Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

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

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

Supporting reports

• Congressional Hearings on Smithsonian Report — On July 21 and 22, 2026, Dr. Anthea M. Hartig testified before the House Delivering on Government Efficiency Subcommittee and the House Administration Committee regarding the White House report on the National Museum of American History. During the hearings, Hartig defended the museum's work against accusations of political bias and misrepresentation of American history.
• House Administration Committee member coordinates with Christian nationalist figures on hearing strategy — Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), a member of the House Committee on Administration, coordinated with David and Tim Barton—founders of the Christian nationalist organization WallBuilders—on questions to pose during a July 2026 hearing about the Smithsonian. Tim Barton stated on a podcast that committee members had called the Bartons for advice, and Loudermilk confirmed on a separate podcast that he had spoken with the Bartons on the day of the hearing. Loudermilk also stated he was working with the White House to stack the Smithsonian's Board of Regents with conservatives.
• House subcommittee questions Smithsonian National Museum of American History director on ideological bias — Anthea Hartig, director of the National Museum of American History, was questioned by a House subcommittee in late July 2026, during which Republican members accused the Smithsonian of being "infected by a woke ideology." Hartig testified that examining difficult chapters of American history is not hostility toward America and that the museum honors founding documents while telling the truth about times the country fell short of its ideals. The hearing was part of the Trump administration's broader campaign against the institution.

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

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

Supporting reports

• Trump orders Interior Department to display signs outside Smithsonian Museum of American History — President Trump issued an order directing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to coordinate with the National Park Service and White House domestic policy staff to install temporary signs outside the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The signs are to notify visitors that museum exhibits require renovation and direct them to alternative sources for American history information. A separate directive requires signs criticizing the museum's commemoration of the Declaration of Independence during its 250th anniversary. The order follows Trump's broader campaign against the Smithsonian, which he accuses of politicizing history by emphasizing American injustices rather than triumphant moments.
• Trump signs executive order directing federal agencies to install signage at Smithsonian's National Museum of American History warning visitors of alleged "ideological capture" and mandating exhibit corrections. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14416 on July 24, 2026, directing the Secretary of the Interior, OMB Director, GSA Administrator, and Domestic Policy Assistant to use all available authorities to "restore trust" in the Smithsonian Institution. The order mandates installation of temporary signage on National Park Service–maintained sidewalks and walkways warning visitors that Museum exhibits reflect "ideological capture" and directing them to alternative sources for "accurate" American history. The order also requires temporary exhibits or signage correcting what the administration deems inaccurate information, citing the Museum's alleged failure to honor the Declaration of Independence signers during the 250th anniversary year.
• Trump issues executive order directing federal agencies to "restore trust" in Smithsonian Institution and install signage criticizing its exhibits — President Trump issued Executive Order 14254 on July 24, 2026, directing the Secretary of the Interior, OMB Director, GSA Administrator, and Domestic Policy Assistant to use all available authorities to address findings in a Domestic Policy Council report alleging "ideological capture" at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The order mandates installation of temporary signage on National Park Service-maintained walkways warning visitors of alleged bias in museum exhibits and directing them to alternative historical resources. The order frames the Smithsonian's approach to American history as advancing "social justice" rather than presenting history as "shared national inheritance."
• Trump signed executive order directing federal agencies to install signage at Smithsonian museum warning of "ideological capture" — President Trump signed Executive Order 14416 on July 24, 2026, directing the Secretary of the Interior, OMB Director, GSA Administrator, and Domestic Policy Assistant to use all available authorities to "restore trust" in the Smithsonian Institution and its National Museum of American History. The order mandates installation of temporary signage on National Park Service-maintained walkways informing visitors of findings from a Domestic Policy Council report titled "Saving America's Story," which claims the museum presents American history as a tool for "social justice" rather than as "shared national inheritance." The order also directs installation of corrective exhibits or signage on NPS land.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on Smithsonian Institution governance — The White House published a fact sheet on July 24, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Secretary of the Interior, OMB Director, GSA Administrator, and Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy to "restore trust" in the Smithsonian Institution. The order directs installation of temporary signage and exhibits correcting what the administration characterizes as "inaccurate information" in the National Museum of American History. The fact sheet claims the Smithsonian has been captured by "extreme political activism, rooted in Marxism" and asserts the order aims to restore "truth" to the nation's historical narrative.
• White House issues "What They Are Saying" compilation on Ratepayer Protection Pledge expansion — The White House published a compilation of statements from utility executives, state governors, federal officials, and industry groups endorsing an expansion of the administration's Ratepayer Protection Pledge announced at EPA Headquarters on July 24, 2026. The pledge commits signatories to ensure that data center and AI infrastructure costs do not increase electricity rates for existing residential and business customers. The document presents no new policy instrument but aggregates third-party endorsements of the pledge previously announced.

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• White House releases 162-page report attacking Smithsonian Institution's historical interpretation — The White House Domestic Policy Council released a 162-page report on July 4, 2026, arguing that the Smithsonian Institution and the National Museum of American History "cannot be trusted to tell America's story honestly." The report criticizes the museum for "extreme political activism," "anti-White activism," "transgender activism," and supporting illegal immigration. It accuses the museum of presenting slavery too negatively and failing to adequately credit Christian moral philosophy in the founding. The report recommends exhibits be altered to reflect its findings.

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• Federal grant funded "Freedom Trucks" with sanitized history exhibits — Six traveling "Freedom Trucks" fanned out for the 250th anniversary with exhibits created by conservative groups including Hillsdale College and PragerU, featuring AI-generated historical figures and messaging that rights are a "gift from God." The trucks received a $14 million federal grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services paired with $10 million from Freedom 250. The exhibits omit slavery, Native removal, labor history, and civil rights, presenting a narrow, sanitized version of American history using public funds.

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• Federal judge orders Trump administration to restore removed national park historical displays — US District Judge Angel Kelley ruled that the Trump administration must reinstate history and science materials removed from national monuments and parks pursuant to a March 2025 executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History." The order had directed removal of exhibits referencing slavery, civil rights, Indigenous history, and climate change, which Kelley found constituted "censorship and sanitization" and told "half-truths." The administration was given 21 days to comply.
• Federal judge struck down Trump administration's removal of slavery and civil rights history from national parks — Federal Judge Angel Kelley in Massachusetts issued a ruling Friday striking down the Trump administration's effort to remove historical markers from national parks under the March 2025 "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" executive order. The order had directed the Interior Department to remove content deemed to "inappropriately disparage" Americans, resulting in park rangers being ordered to discard educational materials about slavery, the Civil Rights Movement, harm to Indigenous people, and climate change. Targeted items included an 1863 image of enslaved man Peter Gordon at Fort Pulaski National Park, an exhibit about enslaved people at George Washington's home, Indigenous history displays at Golden Gate National Park, and a climate change marker at Fort Sumter. Judge Kelley ruled the government's stewardship of park sites "carries a responsibility to present history in full rather than in favored fragments." The Trump administration announced it will appeal.

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• White House added partisan descriptions of previous presidents to Presidential Walk of Fame — In mid-December 2025, the White House revealed that Trump had attached partisan descriptions of previous presidents on the "Presidential Walk of Fame" at the White House. The descriptions called Democratic president Barack Obama "one of the most divisive figures in American History" and Joe Biden "by far, the worst President in American History," claiming Biden took office "as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States" and "oversaw a series of unprecedented disasters that brought our Nation to the brink of destruction." Trump described himself as the architect of "the Greatest Economy in the History of the World."
• Trump installs partisan plaques on White House presidential portraits — White House officials installed new plaques beneath presidential portraits in the "Presidential Walk of Fame" featuring Trump's personal assessments of former presidents. Biden's plaque calls him "by far, the worst President in American History" and falsely claims his election was "the most corrupt Election ever seen." Obama is branded "one of the most divisive political figures." Clinton's accomplishments are minimized and his wife's 2016 loss to Trump is highlighted. Reagan receives praise. Biden's portrait was replaced with an image of an autopen. The plaques adopt opinionated language resembling Trump's Truth Social posts rather than neutral historical summaries.
• White House installed plaques mocking former presidents Obama and Biden in presidential portrait hall — The White House installed plaques beneath portraits of former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden in the hall of presidential portraits. The plaque under Obama's portrait describes him as "one of the most divisive political figures in American History" who "passed the highly ineffective 'Unaffordable' Care Act." The plaque under an autopen replacing Biden's portrait states: "Sleepy Joe Biden was, by far, the worst President in American History. Taking office as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States, Biden oversaw a series of unprecedented disasters that brought our Nation to the brink of destruction."
• White House installs plaques criticizing former presidents — The White House installed plaques criticizing former presidents under Trump's new "Presidential Walk of Fame." Joe Biden's plaque reads that he was "by far, the worst President," and Barack Obama's reads, "One of the most divisive political figures in American History," and blamed him for creating the "Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax."
• Senator Murkowski criticized Trump's presidential plaques as inappropriate — Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) told NBC that the plaques are inappropriate, stating that the individuals featured were elected presidents of the country and that Trump should not attempt to redefine their contributions or lack thereof. She expressed concern that the plaques represent an improper use of the presidential residence to attack predecessors.
• Trump installed plaques attacking former presidents in White House — The Trump administration installed plaques featuring biographical write-ups of former presidents along the West Wing colonnade as part of Trump's "Walk of Fame." The plaques for Trump's Democratic opponents read like Truth Social attacks, with harsh language and emphasis capitalization. Biden's plaque calls him "by far, the worst President in American history" and features an autopen signature instead of Biden's actual signature. Obama's plaque refers to him as "Barack Hussein Obama" and calls him "one of the most divisive political figures in American History," attacking his healthcare and foreign policy. Clinton's plaque ends by noting his wife lost the 2016 presidency to Trump. Jackson's plaque compares Trump's treatment by the press to Jackson's and Lincoln's.

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• Trump proclaims October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day with rhetoric defending Columbus against "left-wing" criticism. — President Trump issued Proclamation 10980 on October 9, 2025, officially designating October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day. The proclamation characterizes Columbus as "the original American hero" and "a giant of Western civilization," and explicitly frames the observance as a defense against what the proclamation calls "left-wing radicals" who have "toppled his statues" and "vandalized his monuments." The proclamation invokes statutory authority (36 U.S.C. 107) and directs display of the U.S. flag on public buildings and "appropriate ceremonies and activities" in Columbus's honor.
• Trump issued Columbus Day proclamation presenting white Christian nationalist historical narrative — On October 9, President Trump's office issued an official proclamation declaring October 13 Columbus Day, presenting Columbus as "the original American hero" and "a giant of Western civilization." The proclamation emphasizes Christianity, claiming Columbus was guided by a "noble mission" to "spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ" and that he "planted a majestic cross" dedicating the land to God. It frames modern historical scholarship on Columbus's role in Indigenous decimation as "left-wing arson" seeking to "erase our history" and "attack our heritage," asserting that "every citizen is eternally indebted to his relentless determination."
• White House issued Columbus Day proclamation — The White House issued a proclamation on October 9, 2025, designating October 13, 2025, as Columbus Day. The proclamation characterizes Columbus as "the original American hero" and "a giant of Western civilization," frames recent efforts to remove Columbus statues and monuments as a "vicious and merciless campaign to erase our history," and states that "under my leadership, those days are finally over." The proclamation directs that the U.S. flag be displayed on all public buildings on Columbus Day.

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• Oklahoma superintendent Ryan Walters resigns to lead conservative education non-profit — Ryan Walters, superintendent of Oklahoma public schools since 2022, announced his resignation on Fox News to become leader of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a conservative education non-profit. Walters had pursued a Christian nationalist agenda in Oklahoma schools, including placing Trump-endorsed Bibles in classrooms, requiring teaching of 2020 election conspiracy theories, and attempting to inject Christian viewpoints into public education while opposing teachers unions. He stated his intention to expand this fight nationally.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth orders approximately 800 top military generals and admirals to Quantico for unusual meeting — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered approximately 800 of the military's top generals and admirals, along with their senior enlisted advisors, to gather at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia the following week. The demand is highly unusual; no official explanation was provided for the meeting. Military experts noted the cost in flights and accommodations would be millions of dollars and the lost focus would affect military readiness, while the sudden global recall signals potential instability to adversaries and allies. Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance downplayed the meeting when questioned by reporters.
• Trump threatened political violence in response to ICE facility shooting — During remarks, Trump stated: "Bad things happen when they play these games. I'll give you a little clue, the right is a lot tougher than the left. And they better not get them energized because it won't be good for the left," in reference to a shooting at an ICE facility in Texas. House Homeland Security Democrats responded that Trump was "openly threatening political violence."
• Defense Secretary Hegseth affirmed Medal of Honor awards to soldiers involved in 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that twenty men awarded the Medal of Honor for their participation in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre would retain their medals, reversing the review initiated by his predecessor General Lloyd Austin. Austin had ordered the review to ensure awardees were not recognized for conduct inconsistent with the nation's highest military honor. Hegseth called the soldiers "brave soldiers" and stated they deserved the medals, effectively closing the review process.
• Secretary of Defense Hegseth announces decision to allow Wounded Knee soldiers to retain their medals — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth released a video announcing that soldiers who fought at the Battle of Wounded Knee will be permitted to keep their medals, declaring the decision final and their place in history settled. The Atlantic's James Surowiecki noted that the U.S. awarded 20 Medals of Honor to cavalrymen who killed hundreds of Lakota people, mostly women and children, at Wounded Knee—twice as many as the 10 awarded to troops who fought at Normandy on D-Day.
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth summons hundreds of senior military officers to Washington for speech on military standards — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ordered hundreds of generals and admirals stationed worldwide to travel to Washington on short notice to hear him deliver a speech on military standards and "warrior ethos." A source described the gathering as an "eyeball-to-eyeball" conversation where Hegseth wanted to see the generals in person. The Washington Post reported the unusual summons of senior military leadership.

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• Trump criticized Smithsonian Institution's slavery exhibits — President Trump stated that the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex located mostly in Washington, D.C., focuses too much on "how bad slavery was." The criticism prompted public controversy and was characterized as part of a broader effort to reshape how American history, particularly regarding racial injustice, is presented and remembered in public institutions.
• Trump directs attorneys to review Smithsonian museums for "out of control" content — On Truth Social, Trump claimed that the Smithsonian is "OUT OF CONTROL," and complained that their museums focus too much on "how bad Slavery was," along with "how horrible our Country is." He noted that he's directed his attorneys to "go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made."

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• Trump administration ordered Smithsonian review for "American exceptionalism" — The Trump administration ordered a comprehensive review of exhibits and materials at the Smithsonian Institution to "ensure alignment with the President's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions." Trump later stated the museums should discuss history "in a fair manner, not in a woke manner or in a racist manner," falsely claiming they currently do so.
• Trump criticized Smithsonian Institution's slavery exhibits — President Trump stated that the Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex located mostly in Washington, D.C., focuses too much on "how bad slavery was." The criticism prompted public controversy and was characterized as part of a broader effort to reshape how American history, particularly regarding racial injustice, is presented and remembered in public institutions.
• Trump directs attorneys to review Smithsonian museums for "out of control" content — On Truth Social, Trump claimed that the Smithsonian is "OUT OF CONTROL," and complained that their museums focus too much on "how bad Slavery was," along with "how horrible our Country is." He noted that he's directed his attorneys to "go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made."
• Trump administration escalates attacks on Washington DC institutions and federal workforce — The article references Trump's escalated attacks on Washington DC, the Smithsonian museums, immigrants, elections, institutions of higher learning, and culture. It also notes his foreign policy as "clearly now dictated by Putin." The piece frames these actions as part of an "authoritarian breakthrough" while calling for continued democratic resistance and action.
• White House issues release criticizing Smithsonian Institution exhibitions and programming — The White House published a release titled "President Trump Is Right About the Smithsonian" cataloging and criticizing specific exhibitions, displays, and programming across multiple Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Portrait Gallery, American History Museum, National Museum of African Art, National Museum of the American Latino, and Museum of American Art. The release characterizes these exhibitions as promoting "woke" ideology, critical race theory, and progressive political messaging. No direct executive action or policy directive is stated in the document itself.

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• White House sends letter to Smithsonian Institution directing cultural review — The Trump administration sent a letter to Dr. Lonnie Bunch, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, informing him of an intent to review museum exhibitions, curatorial processes, planning, use of collections, and artist grants to ensure alignment "with the president's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions." The review will focus on eight museums including the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the Hirshhorn Museum. The review is being led by Trump's Florida criminal defense attorney, who joined from property law and convinced Trump to sign an executive order placing her in charge after she objected to certain exhibits. Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget and key Project 2025 author, is also on the three-person team.
• Trump's Smithsonian review team wrote to Smithsonian secretary demanding alignment with presidential directive — On August 12, 2025, Trump's three-person Smithsonian review team, including Florida criminal defense attorney Lindsey Halligan and Russell Vought (director of the Office of Management and Budget), wrote to Dr. Lonnie Bunch, secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, informing him they intended to review museum exhibitions, curatorial processes, planning, use of collections, and artists' grants. The team stated they would ensure exhibitions align "with the president's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions." The review targeted eight major Smithsonian museums including the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of the American Indian.

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• Trump Announces Restoration of Confederate Base Names — During a speech at Fort Bragg, President Trump announced plans to restore the names of Army bases named for Confederate generals, defying Congress' decision to remove Confederate symbols. This move is part of a broader cultural and historical debate.

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• 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.

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• 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.