Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

• Trump posted racist video depicting Obamas as apes — Trump posted a video clip depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes on social media. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially dismissed criticism as "fake outrage," claiming it was a Lion King meme, without apologizing or confirming removal. Republican senators Tim Scott, Susan Collins, Roger Wicker, and Pete Ricketts publicly called for the video's removal and an apology. Following their pressure, Trump removed the video. The White House then blamed the post on "a staffer" with access to Trump's account, still offering no apology.
• Trump removed racist video following Republican pressure — Following public statements from Republican senators calling for removal, Trump took down the racist video. The White House then issued a second statement blaming the post on "a staffer" who had access to Trump's personal account, still offering no apology.
• White House Press Secretary issued statement on racist video — Karoline Leavitt issued a statement characterizing the racist video as a Lion King meme depicting Trump as "King of the Jungle" and Democrats as characters, dismissing public outrage as "fake outrage." She did not deny Trump posted it, did not confirm its removal, and did not apologize.
• Trump delivered racist tirade against immigrants at National Prayer Breakfast — On Thursday morning, Trump delivered a racist tirade against immigrants while speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast. The remarks represent part of a broader pattern of inflammatory rhetoric from the president targeting immigrant communities.
• Trump posted AI-generated racist video of Obamas on Truth Social — On Thursday evening, Trump posted an AI-generated video depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes on Truth Social. The White House initially blamed a "staffer" for the post, though reporting indicates Trump's posts typically undergo approval processes including from the president himself. The incident represents an escalation in racist rhetoric from the White House.
• Trump posts racist video depicting Obamas as apes, refuses apology — Donald Trump posted a video to his Truth Social account on Thursday evening showing Barack and Michelle Obama's faces superimposed on ape bodies in a jungle setting, set to "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." The video was part of a longer clip promoting false 2020 election claims. Trump initially claimed he had not seen the offensive portion, then contradicted himself by saying he approved posting it. When asked to apologize, Trump refused, stating "No, I didn't make a mistake." The post was later deleted after White House claims it was posted by a staffer without authorization.
• Trump posted racist video depicting Obamas as apes on social media account — Late on February 6, President Trump's social media account posted a video containing debunked claims about the 2020 election and an image depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama with their heads attached to ape bodies. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt initially dismissed criticism as "fake outrage." After Republican senators Tim Scott, Pete Ricketts, and Roger Wicker called out the racism, the White House claimed a staffer had made the post erroneously. Trump later stated on Air Force One that he had posted it himself and refused to apologize, saying "No, I didn't make a mistake."
• Republican senators publicly called for removal of racist video — Senators Tim Scott (R-SC), Susan Collins (R-ME), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) issued public statements condemning the racist video and calling on Trump to remove it and apologize. Scott called it "the most racist thing I've seen out of this White House." Wicker called it "totally unacceptable." Ricketts noted the "racist context" and urged the White House to "remove this and apologize."

Supporting reports

• Trump claims he won 2020 election and needed victory for his ego at National Prayer Breakfast — At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump made a rambling speech claiming "they rigged the second election" and stating he had to win it "for my own ego," adding "I needed it for my own ego. I would've had a bad ego for the rest of my life." He also falsely claimed to have won the popular vote in 2016, contradicting the documented fact that Hillary Clinton won by approximately 2.9 million votes. Trump attributed his false claims about undocumented immigrant voting to this popular vote loss.
• Trump repeats election lies at National Prayer Breakfast — On February 5, President Trump repeated his election lies and grievances about losing to former President Joe Biden at the National Prayer Breakfast, a traditionally nonpartisan event. Trump stated "They rigged the second election" and claimed he needed to win "for my own ego," conflating personal grievance with claims of electoral fraud.
• Trump spoke at National Prayer Breakfast and made false election claims — At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump claimed the 2020 election was rigged, framed his obsession with "winning" as a matter of ego, portrayed himself as a victim despite economic hardship facing working families, and questioned how "a person of faith" could vote for a Democrat. He also boasted about his appearance at Davos. The event was intended to be bipartisan and reflective but was converted into a political attack.

Supporting reports

• White House announced 700-agent drawdown from Minnesota — White House border czar Tom Homan announced on February 4 that 700 immigration agents would leave Minnesota immediately. However, as of the article date, fewer than 1,000 agents remain in the state, not zero. Court filings confirm thousands of federal agents were assigned to Operation Metro Surge at various points, described by DHS as its largest enforcement operation ever. Legal observers continue reporting enforcement activity in suburbs despite the announced drawdown.
• White House border czar announces partial withdrawal of federal agents from Minnesota — Tom Homan, White House border czar, announced that approximately 700 federal immigration agents would be withdrawn from Minnesota, reducing the surge but leaving roughly 2,000 agents in the state—far above historical levels. The reduction is contingent on county jails agreeing to hold immigrants for up to 48 hours after their release dates to facilitate federal pickup. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey stated the drawdown is insufficient and called for complete withdrawal of Operation Metro Surge, citing two killings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in January and widespread community fear.
• Tom Homan replaces Gregory Bovino as federal immigration enforcement lead in Minnesota — Trump's "border czar" Tom Homan announced a drawdown of 700 federal immigration officers in Minnesota while maintaining roughly 2,000 officers in the state—far above the typical 150. Homan, replacing Gregory Bovino following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and mounting local backlash, stated the operation remains focused on deporting all undocumented immigrants regardless of criminal history. He emphasized "unprecedented collaboration" with county sheriffs to access local jails for ICE notifications, though major Minnesota counties have not confirmed participation.

Supporting reports

• Washington Post announces layoff of approximately one-third of staff — The Washington Post announced on February 4, 2026 that it will cut roughly one-third of its staff, with entire departments being gutted. The decision was made by owner Jeff Bezos, who has simultaneously invested tens of millions in projects tied to Trump's orbit, including a reported $75 million for a Melania Trump documentary. The layoffs represent a dismantling of the paper's accountability journalism capacity at a time when Trump and allies demand less scrutiny.
• Jeff Bezos laid off one-third of Washington Post workforce — Jeff Bezos, owner of the Washington Post, laid off approximately one-third of the newspaper's workforce in what was described by critics as a "murder," "absolute bloodbath," and an effort to "ingratiate himself with Donald Trump." The layoffs effectively gutted the Post's sports, local news, and international coverage. Editor-in-chief Matt Murray characterized the decision as a "strategic reset." Former editor Marty Baron called it "among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
• Washington Post conducts mass layoffs of reporters and editors — The Washington Post laid off approximately one-third of its staff, including reporters and editors worldwide, on February 5, 2026. Nancy Pelosi characterized the layoffs as part of a "reprehensible pattern" of corporate decisions hollowing out newsrooms across the country and weakening the press's ability to fulfill its democratic mission.

Supporting reports

• Judge considers temporary restraining order on federal agents' use of force at Portland ICE protests — A federal judge is weighing whether to issue a temporary restraining order restricting federal officers' ability to use force during protests in Portland, Oregon, following weekend demonstrations at an ICE facility. Federal agents deployed teargas, pepper balls, and flash-bang grenades on crowds that included children and elderly people. The ACLU of Oregon filed a class-action lawsuit in November alleging sustained retaliatory violence by federal officers. A judge indicated a ruling would come on Tuesday.
• Federal judge temporarily restricts ICE use of teargas and projectiles against Portland protesters — U.S. District Judge Michael Simon issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting ICE officers from using chemical or projectile munitions against protesters outside the ICE building in Portland, Oregon, unless the targeted person poses an imminent threat of physical harm. The ruling followed a weekend protest on January 31 in which federal agents fired teargas, pepper balls, and rubber bullets at a crowd including children, which local officials described as peaceful. The order also restricts munitions targeting the head, neck, or torso unless deadly force is legally justified. The restraining order remains in effect for 14 days.

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• Rep. Greene stated MAGA was "a big lie" — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene told podcaster Kim Iversen that "MAGA is...I think people are realizing it was all a lie. It was a big lie for the people." Greene stated that Trump has turned on his base and only cares about megadonors, who receive special favors, government contracts, and pardons. Greene claimed that foreign countries and major corporations are "running the show" and determining what is best for the world.

Supporting reports

• DHS posted message linking housing to migrant deportations — The official Department of Homeland Security account posted: "Want affordable housing? Help report illegal aliens," followed by the ICE hotline number. The post equated housing access with participation in migrant deportations, drawing comparisons to Nazi-era tactics used against Jewish citizens.

Supporting reports

• Thousands march in anti-ICE protest in New York City during nationwide day of action — Thousands of protesters, including students and community members, marched through New York City on Friday to oppose the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign and ICE enforcement operations. The demonstration was part of a coordinated nationwide day of action calling for "no work, no school, no shopping." Protesters chanted against ICE, the KKK, and fascism, and marched through Manhattan streets despite freezing temperatures. The protest was organized in response to federal agents killing four people during immigration enforcement operations, including Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on January 7 and 24.
• Nationwide Protests Against Federal Actions — Tens of thousands of people participated in nationwide protests, particularly in Minneapolis, against the actions of federal agents and the Trump administration. The protests were marked by significant turnout despite harsh weather conditions, demonstrating widespread public dissent against federal policies.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Maxwell Frost attacked at Sundance Film Festival — Rep. Maxwell Frost was attacked at the Sundance Film Festival when a man told him Trump was going to deport him before punching the lawmaker in the face and screaming racist remarks.

Supporting reports

• Federal agents shot Alex Pretti repeatedly and government labeled him terrorist without evidence — Federal agents shot Alex Pretti repeatedly. The government subsequently labeled him a terrorist without providing evidence to support the designation. The killing and labeling prompted growing outrage over state violence and abuse of power, with former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg noting the incident was galvanizing Americans across party lines.
• Two federal agents identified in fatal shooting of Alex Pretti — Government documents identified Jesus Ochoa (border patrol agent) and Raymundo Gutierrez (CBP officer) as the federal agents who fatally shot Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, during a confrontation in Minneapolis on an unspecified date in late January 2026. The shooting occurred during Operation Metro Surge, a large-scale immigration enforcement initiative. CBP initially withheld the agents' names; the Department of Homeland Security placed both on leave. The Justice Department's civil rights division opened an investigation following days of protests and congressional pressure.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration floated Grand Prix racetrack around Capitol and UFC stadium near White House — Trump administration officials floated the idea of building a Grand Prix racetrack around the Capitol and constructing a 100,000-seat UFC stadium near the White House. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy celebrated the racetrack idea online. These proposals represent vanity projects funded by taxpayers while Americans struggle with inflation and lack access to affordable healthcare and quality schools.

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

• Trump proposed 250-foot "Golden Arch" monument in Washington D.C. — Trump administration proposed constructing a 250-foot "Golden Arch" in Washington D.C. to mark America's 250th anniversary. According to the Washington Post, the structure would tower over existing memorials, alter the skyline, and block views of the Lincoln Memorial. Experts warned it is wildly out of scale. The proposed arch would be the second-largest triumphal arch ever designed, surpassed only by a massive arch Adolf Hitler planned for Berlin but never built.
• Trump proposed 250-foot Arc de Triomphe in Washington DC — Trump told reporters he is considering building an arc in Washington DC similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, stating "We're the only major city doesn't have one" and "I'd like it to be the biggest one of all. We're the biggest, most powerful nation. I'd like it to be the biggest one."
• Trump administration pursuing vanity projects while cutting essential services — The Trump administration is pursuing grandiose aesthetic projects including renaming federal properties, adding gold fixtures to the White House, and building a 250-foot "Arc de Trump" near the Lincoln Memorial modeled after the Napoleonic arch in Paris. Republican senators Roger Wicker, Thom Tillis, and Lisa Murkowski expressed concern that these vanity projects distract from addressing the needs of struggling Americans, high prices, and healthcare funding. Senator Ron Johnson defended the projects as appropriate for a "builder."