrey's Executor.
• Trump fired FTC member Rebecca Slaughter citing inconsistency with administration priorities — In March 2025, Trump fired Rebecca Slaughter, the last remaining Democratic member of the Federal Trade Commission, claiming her continued service was "inconsistent with [the] Administration's priorities." Although Trump himself had initially appointed Slaughter, he asserted the right to remove her under Article II of the Constitution despite Congress establishing the FTC position to be shielded from presidential politics. Since 1935, the Supreme Court has held that presidents may fire independent agency members only for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office." Trump's action invokes the "unitary executive" theory to expand presidential removal power over independent agencies.

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• Trump announced plan to sell US citizenship — Former President Donald Trump announced a plan to sell US citizenship for $5 million through a "Trump Gold Card," which would provide green card privileges and a pathway to citizenship. This proposal has raised concerns about the commodification of citizenship and potential implications for immigration policy.
• Trump proposes $5 million "gold card" for citizenship — President Trump announced a proposal for a "gold card" costing $5 million that would provide a route to citizenship. This proposal raises concerns about the commodification of citizenship and potential favoritism towards wealthy individuals.

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• King calls for constitutional protection — During his remarks on February 20, 2025, Senator Angus King urged Congress to respond to what he described as the most serious assault on the Constitution in U.S. history. He called for immediate action to protect the constitutional structure and the rights of the American people.
• King warns against Trump's power grab — On February 20, 2025, Senator Angus King warned that Trump's attempts to alter laws by refusing to fund them, known as impoundment, are unconstitutional. He emphasized the need for Congress to uphold its responsibilities to protect the Constitution and prevent the concentration of power in the presidency.

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• White House issues promotional fact sheet claiming executive accomplishments in first month — The White House published a fact sheet titled "America Is Back — and President Trump Is Just Getting Started" on February 20, 2025, listing claimed accomplishments across border enforcement, economic policy, energy, military matters, and domestic governance. The document asserts that President Trump has "already accomplished more than most presidents do in their entire term" after one month in office. It attributes specific policy actions including border emergency declarations, tariff implementations, military deployments, regulatory rollbacks, and personnel changes across federal agencies.
• White House issues compilation release touting departmental accomplishments after one month — The White House published a compilation release on February 21, 2025, in which it aggregated statements from eight federal departments (Homeland Security, Interior, Education, Housing and Urban Development, State, Transportation, Defense, and Health and Human Services) describing their claimed accomplishments during President Trump's first month in office. The release does not announce new policy but curates existing departmental messaging around themes including border security, energy development, education policy, military readiness, and what the administration characterizes as reversals of prior policies.

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• Trump plans to disband USPS governing board — Reports indicate that Trump is planning to disband the governing board of the United States Postal Service (USPS) by executive order, aiming to place the USPS under the control of his Commerce Secretary. This move has sparked significant controversy, with critics arguing it undermines the USPS's independence and legality as established by Congress.

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• Trump issues executive order to end birthright citizenship — On his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order seeking to overturn birthright citizenship by reinterpreting the 14th Amendment. The order declares that children born in the US to parents who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents, or who have only temporary legal status, are not automatically US citizens. The order applies to births after February 19, 2025. The Migration Policy Institute estimated approximately 255,000 children annually would be affected, potentially adding 2.7 million unauthorized immigrants by 2045.

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• Trump issues executive order to end birthright citizenship — On his first day in office, President Trump issued an executive order seeking to overturn birthright citizenship by reinterpreting the 14th Amendment. The order declares that children born in the US to parents who are not US citizens or lawful permanent residents, or who have only temporary legal status, are not automatically US citizens. The order applies to births after February 19, 2025. The Migration Policy Institute estimated approximately 255,000 children annually would be affected, potentially adding 2.7 million unauthorized immigrants by 2045.
• Appeals court denies Trump's plea to reinstate birthright citizenship ban — A federal appeals court in San Francisco denied the Trump administration's request to reinstate a ban on birthright citizenship. This decision leaves in place an injunction issued by a federal court in Washington state. The case, brought by Democratic attorneys general from Arizona, Oregon, and Illinois, challenges an executive order signed by Trump on his first day in office, which aimed to end birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens or non-legal permanent residents. The appeals court's decision sets up a potential battle at the US Supreme Court.
• US court denies reinstatement of birthright citizenship ban — A US appeals court denied the Justice Department's emergency application to reinstate a ban on birthright citizenship. The ban, initially ordered by Donald Trump, was blocked by a court, and the appeals court ruled that the DOJ did not demonstrate an emergency need to overturn the decision. This ruling maintains the status quo regarding birthright citizenship in the US.

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• Executive Order on Deregulatory Initiative — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14219, directing federal agencies to review and potentially rescind regulations deemed unconstitutional or overly burdensome. The order aims to reduce federal overreach and restore constitutional separation of powers by prioritizing the deconstruction of the administrative state. Agencies must identify regulations that exceed statutory authority or impose significant costs without public benefits, and report findings to the Office of Management and Budget within 60 days.
• Executive Order to Reduce Federal Bureaucracy — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 19, 2025, aimed at reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy. The order targets non-statutory components of several governmental entities, including the Presidio Trust and the United States Institute of Peace, for elimination. It mandates these entities to minimize their statutory functions and personnel to the extent required by law. The order also calls for the termination of specific Federal Advisory Committees and revokes a 1961 Presidential Memorandum related to government coordination. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with rejecting inconsistent funding requests.
• Trump issues executive order on deregulation — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Deregulatory Initiative" on February 19, 2025. The order directs agency heads to review and potentially rescind regulations deemed unconstitutional or not in the national interest. It emphasizes reducing federal overreach and restoring constitutional separation of powers. Agencies are instructed to prioritize reviewing significant regulatory actions and to de-prioritize enforcement of regulations that exceed statutory authority. The order aims to streamline government operations and reduce regulatory burdens on private enterprises.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on regulatory review and DOGE implementation — The White House published a fact sheet on February 19, 2025, promoting an executive order signed the same day. The order directs agency heads, in coordination with DOGE team leads and OMB, to review regulations for consistency with law and Trump Administration policy, prioritize rules imposing heavy costs for rescission or modification, and use enforcement discretion to de-prioritize actions stretching statutory authority. The fact sheet claims the Biden Administration imposed $1.7 trillion in regulatory costs and characterizes the order as reversing "regulatory overreach and abusive enforcement."
• White House signed executive order directing agencies to review and rescind regulations deemed unconstitutional or contrary to administration policy — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the President's 'Department of Government Efficiency' Regulatory Initiative" on February 19, 2025. The order directs all federal agencies to review regulations within 60 days and identify those deemed unconstitutional, based on unlawful delegations of power, inconsistent with statutory authority, or imposing costs exceeding public benefits. Agencies must de-prioritize enforcement of regulations the administration deems unlawful and terminate enforcement proceedings deemed non-compliant with law or administration policy. The order establishes a process coordinated through "DOGE Team Leads" and the Office of Management and Budget to rescind or modify identified regulations.

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• Executive Order on Agency Accountability — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14215, mandating increased presidential supervision over independent regulatory agencies. The order requires these agencies to submit significant regulatory actions for review by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) and establishes performance standards for agency heads. It aims to enhance accountability and ensure alignment with presidential policies.
• Trump issues executive order to ensure accountability for all agencies — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 18, 2025, to enhance accountability across federal agencies, including independent regulatory agencies. The order modifies Executive Order 12866, requiring these agencies to submit proposed rules to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for significance determination. This move aims to increase presidential oversight and ensure that all executive actions align with the President's policies and priorities. The order excludes the Federal Reserve's monetary policy activities but includes its regulatory functions over financial institutions.
• White House issued executive order subordinating independent regulatory agencies to presidential control — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ensuring Accountability for All Agencies" directing all executive departments and agencies, including independent regulatory agencies, to submit proposed and final significant regulatory actions to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for presidential review before publication. The order establishes performance standards for independent agency heads, grants OMB authority to adjust agency apportionments to advance presidential priorities, requires independent agencies to establish White House Liaison positions, and declares that presidential and Attorney General interpretations of law are controlling on all executive branch employees.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order subordinating independent agencies to presidential control — The White House published a fact sheet on February 18, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order asserts that all executive power vests in the President under Article II, requiring all federal agencies—including those statutorily designated as independent (FTC, FCC, SEC)—to submit draft regulations for White House review, consult on priorities, and accept White House-set performance standards. The fact sheet states the order exempts only the Federal Reserve's monetary policy functions and directs OMB to adjust agency apportionments. It claims the President and Attorney General will interpret law for the executive branch, displacing separate agency interpretations.
• Trump signs executive order on regulatory agencies — President Trump signed an executive order granting the White House and the attorney general direct authority over independent regulatory agencies. The order allows the president to provide authoritative interpretations of law for the executive branch, centralizing power and potentially undermining agency independence.
• Trump signed executive order making independent regulators accountable to White House — On February 19, 2025, Trump signed an executive order making independent regulatory agencies—including the SEC and FTC—accountable to the White House. Agencies must report new policy priorities to the executive branch for approval, which also gains control over their budgets. The White House claimed the order ensures agencies are "accountable to the American people, as required by the constitution," though experts say it clashes with mainstream constitutional interpretation.
• Trump signs order making independent regulators answerable to White House — Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring independent regulatory agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), to report their policy priorities to the White House for approval. This order also gives the executive branch a say over their budgets. The move is seen as an attempt to centralize power within the presidency and is expected to face legal challenges. The order exempts the Federal Reserve's authority over monetary policy but applies to other major agencies, including those regulating Wall Street and telecommunications.
• Trump expands independent regulators’ power — Donald Trump signed an executive order extending his power over independent regulatory agencies, making them accountable to the White House. This move has been criticized by some experts as conflicting with mainstream interpretations of the constitution, potentially undermining the independence of these agencies established by Congress.

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• Trump administration defies federal court orders — The Trump administration has been defying federal court orders that were issued to pause its executive actions, including orders to limit birthright citizenship and freeze federal funding. Despite nearly 50 legal challenges filed in the past three weeks, the administration continues to ignore rulings that have put a hold on some of Trump's executive orders. This defiance has prompted warnings of a potential constitutional crisis, as the administration's actions are seen as a power grab that undermines the rule of law.
• USAID employees turned away despite court order — USAID employees were denied entry to their Washington headquarters, even after a judge temporarily blocked a Trump administration order placing them on paid leave. This defiance of a court order highlights ongoing conflicts between the administration and the judiciary.
• Trump defies court order to restore funding — President Donald Trump defied a court order that mandated the restoration of funding to federal bodies such as the National Institutes of Health. This defiance is part of a broader pattern of the Trump administration's aggressive actions to seize or dismantle federal institutions and budgets. Critics have labeled this defiance as contributing to a constitutional crisis, as it challenges the judiciary's role in checking executive power.

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• Executive Order on Foreign Relations Policy Implementation — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14211, mandating that all U.S. foreign policy be implemented under the President's direction. The order empowers the Secretary of State to reform the Foreign Service to ensure compliance with the President's policies, including personnel actions for non-compliance. The order emphasizes the Secretary's discretion in implementing these reforms.
• Trump administration claimed constitutional authority over foreign affairs in executive order — On February 12, 2025, the Trump administration issued an executive order in which Trump claimed the Constitution "vests the power to conduct foreign policy in the President of the United States." This assertion was made in the context of expanding presidential authority over foreign affairs and domestic immigration enforcement.
• Trump issues executive order on foreign relations — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "One Voice for America’s Foreign Relations" on February 12, 2025. The order mandates that all officers and employees involved in implementing U.S. foreign policy must do so under the President's direction and authority. It emphasizes the role of the Secretary of State in maintaining a workforce committed to the President's foreign policy agenda. The order outlines reforms in recruiting, performance evaluation, and retention standards within the Foreign Service to ensure alignment with the President's policies.
• White House issued executive order centralizing foreign policy personnel authority under the Secretary of State — The White House issued an executive order titled "One Voice for America's Foreign Relations" on February 12, 2025. The order asserts that Article II vests foreign policy power in the President and directs that all officers and employees implementing U.S. foreign policy must do so under presidential direction. It grants the Secretary of State sole and exclusive discretion to determine personnel actions, including discipline and separation, for Foreign Service members, Civil Service employees, and other staff. The order mandates reform of Foreign Service recruiting, evaluation, retention, and training to ensure "faithful implementation" of the President's foreign policy agenda.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order centralizing foreign policy authority under the President — The White House published a fact sheet on February 12, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that establishes centralized control over U.S. foreign relations. The order reaffirms presidential authority over foreign policy implementation, reasserts the Secretary of State's authority over Foreign Service Officers, directs reform of foreign service recruiting and performance standards, and empowers the Secretary of State to revise the Foreign Affairs Manual and procedural documents. The fact sheet states the order ensures diplomatic actions align with the President's directives and that personnel are held accountable to the President's vision.

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• Trump suggests undermining U.S. debt — President Trump indicated that his administration might not honor U.S. debt obligations, suggesting that there may be fraud in Treasury bonds. This statement raises significant constitutional concerns regarding the validity of public debt as outlined in the Fourteenth Amendment.
• Trump suggests halting U.S. Treasury bond payments — President Trump declared that payments on some U.S. Treasury bonds might have to be halted due to irregularities in the payment systems being examined by DOGE. This announcement caused a temporary panic in the markets, although the situation calmed after Trump's administration walked back the comments. The potential halt in bond payments represents a significant risk to U.S. financial stability and credibility.

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• Vice President Vance asserts executive power over judicial authority — On February 9, Vice President JD Vance tweeted that "Judges aren't allowed to control the executive's legitimate power," articulating an administration position that the executive branch is not bound by judicial constraints on its authority. This statement reflects the broader administration posture of resistance to adverse court rulings.
• Vice President Vance defends executive power — Vice President J.D. Vance defended the executive branch's authority in response to the federal judge's ruling, asserting that judges should not control the executive's "legitimate power." This statement reflects a growing trend among Republican leaders to challenge judicial oversight and assert executive dominance.

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• Judge blocks birthright citizenship order — A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship, stating it would cause "irreparable harm." This decision protects the constitutional rights of individuals born in the US.

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• Judge grants injunction on birthright citizenship — A federal judge in Seattle granted an injunction against President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship. This decision protects the constitutional rights of individuals born in the US.

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• Federal judge blocks enforcement of Trump's birthright citizenship order — A federal judge in Seattle, appointed by Reagan, issued an injunction against the enforcement of Trump's executive order denying birthright citizenship. Judge Coughenour criticized the president's disregard for the rule of law, emphasizing its importance in his courtroom. This ruling temporarily halts the implementation of the executive order, pending further legal proceedings.
• Judge blocks Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship — U.S. District Judge John Coughenour blocked Trump’s executive order that sought to alter birthright citizenship, declaring it "clearly unconstitutional." This ruling reinforces the rule of law and the constitutional protections afforded to citizens.
• U.S. District Judge blocks Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship — U.S. District Judge John Coughenour blocked Trump's executive order altering birthright citizenship, declaring it "clearly unconstitutional." The judge criticized the administration's disregard for the rule of law in pursuit of policy goals.

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• Federal judge halts Trump's birthright citizenship order — A federal judge, Deborah Boardman, issued a temporary injunction against Donald Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants. This decision follows a similar ruling by another judge in Washington state. The order, which interprets the 14th Amendment in a way that no court has previously endorsed, has faced lawsuits from 22 states and various advocacy groups. The injunction prevents the order from taking effect while legal challenges proceed.
• Case update — Casa v. Donald Trump (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-00201 — Judge Deborah Boardman issued an opinion granting Plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary nationwide injunction blocking implementation of the birthright citizenship Executive Order.

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• US judge blocks transfer of trans women to men's prisons — A US district judge, Royce Lamberth, issued a temporary restraining order blocking the transfer of transgender women from women's to men's prisons, halting an executive order by Donald Trump. The order, which also barred access to hormone therapy, was challenged by three incarcerated trans women. The judge ruled that the order discriminates against transgender people and violates their constitutional rights. The ruling applies to 16 trans women currently housed in women's facilities, maintaining their housing and medical care as it was before January 20.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Doe v. McHenry (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00286 — Judge Royce Lamberth issued a temporary restraining order and enjoined the government blocking it from transferring the plaintiffs or from discontinuing the plaintiffs' medical care.

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• Higher education groups file lawsuit against Trump administration — Higher education groups, including the American Association of University Professors and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges executive orders that eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions in government and threaten to suspend funding to institutions with DEI policies. Filed in the US district court in Maryland, the suit claims these orders violate the US Constitution, exceed executive authority, and threaten academic freedom and access to higher education.

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• Deportation of 100+ asylum seekers to Panama without due process — A US military plane carried more than 100 immigrants from Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, China, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Pakistan from California to Panama in February. They were shackled and deported to a third country without due process because their countries of origin refuse to accept them back. The detainees, including children, were locked in a hotel in Panama City, signaling from windows for help. They were then moved to a facility in the jungle between Panama and Colombia. They were later reportedly freed and sought asylum from other countries, their futures uncertain.

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• Florida House passes bill to override Supreme Court obscenity standard in school book challenges — The Florida House passed HB 1539, legislation that would prohibit school districts from considering a book's "potential literary, artistic, political, or scientific value" when evaluating removal challenges. The bill would allow books to be removed based solely on "obscene" content, directly contradicting the 1973 Supreme Court Miller test, which requires consideration of serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as part of the obscenity determination. School districts failing to comply could lose state funding. The bill was sponsored by Representative Doug Bankson (R) and ultimately languished in the Senate Education Committee.

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• Trump administration froze federal spending — The Trump administration ordered a freeze on trillions of dollars in federal spending, which disrupted Medicaid payments, childcare programs, meals for seniors, housing subsidies, and special education programs. This action was criticized for violating the Constitution and the 1974 Impoundment Control Act. The freeze was temporarily blocked by a federal district court judge in Washington DC, Loren AliKhan, and was rescinded by the administration two days later amid confusion and criticism.
• White House rescinds memo on federal fund freeze — The White House has rescinded a memo that announced a freeze on federal funds, following public backlash. The freeze was deemed unconstitutional and part of a broader strategy to withhold funds distributed by Congress. The reversal is seen as a victory for those advocating for adherence to constitutional processes and the proper allocation of federal resources.
• Trump rescinds federal grants and loans freeze — President Trump rescinded an order that froze federal grants, loans, and financial assistance after widespread confusion and outcry. The initial freeze threatened to disrupt significant federal spending relied upon by local governments, schools, and police departments. The reversal highlights the chaotic nature of policy rollouts under Trump's administration.

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• Trump attempts to strike down birthright citizenship — President Trump attempted to strike down the constitutional right of citizenship for anyone born in the United States. This move challenges the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S. The attempt has sparked significant legal and political debate, as it represents a fundamental shift in the interpretation of constitutional rights.

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• Trump makes independent regulators answerable to White House — Trump signed an executive order making independent regulatory agencies – such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) – accountable to the White House. Agencies will have to report new policy priorities to the executive branch for approval, which will also have a say over their budgets. The White House states the order ensures "all federal agencies are accountable to the American people, as required by the constitution." Critics argue the move clashes with mainstream interpretations of the Constitution.