Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump delays military assault on Iran at request of Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari leaders — Trump stated that the U.S. military was ready to launch a "full, large scale assault" on Iran on short notice but delayed the attack at the request of leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The article notes that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law involved in Iran negotiations, receives tens of millions of dollars annually from a Saudi investment fund controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest influencing Trump's conduct of the war.

Supporting reports

• DOJ Counsel Todd Blanche announced that the Trump administration has granted the president and his family permanent immunity from IRS-related legal claims, shielding Trump from a potentially $100 million tax liability. — Todd Blanche announced a DOJ settlement that permanently bars the government from pursuing IRS-related claims against Trump, his family, or his businesses. The settlement shields the president from a potentially damaging ruling that could have cost him more than $100 million. The underlying dispute centered on a nearly $73 million tax refund Trump claimed around 2010, based on business losses. The IRS had contended that Trump improperly claimed the same losses twice for his Chicago skyscraper, where he reported losses up to $651 million. Eric Trump previously stated the audit remained active in 2024. Blanche characterized the settlement as routine IRS practice, though critics noted the unprecedented nature of granting a sitting president immunity from tax liability.
• Multiple January 6 defendants and Trump associates announced plans to apply for compensation from the $1.8 billion DOJ weaponization fund, with requests ranging from $2 million to $400 million. — Following announcement of the $1.8 billion DOJ fund for individuals deemed victims of political "weaponization," multiple January 6 defendants and Trump associates announced plans to apply for compensation. Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio, sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy, stated he planned to apply for $2-5 million. Attorney Peter Ticktin, representing over 400 January 6 defendants, indicated $1.8 billion would be insufficient given defendants' claimed losses. Mike Lindell announced plans to claim $400 million for alleged brand and MyPillow losses. Michael Cohen stated he drafted a letter applying for compensation. Other January 6 participants announced claims ranging from $30 million to unspecified amounts. The applications highlight the fund's unprecedented nature and the scale of claimed damages.
• Todd Blanche held a closed-door meeting with Republican Senate leadership to address concerns about a $1.8 billion DOJ "weaponization fund" designed to compensate Trump allies and January 6 defendants, resulting in significant GOP opposition and procedural delays. — White House Counsel Todd Blanche met with Senate Republicans for nearly two hours to defend a $1.8 billion DOJ fund intended to compensate individuals deemed victims of political "weaponization," including January 6 Capitol riot defendants and Trump associates. The meeting was reportedly hostile, with as many as 25 GOP senators speaking in opposition. Multiple Republican senators publicly criticized the fund as fiscally irresponsible, legally unprecedented, and damaging to party electoral prospects. The controversy delayed completion of the reconciliation bill, with Senate leadership announcing a recess until June. Senators proposed conditions including restrictions on who could receive payouts and oversight of fund administration.
• Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly refused to attend an emergency Oval Office meeting with Trump regarding the weaponization fund controversy, marking a potential first instance of Johnson declining a direct presidential summons. — Trump called Speaker Mike Johnson to an emergency Oval Office meeting to discuss the weaponization fund controversy. According to four aides familiar with the meeting, Johnson refused to attend, potentially marking the first time the Speaker has declined a direct presidential request. A Johnson aide subsequently denied the report. The incident reflects tension between the White House and House leadership over the fund's political viability and fiscal impact.
• Todd Blanche met with Republican senators over $1.8 billion criminal slush fund — Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Republican senators to discuss Trump's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund. Sen. Ted Cruz described the meeting as having "fireworks at an epic level" and "one of the roughest meetings" he had seen in the Senate, with senators "screaming at the AG." The fund has been the subject of intense criticism from GOP senators over its purpose and implementation.
• Marjorie Taylor Greene predicted Trump will cancel 2028 election — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene appeared on Alex Jones's podcast and predicted that Trump will cancel the 2028 election, referencing comments Trump made to Zelensky about suspending elections during wartime. Greene expressed concern that Trump's repeated statements about staying in power after 2028 are designed to normalize the idea and test public reaction. She stated that canceling elections during wartime would be unconstitutional and unacceptable.
• Trump announced $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund — Trump posted that he established a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to help those "badly abused" by the Biden administration. Trump claimed he gave up significant money by allowing the fund to go forward, stating he could have settled his own cases for "an absolute fortune" but chose instead to help others receive "justice."

Supporting reports

• Commission of Fine Arts approves designs for 250ft Trump arch in Washington — The US Commission of Fine Arts, composed of Trump appointees, voted to approve designs for a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch ("Arc de Trump") to be built near Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC. The approval marks a key procedural step; the design will next be reviewed by the National Capital Planning Commission. A group of military veterans and historic preservationists has sued to block construction, arguing the structure lacks congressional approval and would disrupt Arlington's symbolic integrity.
• Commission of Fine Arts approved design for Trump triumphal arch — The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, composed entirely of Trump appointees, approved the design plan for a 250-foot triumphal arch Trump wants built on Memorial Circle between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The commissioners approved the project despite receiving more than 600 letters of public opposition. The project still requires review by another federal panel before construction can proceed.

Supporting reports

• Trump dismisses economic impact of Iran War as "peanuts" despite $43.6 billion in additional fuel costs — President Trump stated that high gas prices caused by the Iran War amount to "peanuts" and said he does not consider Americans' financial situations when negotiating with Iran. According to The Iran War Energy Cost Tracker at Brown University, the conflict has caused Americans to spend an additional $43.6 billion on fuel costs, with the average U.S. household paying an extra $331 in combined gasoline and diesel expenses. Trump doubled down on earlier comments dismissing the economic burden, saying it was worth paying "a little more" for gasoline to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
• Trump minimized Iran War fuel-cost impact despite $43.6 billion in household expenses — President Trump compared high gas prices caused by the Iran War to "peanuts," downplaying their economic impact. However, according to Brown University's Iran War Energy Cost Tracker, Americans have spent an extra $43.6 billion on fuel costs due to the Iran War, with each U.S. household paying over $330 in additional costs across gasoline and diesel.
• Trump delays military assault on Iran at request of Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari leaders — Trump stated that the U.S. military was ready to launch a "full, large scale assault" on Iran on short notice but delayed the attack at the request of leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. The article notes that Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law involved in Iran negotiations, receives tens of millions of dollars annually from a Saudi investment fund controlled by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This raises questions about potential conflicts of interest influencing Trump's conduct of the war.

Supporting reports

• Trump promotes unregulated online casino after $1 million Super PAC donation from Stake co-owner — Trump repeatedly promoted Stake, an unregulated online casino operating illegally according to state gambling regulators, on Truth Social on April 9, May 8, and twice on May 20, 2026, featuring AI-generated images of himself, UFC CEO Dana White, and the Stake logo. The promotion occurred shortly after Bijan Tehrani, Stake's co-owner and a named defendant in a California lawsuit alleging illegal gambling operations, donated $1 million to MAGA Inc. on April 27, 2026. Stake.us faces more than a dozen lawsuits and is blocked in at least 17 states.
• Trump promotes unregulated online casino on Truth Social following $1 million super PAC donation — President Trump repeatedly promoted Stake, an unregulated online casino that state gambling regulators say is operating illegally, on Truth Social in posts on April 9, May 8, and twice on May 20. According to Federal Election Commission filings, Stake co-owner and co-founder Bijan Tehrani donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., Trump's primary super PAC, on April 27—between Trump's promotional posts. The timing and pattern suggest a quid pro quo arrangement.
• Reynolds American donated $5 million to Trump super PAC before favorable vape policy — Tobacco company Reynolds American donated $5 million to Trump's super PAC one week before the Trump administration introduced a new policy allowing Reynolds American and other companies to sell flavored vapes. The timing suggests a potential quid pro quo arrangement between a corporate donor and favorable regulatory treatment.

Supporting reports

• Representative Raskin introduces legislation to prohibit taxpayer-funded settlement slush funds — Representative Jamie Raskin (D-MD) introduced the "No Taxpayer-Funded Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2026" in the House, which would prohibit the use of federal funds to pay off anyone claiming to have faced "weaponization" of the law by the federal government, including January 6 rioters. Raskin stated Congress must reassert control over federal spending to prevent what he characterized as "brazen looting of taxpayer funds."
• Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY) drafted bipartisan legislation to eliminate the $1.8 billion DOJ weaponization fund and signaled intent to use discharge petition procedures to bypass House leadership if necessary. — Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi drafted legislation to kill the $1.8 billion DOJ fund created to compensate Trump allies and January 6 defendants. Fitzpatrick sent questions to DOJ Counsel Todd Blanche seeking details about fund eligibility and administration. The representatives indicated they would pursue discharge petition procedures to bring the bill to a House floor vote, circumventing Speaker Mike Johnson's expected opposition. Fitzpatrick has previously used discharge petitions to pass bipartisan bills over GOP leadership objections. The effort reflects bipartisan concern about the fund's legality and fiscal impact.

Supporting reports

• Stanley Woodward Jr. signs settlement agreement on behalf of the United States — Stanley E. Woodward Jr., a defense attorney who has represented Trump associates including FBI Director Kash Patel, Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro, Walt Nauta, and numerous January 6 defendants, signed the settlement agreement on behalf of the United States rather than Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Woodward's representation of Trump's orbit creates a conflict of interest in negotiating an agreement purportedly on behalf of the government.
• Treasury Department's top lawyer Brian Morrissey resigns — Brian Morrissey, the Treasury Department's top lawyer, resigned following the announcement of the Trump administration's agreement with the IRS regarding the $1.776 billion fund.
• Treasury Department general counsel resigned amid Trump settlement announcement — Brian Morrissey, the Treasury Department's general counsel and a former clerk for Justice Clarence Thomas, resigned as the government announced a controversial settlement with Trump. Morrissey, who joined the Trump administration last year as the president's pick for the position after previously serving at the agency and DOJ during Trump's first term, did not respond to requests for comment. The Treasury Department holds responsibility for approving use of the government's judgment fund, an uncapped pot of money used to settle lawsuits.

Supporting reports

• DOJ issued order permanently barring federal government from pursuing tax claims against Trump and affiliated entities — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order stating that the federal government is permanently barred from pursuing tax-related claims, reviews, examinations, and appeals against Trump, his family members, and affiliated companies. The order uses language stating the US "RELEASES, WAIVES, ACQUITS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES" Trump and is "FOREVER BARRED and PRECLUDED" from pursuing monetary relief or other actions against Trump and related individuals, including family members, trusts, and subsidiaries.
• Trump granted permanent immunity from IRS tax investigations and prosecution — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed off on a provision in Trump's settlement that permanently prohibits the IRS from investigating or prosecuting the president, his family, or his businesses for pending tax claims, including a current audit that could have cost Trump more than $100 million. Former IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel stated he was unaware of any precedent where the IRS agreed in advance to permanently forgo examination of previously filed tax returns for a specific person or business.
• Department of Justice amends agreement to release Trump from all IRS prosecution and audits — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an amended agreement that declares the United States "RELEASES, WAIVES, ACQUITS, and FOREVER DISCHARGES" Trump, his sons, the Trump Organization, and "related or affiliated individuals" or companies from all IRS claims. The amendment asserts a blanket promise to cease all IRS audits of Trump's taxes and not to prosecute any crimes Trump, his family, businesses, or associates may have committed involving the IRS. This effectively grants Trump immunity from tax prosecution.
• Justice Department amends settlement agreement to permanently bar IRS from auditing Trump's tax returns — The Department of Justice, through acting attorney general Todd Blanche, added an addendum to a settlement agreement on May 20, 2026, permanently barring the IRS from auditing Donald Trump's past tax returns, as well as those of his family, company, and related entities for all filings prior to the agreement. This amendment was appended to a controversial $1.776 billion compensation fund created to settle Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and other government claims. The provision was posted quietly to the DOJ website the day after the fund's announcement and drew immediate criticism from Senate Democrats during Blanche's testimony.

Supporting reports

• Trump holds press event at Golden Ballroom construction site — U.S. President Donald Trump held a chaotic press event outside the construction site of his planned Golden Ballroom in Washington, D.C. During the event, Trump claimed that the building would protect all of Washington, D.C., and boasted that the ballroom roof would host snipers with a clear view of the city. The event highlights Trump's focus on personal projects amid ongoing national and international issues.
• Trump presented ballroom construction project to press — Trump conducted a lengthy presentation to the press at a ballroom construction site, emphasizing the building's security features and architectural significance. Trump described the structure as featuring a drone-proof flat roof with strong steel, titanium fencing around the White House, impenetrable steel and glass walls with 4-inch-thick glass, and design elements modeled after classical buildings from around the world. Trump stated "There will never be another building like this built" and emphasized the military utility of the structure.
• Trump holds press conference to discuss White House ballroom security features — During the same day Acting Attorney General Blanche testified before Congress regarding the controversial fund, Trump called a sudden, urgent press conference to discuss renovations to the White House ballroom. Trump described extensive security modifications including drone-proofing, missile-proofing, and sniper positions built into the ballroom's height to provide "a very clear view of everything all over Washington," characterizing the White House as a fortified military installation.

Supporting reports

• Trump made 3,642 stock trades in first quarter of 2026 — Financial Times reported that Trump made 3,642 stock trades in the first three months of 2026, according to financial disclosures just released. The bulletin notes this represents significant trading activity during his presidency.
• Trump stock trading while making policy affecting those stocks — Trump bought and sold at least $220 million in stocks including Nvidia, Apple, Tesla, and Microsoft while simultaneously making policy decisions and public announcements that affected the value of those stocks. The trading activity occurred while Trump held the presidency and made decisions directly impacting the companies' regulatory and market conditions.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced plans for "National Garden of American Heroes" in West Potomac Park — Trump announced via social media that he intends to place his "National Garden of American Heroes" in West Potomac Park. He referenced a 22-foot gold statue of himself at his Doral golf club and compared the project to China's Ballroom, stating the U.S. facility would be "the finest facility of its kind anywhere in the U.S.A." with a scheduled opening around September 2028. The announcement came hours after his return from China.
• Freedom 250 planned events showcasing Trump rather than historical themes for 250th anniversary — Freedom 250 planned anniversary celebration events that prioritized showcasing President Trump over significant historical events and themes. Planned events included an IndyCar race around the National Mall, construction of a triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial, an Ultimate Fighting Championship event on the White House lawn on Trump's 80th birthday in June, and the "Rededicate 250" evangelical worship event.
• Trump administration created Freedom 250 organization to oversee 250th anniversary celebrations outside congressional oversight — In December 2025, President Trump created Freedom 250, a new organization to manage the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations, bypassing the bipartisan America250 commission established by Congress in 2016. The Trump administration allocated $100 million in federal appropriations to Freedom 250 compared to $50 million to America250. Freedom 250 solicited corporate donations in exchange for access to Trump from sponsors including ExxonMobil, Mastercard, Deloitte, Palantir, and IndyCar, with donors permitted to request anonymity.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration considers settling $10bn IRS lawsuit with $1.7bn compensation fund for allies including January 6 rioters — The Trump administration is reportedly negotiating to settle Trump's $10bn lawsuit against the IRS by establishing a $1.7bn compensation fund using the Treasury Department's Judgment Fund. The fund would compensate individuals Trump claims were wrongfully targeted by the Biden administration, including over 1,500 January 6 rioters. The settlement would also include a public IRS apology and waiver of audits on Trump, his family, and businesses. A federal judge has appointed attorneys to examine whether a genuine legal controversy exists, raising concerns about self-dealing and potential DOJ manipulation.
• Trump withdrew IRS lawsuit; DOJ established $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" from Judgment Fund — Attorneys for President Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization filed notice voluntarily dismissing a $10 billion IRS lawsuit in federal court in Miami with prejudice. In exchange, the Justice Department announced creation of a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" drawn from the federal Judgment Fund to issue apologies and monetary relief to people claiming government "weaponization" or "lawfare." A five-member commission appointed by the Attorney General will decide beneficiaries; the President can remove any member. Quarterly reports go to the Attorney General, not the public. The fund must cease processing claims by December 2028.
• Trump settles IRS lawsuit and establishes $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund — Trump settled his lawsuit against the IRS over the leaking of his tax information by a whistleblower, abandoning his $10bn damages claim in exchange for a financial agreement that allowed him to establish a $1.776bn "anti-weaponization fund." Federal Judge Kathleen Williams approved the settlement on May 18. Critics and Democrats argue the fund functions as a "slush fund" designed to distribute taxpayer dollars to Trump's political allies, including those convicted of violence during the January 6 Capitol riot, whom Trump subsequently pardoned.
• Justice Department announces Anti-Weaponization Fund settlement with Trump entities — The Department of Justice announced establishment of "The Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of a settlement agreement in President Donald J. Trump v. Internal Revenue Service. The fund, capitalized at $1.776 billion from the judgment fund, will process claims from individuals alleging weaponization or lawfare by government. Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization agreed to drop their lawsuit with prejudice and withdraw administrative claims related to tax-return leaks, the Mar-a-Lago raid, and Russia-collusion investigations in exchange for a formal apology (but no monetary damages to them personally) and creation of the fund. The fund will cease operations by December 1, 2028.
• DOJ establishes $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" for January 6 defendants and MAGA loyalists — The Department of Justice created a $1.776 billion taxpayer-funded "Anti-Weaponization Fund" designated to provide financial support to January 6th insurrectionists and MAGA loyalists. The fund represents a direct allocation of federal resources to individuals convicted or charged in connection with the Capitol attack, effectively using public money to benefit political allies and those involved in the assault on the Capitol.
• DOJ establishes $1.776 billion fund for January 6 defendants and Trump allies — The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Todd Blanche, announced the creation of a $1.776 billion fund designated "for victims of lawfare and weaponization" to provide monetary relief and formal apologies to claimants. The fund will be administered by a five-member Commission appointed by the Attorney General, with one member chosen in consultation with congressional leadership. The President retains authority to remove any Commission member. The fund is expected to provide payouts to individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol breach and Trump administration officials.
• DOJ announced Anti-Weaponization Fund eligibility may include January 6 defendants — ABC News and TIME reported before the fund announcement that the proposed $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund could include people charged in connection with January 6. Reuters notes that "weaponization" and "lawfare" are terms the President and allies have used to describe criminal cases arising from the Capitol attack. The Hill reports that several convicted January 6 defendants have pending civil suits. DOJ has not publicly released eligibility criteria or named beneficiaries.
• DOJ announces $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as Trump settlement — Trump's Justice Department officially announced the $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of a settlement with Trump in his lawsuit against the Treasury Department and IRS over the leaking of his tax returns. The fund will be overseen by a commission appointed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whose members Trump can fire without cause, and will be made available in secret to those claiming wrongful government targeting, potentially including those Trump pardoned for January 6 involvement.
• Trump administration dismisses $10bn IRS lawsuit and establishes $1.776bn secretive compensation fund — The Justice Department announced creation of a $1.776bn "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of an agreement in which Trump and his sons dropped a $10bn lawsuit against the IRS. The fund, overseen by five commissioners (four appointed by the attorney general and removable by Trump), will compensate Trump allies with minimal transparency—quarterly reports go only to the attorney general and are confidential. Trump and his sons receive formal apologies but no monetary compensation. Democrats and watchdog groups condemned the arrangement as a slush fund funneling taxpayer dollars to political allies.
• Department of Justice announces $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to compensate Trump and associates — The Department of Justice, under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, announced the creation of a $1.776 billion fund purportedly to compensate victims of alleged "weaponization" of the Justice Department under former President Biden. The fund was established following Trump's withdrawal of a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS after a contractor leaked his tax information. Judge Kathleen Williams dismissed the suit, noting no legal settlement existed. The fund is controlled by five administrators, four chosen by Blanche and one in consultation with Congress, all removable by Trump without cause. Distributions are confidential and overseen only by the DOJ. Remaining funds after December 2028 revert to Trump's chosen federal account.
• Creation of $1.776 billion compensation fund for Trump allies with minimal oversight — The Department of Justice announced creation of a $1.776 billion compensation fund on May 19–20, 2026, to settle Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and other government claims. The fund is administered by five officials subject to at-will removal by the president, operates with minimal transparency requirements, and is not obligated to publicly disclose recipients or justifications for awards. Senate Democrats criticized the arrangement as an "outrageous, unprecedented slush fund." Acting attorney general Blanche testified that no limitations exist on who may seek compensation, including those convicted of assaulting police on January 6, though he stated Trump and his sons would not receive direct compensation.
• DOJ announces creation of Anti-Weaponization Fund — The Department of Justice announced the establishment of a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" aimed at compensating individuals it describes as victims of lawfare under former President Joe Biden. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the fund is a lawful process for victims to seek redress. However, the fund is not a legal settlement related to Trump's dropped lawsuit against the IRS, and it grants Trump significant control over the distribution of taxpayer money without oversight.
• Justice Department announced $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund from Trump IRS lawsuit settlement — The Justice Department announced a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" created as part of a settlement of President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. Trump, his two adult sons, and the Trump Organization dropped the suit and received a formal apology but no direct monetary payment. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal defense attorney, established the fund and will handpick the five-member commission deciding eligibility and payouts. The process is largely shielded from court review, and eligibility criteria remain undefined, with Blanche stating "anybody can apply."

Supporting reports

• Jared Kushner raises $5 billion from Middle Eastern investors while serving as chief negotiator for U.S. in Middle East — While acting as chief negotiator for the United States in the Middle East, Jared Kushner has been attempting to raise $5 billion from investors in the region for his investment firm. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, overseen by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has already invested $2 billion with Kushner.

Supporting reports

• Trump raises more than $2 billion for vanity projects and causes through donations from wealthy individuals — Trump has raised more than $2 billion for his projects and causes, including a ballroom where the East Wing used to be and a proposed presidential library in Miami. More than half a billion came from 346 people who each gave at least $250,000. Some donors have received presidential pardons, others have been given jobs, and all have received access to the president.

Supporting reports

• Interior Secretary announced renovation of public golf course with Trump-tied contractor — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced plans to renovate East Potomac Golf Links, a public golf course, into a championship facility. The contract was awarded to Fazio Design, a firm with longstanding ties to Trump. The accompanying map contains cartographic errors, including an incorrectly positioned Washington Monument.

Supporting reports

• Trump made over 3,700 stock trades in first quarter of 2026, totaling tens of millions of dollars — Financial filings revealed that Trump or his investment advisors made more than 3,700 trades in the first quarter of 2026—over 40 per day—totaling tens of millions of dollars in major companies with business dealings with his administration. Unlike his predecessors, Trump did not place assets in a blind trust with an independent manager. Instead, his sons Don Jr. and Eric manage the business in areas directly related to government policies Trump decides. Investments included Nvidia, Intel, Netflix, Paramount Skydance, Warner Bros Discovery, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon. Wall Street executives expressed concern about conflicts of interest.

Supporting reports

• Vice President Vance announces withholding of $1.3 billion in Medicaid payments from California — Vice President J.D. Vance announced that the Trump administration intends to withhold $1.3 billion in Medicaid payments from California, citing alleged fraud in state Medicaid programs and claiming the state is not cooperating with federal anti-fraud efforts. The announcement was made during a visit to Maine where Vance promoted the administration's stated anti-fraud agenda in public services.

Supporting reports

• Miami residents sue Trump and DeSantis over allegedly improper land transfer for presidential library — A group of Miami residents, represented by the Constitutional Accountability Center, filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the Southern District of Florida challenging the transfer of nearly three acres of prime waterfront land from Miami Dade College to Donald Trump for his proposed presidential library. The plaintiffs argue the land was illegally gifted by Governor Ron DeSantis and violates the domestic emoluments clause of the Constitution, which prohibits a sitting president from receiving personal gain from office. The land, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, is planned to house a Trump hotel alongside library components.
• Miami residents sue Trump over presidential library land transfer — A group of Miami residents sued Trump, his library fund, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Miami Dade College and its trustees, and Florida officials to stop construction of Trump's presidential library. The suit charges that state officials violated the Constitution's emoluments clause by transferring nearly three acres of prime waterfront land worth between $67 million and $300 million to Trump's library foundation for $10. Trump has stated he wants to build a hotel on the site rather than a traditional library.

Supporting reports

• Trump negotiates $1.7 billion fund to compensate allies for alleged DOJ weaponization — Trump is in talks to drop his $10 billion IRS lawsuit in exchange for the government establishing a $1.7 billion taxpayer-funded account to compensate Trump's allies who claim they were harmed by the Biden administration's alleged weaponization of the Department of Justice. Eligible recipients would include nearly 1,600 people convicted of crimes related to the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, whom Trump pardoned or commuted shortly after taking office in January 2025. While Trump himself will likely be barred from direct payments, entities associated with him will not be.
• Trump DOJ creates $1.7 billion compensation fund for January 6 defendants and Trump allies — The Trump administration is expected to settle Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS by creating a $1.7 billion taxpayer-funded compensation fund to pay individuals and entities claiming wrongful targeting by the Biden administration. The fund would compensate approximately 1,600 January 6 Capitol attack defendants and potentially Trump-associated entities. Trump would retain authority to remove commission members without cause, and the commission would operate with minimal disclosure requirements or oversight of its decision-making process for distributing over $1 billion in public funds.
• Trump administration considers $1.7 billion compensation fund for allies investigated under Biden — The Trump administration is reportedly considering a $1.7 billion fund to compensate President Trump's allies and others who claim they were harmed by Justice Department investigations during the Biden administration. The fund could cover legal costs for people in Trump's orbit and potentially extend to some of the nearly 1,600 people charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol attack. The administration has discussed modeling the program on past federal settlement funds, with possible payments through the Treasury Department's Judgment Fund. The proposal has not been finalized or approved.
• White House and DOJ explore settlement of Trump's $10 billion IRS lawsuit — The New York Times reported that the White House and Justice Department are exploring a settlement in Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS for releasing his tax returns. ABC News reported that Trump is expected to settle in exchange for launching a $1.7 billion compensation fund for his allies, including those pardoned for Jan. 6 involvement, with a Trump-controlled commission overseeing distribution and recipient identities potentially kept private. The settlement would use taxpayer funds to reward political allies.

Supporting reports

• Senate Democrats announce opposition to $1bn White House ballroom security funding in Republican reconciliation bill — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer announced Democratic opposition to a Republican reconciliation bill that includes $1bn in federal funding for security improvements to a ballroom Trump is building on the White House's East Wing. The funding is part of a broader $70bn measure for immigration enforcement agencies. Schumer vowed to force multiple amendment votes and challenge the bill's reconciliation compliance, framing the choice as between helping American families or funding "Trump's gaudy ballroom."
• House Republicans bracing for White House pressure to approve $1 billion bill for ballroom security — Politico reported that House Republicans are preparing for the White House to pressure them heavily to approve $1 billion in a GOP bill designated for White House ballroom security. One House Republican characterized the effort as going to be "ugly." Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) warned that voting for the bill would be politically toxic, stating Democrats would use it to target senators. Punchbowl reported that vulnerable Republicans including Senators Susan Collins (ME), Dan Sullivan (AK), and Jon Husted (OH) are being forced to answer questions about the ballroom funding, which Democrats plan to use against them in the midterms.

Supporting reports

• Trump uses UFC event on White House lawn as fundraising vehicle through sponsorship packages — Trump is using a planned Ultimate Fighting Championship event to be held on his birthday on the White House lawn as a mechanism for donors to funnel money to him. Although the UFC is paying for the event and expects to lose up to $30 million, and tickets are technically free, Trump controls ticket distribution. Sponsorship packages including ringside seats have sold for $1 million or more, with neither the White House nor UFC disclosing where the money goes.

Supporting reports

• Appeal filed — Institute for Applied Ecology v. Burgum (D. Or.) 6:25-cv-02364 — The government appealed the March 12, 2026, preliminary injunction to the Ninth Circuit (Case No. 26-3011 ).
• Complaint filed — Cultural Landscape Foundation v. U.S. Department of the Interior — The Cultural Landscape Foundation and Charles A. Birnbaum filed a complaint in D.D.C. challenging the National Park Service's decision to resurface the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool basin with vivid blue coating without following mandatory consultation and environmental review processes. The NPS awarded a $6.9 million no-bid contract in mid-April 2026 without completing required procedures under the National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act. Plaintiffs allege violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and seek injunctive relief, vacatur of agency decisions, and restoration of the pool's historic elements.
• Federal Lawsuit Filed Over Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool — A federal lawsuit has been filed concerning the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The details of the lawsuit have not been disclosed, but it involves federal oversight and management of the historic site. This legal action could have implications for federal property management and public access to national monuments.
• Former DOJ employees filed emergency lawsuit to halt Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool repainting — A litigation team of former DOJ employees filed an emergency lawsuit seeking to halt and reverse Trump's repainting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The suit alleged that the administration engaged a swimming pool contractor to resurface the pool with vivid blue coating without following congressionally mandatory Section 106 procedures required for changes to historic properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The lawsuit noted the pool was a character-defining feature of the historic landscape and the site of the 1963 March on Washington. The contract was awarded as a $6.9 million no-bid deal to Atlantic Industrial Coatings, which had performed work at Trump's golf club in Sterling, Virginia.

Supporting reports

• Boeing and Toyota fund Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's reality television show — Boeing and Toyota each donated $1 million to fund a reality television show called "The Great American Road Trip" starring Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his family traveling across the United States. The show was produced by a nonprofit backed by major companies overseen by Duffy's agency. The companies being regulated by Duffy's department funded content featuring the secretary in a promotional capacity.
• Transportation Secretary Duffy's reality show raised ethics concerns — CNN reported that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy filmed a five-part reality show titled "The Great American Road Trip" with his family over seven months. The show's sponsors include Boeing, Shell, Toyota, United Airlines, and Royal Caribbean—all companies that intersect with the Department of Transportation. Duffy claimed costs were paid by a nonprofit and his family received no salary or royalties. Donald Sherman of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington criticized the arrangement as ethically problematic given high gas prices and airline safety concerns.
• Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy took extended leave to film television series while in office — Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy took a seven-month road trip to film a television series called "The Great American Road Trip" while serving as secretary. He appeared on Fox & Friends on the day the national average gas price reached $4.54 per gallon, stating that "it fits any budget to do a road trip," creating a disconnect between his public messaging and his absence from his official duties.

Supporting reports

• Trump awarded no-bid contract for Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool repairs — Trump awarded a $6.9 million no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings to reseal joints, waterproof, and paint the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The company had never won a federal contract before but had worked at one of Trump's golf clubs. Trump bypassed the required competitive bidding and review process by invoking an exemption designed for emergencies, citing the need to complete work before the July 4, 2026 Declaration of Independence anniversary. The contract price is more than triple the $1.8 million Trump initially promised, and officials estimate the repairs will last 7–10 years rather than the 50 years Trump claimed.
• Cost of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project increased 88 percent to $13.1 million — According to New York Times reporting, the cost of Trump's plan to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool jumped 88 percent to $13.1 million. Government records showed the price appeared to include a 20 percent profit margin for Trump's handpicked contractor, who received the job via no-bid contract.

Supporting reports

• Senate Republicans included $1 billion for Trump's ballroom in DHS funding bill — Senate Republicans released the text of a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security that included $1 billion in taxpayer money designated for the "East Wing Modernization Project, including above-ground and below-ground security features" at Trump's property. The bill also allocated $3.4 billion for CBP through 2029 and $30 billion for ICE. Senate GOP leaders planned to bring the reconciliation bill to the floor the week of May 18.