Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• FCC accelerates ABC license renewal review following White House attack on Jimmy Kimmel — The Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump-appointed chair Brendan Carr, announced an accelerated review of eight ABC-owned local broadcasting licenses (WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham, and KFSN-TV Fresno). The licenses were not scheduled for renewal until 2028–2031 but now must be filed by May 28, 2026. The action follows the White House's attack on late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about Melania Trump. The FCC cited an ongoing investigation into Disney's diversity practices as justification, though critics characterize the move as political retribution and regulatory intimidation.
• Federal Communications Commission announced review of ABC's broadcast licenses — On April 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission announced it is reviewing ABC's broadcast licenses following a joke made by late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel about First Lady Melania Trump on April 24, 2026. FCC chair Brendan Carr, a Trump loyalist who frequently attacks media organizations, leads the agency.
• FCC orders Disney/ABC license renewal in retaliation for Kimmel criticism — FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued an order directing Disney's ABC to file license renewals for all licensed TV stations within 30 days (by May 28, 2026). The order is widely viewed as retaliation for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel's criticisms of Trump and the network's resistance to Trump administration pressure to fire Kimmel. The FCC asserts the review relates to an ongoing probe into Disney's diversity initiatives, but the timing and context suggest political retaliation. The order initiates a protracted legal process, though ABC has broad legal protections.
• FCC accelerates review of ABC broadcast licenses following Kimmel joke — On Monday, following Melania Trump's public criticism of ABC host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke about her appearance, FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the agency was expediting its review of eight ABC local broadcasting licenses. Carr denied the action was related to Kimmel's monologue, but the timing and context suggest regulatory retaliation for constitutionally protected speech critical of the Trump family.

Supporting reports

• White House social media posted image of Trump and King Charles with "TWO KINGS" caption — On the afternoon of April 28, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the official White House social media account posted a photograph of President Trump and King Charles III, who was visiting the United States on a state visit, with the caption "TWO KINGS."
• White House social media posts caption "TWO KINGS" alongside Trump and King Charles photograph — The official White House social media account posted a photograph of President Trump and King Charles III with the caption "TWO KINGS" at approximately the time King Charles finished his address to Congress. The article characterizes this as appearing to miss the substantive point of King Charles's speech, which emphasized democratic principles, rule of law, and diversity over nationalist bloodline ideology.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department expanded federal execution methods — On April 24, the Justice Department announced plans to expand federal execution methods to include firing squads, electrocution, and nitrogen gas asphyxiation, citing difficulties obtaining lethal-injection drugs. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche authorized seeking death sentences against 44 defendants and directed the Bureau of Prisons to examine relocating, expanding, or constructing federal death-row facilities. Before Trump's first term, the federal government had largely abstained from capital punishment for roughly 17 years.
• Department of Justice announces policy actions to expand federal death penalty authority and execution methods — The Department of Justice announced a comprehensive policy shift to prioritize capital prosecution and execution. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced rescission of the prior administration's moratorium on federal executions, authorization to seek death sentences against 44 defendants, reinstatement of lethal injection protocols using pentobarbital, expansion to include firing squad executions, and streamlined internal processes. The department released a report concluding pentobarbital use complies with the Eighth Amendment and announced plans to propose rules restricting habeas review and clemency petitions in capital cases.
• DOJ announces firing squad authorization and lethal injection protocol for federal executions — The US Department of Justice announced Friday that it is taking steps to "strengthen the federal death penalty" by readopting the lethal injection protocol from Trump's first administration (using pentobarbital), expanding execution methods to include firing squads, streamlining internal processes to expedite death penalty cases, rescinding the Biden-era moratorium on federal executions, and authorizing the pursuit of death sentences against 44 defendants. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has already authorized seeking death sentences against nine of these defendants.
• DOJ expanded death penalty protocols to include firing squads — The Department of Justice directed the Bureau of Prisons to expand capital punishment methods beyond current protocols to include firing squads and other execution methods, and to streamline internal processes to expedite death penalty cases. The DOJ stated it was acting to "restore its solemn duty to seek, obtain, and implement lawful capital sentences." This represents a significant expansion of federal execution capabilities.

Supporting reports

• Trump weighed in on SPLC indictment with election conspiracy claim — Trump posted that the SPLC indictment proved the organization was "one of the greatest political scams in American History" and grouped it with other alleged "Democrat Hoaxes" including Act Blue. Trump then made an extraordinary claim that if the SPLC allegations were true, the 2020 Presidential Election should be "permanently wiped from the books and be of no further force or effect."

Supporting reports

• 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

• Complaint filed: National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education v. Donald J. Trump — The National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, United Academics of Maryland–University of Maryland College Park, the National Association of Minority Contractors, and its DMV chapter filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland challenging Executive Order 14398, issued March 26, 2026. The order mandates a "Diversity Ban" clause in all federal contracts by April 25, 2026, prohibiting "racially discriminatory DEI activities" and requiring contractor certification and reporting under the False Claims Act. Plaintiffs allege the order violates the First Amendment as unconstitutionally overbroad, discriminates on the basis of content, and imposes an unconstitutional condition on federal funding. They seek declaratory judgment, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief, and rescission of implementing directives.

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

• Motion for preliminary injunction filed to block Trump executive order on voting — A motion for preliminary injunction was filed shortly before midnight to block President Trump's recent executive order on voting. The executive order asserts the power to dictate who is permitted to vote by mail. The lawsuit was filed within 24 hours of the order's issuance, with clients being the national Democratic Party and its congressional leaders. The court had set Friday as the deadline for seeking preliminary relief.

Supporting reports

• Trump issued 12-hour ultimatum to Iran without national security planning — According to Wall Street Journal reporting, on the Tuesday after Easter, Trump issued the most dramatic ultimatum of his presidency, stating that unless Iran struck a deal within 12 hours, "a whole civilization would die." Administration officials stated the post was improvisational and not part of a national security plan.

Supporting reports

• US appeals court grants stay allowing White House ballroom construction to resume — A three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia granted the Trump administration a stay on Friday, allowing construction of a $400 million White House ballroom at the site of the demolished East Wing to continue. The stay reversed a district court order halting construction over questions of whether Trump had authority to raze the East Wing and build the ballroom without congressional approval. The appeals court's action permits below-ground construction, including national security facilities, to proceed while the case proceeds toward a June 5 hearing.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens bombing campaign if no Iran deal by Wednesday — Trump told reporters that if there is no deal with Iran by Wednesday, the U.S. would "have to start dropping bombs again." Earlier, he had told reporters Iran "agreed to everything," which the source characterizes as "blatant lies."
• Trump Threatens to Destroy Iranian Infrastructure — Former President Trump threatened to destroy every power plant and bridge in Iran, despite having declared the war over just 48 hours earlier. This statement adds to the volatility of the situation and raises concerns about potential escalations in conflict with Iran.
• Trump threatens to destroy all Iranian power plants and bridges if deal not reached — Trump posted that if Iran does not accept a "very fair and reasonable DEAL," the U.S. will "knock out every single Power Plant, and every single Bridge, in Iran," declaring "NO MORE MR. NICE GUY!" UN Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the threat on ABC and CBS, characterizing power plants and bridges as "legitimate military targets" and rejecting characterizations of such destruction as war crimes.
• Trump threatened military strikes on Iran if deal not signed — President Trump told Fox News that if Iran does not sign a proposed deal, "the whole country is going to get blown up" and threatened to "take out their bridges and their power plants." The statement was made approximately five hours before Trump posted on Truth Social claiming he was in no hurry to complete a deal and was under no pressure to do so, creating a contradiction in messaging about the urgency and status of Iran negotiations.

Supporting reports

• House Democrats file six articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — On Wednesday, House Democrats led by Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ) filed six articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging "high crimes and misdemeanors" including an unauthorized attack on Iran that killed at least 175 people (including children) in a school strike, deadly strikes on suspected drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean, sharing classified information on Signal in 2025, withholding facts about civilian casualties, attempting to punish Senator Mark Kelly for reminding service members of their right to refuse illegal orders, and forcing transgender service members from the military. The articles assert Hegseth violated his constitutional oath and committed war crimes.

Supporting reports

• DOJ files motions to vacate January 6 seditious conspiracy convictions — The US Department of Justice, under Trump-appointed US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, filed motions on April 15, 2026, to overturn seditious conspiracy convictions of Proud Boys and Oath Keepers members convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021 Capitol siege. The filing targets convictions of leaders including Ethan Nordean, Joseph Biggs, and Stewart Rhodes. This action follows Trump's January 2025 mass pardons and commutations of roughly 1,600 Capitol-related defendants, including Enrique Tarrio, who had been sentenced to 22 years. The filing would erase convictions from defendants' records.
• Department of Justice moved to dismiss seditious conspiracy convictions of January 6 defendants — The Department of Justice filed a motion to vacate the seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys members convicted for their roles in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Lenerz wrote that "The United States has determined in its prosecutorial discretion that dismissal of this criminal case is in the interests of justice." This action follows Trump's January 2025 pardons and sentence commutations of January 6 participants, effectively erasing accountability for convictions related to the attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
• DOJ seeks to dismiss Oath Keepers and Proud Boys Jan. 6 convictions — Trump's Justice Department filed a motion with a federal appeals court to dismiss seditious conspiracy convictions of Oath Keepers and Proud Boys members charged for their roles in the January 6 insurrection. The defendants had previously received sentence commutations on Trump's first day in office but were not among the 1,200+ individuals pardoned for January 6-related crimes.

Supporting reports

• State Department revokes green cards of three Iranian nationals and arrests family members — The US State Department revoked the green card status of three Iranian nationals—Seyed Eissa Hashemi (whose mother was a 1979 hostage crisis spokesperson), Hamideh Soleimani Afshar (niece of assassinated general Qasem Soleimani), and Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani (daughter of former security council secretary Ali Larijani)—and federal agents arrested them. The department cited family ties to Iranian regime figures and military officials as grounds for termination of legal permanent resident status.

Supporting reports

• Trump offered mass pardons to White House staff before leaving office — The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has repeatedly offered mass pardons to White House staff, initially stating he would pardon "everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval Office." The offer was made to encourage staff to conduct themselves without concern about future prosecution for illegal conduct. Trump indicated he would host a news conference to announce mass pardons before leaving office, with the radius of the pardon offer reportedly expanding over time.
• Trump promises mass pardons to staff before leaving office — The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has privately promised mass presidential pardons to his staff before leaving office, stating in a private meeting that he would "pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval." The White House did not deny the promise but claimed the president was joking, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating "the president's pardon power is absolute."

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• Republican politicians explicitly stated Muslims do not belong in America — Various Republican politicians have made explicit public statements that Muslims do not belong in America. These statements reflect a broader anti-Muslim sentiment within parts of the Republican Party and MAGA movement, which views Muslim immigration as an "invasion" aimed at imposing Sharia law. The article notes this represents a departure from past norms where demonstrating patriotism and assimilation was sufficient to counter such exclusionary rhetoric.

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

• Complaint filed — Benitez v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security — Eight individual Latino residents of New York and a grassroots labor organization filed a putative class action complaint in the Eastern District of New York alleging that DHS, ICE, and CBP have adopted a policy and practice of stopping and warrantlessly arresting individuals based solely on perceived Latino ethnicity, without individualized reasonable suspicion of immigration violations. Plaintiffs assert violations of the Fourth Amendment, Fifth Amendment equal protection clause, and the Administrative Procedure Act, and seek class certification, declaratory judgments, injunctive relief, and expungement of records obtained through unlawful stops and arrests.

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• Trump threatens journalist and demands source disclosure under threat of prosecution — Trump stated his administration will contact and potentially jail the reporter who published an article revealing that a second U.S. F-15E pilot was missing, unless the journalist discloses the name of the person who leaked the information. Trump characterized the disclosure as "leaking" and threatened prosecution.
• Trump threatens to jail journalists for revealing military information — During a White House press conference, President Trump threatened to jail journalists from an unnamed media outlet if they do not identify their source who revealed that a second U.S. airman was missing after Iran shot down a U.S. fighter jet. Trump stated the administration would tell the media company "national security, give it up or go to jail."

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 dismissed war crimes concerns and refused to rule out civilian targets — When asked by a New York Times reporter whether certain civilian targets such as schools and hospitals would be off-limits, Trump refused to answer, stating "I don't want to tell you that." When the same reporter noted that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure violate the Geneva Conventions and international law and asked if Trump was concerned his threats amounted to war crimes, Trump responded "No, not at all" and dismissed the reporter as having no credibility.
• Trump issued ultimatum to Iran with threats of massive infrastructure destruction — During a press conference with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Trump announced a 24-hour ultimatum to Iran, threatening to destroy all bridges and power plants within Iran by 12 midnight the following day. Trump stated the destruction could occur "over a period of 4 hours" and refused to rule out civilian targets when asked about schools and hospitals. When a New York Times reporter raised concerns that deliberate attacks on civilian infrastructure violate the Geneva Conventions and international law, Trump dismissed the reporter as "fake" and denied war crimes concerns.
• Trump posts escalatory threats against Iran on Truth Social — On Easter morning, President Trump posted an expletive-laden message on Truth Social threatening military action against Iran, writing "Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran" and threatening to make Iran "living in Hell" if they do not open the Strait. The post was widely condemned, including by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who called it "evil" and stated Trump "has gone insane."

Supporting reports

• Trump posted about taking Iranian oil and opening Hormuz Strait while airman was missing — While a U.S. weapons system officer was missing after the shootdown of an F-15E fighter jet over Iran, President Trump posted on social media about opening the Hormuz Strait and taking Iranian oil "to make a fortune" and described it as a "gusher." Later that morning, he posted a threat that Iran had 48 hours before "all Hell will reign down on them," language inconsistent with his typical speech patterns and resembling Defense Secretary Hegseth's rhetoric.
• Trump issues inflammatory threat to Iran — On Easter morning, April 5, after recovery of a second airman, Trump warned Iranian leaders to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, stating "Open the F*ckin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell." He added an Islamic prayer intentionally to be insulting, later telling senior administration officials the threat was "improvisational."
• Trump Threatens Military Action Against Iran — On April 4, 2026, President Trump made a series of social media posts threatening military action against Iran, suggesting that the U.S. could take control of the Strait of Hormuz and its oil resources. He indicated that time was running out for Iran to negotiate, implying imminent military action.
• Trump posted threats against Iran on social media, suggesting attacks on civilian infrastructure and possible nuclear weapons use — On Easter Sunday morning, President Trump posted on his social media account threatening Iran with destruction of power plants and the Strait of Hormuz, using language suggesting possible tactical nuclear weapons deployment. In a subsequent ABC News interview, Trump stated the conflict should be resolved in days and that "very little" was off the table if no deal was reached. The post set a new deadline of Tuesday at 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time for Iranian compliance.
• Trump holds Easter event and turns it into press conference with war rhetoric — Trump held what was billed as a family-friendly Easter celebration at the White House but immediately converted it into a press conference. While Easter music played and children were present, Trump made statements including that Iranian people love hearing bombs and are most unhappy when explosions stop, that Iran "could be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night," and that he would continue the war if Iran does not meet his demands. Trump also stated he would keep Iran's oil if it were up to him and appeared disoriented, at one point looking for Melania while she stood directly beside him.
• Trump threatens military action against Iran — On April 5, 2026, President Donald J. Trump posted a message on social media threatening military action against Iran, suggesting the use of tactical nuclear weapons and stating that if negotiations fail, he would "blow up the whole country." This ultimatum follows a series of escalating threats and deadlines regarding Iran's actions, indicating a potential shift towards military engagement. Trump's comments have raised concerns about the legality and morality of such actions, particularly regarding civilian infrastructure.
• Trump posts genocidal threat against Iran, then announces ceasefire — At 5:06 a.m., President Trump posted on social media threatening that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" in reference to Iran, an explicit threat of genocide. The post referenced "Complete and Total Regime Change" and suggested possible ground invasion, bombing, or nuclear weapons use. At 6:32 p.m., Trump announced a two-week suspension of bombing and military action against Iran, claiming victory and citing a 10-point Iranian proposal. Iran's media claimed the U.S. had agreed to end sanctions, remove combat forces from the region, and recognize Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump then attacked CNN for reporting Iran's claims of victory.
• Trump threatens military action against Iran during Easter event — During the White House Easter Egg roll, President Donald Trump made statements regarding military action against Iran, suggesting that attacking its infrastructure would not constitute a war crime. He claimed that former presidents wished they had taken similar actions and reiterated his belief that the Iranian regime must be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons. Trump set a deadline for Iran to comply with his demands, threatening "obliteration" if they did not respond favorably.
• Trump threatens annihilation of Iran via Truth Social post with 8pm ET deadline — President Trump posted on Truth Social threatening to "annihilate the entirety of Iranian civilization" if Iran's government does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz by 8pm ET Tuesday. The post, which followed a Monday press conference where Trump made similar threats to reporters, explicitly references destroying a country of 90+ million people and "complete and total regime change." Democrats and some Republicans condemned the statement as a threat to commit war crimes under the Geneva Conventions, with calls for invoking the 25th Amendment.
• Trump threatened Iran with genocide, warning of "a whole civilization will die tonight" — On Tuesday, April 8, President Trump threatened Iran with genocide, stating "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again." Harvard human rights professor Mathias Risse noted this violates the Geneva Conventions' prohibition on threats of violence intended to terrorize civilians. Trump subsequently warned Iran that failure to reach a peace deal would result in even deadlier U.S. attacks. The threat terrorized an estimated 90 million Iranian civilians.

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

• DOJ opinion claims Presidential Records Act unconstitutional — Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser published an opinion stating that the Presidential Records Act is unconstitutional, arguing it infringes on presidential autonomy. This opinion could significantly impact the handling of presidential records and accountability.
• Office of Legal Counsel published opinion declaring Presidential Records Act unconstitutional — Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser of the Office of Legal Counsel published a legal opinion for the White House arguing that the Presidential Records Act (PRA), which requires presidents to keep records of official business and transfer them at the end of their term, is unconstitutional. The memo claims the PRA "unconstitutionally intrudes on the independence and autonomy of the President guaranteed by Article II" and states "the President need not further comply with its dictates."

Supporting reports

• Trump administration argues before Supreme Court to overturn birthright citizenship via executive order — The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Wednesday regarding Trump's February 2025 executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship by reinterpreting the 14th Amendment's citizenship clause. Solicitor General John Sauer argued that "domicile" (permanent residence) should be required for citizenship, excluding children born to undocumented or temporarily present parents. A majority of justices appeared skeptical of the government's position. The case challenges 125+ years of precedent established in United States v. Wong Kim Ark. A decision is expected in summer 2026.
• Trump’s Executive Order on Citizenship — On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which asserts that individuals born in the U.S. are not citizens if their parents do not have legal permanent status. This order contradicts the Fourteenth Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship.
• ACLU Represents Families Against Trump’s Order — The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is representing three families in a lawsuit against the Trump administration's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship. The case, Trump v. Barbara, includes an asylum applicant from Honduras whose child is due after the order's implementation.
• President Trump Attends Supreme Court Oral Arguments — On April 1, 2026, President Donald J. Trump attended oral arguments at the United States Supreme Court for the case Trump v. Barbara, which seeks to end birthright citizenship as guaranteed by the Fourteenth Amendment. This marked the first time a sitting president has attended such proceedings. The case stems from Trump's executive order issued on January 20, 2025, which declared that individuals born in the U.S. are not citizens if their parents lack legal permanent status. The ACLU represents families challenging this order.