Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Billionaire banker receives presidential pardon after hiring Trump's former lawyer — Julio Herrera Velutini, a billionaire banker who faced felony bribery charges, struck a plea deal and sought a presidential pardon. His family hired Alina Habba, one of Trump's former personal lawyers, and guaranteed her compensation of "more than $50 million over four years." Weeks after Habba began her position, President Trump granted Herrera a full and unconditional pardon. The sequence suggests a direct connection between the hiring of Trump's lawyer and the subsequent pardon.

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• Administration fells over 400 trees on East Potomac Golf Links despite court warning — The administration felled more than 400 trees on the East Potomac Golf Links course that Trump wants to develop into another of his projects on Saturday, October 12. U.S. District Judge Ana C. Reyes had previously warned the administration not to make any irreversible changes to the landscape, though she did not forbid routine maintenance work. The administration claimed the cutting was routine maintenance. Judge Reyes expressed fury at the administration's lawyers, stating she did not know how she could have made it any clearer that she was trying to stop precisely what the administration did. She warned that the government had lost all credibility with her. The administration's lawyer stated they still planned to cut several hundred more trees.
• Judge Reyes holds emergency hearing on Trump administration's defiance of court order at East Potomac Golf Course — US District Judge Ana Reyes convened an emergency hearing on a federal holiday to address the Trump administration's violation of her previous order prohibiting major work at the East Potomac public golf course in Washington, DC. The administration cut down approximately 430 trees on Saturday, October 10, despite the court order requiring notification before any such work. Judge Reyes expressed severe disappointment with DOJ attorneys and Trump administration lawyers, stating the government had lost credibility. She ordered a halt to all further work at the golf course until 2 PM the following day and demanded testimony from National Park Service officials and Interior Department staff about the authorization and timing of the tree removal.

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• Trump endorsed presidential retreat development at his golf club — Trump endorsed a proposal to develop a Camp David-style presidential retreat at his golf club in West Palm Beach. The proposal involves county-owned land leased to the Trump Organization, with the company offering to finance construction and provide presidential facilities without charging the government for use. Trump stated the facility would serve future presidents.

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• Trump promised $5,000 to all adult citizens if Republicans win midterm elections — Trump posted a campaign promise that "If Republicans win the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2026 Midterm Elections, I'm going to give all Adult Citizens in the United States of America, $5,000." The promise was made without specification of funding source or mechanism.

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• Trump announced Medicare Part B premium payments funded from Medicare Improvement Fund — On October 4, Trump announced his administration would immediately distribute checks of nearly $100 to over 20 million seniors to help pay Medicare Part B premiums, funded from the Medicare Improvement Fund. Congress established the fund in 2008 to enable program improvements and adjust healthcare provider payments. Republican congressional aides indicated lawmakers had planned to use the fund for several health programs that year and were surprised by the announcement. Trump linked the distribution to the upcoming midterm elections, stating a "$5,000 Trump Dividend" would follow if Republicans won.

Supporting reports

• Trump ordered OMB director to divert DHS funds for campaign ads — According to reporting by Maggie Haberman, Hamed Aleaziz, Shane Goldmacher, and Jonathan Swan of the New York Times, Trump personally ordered Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought to allocate $20 million for television advertisements praising Trump. The journalists reported that Vought obtained the funds by redirecting money Congress had appropriated for the Department of Homeland Security. The diversion of congressionally appropriated funds for campaign purposes raised questions about proper use of federal resources.
• Trump acknowledged using $20 million in taxpayer funds for self-promotional ads — Trump acknowledged bipartisan outcry over his use of $20 million in taxpayer money to run ads boosting himself. He initially defended the practice as "a rather standard thing to do" but then stated he would pay for future ads with money raised for MAGA, Inc. However, the White House later clarified that Trump would not reimburse the American public for the ads already run, and the reimbursement promise would only apply "moving forward."
• Trump administration used $11 million in taxpayer funds for political advertising — The Trump administration spent at least $11 million in taxpayer funds broadcasting advertisements through a Department of Homeland Security contract to promote the president. Trump announced his allied super PAC (MAGA Inc.) would assume financing going forward, and the White House stated it does not plan to reimburse taxpayers for the expenditure.
• White House uses taxpayer funds for pro-Trump ads without reimbursement from super PAC — Approximately $11.6 million in taxpayer-funded advertisements promoting Trump have aired, according to an AdImpact estimate. Trump initially claimed the ads would be paid for by his super PAC, but the White House later clarified that the PAC would not be reimbursing the government for ads that had already aired. The use of federal funds for partisan political advertising without reimbursement raises questions about the misuse of public resources for campaign purposes and potential violations of appropriations law.

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• New York Times reported Trump administration negotiations for Lukoil asset purchase — On October 3, the New York Times reported that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff—neither diplomats—have been negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a multibillion-dollar deal to purchase assets of Russian oil giant Lukoil at depressed prices due to U.S. sanctions. The sale would remove those assets from sanctions, making them far more valuable. Beneficiaries would include a major Trump donor and Middle Eastern investors tied to the Trump family and Witkoffs. The U.S. government would take a stake through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Putin allegedly suggested the deal on September 5, after Senator Lindsey Graham's death on July 11. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would need to approve the deal.

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• Pentagon appoints tech billionaires Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey to advisory roles — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth appointed tech billionaires Elon Musk and Palmer Luckey to advisory roles in a Pentagon project about the future of warfare, dubbed "Project Meridian." Both men are significant MAGA campaign donors and own companies that benefit from federal defense contracting. The project will be led by Pentagon official Emil Michael, a former Uber executive who made millions in profits from non-public Musk company AI stock while in federal office and while guiding the Department of Defense's AI efforts.
• Secretary of Defense places military decisions under control of AI megadonors — Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense, is putting decisions about the future of the U.S. military into the hands of AI megadonors, according to the article. The specific decisions or mechanisms are not detailed, but the article frames this as a threat to military independence and civilian control.

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• White House routed ballroom project through exempt office to avoid building codes — The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration signed contracts putting the American taxpayer on the hook for more than $300 million for a White House ballroom project. James McCrery II, the first architect on the project, resigned when Trump insisted on a design that did not meet fire codes. Normally, White House construction would be managed by federal agencies required by law to comply with building safety codes, but White House officials routed the ballroom through the tiny Executive Residence office, which is exempt from rules because it is not a federal agency. McCrery warned that Trump's design lacked sufficient emergency exits and fire containment measures. When McCrery raised these concerns, Trump responded: "I am the code."

Supporting reports

• Trump announces creation of "AI Force" and appointment of AI czar — President Trump announced on social media that he would create an "AI Force" (modeled on the Space Force) and appoint an artificial intelligence czar, though he provided minimal operational details. The announcement came amid growing industry and political calls for AI safety guardrails and regulation. Trump characterized concerns about AI risks as a "hoax" generated by the political left, reaffirmed his administration would not hinder AI industry growth, and stated that criminal and civil justice systems could address "bad actors" without formal regulatory oversight.
• Trump announced formation of AI Force and AI Czar position — Trump announced plans to form an "AI Force," similar to the Space Force, and stated he will announce an "AI Czar" position in the near future, specifying that "only High I.Q. individuals need apply." Trump posted that his administration will not "hinder or stifle" AI growth and will "cherish it, help it, and watch over it," while also stating the administration will look for "BAD" using existing criminal and civil justice systems.

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• Trump demands his name on Kennedy Center building, withholds renovation funds — Trump stated that the Trump Administration should receive recognition for fixing and subsidizing the Kennedy Center, claiming the building would "close and get ripped down" without his involvement. A Community Note fact-check revealed that Congress recently allocated $257 million for Kennedy Center renovations, but the funds remain unused because Trump is withholding the money amid a legal battle to add his name to the building. Trump was photographed aboard Air Force One looking at a placard reading "Kennedy Center DEMOLISHED."

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to withhold disaster aid to North Carolina unless Senate nominee Whatley wins — At a rally in North Carolina for Senate nominee Michael Whatley, Trump stated he would withhold federal disaster relief to the state unless Whatley is elected. Trump said "If Michael loses, I'm not sending it," referring to disaster aid for recovery from Hurricane Helene. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein responded that this is "no way to respond to a tragic disaster, no way to run a country, no way to campaign for office," noting the state has requested $10 billion in federal funding for recovery efforts.
• Trump conditioned FEMA disaster funding on political loyalty — During a North Carolina rally on Wednesday, President Trump stated that he would withhold additional FEMA disaster funding unless a specific political candidate (Michael Whatley) won his election. Trump said: "Now if Michael loses, I'm not sending it. No, I'm only kidding. You're getting it." The statement, even if framed as a joke, explicitly conditions federal disaster relief on electoral outcomes and political loyalty.

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• Trump threatens to block Kennedy Center renovation unless his name is added to building — President Trump threatened to block a $257 million renovation of the Kennedy Center unless federal courts allow his name to be inscribed on the building's exterior. Trump's board voted to close the performing arts center citing safety concerns. A federal judge had previously ruled that only Congress can authorize renaming the Kennedy Center, and ordered Trump's name removed from the facade in June. Trump conditioned the renovation on overturning the court decision, stating the project "will not take place" if courts rule against adding his name.
• Commerce Secretary Lutnick posts security video of Kennedy Center debris to justify Trump renovation — U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick posted a security video on Monday appearing to show debris falling in the Kennedy Center's grand foyer, claiming "the entire building is in this kind of shape" and asserting that only Trump "can deliver the renovation on time and on budget." Trump then shared the post on Truth Social. Lutnick's wife, Allison, is a member of Trump's appointed board at the Kennedy Center.

Supporting reports

• Trump visited Ireland for golf while protesters demonstrated; press events included controversial statements on domestic and foreign policy. — Trump traveled to Ireland to watch the Irish Open at his golf course. Large protests occurred during his visit. Trump held multiple press events with the Irish President, making statements comparing Democrats to communists, discussing his family members' presence, and addressing various geopolitical issues including Canada, Iran, Gaza, the Falkland Islands, Venezuela, and Ukraine. A viral video of protest art depicting Netanyahu and Trump circulated with over 20 million views. Trump also made comments about Secret Service presence during golf and data centers.

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• Trump announces $5,000 "Trump dividend" conditional on Republican congressional control — At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, Trump announced a $5,000 "Trump dividend" payment to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans maintain control of both the House and Senate after the November 3 election. Reuters estimated the cost at approximately $1.2 trillion for roughly 240 million adult citizens. Trump and JD Vance suggested tariff revenue could help fund the plan, but the Congressional Budget Office reported only $167 billion in tariff revenue collected in the current fiscal year, far short of the estimated cost. Congress would need to authorize any such spending.

Supporting reports

• Trump campaign promises $5,000 dividend checks to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win midterm elections — At a Republican midterm convention in Dallas on September 9, Trump promised to distribute $5,000 checks to every adult U.S. citizen if Republicans win control of Congress, calling it the "Trump Dividend." The payout would cost approximately $1.2–1.3 trillion and would require congressional approval. Trump did not explain funding mechanisms. Multiple Republican lawmakers and observers noted the promise contradicts constitutional authority and echoes unfulfilled prior pledges (DOGE dividend, tariff rebates, stimulus checks).
• Trump suggests renaming geographic features after himself at convention speech — During the Dallas convention speech on September 9, Trump proposed renaming the Hormuz Strait the "Trump Strait," Lake Michigan "Lake America," and New Mexico "New America." He stated "I should get something out of it" regarding the strait naming and joked about personal financial benefit from geographic rebranding.
• VP Vance interviewed on Fox about $5,000 dividend promise — Fox host Bret Baier interviewed VP JD Vance after Trump's convention speech on September 9. When asked how a $1.3 trillion dividend payout would be funded without bankrupting the country, Vance claimed tariffs had generated substantial revenue and that the president was offering to share wealth created by his policies. A Community Note fact-check on X noted that annual tariff revenue (under $300 billion) cannot fund a $1.3 trillion payout and that previous cash dividend promises were never delivered.
• Trump claimed Iran war will end after midterm elections — Trump told reporters that Iran is prolonging the war to influence U.S. midterm elections and that he expects the conflict to end and gas prices to decline once the elections conclude. He stated, "They can't hold out any longer" and characterized Iran as "desperate to try and affect the election." However, Wall Street Journal reporting revealed that Trump's top advisors, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have warned him the Iran war could continue through the remainder of his term. Hegseth has already extended troop deployments in the Middle East and planned additional extensions.
• Trump promised $5,000 checks to all adults if Republicans win midterms — At the "Trumpapaloosa" midterm convention in Dallas, Trump promised that if Republicans win the midterm elections, his administration will distribute $5,000 checks to all adult Americans. Trump branded the proposal the "Trump Dividend" and attributed it to "our tremendous strength and success economically." The plan would cost more than a trillion dollars and would require congressional approval, which Trump did not acknowledge.
• Trump pledges $5,000 payment to voters if Republicans win midterms — At the Republican National Convention in Dallas on September 10, President Trump promised a $5,000 check to every U.S. adult citizen if Republicans win the midterm elections. The pledge is widely understood within Trump's own circle as non-credible; no similar payments have been distributed during his second term despite prior promises. The announcement occurred during a lengthy speech that included incoherent remarks and calls for audience loyalty pledges.
• Trump Dividend: America Is Winning — and Americans Should Win With It — The White House published this release on 2026-09-10 through its releases channel.
• FDA announces priority review voucher fee rate for fiscal year 2027 — The Food and Drug Administration published a notice establishing the fiscal year 2027 fee rate for using priority review vouchers at $1,798,596. This fee applies to applications for tropical disease, rare pediatric disease, or material threat medical countermeasure products submitted with a priority review voucher, in addition to standard Prescription Drug User Fee Act fees. The rate is effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027, and was calculated based on the difference between average costs of priority and standard drug application reviews in fiscal year 2025, adjusted for cost increases.
• Trump gave cash gifts to executive assistant and staff — Trump gave his executive assistant Natalie Harp and two other young female employees gifts totaling $45,000 in cash last year, approximately one-third of their $150,000 annual salary. He also gave $20,000 to Walt Nauta, his co-defendant in the classified documents case. Richard Painter, chief White House ethics lawyer under President George W. Bush, stated the gifts appear to violate federal law prohibiting federal employees from receiving salary supplements from outside sources. Don Fox, acting director of the Office of Government Ethics under Obama, said the legality was unclear because such payments were not previously envisioned by OGE.
• Trump claimed he may not need congressional approval for $5,000 checks — During a backstage Fox News interview at the RNC convention, Trump was asked about the $5,000 dividend proposal. He responded that "there are a lot of people who think I don't even need congressional approval because we've made so much money," suggesting he might implement the policy unilaterally without legislative authorization.
• Trump claimed oil prices would drop after military conflict — Trump told reporters at the RNC convention that oil prices would drop "very rapidly" once the U.S. wins "the military conflict or war," and that he was "pretty sure" this would happen shortly after the election. The bulletin notes he has made similar claims for seven months while oil prices have continued to rise.
• Ron DeSantis criticized Trump's $5,000 check proposal — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis publicly denounced Trump's proposal to deliver $5,000 checks to Americans if Republicans hold their ground in the midterm elections. DeSantis warned that the infusion of cash would stir more inflation and expressed concern about borrowing an additional $1.5 trillion and flooding it into the economy.
• Trump claimed $5,000 checks would be funded by growth — During a press availability at the RNC convention in Dallas on September 11, Trump was asked how he would pay for proposed $5,000 checks to Americans. He responded that the checks would be funded by economic growth, and when asked about deficit impact, he said he was not worried about it. Economic data cited in the bulletin indicates GDP growth is weak.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to ban Bombardier from U.S. market — Trump posted that Bombardier, a Canadian aerospace manufacturer, must build in America to access the U.S. market or face a ban. The threat ignored that Bombardier employs over 1,200 workers in Kansas (Wichita), uses American-made engines and components from Indiana and Arizona suppliers, and has 2,800 American suppliers. Canadian journalist Dean Blundell and industry officials noted the claim was factually inaccurate and that Trump's own trade commission had rejected a similar approach in 2017. Kansas Republicans, including Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran and Rep. Ron Estes, scrambled to defend Bombardier's Kansas operations.
• Former Canadian Interior Minister accused Trump of personal vendetta against Bombardier — Former Canadian Interior Minister James Moore characterized Trump's threat to ban Bombardier as personal rather than philosophic, economic, practical, or commercial. Moore stated Trump was targeting the company on behalf of a friend and described the president as "steeped in corruption, nepotism, and trying to do favors for friends in an extraordinarily destructive way."

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• Interior Secretary Burgum begins construction of Trump triumphal arch without congressional approval — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the administration is beginning construction of a 250-foot triumphal arch between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery, despite lacking required approvals. The structure falls within Area I, designated by Congress in the 1986 Commemorative Works Act, which requires congressional authorization for any commemorative work in that zone. Congress has not passed such authorization. In June, Senator Angus King and five Democratic lawmakers wrote to Burgum opposing the arch, citing multiple legal violations.

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• Trump administration announces plan to rescind the Roadless Area Conservation Rule — The Trump administration announced plans to rescind the 25-year-old Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects approximately 45 million acres of national forest from road construction, drilling, and logging. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz, a former timber industry lobbyist and executive, championed the rollback as necessary for wildfire management and "active forest management." Environmental advocates warn the change could endanger 400 threatened and endangered species and primarily benefits timber companies Schultz previously represented.

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• Trump administration negotiates oil development deal with Venezuela through Pentagon office — The Trump administration announced a deal to develop Venezuela's oil resources through the Pentagon's Office of Strategic Capital, partnering with Venezuelan businessman Alejandro Betancourt López. The U.S. government would back development of a significant portion of Venezuela's proven oil reserves, with Betancourt's company leading operations. Trump claimed the arrangement gives the U.S. "majority control" over a large portion of the country's reserves, though details remain unclear and expected to evolve. Production timelines extend years into the future with minimal immediate impact on global commodity prices.
• Trump announced oil deal with Venezuela granting U.S. control of 65 billion barrels of proven reserves — Trump announced an agreement with Venezuela giving the United States majority control of more than 65 billion barrels of proven oil reserves "at no cost to the American Taxpayer." The deal involves a partnership between the U.S. government and private operator Alejandro Betancourt López, whose family controls Venezuela's second-largest private oil producer, North American Blue Energy Partners. The U.S. would control 55% of the venture's output. The administration has not disclosed the final terms, legal basis, or how proceeds will be distributed. An oil industry executive noted the deal is "built on a legal environment that does not exist," as Venezuela's constitution prohibits private ownership of oil and gas rights.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration threatened to demolish Kennedy Center — Trump's lawyers suggested that the administration might be forced to demolish the Kennedy Center if courts do not permit the board to renovate it over the next two years and add Trump's name to the facade. Justice Department attorney Brantley T. Mayers wrote that without renovations, the Center would deteriorate into an unsafe structure requiring demolition, with proposals to replace it with an outdoor amphitheater. The threat came after ticket sales and fundraising for the Kennedy Center plummeted following the addition of Trump's name to the building.
• Trump's DOJ threatened to demolish the Kennedy Center if Trump's plans do not proceed — Trump's Department of Justice lawyers argued that the Kennedy Center building is dangerously dilapidated, financially unsustainable, and heading toward demolition unless Trump's plans for the facility can proceed. The DOJ claimed Trump's "efforts and prestige" provide the "sole hope" for the Center's financial survival. The threat came after ticket sales and donations plunged following Trump's takeover of the venue.

Supporting reports

• Trump held campaign rally in South Carolina for Senator Darline Graham — Trump held a campaign rally in South Carolina on August 22 to support Senator Darline Graham's primary runoff campaign. Trump told attendees the election was about him personally, stating that Graham's opponent Ralph Norman was "only fighting Darline because they want me to lose." Trump's appearance was aimed at restoring political power as his popularity slides and candidates he endorsed in gubernatorial and congressional races in Iowa, Georgia, Wyoming, Minnesota, Michigan, and Tennessee have lost.
• Trump spent $827,000 supporting Darline Graham in GOP Senate primary — Trump's super PAC, MAGA Inc., spent $827,000 on text messages and phone calls supporting Darline Graham in Tuesday's snap GOP Senate primary against incumbent Rep. Ralph Norman. Trump held a rare in-person rally for Graham and pushed her to run for a full term. Republican strategists warn that a Graham loss would be an "utter rejection" and "massive embarrassment" to the White House. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley is supporting Graham's opponent Ralph Norman.

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• Trump conducts White House grounds tour showcasing renovations and new helipad — President Trump led press corps on a 40-minute tour of White House grounds undergoing extensive remodeling he personally oversees, including a new granite driveway, refurbished columns, newly laid sod, and an ornate helipad. Trump autographed a stone inscribed with his name for the helipad center and praised the grass quality, which he noted was donated by Scotts Miracle-Gro, a campaign contributor. The tour occurred as national debt exceeded $40 trillion and an Iran war Trump initiated continued.

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• Trump's Freedom Grand Prix car race scheduled for Washington D.C. streets — Trump's Freedom Grand Prix car race is scheduled to take place this weekend on the streets of Washington D.C. The event will feature 25 IndyCars traveling at speeds of 180 to 190 miles per hour on city streets. Preparation required welding down 200 manhole covers and removing some street lights. White House Director of Protocol Monica Crowley announced the event.

Supporting reports

• Trump offered paid subscriptions to presidential announcements — Trump is offering paid subscriptions to presidential announcements on war, peace, and economic policy, with paying customers receiving information first. Sen. Ossoff characterized this as selling access to presidential pronouncements on matters of national importance.
• Trump sold early access to Truth Social posts for up to $100,000 per month — Trump has been selling early access to his Truth Social posts for as much as $100,000 a month. Investors appear to be making substantial profits by anticipating Trump's posts, which move financial markets. The arrangement has been widely reported and discussed as a potential form of insider trading.