Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Executive Order: Addressing Egregious Actions of The Republic of South Africa — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 7, 2025, to address actions by the Republic of South Africa. The order responds to South Africa's Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows the seizure of Afrikaners' agricultural property without compensation. The order halts U.S. aid to South Africa and promotes the resettlement of Afrikaner refugees facing racial discrimination. It also directs U.S. agencies to prioritize humanitarian relief for these refugees. The order reflects U.S. disapproval of South Africa's policies and its international alignments that oppose U.S. interests.
• Executive Order on South Africa sanctions — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14204, halting U.S. aid to South Africa due to its Expropriation Act 13 of 2024, which allows seizure of Afrikaners' property without compensation. The order also promotes resettlement of Afrikaner refugees in the U.S. and directs agencies to prioritize humanitarian relief for victims of racial discrimination in South Africa.
• US suspends aid to South Africa after Trump order — The US State Department has paused most foreign assistance to South Africa following an executive order by Donald Trump. Executive Order 14204, issued on February 7, 2025, claims that white South Africans are being unjustly discriminated against. The order mandates the suspension of aid disbursements, with few exceptions, such as the Pepfar HIV/AIDS program. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed the directive, delegating authority to Pete Marocco to decide on the continuation of specific aid programs. This move has heightened tensions between the US and South Africa.
• White House issued executive order halting U.S. aid to South Africa and prioritizing Afrikaner refugee resettlement — The White House issued an executive order on February 7, 2025, directing all federal agencies to halt foreign aid and assistance to South Africa, citing the country's Expropriation Act 13 of 2024 (which permits seizure of agricultural property without compensation), alleged racial discrimination against Afrikaners, and South Africa's foreign policy positions toward Israel and Iran. The order directs the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize admission and resettlement of Afrikaners through the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order addressing South Africa — The White House published a fact sheet on February 7, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to address what it characterizes as human rights violations in South Africa. The fact sheet states the order directs the U.S. to halt aid to South Africa, establish a plan to resettle "disfavored minorities" as refugees, and hold the country accountable. The document frames South Africa's land expropriation act and treatment of "ethnic minority descendants of settler groups" as discriminatory, and criticizes South Africa's positions on Israel and Iran.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs executive order barring transgender participants from women's sports — In February 2025, President Trump signed an executive order that bars transgender participants from competing in women's sports. The order is part of a broader federal crackdown on transgender rights and participation. The State Department has separately instructed officials to deny visas to transgender athletes attempting to enter the U.S. for competitions, with instructions to impose permanent visa bans on those deemed to misrepresent their birth sex.
• Executive Order on Women's Sports Participation — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14201, mandating that federal funds be rescinded from educational programs allowing male participation in women's sports. The order aims to protect female athletes' opportunities under Title IX, emphasizing safety and fairness. It directs the Secretary of Education and other agencies to enforce compliance and adjust policies accordingly.
• Trump signs executive order banning trans athletes from women’s sports — On February 5, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order banning transgender athletes from participating in women’s sports. The order directs federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, to interpret Title IX rules to prohibit transgender girls and women from competing in female sports categories. It mandates immediate enforcement and threatens to cut off federal funding for schools that allow trans women or girls to compete in female-designated sports. The order is expected to face legal challenges and has been criticized by advocacy groups for its impact on trans rights.
• Trump issues executive order on women's sports — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 5, 2025, titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports." The order directs federal agencies to ensure that educational institutions receiving federal funds do not allow men to compete in women's sports, citing Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. The order mandates the rescission of funds from programs that fail to comply and calls for the enforcement of policies that preserve female athletic opportunities. It also involves international efforts to promote sex-based categories in sports.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on women's sports eligibility — The White House published a fact sheet on February 5, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs the Department of Justice to enforce a nationwide vacatur of the Biden administration's Title IX rewrite, requires schools and athletic associations to deny participation in women's sports to transgender athletes, directs the Secretary of State to demand changes to International Olympic Committee policies, and instructs the Department of Homeland Security to review visa policies. The fact sheet characterizes the prior administration's policies as a "war on women" and includes testimonials from female athletes.
• White House signed executive order on women's sports eligibility — President Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to enforce Title IX to restrict athletic competition in women's sports categories to biological females. The order directs the Secretary of Education to rescind federal funding from educational programs allowing transgender athletes to compete in women's sports, instructs the Department of Justice to enforce the policy, and tasks the State Department with promoting sex-based eligibility standards internationally and at the Olympic level. The order also directs review of immigration policies to prevent males seeking to participate in women's sports from entering the United States.
• Trump bans trans women in sports — President Trump signed an executive order banning trans women and girls from competing in female sports. This order discriminates against trans athletes and limits their participation in sports.

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• Trump declares US will 'take over' Gaza — During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will "take over" the Gaza Strip. This declaration marks a significant shift in US foreign policy, suggesting a potential military and administrative intervention in the region. Trump's statement included plans to develop Gaza, creating jobs and transforming it into an international hub. The announcement has been met with opposition from Palestinians and neighboring countries, raising concerns about the implications for regional stability and international relations.
• Trump proposes U.S. takeover of Gaza Strip — Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Donald Trump announced plans for the U.S. to take over the Gaza Strip, suggesting military involvement to facilitate this takeover. His comments have drawn widespread criticism from lawmakers across the political spectrum.
• Trump outlines plan for U.S. control of Gaza — Trump detailed a plan for the U.S. to take control of Gaza from Israel post-conflict, proposing resettlement of Palestinians and development projects. The plan has drawn mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a potential solution and others as problematic and unrealistic.
• Trump proposes takeover of Gaza — President Trump suggested that the United States should take over Gaza and transform it into a resort area, a statement that alarmed his advisors and was made without any prior planning or consultation with relevant government departments. This proposal was met with skepticism and concern regarding its feasibility and implications for U.S. foreign policy.
• Trump announced plan to "take over" Gaza — Donald Trump announced a plan for the United States to "take over" Gaza, a move that has been welcomed by Israel's pro-settler movement. This announcement marks a shift in US policy, aligning with pro-settler advisers and suggesting support for the annexation of Palestinian territories. The plan has been criticized as advocating for ethnic cleansing and has surprised both Trump's aides and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The proposal has been described as a serious shift towards pro-settler policies, with implications for US-Israel relations and the ongoing conflict in the region.
• Trump proposes Gaza plan and threatens tariffs — Former President Trump has proposed a controversial plan regarding Gaza and has threatened to impose tariffs. These actions are seen as distractions from the ongoing issues related to the US Treasury and government control.

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• White House signed executive order withdrawing U.S. from UNHRC and UNESCO, defunding UNRWA, and ordering comprehensive review of all international organizations — President Trump signed an executive order directing the United States to withdraw from the UN Human Rights Council and cease participation in UNESCO, while immediately halting all funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees. The order mandates the Secretary of State to conduct a 90-day review of UNESCO membership and a 180-day comprehensive review of all international organizations, conventions, and treaties to which the U.S. is party, with recommendations on further withdrawals. The order cites alleged infiltration of UNRWA by designated terrorist organizations and claims of anti-Semitism and anti-Israel bias within UNHRC and UNESCO.
• Continuation of National Emergency Regarding Burma — The President has extended the national emergency concerning Burma for one year, citing ongoing threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy due to the military coup in Burma. This continuation is pursuant to the National Emergencies Act and Executive Order 14014.
• U.S. Withdraws from Certain UN Organizations — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14199, withdrawing the United States from the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and ending funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). The order also mandates a review of U.S. participation in UNESCO and other international organizations to assess alignment with U.S. interests. The Secretary of State is tasked with notifying relevant UN bodies and conducting a comprehensive review of international commitments.
• Trump signed executive order ending UNRWA funding and withdrawing from UN Human Rights Council — On February 4, 2025, Trump signed an executive order stopping funding for UNRWA (UN agency for Palestinian refugees) and withdrawing the US from the UN Human Rights Council. Trump criticized the entire United Nations as "not being well run" and "not doing the job." In his first term, Trump cut UNRWA funding and withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council; the Biden administration had restored UNRWA funding and rejoined the council.
• Trump issues executive order to withdraw U.S. from certain UN organizations — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 4, 2025, directing the United States to withdraw from and cease funding to certain United Nations organizations, including the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The order mandates a review of U.S. participation in the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other international organizations to assess their alignment with U.S. interests. The Secretary of State is tasked with conducting these reviews and reporting recommendations to the President.
• Freeze on Foreign Aid — President Trump imposed a freeze on foreign aid, cutting off approximately $60 billion in funding to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which provides humanitarian assistance globally. This freeze excludes military aid to Israel and Egypt.

Supporting reports

• Canada imposes retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods — In response to new tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will implement 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods. The tariffs will begin with $30 billion worth of goods immediately, with additional tariffs on $125 billion of products to follow in 21 days. The targeted goods include American alcohol, produce, clothing, shoes, household appliances, furniture, and lumber, specifically affecting industries in red states and those dominated by Trump allies and donors.
• China to file WTO complaint over U.S. tariffs — China's Ministry of Commerce announced plans to file a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO) against the U.S. tariffs, which they claim violate WTO rules. China also intends to take countermeasures to defend its rights. This move is part of a broader international response to the Trump administration's trade policies.
• Mexico plans countermeasures against U.S. tariffs — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico will implement Plan B, which includes tariff and non-tariff measures, in response to U.S. tariffs. She criticized the Trump administration's justification for the tariffs and rejected allegations of Mexican alliances with criminal organizations. Sheinbaum emphasized dialogue and cooperation, particularly in migration and human rights, as the preferred approach to resolving issues.
• Panama rejects U.S. ultimatum on canal — Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino rejected an ultimatum from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding Chinese influence in the Panama Canal. Mulino denounced the demand as imperialistic and politically motivated, suggesting it was intended to leverage lower fees for U.S. shipping.
• Trump cuts funding to South Africa — President Trump announced plans to cut funding to South Africa, claiming without evidence that the country is confiscating land from white farmers. This decision aligns with narratives promoted by Elon Musk and reflects the administration's foreign policy stance.
• Trump threatens Panama Canal action — President Trump told reporters that the US is "going to take" back the Panama Canal or "something very powerful is going to happen." This statement suggests potential aggressive actions regarding international agreements and territorial control.
• Canada and Mexico respond to U.S. tariffs — In response to Trump's tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs of 25% on various American goods, emphasizing the historical partnership between the U.S. and Canada. Mexico's president also rejected U.S. claims of government alliances with criminal organizations and promised retaliatory measures.
• Canada announces retaliatory tariffs against U.S. — In response to Trump's newly imposed tariffs, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced over $100 billion in retaliatory tariffs, including a 25% tariff on various American goods. Trudeau emphasized the historical partnership between the U.S. and Canada and warned that these tariffs would harm jobs and economic stability.
• Trump imposes tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China — Former President Donald Trump announced the imposition of tariffs of 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada, and 10% on goods from China, breaking existing trade agreements. He justified these tariffs as a means to address undocumented migration and drug trafficking, despite evidence suggesting limited impact on these issues.
• China announced retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. — Former President Donald Trump announced new tariffs of 25% on goods from Mexico and Canada, and 10% on goods from China, breaking existing trade agreements. This action is framed as a response to undocumented migration and drug trafficking, despite evidence suggesting limited impact from Canada.
• Italian politician filed complaint against Donald Trump Jr. — In response to President Trump's additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, China has announced retaliatory measures, including a 15% tax on coal and liquefied natural gas, and a 10% tariff on crude oil, agricultural machinery, and large vehicles exported by the U.S. China also initiated an investigation into monopolistic practices by U.S. companies.
• Trump announced new sanctions against Iran — Italian Green Party politician Andrea Zanoni filed a complaint against Donald Trump Jr. for allegedly killing an endangered Ruddy Shelduck during a hunting trip in Italy. The complaint has garnered support from local environmentalists and MPs, calling for an investigation into the incident.
• Trump delays tariffs on Mexico and Canada — President Trump announced new sanctions against Iran from the Oval Office, warning Iran not to retaliate against the U.S. He stated that if Iran were to assassinate him, he has left instructions to "obliterate" their country. This announcement comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, with Trump emphasizing the potential consequences of any aggressive actions by Iran.
• Trump delays tariffs on Canada and Mexico — Following minor increases in border enforcement by Mexico and Canada, President Trump delayed the implementation of the newly announced tariffs on these countries for one month. This delay suggests potential negotiations or symbolic actions by Mexico and Canada to address Trump's concerns over illegal immigration and drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
• — President Donald Trump has delayed the imposition of new tariffs on Canada and Mexico for one month after both countries made symbolic commitments to border security. This decision temporarily alleviates the threat of tariffs that could have disrupted North American supply chains and increased costs for U.S. manufacturers. The delay provides a temporary reprieve for businesses concerned about the potential economic impact of the tariffs, although the possibility of future tariffs remains.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration moves to place USAid under State Department control — The Trump administration is reportedly moving to strip the US Agency for International Development (USAid) of its independence and place it under the control of the State Department. This move is part of a broader effort to align foreign aid with Trump's "America First" policies. The administration has already frozen foreign aid while conducting a review, and plaques with USAid's seal have been removed, signaling the merger's progress. The potential executive order to dissolve USAid's independence has raised legal and national interest concerns.
• USAID officials placed on leave — Two top security officials from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) were placed on administrative leave after refusing to grant system access to officials from Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This action is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to consolidate control over federal agencies and limit their independence.
• USAID officials placed on leave over Musk access dispute — Senior officials at USAID were placed on leave after attempting to prevent Elon Musk's team from accessing the agency's computer systems. Musk's team reportedly threatened to call the police when access was denied. The incident has raised concerns about security and the influence of private interests on government operations.
• Elon Musk locks USAID staff out of building — Elon Musk locked USAID staffers out of their building, with police tape and officers blocking entry. Musk announced the shutdown on X, claiming the agency was beyond repair. USAID's website and computer systems were also inaccessible. Musk stated he had Trump's approval for the action. Congressional Democrats held a press conference denouncing the move, and USAID officials expressed concerns about safety and surveillance.
• USAID placed under State Department supervision — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that USAID would not be shut down but placed under State Department supervision. Rubio stated that USAID must align with U.S. national interests and foreign policy. The decision followed Elon Musk's attempt to shut down USAID, which was met with backlash from Congress and international observers.
• Marco Rubio declares himself head of USAid — On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared himself the acting administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAid), as staffers were locked out of its Washington DC headquarters. This move is part of an effort to align USAid with President Trump's priorities. The White House confirmed plans to merge USAid into the State Department, aiming to reduce the workforce and align spending with the president's agenda. This action has sparked criticism from Democrats and other opponents who view it as an authoritarian move.
• USAID headquarters closed — USAID's headquarters in Washington was closed, and employees were instructed to stay home via a late-night email. This closure is part of the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the agency and consolidate control over foreign aid.
• Rubio to lead USAID — Senator Marco Rubio announced he will act as the administrator of USAID, despite the agency's historical independence. He also named Pete Marocco, linked to the Jan. 6 insurrection, to run the agency, raising concerns about the agency's future direction.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration issues executive order imposing sanctions on ICC officials and affiliates — The Trump administration issued an executive order in February 2025 authorizing comprehensive sanctions against International Criminal Court officials, judges, and individuals and organizations assisting the ICC's investigation into Israeli crimes in Palestine. The order targeted ICC prosecutors, judges, three Palestinian human rights groups, and UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese, effectively criminalizing collaboration with the court and restricting access to US financial and technology services.
• Executive Order to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14202, establishing a Task Force within the Department of Justice to eradicate anti-Christian bias. The Task Force, chaired by the Attorney General, includes members from various federal departments and agencies. Its functions include reviewing past anti-Christian policies, recommending remedial actions, and protecting religious liberties. The Task Force will submit reports to the President and is set to terminate in two years unless extended.
• Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14203, imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The order blocks property and suspends entry into the U.S. for ICC officials and their families, citing the ICC's investigations into U.S. and Israeli personnel as illegitimate. The order declares a national emergency to address the threat posed by the ICC's actions, which are seen as undermining U.S. sovereignty and national security.
• Trump Imposes Sanctions on International Criminal Court — On February 6, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC). The order blocks property and assets of ICC officials and restricts their entry into the United States. This action is in response to the ICC's investigations and arrest warrants against U.S. and Israeli personnel, which the U.S. government deems illegitimate. The order declares a national emergency to address these actions, citing threats to U.S. national security and foreign policy.
• Trump signed executive order on ICC sanctions — On February 6, 2025, Trump signed an executive order authorizing economic sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the body of "improperly targeting" the United States and its allies, including Israel. Trump criticized the ICC for issuing warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes. The order grants Trump broad powers to impose asset freezes and travel bans against ICC staff and family members if the US determines they are involved in investigating or prosecuting US citizens and certain allies.
• Trump signed executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court — President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court, blocking property and assets of ICC officials and suspending their entry into the United States. The order names ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan in an annex and authorizes the Secretary of State and Treasury to identify additional ICC personnel for sanctions. The order asserts that the ICC has engaged in "illegitimate and baseless actions" by investigating U.S. and Israeli personnel and issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials, and claims this threatens U.S. national security and sovereignty.

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• Trump relaunch of maximum pressure campaign against Iran — In February 2025, the Trump administration relaunched a "maximum pressure campaign" of stronger sanctions against Iran, following Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA. This campaign aimed to pressure Iran to renegotiate nuclear limits. The campaign continued through June 2025 as negotiations proceeded in Oman, though Iran's foreign minister stated Iran would not negotiate while the U.S. maintained maximum pressure and military threats.
• White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum directing maximum pressure campaign against Iran — The White House issued NSPM-2 on February 4, 2025, directing the Secretaries of State, Treasury, Defense, and other senior officials to impose maximum pressure on Iran through sanctions enforcement, oil export restrictions, diplomatic isolation, export controls, and criminal prosecution of Iranian operatives and financial networks. The memorandum states Iran is the world's leading state sponsor of terror, poses an existential nuclear threat, and directs proxy groups to embed sleeper cells in the United States. It orders Treasury to immediately impose sanctions on all persons with evidence of Iran sanctions violations and to review and rescind sanctions waivers; State to drive Iranian oil exports to zero and lead diplomatic isolation; and the Attorney General to prosecute Iranian-funded terrorist groups and disrupt espionage efforts.
• White House issues fact sheet on National Security Presidential Memorandum restoring maximum pressure on Iran — The White House issued a fact sheet on February 4, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) directing maximum economic pressure on Iran. The memorandum directs the Treasury Secretary to impose sanctions, the State Department to rescind sanctions waivers and drive Iran's oil exports to zero, and the Attorney General to prosecute Iranian-sponsored financial networks and terrorist operatives inside the United States. The U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN is directed to work with allies on snapback of international sanctions.