Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Columbia University capitulates to Trump administration demands and places Mesaas department under receivership — Columbia University announced it would comply with Trump administration demands by placing its Mesaas department under "receivership"—removing it from faculty control—and implementing sweeping restrictions on pro-Palestinian campus activity, including protest limitations and new speech codes. The university also agreed to place the Center for Palestine Studies under receivership. These actions followed the Trump administration's $400 million funding cancellation and represented a capitulation to government pressure to suppress academic discourse on Palestine. The announcement prompted immediate condemnation from academic freedom advocates and prompted the American Association of University Professors and American Federation of Teachers to file suit against the Trump administration on behalf of Columbia faculty members.
• Trump administration cancels $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University over alleged antisemitism — The Trump administration cancelled approximately $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, primarily allocated for scientific research, citing the university's alleged failure to protect faculty and students from antisemitic violence and harassment. The administration demanded Columbia place its Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies (Mesaas) department under "receivership"—external control outside faculty governance. Columbia's interim president announced the university would comply with these demands, including new restrictions on pro-Palestinian protest and academic activity. The funding cancellation was not immediately reversed despite Columbia's capitulation, with Trump officials indicating continued monitoring of the university's adherence to imposed policies.
• Columbia interim president Katrina Armstrong resigns — Columbia University's interim president Katrina Armstrong announced her resignation, becoming the second president of the university to resign within eight months. Her departure followed the university's announcement that it would comply with Trump administration demands to restrict pro-Palestinian activity and place the Mesaas department under external control. The resignation signals institutional instability and the toll of federal pressure on university leadership.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order directing Smithsonian reshaping and ideological content removal — President Trump issued an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing Vice President JD Vance to remove what the administration deems "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution's museums, education centers, research facilities, and the National Zoo. The order specifically targets exhibits addressing race and American history, directs the American Women's History Museum to exclude transgender recognition, mandates appointment of new board members aligned with the order's policy, and instructs the Secretary of the Interior to restore Confederate-era statues and memorials removed in the past five years. The order frames these actions as correcting a "concerted and widespread" effort to rewrite U.S. history.
• Trump issued executive order "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" directing federal historic sites to align with administration ideology — On March 27, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," asserting that the nation's history had been rewritten by ideology rather than fact. The order directed the Secretary of the Interior to review federal monuments, memorials, and statues removed or altered since January 1, 2020, and restore them to ensure they do not "inappropriately disparage Americans" and instead focus on "the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people." The order also targeted the Smithsonian Institution, directing a three-person review team to examine museum exhibitions and ensure they align with the president's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism and remove divisive narratives.
• Trump executive order targets DEI programs at federal cultural institutions — An executive order issued on March 27, 2025, directs federal action against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, with specific targeting of the African American History Museum and the Kennedy Center. The order aims to eliminate or redirect DEI-related funding and operations at these institutions.
• Trump signed executive order directing removal of exhibits and narratives from federal historical sites and museums — President Trump signed Executive Order 14253 on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove what the order characterizes as "ideological" content from the Smithsonian Institution, Independence National Historical Park, and other Interior Department historical sites. The order instructs the Vice President to work through his Smithsonian Board seat to "remove improper ideology" from exhibits and programs; directs the Secretary of the Interior to reinstate pre-2020 monuments and ensure descriptions do not "inappropriately disparage Americans"; and mandates that future congressional appropriations to the Smithsonian prohibit exhibits that "divide Americans based on race" or conflict with federal policy. The order names specific current exhibits as examples of objectionable content.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14253 directing removal of exhibits and narratives from federal museums and historical sites deemed ideologically divisive, with authority delegated to the Vice President over the Smithsonian Institution. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14253 on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove exhibits, programs, and historical narratives from museums and monuments that the order characterizes as "divisive" or promoting "ideology" rather than "objective facts." The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution, directing the Vice President to work through his role on the Smithsonian Board of Regents to remove what the order calls "improper ideology." It instructs the Secretary of the Interior to audit and reinstate pre-2020 monuments and ensure all federal historical sites focus on "greatness" and "achievements" rather than narratives the order deems disparaging. Future appropriations are to be conditioned on prohibiting exhibits that "divide Americans based on race" or are "inconsistent with Federal law and policy."
• Trump issues executive order directing federal agencies to remove "ideological" content from Smithsonian Institution and federal historical sites — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing the Vice President, OMB Director, and Secretary of the Interior to remove what the order characterizes as "divisive, race-centered ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution, Independence National Historical Park, and other federal historical sites. The order mandates restoration of pre-2020 monuments and memorials, prohibits future federal funding for exhibits deemed to "degrade shared American values" or "divide Americans based on race," and requires the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to exclude recognition of transgender athletes. The order frames this as restoring "truth" and "sanity" to American history.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on Smithsonian and federal historical sites — The White House published a fact sheet on March 27, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Vice President to eliminate what the order characterizes as "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution and its museums. The order directs the Secretary of the Interior to restore federal parks, monuments, and memorials altered in the prior five years, and instructs Congress to condition future Smithsonian appropriations on prohibiting exhibits that "degrade shared American values" or "divide Americans by race." The fact sheet asserts that prior administrations promoted "divisive ideology" and cites specific Smithsonian exhibits as examples.
• Trump administration issues executive order targeting Smithsonian Institution exhibits on race and American history — On Thursday, March 28, 2025, the Trump administration announced an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" that orders a large reshaping of the Smithsonian Institution to eliminate what Trump described as "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology." The order specifically criticized the Smithsonian American Art Museum's exhibit "The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture" and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Vice President JD Vance was ordered to "remove improper ideology" from Smithsonian museums and educational centers. Artists, academics, and civil rights figures have condemned the order as an attempt to censor and erase Black history and diverse perspectives from public institutions.
• Trump signs executive order on American history curriculum — Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" directing Vice President J.D. Vance, in his capacity as a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, to work to eliminate "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution, its museums, education and research centers, and the National Zoo. The order represents an attempt to reshape how Americans understand and learn their history.
• Trump signs executive order suspending security clearances for law firms representing Democratic clients — Trump signed executive orders suspending security clearances for law firms that represent Democratic clients and barring the federal government from hiring employees from those firms. The orders target legal representation based on client political affiliation, creating a mechanism to exclude attorneys from federal employment based on their professional representation.
• Trump administration challenges judges and undermines judicial credibility — The Trump administration has challenged judges who have ruled against Trump and worked to destroy public faith in the courts. The effort represents a systematic campaign to delegitimize judicial authority when it conflicts with administration preferences.

Supporting reports

• House Doge subcommittee hearing on NPR and PBS funding — Marjorie Taylor Greene chaired a House subcommittee hearing titled "Anti-American Airwaves" on March 26, 2025, in which NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger testified. Greene accused both broadcasters of bias and a "communist agenda," while the Trump administration and Elon Musk have launched a months-long campaign to defund public media. The FCC opened an investigation into NPR and PBS in January. Greene called for "complete and total defund and dismantling" of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in her closing remarks.

Supporting reports

• Arlington Cemetery website scrubbed of Black veteran celebration pages — The Arlington Cemetery website was scrubbed of pages celebrating Black veterans, including a page devoted to civil rights leader Medgar Evers. The removal represents erasure of Black military history and civil rights narratives from federal digital platforms.
• Department of Defense removed and later restored Jackie Robinson web page — The U.S. Department of Defense removed its web page devoted to Jackie Robinson from its official website and subsequently restored it, likely in response to public pressure. The removal and restoration reflect government control over historical narratives and diversity-related content on federal platforms.
• National Park Service scrubbed Pauli Murray home website of gender identity and sexuality references — The National Park Service removed references to Pauli Murray's gender identity and sexuality from its website about the Pauli Murray home. The scrubbing represents erasure of LGBTQ+ historical content from federal digital platforms as part of broader DEI-targeting efforts.
• Trans women erased from Stonewall riot historical record on government platforms — Trans women, who played a key role in the Stonewall riot, have been erased from that historical narrative on government websites and platforms. The erasure represents removal of LGBTQ+ historical content as part of broader efforts to sanitize federal digital spaces of diversity-related material.
• U.S. Air Force removed web pages featuring pioneering women from official website — The U.S. Air Force removed web pages devoted to pioneering women from its official website, including a page about Maj. Gen. Jeannie Levitt. The pages were later restored, presumably in response to public pressure. The removal represents part of a broader pattern of erasure of diversity-related content from federal websites.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive orders targeting Perkins Coie and Covington and Burling law firms — Trump issued executive orders targeting the law firms Perkins Coie and Covington and Burling, similar in structure to the Paul Weiss order. Perkins Coie was targeted over its ties to a lawyer who worked with Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign; Covington and Burling was targeted for representing former special counsel Jack Smith in litigation against the administration.
• Trump issues executive orders penalizing law firms Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie — President Trump issued executive orders targeting three major law firms—Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison—barring them from federal buildings, restricting agency interaction, and revoking security clearances from some lawyers. The orders were widely characterized as punitive retaliation against firms whose clients included former special counsel Jack Smith and Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. District Judge Beryl Howell blocked enforcement against Perkins Coie on 12 March, citing First Amendment violations. Paul Weiss reversed the order on 19 March after agreeing to $40 million in pro bono services.
• Trump warned law firms to "behave themselves" — After the settlement with Paul Weiss, Trump warned that "law firms have to behave themselves." The warning signals that the administration will use executive power to target firms that do not comply with its preferences.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14246 suspending security clearances of Jenner & Block employees, restricting federal contracts, and limiting government access to the law firm. — President Trump issued Executive Order 14246 on March 25, 2025, targeting Jenner & Block LLP. The order directs the Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence to suspend active security clearances held by firm employees pending review. It requires federal agencies to cease provision of government goods, property, and services to the firm. Agencies must review all contracts with Jenner & Block, terminate contracts where the firm provides services, require contractors to disclose business relationships with the firm, and restrict official access and engagement between federal employees and firm staff, including attorney Andrew Weissmann.
• Trump signs executive orders targeting law firms challenging his administration — President Trump signed multiple executive orders targeting major law firms (Jenner & Block, Covington and Burling, Perkins Coie, Paul Weiss) that have represented his political opponents or employed prosecutors involved in investigations into Trump. The orders threaten to revoke security clearances, deny access to government buildings, and require government clients to disclose representation by these firms. Trump also directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate lawyers blocking administration priorities. Paul Weiss capitulated and accepted Trump's demands; Perkins Coie obtained a temporary restraining order blocking its order.
• Trump issued executive order targeting law firm Jenner & Block, suspending security clearances and restricting federal contracts. — President Trump issued an executive order on March 25, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Jenner & Block LLP employees, cease provision of government goods and services to the firm, and review all federal contracts involving the firm for termination. The order alleges the firm engaged in "partisan lawfare," pro bono work undermining administration priorities, and employment discrimination. It specifically names attorney Andrew Weissmann and restricts federal employee engagement with firm staff.
• White House signed executive order targeting law firm Jenner & Block, directing suspension of security clearances and termination of federal contracts. — The White House issued an executive order on March 25, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Jenner & Block LLP employees, cease provision of government services and facilities to the firm, terminate federal contracts with the firm, and restrict official access and hiring of its employees. The order characterizes the firm as engaging in "partisan lawfare," pro bono activities deemed harmful to U.S. interests, and alleged racial discrimination. The order specifically names attorney Andrew Weissmann and directs agencies to submit compliance assessments within 30 days.
• Trump signed order targeting law firm with Mueller connection — Trump signed another executive order targeting a law firm that once employed Andrew Weissman, the former deputy to Robert Mueller, who investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election. The order suspends security clearances of the firm's employees, terminates government contracts, and orders a review of the firm's compliance with civil rights laws against racial bias.
• Trump administration stripped security clearances from law firms and barred attorneys from federal buildings — The Trump administration issued executive orders stripping security clearances from Perkins Coie and Paul, Weiss law firms and barring their attorneys from entering federal buildings, including courthouses. The chair of Paul, Weiss stated the move "could easily have destroyed our firm." The orders targeted firms representing Trump's opponents in litigation.
• Trump signed executive order encouraging disciplinary action against attorneys filing litigation against the administration — President Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to refer attorneys for disciplinary action if they file "frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious litigation" against the administration. Critics argue the order will have a chilling effect on litigation challenging government actions, and law firms have begun refusing to represent Trump's opponents out of fear of retaliation.
• Trump issues Executive Order 14250 suspending security clearances and restricting federal contracts with WilmerHale law firm — President Trump signed Executive Order 14250 directing the suspension of security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending national-interest review, cessation of federal goods and services to the firm, termination of government contracts with WilmerHale, restrictions on federal building access for firm employees, and guidance against hiring WilmerHale staff. The order cites the firm's pro bono work, representation of immigration and voting-rights cases, and employment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller as grounds for the action.
• Trump issued executive order targeting WilmerHale law firm with security clearance suspensions and federal contracting restrictions. — President Trump issued an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by WilmerHale employees, cease provision of government goods and services to the firm, require federal contractors to disclose business relationships with WilmerHale, review and terminate relevant contracts, restrict WilmerHale employee access to federal buildings, and limit hiring of WilmerHale staff. The order cites the firm's pro bono work, representation of immigration and election-related cases, and employment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller as grounds for the action.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14250 targeting WilmerHale law firm with security clearance suspensions, contract terminations, and personnel restrictions. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14250 on March 27, 2025, directing the suspension of security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending review, cessation of government provision of materials and services to the firm, termination of federal contracts with WilmerHale, restrictions on federal employee access to WilmerHale staff, and limitations on hiring WilmerHale employees into government. The order characterizes the firm's pro bono work and representation of clients as threats to national security and American interests, and specifically names former Special Counsel Robert Mueller and colleagues as examples of "weaponization of government."
• Trump signed executive order suspending security clearances for WilmerHale employees and terminating federal contracts with the firm — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, suspending security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending review, halting federal material and services to the firm, restricting employee access to government buildings, terminating WilmerHale contracts, and barring federal agencies from hiring the firm's employees without authorization. The fact sheet characterizes WilmerHale as engaging in partisan activities, racial discrimination, and obstruction of immigration enforcement.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14253 directing removal of exhibits and narratives from federal museums and historical sites deemed ideologically divisive, with authority delegated to the Vice President over the Smithsonian Institution. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14253 on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove exhibits, programs, and historical narratives from museums and monuments that the order characterizes as "divisive" or promoting "ideology" rather than "objective facts." The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution, directing the Vice President to work through his role on the Smithsonian Board of Regents to remove what the order calls "improper ideology." It instructs the Secretary of the Interior to audit and reinstate pre-2020 monuments and ensure all federal historical sites focus on "greatness" and "achievements" rather than narratives the order deems disparaging. Future appropriations are to be conditioned on prohibiting exhibits that "divide Americans based on race" or are "inconsistent with Federal law and policy."
• Trump issues executive order directing federal agencies to remove "ideological" content from Smithsonian Institution and federal historical sites — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing the Vice President, OMB Director, and Secretary of the Interior to remove what the order characterizes as "divisive, race-centered ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution, Independence National Historical Park, and other federal historical sites. The order mandates restoration of pre-2020 monuments and memorials, prohibits future federal funding for exhibits deemed to "degrade shared American values" or "divide Americans based on race," and requires the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to exclude recognition of transgender athletes. The order frames this as restoring "truth" and "sanity" to American history.
• Trump administration issues executive orders targeting law firms; two firms sue to block — The Trump administration issued executive orders halting business with five law firms (Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, Paul Weiss, Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie) and revoking security clearances of their attorneys, citing retaliation for the firms' representation of political opponents or employment of Trump critics. On Friday, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale filed federal lawsuits in Washington DC seeking to block the orders as unconstitutional. Perkins Coie had already successfully convinced a judge to block its order. Paul Weiss and Skadden reached settlements with the administration to avoid or withdraw orders.

Supporting reports

• Paul Weiss law firm reverses Trump executive order after agreeing to pro bono services — On 19 March, the Trump administration reversed its executive order against law firm Paul Weiss Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison after the firm agreed to provide $40 million in pro bono services to support administration priorities. The firm had been targeted because former partner Mark Pomerantz worked at the Manhattan district attorney's office and attempted to build a criminal case against Trump.
• Trump administration issues and then withdraws executive order targeting Paul, Weiss law firm — Trump issued an executive order suspending Paul, Weiss lawyers from holding security clearances, terminating federal contracts, and barring employees from federal buildings on national security grounds. The order was withdrawn after the firm agreed to provide $40 million in free legal services over four years to Trump-championed causes, audit employment procedures to eliminate diversity initiatives, and its chair Brad Karp publicly criticized former partner Mark Pomerantz. The firm made these concessions proactively without explicit Trump demands, marking a significant escalation in Trump's campaign against law firms he views as having supported prosecutorial efforts against him.
• Trump rescinded Paul Weiss security clearance order — Trump rescinded an executive order to suspend security clearances and cancel federal contracts of prominent law firm Paul Weiss, after it rolled over and agreed to provide $40 million in free legal services to support the president's agenda.
• Trump revokes executive order targeting Paul Weiss law firm after firm agrees to policy changes — President Trump signed Executive Order 14244 on March 21, 2025, revoking Executive Order 14237 (issued March 14, 2025), which had targeted Paul Weiss law firm over alleged undermining of the judicial process. The revocation followed the firm's agreement to adopt political neutrality in client selection and hiring, expand pro bono work across the political spectrum, eliminate diversity-equity-inclusion policies in favor of merit-based hiring, and commit $40 million in pro bono services during Trump's term, including support for veterans and anti-Semitism efforts.
• Trump revokes executive order addressing Paul Weiss — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 21, 2025, revoking a previous order (Executive Order 14237) that addressed risks associated with the law firm Paul Weiss. The revocation follows Paul Weiss's commitment to policy changes, including political neutrality in client selection and attorney hiring, and a $40 million pro bono commitment to support various causes. This action reflects a shift in the firm's approach to align with principles of equality and justice, prompting the revocation of the earlier order targeting the firm.
• White House revokes executive order targeting Paul Weiss law firm after firm agrees to policy changes — The White House issued Executive Order 14244 revoking Executive Order 14237 (issued March 14, 2025), which had targeted Paul Weiss law firm. The order states that Paul Weiss has agreed to adopt political neutrality in client selection and hiring, expand pro bono work across the political spectrum, replace diversity-equity-inclusion policies with merit-based hiring, and commit $40 million in pro bono services during the presidential term to support veterans, justice system fairness, and anti-Semitism efforts.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders dismantling of US Department of Education — On Thursday, Donald Trump ordered the dismantling of the US Department of Education, raising concerns about the management of student debt. The department will see a 50% staff reduction but will continue to handle student loans and Pell Grants. This move has sparked uncertainty among borrowers and criticism from education advocates who fear it will lead to mismanagement and reduced access to education funding. The administration claims critical functions will remain, but doubts persist about the department's capacity to manage its responsibilities effectively.
• Trump signs executive order to dismantle US Department of Education — On Thursday, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the US education secretary, Linda McMahon, to begin dismantling the Department of Education. This move is seen as an attempt to bypass the need for congressional approval to formally close a federal department. The order instructs McMahon to take necessary steps to shut down key functionalities of the department, although major programs like Title I and the federal student loan program are not immediately affected. The action has been criticized by Democrats as unconstitutional and harmful to low-income families relying on federal education funding.
• Trump signed executive order to dismantle Department of Education — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education, a move that would require congressional approval to be legally enacted. The order proposes significant cuts to educational funding, including the elimination of programs for students with disabilities and those who speak English as a second language. The order also targets Pell Grants and federal financial aid for low-income students. The action has been criticized as illegal by various officials, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who announced plans to challenge the order in court.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14242 directing closure of the Department of Education and return of education authority to states and local communities. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14242 on March 20, 2025, ordering the Secretary of Education to take all necessary steps to close the Department of Education and return education authority to states and local communities. The order directs the Secretary to ensure effective delivery of services during transition and mandates that any federal education funding recipients terminate programs labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or promoting "gender ideology." The order frames federal education control as failed policy and proposes returning functions to states.
• Trump signs executive order to dismantle Department of Education — On March 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order to begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education. Trump stated "My administration will take all lawful steps to shut down the department. We're going to shut it down and shut it down as quickly as possible. It's doing us no good." The order appears to attempt circumventing the need for congressional approval to formally close a federal department.
• Trump issues executive order to close Department of Education — President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education. This move aims to bypass the need for congressional approval to formally close the department. Trump justified the decision by citing the department's increased budget without corresponding improvements in national test scores. The executive order has been met with criticism from Democrats, who argue it could jeopardize federal funding for low-income families and negatively impact public education.
• President Trump signed executive order directing closure of Department of Education — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the closure of the Department of Education and the return of educational authority to states and local communities. The order mandates the Secretary of Education to facilitate this transition while ensuring the continued delivery of educational services. The order criticizes federal control over education and aims to empower parents, states, and communities to improve educational outcomes. It also emphasizes compliance with federal law and administration policy, particularly regarding programs labeled as "diversity, equity, and inclusion."
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on education authority devolution — President Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to begin the process of permanently closing the Department of Education and returning education authority to the states. The order states the department has spent over $3 trillion "with virtually nothing to show for it." The White House release compiled statements of support from governors, senators, representatives, state education officials, and advocacy organizations, all framing the action as returning control to states and parents.
• White House signed Executive Order 14242 directing closure of the Department of Education and return of authority to states and communities. — The White House published a fact sheet on March 20, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs the Secretary of Education to facilitate closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to states. The fact sheet states the order also directs that programs receiving remaining Department of Education funds will not advance DEI or gender ideology. The document asserts federal education spending has failed to improve student achievement and cites declining standardized test scores.
• Trump signed executive order dismantling Department of Education — The White House issued Executive Order 14242 on March 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to take steps to close the Department of Education and return education authority to states and local communities. The order states that federal education spending has failed to improve outcomes, citing low reading and math proficiency rates. It directs the Secretary to ensure federal funds comply with Administration policy, including termination of programs labeled "diversity, equity, and inclusion" or promoting "gender ideology." The order does not establish a timeline or mechanism for closure.
• White House issued release on education policy framing — Trump signed an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education, a congressionally-created department, eliminating the federal agency responsible for education policy and student aid.
• — The White House published a release titled "On Education, President Trump Knows We Can Do Better" asserting that the Department of Education has spent $3 trillion since 1979 with no measurable improvement in student achievement. The release cites declining math and reading scores, flat standardized test performance, and U.S. ranking 28th among OECD countries in math. It states the Trump Administration's plan will return education to individual states to expand educational freedom and reduce federal regulation and paperwork.
• — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the US Department of Education. This move has been met with significant opposition from teachers' unions and Democratic politicians, who argue that the department plays a crucial role in upholding civil rights protections and providing federal funds to schools. The American Federation of Teachers has indicated plans to challenge the order in court. The order cannot fully eliminate the department, as it was created by Congress and requires congressional action to be dissolved.

Supporting reports

• White House uses 'Closing Time' in deportation video — The White House used the song "Closing Time" by Semisonic in a social media post depicting a deportation, without the band's permission. The video showed a man being deported, accompanied by the song's lyrics. Semisonic publicly denounced the use, stating the song is about "joy and possibilities," not deportation. The US Customs and Border Protection agency retweeted the video, aligning with the White House's message. The White House press secretary defended the use, stating it reflects the administration's message.

Supporting reports

• White House issues promotional fact sheet claiming 50 achievements in first 50 days — The White House published a fact sheet titled "50 WINS IN 50 DAYS: President Trump Delivers for Americans" on March 10, 2025, listing claimed accomplishments across border enforcement, tariffs, investment announcements, energy policy, military recruitment, government reorganization, and regulatory rollbacks. The document attributes specific outcomes to executive actions, including border crossing reductions, tariff implementations, private-sector investment commitments, energy policy reversals, and personnel changes. No new instruments are announced; the fact sheet restates and promotes previously issued orders and policies.

Supporting reports

• NEA sued over Trump executive order on LGBTQ+ projects — Several arts organizations have filed a lawsuit against the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) following an executive order by Donald Trump that bars the use of federal funds for promoting "gender ideology." The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, claims that the NEA's new requirements effectively block funding for projects supporting transgender and non-binary art, violating the First and Fifth Amendments. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is representing the plaintiffs, arguing that the order imposes a vague and viewpoint-based restriction on artists' speech.

Supporting reports

• White House issues promotional release claiming economic and border security achievements — The White House published a promotional release titled "Monday Morning Wins: Call It the 'Trump Effect'" claiming achievements across manufacturing, border security, and small business regulation. The release states that Honda and Clarios announced U.S. manufacturing expansions, Apple announced a $500 billion investment creating 20,000 jobs, Eli Lilly announced $27 billion in U.S. manufacturing investment, illegal border crossings fell 94% year-over-year in February, and the Treasury suspended enforcement of beneficial ownership reporting requirements for U.S. citizens.
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump foreign policy and military initiatives — The White House published a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Leading with Peace Through Strength" detailing foreign policy actions and military initiatives. The document claims Trump secured release of 11 American hostages, began Ukraine peace negotiations, conducted military strikes against ISIS operatives, imposed sanctions on Iran and the ICC, reinstated the Mexico City Policy, redesignated Houthis as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, banned UNRWA funding, ordered embassies to fly only the American flag, cracked down on pro-Hamas foreign students, and initiated missile defense development. On military matters, it states recruitment numbers are at historic highs, Lt. Gen. Dan Caine was selected as Joint Chiefs chairman, transgender military service was barred, and military academy boards were dismissed.
• White House issues release claiming government efficiency achievements — The White House published a promotional release asserting that President Trump has undertaken efforts to downsize the federal government, including establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), ordering federal workers to return to offices five days per week, imposing hiring freezes, ending the Federal Executive Institute, terminating federal media contracts, halting USAID operations, ordering the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to cease operations, and directing reviews of federal grants and foreign aid. The release claims these actions have achieved "billions of dollars in savings."
• White House announces Elissa Slotkin as Democratic responder to Trump's Joint Address to Congress — The White House issued a release announcing that Senator Elissa Slotkin will deliver the Democratic response to President Trump's Joint Address to Congress on March 4, 2025. The release characterizes Slotkin's voting record on EV regulations and border security, stating she voted against repealing Biden's tailpipe emissions rule and against border security measures. The release cites research claiming EV mandates would cost jobs and notes that attempted border crossings in February were at historically low levels.
• White House announces First Lady's guest list for joint session address — The White House issued a release announcing that First Lady Melania Trump has invited twelve individuals and families as special guests to attend President Trump's address to a joint session of Congress. The guests include victims of crimes attributed to undocumented immigrants, a parent challenging school gender-transition policies, an athlete injured by a transgender competitor, a wrongfully imprisoned American released by Russia, and others described as affected by "the disaster wrought by the previous administration." The release frames each guest's story as illustrating Trump administration priorities.
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump administration policies affecting transgender youth and school sports — The White House published a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Protecting America's Children" on March 4, 2025, claiming the administration has taken action on multiple fronts. The document states the President made it official policy that there are only two sexes, ended what it characterizes as unfair practices in women's sports, and issued an executive order on "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation." The fact sheet cites actions by health systems and school districts, including pauses or cessations of gender-affirming medical care for minors at hospitals in Illinois, Colorado, Washington D.C., and Virginia, and claims the Department of Education launched investigations into state athletic associations. It also states the administration banned COVID-19 vaccine mandates at federally funded schools.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming Trump administration economic actions and deregulation initiatives — The White House published a fact sheet asserting that President Trump's actions are "undoing Biden's economic damage" through deregulation, energy policy, and price relief directives. The document claims Trump directed agencies to lower costs, established the National Energy Dominance Council, postponed Biden-era appliance efficiency standards, implemented a 10-to-1 deregulation ratio, and eliminated electric vehicle mandates. It attributes crude oil price declines and claims of regulatory cost savings to these actions.
• White House issues fact sheet on energy policy actions — The White House issued a fact sheet titled "President Trump is Unleashing American Energy" on March 4, 2025, summarizing energy-related executive actions. The document claims Trump declared a National Energy Emergency, established a National Energy Dominance Council, rescinded Biden-era energy regulations, terminated the "Green New Scam," withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, paused federal permitting for wind farms, reversed Alaska resource regulations, reopened 625 million acres for offshore drilling, scrapped greenhouse gas rules, and ended an LNG pause. The fact sheet characterizes these actions as unlocking energy potential and reducing costs.
• White House issues fact sheet on tariffs and manufacturing investment claims — The White House issued a fact sheet claiming President Trump has restored a 25% tariff on steel imports and elevated aluminum tariffs to 25%, and asserting that these actions have prompted major corporate investment announcements. The document states Trump has secured nearly $2 trillion in new U.S. investments, citing announcements from TSMC ($100 billion), Apple ($500 billion), a $500 billion AI infrastructure project, DAMAC Properties ($20 billion), Clarios ($6 billion), Eli Lilly ($27 billion), and Saudi Arabia ($600 billion over four years). The fact sheet attributes these announcements to Trump's tariff and trade policies.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming deregulation has saved families $2,100 each — The White House issued a fact sheet asserting that President Trump's deregulation efforts have saved Americans over $180 billion, or $2,100 per family of four, by halting proposed Biden-era regulations. The document claims the Biden Administration added $1.8 trillion in new regulatory costs over four years, with 72% attributed to EPA rules. It lists specific regulatory actions by Trump, including halting new regulations, implementing a 1-in-10-out regulatory budget, and abolishing DEI across agencies. The fact sheet details costly Biden regulations, particularly in vehicle emissions, water quality, and healthcare staffing.
• White House issues fact sheet on cabinet actions and policy announcements — The White House published a fact sheet titled "Cabinet Wins: Trump Administration Unleashing Golden Age" on March 7, 2025, cataloging cabinet department actions across energy, law enforcement, immigration, education, health, and other domains. The document lists announcements including Department of Energy LNG permit approvals, Department of Justice arrests, Department of State designations and visa restrictions, Department of Homeland Security border crossing statistics, and various regulatory and enforcement actions by other agencies. The fact sheet frames these as achievements and policy reversals from the Biden administration.
• White House issues fact sheet claiming manufacturing job gains under Trump — The White House issued a fact sheet on March 7, 2025, claiming that manufacturing employment rebounded under President Trump. The document states the country gained 10,000 manufacturing jobs in February 2025, with 8,900 new auto jobs, and cites S&P Global and ISM manufacturing surveys as evidence of sector expansion. The fact sheet attributes the rebound to Trump's trade policies and contrasts February gains against job losses reported during the final year of the Biden administration.

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• Trump signs executive order directing Smithsonian to remove "improper, divisive, or anti-American" content — Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 directing the Smithsonian Institution to remove content deemed "improper, divisive, or anti-American," with particular emphasis on the National Museum of African American History and Culture. The order represented direct executive intervention into curatorial decisions at a major federal cultural institution, asserting political control over historical narrative and institutional autonomy.

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• National Endowment for the Arts cancels DEI grants — The National Endowment for the Arts canceled grants aimed at marginalized groups and updated guidelines to prohibit programs promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This decision is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reshape cultural and educational narratives, aligning them with conservative values and limiting support for marginalized communities.

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• White House issues promotional release claiming multiple policy achievements — The White House published a promotional release titled "Wins Come All Day Under President Donald J. Trump" on February 14, 2025, cataloging claimed achievements from the preceding week. The document asserts actions including: hostage releases from Russia and Belarus; tariff impositions on steel and aluminum; trade policy announcements; diplomatic engagement with Russia, Ukraine, Jordan, and India; energy project approvals; federal workforce reductions (75,000+ resignations); executive orders on vaccine mandates, federal hiring freezes, and DEI program restrictions; agency investigations; name changes (Gulf of America); and various regulatory and personnel actions. The release attributes supportive statements to industry groups and foreign officials.

Supporting reports

• Trump takes control of Kennedy Center and bans drag shows — Trump took control of the Kennedy Center in February and announced he would stop the performing arts center from hosting drag shows. This action prompted Free DC and allied groups to organize a drag show nearby in response, asserting the right to cultural expression against federal censorship.
• Trump attends Les Misérables at Kennedy Center after seizing control of the institution — President Trump attended a production of Les Misérables at the Kennedy Center on June 12, 2025, his first production there since taking control of the institution in February. He had previously pushed out the center's former chair, fired its longtime president, and pledged to overhaul the institution, which he criticized as "too woke." Trump was greeted with mixed cheers and boos. Ticket sales have fallen since his takeover and some performers have cancelled shows. The president's appearance was intended to boost fundraising, with donors reportedly raising over $10 million.
• Trump takes control of Kennedy Center, fires board chair and appoints himself — In February 2025, Trump took control of the Kennedy Center by firing board chair David Rubenstein and appointing himself to preside over the institution. Following the shake-up, ticket sales for the Kennedy Center's three largest performance spaces fell to their lowest levels in years, indicating significant disruption to the cultural institution's operations and public engagement.

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• Trump announces self-appointment as chair of Kennedy Center — Donald Trump announced his intention to appoint himself as the chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. He also stated that he would terminate several board members, including the current chair, David Rubenstein. The Kennedy Center, a national cultural institution, has not received official communication from the White House regarding these changes. The move has sparked concerns about censorship and the politicization of the arts, particularly regarding Trump's comments on drag shows and the LGBTQ+ community.
• Trump fires Kennedy Center board members — President Donald Trump announced the firing of the chair and members of the board of trustees of the Kennedy Center, claiming they do not share his vision for the arts. He indicated plans to appoint a new board, with himself as the chairman, signaling a shift in the governance of this cultural institution.
• Trump appoints himself Chairman of the Kennedy Center — Trump announced on Truth Social that he is making himself the Chairman of the Kennedy Center, terminating multiple board members who do not align with his vision. The Kennedy Center's governance, established by Congress, typically appoints board members, making this move unprecedented. The announcement has raised questions about the politicization of cultural institutions.
• Trump fires Jon Batiste from Kennedy Center Board — President Trump removed Jon Batiste from the Kennedy Center Board. This action reflects the administration's influence over cultural institutions and the potential politicization of arts and culture appointments.

Supporting reports

• Department of Defense Education Activity bans instruction about race and gender — In February 2025, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), which runs a network of 161 primary and secondary schools, released a memo instructing educators to stop teaching "resources potentially related to gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology that are under the operational compliance review." The memo stated it was to "ensure compliance with executive orders." DoDEA schools were also instructed to remove books "potentially related to gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology" and cancel cultural awareness activities, including Black History Month.
• Department of Defense imposes censorship on military schools — The Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented a censorship regime across its 161 primary and secondary schools, as detailed in a February 7 memo from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). This directive, purportedly to comply with President Trump's executive orders, eliminates content acknowledging contributions of women, minorities, and LGBTQ people. It cancels cultural awareness events and mandates the removal of related materials from school libraries and curriculums, affecting 67,000 students in military families. The memo has led to the removal of books and the alteration of curriculums to exclude topics related to gender and racial equity.
• DoDEA schools ordered to alter curriculums — The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has instructed its schools to alter curriculums to comply with President Trump's executive orders. Educators are directed to stop teaching materials related to "gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology." Prohibited materials include chapters on gender and sexuality in AP Psychology, Black History Month content, and lessons on immigration. The guidance also restricts access to books like "Becoming Nicole," affecting the educational content available to students.
• Military schools ordered to remove specific books — Following a February 7 memo, military school librarians and teachers have been instructed to remove books related to "gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology" from libraries. The directive affects DoDEA schools worldwide, with a deadline of March 3 for reviewing such books. Titles already removed include "Hillbilly Elegy," "Brave New World," and "An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States." A subsequent memo on February 10 informed parents of additional titles pending review, including books about Ruth Bader Ginsburg and a young girl accepting her freckles.

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• Trump makes English official language of US — Trump signed an order making English the official language of the United States. The order states "Establishing English as the official language will not only streamline communication but also reinforce shared national values, and create a more cohesive and efficient society." The order allows government agencies and organizations that receive federal funding to choose whether to continue offering documents and services in languages other than English.

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• Executive Order on America's 250th Birthday — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14189 to establish the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday. The task force will plan and execute celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026. The order reinstates previous executive orders related to monuments and the National Garden of American Heroes, emphasizing protection against vandalism and expanding the list of honored figures.
• Executive Order on K-12 Education Policy — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14190, titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," on January 29, 2025. The order aims to eliminate federal funding for K-12 education programs that promote gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology. It also reestablishes the President's Advisory 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. The order mandates the development of an "Ending Indoctrination Strategy" by the Secretaries of Education, Defense, and Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, to ensure compliance with federal laws protecting parental rights and prohibiting discrimination.
• Trump issues executive order to end "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schools — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 29, 2025, aimed at ending what he describes as "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schooling. The order directs federal agencies to develop strategies to eliminate federal funding for educational practices deemed illegal or discriminatory, particularly those related to gender ideology and equity ideology. It also reestablishes the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. The order emphasizes protecting parental rights and enforcing compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws in education.
• White House signed executive order on K-12 education framing certain curricula and policies as "radical indoctrination" — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling" directing federal agencies to develop a strategy within 90 days to eliminate federal funding for what the order characterizes as "gender ideology" and "discriminatory equity ideology" in K-12 schools. The order defines these terms broadly to encompass curricula addressing race, sex, and gender identity. It directs the Secretary of Education to reestablish the 1776 Commission to promote "patriotic education" and instructs the Attorney General to coordinate with state and local prosecutors to enforce laws against school officials. The order asserts that certain school practices violate Title VI, Title IX, FERPA, and the PPRA.
• Trump signs executive order on critical race theory and gender ideology — President Trump signed an executive order threatening to cut federal funding from schools that teach critical race theory or gender ideology. This order could impact educational content and restrict academic freedom in schools across the country.

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• Trump to sign executive order removing DEI from military — Donald Trump is set to sign executive orders that will remove diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives from the military. This move, announced by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, aims to eliminate DEI efforts and reinstate troops dismissed for refusing Covid vaccines. Hegseth, who has been a vocal critic of DEI, has made it a priority to enact these changes. The executive orders are part of Trump's broader agenda to reshape military policies, which has faced opposition from various political quarters.
• Executive Order: Restoring America's Fighting Force — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring America's Fighting Force" on January 27, 2025. The order mandates the elimination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices within the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, including the US Coast Guard. It prohibits race and sex-based preferences in the Armed Forces, aiming to promote meritocracy and eliminate what it describes as divisive concepts and gender ideology. The order requires an internal review of DEI initiatives and mandates reports on implementation progress.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on military personnel policies — The White House published a fact sheet on January 27, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to eliminate race- and sex-based preferences in personnel decisions, abolish DEI bureaucracy, and review curricula at service academies. The fact sheet characterizes prior administrations' diversity initiatives as "woke" ideology that harmed recruitment and military readiness, and frames the order as restoring "merit" and "lethality" to the armed forces.
• White House signed executive order abolishing DEI offices in Defense and Homeland Security, restricting military curriculum on race and gender — President Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring America's Fighting Force" directing the Department of Defense and Department of Homeland Security to abolish all Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices and programs. The order prohibits the military and service academies from teaching what it defines as "divisive concepts," "gender ideology," and material characterizing America's founding documents as racist or sexist. The Secretary of Defense must conduct a 90-day internal review documenting past DEI initiatives and race/sex discrimination claims, and both secretaries must issue implementation guidance within 30 days and report progress within 180 days.
• Trump signs executive order ending DEI programs in military — President Trump signed an executive order terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs within the military. This move is part of a broader effort to dismantle DEI initiatives across federal agencies, potentially impacting efforts to promote diversity and address systemic inequalities within the military.
• Executive Order 14185 issued to abolish DEI offices in the military — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14185, mandating the abolition of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) offices within the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security regarding the US Coast Guard. The order aims to eliminate race and sex-based preferences, asserting that such practices undermine meritocracy and unit cohesion. The order requires an internal review of DEI initiatives and prohibits the promotion of certain concepts deemed divisive or discriminatory.
• Trump reshapes military with DEI and gender policy orders — Trump signed three executive orders on January 27 that would reshape the military: removing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, eliminating "gender radicalism" from the military, and reinstating soldiers who were expelled for refusing Covid-19 vaccines. Trump stated "To ensure we have the most lethal fighting force in the world, we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military. It's going to be gone." The order does not yet ban transgender soldiers from the military but directs the Pentagon to create a policy for trans members of the military.
• Trump signed three executive orders reshaping military on DEI and gender — On January 27, 2025, Trump signed three executive orders reshaping the military: removing diversity, equity and inclusion efforts; eliminating "gender radicalism"; and reinstating soldiers expelled for refusing COVID-19 vaccines. Trump stated "we will get transgender ideology the hell out of our military. It's going to be gone." The order does not yet ban transgender soldiers but directs the Pentagon to create a policy for trans military members.

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• Establishment of President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14177, establishing the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The council will advise on science, technology, education, and innovation policy, aiming to maintain U.S. technological dominance. The order revokes Executive Order 14007 and outlines the council's structure, functions, and administration, including the involvement of non-Federal members and the Department of Energy's support.
• Trump orders declassification of assassination records — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) on January 23, 2025. The council is composed of up to 24 members, including the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Special Advisor for AI & Crypto. The PCAST will advise the President on science, technology, education, and innovation policy, and provide scientific and technical information to inform public policy. The order also revokes a previous executive order related to the council.
• President signed executive order establishing President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology — President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating the declassification and release of all federal records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The order requires the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to present plans for the full release of these records within specified timeframes. This action aims to provide transparency and truth to the American public and the families of the assassinated figures.
• White House issued fact sheet on PCAST establishment — President Trump signed an executive order on January 23, 2025, establishing the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). The order creates a council of up to 24 members, including the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and a Special Advisor for AI & Crypto as co-chairs, plus distinguished individuals from academia, industry, and the private sector. The council will advise the President on science, technology, education, and innovation policy. The order revokes the previous PCAST established by Executive Order 14007 (January 27, 2021) and sets a two-year termination date unless extended.
• — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing President Trump's establishment of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a 24-member advisory body comprising scientists and technologists from industry, academia, and government. The fact sheet states PCAST will provide "evidence-based recommendations" to the President and claims the council will "restore excellence" by prioritizing "results-driven excellence and merit-based achievement" while eliminating "bureaucratic barriers." The document asserts that "ideological agendas" have threatened "scientific truth" and eroded public trust in research.