Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration removes online student debt repayment form — The Trump administration has quietly removed the online application form for several student debt repayment plans from the US Department of Education's website. This action affects income-driven repayment plans and loan consolidation applications, leaving millions of borrowers unable to access these options. The removal follows a federal appeals court decision that paused Joe Biden's Save program, which aimed to forgive debts after a decade of payments. The decision has caused confusion and concern among borrowers and loan forgiveness activists.

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• New York governor orders removal of Palestinian studies job posting at CUNY — New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered the City University of New York (CUNY) to remove a job posting for a Palestinian studies professor role at Hunter College. The job listing sought a scholar with a critical perspective on issues related to Palestine. Hochul's directive was supported by CUNY's chancellor and board chair, who found the language divisive. The faculty and staff union condemned the removal as a violation of academic freedom. The job posting was part of a "cluster hire" for two positions and has since been taken down.
• New York Governor orders removal of job posting — On Wednesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered the City University of New York (CUNY) to immediately remove a job posting for a Palestinian studies professor role at Hunter College. This action has been condemned by CUNY's union as a violation of academic freedom. The removal of the job posting has sparked protests against Governor Hochul, planned for Thursday. The order is part of a broader context of increased scrutiny and restrictions on pro-Palestinian activities and academic positions in New York.

Supporting reports

• Educator coalition sues to block Trump anti-diversity orders — The American Federation of Teachers, AFT-Maryland, and the American Sociological Association have filed a lawsuit in federal court in Maryland against the US Department of Education. The lawsuit seeks to block the enforcement of new civil rights guidelines imposed by the Trump administration, which target diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. The guidelines are based on a US Supreme Court decision but are claimed to extend beyond its scope, potentially affecting educational content related to historical events and race-conscious policies.
• Teachers' unions sue Department of Education — Teachers' unions and other groups filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education for threatening to cut federal funds to schools that consider race in hiring and other policies. This legal action addresses concerns about educational equity and funding.

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• White House issues promotional fact sheet claiming executive accomplishments in first month — The White House published a fact sheet titled "America Is Back — and President Trump Is Just Getting Started" on February 20, 2025, listing claimed accomplishments across border enforcement, economic policy, energy, military matters, and domestic governance. The document asserts that President Trump has "already accomplished more than most presidents do in their entire term" after one month in office. It attributes specific policy actions including border emergency declarations, tariff implementations, military deployments, regulatory rollbacks, and personnel changes across federal agencies.
• White House issues compilation release touting departmental accomplishments after one month — The White House published a compilation release on February 21, 2025, in which it aggregated statements from eight federal departments (Homeland Security, Interior, Education, Housing and Urban Development, State, Transportation, Defense, and Health and Human Services) describing their claimed accomplishments during President Trump's first month in office. The release does not announce new policy but curates existing departmental messaging around themes including border security, energy development, education policy, military readiness, and what the administration characterizes as reversals of prior policies.

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• Department of Education threatens to revoke school funding for teaching about systemic racism — In February 2025, the Department of Education sent a letter threatening to halt federal funding to any school that teaches students about "systemic and structural racism." The letter argues that these lessons "teach students that certain racial groups bear unique moral burdens that others do not." The American Civil Liberties Union sued the Department, arguing that the letter violated free speech. In April, multiple federal judges froze the order.

Supporting reports

• White House issues promotional release claiming multiple policy achievements — The White House published a promotional release titled "Wins Come All Day Under President Donald J. Trump" on February 14, 2025, cataloging claimed achievements from the preceding week. The document asserts actions including: hostage releases from Russia and Belarus; tariff impositions on steel and aluminum; trade policy announcements; diplomatic engagement with Russia, Ukraine, Jordan, and India; energy project approvals; federal workforce reductions (75,000+ resignations); executive orders on vaccine mandates, federal hiring freezes, and DEI program restrictions; agency investigations; name changes (Gulf of America); and various regulatory and personnel actions. The release attributes supportive statements to industry groups and foreign officials.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues executive order ending COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 15, 2025, to end COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools. The order prohibits the use of discretionary federal funds to support educational institutions that require COVID-19 vaccinations for in-person attendance. It directs the Secretary of Education to issue guidelines on parental authority and religious freedom related to such mandates and to develop a plan to end coercive COVID-19 school mandates. The order aims to empower parents and young adults to make their own decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccinations without facing educational barriers.
• White House signed executive order ending COVID-19 vaccine mandates in schools — The White House issued an executive order directing the Secretary of Education to issue guidelines to schools regarding legal obligations related to parental authority, religious freedom, and equal protection as they pertain to COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The order states that discretionary Federal funds shall not support educational institutions that require COVID-19 vaccination for in-person attendance. Within 90 days, the Secretary of Education and Secretary of Health and Human Services must provide a plan to end such mandates, including identification of non-compliant institutions and processes for withholding or rescinding Federal funds.

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• Denver public school system sues Trump administration over ICE access — The Denver public school system has filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its policy that allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents access to schools. The lawsuit argues that this policy forces schools to divert educational resources and has led to decreased attendance due to fear of immigration enforcement on school grounds. The lawsuit seeks to block ICE from conducting raids in schools and demands that the Department of Homeland Security publish the directive to allow better preparation by the district.

Supporting reports

• Establishment of the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14212, establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission. The commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases in the U.S., with a focus on childhood health issues. The commission will study contributing factors, advise on policy, and recommend strategies to combat these health challenges.
• President Trump signed executive order establishing Make America Healthy Again Commission — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission on February 13, 2025. The commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, aims to address the rising rates of chronic diseases and mental health disorders in the United States. It will focus on reversing these trends by promoting transparency in health research, improving food quality, and expanding treatment options. The commission will also provide recommendations to the President on strategies to combat childhood chronic diseases.
• White House established Make America Healthy Again Commission by executive order — President Trump signed an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Commission is tasked with investigating root causes of America's health crisis, with initial focus on childhood chronic diseases. It will produce a 100-day assessment on childhood chronic disease and a 180-day strategy to improve children's health, operating under four policy directives: transparency in federally funded health research, prioritizing gold-standard research on disease causation, working with farmers on food safety and affordability, and expanding treatment options and health coverage flexibility.
• — The White House issued an executive order establishing the President's Make America Healthy Again Commission, chaired by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to address what the order characterizes as a childhood chronic disease crisis in the United States. The order directs the Commission to study contributing causes—including diet, medical treatments, environmental factors, and corporate influence—and to submit an assessment within 100 days and a strategy within 180 days. The Commission comprises 14 federal officials across health, agriculture, education, and other departments.

Supporting reports

• Oklahoma board of education votes to require citizenship information — In January 2025, Oklahoma's board of education voted to require parents to provide citizenship information when enrolling their children in public schools. This decision challenges the constitutional right to public education for all children, regardless of immigration status, as established by the 1982 US Supreme Court ruling in Plyler v. Doe. The rule is expected to face legal challenges and may be struck down as unconstitutional. However, the policy has already created fear among immigrant families, potentially leading them to keep their children out of school.

Supporting reports

• Head Start preschools locked out of funding — Several Head Start preschools relying on federal funding remained locked out of the funding system despite a pause on Trump's federal grant freeze. This situation affects the ability of these preschools to operate and serve children.

Supporting reports

• DOGE cuts at Department of Education — Approximately 20 representatives from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) are working to cut spending and staff at the Department of Education as President Trump prepares an executive order to dismantle the department. This action threatens the department's ability to function effectively.
• EPA employees face potential firing — Over 1,000 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employees were notified they could be fired immediately. This action is part of the Trump administration's efforts to reduce the size of federal agencies and limit their regulatory power.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration instructed Department of Education to end investigations into book bans — The Trump administration directed the Department of Education to cease investigations into book bans, labeling them a "hoax." This move comes amid a surge in book bans across the United States, particularly targeting discussions of race, LGBTQ+ issues, and diversity in public schools. The directive reflects a broader conservative backlash against certain educational materials and has been criticized for undermining free expression and educational diversity.

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

• West Point disbands student-led clubs following DEI order — The US military academy at West Point has dissolved 12 student-led cultural and professional clubs in response to executive orders from the Trump administration targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across federal institutions. A memorandum signed by DC Chad Foster instructed the immediate shutdown of clubs such as the Society of Women Engineers, the Latin Cultural Club, and Spectrum, an LGBTQ+ support group. The directive requires these organizations to remove all public-facing content and cease all activities. This move has sparked criticism from alumni and advocates for diversity in military education.

Supporting reports

• Higher education groups file lawsuit against Trump administration — Higher education groups, including the American Association of University Professors and the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The lawsuit challenges executive orders that eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) positions in government and threaten to suspend funding to institutions with DEI policies. Filed in the US district court in Maryland, the suit claims these orders violate the US Constitution, exceed executive authority, and threaten academic freedom and access to higher education.

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• Florida state colleges enroll in ICE 287(g) program, granting campus police immigration enforcement powers — At least 11 Florida state colleges, including Florida International University and University of Florida, have signed agreements under the ICE 287(g) program, training campus police as federal immigration agents with authority to stop, question, detain, and report students on immigration status. The partnerships were encouraged by Governor Ron DeSantis in February 2025. The program, reactivated by the Trump administration after Obama discontinued it in 2012 for racial profiling concerns, has prompted student protests and fears of visa cancellations and deportations, particularly affecting international students.

Supporting reports

• Florida House passes bill to override Supreme Court obscenity standard in school book challenges — The Florida House passed HB 1539, legislation that would prohibit school districts from considering a book's "potential literary, artistic, political, or scientific value" when evaluating removal challenges. The bill would allow books to be removed based solely on "obscene" content, directly contradicting the 1973 Supreme Court Miller test, which requires consideration of serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value as part of the obscenity determination. School districts failing to comply could lose state funding. The bill was sponsored by Representative Doug Bankson (R) and ultimately languished in the Senate Education Committee.

Supporting reports

• Oklahoma State Board of Education approves social studies standards incorporating election denial claims — The Oklahoma State Board of Education approved revised social studies standards in February 2025 that direct high school teachers to present discredited 2020 election conspiracy theories—including claims about ballot-counting halts, mail-in voting risks, and "bellwether county" anomalies—as legitimate topics for student debate. The standards, championed by State Superintendent Ryan Walters and developed with input from far-right figures including Kevin Roberts (Heritage Foundation) and Dennis Prager (PragerU), will take effect in fall 2025. Teachers report concern about pressure to teach election falsehoods despite overwhelming judicial and DOJ refutation.
• Oklahoma Superintendent Walters approves social studies curriculum including 2020 election fraud claims — Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters approved a new social studies curriculum for the 2025-26 school year that requires high school students to "analyze" debunked claims about the 2020 election, including allegations of ballot-counting halts, mail-in voting fraud, and "batch dumps." The curriculum presents these claims as legitimate concerns without labeling them as conspiracy theories. The State Board of Education approved the standards in February after Walters provided them to board members only 4 p.m. the day before a 9:30 a.m. meeting, preventing adequate review of the 400-page document. Multiple board members later stated they did not realize the standards differed from earlier versions and called Walters' tactics a "breach of trust."
• Walters withheld curriculum changes from State Board members until day before vote — Ryan Walters did not send the new social studies standards with his additions to State Board of Education members until 4 p.m. the day before the board's 9:30 a.m. meeting, preventing adequate review of the approximately 400-page document. The email "subtly indicate[d]" updates had been made but provided no specifics. During the meeting, Walters did not mention specific changes. When board member Chris VanDenhende later requested documents noting the changes, Walters called the request "irrelevant." Board member Ryan Deatherage asked to delay the vote, but Walters pressured the board to vote that day, citing a legislative time crunch that did not exist—the board had until April to approve the standards.

Supporting reports

• Department of Defense Education Activity bans instruction about race and gender — In February 2025, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), which runs a network of 161 primary and secondary schools, released a memo instructing educators to stop teaching "resources potentially related to gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology that are under the operational compliance review." The memo stated it was to "ensure compliance with executive orders." DoDEA schools were also instructed to remove books "potentially related to gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology" and cancel cultural awareness activities, including Black History Month.
• Department of Defense imposes censorship on military schools — The Department of Defense (DoD) has implemented a censorship regime across its 161 primary and secondary schools, as detailed in a February 7 memo from the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA). This directive, purportedly to comply with President Trump's executive orders, eliminates content acknowledging contributions of women, minorities, and LGBTQ people. It cancels cultural awareness events and mandates the removal of related materials from school libraries and curriculums, affecting 67,000 students in military families. The memo has led to the removal of books and the alteration of curriculums to exclude topics related to gender and racial equity.
• DoDEA schools ordered to alter curriculums — The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) has instructed its schools to alter curriculums to comply with President Trump's executive orders. Educators are directed to stop teaching materials related to "gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology." Prohibited materials include chapters on gender and sexuality in AP Psychology, Black History Month content, and lessons on immigration. The guidance also restricts access to books like "Becoming Nicole," affecting the educational content available to students.
• Military schools ordered to remove specific books — Following a February 7 memo, military school librarians and teachers have been instructed to remove books related to "gender ideology or discriminatory equity ideology" from libraries. The directive affects DoDEA schools worldwide, with a deadline of March 3 for reviewing such books. Titles already removed include "Hillbilly Elegy," "Brave New World," and "An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States." A subsequent memo on February 10 informed parents of additional titles pending review, including books about Ruth Bader Ginsburg and a young girl accepting her freckles.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs order dismantling Department of Education — Trump signed an order that would begin the process of dismantling the Department of Education. The order attempts to circumvent the need to obtain congressional approval to formally close a federal department. 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."

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• Trump signs executive order targeting pro-Palestinian activists — Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at "combating antisemitism" by directing federal agencies to explore ways to deport pro-Palestinian activists, including students with visas, who have engaged in protests. The order instructs agencies to identify civil and criminal authorities that could be used to deport resident aliens found to have broken the law during protests. It also mandates the Department of Justice to investigate pro-Hamas graffiti and intimidation incidents, particularly on college campuses. Agencies are required to provide recommendations to the White House within 60 days.
• Trump signs executive order on deporting international students — President Trump signed an executive order seeking to deport international students who participated in pro-Palestinian campus protests. This order targets students based on their political activities, raising concerns about free speech and academic freedom.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on America's 250th Birthday — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14189 to establish the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday. The task force will plan and execute celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026. The order reinstates previous executive orders related to monuments and the National Garden of American Heroes, emphasizing protection against vandalism and expanding the list of honored figures.
• Executive Order on K-12 Education Policy — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14190, titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," on January 29, 2025. The order aims to eliminate federal funding for K-12 education programs that promote gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology. It also reestablishes the President's Advisory 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. The order mandates the development of an "Ending Indoctrination Strategy" by the Secretaries of Education, Defense, and Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, to ensure compliance with federal laws protecting parental rights and prohibiting discrimination.
• Trump issues executive order to end "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schools — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 29, 2025, aimed at ending what he describes as "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schooling. The order directs federal agencies to develop strategies to eliminate federal funding for educational practices deemed illegal or discriminatory, particularly those related to gender ideology and equity ideology. It also reestablishes the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. The order emphasizes protecting parental rights and enforcing compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws in education.
• White House signed executive order on K-12 education framing certain curricula and policies as "radical indoctrination" — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling" directing federal agencies to develop a strategy within 90 days to eliminate federal funding for what the order characterizes as "gender ideology" and "discriminatory equity ideology" in K-12 schools. The order defines these terms broadly to encompass curricula addressing race, sex, and gender identity. It directs the Secretary of Education to reestablish the 1776 Commission to promote "patriotic education" and instructs the Attorney General to coordinate with state and local prosecutors to enforce laws against school officials. The order asserts that certain school practices violate Title VI, Title IX, FERPA, and the PPRA.
• Trump signs executive order on critical race theory and gender ideology — President Trump signed an executive order threatening to cut federal funding from schools that teach critical race theory or gender ideology. This order could impact educational content and restrict academic freedom in schools across the country.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Educational Freedom — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14191 to expand educational freedom and opportunity for families. The order directs the Secretary of Education to issue guidance on using federal funds for K-12 educational choice initiatives and prioritizes education freedom in discretionary grant programs. It also involves the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, Defense, and the Interior in reviewing and recommending mechanisms to support educational choice for low-income, military, and Bureau of Indian Education-connected families.
• Executive Order: Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday — President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the White House Task Force on Celebrating America’s 250th Birthday. The task force, chaired by the President and vice-chaired by the Vice President, is tasked with organizing a grand celebration for the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026. The order also reinstates previous executive orders related to the National Garden of American Heroes and protecting monuments from vandalism. The task force will coordinate with various federal agencies and the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to plan the celebrations.
• Trump issues executive order on educational freedom — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families" on January 29, 2025. The order directs the Secretary of Education to issue guidance on using federal funds to support K-12 educational choice initiatives. It also mandates reviews by the Secretaries of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, Defense, and the Interior to explore mechanisms for expanding educational options, including private and faith-based schools, for various groups such as low-income families, military families, and those eligible for Bureau of Indian Education schools.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting school choice executive order — The White House published a fact sheet on January 30, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump on educational freedom and school choice. The fact sheet states the order directs the Department of Education to issue guidance on using federal K-12 funding for scholarship programs, prioritizes school choice in discretionary grants, and directs HHS, Defense, and Interior to submit plans enabling families to redirect federal funds toward private, faith-based, and alternative educational options. The document claims school choice improves academic performance and saves taxpayer dollars.
• White House signed Executive Order 14191 directing federal agencies to support state-based K-12 educational choice programs — The White House issued Executive Order 14191 on January 29, 2025, directing the Secretary of Education to issue guidance within 60 days on how states can use federal formula funds to support K-12 educational choice initiatives. The order also directs the Secretaries of Labor, Health and Human Services, Defense, and Interior to review discretionary grant programs and submit plans within 90 days for expanding education freedom through private, faith-based, and charter school options for low-income families, military families, and students eligible for Bureau of Indian Education schools.

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• Oklahoma State Board of Education requires proof of immigration status — The Oklahoma State Board of Education voted to approve a proposal requiring families to prove their immigration or citizenship status to enroll their children in school. This policy could limit access to education for undocumented children and raise legal and ethical concerns.