Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• U.S. Capitol Police arrest protesters opposing Medicaid cuts — U.S. Capitol Police arrested 25 individuals protesting against proposed cuts to Medicaid during a committee meeting in the House of Representatives. The protesters, many of whom were from the disability rights organization ADAPT, voiced their opposition to the cuts, which they argue threaten their survival. The protest occurred despite it being illegal to demonstrate inside congressional buildings.

Supporting reports

• Governor J.B. Pritzker Calls for Bold Democratic Action — In a speech to Democrats in New Hampshire, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker urged party members to adopt a more aggressive stance against the Trump administration and to advocate for urgent action on various issues. He emphasized the importance of due process in immigration policy, criticized the administration's approach to education and public services, and called for mass protests and mobilization against Republican policies. Pritzker framed the fight as essential for preserving democracy and urged Democrats to be fearless in their agenda for working families.
• Illinois governor calls for mass protests against Republicans — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker delivered a speech urging Democrats to engage in mass protests and mobilization against Republican policies, emphasizing the need for active resistance to protect democracy.
• Illinois Governor Calls for Mass Protests Against Republicans — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker delivered a speech urging Democrats to engage in mass protests and mobilization against Republican policies. He emphasized the need for a unified response to counteract what he described as cruelty from the Republican party.
• — Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker called for mass protests and mobilization against Republican policies during a speech in New Hampshire, urging Democrats to fight back against what he described as cruelty from the Republican party.

Supporting reports

• Republicans pass budget framework for Trump's proposed bill — Earlier this month, Republicans in Congress passed a budget framework for a bill proposed by President Trump. This framework outlines significant spending cuts and tax extensions, aiming to fulfill Trump's campaign promises. The framework allows Republicans to bypass Democratic opposition in the Senate. However, it reveals divisions within the party, as it sets different savings and expenditure targets for the House and Senate. The proposed cuts target social safety net programs, including Medicaid and SNAP, which could face historic reductions in funding.
• 2025 Federal Budget Resolution Clears Congress — The 2025 Budget Resolution has cleared both houses of Congress, proposing significant tax cuts for the wealthy and cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. The Bipartisan Policy Center's analysis indicates the budget will increase the deficit by $5.7 trillion and threaten the well-being of 36 million poor, sick, and disabled individuals. Activists and organizations are urging citizens to contact their representatives to oppose the budget.

Supporting reports

• Widespread medical neglect reported across ICE detention facilities amid overcrowding — Multiple ICE detention facilities, including Stewart in Georgia and Krome in Miami, Florida, are experiencing severe medical neglect of detainees with serious health conditions. At Krome, at least three detainees have died in recent months and others with HIV have gone weeks without medication. Experts attribute the crisis to extreme overcrowding (nearly 48,000 detainees nationwide), chronic workforce shortages, and the elimination of federal oversight offices. Staff reportedly prioritize deportation over medical care, with one guard telling detainees: "Unless you're dying or bleeding out … they're not going to come."

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr. proposes autism study using private medical records and health registry — Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced plans for a large-scale autism study drawing on private medical records from federal and commercial databases, plus a new health registry to track autistic Americans. Simultaneously, a leaked HHS draft proposes cuts to disability services, education, and research. Kennedy has also claimed autism "destroys" families and does not contribute to society—claims contradicted by research showing genetics underlie 95% of autism cases and that diagnostic increases reflect improved awareness, not an "epidemic."
• Musk accessed and collected government data on U.S. individuals — Elon Musk, overseeing the Department of Government Efficiency, has been scooping up data from various government agencies about individuals in the U.S. This data collection represents a "treasure trove" that could be used for shaping society, garnering government contracts, raising money through sale, or blackmailing individuals. The collection occurred following Tesla's earnings plunge of 71% in the first quarter.
• NIH collecting Americans' private medical records without explicit consent for autism study — Director of the National Institutes of Health Dr. Jay Bhattacharya announced that the NIH is collecting Americans' private medical records from federal and commercial databases, including from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Indian Health Service, pharmacy medication records, and smartwatch/fitness tracker data, to support Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s pledge to identify autism causes by September. The NIH is also in talks with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to access additional databases.
• NIH collects private medical records for autism study — The National Institutes of Health (NIH) announced it is collecting private medical records from various sources, including federal and commercial databases, to study the causes of autism. This initiative has raised concerns about privacy and the handling of sensitive health information.

Supporting reports

• Social Security Administration abandons plan to restrict phone service for new claims — On March 17, Popular Information published an internal SSA memo revealing a plan to end phone service for new benefit claims, forcing up to 85,000 elderly and disabled people weekly to travel to field offices for identity verification. The policy, framed as fraud mitigation, would have created severe operational strain given existing month-long appointment wait times. After national media coverage, advocacy group opposition (including AARP), and congressional pressure, the SSA delayed implementation from March 31 to April 14, then abandoned the plan entirely on April 8, announcing that phone claims would remain available for all claim types, with in-person appointments required only for applications flagged with fraud risk indicators.
• Social Security Administration cancels plan to restrict phone service after Popular Information investigation — On March 17, Popular Information published an internal SSA memo revealing plans to significantly limit phone service beginning April 1, which would flood field offices with millions of additional people and create "service disruption," "operational strain," and "budget shortfalls." After major national news outlets and advocacy groups including AARP amplified the reporting, the SSA announced on April 9 that it was scrapping the plan and would continue allowing all claim types to be completed over the telephone.
• Social Security Administration initially proposed restricting phone service for new benefit claims — An internal SSA memo, dated prior to March 17, 2025, outlined a plan to eliminate phone service for new Social Security benefit claims, requiring up to 85,000 elderly and disabled people each week to visit field offices in person for identity verification. The policy was justified as a fraud-mitigation measure, despite existing safeguards requiring social security numbers, dates of birth, parental names, and verification against tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and medical records. An SSA source characterized the initiative as part of an effort "to break the agency and hurt the public." The plan was scheduled for implementation on March 31, 2025.

Supporting reports

• Kennedy conceded that MMR vaccine is most effective measles prevention — Facing pressure as the measles outbreak spread and following Senator Cassidy's public rebuke, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted on social media that "The most effective way to prevent the spread of measles is the MMR vaccine." This statement represented a reversal of his earlier position characterizing vaccines as a personal decision.
• RFK Jr remained silent on vaccine efficacy during measles outbreak funeral visit — Robert F Kennedy Jr, the Trump administration's health secretary, visited the funeral of Daisy Hildebrand, an eight-year-old who died from measles in Seminole, Texas on April 6, 2025. The child's father, Pete Hildebrand, stated that Kennedy "never said anything" about vaccine efficacy during the visit, despite Kennedy later issuing a statement acknowledging the MMR vaccine as "the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles." Kennedy subsequently undermined this messaging by praising unconventional practitioners who eschew vaccination in favor of vitamins and cod liver oil. The visit occurred amid a measles outbreak that had claimed three lives and spread across multiple states.
• Second child dies from measles in Texas; RFK Jr. to attend funeral — The Department of Health and Human Services confirmed that a second child with measles in Texas has died. Over 500 people in Texas have been infected and 56 have been hospitalized. One adult has also died. NBC reported that RFK Jr. was planning to attend the child's funeral. The outbreak reflects broader public health concerns related to vaccine hesitancy and reduced vaccination rates.
• Second child died of measles in West Texas amid vaccine hesitancy — A second child died of measles in West Texas as an outbreak continued. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has a history of opposing vaccines, continued to characterize vaccines as a personal decision rather than a public health imperative. Kennedy, who is not a doctor, promoted the idea that ingesting Vitamin A helps measles patients recover. Following his suggestion, a Texas hospital reported treating children with toxic levels of Vitamin A in their bodies.
• Former FDA vaccine chief refused to allow RFK Jr.'s team to edit vaccine safety database — Former Food and Drug Administration vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks told AP that shortly before he was forced to resign, he refused to give RFK Jr.'s team permission to edit data in a vaccine safety database out of fear that it might be manipulated or deleted.
• Health and Human Services Secretary Comments on Measles Outbreak — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced backlash for his handling of a measles outbreak, which has resulted in the deaths of two children in West Texas. Despite previously opposing vaccines, Kennedy conceded that the MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles, amid pressure from lawmakers and public health officials.
• RFK Jr. makes false claims about autism at cabinet meeting — At an April 10 cabinet meeting, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr claimed that autism is an "epidemic" caused by environmental toxins, stated he would identify the cause by September, and asserted that autistic people do not contribute to society or lead fulfilled lives and that autism "destroys" families. He hired David Geier—who was found by Maryland in 2011 to have practiced medicine without a license—to oversee research linking autism to the MMR vaccine. Research shows genetics underlie 95% of autism cases, and autism is a neurological developmental disorder, not a disease.

Supporting reports

• HHS mass layoffs eliminate public health programs across CDC, FDA, and related agencies — HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr implemented layoffs affecting approximately 10,000 employees (one-quarter of the 82,000-person workforce) on April 1–2, 2025. The cuts eliminated entire divisions and programs including the CDC's infertility expertise branch, the Division of Environmental Health Science and Practice (responsible for climate health, lead poisoning, asthma, air quality), the FDA's tobacco policy division, the FDA's media affairs and drug communications teams, and the Administration for Community Living's disability and elderly services. The Mine Safety and Health Administration also sustained cuts affecting coal miner respiratory protection programs. Layoffs occurred with minimal public notice and left Congress uninformed.
• Department of Health and Human Services conducted mass layoffs affecting CDC, NIH, and FDA — The Department of Health and Human Services executed mass layoffs that gutted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on April 1, 2025. The layoffs significantly reduced capacity at three critical federal health agencies.
• HHS fires thousands of employees across FDA, CDC, and NIH — On April 1, HHS fired thousands of employees, including 3,500 staffers at the Food and Drug Administration, 2,400 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 1,200 from the National Institutes of Health. Former FDA Commissioner Robert Califf stated that the FDA "as we've known it is finished." The cuts included all employees responsible for handling Freedom of Information Act requests at the CDC and two-thirds of records request staff at the FDA.
• Trump administration implements mass layoffs at Health and Human Services, targeting 8,000–10,000 employees — The Trump administration, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., began laying off thousands of HHS employees on April 1, 2025. Workers across the country were summoned to federal buildings and informed of termination via badge-scan systems. The cuts target 8,000–10,000 positions across multiple agencies, including 3,500 at the FDA, 2,400 at the CDC, 1,200 at the NIH, and 300 at CMS. The restructuring aims to reduce HHS staffing from 82,000 to 62,000 positions, eliminating nearly a quarter of the workforce. Positions in human resources, procurement, finance, IT, and "high cost regions" are prioritized for elimination.
• RFK Jr acknowledges 20% of HHS job cuts were errors; reinstatement process underway — Robert F Kennedy Jr, US health secretary, admitted that approximately 2,000 of the 10,000 jobs cut from the Department of Health and Human Services this week were terminated in error and will be reinstated. The cuts, orchestrated by Elon Musk's "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE), were intended to target administrative roles but mistakenly eliminated research positions, including CDC programs monitoring lead exposure in children and FDA tobacco policy divisions. Kennedy stated reinstatement was always part of the plan, though specifics on which staff and functions will be restored remain unclear.
• HHS reinstates roughly 20% of fired employees — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told reporters on April 3 that roughly 20% of the 10,000 jobs cut from the HHS were being reinstated, claiming the firings were made in error. The reinstatement of a portion of fired employees suggests the initial cuts were not fully justified.
• Department of Health and Human Services slashed CDC jobs and programs. — On Tuesday (April 1), the Department of Health and Human Services slashed jobs and programs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The cuts occurred even as measles continues to spread across the country and two Louisiana infants have died of whooping cough. The timing and scope of the cuts undermined the CDC's capacity to respond to ongoing public health threats.
• Termination of Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System team — In April 2025, the entire team behind the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), a critical tool for understanding maternal and child health outcomes, was eliminated. The loss of this team has rendered the system non-functional despite the registry remaining nominally in place, disrupting maternal and child health monitoring at state and local levels.
• NIH layoffs of senior researchers in neurological disease research — Senator Dick Durbin detailed to HHS Secretary Kennedy that on April 1, ten laboratory heads at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes—all PhDs and senior investigators—received layoff notices. Science magazine reported 25 of 320 physician researchers at NIH's Internal Clinical Center are leaving, patient numbers in the hospital have been reduced by 30%, and three grants involving ALS and dementia work at Northwestern University in Illinois have been paused. An ALS researcher at Harvard also had his grant cut. When Durbin asked Kennedy about these cuts, Kennedy claimed he had no knowledge of them until Durbin informed him.
• CDC officials overseeing bird flu response fired — On 1 April 2025, several CDC officials overseeing the bird flu (H5N1) response were fired. Following their dismissal, testing of people exposed to sick animals dropped dramatically from approximately 830 people tested by late February to only about 50 people tested afterward, with no positive cases announced. This reduction in surveillance coincided with a broader erosion of pandemic preparedness infrastructure.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr announces 10,000 job cuts and restructuring of HHS — Robert F Kennedy Jr, US Health Secretary, announced the elimination of approximately 10,000 jobs from the Department of Health and Human Services' 82,000-person workforce, combined with previous cuts bringing total losses to roughly 20,000 workers. The restructuring includes closing half of HHS's regional offices, consolidating 28 branches into 15 new divisions, and creating a new agency called the "administration for a healthy America." Specific cuts target the FDA (3,500 employees), CDC (2,400), NIH (1,200), and CMS (300). Kennedy characterized the cuts as streamlining bureaucracy and realigning the department with new priorities.
• Robert F Kennedy Jr announces 20,000 HHS layoffs — Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced the Department of Health and Human Services will lay off approximately 20,000 workers—nearly 25% of its 82,000-person workforce—and consolidate 28 branches into 15. The cuts affect agencies including the CDC, NIH, CMS, and FDA. Health experts and Democratic senators warn the layoffs will impair pandemic preparedness and enable privatization of critical public health services, exacerbating health inequalities and undermining disease surveillance and emergency response capacity.
• HHS announces additional workforce reductions — The Department of Health and Human Services announced plans to cut 10,000 employees in addition to 10,000 who have already departed and more than 5,000 probationary workers fired in the previous month. The cuts include 3,500 full-time employees from the Food and Drug Administration and 2,400 employees from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, further degrading public health agency capacity.
• Trump administration implements workforce reductions across federal agencies — Internal White House documents obtained by the Washington Post detail planned employee cuts ranging from 8% to 50% across federal agencies. The Department of Housing and Urban Development faces a 50% workforce reduction, the Interior Department 25%, the IRS approximately one-third, the Justice Department 8%, the National Science Foundation 28%, the Commerce Department 30%, and the Small Business Administration 43%. These cuts follow earlier dismissals of approximately 20,000 IRS employees, particularly in enforcement divisions.
• Trump administration withholds federal funding from Columbia University over antisemitism concerns — The Trump administration withheld $400 million in federal grants from Columbia University, citing antisemitism concerns, until the university complied with administration demands. After Columbia's leadership agreed to changes, administration officials stated the modifications were only "early steps" and warned that other universities "should expect the same level of scrutiny and swiftness of action if they don't act to protect their students and stop anti-Semitic behavior on campus."

Supporting reports

• Phoenix police suspend three officers for beating deaf Black man with cerebral palsy — Phoenix Police Department interim chief Michael Sullivan announced 24-hour unpaid suspensions for three officers (Benjamin Harris, Kyle Sue, and Jorge Acosta) involved in the August 2024 arrest of Tyron McAlpin, a deaf Black man with cerebral palsy. Body-camera and surveillance footage showed officers tasering McAlpin four times and punching him at least 10 times after he was falsely identified by a white bystander. McAlpin filed a $3.5 million notice of claim against the city and officers in November 2024.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Financial Fraud Prevention — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14249 to enhance financial integrity and operational efficiency in federal disbursements. The order mandates the Department of the Treasury to implement stricter verification processes for agency payments to prevent fraud and improper payments. It also requires agencies to consolidate financial systems and report compliance plans to the Office of Management and Budget.
• Trump issued executive order mandating transition to electronic federal payments by September 30, 2025 — President Trump signed an executive order requiring the federal government to phase out paper-based payments (checks, money orders) and transition to electronic funds transfers (EFT) for all federal disbursements and receipts by September 30, 2025. The order cites cost savings, fraud reduction, and operational efficiency. Exceptions are permitted for individuals without banking access, emergency situations, and national security matters. Agencies must submit compliance plans within 90 days; Treasury must report progress within 180 days.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order to phase out federal paper checks by September 30, 2025 — The White House published a fact sheet on March 25, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that mandates the federal government cease issuing paper checks for all disbursements by September 30, 2025. The order requires transition to electronic funds transfer methods including direct deposit, debit/credit cards, digital wallets, and real-time transfers. The fact sheet claims paper checks impose unnecessary costs, delays, and fraud risks, citing $657 million in fiscal year 2024 costs for physical infrastructure and a 16-fold higher loss/theft rate for Treasury checks versus electronic transfers. Exceptions are stated for unbanked populations and emergency payments.
• White House signed Executive Order 14247 mandating transition to electronic federal payments — The White House issued Executive Order 14247 on March 25, 2025, directing the federal government to phase out paper-based payments (checks, money orders) and transition to electronic funds transfers (EFT) for all federal disbursements and receipts by September 30, 2025. The order states that paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost, stolen, or altered than EFT, and that maintaining physical payment infrastructure cost taxpayers over $657 million in Fiscal Year 2024. The order mandates agencies coordinate with Treasury to enroll recipients in digital payment options, with limited exceptions for unbanked populations and emergency situations.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14247 mandating transition from paper checks to electronic payments for all federal disbursements and receipts by September 30, 2025. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14247 on March 25, 2025, directing the Treasury Secretary to cease issuing paper checks for federal disbursements—including benefits, vendor payments, and tax refunds—effective September 30, 2025, except where electronic payment is infeasible. The order cites $657 million in annual costs for paper-check infrastructure and increased mail theft. Agencies must transition to electronic funds transfer (EFT), direct deposit, prepaid cards, and digital wallets. The Treasury must develop a public awareness campaign and coordinate with financial institutions to address access for unbanked populations. Agencies must submit compliance plans within 90 days.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department removes ADA guidelines — The Department of Justice has removed 11 guidelines for US businesses regarding compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These guidelines included information on Covid-19, masking, and accessibility. The removal was justified by a press release stating the guidelines were "unnecessary and outdated." The action follows a January executive order by Donald Trump, which criticized government regulation for contributing to inflation. The DOJ plans to promote tax incentives to help businesses with accessibility improvements.
• Justice Department withdraws 11 pieces of ADA compliance guidance in response to cost-of-living memorandum — The Department of Justice announced the withdrawal of 11 pieces of guidance related to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, including COVID-19-era guidance on service animals, mask exemptions, visitor access to hospitals, and accessibility standards for retail and lodging. The department characterized the withdrawal as streamlining compliance resources and reducing business costs. The Civil Rights Division stated the action aims to eliminate "unnecessary review" while highlighting available tax incentives for disability-related access improvements.

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

• Social Security Administration planned significant reduction in phone service access — On March 17, Popular Information published an internal Social Security Administration memo revealing plans to significantly limit phone service beginning April 1. The memo indicated the plan would flood already overburdened field offices with millions of additional people, creating "service disruption," "operational strain," and "budget shortfalls." Following extensive national media coverage and protests from advocacy groups, the SSA announced on March 26 that it was scaling back the plan and delaying implementation.
• Proposed Changes to Social Security Administration — An internal memo from the Social Security Administration proposed requiring beneficiaries to visit field offices for identification verification if they cannot access the internet. This change is expected to increase in-person visits significantly, despite current office closures and long wait times. The memo warns of potential service disruptions and challenges for vulnerable populations.
• Social Security Administration memo proposes in-person verification — An internal memo from the Social Security Administration, written by acting deputy commissioner Doris Diaz, proposed requiring beneficiaries to visit field offices for identification verification if they cannot access the internet. This change is expected to increase in-person visits by 14%, despite current office closures and long wait times. Diaz warned of potential service disruptions and challenges for vulnerable populations.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed executive order to dismantle Department of Education — On Thursday, Donald Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This action aims to fulfill a campaign promise to reduce federal involvement in education. The order directs Education Secretary Linda McMahon to take steps to facilitate the closure of the department, although complete elimination would require congressional approval. The move raises concerns about the future of federal education programs, particularly those supporting marginalized students, and the management of federal student loans.

Supporting reports

• US Department of Education workforce reduction — The US Department of Education has laid off half of its workforce, with the stated goal of dismantling the department entirely. This significant reduction in staff is expected to have a detrimental effect on educational services, particularly for students with disabilities and other young people. The layoffs have raised concerns about the future of public education and the support available to vulnerable student populations.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration executive order targeting states with late-ballot policies — A March executive order by President Trump sought to punish states that allow mail-in ballots to arrive after election day. At least three states have ended the practice in response. Lawsuits challenging this portion of the executive order remain ongoing.
• Trump issues executive order targeting mail-in ballot counting — President Trump issued an executive order in March directing the attorney general to "take all necessary action" against states that count mail-in ballots received after election day if postmarked by the deadline. The order prompted immediate legal challenges from the Brennan Center, ACLU, League of Women Voters, and other organizations seeking to block its implementation.
• Trump issues executive order imposing proof-of-citizenship and mail ballot restrictions — In March 2025, President Trump issued an executive order seeking to impose proof-of-citizenship requirements on federal voter registration forms and to bar states from accepting mail ballots that arrive after Election Day, even if postmarked before. Courts blocked much of the order, but in August, Trump doubled down by pledging to "get rid of" mail voting altogether before the 2026 midterms. The threat has amplified right-wing suspicion of absentee ballots and emboldened state-level crackdowns.

Supporting reports

• ICE detention and release of Rodney Taylor, double amputee with prior conviction — Rodney Taylor, a 47-year-old Liberian-born green-card applicant and double amputee, was detained by ICE on February 15, 2025, after agents dragged him from his car in front of his children. He was held at Georgia's Stewart Detention Center for over 14 months due to a burglary conviction from his teenage years that Georgia pardoned in 2010. Despite a habeas corpus petition, multiple protests, letters from state officials, and a March 4 Capitol Hill hearing by Representative Lucy McBath citing dangerous detention conditions, ICE maintained his detention until his release on May 1, 2026. His health deteriorated significantly during detention, including development of bone spurs.

Supporting reports

• Trump signed executive orders to scrub diversity terms from health websites — On his first day in office, Donald Trump signed executive orders mandating the removal of terms related to race, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, and other diversity-related terms from U.S. health agency websites. This action led to the temporary removal of thousands of webpages and the permanent alteration of content, affecting the availability of vital health information. The orders have raised concerns about the impact on health research and the ability of healthcare providers to access necessary information for evidence-based care.

Supporting reports

• Disability Rights Oregon sues Grants Pass over camping regulations — Disability Rights Oregon has filed a lawsuit against the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, accusing it of violating state law by enforcing camping regulations that are not "objectively reasonable." The lawsuit claims that the city's limited and inaccessible shelter options, particularly for people with disabilities, leave many unhoused individuals without legal options for survival. The suit follows a Supreme Court ruling that allowed cities to ban outdoor sleeping and fine individuals, even when shelter beds are insufficient. The lawsuit seeks to block the city from enforcing its current camping rules.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order Revoking DEI Policies — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14173, revoking several previous executive orders related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The order mandates federal agencies to terminate discriminatory DEI practices and enforce civil-rights laws. It also directs the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to cease promoting diversity and affirmative action among federal contractors. The order aims to restore merit-based opportunities and eliminate identity-based preferences in federal and private sectors.
• Trump revokes Equal Employment Opportunity Act — President Trump signed an executive order revoking the Equal Employment Opportunity Act, which had prohibited discrimination against protected classes in employment by federal contractors since 1965. This action removes longstanding protections against employment discrimination for those working with federal contractors.
• Trump issues executive order to end DEI policies — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 21, 2025, titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." The order directs federal agencies to terminate all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies deemed discriminatory and illegal. It revokes several previous executive orders related to diversity and inclusion, including Executive Order 12898 and Executive Order 13583. The order also mandates federal contractors to comply with civil-rights laws and prohibits DEI practices that violate these laws. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with revising government-wide processes to eliminate DEI references.
• Trump administration targets DEI programs — On January 21, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across various sectors, including federal agencies, corporations, and educational institutions. The order claims these programs constitute "illegal discrimination" and mandates federal agencies to identify potential civil compliance investigations into organizations implementing DEI initiatives. The order suggests that DEI programs discriminate against white men, framing them as a threat to traditional American values. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI initiatives.
• President Trump signed executive order terminating diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in federal government and directing enforcement against private-sector DEI practices. — On January 21, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity." The order revokes four prior executive orders and one presidential memorandum related to environmental justice, federal workforce diversity, and national security workforce diversity. It directs the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs to cease promoting diversity and affirmative action among federal contractors. The order requires OMB to remove DEI references from federal acquisition and contracting procedures. It directs the Attorney General to submit a 120-day report recommending enforcement actions against private-sector DEI programs, identifying up to nine potential civil compliance investigations per agency targeting corporations, nonprofits, foundations, bar associations, medical associations, and universities. The order also directs joint guidance from the Attorney General and Secretary of Education to educational institutions on compliance with the Supreme Court's Students for Fair Admissions decision.
• White House issued fact sheet on executive order terminating DEI programs in federal workforce and contracting — The White House published a fact sheet on January 22, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that the document states terminates "diversity, equity, and inclusion" (DEI) programs in the federal workforce and federal contracting. The order claims to revoke Executive Order 11246, bar the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs from workforce-balancing requirements, and direct agencies to investigate private-sector DEI practices. The fact sheet asserts the order enforces civil rights statutes and advances "colorblind equality before the law."
• Trump signs executive orders affecting healthcare access — Within his first 48 hours back in office, Donald Trump signed several executive orders that repeal Biden-era directives expanding healthcare access for lower-income and middle-class Americans. These orders are expected to impact the medical insurance coverage of approximately 20 million people, affecting aspects of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) such as eligibility requirements and federal subsidies. The repealed orders include those aimed at reducing prescription drug costs and expanding Medicaid coverage. The actions are anticipated to create more barriers to healthcare access and increase costs for remaining insurance options.
• Trump signs executive orders ending federal DEI programs — President Donald Trump signed two executive orders targeting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) programs within the federal government. The first order mandates the closure of all DEIA offices and initiatives within 60 days, reversing previous executive actions by Joe Biden. The second order overturns longstanding equity policies, including those from the civil rights era. Federal employees in DEIA roles were placed on paid leave as agencies begin to dismantle these programs. The orders reflect Trump's stance against DEI, which he claims promotes discrimination against historically dominant groups.
• US State Department suspends DEI training materials — The US State Department's Foreign Service Institute has suspended access to over 1,200 training courses, including more than 2,100 items related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This action, effective January 22, 2025, follows recent executive orders and marks a significant change in the department's educational policy. The suspension includes the removal of DEI-focused courses from the department's learning platform and a freeze on new enrollments for certain courses. The review is ongoing, and some courses may not return to the catalog.
• Trump signed executive orders reversing DEI efforts — On January 23, 2025, Donald Trump signed two executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the federal government. The first order terminates DEI programs initiated under Joe Biden, while the second broadly bans DEI activities, overturning past executive orders, including one from Lyndon B. Johnson. These orders grant the Trump administration broad authority to eliminate DEI measures and require federal employees to report colleagues furthering DEI efforts. The legality of these orders may be challenged in court.
• Trump repeals Executive Order 11246 — President Donald Trump issued an executive order repealing Executive Order 11246, originally signed by President Lyndon Johnson in 1965. This order had prohibited government contractors with contracts over $10,000 from discriminating in hiring or employment based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Trump's repeal is part of an initiative to end what he describes as "radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing." The repeal could hinder opportunities for minorities and women in government contracting, as it removes requirements for contractors to demonstrate non-discrimination and gather workforce composition data.