Trump Action Archive

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• University of Michigan president condemns faculty member's pro-Palestinian remarks at commencement — Derek Peterson, a history professor and outgoing chair of the University of Michigan faculty senate, made brief remarks during the May 2 commencement ceremony acknowledging "pro-Palestinian student activists" for opening hearts to injustice in Gaza. The university president condemned the remarks as "inappropriate and did not align with the purpose of the occasion." Republican politicians called for consequences and federal funding cuts. Peterson stated he had deviated only slightly from prepared remarks approved by administrators and deliberately avoided using the word "genocide" to remain diplomatic. Over 1,400 faculty members, the American Association of University Professors, and the American Federation of Teachers subsequently defended Peterson's academic freedom.

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• Rutgers University cancels graduation speech by alumnus Rami Elghandour over pro-Palestinian social media posts — Rutgers University's School of Engineering rescinded its invitation to tech entrepreneur and alumnus Rami Elghandour to deliver a graduation address scheduled for May 15, 2026, after some graduating students complained about his social media posts regarding Palestine. Dean Alberto Cuitiño informed Elghandour the posts were "opposed to their beliefs" but declined to specify which posts or how many students objected. Elghandour, an executive producer of the Oscar-nominated film "The Voice of Hind Rajab," stated he had planned to speak about kindness and success without compromising beliefs, not Palestine. The university said no replacement speaker would be appointed.

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• Trump and Melania called for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over a joke — On April 23, Jimmy Kimmel aired a joke about First Lady Melania Trump's appearance on his ABC late-night show. Two days later, after an assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Trump and Melania publicly called for Kimmel's firing on April 27, characterizing the joke as "hateful," "violent rhetoric," and a "call to violence." FCC Chairman Brendan Carr also pressured ABC to take action. Kimmel denied the joke was a call to assassination.
• Melania Trump issued statement attacking Jimmy Kimmel and demanding ABC take action against him — Melania Trump issued a social media statement attacking late-night host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke made at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner two days prior. Kimmel had joked that Melania had "a glow like an expectant widow." Melania characterized Kimmel's monologue as "hateful and violent rhetoric," called him a "coward," and demanded that ABC network take action to prevent him from broadcasting, stating "People like Kimmel shouldn't have the opportunity to enter our homes each evening to spread hate."
• FCC Chair Carr threatened ABC affiliates over Jimmy Kimmel — FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened ABC affiliates with enforcement action regarding Jimmy Kimmel's comments about Melania Trump, stating "We can do this the easy way or the hard way." The FCC subsequently launched a review of Disney's broadcast licenses years ahead of the normal schedule. The threat and accelerated review appear coordinated with the president's demand for Kimmel's firing.
• Trump and Melania called for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired — President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump called on Disney and ABC to fire late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a video in which Kimmel jokingly called Melania an "expectant widow." Trump characterized the joke as a "despicable call to violence." The incident prompted FCC Chair Brendan Carr to threaten ABC affiliates with enforcement action, stating "We can do this the easy way or the hard way," and the FCC subsequently launched a review of Disney's broadcast licenses ahead of schedule.
• Trump called for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over joke — Trump and Melania called for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to be fired over a joke, according to reporting covered in the briefing's Wednesday section on buried political stories.

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• American Library Association reports record 5,668 books banned from US libraries in 2025 — The American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom documented 5,668 books banned from US libraries in 2025, with an additional 920 censored through access restrictions. Challenges targeted 4,235 unique titles. The report found that 92% of challenges came from pressure groups, decision-makers, or government officials—a significant increase from 72% in 2024—and that 40% of challenged materials involved LGBTQ+ people or people of color. The most-banned book was Sold by Patricia McCormick.

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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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• Trump posted graphic video of woman's murder with anti-immigrant rhetoric — At 7:49 p.m., President Trump's social media account posted a graphic video depicting a man killing a woman with a hammer. The accompanying text attacked Haitian immigrants, former President Joe Biden, and "the Radical Democrats in Congress," echoing what the article describes as "vicious racism" used to feed his base. The post came hours after the First Lady's unexpected press conference about Jeffrey Epstein.
• Trump Posts Graphic Video on Social Media — On April 9, 2026, President Trump shared a graphic video depicting violence, accompanied by a message targeting Haitian immigrants and former President Joe Biden. The post was seen as an attempt to rally his base through provocative imagery and rhetoric.

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• Trump attacks Bruce Springsteen and calls for concert boycott — President Trump attacked musician Bruce Springsteen on April 2, 2026, calling him a "dried up prune" with a bad plastic surgeon and urging MAGA supporters to boycott his concerts. The attack occurred while Trump was overseeing a regional war, managing a collapsing Strait of Hormuz situation, and responding to oil prices exceeding $113 per barrel.

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• Complaint filed: Underground Railroad History Project of the Capitol Region v. National Endowment for the Humanities — The Underground Railroad History Project of the Capital Region (URHP), a non-profit researching Underground Railroad history and civil rights, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York challenging the NEH's withdrawal of a $250,000 Challenge Grant awarded during the previous administration. The withdrawal was part of a mass termination of over 1,400 NEH grants in April 2025 pursuant to an internal NEH directive (Feb. 7, 2025) ordering termination of grants connected to "environmental justice," "diversity, equity, and inclusion," or "gender ideology." URHP alleges discriminatory animus toward Black history programming (Fifth Amendment Equal Protection), viewpoint discrimination conditioning federal funding on suppression of equity perspectives (First Amendment), and arbitrary and capricious action contrary to NEH's statutory mandate (Administrative Procedure Act). Relief sought includes declaratory judgment, vacatur of the directive, and restoration of the grant.

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• University of Florida suspends College Republicans chapter over Nazi salute post — The University of Florida suspended its College Republicans chapter on Saturday after the state leadership of the Florida Federation of College Republicans said the group engaged in "a pattern of conduct that violated its rules and values, including a recent antisemitic gesture"—specifically an online post featuring two people giving Nazi salutes. The chapter filed a federal lawsuit Monday claiming the suspension violated First Amendment free speech rights, arguing the post was off-campus activity. The university's interim president stated UF remains committed to preventing antisemitism.
• College Republicans chapter files federal lawsuit against University of Florida — The suspended UF College Republicans chapter filed a federal lawsuit in Gainesville on Monday against university leadership, claiming the suspension violated the First Amendment rights of a member who engaged in an off-campus activity. The chapter's attorney, former state representative Anthony Sabatini, argued the group was being targeted for promoting an "aggressive America First agenda." The chapter also disputed the university's claim that it was affiliated with the Florida Federation of College Republicans, stating it belongs to the College Republicans of America instead.
• Florida International University conservative group chat leaked with racial slurs and Nazi praise — A group chat for conservative students at Florida International University was leaked earlier in March 2026, revealing hundreds of racial slurs and repeated praise for Nazis. The incident demonstrates the spread of extremist rhetoric within conservative student organizations at major universities.
• University of Florida College Republicans disbanded over Nazi salute incident — The University of Florida College Republicans, a member chapter of CRA, was disbanded after a photo circulating online showed one of its leaders performing a Nazi salute. The incident prompted the university to disband the organization. Kai Schwemmer, the newly appointed CRA political director, posted on social media defending the University of Florida chapter and blaming "cancel culture" for the disbandment.

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• Fox host Levin and former Fox host Kelly engaged in extended personal attacks on social media — Fox host Mark Levin and former Fox host Megyn Kelly continued a prolonged exchange of personal attacks on social media. Levin called Kelly "emotionally unhinged, lewd, and petulant" and said she was "completely revealed and destroyed." Kelly responded with crude personal insults. Levin responded with further attacks. Kelly documented that Levin has posted about her over 100 times since November while she has responded only 6 times, and accused him of obsessive, misogynistic attacks. Kelly noted that Fox allows this behavior.

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• US Department of Education displays Charlie Kirk banner at DC headquarters — The US Department of Education hung large banners outside its Washington DC building on March 1, including one featuring an image of late far-right commentator Charlie Kirk alongside historical educators Catharine Beecher and Booker T. Washington. The banner reads "Empowering our States to tell the Stories of our Heroes in American Education." Kirk, who was killed in September 2025, co-founded Turning Point USA and made racist and sexist comments throughout his career. The display has drawn criticism given Kirk's polarizing record and his prior calls to abolish the Department of Education.

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• Trump posted deleted video depicting Obama and Michelle as apes — Trump posted a video depicting former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama as apes, which he subsequently deleted. When asked about the video, Obama stated that the majority of the American people find such behavior deeply troubling, though it gets attention and serves as a distraction. Obama noted that some people still believe in decency, courtesy, and kindness, contrasting this with the "clown show" happening on social media and television.

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• Federal Judge Rebukes Trump Administration for Blocking ICE Detainees' Attorney Access — A federal judge admonished the Trump administration for effectively blocking ICE detainees in Minnesota from accessing their attorneys during Operation Metro Surge. The ruling stated: "It appears that in planning for Operation Metro Surge, the government failed to plan for the constitutional rights of its civil detainees" and rejected the government's claim that honoring constitutional rights would cause "chaos." The judge emphasized that "The Constitution does not permit the government to arrest thousands of individuals and then disregard their constitutional rights because it would be too challenging to honor those rights."
• Trump administration removes Pride flag from Stonewall national monument — The Trump administration's Interior Department issued a memo restricting flag displays at federal parks to US flags, agency flags, and POW/MIA flags, with limited exceptions. In response, the Pride flag was removed from the Stonewall Inn national monument in Manhattan over the weekend. New York City officials, including Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Congressman Jerry Nadler, condemned the removal as an "act of erasure" and reinstated the flag on Thursday alongside the American flag, drawing a large crowd.

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• Republican organization TPUSA created "All-American" halftime show alternative featuring pre-recorded, lip-synched performance with artificially inflated viewership — Turning Point USA organized an "All-American Halftime Show" featuring Kid Rock as a counter-programming alternative to Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance. The TPUSA event was pre-recorded in Atlanta with much of the performance lip-synched, with Kid Rock raising the microphone to his mouth for only about half the lyrics. Organizers used viewbotting software to artificially manipulate view counts to make the event appear more popular than it actually was. The show drew approximately 6 million views compared to Bad Bunny's 135 million viewers. The event had no corporate sponsors and generated minimal advertising revenue. Trump and his associates at Mar-a-Lago watched Bad Bunny's performance instead of the TPUSA alternative.
• Trump posted criticism of Bad Bunny's Super Bowl halftime performance using language attacking the performer and the show — During the Super Bowl halftime show, Trump posted a pre-written message criticizing Bad Bunny's performance as "absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER" and "an affront to the Greatness of America." Trump's post characterized the performance as disgusting, especially for children, called it a "slap in the face" to the country, and dismissed the performer's message of unity. The post appeared designed to promote the Republican alternative "All-American Halftime Show" featuring Kid Rock, which was pre-recorded, lip-synched, and used viewbotting software to artificially inflate view counts. Bad Bunny's actual performance drew approximately 135 million viewers compared to the TPUSA event's 6 million.

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• Trump posts racist imagery depicting Obama as apes — President Trump posted content on Truth Social depicting former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama as apes, described as a "laundry list of debunked claims concerning the 2020 election." The post was later removed after drawing backlash from both Democrats and Republicans. The White House initially defended the post as an "internet meme video" and characterized criticism as "fake outrage."
• Trump posts racist video on social media — President Donald J. Trump’s social media account posted a video containing debunked claims about the 2020 presidential election, featuring an altered image of Barack and Michelle Obama. After backlash from Republican senators regarding the racism of the post, Trump deleted it but later claimed he had posted it himself and refused to apologize. This incident reflects ongoing racial tensions and attempts to fracture coalitions against him.
• Trump refuses to apologize for racist Obama image — President Trump was asked directly whether he would apologize for posting a racist image depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama with their faces photoshopped onto apes. Trump refused to apologize and instead attempted to justify the post by claiming it was a "takeoff on The Lion King" and describing it as "very strong in terms of voter fraud."
• Trump's Truth Social account posted racist video depicting Obamas as apes — Trump's Truth Social account posted a video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. After public outcry, the video was removed. A White House official stated, and Trump later confirmed, that the video was posted by a staffer rather than Trump himself. Trump refused to apologize for the post.
• Thomas Massie condemns Trump's racist Obama posts — Republican Congressman Thomas Massie condemned President Trump for posting racist content depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes. Massie stated that Trump should apologize and that attacks on spouses and racist tropes cross basic lines of decency.
• Trump attacked Bad Bunny halftime show on Truth Social, calling performance unintelligible — President Trump posted criticism of the Super Bowl halftime show featuring Bad Bunny on Truth Social, stating "nobody understands a word this guy is saying" and other insults. The performance centered Puerto Rican identity and Spanish-language music. Trump's public attack characterized multilingual American culture as something to ridicule rather than celebrate, drawing bipartisan concern about presidential rhetoric toward cultural expression.
• Trump posted racist video depicting Obamas as apes to Truth Social account — A video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes—a racist trope—was posted to Trump's Truth Social account. Reuters reported Trump refused to apologize and suggested an aide posted it without him watching the full clip. The post was later removed. Trump's response treated the official presidential channel as something that could be disowned on technicalities, eroding accountability and normalizing extremism through ambiguity.
• Racist video of Obamas posted on Trump's Truth Social account — A racist video depicting the Obamas as apes appeared on President Trump's official Truth Social account. The video was removed, but Trump refused to apologize and claimed a staffer posted it without review. The incident occurred on an official presidential account.

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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 administration cancels 560 arts grants totaling $27 million in funding cuts — The Trump administration cancelled approximately 560 arts grants in the previous year, resulting in over $27 million in funding cuts to arts organizations and programs nationwide. The cuts targeted cultural institutions including the Kennedy Center, which subsequently announced closure for renovations, and the Smithsonian. The cancellations prompted widespread artistic response in the form of resistance theater and creative works across the country.

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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 administration embracing Nazi propaganda to redefine American identity — According to Ali Breland of The Atlantic, the Trump administration is embracing Nazi propaganda and attempting to convince Americans that the nation's roots lie not in human equality but in the hierarchical system of European fascism. Rather than rooting itself in the Declaration of Independence and principles of liberty and equality, the administration is trying to define the United States as a nation based on "blood and soil"—belonging determined by ethnicity and ancestry rather than ideals.

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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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• White House posts image using white supremacist coded language on X — The White House official X account posted a cartoon of Greenlandic dog sled teams with the caption "Which way, Greenland man?" on Wednesday. According to Heidi Beirich, co-founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, the phrase is coded white supremacist language referencing the 1978 neo-Nazi book "Which Way Western Man" by white nationalist William Gayley Simpson. The post appears designed to appeal to racist and white supremacist audiences while maintaining plausible deniability as commentary on Trump's stated ambitions regarding Greenland.

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• Department of Labor issues video with fascist propaganda language — The Department of Labor issued a video proclaiming "one homeland, one people, one heritage," echoing phrases used in Nazi Germany. The video represents government agencies posting materials that mirror fascist propaganda. Former CIA Director Bill Burns warned that Trump's imitation of autocrats plays directly into the hands of adversaries in Moscow and Beijing.
• Department of Labor publishes social media campaign with rhetoric compared to Nazi slogans — The US Department of Labor published social media posts featuring the phrase "One Homeland. One People. One Heritage," which labor historians and union leaders say echoes the Nazi slogan "Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein Führer." The campaign also included AI-generated artwork depicting only white male workers and posts decrying "globalism" and claiming all US job gains went to "native born" Americans. Union leaders and labor historians accused the department of promoting white supremacy and fascist propaganda. The DOL stated the campaign was meant to celebrate American workers and the American Dream.

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• DHS posts Japanese artist's work without consent to promote deportation messaging — The US Department of Homeland Security posted an image by Japanese graphic designer Hiroshi Nagai on X on New Year's Eve without permission, featuring a pristine beach with the caption "America after 100 million deportations" and "The peace of a nation no longer besieged by the third world." Nagai objected publicly, asking what he should do about the unauthorized use. A DHS spokesperson stated the department would continue using "every tool at its disposal" to inform the public. This is part of a pattern in which DHS has used artists' works without consent to promote immigration enforcement.

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• Indiana state senator posts AI images of violence against Santa Claus — On Christmas Day 2025, Republican Indiana state senator Chris Garten posted AI-generated images on social media depicting himself punching, kicking, and body-slamming Santa Claus in front of the state capitol. Garten claimed the images were a response to "the fact" that "the North Pole is trying to bring more bureaucratic overreach & unfunded mandates down the chimney disguised as 'Christmas cheer.'" When criticized, Garten dismissed outrage as "fake" and blamed "overly sensitive society," later attacking critics as "clowns" and "snowflakes."