Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Proposed Budget Reconciliation Bill — The Republican-led Congress is advancing a Budget Reconciliation Bill that aims to implement significant cuts to Medicaid and SNAP, while providing substantial tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. The bill is framed as a measure for fiscal discipline but has been criticized for its potential impact on vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly. The bill's passage is being expedited, with a deadline set for May 26.
• House Energy and Commerce Committee Proposes Medicaid Cuts — The House Energy and Commerce Committee has released a proposal to cut $880 billion in federal spending over a decade, with significant reductions targeting Medicaid. This plan would strip nearly 9 million low-income Americans of their health insurance and require those earning above the federal poverty level to make co-payments for medical services. The proposal is part of an effort to fund the extension of the 2017 tax cuts. The plan requires approval from both the House and the Senate, where it faces opposition from some Republican senators, including Josh Hawley and Susan Collins.
• House committees release plans for tax cuts and spending cuts — Several House committees, including the Ways and Means and Energy and Commerce committees, released plans for a legislative measure that includes extending the 2017 Trump tax cuts and implementing cuts to various public services, including Medicaid and climate initiatives. The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to enact Trump's agenda, which has faced significant public opposition.
• House Republicans propose cuts to Medicaid and SNAP — House Republicans are working on a legislative measure that includes significant cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food assistance to millions of Americans. The proposed cuts are part of a larger bill that also seeks to extend the 2017 Trump tax cuts, which primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that these cuts could result in the loss of healthcare for at least 10.3 million Americans over the next decade.
• House Republicans propose budget bill with major changes — House Republicans have introduced a budget bill that includes significant tax cuts and spending increases, which could add trillions to the federal deficit. Key provisions include a $1,000 savings fund for babies born between 2024 and 2028, increased standard deductions for seniors, work requirements for Medicaid recipients, and additional defense spending. The bill also proposes ending green tax incentives and altering tax deductions for tips and car loan interest. The proposal has sparked internal conflict among Republicans, with some members threatening to block the bill.

Supporting reports

• Trump Administration Agrees to Halt School Funding Freeze in Maine — The Trump administration has agreed to halt its efforts to freeze funds for a child nutrition program in Maine, following a settlement with the state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had previously suspended these funds after Maine refused to comply with demands to bar transgender girls from participating in girls' sports. Maine had sued the USDA to maintain its funding, and the lawsuit was dropped in exchange for the restoration of funds. The settlement ensures that the USDA will not interfere with Maine's access to funds without following legal procedures.
• Dismissal entered — Maine v. US Department of Agriculture (D. Me.) 1:25-cv-00131 — Plaintiff voluntarily dismissed this action with prejudice.
• Trump Administration Settles with Maine Over Child Nutrition Program — The Trump administration reached a settlement with Maine, restoring federal funds for a state child nutrition program previously frozen due to Maine's trans athlete policies. Maine agreed to drop its lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture.

Supporting reports

• Appeals Court Restores Injunction Against CFPB Employee Firings — A federal appeals court restored an injunction against the Trump administration's attempt to fire about 90% of employees at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This decision temporarily halts the administration's efforts to reshape the agency.

Supporting reports

• Senate Report on Musk's Influence Over Federal Government — A Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations report found that Elon Musk could avoid over $2 billion in potential legal financial liabilities due to his influence on the federal government through DOGE. This report raises concerns about the intersection of private influence and public policy.

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

• Trump signed executive order stopping enforcement of state climate laws — On April 8, 2025, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of Justice to "stop the enforcement" of state climate laws, which his administration suggested are unconstitutional or unenforceable. The order states "These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration's objective to unleash American energy. They should not stand." The action represents Trump's attempt to preempt state climate initiatives.
• Trump administration freezes $790 million in federal funding to Northwestern University — The Trump administration froze $790 million in federal funding to Northwestern University as part of broader crackdowns on students and faculty members across US colleges who have expressed opposition to Israel's military operations in Gaza. The freeze targeted the university in response to activism and legal representation related to pro-Palestinian causes.
• White House freezes federal funding for Cornell and Northwestern universities — The Trump administration froze over $1 billion in federal funding for Cornell University and $790 million for Northwestern University, citing investigations into alleged "failure to protect Jewish students" following pro-Palestinian campus protests. The freeze includes grants and contracts from federal departments of health, education, agriculture, and defense. Cornell received over 75 stop-work orders from the Department of Defense affecting research in defense, cybersecurity, health, and cancer. The action follows warning letters sent to 60 universities in early March and comes after Cornell's president published a defiant op-ed defending academic freedom and free discourse.
• Princeton University reports suspension of federal research grants — Princeton University announced that dozens of its federal research grants were suspended over allegations that the university promoted antisemitism. This action follows similar defunding threats against Columbia and Harvard, representing a coordinated campaign against major research institutions.
• Trump administration announces cancellation of $400 million in grants and loans to Columbia University — The Trump administration announced the cancellation of $400 million in grants and loans to Columbia University, alleging the school failed to protect students from antisemitic harassment. In response, Columbia officials capitulated to a series of changes demanded by federal officials, sparking outrage from advocates and prompting at least one prominent academic to leave the institution.
• Trump administration announces plan to review $9 billion in Harvard University contracts and grants — The Trump administration announced a plan to review approximately $9 billion in contracts and multiyear grants to Harvard University over accusations that the university failed to protect Jewish students and promoted "divisive ideologies over free inquiry." The action follows the defunding of Columbia University and represents escalating pressure on major research institutions.
• Trump administration considers consent decree to place Columbia University under federal control — The Trump administration is reportedly considering placing Columbia University under a legally binding consent decree, a dramatic escalation following the university's acceptance of administration-demanded changes as a condition for restoring $400 million in suspended federal grants and contracts. The proposal originates from the administration's antisemitism taskforce, composed partly of Justice Department lawyers who question Columbia's good faith compliance. If Columbia resists, the Justice Department would need to present its case in court, risking prolonged litigation and continued funding withholding.
• Trump administration freezes nearly $1 billion in federal funding from Cornell University — During a cabinet meeting, President Trump pressed Education Secretary Linda McMahon on withholding federal funds from universities deemed "not behaving." McMahon confirmed the administration has frozen nearly $1 billion in funding from Cornell University and is investigating multiple institutions while holding back grant money pending compliance discussions with university presidents.
• Trump administration pauses $175 million in federal funding to University of Pennsylvania — The Trump administration paused $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania over its inclusion of transgender athletes in women's college sports. This action represents another instance of defunding universities over policies the administration opposes.
• Trump administration demands Harvard surrender academic freedoms; Harvard refuses; administration retaliates by freezing $2.2bn in grants — The Trump administration (Departments of Education, HHS, and GSA) issued an 11 April demand letter to Harvard University president Alan Garber requiring sweeping reforms including installation of "viewpoint-diverse" faculty, elimination of DEI programs, and adoption of specific antisemitism definitions as conditions for continued federal funding. Harvard's legal team, citing First Amendment violations and constitutional limits on executive authority, rejected the demands as governmental overreach into academic freedom. Within hours, the administration froze $2.2bn in grants and a $60m contract in retaliation.
• Trump administration withheld Harvard University federal funding pending government control of admissions and intellectual content — On April 11, the Trump administration announced it would withhold $2.2 billion in grants already awarded and a $60 million contract from Harvard University unless the university permitted the federal government to control its admissions and intellectual content. The administration framed the action as addressing antisemitism. On April 22, Harvard filed suit against the departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, Education, Energy, and Defense, the General Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, NASA, and their leaders, alleging violation of the First Amendment and abuse of legal authority.
• White House claims letter to Harvard withholding federal funds was "unauthorized" — On Friday, April 18, the administration claimed that a letter sent to Harvard University on April 11 withholding federal grants until the university granted administration officials power over the school's students and programs was "unauthorized." However, the White House simultaneously stated it was standing by the letter. The letter was signed by three federal officials, placed on official letterhead, and sent from the email of a senior federal official. Harvard responded by pointing out the letter's official provenance and noting that the government's actions had "real-life consequences."
• Harvard University rejected Trump administration demand for control over university governance — On April 11, 2025, Harvard University rejected the Trump administration's demand to regulate "intellectual and civil rights conditions" at Harvard, including its governance, admissions, programs, and extracurricular activities, in exchange for continuation of $2.2 billion in multiyear grants and a $60 million contract. Harvard's lawyers stated the university would not surrender its independence or relinquish constitutional rights and would not allow itself to be taken over by the federal government.

Supporting reports

• Cory Booker delivers 25-hour Senate speech condemning Trump administration — Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey broke the Senate record for longest solo speech, speaking for 25 hours and 5 minutes beginning Monday evening. His speech was not a filibuster but a public warning against what he characterized as grave threats to democracy posed by the Trump administration's policies, including spending cuts, attempts to abolish the Department of Education, judicial bypass attempts, and removal of critics. Booker called on Congress to hold the executive branch accountable.
• Cory Booker delivers 25-hour Senate speech protesting Trump administration — Senator Cory Booker delivered a record-breaking 25-hour speech on the Senate floor from March 31 through April 1, 2025, presenting a litany of protests against the Trump administration's actions in its first 71 days. The speech required continuous physical presence without sitting or breaks, functioning as an act of political protest and civil disobedience. Booker acknowledged Democratic failures and called for the party to do better.
• Senator Cory Booker conducted 25-hour Senate filibuster defending democracy — Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) held the Senate floor for 25 hours and 5 minutes beginning March 31, 2025, delivering a coherent speech about threats to American democracy under the Trump administration. He detailed administration violations including constitutional breaches, harm to farmers through loss of government contracts, environmental protection cuts affecting public health, housing affordability crises, education and medical research cuts, national security breaches, and an erroneous deportation of a legal resident. Booker invoked civil rights history and called on Americans to resist normalization of the current moment.
• Senator Cory Booker delivered extended floor speech declaring national crisis — On March 31, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) spoke on the Senate floor beginning at 7:00 p.m., stating "I believe sincerely that our country is in crisis" and declaring "These are not normal times in America. And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate." Booker's extended remarks signaled Democratic concern about the trajectory of governance and institutional norms.
• Senator Cory Booker delivered longest speech in congressional history attacking Trump administration — At 7:00 p.m. on March 31, 2025, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) launched a marathon speech attacking the Trump administration and urging Republicans to defend democracy. The speech lasted twenty-five hours, concluding on April 1, 2025, making it the longest speech in congressional history. The speech received 400 million likes on TikTok, indicating massive public engagement with the message.
• Senator Cory Booker delivers 25-hour Senate speech in obstruction of Trump administration policies — Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) conducted a 25-hour and 4-minute speech on the Senate floor beginning at 7pm Monday, breaking the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes held by segregationist Strom Thurmond. Though not technically a filibuster (no bill was under vote), Booker deliberately obstructed Senate business to protest Trump administration actions, including economic chaos, billionaire influence, Elon Musk's unilateral cuts to federal programs affecting vulnerable groups, executive overreach, press intimidation, and democratic erosion. Democrats responded with standing ovations and solidarity.
• Sen. Cory Booker conducted a 25-hour Senate floor speech, breaking the record for longest Senate speech in U.S. history. — Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) delivered a marathon 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, surpassing the previous record of 24 hours and 18 minutes set by Sen. Strom Thurmond in 1957 (who was opposing a civil rights bill). Booker's speech called attention to damage caused by Trump and Musk, criticized the President's treatment of disabled people and pattern of lying, and called for Democratic Party self-reflection. Unlike Thurmond, Booker did not leave the floor to use the restroom or eat, maintaining continuous presence throughout. The speech was widely interpreted as both a protest against Trump's policies and a potential opening move in a challenge to Chuck Schumer's leadership of Senate Democrats.
• Senator Cory Booker delivers record-length Senate speech on democracy crisis — Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) began a speech on Monday in the Senate addressing what he characterized as a national crisis and concluded just over 25 hours later on Tuesday, setting a new record for the longest individual Senate speech. In the address, Booker urged Americans to speak up for democracy and to "be bolder in America with a vision that inspires with hope," framing civic engagement as essential to the nation's democratic health.
• Senator Cory Booker conducted extended Senate floor action on unspecified legislation — Senator Cory Booker held the Senate floor for more than 25 hours, citing constituent opposition to autocracy and extremism as his motivation. The article describes this action as having "changed history" and "burst through the wall of inertia which has crippled the Senate," though the specific legislation or issue under debate is not identified in the text provided.

Supporting reports

• Judge blocks freezing of federal loans and grants — A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration from freezing federal loans and grants, stating that the decision was "irrational" and "imprudent." This ruling addresses concerns about the administration's financial policies.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — National Council of Nonprofits v. Office of Management and Budget (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00239 — The court issued a memorandum opinion and granted the plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction, enjoining the administration from implementing, giving effect to, or reinstating under a different name the blanket freeze on disbursement of Federal funds.

Supporting reports

• Trump endorses rival House budget plan — Former President Donald Trump endorsed a House budget plan that diverges from the Senate Republicans' strategy, causing disruption among GOP leaders. The House proposal, which Trump supports, would add $4.5 trillion to the deficit through tax cuts while requiring significant cuts to federal benefits programs. This endorsement came just as Senate Republicans were advancing their own budget proposal. The move has forced Senate Republicans to reconsider their planned votes and has created tension within the party as they approach a March 14 deadline to pass a funding bill to avoid a government shutdown.
• Trump endorses House budget resolution mandating cuts — President Trump endorsed a House budget resolution that mandates $880 billion in cuts from the House Energy & Commerce Committee. This resolution is expected to result in significant reductions to Medicaid, as there is no plausible way to meet the budget target without such cuts. The endorsement has sparked concern among some Republican lawmakers, particularly those representing constituencies heavily reliant on government assistance programs like Medicaid and SNAP.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Deregulation Issued — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14192 on January 31, 2025, mandating that for each new federal regulation, at least ten existing regulations must be repealed. This order aims to reduce regulatory burdens and promote economic growth by ensuring that the total incremental cost of new regulations is less than zero. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with overseeing the implementation and providing guidance to federal agencies.
• Trump issues executive order on deregulation — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" on January 31, 2025. The order mandates that for every new regulation proposed, at least ten existing regulations must be identified for elimination. This initiative aims to reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and individuals, promoting economic growth and national security. The order also sets a regulatory cap for fiscal year 2025, requiring that the total incremental cost of new regulations be significantly less than zero. The Office of Management and Budget is tasked with overseeing the implementation of these directives.
• White House issued executive order establishing 10-for-1 regulatory offset requirement — The White House published an executive order titled "Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation" directing federal agencies to identify and eliminate at least 10 existing regulations for each new regulation proposed or finalized. For fiscal year 2025, the order requires that the total incremental cost of all new regulations be "significantly less than zero." The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is charged with implementation, guidance, and enforcement. The order revokes OMB Circular A-4 (2023) and reinstates the 2003 version, and reinstates a 2018 Treasury-OMB memorandum on tax regulation review.
• White House issues fact sheet on 10-to-1 deregulation executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on January 31, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to repeal at least 10 existing regulations for each new regulation issued. The order directs the Office of Management and Budget to standardize measurement of regulatory costs and requires that for fiscal year 2025, the total incremental cost of all new regulations be significantly less than zero. The fact sheet claims the Biden Administration imposed $1.7 trillion in regulatory costs and asserts that Trump's first term achieved a 5.5-to-1 repeal ratio.

Supporting reports

• Treasury official resigns over Musk's demands — David Lebryk, a senior Treasury Department official, resigned following Elon Musk's demands for access to sensitive payment systems. Lebryk, a non-political civil servant, had refused Musk's repeated requests for access. His resignation raises concerns about the integrity and independence of federal financial systems.
• Access granted to Treasury Department systems — Reports indicate that Marko Elez, a 25-year-old engineer with previous ties to Elon Musk's companies, has gained direct access to Treasury Department systems that manage significant government payments. This access allows him to potentially alter critical financial operations, raising concerns about the security and integrity of government payment systems. The implications of such access could affect various federal programs, including veterans' benefits and Social Security.