Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened 200 percent tariff on French wine and champagne in response to Macron's refusal to meet — After French President Macron refused to engage with Trump at the World Economic Forum, Trump responded by threatening a 200 percent tariff on French wine and champagne. This represents weaponization of trade policy as retaliation for diplomatic non-compliance and signals that economic coercion will be used against allies who refuse engagement.
• Trump threatened 200% tariff on French wines if Macron refuses Board of Peace membership — Trump responded to French President Macron's refusal to join his proposed "Board of Peace" by threatening a 200% tariff on French wines. Trump stated "Nobody wants him. I'll put a 200% tariff on his wines and he'll join." The threat was made in response to Macron's concerns that the Board of Peace would undermine UN principles and structure.
• Trump attacked UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Chagos Islands deal — Trump posted on Truth Social calling the UK's Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY" and a "National Security" threat. He criticized the UK for planning to transfer Diego Garcia, site of a vital U.S. military base, to Mauritius. The attack came less than 24 hours after Starmer gave a speech defending his calm relationship with Trump, creating significant diplomatic embarrassment for the UK Prime Minister.
• Trump threatened France with tariffs over Macron's snub of Board of Peace initiative — Trump threatened France with tariffs on Champagne after President Macron declined to participate in Trump's Board of Peace initiative. The threat was part of a broader pattern of Trump using tariff threats to coerce allied nations into compliance with his policy preferences, including threats against Denmark over Greenland and against the UK regarding the Chagos Islands.

Supporting reports

• Trump establishes "board of peace" as pay-to-play global club requiring $1 billion membership — Trump created and chairs a "board of peace" presented to the UN Security Council in November 2024 as a Gaza ceasefire mechanism but revealed in January 2026 as a permanent global governance body requiring countries to pay $1 billion in cash for life membership. The charter grants Trump absolute power to select and remove all members, set meeting agendas, and issue unilateral resolutions. The structure displaces UN agencies and principles of self-determination and national sovereignty, replacing multilateral governance with Trump's personal imperial authority.
• Trump launches "board of peace" with gold logo resembling UN emblem at Davos — Donald Trump unveiled a "board of peace" initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, featuring a gold logo that closely mirrors the UN emblem but centers only North America. The board, endorsed by the UN Security Council in November as a Gaza ceasefire broker, has been repositioned as a global conflict-resolution body chaired by Trump himself, requiring $1 billion in cash for permanent membership. Several European countries announced they will not join, citing concerns the initiative could sideline or replace the UN.

Supporting reports

• Trump leaked private messages from Emmanuel Macron and Mark Rutte at World Economic Forum in Davos — Trump's administration leaked private text messages from French President Emmanuel Macron questioning Trump's fixation on Greenland, and also posted private messages from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Macron subsequently refused to meet with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The leaks signaled to allies that confidential conversations with Trump are not secure, undermining diplomatic trust and triggering international rebuke.
• Trump posted maps depicting U.S. territorial expansion and attacked allied nations — Trump posted maps showing U.S. control over Canada, Greenland, Cuba, and Venezuela, and shared images placing American flags over Greenland alongside JD Vance and Marco Rubio. He also attacked the United Kingdom over the Diego Garcia agreement despite his own administration previously endorsing it. These actions escalated tensions with multiple allied nations and signaled territorial ambitions contrary to international law and established agreements.
• Trump posted map depicting Canada and Greenland as U.S. territory — Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing Canada and Greenland as part of the United States. The post was part of an escalating series of statements in which Trump threatened to acquire Greenland and criticized Denmark and Canada for resisting. The map was designed to visually assert territorial claims that contradict international law and the sovereignty of both nations.
• Trump's social media account posts AI images depicting territorial expansion to include Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela — Trump's social media account posted AI-generated images depicting Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela as U.S. territory, including one showing world leaders in the Oval Office with North America covered in American flags and another showing Trump on an arctic landscape with a sign reading "GREENLAND—US TERRITORY EST. 2026." The posts accompanied claims that Trump had agreed to a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos concerning Greenland, framing it as "imperative for National and World Security."

Supporting reports

• Trump leaked private messages from Emmanuel Macron and Mark Rutte at World Economic Forum in Davos — Trump's administration leaked private text messages from French President Emmanuel Macron questioning Trump's fixation on Greenland, and also posted private messages from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Macron subsequently refused to meet with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The leaks signaled to allies that confidential conversations with Trump are not secure, undermining diplomatic trust and triggering international rebuke.
• Trump leaked private messages from European leaders on Truth Social — Trump posted private text messages from NATO chief Mark Rutte and other European leaders on Truth Social without consent. The messages included Rutte praising Trump's work in Syria, Gaza, and Ukraine, and expressing commitment to finding a way forward on Greenland. The leak occurred as Trump escalated public attacks on allies over Greenland and the Chagos Islands deal, creating diplomatic embarrassment for the leaders involved and undermining confidential diplomatic channels.
• Trump publicly disclosed Macron's private diplomatic message on social media — Donald Trump copied and pasted Emmanuel Macron's private message proposing a G7 meeting in Paris to discuss Greenland, Ukraine, and Syria onto social media. The disclosure was designed to hurt and intimidate Macron, undermining diplomatic norms and the confidentiality required for frank exchanges between world leaders. The act signals Trump's willingness to weaponize private communications to dominate information flow and destabilize rivals, replacing traditional diplomatic discretion with public spectacle.
• Trump attacked UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the Chagos Islands deal — Trump posted on Truth Social calling the UK's Chagos Islands deal with Mauritius "an act of GREAT STUPIDITY" and a "National Security" threat. He criticized the UK for planning to transfer Diego Garcia, site of a vital U.S. military base, to Mauritius. The attack came less than 24 hours after Starmer gave a speech defending his calm relationship with Trump, creating significant diplomatic embarrassment for the UK Prime Minister.
• Trump's social media account posts private diplomatic communications from NATO and French leaders — Trump's social media account publicly posted private text messages from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and French President Emmanuel Macron, mocking their diplomatic efforts and presenting them as ridicule of the administration's positions on Greenland and other matters.
• Trump leaked private text messages from world leaders to social media — Trump published private text messages he received directly from other world leaders to his 11.6 million social media followers. Senior diplomats expressed alarm that this breach of confidentiality would destroy trust in direct communication channels and force future diplomatic exchanges through formal bureaucratic layers. One diplomat stated that "no one can trust him" after this disclosure and that "the world has changed fundamentally."

Supporting reports

• Trump invited Putin and Lukashenko to "Board of Peace" in exchange for payments — Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to join his "Board of Peace," a shadow institution created parallel to the United Nations. According to multiple confirmations from Russian officials, Trump is offering seats on this board in exchange for massive payments, with funds reportedly being routed not to the U.S. Treasury but to offshore accounts.

Supporting reports

• President directs withdrawal from 56 international organizations, conventions, and treaties deemed contrary to U.S. interests — On January 7, 2026, the President issued a memorandum directing all executive departments and agencies to immediately withdraw the United States from 56 international organizations, conventions, and treaties. The list includes 35 non-UN organizations (spanning climate, energy, democracy, and cultural cooperation initiatives) and 21 UN entities (including gender equality, human rights, peacebuilding, and development programs). The Secretary of State is tasked with providing implementation guidance. Withdrawal from UN entities means ceasing participation and funding to the extent permitted by law.
• Trump issues presidential memorandum directing withdrawal from 66 international organizations and UN entities — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on January 7, 2026, directing all executive departments and agencies to withdraw the United States from 66 international organizations, conventions, and treaties. The memorandum follows an earlier executive order (14199, issued February 4, 2025) that tasked the Secretary of State with reviewing all international organizations and treaties to which the U.S. is a party. The Secretary of State's report determined these organizations contrary to U.S. interests. The withdrawal list includes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Agency, UN Population Fund, UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, and numerous other multilateral bodies focused on climate, development, human rights, and peacekeeping.
• White House issues fact sheet on U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations — The White House issued a fact sheet on January 7, 2026, announcing that President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations, comprising 35 non-UN entities and 31 UN bodies. The fact sheet states the memorandum orders executive departments and agencies to cease participation in and funding these organizations, claiming they operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty. The document asserts these withdrawals will end taxpayer funding for entities it characterizes as advancing "globalist agendas" or operating ineffectively.
• Trump withdraws US from UNFCCC and 65 other international organizations — On January 7, 2026, President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum withdrawing the United States from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and 65 other international organizations. This move isolates the US from global efforts to address climate change, as the UNFCCC is a foundational treaty ratified by the US Senate in 1992. The withdrawal has been criticized by climate experts and former officials as detrimental to US leadership and economic interests, as it undermines the country's ability to influence global climate policy and investments.
• Trump withdraws US from UNFCCC and 65 other international organizations via presidential memorandum — On Wednesday, January 8, 2026, President Trump issued a presidential memorandum ordering the United States to withdraw from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)—a foundational treaty ratified by the Senate in 1992 and agreed to by every country since its 1992 inception—along with 65 other international organizations and agencies. The memo cited these groups as "contrary to the interests of the United States." Withdrawals include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Association, International Solar Alliance, and International Union for Conservation of Nature. Legal experts note uncertainty about whether Trump can unilaterally exit a Senate-ratified treaty.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration claims US oil companies will invest billions in Venezuelan oil production; industry expresses skepticism — President Trump predicted that major US oil firms (ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Chevron) will rapidly invest tens of billions of dollars to rebuild Venezuelan oil infrastructure and increase production following the rendition of President Nicolás Maduro. Trump claimed production could be "up and running" in less than 18 months. However, industry experts and the oil companies themselves have expressed caution, citing lack of government guarantees for reimbursement and uncertainty about Venezuela's political future. Analysts estimate actual timelines of 2–3 years minimum, with total costs potentially reaching $80–90 billion.
• Trump told NBC U.S. taxpayers will fund Venezuelan oil extraction — Trump told NBC that the U.S. oil industry could have Venezuelan oil exploitation "up and running" in less than 18 months, but that U.S. taxpayers will have to pay a substantial amount to make it happen. Trump stated that oil companies will spend money on extraction and upgrading, "and then they'll get reimbursed by us."

Supporting reports

• Barry Pollack retained as counsel for Nicolás Maduro in US federal court — Nicolás Maduro, the captured Venezuelan president, appeared in federal court in New York on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of drug-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. He was represented by Barry Pollack, a prominent US trial lawyer previously known for securing Julian Assange's release from UK prison in 2024. Pollack questioned the legality of Maduro's abduction by US forces in a raid on Caracas and argued Maduro is entitled to immunity as a sovereign head of state.

Supporting reports

• Nicolás Maduro entered not guilty plea in court — Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, entered a not guilty plea in court, stating "I'm innocent. I'm a decent man. I'm the President of Venezuela. I consider myself a prisoner of war. I was captured at my home in Caracas."
• Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty in federal court — Nicolás Maduro appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to charges, telling the judge, "I am a decent man, the president of my country." The appearance followed his forcible seizure and removal from Venezuela by U.S. military forces.
• Maduro arraigned in Manhattan federal court on drug and narco-terrorism charges — Nicolás Maduro appeared before federal judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan on Monday for arraignment on four federal criminal counts including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Maduro, who was first indicted in 2020, pleaded not guilty and claimed he remained the legitimate president of Venezuela and was being held as a prisoner of war. His wife Cilia Flores also pleaded not guilty to related charges.
• Nicolás Maduro arraigned in Manhattan federal court on narco-terrorism charges following US military capture in Caracas — Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan president, was captured in Caracas on January 3 and arraigned in Manhattan federal court on January 6 on narco-terrorism charges brought by the Trump Justice Department. Maduro entered a not guilty plea while making defiant statements about his legitimacy and characterizing his capture as a kidnapping. His wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared and pleaded not guilty. Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled a case conference for March 17. Neither defendant requested bail at this stage but reserved the right to do so later.
• Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in US court after capture — Nicolás Maduro, the deposed president of Venezuela, pleaded not guilty to charges of drugs, weapons, and "narco-terrorism" in a US federal court in Manhattan. His capture was part of a US special forces operation ordered by Donald Trump, which has been condemned by several countries as a "crime of aggression." The operation has raised concerns about breaches of international law and has led to an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Maduro's arraignment follows his indictment in 2020 for drug trafficking-related charges.
• Judge orders Trump-appointed US attorney to defend unlawful title use despite prior ruling of invalidity — Federal judge David Novak ordered Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-installed lawyer with no prosecutorial experience, to explain within seven days why she continues to represent herself as US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia after another judge (Cameron McGowan Currie) ruled her appointment unlawful in November. Halligan was appointed to prosecute political opponents James Comey and Letitia James; both cases were dismissed. Novak's order notes that Currie's ruling remains binding precedent and that Halligan's continued use of the title may constitute professional misconduct and false statements.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration conducted military strikes on Venezuela without congressional authorization — President Trump announced on January 3 that U.S. forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and stated the administration would run Venezuela and control its oil fields. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on Sunday talk shows to defend the strikes, characterizing them as a law enforcement operation rather than military action. However, reporting indicates at least 80 people were killed in the operation, and Trump explicitly told media the U.S. intends to take control of Venezuela's government and resources.
• Trump administration ordered U.S. Military to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro without Congressional authorization — On January 3, 2026, President Trump ordered the U.S. Military to conduct a raid that resulted in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from Venezuelan territory without seeking Congressional authorization. Trump initially claimed the action was based on Maduro's alleged membership in a drug cartel called "Cartel de los Soles," but later admitted no such cartel exists. Trump subsequently announced that Venezuela would transfer 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, suggesting resource seizure as a motivation. The raid violated established international norms governing state sovereignty and the treatment of foreign heads of state.
• Trump administration conducts military raid capturing Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro — Top Trump officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen Dan Caine briefed all 100 US senators on Operation Absolute Resolve, a special forces raid that captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife from Caracas on January 3 and transported them to a New York jail. Rubio outlined a three-phase plan involving stabilization, oil market access for US companies, and extracting 30–50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil at market rates. Republicans defended the operation as law enforcement against an indicted drug trafficker; Democrats condemned it as an illegal act of war undertaken without congressional consultation, with Senator Chris Murphy stating the administration plans to "steal Venezuelan oil at gunpoint."
• Military captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife — On January 3, 2026, the military captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump had previously suggested he was determined to end what he called "narco-terrorist" activity in Venezuela. Upon Maduro's capture, Trump made clear his intent to control Venezuela's oil resources.
• Trump administration launched military strike on Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro — In the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, the Trump administration ordered the military to conduct a strike against Venezuela, seize President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, and fly them to New York City to face federal charges announced by the Southern District of New York. The operation, called "Operation Absolute Resolve," was conducted without consulting Congress and in apparent violation of international law. At least 40 civilians and military personnel were killed in the strike, which hit a three-story apartment building.
• Trump ordered military invasion of Venezuela to capture President Maduro and seize oil assets — Trump ordered a military invasion of Venezuela using special forces to capture President Nicolás Maduro, who is under criminal indictment in the U.S. Trump explicitly stated the primary objective was to seize control of Venezuela's government and oil assets. Trump announced the U.S. would directly run Venezuela's government and oil infrastructure, with American oil companies investing billions in exchange for reimbursement from extracted oil revenues. Trump stated U.S. military personnel would remain on the ground and threatened Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez with severe consequences if she did not comply with U.S. directives.
• Trump authorized strikes in Venezuela and abduction of Maduro — In the middle of the night on January 3, Trump authorized a series of strikes in Venezuela, as well as the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the US military. The illegal strikes took place without congressional authority. Maduro and Flores were transported to New York, where they face drug and weapons charges. Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was subsequently sworn in as interim president following Maduro's kidnapping.
• United States military operation in Venezuela captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife — The U.S. carried out a large-scale military operation in and around Caracas, Venezuela, and seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife. They were transported to the United States to face charges related to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking allegations. The President publicly celebrated the operation and spoke in terms suggesting temporary U.S. control of Venezuela. Multiple governments have condemned the action as a violation of international law, and the U.N. Security Council is scheduled to meet Monday to address the matter.
• Trump administration conducted airstrikes in Venezuela and captured Maduro — On January 3, 2026, the Trump administration conducted nighttime airstrikes in Venezuela and removed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, transporting them to New York to face federal narcoterrorism and drug-trafficking charges. This action followed months of strikes against small boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that Trump claimed, without evidence, were operated by narcoterrorists from Venezuela, and seizures of vessels allegedly carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
• Trump administration conducts lethal military strikes against Venezuelan targets without congressional authorization — Since September 2025, the Trump administration has conducted approximately 35 lethal strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats off Venezuela's coast, resulting in at least 115 deaths. Additionally, a massive military deployment off Venezuela's shores, including the largest U.S. aircraft carrier, was carried out without seeking congressional authorization. These actions were justified through executive orders declaring Venezuelan leaders "narco-terrorists" and invoking post-2001 war-on-terror legal frameworks.
• Trump administration detains Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without prior congressional notification — The Trump administration conducted a military operation to detain Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia, without alerting Congress in advance. Senior congressional leaders, including the "gang of eight," were informed only after the operation had begun. The administration justified the withholding of information by citing security concerns and the need for operational secrecy. The action bypassed the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires presidential notification to Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops into hostilities.
• US special forces capture Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in military raid ordered by Trump — US special forces conducted a pre-dawn military operation in Caracas on Saturday, capturing Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The raid resulted in at least 40 deaths, including civilians and Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel. Maduro was transported to Manhattan and arraigned in federal court on Monday on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges. He pleaded not guilty. The operation sparked international condemnation at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, with multiple countries calling it a "crime of aggression" and a breach of international law.
• Trump orders military raid capturing Venezuelan President Maduro — President Trump ordered a Saturday morning military raid in which U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro was transported to New York to face criminal charges. Trump subsequently announced the U.S. would "run" Venezuela indefinitely. Legal experts stated the action violated U.S. and international law. The raid occurred without prior congressional authorization or public debate.
• US military forces capture and extract Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela; Maduro arraigned in New York federal court on drug trafficking and weapons charges — US military forces conducted an operation that resulted in the forcible removal and capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela. Maduro was transported to New York and arraigned in federal court on charges related to international drug trafficking and weapons trafficking. The operation involved a US military attack on Venezuelan territory. Maduro pleaded not guilty to the charges. The arraignment drew dozens of protesters outside the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan, divided between those celebrating Maduro's detention and those opposing US intervention in Venezuela.
• Barry Pollack retained as counsel for Nicolás Maduro in US federal court — Nicolás Maduro, the captured Venezuelan president, appeared in federal court in New York on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of drug-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. He was represented by Barry Pollack, a prominent US trial lawyer previously known for securing Julian Assange's release from UK prison in 2024. Pollack questioned the legality of Maduro's abduction by US forces in a raid on Caracas and argued Maduro is entitled to immunity as a sovereign head of state.
• Maduro arraigned in Manhattan federal court on drug and narco-terrorism charges — Nicolás Maduro appeared before federal judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan on Monday for arraignment on four federal criminal counts including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Maduro, who was first indicted in 2020, pleaded not guilty and claimed he remained the legitimate president of Venezuela and was being held as a prisoner of war. His wife Cilia Flores also pleaded not guilty to related charges.
• Nicolás Maduro arraigned in Manhattan federal court on narco-terrorism charges following US military capture in Caracas — Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan president, was captured in Caracas on January 3 and arraigned in Manhattan federal court on January 6 on narco-terrorism charges brought by the Trump Justice Department. Maduro entered a not guilty plea while making defiant statements about his legitimacy and characterizing his capture as a kidnapping. His wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared and pleaded not guilty. Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled a case conference for March 17. Neither defendant requested bail at this stage but reserved the right to do so later.
• Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in US court after capture — Nicolás Maduro, the deposed president of Venezuela, pleaded not guilty to charges of drugs, weapons, and "narco-terrorism" in a US federal court in Manhattan. His capture was part of a US special forces operation ordered by Donald Trump, which has been condemned by several countries as a "crime of aggression." The operation has raised concerns about breaches of international law and has led to an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Maduro's arraignment follows his indictment in 2020 for drug trafficking-related charges.
• US military operation captures Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela — US special forces captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in a pre-dawn raid in Caracas, ordered by Donald Trump. The operation resulted in at least 40 deaths, including civilians and security personnel. The US justified the intervention as necessary to combat drug trafficking, but it has been widely condemned as a breach of international law. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the situation, with several countries condemning the US action as a "crime of aggression."
• Trump administration launches military operation to abduct Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro — The U.S. military, under President Trump's direction, conducted a night-time operation that forcibly abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, resulting in dozens of deaths. Trump subsequently backed Maduro's former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, to lead the country. The operation, termed "Operation Absolute Resolve," represents a significant military intervention in Latin America and a departure from Trump's stated 2024 campaign pledge to avoid foreign wars and "put America first."
• Trump announces U.S. control over Venezuelan oil — President Trump declared that the interim authorities in Venezuela would turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, stating that the proceeds would be controlled by him to benefit both Venezuela and the U.S. This announcement indicates a shift towards direct U.S. control over Venezuelan resources.
• Trump threatens Greenland with military action — President Trump stated that the U.S. needs Greenland for national defense, implying potential military action against the self-governing territory, which is part of Denmark. This statement contradicts established NATO agreements and raises concerns about U.S. military intentions.

Supporting reports

• Trump issued threats against Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico regarding Western Hemisphere dominance — During his January 3 press conference, Trump warned Colombia's President Gustavo Petro to "watch his ass," stated "Cuba is going to be something we'll end up talking about," and warned that "something will have to be done about Mexico." He declared that "American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again."
• Venezuelan Vice President Rodríguez rejected U.S. occupation and reaffirmed Maduro as rightful president — Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, whom Trump claimed had been sworn into the presidency, delivered a televised address on January 3, 2026 insisting that Maduro is the rightful president of Venezuela and must be released. She characterized the U.S. action as "an unprecedented military aggression" and declared that "the Venezuelan people and this country are clear about" their refusal to "be slaves" or "a colony of any empire."
• Trump threatened Venezuelan President Rodríguez with consequences for non-compliance — In a phone call with Michael Scherer of The Atlantic, President Trump threatened Venezuela's new president Delcy Rodríguez, stating that "if she doesn't do what's right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro." Trump later told reporters on Air Force One that the U.S., not Rodríguez, is in charge of Venezuela.
• Rubio indicated Cuba is a potential military target — Secretary of State Rubio stated on NBC that the Cuban government is "a huge problem" and when asked directly if Cuba is the next target, responded affirmatively that "they are in a lot of trouble. Yes," signaling potential military action against Cuba following the Venezuela operation.
• Secretary of State Rubio declines to rule out military action against Cuba — Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on television to defend the administration's Venezuela policy. When asked whether Cuba might be the target of similar operations, Rubio did not deny the possibility and characterized the Cuban government as a "huge problem," suggesting additional action could follow. Rubio also stated that no congressional authorization was required for Venezuela operations because they constituted a "precise operation" rather than a war.
• Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed support for military action against Iran and Cuba — Sen. Lindsey Graham, appearing with Trump on Air Force One, stated "You just wait for Cuba. Their days are numbered!" and later appeared on Fox News wearing a "Make Iran Great Again" hat, saying "I pray and hope that 2026 will be the year we make Iran great again" and adding Cuba to his target list: "To our Cuban friends in FL, the liberation of your homeland is close."
• Trump indicated U.S. military operations planned for Colombia — During the press gaggle, Trump responded affirmatively when asked if there would be a U.S. operation in Colombia, stating "Sounds good to me" in response to a reporter's question about whether operations would extend to Colombia. This followed Trump's characterization of Colombia as "very sick."
• Trump threatened military action against Mexico — Trump stated that cartels are running Mexico and that President Claudia Sheinbaum is not in control. Trump said he has repeatedly asked Sheinbaum whether the U.S. should "take out the cartels" and indicated that "something is gonna have to be done with Mexico," implying potential military intervention similar to the Venezuela operation.
• US Invasion of Venezuela — The United States has initiated a military invasion of Venezuela, an action that has been described as a significant breach of international law. This move has been characterized as an authoritarian act by the U.S. government, bypassing traditional diplomatic and coalition-building processes. The invasion has sparked widespread criticism and is expected to lead to increased global instability. The U.S. House of Representatives has been urged to respond with impeachment proceedings, although no immediate action has been taken.
• Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected Trump's threats — Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded to Trump's threats by challenging him to come to Colombia in person, stating "Come get me! I'm waiting for you here." Petro rejected invasions, missiles, and assassinations, and called for dialogue based on facts rather than lies spread by "Colombian political mafias."
• Trump threatens Mexico and Cuba — Trump threatened Colombian President Gustavo Petro, declared that "Cuba is ready to fall," and warned Mexico to "get their act together," signaling potential military or coercive action against multiple Western Hemisphere nations without diplomatic process.
• Trump threatens military action against Iran — Trump warned that if Iran continues "killing people like they have in the past," Iran "is going to get hit very hard by the United States," signaling potential military escalation without congressional authorization or diplomatic process.
• Rick Scott advocates regime change in Western Hemisphere — Senator Rick Scott openly fantasized about regime-changing every country in the Western Hemisphere, expressing support for U.S. intervention to alter governments in the region.
• Trump attacks NATO alliance and questions member loyalty — Trump issued an all-caps statement claiming he "single handedly ended eight wars," complained that Norway "foolishly" did not award him the Nobel Peace Prize, and warned that NATO might not support the United States because he doubts member nations' loyalty. He attacked the alliance as a stabilizing institution.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration defunded Voice of America — Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE) stated that a strong Voice of America broadcasting information into Iran would be valuable during the current crisis, noting that some in the administration underestimate VOA's value. However, Trump, Elon Musk, and director Kari Lake have "wiped it out," eliminating the agency's capacity to broadcast information into Iran or other regions during a period of heightened international tension.

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• Trump amplified false Kremlin claims about Ukrainian attack on Putin — Trump publicly amplified unsubstantiated Kremlin talking points alleging that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attempted an attack on Vladimir Putin's residence. French intelligence subsequently confirmed that Putin's claims were fabricated. Trump used these false allegations to further attack Ukraine despite the absence of evidence at the time of his amplification.

Supporting reports

• U.S. Southern Command struck small boat in eastern Pacific — U.S. Southern Command posted that it had struck another small boat in the eastern Pacific, killing two men. This strike was part of an operation the administration describes as targeting "narco-terrorists." The operation has resulted in more than 100 deaths and has been widely condemned as illegal.
• U.S. Southern Command strikes five boats in Caribbean operations — Over December 30 and 31, U.S. Southern Command announced it struck five small boats that it claimed were being operated by "narco-terrorists," killing at least 13 people and possibly leaving some survivors. These strikes brought the total number of such operations to at least 35 with at least 115 people killed in the campaign.

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• Trump claimed Russia wants to help Ukraine reconstruct — When asked by a reporter whether he had spoken to Putin about Ukraine's reconstruction, Trump said he had and claimed that Russia wants to help Ukraine succeed, including by supplying energy and electricity at very low prices. Trump characterized Putin as "very generous in his feeling toward Ukraine succeeding."

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• Trump met with Zelensky and claimed progress on ending the war — At his meeting with Zelensky, Trump told reporters that the negotiating teams "covered—somebody would say 95 percent"—of issues and had made significant progress on ending the war. Trump reiterated his claims of being a peacemaker, stating: "I've settled eight wars, and this is the most difficult one." However, there is no sign that Putin is backing off from his extreme demands, including that Ukraine cede much of its eastern territory to Russia.

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• Trump met with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago without official greeting — When Ukrainian President Zelensky arrived in Miami for talks with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, no U.S. officials were present to greet his plane. This was a deliberate diplomatic snub, contrasting sharply with the formal reception Trump had arranged for Russian President Putin in August, which included a red carpet rolled out by U.S. military personnel, Trump's personal greeting with applause, a military flyover, and a presidential limousine ride.
• Trump scheduled Zelenskyy meeting at Mar-a-Lago instead of Oval Office — Trump scheduled his meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in the main dining room of his private Mar-a-Lago club rather than in the Oval Office. No U.S. officials greeted Zelenskyy upon his arrival in Florida; he was met only by Ukraine's ambassador. This contrasts sharply with the formal reception Trump provided to Putin in Alaska.

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• Trump spoke with Putin before meeting with Zelensky — Trump posted on social media that he had a "good and very productive" telephone call with Russian President Putin prior to his scheduled 1:00 P.M. meeting with Ukrainian President Zelensky. Trump later told reporters that he and Putin talked for more than two hours.
• Trump spoke with Putin before scheduled meeting with Zelenskyy — Trump announced he had a "good and very productive" call with Russian President Vladimir Putin immediately before his scheduled meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The announcement was made via Trump's social media. This mirrors a previous pattern where Trump prioritized communication with Putin ahead of Ukraine engagement, which previously resulted in a failed meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy.
• Trump spoke with Putin again after meeting with Zelensky — Trump told reporters that he had another "very good talk" with Putin on Monday morning, the day after his Sunday meeting with Zelensky, continuing a pattern of direct engagement with the Russian president during active peace negotiations.

Supporting reports

• Tulsi Gabbard claimed U.S. intelligence community supports NATO/EU viewpoint on Russia — Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, spoke at the TPUSA event and stated: "Deep State warmongers and their Propaganda Media are again trying to undermine Trump's efforts to bring peace to Ukraine—and indeed Europe—by falsely claiming that the 'US intelligence community' agrees to and supports EU/NATO viewpoint that Russia's aim is to invade/conquer Europe in order to gin up support for their pro-war policies." Gabbard characterized the intelligence community's assessment of Russian intentions as false propaganda designed to support war.

Supporting reports

• Rubio confirms US goal is regime change in Venezuela — At a state department press conference, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that "the current status quo with the Venezuelan regime is intolerable for the United States" and confirmed "our goal is to change that dynamic." Rubio also asserted the US "reserves the right" to use "every element of national power" to defend US interests, framing regime change as a national security objective.

Supporting reports

• Trump declares Venezuela a "foreign terrorist organization" and orders naval blockade — Trump announced a "total and complete blockade" of oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela and designated the Venezuelan government a "foreign terrorist organization" (FTO). The U.S. Navy deployed 11 ships, including an aircraft carrier, to the region. Legal experts note the FTO designation is legally murky because U.S. law targets non-state organizations, not sovereign governments. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles stated Trump "wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle," suggesting regime change rather than counterterrorism as the objective. The administration seized one tanker carrying 1.85 million barrels of Venezuelan crude valued at approximately $95 million.
• Trump declares "total and complete blockade" on Venezuelan oil tankers — On Truth Social, Trump declared a "TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE" on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or departing Venezuela. Trump also warned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro that the US "will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States IMMEDIATELY."
• Trump orders naval blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers — President Trump announced a "total and complete" blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, escalating pressure on Nicolás Maduro's government. The order follows weeks of military strikes in the region that have killed dozens and the recent U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude. Trump stated the blockade aims to prevent Venezuela from funding drug trafficking. The Venezuelan government rejected the order as a "grotesque threat" and act of piracy; Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro called it an unauthorized act of war.
• Trump Announces Total Blockade of Venezuelan Oil Tankers — President Trump announced a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela, citing the Maduro regime's designation as a foreign terrorist organization. He claimed that the blockade is necessary to prevent the regime from financing terrorism and other criminal activities. This announcement follows military actions against small boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
• Trump orders total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers and designates Maduro regime as foreign terrorist organization — Trump posted on social media that Venezuela is surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in South American history and ordered a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela. He claimed Venezuela stole U.S. oil, land, and other assets and demanded their immediate return. Trump designated the Maduro regime as a foreign terrorist organization, citing terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. He stated that illegal aliens and criminals sent by the Maduro regime during the Biden administration are being returned to Venezuela at a rapid pace.
• Trump administration expands travel ban to 39 countries — The Trump administration expanded its travel ban from 19 to 39 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and others. The expanded ban also applies to people holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents, effectively restricting Palestinian travel rights.

Supporting reports

• State Department orders U.S. embassies to collect data on crimes committed by immigrants — U.S. embassies in Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand have been ordered to gather data on crimes committed by immigrants as part of implementing the administration's anti-immigration agenda. Senior officials have characterized mass migration as an "existential threat to western civilization." This directive reflects the NSS's emphasis on immigration as a national security priority and signals a coordinated effort across the diplomatic corps to support the administration's immigration-focused worldview.

Supporting reports

• State Department edits 2024 human rights report to soften language on Israel and El Salvador while criticizing Germany — The State Department's 2024 human rights report was edited before release by Michael Anton and other senior aides to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The edits softened language regarding Israel's war in Gaza and reports of torture and extrajudicial killings in El Salvador, while reporting "significant human rights issues" in Germany including censorship and antisemitism. This selective editing reflects the administration's geopolitical priorities and undermines the credibility of the human rights reporting process.

Supporting reports

• White House released National Security Strategy declaring intent to undermine NATO and support far-right movements in Europe — The White House released a 2025 National Security Strategy that explicitly states the United States will "cultivate resistance to Europe's current trajectory" and seeks to undermine NATO as a "perpetually expanding alliance." The strategy openly declares the U.S. intends to support far-right movements inside Europe with the explicit aim of weakening the European Union and shifting alignment toward autocratic nations like Russia.
• Trump administration's National Security Strategy elevates immigration and cultural issues to central national security concerns — The Trump administration released a National Security Strategy that frames mass migration as a primary national security threat, declaring "the era of mass migration must end" and positioning "border security" as the primary element of national security. The strategy links protection of American culture, "spiritual health," and "traditional families" to core security requirements, frames cultural alignment as essential to strategic partnership, and questions whether future European governments will share American views on alliances based on demographic and cultural shifts in Europe.
• Kremlin spokesman endorsed Trump's National Security Strategy — Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that "The adjustments to the US National Security Strategy largely align with our own vision," indicating alignment between Russian and Trump administration strategic interests.
• Military historian Chris O analyzed Trump's National Security Strategy — Military historian Chris O stated that the new U.S. National Security Strategy blames "undemocratic" European governments for failing to make peace with Russia, takes a pro-Russian position on NATO, reflects white nationalist views on European demographics, and pledges overt support for far-right parties. The strategy explicitly praises the rise of far-right "patriotic" parties and states "America encourages its political allies in Europe to promote this revival of spirit." The strategy places the U.S. on the side of far-right white nationalist forces and reflects Vice President JD Vance's views expressed at the Munich Security Conference.
• Putin praised U.S. National Security Strategy for alignment with Kremlin objectives — Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly praised the newly released U.S. National Security Strategy, stating it "perfectly aligns" with the Kremlin's worldview. The strategy document explicitly calls for cultivating "resistance" within European nations to destabilize the European Union, limits NATO expansion—a longstanding Russian objective—and discusses supporting far-right political movements in Europe aligned with Moscow. The source notes this represents official American policy with minimal corporate media coverage.
• Trump's National Security Strategy designated Europe as primary adversary — The Trump administration released a new National Security Strategy that switches Europe from an ally to an adversary. Estonian political commentator Toomas Hendrik Ilves stated that the strategy treats Europe with "overt hostility and bellicose 'regime change' threats" and aims to replace centrist European leaders with right-wing extremists, creating "a continent of Hungaries" with state capture by corrupt oligarchy. The strategy explicitly praises far-right "patriotic" parties and uses language about "civilizational erasure" that mirrors Kremlin rhetoric.
• Release of New National Security Strategy — The White House has released a new National Security Strategy that reportedly incorporates elements of white nationalism and prioritizes corporate interests in shaping U.S. foreign policy. This strategy has sparked criticism and concern about its implications for international relations and the U.S.'s role on the global stage. The strategy's alignment with nationalist and corporate agendas may affect diplomatic relations and global democracy efforts.
• Trump Administration's National Security Strategy on NATO — The Trump administration's newly released national-security strategy document outlines a goal to "end the perception and the reality of NATO as a permanent organization." This statement indicates a significant shift in U.S. policy towards NATO, suggesting a move towards dismantling the alliance, which has been a cornerstone of Western military cooperation.
• European allies express concern over National Security Strategy — European and other U.S. allies have expressed alarm over the National Security Strategy, warning they can no longer trust the U.S. Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on social media that Europe is America's closest ally, not its problem, and that the two share common enemies. Tusk emphasized that this relationship has held for 80 years and called for maintaining this strategy as the only reasonable approach to common security.

Supporting reports

• Steve Witkoff maintains financial partnership with Ukraine-sanctioned billionaire while serving as Trump's Ukraine peace negotiator — Steve Witkoff, appointed by Trump as special envoy for peace missions to negotiate between Russia and Ukraine, has retained an active financial partnership with billionaire Len Blavatnik, who has been sanctioned by Ukraine. Witkoff and Blavatnik co-develop One High Line, a luxury residential project in New York City valued at $50 million or more. The partnership creates a potential conflict of interest given Witkoff's role as mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
• Witkoff's divestiture from real estate company incomplete despite disclosure claims — Witkoff's federal disclosure form states he "sold an interest in his eponymous real estate management company for $120 million" as part of divestiture planning. However, he continues to own a portion of the Witkoff Group valued at more than $50 million. The form does not disclose the buyer of the sold stake, which could be a family member such as his son Alex Witkoff, who currently runs the company. This arrangement may not adequately address conflict-of-interest concerns.
• Witkoff's federal ethics disclosure form remains unsigned despite 60-day deadline — Witkoff signed his federal disclosure form (Form 278e) on August 13, 2025, but the version posted to the White House website remains unsigned by a federal ethics official. Senators Chris Murphy and Elizabeth Warren noted on November 17 that no agency ethics official signed the form despite the 60-day deadline passing in October 2025. The Senators stated the form "appears to have inaccurate or incomplete information," raising concerns about compliance with conflict-of-interest provisions.
• Witkoff negotiated peace plan with head of Russian sovereign wealth fund despite U.S. sanctions — Witkoff negotiated the Ukraine peace plan not with a Russian foreign affairs official but with Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund (RDIF). Dmitriev was sanctioned by the United States in 2022 and banned from the country. Despite the sanctions, Witkoff requested Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent allow Dmitriev to travel to Washington in April 2025; Bessent approved the request. Witkoff and Dmitriev have since met multiple times in person and by phone, including in Miami last month to finalize the Trump plan.
• Kushner accepted billions in foreign government investments while conducting U.S. foreign policy — Since 2021, Kushner has raised at least $4.8 billion for his private equity firm Affinity Partners, with nearly 99% from foreign sources. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund invested $2 billion and pays Kushner $25 million annually (1.25% of the investment). Qatar and the UAE also pay annual fees up to 2%. As of September 2024, Affinity Partners had collected $157 million in fees, primarily from Middle Eastern governments. Kushner continues collecting these payments while serving in a top foreign policy role, creating a direct conflict between his fiduciary duty to foreign governments and his role negotiating with Russia on Ukraine.
• Saudi Crown Prince overruled investment committee to fund Kushner's firm — The Public Investment Fund's investment committee recommended rejecting Kushner's Affinity Partners proposal, citing "the inexperience of the Affinity Fund management" and "excessive" fees. However, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who heads PIF's Board of Directors and with whom Kushner had developed a close relationship, overruled the committee's recommendation and approved the $2 billion investment. This non-standard approval process for a fledgling private equity firm suggests the investment was motivated by political rather than financial considerations.
• Saudi-backed peace plan included provision benefiting Saudi agricultural interests in Ukraine — The 28-point peace plan drafted with Kushner's assistance includes a provision requiring Russia not to prevent Ukraine from using the Dnieper River for commercial activities and to permit free transport of grain across the Black Sea. This provision directly fulfills a key Saudi policy objective: the Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Company (a Public Investment Fund subsidiary) owns a major stake in MHP, one of Ukraine's largest agricultural conglomerates, and the Continental Farmers Group, which cultivates nearly 480,000 acres in Western Ukraine, is owned by PIF. When parties met in Saudi Arabia in March 2025, Black Sea shipping security was a central negotiating topic.