Trump Action Archive

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• Trump attacks Ohio governor DeWine over criticism of Ramaswamy campaign ad — Donald Trump issued a public rebuke of Ohio Republican Governor Mike DeWine on Truth Social after DeWine called on gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to withdraw an ad featuring the estranged mother of Democratic rival Amy Acton. DeWine said the ad was "deeply, deeply troubling" and violated the norm that family members should be "off limits" in campaigns. Trump accused DeWine of disloyalty to the Republican Party and urged Ramaswamy to continue airing the ad, characterizing Acton as a "DISASTER."

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• Trump administration obligates $175m in human rights funds to far-right causes before fiscal deadline — With hours remaining before fiscal year-end, the Trump State Department obligated more than $175 million from the Human Rights and Democracy Fund (HRDF) to 43 awards, including a $40 million anti-communism grant, support for white Afrikaner rights groups in South Africa, campaigns against Brazil's supreme court, and programs in Europe promoting "western civilizational norms" and opposing "gender ideology." Secretary of State Marco Rubio personally signed a memo to disregard 10 congressional holds totaling $22 million. The action bypassed bipartisan congressional concerns and redefines human rights funding toward ideological allies rather than traditional human rights defenders.

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• Thousands protest Trump's takeover of Kennedy Center and threat to demolish or rename it — Thousands gathered outside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday evening to protest Trump's takeover of the building and his threat to shut it down or demolish it unless his name is added to the facade. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper of the District of Columbia had previously ordered the Kennedy Center board to provide 30 days' notice before making any major physical changes to the building.
• Kennedy Center ceiling collapse and Trump-ordered closure — A 5-foot piece of ceiling plaster fell at the Kennedy Center in mid-September. Rather than repair the damage immediately, staff documented it extensively for a 55-page board briefing. Trump claimed online that a security guard narrowly avoided "certain death." Within two hours, Trump-allied board members voted to close the center, citing safety concerns. Trump, who serves as the center's chairman, had previously announced in February a two-year closure for renovations. Democratic board members alleged the closure was a pretext to avoid humiliation from plummeting ticket sales and fleeing artists.

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• Trump threatens to demolish Kennedy Center — President Trump is threatening to demolish the Kennedy Center, a major cultural institution. The threat represents part of a broader pattern of Trump taking "a scythe to government departments and entities" as he consolidates executive power and eliminates institutions he views as hostile or insufficiently loyal.

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• Trump's board votes to close Kennedy Center performing arts building — Trump's handpicked Kennedy Center board voted to close the institution's main performing arts building, citing safety and financial concerns. The closure followed a federal court ruling blocking the addition of Trump's name to the building. Board members claimed structural emergencies and deferred maintenance justified the closure, though Democratic congresswoman Joyce Beatty's legal team disputed the safety characterization, arguing consultants had "expressly disclaimed" such opinions.
• Kennedy Center board voted to close venue for two-year renovation period — Following Judge Cooper's ruling, the Kennedy Center board voted to close the venue for two years for renovations. Trump subsequently posted on social media that renovations could not proceed unless the court approved adding his name to the building, stating the building was "destined to doom" without his name.

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• Trump calls for renaming New Mexico to "New America" — President Trump posted on social media calling for New Mexico to be renamed "New America," citing the state's name as having problematic connotations. The proposal drew widespread outrage from New Mexican residents, particularly Latinos and Native Americans, who viewed it as an attack on their state's identity and history. Some Republicans dismissed it as satire. The call came 10 days after the Trump administration sued New Mexico over in-state tuition for undocumented immigrant students, intensifying perceptions of targeting communities of color.

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• Trump administration threatened to demolish Kennedy Center — Trump's lawyers suggested that the administration might be forced to demolish the Kennedy Center if courts do not permit the board to renovate it over the next two years and add Trump's name to the facade. Justice Department attorney Brantley T. Mayers wrote that without renovations, the Center would deteriorate into an unsafe structure requiring demolition, with proposals to replace it with an outdoor amphitheater. The threat came after ticket sales and fundraising for the Kennedy Center plummeted following the addition of Trump's name to the building.
• Trump's DOJ threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if Trump's plans do not proceed — Trump's Department of Justice lawyers argued that the Kennedy Center building is dangerously dilapidated, financially unsustainable, and heading toward demolition unless Trump's plans for the facility can proceed. The DOJ claimed Trump's "efforts and prestige" provide the "sole hope" for the Center's financial survival. The threat came after ticket sales and donations plunged following Trump's takeover of the venue.

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• Trump administration issues executive order targeting Smithsonian Institution — The Trump administration has escalated its conflict with the Smithsonian Institution, resulting in a report accusing the National Museum of American History of "extreme political activism" and an executive order mandating warning signs outside the museum. Popular Information's investigation identified the influence of David Barton, a figure described as a fake historian, and his son Tim on the administration's anti-Smithsonian campaign.

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• Trump administration proposes triumphal arch at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery — The Trump administration is pursuing construction of a triumphal arch at Memorial Circle near Arlington National Cemetery. Congressional ranking members from both chambers with jurisdiction over monuments in Washington, D.C., have opposed the project, stating it would "deface one of the most deliberate and historic sightlines in America" and would violate at least three federal laws. The Section 106 review process for the project fell short of legal requirements, including a comment period of only ten days. Revisions to Section 106 would eliminate legal obstacles to the project's construction.
• Lawmakers Oppose Proposed Triumph Arch Project Near Arlington National Cemetery — On June 15, 2026, a group of lawmakers, including Senators Angus King and Martin Heinrich, expressed strong opposition to a proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, citing concerns that the project violates multiple laws and lacks adequate public comment time. They warned that officials proceeding with the project could face legal consequences.

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• White House Office of Administration begins preparations to paint Eisenhower Executive Office Building white — Deputy Assistant to the President Heather Martin filed a declaration on Monday stating that the White House Office of Administration was beginning preparations to paint the Eisenhower Executive Office Building white. The administration is asserting that the White House Office of Administration has taken control of the building from the General Services Administration (GSA), which normally handles federal building maintenance and is subject to the National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act review requirements. More than two dozen experts have sued to stop the plan, arguing the paint could irreversibly damage the stone and create ongoing maintenance costs.

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• Trump administration releases executive order directing warning signs at Smithsonian's National Museum of American History — President Trump released an executive order on July 25, 2026, directing federal officials to install signs outside the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History informing visitors that the museum presents history inaccurately. The order cites a 162-page White House report released July 4 that accuses the museum of "extreme political activism," "anti-White activism," "transgender activism," and supporting illegal immigration. The signs are to direct visitors to "locations and resources for accurate information regarding America's history" without specifying where those resources are located.
• Executive Order on Smithsonian Institution — On July 24, 2026, President Trump issued Executive Order 14415, titled "Restoring Trust in the Smithsonian Institution." The order directed the National Park Service to place temporary signage outside the Smithsonian to correct what the administration deemed inaccurate information presented inside the museum. This action follows the release of a critical report on the museum's portrayal of American history.

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• Trump delivers campaign-style speech at 250th anniversary celebration in Washington DC — President Trump delivered a late-night speech on the National Mall during the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations on July 4, 2026. The event was delayed by severe weather, including a dangerous heatwave and thunderstorm that forced evacuation of attendees for over two hours. Trump used the occasion to promote his "golden age of America" message, attack progressives as "communists," repeat unfounded election fraud allegations, and claim the accompanying fireworks display would be the largest in world history. His living predecessors notably did not attend.
• President delivered campaign speech at July 4 National Mall event, first presidential July 4 address there since 1951 — President Trump delivered a campaign-style speech on the National Mall during the July 4 celebration, calling for voting restrictions, proof-of-citizenship requirements, limiting mail ballots, and warnings about communism. No president had given a July 4 speech on the National Mall since 1951. Trump claimed 422,000 people attended before a storm and 150,000 returned for the speech, though no independent confirmation was provided. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found many Americans felt the 250th anniversary events had become too political.

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• Trump announced July 4th rally at Lincoln Memorial, converting national holiday to campaign event — Trump announced a July 4th rally at the Lincoln Memorial that will replace the traditional nonpartisan Capitol celebration. The event will feature more than 300 military band members, what Trump called "the largest fireworks show in history," and Trump as the keynote speaker. The traditional July 4th celebration at the Capitol has been moved to July 3 to accommodate Trump's rally. The national holiday has been converted into a Trump campaign event, with the algae-filled Reflecting Pool as a backdrop.
• Trump announced July 4 rally at Lincoln Memorial — Early on June 16, Trump posted on social media announcing plans to host "the most spectacular TRUMP RALLY of them all, a 'TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'" on July 4 at the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.

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• Trump hosts UFC event on White House South Lawn for 80th birthday — President Trump organized and hosted UFC Freedom 250, a professional mixed martial arts event, on the White House South Lawn on June 13, 2026, featuring seven fights including a lightweight championship unification bout. The event drew approximately 4,300 attendees, including 1,200 active-duty military personnel selected under strict fitness criteria. A watchdog group's legal challenge to block the event was denied by a judge. Trump had purchased up to $50,000 in stock in TKO Group Holdings, the UFC's parent company, earlier in 2026.
• Stunt performer performs backflip over UFC octagon on White House South Lawn — Stunt performer Travis Pastrana performed a backflip on a dirt bike over the UFC octagon fight arena positioned on the South Lawn of the White House. Other riders performed additional stunts, with all activities filmed against the facade of the White House building.
• Federal judge permits UFC event at White House despite legal challenge — Attorneys from the Public Integrity Project filed a lawsuit to block a UFC fight scheduled for the White House lawn on Trump's 80th birthday (billed as a 250th anniversary celebration). On Friday, a federal judge ruled the event could proceed. The lawsuit challenged the appropriateness and use of taxpayer funds for the mixed martial arts event, which Dana White said was Trump's idea. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the venue but expressed hope the event would be successful.
• Judge Mehta rejected lawsuit challenging UFC White House event — Judge Amit P. Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejected a lawsuit filed by a political activist and military veteran from Virginia seeking to stop the White House cage fight event. The plaintiff challenged the event as "deeply corrupt," arguing it uses national monuments to promote private businesses in which Trump holds financial interests and that the administration improperly invoked the 250th anniversary to bypass environmental review and congressional approval. Judge Mehta ruled that the plaintiff lacked standing to challenge the event and that the time and money invested in the event outweighed any temporary harm the plaintiff suffered.
• Federal agencies and UFC invested $60 million in White House cage fight event — Federal agencies and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) are investing at least $60 million toward a White House cage fight event scheduled for Trump's 80th birthday on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The funding has paid for a fighting arena on the South Lawn of the White House and approximately 900 workers since May 20, 2026. Trump owns significant stock in TKO Holding Group, the parent company of UFC.
• Trump holds $60 million UFC fight on White House South Lawn funded by corporate entity — Trump marked his 80th birthday by holding a UFC fight on the White House's South Lawn, an event that cost at least $60 million paid for by UFC's parent company TKO and required assistance from more than seven federal agencies. Some fighters received bonuses paid in cryptocurrency from the Trump family's World Liberty Financial. The event blurred the line between private entertainment and official use of federal resources and presidential facilities.
• UFC announces fighter bonuses in Trump family cryptocurrency at White House event — The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced it will pay performance bonuses to fighters in USD1 stablecoins issued by World Liberty Financial, a Trump family cryptocurrency venture co-founded by Donald Trump and his sons in 2024. The event, UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for June 14 on the White House south lawn on Trump's birthday. World Liberty Financial is listed as the "Presenting Partner" of a $250,000 bonus pool. The arrangement directly connects Trump family financial interests to a high-profile government property event, raising conflict-of-interest concerns despite White House claims that Trump's assets are held in a trust managed by his children.
• White House hosts UFC fight event with corporate sponsors and Trump family business involvement — The White House hosted a professional UFC fight card on Trump's 80th birthday, featuring seven matches on the South Lawn. The event included sponsor logos from crypto platforms (Stake, Polymarket, Crypto.com), a Trump family stablecoin (World Liberty Financial), and other corporate entities. Fighter Josh Hokit made a false conspiracy claim about Michelle Obama during a post-fight interview. A legal challenge to block the event failed on Friday. The broadcast aired on Paramount+, controlled by billionaire Larry Ellison, a Trump ally.
• UFC event held on White House grounds using Bicentennial exemption — Trump held Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on the South Lawn of the White House on June 15, circumventing restrictions on using White House grounds for such events by claiming the event honored the nation's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, for which Congress had suspended normal regulations. The event was sponsored by World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's cryptocurrency company.
• UFC fighter Josh Hokit makes sexist, racist, transphobic statement about Michelle Obama at White House event; Trump does not condemn — At a UFC event on the White House south lawn on Sunday, June 15, 2026, fighter Josh Hokit shouted a false, sexist, racist conspiracy theory about former first lady Michelle Obama into a microphone in front of President Trump. Trump appeared to half-smile in response while some audience members laughed. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Despite calls from Trump allies, media figures, and civil society for the president to condemn the statement, Trump remained silent on the matter.
• Allegations of Cheating in White House UFC Fights — President’s son says screenshots that appeared to show him asking analyst Daniel Cormier for information were ‘fake’
• World Liberty Financial became UFC event sponsor and received cash payments — On June 15 at 9:30 p.m., the UFC issued a press release announcing that World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's cryptocurrency company overseen by Zach Witkoff, would be the "Presenting Partner" of a new $250,000 Performance of the Night bonus pool. Under this arrangement, UFC gives cash to World Liberty Financial, which distributes cryptocurrency to fighters and invests the cash in U.S. Treasury bonds while keeping the interest.

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• Trump administration proposes triumphal arch at Arlington Memorial Bridge — The Trump administration has proposed constructing a triumphal arch at a rotary on the Virginia side of the Arlington Memorial Bridge in Washington, D.C., positioned between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial. The arch's placement would obscure the Lincoln Memorial while framing Arlington House, the mansion built by enslaved Americans and formerly owned by Confederate General Robert E. Lee. The structure does not frame the nation's honored dead but instead frames the home of the Confederate general whose armies killed them.

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• Trump announced plans for "National Garden of American Heroes" in West Potomac Park — Trump announced via social media that he intends to place his "National Garden of American Heroes" in West Potomac Park. He referenced a 22-foot gold statue of himself at his Doral golf club and compared the project to China's Ballroom, stating the U.S. facility would be "the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the U.S.A." with a scheduled opening around September 2028. The announcement came hours after his return from China.
• Freedom 250 planned events showcasing Trump rather than historical themes for 250th anniversary — Freedom 250 planned anniversary celebration events that prioritized showcasing President Trump over significant historical events and themes. Planned events included an IndyCar race around the National Mall, construction of a triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial, an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn on Trump's 80th birthday in June, and the "Rededicate 250" evangelical worship event.
• Trump administration created Freedom 250 organization to oversee 250th anniversary celebrations outside congressional oversight — In December 2025, President Trump created Freedom 250, a new organization to manage the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, bypassing the bipartisan America250 commission established by Congress in 2016. The Trump administration allocated $100 million in federal appropriations to Freedom 250 compared to $50 million to America250. Freedom 250 solicited corporate donations in exchange for access to Trump from sponsors including ExxonMobil, Mastercard, Deloitte, Palantir, and IndyCar, with donors permitted to request anonymity.

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• Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on social media — Trump posted a lengthy attack on Pope Leo XIV on social media, criticizing the Pope for speaking out against the religious justification for wars, widely interpreted as commentary on the Trump administration's claim that the war in Iran is a holy war. Trump suggested the Pope was elevated to the papacy only because he was American and to deal with Trump. Trump wrote that "Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician."
• Trump criticizes Pope Leo XIV over war commentary — In a social media post, President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for his remarks against the religious justification for wars, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Trump's comments reflect his contentious relationship with religious leaders and his interpretation of the war's moral implications.
• Trump posted image of himself as Jesus on social media — Approximately 45 minutes after attacking Pope Leo XIV, Trump posted an image of himself in the place of Jesus, apparently healing a sick man in a bed, surrounded by a soldier, a nurse, a woman praying, and an older man. Behind him are the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial, and a giant American flag, while in the sky are two eagles, three fighter jets, soldiers, and what appears to be a monster. The post prompted widespread criticism, with former U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene calling it "more than blasphemy. It's an Antichrist spirit."
• Trump posted image of Trump tower on the moon — One minute after posting the image of himself as Jesus, Trump posted an image of a Trump tower on the moon.
• Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social — Trump posted a lengthy attack on Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social, criticizing the Pope as weak on crime and foreign policy, claiming the Pope was placed in the Vatican only because he is American and to deal with Trump's presidency, and stating that without Trump in the White House, Leo would not be in the Vatican. Trump also criticized the Pope's positions on Iran's nuclear weapons, the U.S. attack on Venezuela, and meetings with figures like David Axelrod, and called on the Pope to "get his act together" and stop catering to the "Radical Left."
• Trump posted Jesus Christ meme on Truth Social, later deleted — Trump posted an image on Truth Social depicting himself as Jesus Christ laying hands on a sick man to heal him, with onlookers gazing reverently. The post generated significant backlash across social media platforms, including over 8,000 angry replies from Trump supporters on Truth Social itself. Trump later deleted the post. When questioned, Trump claimed he thought the image depicted him as a Red Cross worker, not as Jesus Christ.
• Trump posts AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ, then deletes it — President Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ on social media at 9:49 p.m., followed by multiple other posts including images of Trump Tower on the moon and various memes and news clips. After widespread backlash, Trump deleted the Jesus image. When questioned by reporters, Trump claimed the image was not of himself as Jesus but as a doctor related to the Red Cross, and refused to apologize to the Pope.
• Trump refused to apologize for attacking Pope Leo XIV — When asked by reporters about Bishop Robert Barron's call for Trump to apologize to the Pope, Trump refused, stating "No. There's nothing to apologize for. He's wrong."
• Trump posted AI-generated image depicting himself with divine healing powers; image deleted after backlash; Trump claimed he thought it was a doctor image. — On Monday morning, Trump posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social showing himself in white and red robes with divine light emanating from his hand, healing a bedridden man, surrounded by religious and patriotic symbols including the American flag, bald eagles, and the Lincoln Memorial. The image was deleted by late Monday morning. When reporters asked about it, Trump stated he believed it was an image of himself as a doctor. The post came shortly after Trump called Pope Leo XIV "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy" following the pope's Palm Sunday statements against war.
• Trump posts and deletes AI image depicting himself as Christ-like figure; faces backlash from Christian supporters — On Sunday, President Trump posted an AI-generated image to Truth Social showing himself as a Jesus-like figure with divine light healing a sick man, with a demonic figure in the background. The image sparked widespread condemnation from conservative Christian supporters including Fox News hosts and Republican figures. Trump later deleted the post. When asked about it, Trump claimed it depicted him as a doctor, not Jesus, and insisted "I do make people a lot better." The incident followed Trump's public attacks on Pope Leo XIV, whom he called "weak on crime."
• Trump posts unverified claims about Iran protest deaths — Trump posted on Truth Social claiming Iran has killed "at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months," directing the claim at Pope Leo. Trump provided no evidence for the figure and has previously cited a different number (45,000), neither of which has been independently verified. The posts were made late at night as part of an extended attack on the pope.
• Trump reposts AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ — Donald Trump reposted an AI-generated image showing himself as a Jesus Christ-figure, which he claimed depicted him as a doctor. The image sparked widespread backlash from critics across the political spectrum, including Christian activists and some Republicans who called it blasphemous. Trump defended the post by claiming it showed him "making people better" through medical practice, despite the image's religious iconography. The incident is part of a broader pattern of Trump sharing AI-generated images portraying himself in various idealized roles.
• Trump shares AI image of himself as pope — In May 2025, Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Pope, complete with white cassock, crucifix pendant, and mitre hat. The image was posted while the Catholic Church was still mourning Pope Francis's death. The post drew negative reactions and fits a pattern of Trump using AI imagery to portray himself in idealized or messianic roles.
• Trump reposts image of Jesus embracing him — On Wednesday morning, Trump reposted an AI-generated image appearing to show Jesus Christ embracing him from behind. Trump captioned the post: "The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!" The repost continued the pattern of Trump using religious imagery to elevate his persona and dismissing criticism as partisan opposition.
• Trump announces Israel-Lebanon ceasefire without Israeli security cabinet vote — Donald Trump posted on Truth Social claiming a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon beginning at 5 PM EST, stating he had "excellent conversations" with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and directing JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to work toward lasting peace. Israeli journalist Amichai Stein reported that Israel's security cabinet has not yet voted on the ceasefire, meaning Trump declared victory before one of the two parties' governing bodies officially approved it.
• Trump attacked and made false claims about the Pope — Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV, claiming the Pope made a statement saying Iran can have nuclear weapons. When a reporter corrected him, stating the Pope did not say that, Trump responded that he had the right to disagree with the Pope. Trump also declined an offer to meet with the Pope to resolve differences, stating he did not think it was necessary. Trump further claimed the Pope was "just preaching the gospel" in response to bishops' statements defending the Pope.

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• Pentagon ends all military training, fellowships, and certificate programs with Harvard University — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the Pentagon is terminating all Professional Military Education, fellowships, and certificate programs with Harvard University, characterizing the institution as "woke" and a center of "Hate America activism." Hegseth stated that within two weeks, all military departments will evaluate existing graduate programs for active-duty service members at Ivy League and other civilian universities. The move follows months of Trump administration threats, lawsuits, and demands against Harvard, including Trump's claim seeking $1 billion in damages over alleged antisemitism enablement.

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• Trump administration removes Pride flag from Stonewall National Monument — The Trump administration removed a large Pride flag from the Stonewall National Monument in New York City over the weekend of February 7, following a January 21 Interior Department memorandum restricting non-agency flags at federal parks. The memo limits flagpole displays to U.S. flags, agency flags, and POW/MIA flags, with narrow historical exemptions. The removal sparked immediate backlash from local officials, including Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called it an "outrageous action" and vowed the flag would return. Protests are planned.
• — On 9 February, the Trump administration removed the rainbow Pride flag flying at Stonewall National Monument in New York City without notice and replaced it with an American flag. The removal was justified by a January Trump administration memo restricting which flags can fly at national parks and historic sites. The Interior Department stated the policy governing flag displays on federal property has been in place for decades and clarifies consistent application across National Park Service sites.

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• Trump announced closure of Kennedy Center for two-year renovation — After performers and acts canceled on the Kennedy Center for 2026 and beyond, Trump posted that he is shutting down the Kennedy Center's entertainment operations for approximately two years beginning July 4, 2026, to construct a new entertainment complex. Trump stated that financing is "completed, and fully in place" and that the new facility will "rival and surpass anything that has taken place with respect to such a Facility before."
• Trump announced Kennedy Center will close for two-year renovation beginning July 2026 — President Trump announced in February 2026 that the Kennedy Center will close for approximately two years beginning July 4, 2026, for major renovations. The closure announcement came after a wave of artist cancellations and declining ticket sales at the venue, which had experienced significant leadership changes that reshaped its board and programming direction.
• Trump announced two-year closure of Kennedy Center on Truth Social — Trump announced on Truth Social that the Kennedy Center will temporarily close beginning July 4 for two years to undergo "Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding." The announcement came after dozens of performers canceled appearances following Trump's takeover of the center and his decision to place his name on the building. The closure requires approval from the Kennedy Center Board, which consists of members Trump handpicked.
• Trump announced closure of Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — President Trump announced on Sunday night that he is closing the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, claiming it requires two years of renovations. The announcement came after Trump took over the venue and placed his name on it, following reports of plummeting ticket sales and artist boycotts.

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• Trump did not issue MLK Day proclamation or recognition. — In a break from past presidential traditions, including his own first term, President Trump did not recognize January 19, 2026 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day through any official statement, proclamation, or activity. Trump spent the day at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The White House did not respond when asked whether Trump planned to acknowledge the day or King's legacy. Trump is the first president not to issue an official proclamation for the federal holiday.
• Trump failed to issue Martin Luther King Jr. Day proclamation — On Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026, Trump issued no official proclamation honoring Dr. King, marking the first time in more than four decades that a sitting president failed to acknowledge the holiday. The omission occurred as Trump was reported to have invited Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to join his "Board of Peace," a shadow institution he is attempting to create parallel to the United Nations.

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• Trump signed Executive Order 14366 directing SEC, FTC, and Labor Department to investigate and restrict proxy advisors' influence over corporate governance and shareholder voting. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14366 on December 11, 2025, directing the SEC Chairman to review and revise rules governing proxy advisors, particularly targeting their promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental/social/governance (ESG) policies. The order instructs the FTC to investigate proxy advisors for antitrust violations and unfair practices, and directs the Labor Secretary to revise ERISA fiduciary standards and enhance transparency regarding proxy advisor use. The order names Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. and Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC as foreign-owned firms controlling over 90 percent of the proxy advisor market.
• Trump issued executive order directing SEC and FTC review of proxy advisors' ESG and DEI recommendations — President Trump issued an executive order on December 11, 2025, directing the Securities and Exchange Commission to review and potentially revise rules governing proxy advisors (primarily Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. and Glass, Lewis & Co., LLC), with emphasis on eliminating guidance tied to "diversity, equity, and inclusion" and "environmental, social, and governance" factors. The order also directs the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether proxy advisors engage in unfair or anticompetitive practices, and instructs the Department of Labor to revise fiduciary standards for pension and retirement plans using proxy advisors.
• White House issued fact sheet on executive order directing SEC, FTC, and Labor Department to review and restrict proxy advisor regulations related to DEI and ESG — President Trump signed Executive Order 14366 on December 11, 2025, directing the Securities and Exchange Commission to review and revise rules governing proxy advisors, particularly targeting their promotion of "diversity, equity, and inclusion" and "environmental, social, and governance" policies. The order instructs the SEC to enforce anti-fraud provisions against proxy advisors, assess whether they should register as investment advisers, and examine whether investment advisers' use of proxy advisors violates fiduciary duties. The FTC is directed to investigate proxy advisors for antitrust violations and unfair practices. The Labor Department is instructed to revise ERISA regulations and strengthen fiduciary standards for pension and retirement plans using proxy advisors.
• — The White House published a fact sheet on December 11, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that directs the SEC to review and rescind or revise rules related to proxy advisors' DEI and ESG priorities; directs the FTC to investigate proxy advisors for unfair competition; and directs the Labor Department to strengthen ERISA fiduciary rules and increase transparency regarding proxy advisor use. The fact sheet characterizes proxy advisors as "foreign-owned" entities that prioritize "radical political agendas" over investor returns.

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• Trump proclaims Anti-Communism Week, November 2–8, 2025 — President Trump issued Proclamation 10988 on November 7, 2025, designating the week of November 2–8, 2025, as Anti-Communism Week. The proclamation characterizes communism as a destructive ideology responsible for over 100 million deaths and frames it as antithetical to American values of liberty, faith, and free enterprise. The document equates contemporary progressive movements ("social justice," "democratic socialism") with communist ideology and asserts that America rejects such doctrines as threats to freedom and individual rights.
• President Trump issued proclamation designating Anti-Communism Week — President Trump signed a proclamation on November 7, 2025, designating the week of November 2–8, 2025, as Anti-Communism Week. The proclamation characterizes communism as a destructive ideology responsible for over 100 million deaths and frames contemporary progressive movements as disguised communism. It calls for national unity against communism and reaffirms commitment to liberty and individual rights as foundational American values.

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• Trump displayed plan for triumphal arch on Potomac riverbank — President Trump showed Canadian officials and later posted on social media an artist's rendering of a proposed triumphal arch to be constructed on the banks of the Potomac River opposite the Lincoln Memorial, at the Virginia end of the Arlington Memorial Bridge below Arlington National Cemetery, intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026. The massive stone structure would feature a gold winged victory statue at its top, modeled on historical triumphal arches from ancient Rome and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
• Trump Proposes Construction of a Triumphal Arch — President Donald J. Trump presented a plan for a triumphal arch to Canadian officials, intended to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in July 2026. The proposed arch would be located on the banks of the Potomac River, opposite the Lincoln Memorial. The plan was laid out in the Oval Office, and Trump shared an artist's rendering on social media. Critics noted that the design misaligns with the Lincoln Memorial's historical context.
• Trump unveils plans for "Arc de Trump" monument in Washington — President Trump announced plans for a grand arch monument in Washington, to be located near Arlington Memorial Bridge as a gateway from northern Virginia. The project, dubbed the "Arc de Trump," features a gold Lady Liberty statue and comes as part of broader White House renovations including a $250m ballroom funded by private donations from tech and defense companies. Trump presented 3D models to wealthy donors at a White House dinner, describing the arch as filling a visual gap in the capital's landscape.
• Trump announced plan to build arch monument near Arlington National Cemetery funded by corporate donations — Trump announced plans to build a large white arch in a traffic circle across from Arlington National Cemetery, expecting the project to be funded by corporate donations. Trump displayed a model replica of the arch and a map of the National Mall in the Oval Office and has been showing guests the design. The cost of the project is unclear.

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• Trump intervened in Cracker Barrel corporate dispute — Trump posted on social media directing Cracker Barrel to revert to its old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response, and hold a major news conference. The post characterized the situation as an opportunity for the company to become a "winner again." The bulletin notes this is part of an "elaborate scam to extort companies for money" using MAGA influencer networks to organize boycotts over contrived culture war issues, with coordination involving government officials like Stephen Miller.
• Trump publicly pressures Cracker Barrel to reverse logo rebrand; company complies within hours — On Tuesday, August 27, 2025, Donald Trump posted on social media demanding that Cracker Barrel revert to its old logo, calling the modernized rebrand a mistake. Within hours, Cracker Barrel executives called the White House to inform the administration they would restore the original logo. By Wednesday, Trump celebrated the reversal as a political victory. The incident exemplifies the Trump administration's use of presidential influence to pressure corporations to abandon diversity and modernization efforts, with the company's stock rebounding 8% after the reversal.