Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Defense Department removes webpage honoring Vietnam War general — In mid-March 2025, the Defense Department removed a webpage honoring an Army general who served in the Vietnam War and received the country's highest military decoration. The letters "DEI" were added to the site's address, signaling the removal was part of the administration's anti-DEI campaign. Following public backlash, the page was restored, though a Pentagon spokesperson defended the removal effort and stated that claims diversity is a strength are "frankly, incorrect."
• National Park Service deletes content on Black soldiers' Revolutionary War contributions — The Minute Man National Historical Park webpage was edited to delete a section documenting the unrecognized contributions of Black soldiers in the Revolutionary War, as part of the broader Trump administration effort to remove content deemed to promote diversity and inclusion from federal historical resources.
• National Park Service removes Harriet Tubman quote and image from Underground Railroad webpage — The National Park Service deleted a prominent quote and image of abolitionist Harriet Tubman from its Underground Railroad webpage, removing references to slavery and the Fugitive Slave Act while reframing the Underground Railroad's history to emphasize "Black/White Cooperation" instead of enslaved people's resistance to bondage. The revision reflects the Trump administration's broader effort to sanitize federal historical narratives by removing content deemed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
• National Park Service removes transgender references from Stonewall National Monument webpage — In February 2025, the National Park Service removed references to transgender people from its Stonewall National Monument webpage as part of the broader Trump administration effort to eliminate DEI-related content from federal historical and educational resources.
• Trump administration directs removal of DEI-related content across federal government websites — Following Trump's January 2025 inauguration, the administration has systematically directed federal agencies to remove content deemed to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from government websites. The Pentagon issued a memo ordering a "digital content refresh" instructing officials to search for and delete references to racism, ethnicity, LGBTQ issues, and diversity. The Interior Department directed park service officials to identify webpages for similar changes, resulting in removal of content honoring women and minority contributions across thousands of pages.
• Trump administration removes Benjamin Franklin slavery webpage — The Trump administration removed a webpage examining Benjamin Franklin's relationship with slavery from federal government sites. The page now displays a message stating "This page is currently being worked on. Please check back later," effectively taking offline historical content about a founding figure's involvement in slavery.
• National Park Service restored Harriet Tubman photo and quote — The National Park Service restored a photo and quote from Harriet Tubman to a web page about the Underground Railroad, one day after the Washington Post reported the agency rewrote the history of the movement on its website as part of an anti-DEI push by Trump.
• Trump administration erases historical figures from federal websites as part of DEI elimination — The Trump administration removed references to Harriet Tubman, Medgar Evers, and other historical leaders from federal websites as part of a broader effort to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This action follows an executive order issued on March 27, 2025, targeting DEI programs across federal agencies, including efforts to defund or redirect resources from the African American History Museum and the Kennedy Center.

Supporting reports

• Columbia Political Review staff writers resign and go on hiatus over article association fears — Three staff writers at Columbia Political Review have resigned and four additional writers have taken hiatus, citing fear that their association with certain articles could jeopardize their safety or future career prospects. Editor Adam Kinder attributes the departures to mounting pressure from the Trump administration's targeting of pro-Palestinian speech and activism.
• Columbia Political Review removes nearly a dozen articles and halts publication of additional pieces — Adam Kinder, editor of Columbia Political Review, reports the publication has been asked to remove nearly a dozen articles and halt publication of over a dozen more in recent weeks. The publication has complied with all takedown requests. Kinder attributes the requests to mounting pressure and student fears of retaliation from the Trump administration for expressing disagreement with its policies.
• National student journalism organizations issue alert on editorial norms amid repression — A coalition of national student journalism organizations issued an alert on Friday calling on student papers to reconsider longstanding editorial norms around unpublishing stories and anonymization. The alert acknowledges that the recommendations "stand in opposition to how many of us as journalism educators have taught and advised our students over the years," but states "these are not normal times," reflecting the unprecedented pressure on student media from Trump administration enforcement.
• Stanford Daily receives surge of article takedown requests from contributors — Greta Reich, editor of Stanford Daily, reports a rapid escalation in takedown requests from sources and opinion writers in recent weeks. Requests have ranged from anonymity demands to removal of bylines and blurring of identifying images. One international student staff editor resigned entirely, citing fear of association with articles that could jeopardize their safety or career prospects.
• Student journalists remove bylines and request article takedowns fearing Trump administration retaliation — Student journalists across US universities are removing their names from published articles, requesting full takedowns, and resigning from editorial roles amid fears of legal repercussions and deportation. The trend accelerated following the arrest of Tufts graduate student Rumeysa Ozturk, detained by ICE after writing a pro-Palestinian op-ed, and Columbia graduate student Mahmoud Khalil, arrested over pro-Palestinian protest involvement. University newspaper editors report international students are particularly vulnerable, though US citizens are also requesting anonymization. Major publications including Columbia Political Review, Stanford Daily, and Purdue Exponent have complied with takedown requests.
• University of Virginia Cavalier Daily staffer resigns over visa safety concerns — An immigrant staff member of the Cavalier Daily resigned from the editorial board after the publication ran pieces about Trump's policies on universities, specifically regarding immigrants and pro-Palestine activism. The student was advised by the university's international studies office that public association with these articles could pose risks to their visa status. Editor Naima Sawaya acknowledged that the current climate differs from the publication's historical refusal of takedown requests.
• Student journalists unpublishing stories amid fears of Trump administration repercussions — The Guardian reported that student journalists are unpublishing stories, retracting their bylines from published articles, and resigning from campus newsrooms amid fears of repercussions from the Trump administration.

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• US Supreme Court allows Trump administration to freeze $65m in teacher-training grants — The US Supreme Court issued a 5-4 emergency order allowing the Trump administration to temporarily freeze $65 million in teacher-training grants supporting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The decision overturned a federal judge's temporary restraining order that had blocked the cuts. Eight Democratic-led states challenged the freeze, arguing it violated federal law requiring clear explanation for cancellations. The programs affected serve over 100 teacher preparation initiatives, particularly in math, science, and special education. Schools have already begun laying off staff and canceling programs due to the funding loss.
• Supreme Court Grants Stay in Department of Education v. California — The Supreme Court granted a stay of a lower court order in the case of Department of Education v. California. The case involved the Department of Education's termination of grants related to the Teacher Quality Partnership (TQP) and Supporting Effective Educator Development (SEED) programs. Eight states, led by California, challenged the terminations, arguing they violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The lower court had ordered the restoration of the grants, but the Supreme Court's decision allows the terminations to proceed pending appeal. Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor, and Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Department of Education v. California (24A910) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Department of Education v. California. Docket number(s): 24A910.

Supporting reports

• Obama calls for defense of democratic values against Trump agenda — Former President Barack Obama delivered a speech at Hamilton College in New York calling on Americans, universities, and law firms to resist what he characterized as threats to democratic institutions under the Trump administration. Obama specifically criticized federal funding threats to universities over student protest policies, immigration enforcement against student protesters, and executive actions targeting law firms that represented Trump opponents or prosecutors. He urged institutions to defend free speech and academic freedom even at the cost of federal funding.

Supporting reports

• Secretary of Agriculture froze federal funds for Maine educational programs. — Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a freeze on federal funds for Maine educational programs. The action was taken in retaliation against Maine Governor Janet Mills for refusing to comply with Trump administration demands. Rollins stated the administration would stand against "a leftist social agenda," framing the funding freeze as ideological punishment for the state's resistance to federal directives.

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• Trans teacher resigns after coordinated online harassment and political pressure — Rosie Sandri, a trans teacher at Red Oak High School in Texas, resigned after her TikTok video was amplified by the conservative account Libs of TikTok, triggering coordinated online harassment including death threats and violent messages. State Representative Brian Harrison publicly demanded her termination on X. Sandri reached an agreement with the school to resign, citing student safety concerns, though her students and their parents expressed strong support for her.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration reviews $9 billion in Harvard grants citing antisemitism concerns — The Trump administration on March 31 said it is reviewing approximately $9 billion in federal grants and contracts for Harvard University, claiming the institution has not done enough to combat antisemitism on campus. The review appears designed to pressure the university on political grounds.
• Trump administration announces review of $9 billion in federal contracts to Harvard University — The Trump administration announced a review of $9 billion in federal contracts and grants awarded to Harvard University, citing allegations that the institution failed to address antisemitism on campus. This action is part of a broader campaign targeting universities perceived as resistant to the administration's agenda.
• Trump administration maintains $3.2 billion research grant freeze on Harvard — The Trump administration continues to enforce a freeze on approximately $3.2 billion in federal research grants to Harvard University, a measure implemented in April. This freeze remains in effect alongside the newly announced contract cancellations and prior attempted ban on foreign student enrollment, all part of what the article describes as the administration's "assault" on the university.
• Trump administration orders Harvard to restrict student groups and eliminate DEI programs — In April 2025, a letter from the Trump administration argued that some programs at Harvard, including the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, "fuel antisemitic harassment or reflect ideological capture." The Trump administration ordered Harvard to stop recognizing some student groups, to conduct "merit-based admissions" and hiring, and to discontinue DEI programs. The Trump administration also demanded the university adopt "viewpoint diversity" in admissions and hiring — meaning it wanted Harvard to hire more conservative professors and accept more conservative students.

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• 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

• American Association of University Professors and American Federation of Teachers sue Trump administration over Columbia funding cancellation — The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), two unions representing faculty, filed suit against the Trump administration on behalf of their members at Columbia University in response to the $400 million federal funding cancellation. The lawsuit challenges the administration's use of funding withdrawal as leverage to compel the university to suppress pro-Palestinian speech and academic activity. The legal action represents organized faculty resistance to the federal coercion of academic institutions.

Supporting reports

• Columbia University capitulates to Trump administration demands and places Mesaas department under receivership — Columbia University announced it would comply with Trump administration demands by placing its Mesaas department under "receivership"—removing it from faculty control—and implementing sweeping restrictions on pro-Palestinian campus activity, including protest limitations and new speech codes. The university also agreed to place the Center for Palestine Studies under receivership. These actions followed the Trump administration's $400 million funding cancellation and represented a capitulation to government pressure to suppress academic discourse on Palestine. The announcement prompted immediate condemnation from academic freedom advocates and prompted the American Association of University Professors and American Federation of Teachers to file suit against the Trump administration on behalf of Columbia faculty members.
• Trump administration cancels $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University over alleged antisemitism — The Trump administration cancelled approximately $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, primarily allocated for scientific research, citing the university's alleged failure to protect faculty and students from antisemitic violence and harassment. The administration demanded Columbia place its Middle Eastern, South Asian and African Studies (Mesaas) department under "receivership"—external control outside faculty governance. Columbia's interim president announced the university would comply with these demands, including new restrictions on pro-Palestinian protest and academic activity. The funding cancellation was not immediately reversed despite Columbia's capitulation, with Trump officials indicating continued monitoring of the university's adherence to imposed policies.
• Columbia interim president Katrina Armstrong resigns — Columbia University's interim president Katrina Armstrong announced her resignation, becoming the second president of the university to resign within eight months. Her departure followed the university's announcement that it would comply with Trump administration demands to restrict pro-Palestinian activity and place the Mesaas department under external control. The resignation signals institutional instability and the toll of federal pressure on university leadership.

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• University of Michigan closes flagship DEI program under Trump administration pressure — The University of Michigan announced the closure of its flagship diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program and corresponding office, citing Trump administration anti-DEI executive orders and threats to eliminate federal funding for institutions maintaining such programs. The program, launched in 2016, had demonstrably increased first-generation and Pell-eligible undergraduate enrollment. The university also terminated its office for health equity and inclusion and discontinued its "DEI 2.0 strategic plan." University leadership stated the decision was made under pressure from federal enforcement actions.

Supporting reports

• 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

• 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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• Trump issues executive order directing Smithsonian reshaping and ideological content removal — President Trump issued an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing Vice President JD Vance to remove what the administration deems "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution's museums, education centers, research facilities, and the National Zoo. The order specifically targets exhibits addressing race and American history, directs the American Women's History Museum to exclude transgender recognition, mandates appointment of new board members aligned with the order's policy, and instructs the Secretary of the Interior to restore Confederate-era statues and memorials removed in the past five years. The order frames these actions as correcting a "concerted and widespread" effort to rewrite U.S. history.
• Trump issued executive order "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" directing federal historic sites to align with administration ideology — On March 27, 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," asserting that the nation's history had been rewritten by ideology rather than fact. The order directed the Secretary of the Interior to review federal monuments, memorials, and statues removed or altered since January 1, 2020, and restore them to ensure they do not "inappropriately disparage Americans" and instead focus on "the greatness of the achievements and progress of the American people." The order also targeted the Smithsonian Institution, directing a three-person review team to examine museum exhibitions and ensure they align with the president's directive to celebrate American exceptionalism and remove divisive narratives.
• Trump executive order targets DEI programs at federal cultural institutions — An executive order issued on March 27, 2025, directs federal action against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, with specific targeting of the African American History Museum and the Kennedy Center. The order aims to eliminate or redirect DEI-related funding and operations at these institutions.
• Trump signed executive order directing removal of exhibits and narratives from federal historical sites and museums — President Trump signed Executive Order 14253 on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove what the order characterizes as "ideological" content from the Smithsonian Institution, Independence National Historical Park, and other Interior Department historical sites. The order instructs the Vice President to work through his Smithsonian Board seat to "remove improper ideology" from exhibits and programs; directs the Secretary of the Interior to reinstate pre-2020 monuments and ensure descriptions do not "inappropriately disparage Americans"; and mandates that future congressional appropriations to the Smithsonian prohibit exhibits that "divide Americans based on race" or conflict with federal policy. The order names specific current exhibits as examples of objectionable content.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14253 directing removal of exhibits and narratives from federal museums and historical sites deemed ideologically divisive, with authority delegated to the Vice President over the Smithsonian Institution. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14253 on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove exhibits, programs, and historical narratives from museums and monuments that the order characterizes as "divisive" or promoting "ideology" rather than "objective facts." The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution, directing the Vice President to work through his role on the Smithsonian Board of Regents to remove what the order calls "improper ideology." It instructs the Secretary of the Interior to audit and reinstate pre-2020 monuments and ensure all federal historical sites focus on "greatness" and "achievements" rather than narratives the order deems disparaging. Future appropriations are to be conditioned on prohibiting exhibits that "divide Americans based on race" or are "inconsistent with Federal law and policy."
• Trump issues executive order directing federal agencies to remove "ideological" content from Smithsonian Institution and federal historical sites — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing the Vice President, OMB Director, and Secretary of the Interior to remove what the order characterizes as "divisive, race-centered ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution, Independence National Historical Park, and other federal historical sites. The order mandates restoration of pre-2020 monuments and memorials, prohibits future federal funding for exhibits deemed to "degrade shared American values" or "divide Americans based on race," and requires the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to exclude recognition of transgender athletes. The order frames this as restoring "truth" and "sanity" to American history.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on Smithsonian and federal historical sites — The White House published a fact sheet on March 27, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Vice President to eliminate what the order characterizes as "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution and its museums. The order directs the Secretary of the Interior to restore federal parks, monuments, and memorials altered in the prior five years, and instructs Congress to condition future Smithsonian appropriations on prohibiting exhibits that "degrade shared American values" or "divide Americans by race." The fact sheet asserts that prior administrations promoted "divisive ideology" and cites specific Smithsonian exhibits as examples.
• Trump administration issues executive order targeting Smithsonian Institution exhibits on race and American history — On Thursday, March 28, 2025, the Trump administration announced an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" that orders a large reshaping of the Smithsonian Institution to eliminate what Trump described as "improper, divisive or anti-American ideology." The order specifically criticized the Smithsonian American Art Museum's exhibit "The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture" and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Vice President JD Vance was ordered to "remove improper ideology" from Smithsonian museums and educational centers. Artists, academics, and civil rights figures have condemned the order as an attempt to censor and erase Black history and diverse perspectives from public institutions.
• Trump signs executive order on American history curriculum — Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" directing Vice President J.D. Vance, in his capacity as a member of the Smithsonian Board of Regents, to work to eliminate "improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution, its museums, education and research centers, and the National Zoo. The order represents an attempt to reshape how Americans understand and learn their history.
• Trump signs executive order suspending security clearances for law firms representing Democratic clients — Trump signed executive orders suspending security clearances for law firms that represent Democratic clients and barring the federal government from hiring employees from those firms. The orders target legal representation based on client political affiliation, creating a mechanism to exclude attorneys from federal employment based on their professional representation.
• Trump administration challenges judges and undermines judicial credibility — The Trump administration has challenged judges who have ruled against Trump and worked to destroy public faith in the courts. The effort represents a systematic campaign to delegitimize judicial authority when it conflicts with administration preferences.

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• Columbia University agrees to overhaul protest policies and hire internal security force following Trump administration pressure — Columbia University agreed to overhaul its protest policies and hire an internal security force of 36 "special officers" empowered to remove people from campus after the Trump administration revoked $400 million in federal funding. The action represents institutional capitulation to administration pressure to suppress campus protests and pro-Palestinian activism, with faculty viewing it as a dangerous threat to academic freedom.
• University of Michigan closes flagship DEI program under Trump administration pressure — The University of Michigan announced the closure of its flagship diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program and corresponding office, citing Trump administration anti-DEI executive orders and threats to eliminate federal funding for institutions maintaining such programs. The program, launched in 2016, had demonstrably increased first-generation and Pell-eligible undergraduate enrollment. The university also terminated its office for health equity and inclusion and discontinued its "DEI 2.0 strategic plan." University leadership stated the decision was made under pressure from federal enforcement actions.

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• House Doge subcommittee hearing on NPR and PBS funding — Marjorie Taylor Greene chaired a House subcommittee hearing titled "Anti-American Airwaves" on March 26, 2025, in which NPR CEO Katherine Maher and PBS CEO Paula Kerger testified. Greene accused both broadcasters of bias and a "communist agenda," while the Trump administration and Elon Musk have launched a months-long campaign to defund public media. The FCC opened an investigation into NPR and PBS in January. Greene called for "complete and total defund and dismantling" of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting in her closing remarks.

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• ICE detention of Turkish student for co-authoring Gaza op-ed — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the State Department had canceled at least 300 student visas related to pro-Palestinian protests. The number has more than doubled since the announcement. The visa revocations target individuals connected to US universities who have expressed public support for Palestinians or participated in pro-Palestine demonstrations, without providing affected students opportunity to protect their rights before their legal status changed.
• ICE detains Tufts doctoral student and transfers her to Louisiana before court order — Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University, was detained by ICE agents on Tuesday, March 25, outside her home in Somerville, Massachusetts. On Wednesday, she was transferred to a detention center in Basile, Louisiana. On Thursday, federal judge Indira Talwani issued an order requiring the government to explain why Ozturk was being detained. DOJ lawyers acknowledged that the transfer to Louisiana occurred before the court's Tuesday order directing ICE not to move her out of Massachusetts without prior notice. DHS terminated her student visa and accused her of supporting Hamas without providing evidence, citing her pro-Palestinian activism at Tufts.
• ICE detains Turkish doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk on visa revocation over pro-Palestinian activism — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, wearing masks and hoodies, detained Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish national and Tufts University doctoral student, on the street in Somerville, Massachusetts on Tuesday. She was transferred to a Louisiana detention center despite a federal court order requiring 48 hours' notice before removal from Massachusetts. DHS accused her of supporting Hamas without providing evidence, citing her pro-Palestinian activism and op-ed criticizing Israel's Gaza campaign. A federal judge ordered DHS and ICE to respond by Thursday morning to an emergency motion to produce her and justify the detention.
• Tufts student detained by ICE reports medical neglect and civil rights violations in Louisiana facility — Rümeysa Öztürk, a 30-year-old Turkish doctoral student at Tufts University detained by ICE on March 25, 2025, filed a court declaration describing multiple asthma attacks while held at the South Louisiana ICE processing center in Basile. She alleges denial of medical care, unsanitary conditions, and a nurse forcibly removing her hijab without consent. Her attorneys petitioned federal court in Vermont for her release or transfer while her case proceeds. The facility, operated by private contractor Geo Group, has faced prior complaints of medical neglect and inhumane conditions.
• Federal authorities detain Tufts University international student on alleged Hamas support — On Tuesday, March 25, federal authorities in plain clothes took Tufts University international student Rumeysa Ozturk into custody on a street in Somerville, Massachusetts, alleging she had "engaged in activities in support of Hamas." The alleged basis for detention was a pro-Palestinian op-ed she had written for the Tufts newspaper. On Wednesday, March 26, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed she was being held at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement center in Louisiana.
• Rumeysa Ozturk arrested by masked ICE agents — Rumeysa Ozturk, a 30-year-old Turkish student at Tufts University who co-wrote an op-ed criticizing the school's response to the pro-Palestinian movement, was arrested by plainclothes masked immigration officers in Somerville, Massachusetts, as she was on her way to break her Ramadan fast. She was taken to several detention centers before being flown to a Louisiana ICE facility, despite a court order that said she wasn't supposed to be taken out of the state without notice.
• ICE detains Tufts student on visa revocation; alleged retaliation for pro-Palestinian speech — Rümeysa Öztürk was arrested by ICE on Tuesday in a Boston suburb while heading to an Iftar dinner during Ramadan. DHS revoked her visa, claiming she engaged in activities supporting Hamas but providing no evidence. Her attorneys allege the detention is retaliation for an opinion piece she co-authored advocating Palestinian rights. ICE transferred her to Louisiana without notifying her counsel or the court, violating a prior judicial order. She suffered an asthma attack during transport and was unreachable for nearly a full day.
• ICE detains Tufts doctoral student Rumeysa Ozturk and transfers to Louisiana detention center — Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish doctoral student and Fulbright scholar at Tufts University, was detained by ICE agents in plainclothes near her apartment and transferred to an ICE detention center in Louisiana. The Department of Homeland Security accused her of supporting Hamas but provided no evidence. Her detention appeared linked to her co-authorship of a March 2024 opinion piece in the Tufts student newspaper supporting Palestinian rights. A federal judge had ordered DHS to provide advance notice before transferring her out of state; ICE records suggest this order was violated.

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• ICE detains University of Alabama doctoral student Alireza Doroudi — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained Alireza Doroudi, an Iranian doctoral student in mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama, at his home early Tuesday morning. The student was in the US on a valid student visa. ICE provided no stated justification for the detention. The arrest occurred amid reports of the Trump administration systematically targeting college students, including visa holders and green card holders, for arrest and deportation. University officials confirmed the off-campus arrest but declined further comment citing privacy laws.

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• Trump signs executive order to dismantle Department of Education — President Trump signed an executive order directing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to begin dismantling the Department of Education. The order appears designed to circumvent the need for congressional approval to formally close a federal department. This follows mass firings within Federal Student Aid and occurs amid broader cuts to education department functions and staffing.

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• Federal government issued list of banned words for government websites and school curricula — The federal government issued a list of over 200 words designated to be limited, avoided, or removed from government websites and school curricula. The banned words include "racism," "women," "BIPOC," "Black," and others. The directive represents systematic censorship of language related to diversity, equity, and civil rights from public institutions.

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• Trump issues executive orders targeting Perkins Coie and Covington and Burling law firms — Trump issued executive orders targeting the law firms Perkins Coie and Covington and Burling, similar in structure to the Paul Weiss order. Perkins Coie was targeted over its ties to a lawyer who worked with Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign; Covington and Burling was targeted for representing former special counsel Jack Smith in litigation against the administration.
• Trump issues executive orders penalizing law firms Covington & Burling and Perkins Coie — President Trump issued executive orders targeting three major law firms—Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie, and Paul Weiss Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison—barring them from federal buildings, restricting agency interaction, and revoking security clearances from some lawyers. The orders were widely characterized as punitive retaliation against firms whose clients included former special counsel Jack Smith and Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign. District Judge Beryl Howell blocked enforcement against Perkins Coie on 12 March, citing First Amendment violations. Paul Weiss reversed the order on 19 March after agreeing to $40 million in pro bono services.
• Trump warned law firms to "behave themselves" — After the settlement with Paul Weiss, Trump warned that "law firms have to behave themselves." The warning signals that the administration will use executive power to target firms that do not comply with its preferences.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14246 suspending security clearances of Jenner & Block employees, restricting federal contracts, and limiting government access to the law firm. — President Trump issued Executive Order 14246 on March 25, 2025, targeting Jenner & Block LLP. The order directs the Attorney General and Director of National Intelligence to suspend active security clearances held by firm employees pending review. It requires federal agencies to cease provision of government goods, property, and services to the firm. Agencies must review all contracts with Jenner & Block, terminate contracts where the firm provides services, require contractors to disclose business relationships with the firm, and restrict official access and engagement between federal employees and firm staff, including attorney Andrew Weissmann.
• Trump signs executive orders targeting law firms challenging his administration — President Trump signed multiple executive orders targeting major law firms (Jenner & Block, Covington and Burling, Perkins Coie, Paul Weiss) that have represented his political opponents or employed prosecutors involved in investigations into Trump. The orders threaten to revoke security clearances, deny access to government buildings, and require government clients to disclose representation by these firms. Trump also directed Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate lawyers blocking administration priorities. Paul Weiss capitulated and accepted Trump's demands; Perkins Coie obtained a temporary restraining order blocking its order.
• Trump issued executive order targeting law firm Jenner & Block, suspending security clearances and restricting federal contracts. — President Trump issued an executive order on March 25, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Jenner & Block LLP employees, cease provision of government goods and services to the firm, and review all federal contracts involving the firm for termination. The order alleges the firm engaged in "partisan lawfare," pro bono work undermining administration priorities, and employment discrimination. It specifically names attorney Andrew Weissmann and restricts federal employee engagement with firm staff.
• White House signed executive order targeting law firm Jenner & Block, directing suspension of security clearances and termination of federal contracts. — The White House issued an executive order on March 25, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by Jenner & Block LLP employees, cease provision of government services and facilities to the firm, terminate federal contracts with the firm, and restrict official access and hiring of its employees. The order characterizes the firm as engaging in "partisan lawfare," pro bono activities deemed harmful to U.S. interests, and alleged racial discrimination. The order specifically names attorney Andrew Weissmann and directs agencies to submit compliance assessments within 30 days.
• Trump signed order targeting law firm with Mueller connection — Trump signed another executive order targeting a law firm that once employed Andrew Weissman, the former deputy to Robert Mueller, who investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election. The order suspends security clearances of the firm's employees, terminates government contracts, and orders a review of the firm's compliance with civil rights laws against racial bias.
• Trump administration stripped security clearances from law firms and barred attorneys from federal buildings — The Trump administration issued executive orders stripping security clearances from Perkins Coie and Paul, Weiss law firms and barring their attorneys from entering federal buildings, including courthouses. The chair of Paul, Weiss stated the move "could easily have destroyed our firm." The orders targeted firms representing Trump's opponents in litigation.
• Trump signed executive order encouraging disciplinary action against attorneys filing litigation against the administration — President Trump signed an executive order directing the attorney general to refer attorneys for disciplinary action if they file "frivolous, unreasonable, and vexatious litigation" against the administration. Critics argue the order will have a chilling effect on litigation challenging government actions, and law firms have begun refusing to represent Trump's opponents out of fear of retaliation.
• Trump issues Executive Order 14250 suspending security clearances and restricting federal contracts with WilmerHale law firm — President Trump signed Executive Order 14250 directing the suspension of security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending national-interest review, cessation of federal goods and services to the firm, termination of government contracts with WilmerHale, restrictions on federal building access for firm employees, and guidance against hiring WilmerHale staff. The order cites the firm's pro bono work, representation of immigration and voting-rights cases, and employment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller as grounds for the action.
• Trump issued executive order targeting WilmerHale law firm with security clearance suspensions and federal contracting restrictions. — President Trump issued an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by WilmerHale employees, cease provision of government goods and services to the firm, require federal contractors to disclose business relationships with WilmerHale, review and terminate relevant contracts, restrict WilmerHale employee access to federal buildings, and limit hiring of WilmerHale staff. The order cites the firm's pro bono work, representation of immigration and election-related cases, and employment of former Special Counsel Robert Mueller as grounds for the action.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14250 targeting WilmerHale law firm with security clearance suspensions, contract terminations, and personnel restrictions. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14250 on March 27, 2025, directing the suspension of security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending review, cessation of government provision of materials and services to the firm, termination of federal contracts with WilmerHale, restrictions on federal employee access to WilmerHale staff, and limitations on hiring WilmerHale employees into government. The order characterizes the firm's pro bono work and representation of clients as threats to national security and American interests, and specifically names former Special Counsel Robert Mueller and colleagues as examples of "weaponization of government."
• Trump signed executive order suspending security clearances for WilmerHale employees and terminating federal contracts with the firm — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, suspending security clearances held by WilmerHale employees pending review, halting federal material and services to the firm, restricting employee access to government buildings, terminating WilmerHale contracts, and barring federal agencies from hiring the firm's employees without authorization. The fact sheet characterizes WilmerHale as engaging in partisan activities, racial discrimination, and obstruction of immigration enforcement.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14253 directing removal of exhibits and narratives from federal museums and historical sites deemed ideologically divisive, with authority delegated to the Vice President over the Smithsonian Institution. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14253 on March 27, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove exhibits, programs, and historical narratives from museums and monuments that the order characterizes as "divisive" or promoting "ideology" rather than "objective facts." The order specifically targets the Smithsonian Institution, directing the Vice President to work through his role on the Smithsonian Board of Regents to remove what the order calls "improper ideology." It instructs the Secretary of the Interior to audit and reinstate pre-2020 monuments and ensure all federal historical sites focus on "greatness" and "achievements" rather than narratives the order deems disparaging. Future appropriations are to be conditioned on prohibiting exhibits that "divide Americans based on race" or are "inconsistent with Federal law and policy."
• Trump issues executive order directing federal agencies to remove "ideological" content from Smithsonian Institution and federal historical sites — President Trump signed an executive order on March 27, 2025, directing the Vice President, OMB Director, and Secretary of the Interior to remove what the order characterizes as "divisive, race-centered ideology" from the Smithsonian Institution, Independence National Historical Park, and other federal historical sites. The order mandates restoration of pre-2020 monuments and memorials, prohibits future federal funding for exhibits deemed to "degrade shared American values" or "divide Americans based on race," and requires the Smithsonian American Women's History Museum to exclude recognition of transgender athletes. The order frames this as restoring "truth" and "sanity" to American history.
• Trump administration issues executive orders targeting law firms; two firms sue to block — The Trump administration issued executive orders halting business with five law firms (Jenner & Block, WilmerHale, Paul Weiss, Covington & Burling, Perkins Coie) and revoking security clearances of their attorneys, citing retaliation for the firms' representation of political opponents or employment of Trump critics. On Friday, Jenner & Block and WilmerHale filed federal lawsuits in Washington DC seeking to block the orders as unconstitutional. Perkins Coie had already successfully convinced a judge to block its order. Paul Weiss and Skadden reached settlements with the administration to avoid or withdraw orders.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announces transfer of federal student loan program from Department of Education to Small Business Administration — On March 21, 2025, President Trump announced that management of the federal student loan program—covering 42 million borrowers and $1.7 trillion in debt—would be transferred from the Department of Education to the Small Business Administration, effective immediately. The SBA simultaneously announced a 43% workforce reduction. Education experts warn the move will degrade borrower protections, increase defaults, and may not achieve claimed cost savings, as the SBA lacks experience managing individual loans and oversight infrastructure.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cancels $400m in federal contracts to Columbia University — The Trump administration canceled $400 million in federal contracts and grants to Columbia University. This action is part of a pressure campaign demanding the university to discipline students involved in pro-Palestinian protests, reform admissions policies, and place an area studies department under external control. The administration's demands are seen as a test case for academic freedom, with Columbia reportedly considering compliance to avoid further financial losses.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration pauses $175m in funds to UPenn over trans athlete policy — The Trump administration has paused $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania due to its policy of including transgender athletes in women's college sports. This decision follows an executive order signed by Donald Trump titled "Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports" and a Title IX investigation into the university's transgender athlete policy. The funding freeze is described as a proactive punishment and could lead to further financial repercussions for the university. The University of Pennsylvania has stated it has not received official notification of the funding suspension.
• Trump administration froze University of Pennsylvania funding — The Trump administration froze $175 million in funding to the University of Pennsylvania, citing the school's trans athlete policies, using federal funding as a weapon against institutional autonomy.
• Trump administration freezes $175m in funding to University of Pennsylvania — The Trump administration announced a freeze on $175 million in federal funding to the University of Pennsylvania. This decision is in response to the university's policies allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports, which the administration claims are harmful to women and girls. The funding freeze is part of broader actions targeting universities over policies and practices deemed unacceptable by the administration.

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.