Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Judges rule against Trump administration in 75 First Amendment cases — Reuters analysis found that federal judges ruled against the Trump administration on First Amendment grounds in 75 of 93 cases where such arguments were raised, compared to 13 rulings against the Biden administration in 27 cases. The rulings covered retaliation against law firms, journalist restrictions, university funding cuts, actions against pro-Palestinian students and faculty, and excessive force at protests. Ten decisions came from Republican-appointed judges. The administration appealed approximately two-thirds of the rulings and persuaded appeals courts to pause or overturn 15 decisions.

Supporting reports

• DOJ official encouraged prosecutors to "go big" and "go loud" in prosecuting protesters — A top Justice Department official encouraged prosecutors to "go big" and "go loud" when pursuing criminal charges against people who protested against the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, according to reporting. The Minneapolis case is one of several the DOJ has brought across the U.S. leveling charges against wide swaths of protesters, including cases in Texas where prosecutors secured decades-long sentences for nine people protesting outside an ICE facility.
• Law enforcement provided false information in criminal case against journalist Georgia Fort — Federal law enforcement officials, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), provided false information to federal judges in at least 15 search warrant applications and to a grand jury in the case against independent journalist Georgia Fort, who was charged alongside nearly 40 others after interrupting a Minnesota church service to protest an ICE official serving as a pastor. The Justice Department later conceded the false claims. Fort's lawyers filed motions on Thursday seeking dismissal, arguing the prosecution violates the First Amendment, fails to state an actual crime, and is vindictive retaliation against her journalism.
• Prosecutors charged journalist Georgia Fort with conspiracy to interfere with religious rights for documenting anti-ICE protest — Journalist Georgia Fort was charged with conspiracy to interfere with the religious rights of parishioners after she entered and documented a protest at Cities church in St Paul, Minnesota, where demonstrators interrupted a service upon learning an ICE official was a pastor. Fort's lawyers argue the prosecution is vindictive retaliation targeting her for her journalism and for amplifying a message the government opposes, violating the First Amendment.
• Prosecutors made false claims in search warrant applications regarding protest conduct — In search warrant applications, prosecutors claimed a congregant had broken her arm during the protest when she had not, and made other false characterizations of Fort's conduct, including claims she conspired with others in advance when evidence showed she arrived late and was not present for planning discussions. Prosecutors also claimed Fort blocked a van from leaving when her own livestream showed the van left easily.
• Journalist Georgia Fort indicted for covering anti-ICE protest; seeks dismissal on First Amendment grounds — Attorneys for Twin Cities journalist Georgia Fort asked a federal judge to dismiss charges against her for covering an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church, arguing the indictment violates her First Amendment rights. Fort was indicted alongside former CNN host Don Lemon and dozens of protesters on charges of conspiring against the right of religious freedom at a place of worship. Her attorneys argue the 19-page indictment contains no allegation of physical force, threats, or blocking the church entrance, and that her role was to observe and document. Magistrate Judge John Docherty twice refused to sign search warrants for Fort's and Lemon's YouTube accounts, finding they violated the Privacy Protection Act of 1980. A government attorney acknowledged a mischaracterization in an affidavit at a July hearing.

Supporting reports

• Complaint and TRO motion filed in Mytych v. Griess (D.D.C.) — David Mytych, a member of Accountability NOW USA, filed a complaint and motion for temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia challenging the National Park Service's denial of his permit to hold a counter-demonstration within sight and sound of the Freedom 250: Salute to America event on the National Mall on July 4, 2026. NPS offered McPherson Square and Indiana Plaza as alternate demonstration sites, which Mytych alleges are more than half a mile from the event and do not provide meaningful access to his intended audience. Mytych alleges the denial violates the First Amendment's speech and assembly protections, constitutes viewpoint discrimination and retaliation based on his anti-Trump message, and is arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Supporting reports

• Section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expired at midnight — At midnight on June 12–13, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expired, marking the first lapse in the program's nearly 18-year history. On June 12, the House failed to pass even a three-week extension, falling short on a 198–218 vote. Three separate Senate attempts also failed before lawmakers left town. Section 702 permits the government to collect communications of foreigners abroad without a warrant, but Americans are swept up when they communicate with those targets, and agencies have repeatedly searched that data without warrants, including queries on protesters, journalists, and lawmakers. Trump had installed Bill Pulte, a loyalist with no intelligence background known for targeting Trump critics with mortgage fraud investigations, as acting Director of National Intelligence, prompting Democratic refusal to renew the tool.

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• Tennessee House Speaker stripped Democrats from committee assignments — On May 12, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed all House Democrats from their standing committee and subcommittee assignments, citing disruption during the special session redistricting vote. Sexton's letter accused Democratic lawmakers of interlocking arms, blocking aisles, and using prohibited props or noisemakers. Rep. Justin Pearson stated the removal affected "me and every Democrat, and therefore every Black elected official in the state legislature." Reps. Justin Jones, Gabby Salinas, and Gloria Johnson confirmed removal. Lt. Governor McNally's office indicated additional actions against participants may be under review.
• Tennessee House speaker removed all House Democrats from standing committees — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed all House Democrats from standing committees, claiming they had behaved in a way "aimed at disrupting the democratic and legislative processes" as they protested the mid-decade redistricting that eliminated Tennessee's only majority-Black, Democratic district. State Representative Justin J. Pearson noted the removal stripped "every Black elected official in the state legislature from any committee we served on" and removed representation for "nearly 2 million Tennesseans."
• Tennessee House Speaker stripped Democratic lawmakers of committee assignments in retaliation for protest — Tennessee House speaker Cameron Sexton removed all House Democrats from standing committees, stating they had behaved in a way "aimed at disrupting the democratic and legislative processes" as they protested mid-decade redistricting that eliminated Tennessee's only majority-Black, Democratic district. State representative Justin J. Pearson noted that this action removed "every Black elected official in the state legislature from any committee we served on" and stripped "nearly 2 million Tennesseans from the representation they deserve."
• Tennessee House speaker removes all Democrats from committees — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed House Democrats from their standing committee and subcommittee assignments following their protests during a special legislative session. This action occurred after Republican lawmakers approved a new congressional map that dismantles Tennessee's only majority-Black congressional district by splitting Black voters across three majority-white districts. Committee removal reduces the legislative voice of both the affected lawmakers and their constituents.
• — On May 12, 2026, Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton removed all House Democrats from standing committees, citing their protests against the mid-decade redistricting as disruptive to legislative processes. This action effectively stripped representation from nearly 2 million Tennesseans, including all Black elected officials in the state legislature.

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• Tennessee state troopers cleared House gallery during redistricting debate — As protesters filled the Tennessee state Capitol to oppose the new congressional map, state troopers cleared the House gallery. Democratic lawmakers walked out in protest. State Rep. Justin Pearson of Memphis called the new maps "racist tools of white supremacy," and State Rep. Gloria Johnson of Knoxville said, "This is not a special session. This is a white-power rally and a white-power grab."

Supporting reports

• Nine activists convicted on terrorism charges in Texas ICE protest case — Nine activists were convicted in Texas federal court on terrorism and related charges stemming from a March 2025 protest outside an ICE facility near Fort Worth. Eight were convicted of riot, explosives, and material support to terrorists; one (Benjamin Song) was convicted of attempted murder after shooting a police officer; a ninth was convicted for moving zines days after the protest. The Trump administration framed the verdict as vindication of its campaign against "antifa," though legal experts and the trial judge noted the charges had no organizational nexus and the terrorism label was legally irrelevant to the convictions.

Supporting reports

• U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez imposed restrictions on ICE's tactics in response to protesters' lawsuits, but the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals quickly stayed her decision at the Trump administration's request. — U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez, overseeing lawsuits by protesters contesting illegal arrests and retaliation by ICE officers, imposed restrictions on ICE's ability to use pepper spray and other munitions against demonstrators. However, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals quickly granted a Trump administration request to stay her decision, a move that led to public celebration from top DOJ and DHS officials. Attorneys for protesters subsequently urged the federal appeals court to reinstate the restrictions, arguing that expected further protests in response to Pretti's death create "an urgent need for intervention."
• Federal appeals court allows tear gas and pepper spray against Minnesota protesters — A federal appeals court decision paved the way for federal officers to continue using tear gas and pepper spray against peaceful protesters in Minnesota. Following the ruling, a senior U.S. Border Patrol official, Greg Bovino, used tear gas against protesters in Minneapolis.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Tincher v. Noem (D. Minn.) 0:25-cv-04669 — The Eighth Circuit stayed the lower court's preliminary injunction restricting ICE officers' actions during protests and denied Plaintiffs' emergency motion to lift the administrative stay, finding that the injunction was overbroad and vague. The panel granted Plaintiffs' request for expedited merits briefing.

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• Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals lifts injunction blocking ICE pepper-spray and arrest of peaceful protesters in Minnesota — The Eighth US Circuit Court of Appeals granted the Trump administration's request for an administrative stay of a preliminary injunction issued by Judge Katherine Menendez on January 17, 2026. Menendez had prohibited ICE agents from pepper-spraying, arresting, or detaining peaceful protesters, and from stopping or detaining drivers without reasonable cause, ruling that ICE's actions had a "chilling effect" on First Amendment rights. The appeals court's temporary lifting of these restrictions came as Vice President JD Vance prepared to visit Minneapolis.
• Federal appeals court allows continued use of tear gas and pepper spray against protesters — A federal appeals court decision paved the way for federal officers to continue using tear gas and pepper spray against peaceful protesters in Minnesota. Following the ruling, a senior U.S. Border Patrol official threw tear gas at protesters in Minneapolis.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Tincher v. Noem (D. Minn.) 0:25-cv-04669 — The Eighth Circuit issued an administrative stay of Judge Menendez's preliminary injunction, temporarily lifting the restrictions on ICE's use of force against protesters.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge orders ICE to cease pepper spray use against Minneapolis protesters — U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez issued an order on Friday directing federal law enforcement to stop using pepper spray against peaceful protesters in Minneapolis. The judge found that ICE agents had deployed "chemical irritants" against demonstrators exercising "protected first amendment rights to assemble and to observe and protest ICE operations." The ruling came amid escalating tensions surrounding Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration's intensive immigration enforcement operation in the city.

Supporting reports

• Department of Justice announces settlement with Northwestern University on civil rights compliance — The Department of Justice, Department of Education, and Department of Health and Human Services announced a settlement with Northwestern University requiring the institution to pay $75 million through 2028 and comply with federal anti-discrimination laws. The agreement mandates Northwestern eliminate race-based admissions preferences, maintain policies on campus demonstrations and protests, implement mandatory antisemitism training for all students, faculty, and staff, and have university leadership certify quarterly compliance under penalty of perjury. Pending federal investigations will be closed and the university will remain eligible for federal grants and contracts.
• White House finalizes deal with Northwestern University — The New York Times reported that the White House is finalizing a deal with Northwestern University in which the school would pay a $75 million fine in exchange for the Trump administration restoring hundreds of millions in federal funds and closing a federal investigation into the university.
• Trump administration reached settlement with Northwestern University on federal funding — The Trump administration reached an agreement with Northwestern University to restore more than $790 million in federal research funding and end an investigation into alleged discrimination against Jewish students. As part of the settlement, the university will pay $75 million to the federal government, develop training materials to "socialize international students," overhaul campus demonstration policies, and comply with federal anti-discrimination laws.

Supporting reports

• Judge Ellis orders CBP officer Bovino to appear in court for TRO violations — U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered CBP sector chief Greg Bovino to appear in court on October 28, 2025, after a video showed him throwing what appeared to be a tear gas canister at protesters without warning. Plaintiffs argued the action violated the temporary restraining order Ellis had issued on October 9. Immigration officers claimed a "mob" of "hostile and violent" rioters had thrown a rock at Bovino and hit him in the head, though no videos from the protest corroborated this claim. At the October 28 hearing, Ellis reminded Bovino that agents must give warnings before throwing tear gas and called out specific incidents, including one in which an agent pointed a pepper gun and real gun at a combat veteran lawfully standing on the roadside, and another in which federal agents threw tear gas near a children's Halloween costume parade.
• Judge Ellis orders CBP officer Bovino to obtain body camera and undergo training — U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered CBP sector chief Greg Bovino to obtain a body camera by Friday and undergo training in its use after Bovino stated he does not wear one and has not been trained. Ellis reminded Bovino that the camera would enable him to substantiate claims such as the alleged rock-throwing incident. Ellis also ordered Bovino to submit all reports and body camera footage of use-of-force incidents in and around Chicago by Friday and to appear in her court every day at 6:00 p.m. to keep her informed of agents' actions. Bovino promised to abide by the temporary restraining order.
• Case update — Chicago Headline Club v. Noem (N.D. Ill.) 1:25-cv-12173 — Judge Ellis further clarified her TRO and ordered that all federal agents place a conspicuous identifier on their uniforms and reiterated that all CPB agents should wear body cameras. She further required that CPB Commander Geregory Bovino wear a body camera and report to her each afternoon to provide updates on the operation, and that the Defendants provide her with all body camera video and use of force reports to date by Oct. 31 and all subsequent such video and reports within 24 hours of the reports being finalized. She also directed that Defendants should provide her by Oct. 31 with a chart of all individuals detained for violations not related to immigration enforcement.
• Federal judge orders daily court reporting by border patrol chief over Chicago enforcement — US District Judge Sara Ellis ordered Gregory Bovino, chief of the El Centro border patrol sector leading Trump's "Operation Midway Blitz" immigration crackdown in Chicago, to appear in federal court each weekday to report on enforcement incidents. The order followed a hearing where Ellis rebuked Bovino for agents' use of chemical irritants against residents, including children in Halloween costumes. Ellis also mandated Bovino obtain body camera training by Friday. The order represents an exceptional judicial attempt to impose oversight after agents repeatedly violated prior court orders restricting use of force.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — O'Hara v. Beck et al. (D.D.C. 1:25-cv-03753) — Sam O'Hara, a District of Columbia resident, filed suit in federal court against Sgt. Devon Beck of the Ohio National Guard, four Metropolitan Police Department officers, and the District of Columbia, alleging that on September 11, 2025, he was unlawfully detained, handcuffed, and prevented from peacefully protesting the National Guard's presence in D.C. while playing music and recording. O'Hara alleges First Amendment violations (suppression of speech and retaliation), Fourth Amendment violations (unreasonable seizure and excessive force), and common law false arrest, false imprisonment, and battery. He seeks declaratory relief, compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys' fees, and a jury trial.
• DC resident sues over arrest while protesting national guard deployment with Star Wars music — Sam O'Hara, a Washington DC resident, filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia alleging constitutional violations after his arrest on an unspecified date in September 2025. O'Hara was detained by DC Metro Police after following a national guard patrol while playing "The Imperial March" from Star Wars to protest the Trump administration's deployment of troops. A national guard member, Devon Beck, called police, who handcuffed O'Hara and prevented him from continuing his protest. O'Hara, represented by an ACLU attorney, claims violations of his First and Fourth Amendment rights and seeks compensatory damages.

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• House Republicans held press conference dismissing No Kings protests as un-American — Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Whip Tom Emmer, and Rep. Chip Roy held a press conference during a shutdown to attack the No Kings Day protests held the previous weekend. They characterized the demonstrations as a "hate America rally," claimed protesters were celebrating the death of Republicans, and accused Democrats of promoting Marxists and Islamists. The statements were made despite the protests being peaceful and drawing an estimated 5.5 million participants.

Supporting reports

• Sen. Ted Cruz introduced legislation to prosecute funding sources of No Kings protests using RICO statutes — Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced on Fox News that he has introduced legislation authorizing the Department of Justice to use RICO statutes to prosecute entities funding the No Kings rallies, claiming without evidence that George Soros and his network are behind the funding. The statement conflates protest funding with potential riot activity and proposes using organized-crime prosecution tools against political opposition groups.

Supporting reports

• Judge Ellis restricts federal agents' use of force in northern Illinois — US District Judge Sara Ellis issued a preliminary injunction restricting federal agents' use of force against protesters and journalists in northern Illinois who do not pose a serious threat. The order prohibits pepper balls, rubber bullets, and physical force such as pulling, shoving, or tackling. Ellis also required federal agents to wear visible identification such as badges, addressing concerns about masked plainclothes officers conducting immigration enforcement operations.
• U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis issues temporary restraining order protecting journalists from federal agents — U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis granted a two-week temporary restraining order prohibiting federal agents from dispersing, arresting, threatening to arrest, or using physical force against journalists in Chicago, unless the agents have probable cause to believe the individual has committed a crime. The order was issued in response to federal agents targeting journalists in Chicago.
• U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis issues temporary restraining order protecting journalists from federal agents in Chicago — U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis granted a two-week temporary restraining order prohibiting federal agents in Chicago from dispersing, arresting, threatening, or using physical force against journalists unless probable cause exists that they have committed a crime. The order followed reports of federal agents targeting journalists in the city.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Chicago Headline Club v. Noem (N.D. Ill.) 1:25-cv-12173 — District Court Judge Ellis issued a temporary restraining order granting plaintiffs' motion and blocking the Trump administration from using force against journalists or ordering crowd dispersal orders unless justified by exigent circumstances in the Chicago area. The order prohibits federal agents from arresting, threatening, or using force against any person they “reasonably should know is a Journalist” without probable cause, using riot control weapons unless necessary to stop an “immediate and serious threat,” and seizing or arresting any non-violent protester without probable cause. The court's ruling enjoins federal agents from this conduct for 14 days (until Oct. 23, 2025).
• Federal judge issues temporary restraining order on protest suppression tactics — A federal judge in Chicago issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday restricting federal agents from using forceful tactics to suppress protests or impede journalists from covering those protests. The order prohibits federal officials from arresting, threatening arrest, or deploying physical force against journalists unless probable cause exists that they have committed a crime. The order came days after prosecutors dropped charges against anti-ICE protesters accused of assaulting federal agents.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge allows Texas National Guard deployment to Chicago to proceed while Illinois lawsuit pending — U.S. District Judge April Perry declined to immediately block the deployment of Texas National Guard troops to Chicago in response to a lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul against the Trump administration. The judge allowed the federal government to continue the deployment while it responds to Illinois's suit, setting a midnight Wednesday deadline for the government's reply. Texas Guard members departed Fort Bliss on Monday evening; Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated the administration had not consulted him and called it "Trump's invasion."
• Federal judge declines to block National Guard deployment to Chicago — U.S. District Judge April Perry declined to immediately block Texas National Guard troops from entering Chicago on October 7, 2025, despite a pending lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the city of Chicago seeking to stop the deployment. The judge's refusal to grant an injunction allowed the Trump administration to proceed with mobilizing troops to the city.
• Federal judge holds hearing on legality of Chicago national guard deployment — U.S. District Judge April Perry held a hearing in downtown Chicago on the constitutionality of the national guard deployment after Illinois and Chicago officials filed to declare it illegal. State and city attorneys argued the deployment violates the Constitution and represents a "constitutional crisis," while a Department of Justice lawyer defended it as necessary due to "tragic lawlessness." The hearing drew heavy public turnout requiring an overflow room.
• Judge Ellis restricts federal agents' use of force in northern Illinois — US District Judge Sara Ellis issued a preliminary injunction restricting federal agents' use of force against protesters and journalists in northern Illinois who do not pose a serious threat. The order prohibits pepper balls, rubber bullets, and physical force such as pulling, shoving, or tackling. Ellis also required federal agents to wear visible identification such as badges, addressing concerns about masked plainclothes officers conducting immigration enforcement operations.
• Judge Perry temporarily blocks Trump's national guard deployment in Chicago — US District Judge April Perry issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from federalizing or deploying the national guard in Illinois. The order, effective Thursday and lasting two weeks, came after the state of Illinois sued over Trump's directive to send hundreds of troops to Chicago for immigration enforcement and crime reduction. Perry found no credible evidence of rebellion in Illinois and criticized the Department of Homeland Security's characterization of events as "simply unreliable." The White House stated it would appeal.
• U.S. District Judge April M. Perry blocks federal National Guard deployment in Chicago for two weeks — U.S. District Judge April M. Perry issued a temporary restraining order halting the federal deployment of 200 National Guard troops from Texas and 300 from Illinois in and around Chicago for two weeks. Perry stated: "I have found no credible evidence that there is a danger of rebellion in the state of Illinois." She cited grand jury refusals to indict protesters accused of assaulting law enforcement and questioned the Department of Homeland Security's credibility and assessment of conditions in Chicago.
• Grand juries refuse to indict Chicago protesters accused of assaulting law enforcement — Grand juries in Chicago, including one on Tuesday night, refused to indict protesters accused of assaulting law enforcement. Judge Perry cited these refusals in her decision to block the federal National Guard deployment, stating they cast doubt on the Department of Homeland Security's credibility and assessment of conditions in Chicago. The grand jury refusals suggest local juries do not view the alleged assaults as warranting criminal charges.

Supporting reports

• Journalists and protesters sue Trump administration for pattern of brutality in Chicago — Journalists and protesters in the Chicago area filed a lawsuit on October 6, 2025, against the Trump administration alleging a "pattern of extreme brutality" designed to "silence the press and civilians." The suit targeted federal officers' use of force against journalists, peaceful protesters, and religious leaders. On October 9, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) restricting federal officers' use of flash-bang grenades, tear gas, pepper spray, and other "less-lethal" weapons and tactics. On October 16, after videos emerged of agents throwing tear gas canisters into crowds and charging protesters, Ellis required officers to wear body cameras.
• Coalition of Chicago journalists and organizations sued Trump administration — A coalition of Chicago journalists, non-profit organizations, and unions sued the Trump administration, arguing that federal agents have engaged in a "pattern of extreme brutality" at local protests to "intimidate and silence the press and civilians." The filing notes, "Never in modern times has the federal government undermined bedrock constitutional protections on this scale or usurped states' police power by directing federal agents to carry out an illegal mission against the people for the government's own benefit."

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• DOJ sues pro-Palestinian activists under FACE Act — The Trump administration's Justice Department filed a civil rights lawsuit on September 29, 2025, against pro-Palestinian advocacy groups and six activists, alleging they violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act during a November 2024 protest at a New Jersey synagogue. The lawsuit marks the first federal use of the FACE Act—traditionally used to protect abortion clinics—to protect a place of worship. The DOJ seeks fines exceeding $30,000 for the first violation and $50,000 for each subsequent violation.
• Justice Department files civil complaint under FACE Act against alleged violent protestors at New Jersey synagogue — The Department of Justice, through its Civil Rights Division, filed a civil complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey against entities and individuals alleged to have engaged in threats of force, intimidation, and violent conduct directed at congregants of Congregation Ohr Torah synagogue in West Orange during a November 2024 protest. The complaint alleges the defendants' actions were intended to interfere with the synagogue community's right to freely exercise their religion. The department seeks injunctive relief to prevent future violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act at synagogues throughout New Jersey.

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• Georgia judge dismisses RICO conspiracy charges against 61 Cop City protesters — Fulton County Superior Court Judge Kevin Farmer dismissed RICO conspiracy charges against 61 defendants arrested during protests against Atlanta's police training center ("Cop City") on March 5, 2023. The judge ruled that Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr lacked authority to bring the case after local district attorneys declined prosecution, and that Carr had not obtained required permission from Governor Brian Kemp. The decision eliminates 100 pages of the state's 109-page indictment and exposes prosecutorial misconduct, including violation of attorney-client privilege by lead prosecutor John Fowler. The state announced its intention to appeal.

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• Department of Justice finds George Washington University in violation of Title VI for deliberate indifference to antisemitic discrimination — The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division announced on August 12, 2025, that it has found George Washington University in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 for acting with deliberate indifference to a hostile educational environment targeting Jewish, American-Israeli, and Israeli students and faculty. The department stated that GWU took no meaningful action in response to complaints and misconduct. The DOJ announced it will seek immediate remediation for the civil rights violations.
• Justice Department warned George Washington University on antisemitism — The Justice Department sent a letter to George Washington University, saying the school had been "deliberately indifferent" to allegations of antisemitic discrimination during pro-Palestinian student protests in 2024, warning that the department "intends to proceed with enforcement" and suggesting the university could resolve the dispute through a "voluntary resolution agreement."
• DOJ determines George Washington University violated federal civil rights law over antisemitism during 2024 campus protests — The Trump administration's Department of Justice announced it determined that George Washington University violated federal civil rights law by failing to protect Jewish, American-Israeli, and Israeli students and faculty from harassment, intimidation, and assault during pro-Palestinian campus protests in April and May 2024. The DOJ alleged the university was "deliberately indifferent" to complaints and misconduct. The administration offered a voluntary resolution agreement and gave GWU until August 22 to indicate interest in dialogue to remediate the issues and prevent recurrence.

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• 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."

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• North Dakota jury rules against Greenpeace — A North Dakota jury ruled that Greenpeace must pay over $660 million to Energy Transfer for defamation and other claims related to the Dakota Access pipeline protests. This decision is seen as a significant setback for environmental activism, potentially encouraging other energy companies to pursue legal action against protesters. The ruling has sparked concern among environmental and civil rights groups about its chilling effect on free speech and protest activities. Greenpeace plans to appeal the decision to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

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• Congressman Al Green removed from Trump address — During a joint session of Congress, Congressman Al Green was removed from the House chamber after repeatedly interrupting President Donald Trump's speech. House Speaker Mike Johnson ordered Green's removal after he shouted "He has no mandate" and refused to sit down. The sergeant-at-arms carried out the removal, marking a rare event in congressional history. Green, a vocal critic of Trump, had previously announced his intention to file articles of impeachment against the president. The incident occurred amidst a backdrop of Democratic protests during Trump's address.
• Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber — Democratic Rep. Al Green was removed from the House chamber after disrupting President Trump's address to Congress. Green had previously announced plans to file articles of impeachment against Trump, highlighting tensions between the executive and legislative branches.
• House member removed from Congress chamber — During Donald Trump's speech to Congress, Representative Al Green, a Democrat from Texas, was removed from the chamber after shouting at the president. Green's outburst came in response to Trump's claims of having a significant electoral mandate. The Republican Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, instructed the sergeant at arms to remove Green after he refused to maintain decorum. This incident occurred amidst a broader protest by Democrats, some of whom walked out wearing "resist" shirts.
• Al Green removed from Trump address after heckling — During President Donald Trump's address to a joint session of Congress, Congressman Al Green was removed from the chamber after heckling the president. Green shouted, "You have no mandate to cut Medicaid!" which prompted House Speaker Mike Johnson to order the House serjeant at arms to escort him out. This incident occurred amidst a highly charged atmosphere, with Republicans cheering and Democrats expressing dissent through various forms of protest.
• House votes to censure Rep. Al Green — The House of Representatives voted to censure Democratic Rep. Al Green for disrupting President Trump's address to Congress. Ten Democrats joined Republicans in supporting the resolution, reflecting internal party divisions and the contentious political climate.
• House censure of Al Green for interrupting Trump's joint address — On March 5, 2025, Democrat Al Green interrupted President Trump's joint address to Congress, shouting "he has no mandate" while pumping a walking cane. Speaker Mike Johnson had Green forcibly removed. Two days later, on March 7, the House passed Republican Dan Newhouse's censure resolution against Green with 210 votes in favor (all Republicans plus 10 Democrats). Green was required to stand before the House dais as Johnson read the censure. This was the only censure to pass in 2025.
• House votes to censure Al Green — The US House of Representatives voted to censure Representative Al Green for disrupting President Trump's joint session address. The vote, which included support from some Democrats, accused Green of breaching proper conduct. This censure reflects the political tensions and disciplinary measures within Congress regarding decorum and conduct during official proceedings.