Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Senate Republicans advance $72 billion reconciliation package for immigration enforcement and White House security — Senate Republicans released text of a $72 billion reconciliation package on May 4, 2026, that includes $30.7 billion for ICE, $3.5 billion for CBP immigration enforcement, and $32.5 billion for additional DHS programs. The package also includes $1 billion for Secret Service "security adjustments and upgrades" connected to the White House ballroom modernization project. Committee markups are scheduled for the week of May 19. Republicans are using reconciliation to bypass the 60-vote threshold, allowing passage with 51 votes, after Democrats refused to fund ICE and CBP without reforms.
• Senate Republicans released budget reconciliation bill including $1 billion for White House ballroom — Senate Republicans released their funding request for a budget reconciliation bill that includes $1 billion in taxpayer money for a secure ballroom at the White House. Trump had begun demolishing the East Wing on October 20, 2025, initially claiming he and private donors would fund the ballroom entirely. The measure uses budget reconciliation, which cannot be filibustered and requires no Democratic votes to pass the Senate.
• 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.
• Senate Republicans propose $1bn funding package for White House security tied to Trump ballroom project — Senator Chuck Grassley released a Republican-led immigration enforcement funding bill that includes $1bn in proposed appropriations for "security adjustments and upgrades" within the White House compound perimeter, explicitly tied to the "East Wing Modernization Project"—the Trump administration's plan to rebuild the East Wing as a ballroom. The measure restricts funds to security elements only, though Democrats argue it effectively subsidizes the ballroom construction. The proposal comes after an armed man attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April.
• Senate Republicans propose $1 billion for Trump's ballroom — Senate Republicans released a funding request for a budget reconciliation bill that includes $1 billion for White House security, specifically for a ballroom proposed by former President Donald Trump. This funding is being advanced through budget reconciliation, allowing it to pass without Democratic votes. The proposal follows Trump's earlier claims that he would fund the ballroom himself, raising concerns about the use of taxpayer money for personal projects.
• House and Senate Republicans raised concerns about $1 billion ballroom funding — Multiple House and Senate Republicans privately raised alarms about a $1 billion allocation in the GOP's reconciliation bill designated for ballroom-related construction. Republican members expressed concern about the political vulnerability of the vote, with one House member stating "A first-year political science major would know not to ask members to take this vote" and another declaring "There is no way in hell that this will get 218 votes on the floor." Senate Democrats prepared to use the vote-a-rama process to highlight the funding as an example of GOP priorities misaligned with cost-of-living concerns.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announced plan to take control of East Potomac Golf Links — The Trump administration planned to take control of the East Potomac Golf Links on the Washington, D.C., waterfront, one of three D.C. public golf courses the administration is taking over, with plans to convert it into a championship golf course and establish Trump's National Garden of American Heroes nearby. The sculpture park would feature approximately 250 Americans Trump believes are significant to history. The plans have not been made public, nor have they been approved by Congress or gone through the federal review process. The new golf course would erase the area's public bike paths and open recreational space. The administration planned to shut down the course today for renovation.

Supporting reports

• Trump's National Garden of American Heroes expanded significantly in scope and cost. — The New York Times reported that Trump's vision for the National Garden of American Heroes has grown larger and more expensive than initial estimates, with latest plans calling for reflecting pools, dining facilities, and an amphitheater alongside 250 life-size statues. The plans have expanded to the point that they could require significant redevelopment of West Potomac Park, an area of mostly sports fields near the National Mall. The statues alone could cost more than the $40 million approved by Congress, according to the Trump administration's estimate.

Supporting reports

• Reynolds American donates $5 million to Trump Super PAC before FDA reversal on flavored vapes — Reynolds American, through its RAI Services subsidiary, donated $5 million to MAGA Inc. on April 30, 2026. Two days later, Trump met with Reynolds executives and Reynolds lobbyist Brian Ballard at Trump's golf club in Jupiter, Florida. At the meeting, executives complained about the prohibition on fruit-flavored vapes, banned due to their appeal to children. Trump interrupted the meeting to call FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. Within a week, the FDA produced new guidance facilitating Reynolds and other companies to resume selling fruit-flavored vapes. Makary reportedly resigned in protest.

Supporting reports

• State Department issues limited-edition 'America250' passports featuring Trump's portrait — The U.S. State Department announced it will issue limited-edition passports commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary of independence. The passports will display a large photograph of President Donald Trump on the inside cover, surrounded by Declaration of Independence text, the U.S. flag, and his gold-rendered signature. The initiative is part of the broader "America250" celebration program. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott confirmed the passports retain existing security features while adding "customized artwork and enhanced imagery."
• State Department finalized plan to place Trump image on U.S. passports — According to reporting by Benjamin Parker of The Bulwark on April 28, 2026, the State Department is finalizing plans to place an image of President Trump's face on U.S. passports issued from the Washington, D.C. Passport Agency. This follows the administration's earlier decisions to mint a $1 coin with Trump's face, issue a gold commemorative coin with his image, and place Trump's face on national park passes.
• State Department announced commemorative Trump passports for 250th anniversary — The State Department confirmed it is preparing a limited release of commemorative U.S. passports featuring Donald Trump's portrait on the inside cover with his signature in gold, as part of the country's 250th anniversary celebrations. Between 25,000 and 30,000 passports will be available through the Washington, D.C., passport office beginning around July 4. Trump would be the first living president featured on a U.S. passport. The article notes that public documents belong to the public and are not meant to become personal branding.

Supporting reports

• Representative Chip Roy pushed for taxpayer funding of White House ballroom — According to reporting by Meidas reporter Pablo Manriquez, Representative Chip Roy advocated for using taxpayer funds to pay for the White House ballroom construction. When Manriquez asked Senator Ron Johnson if he would support Roy's push for public funding, Johnson responded affirmatively, stating "Sure" when asked if he would vote for public funds to be used for the ballroom.
• House Republicans propose $400 million taxpayer funding for Trump ballroom — Senate Republicans, led by Sen. Lindsey Graham, announced plans to introduce legislation authorizing $400 million in taxpayer funding to build a ballroom at the White House, to be offset by customs fees. Trump originally claimed in February 2025 the ballroom would be paid entirely from his own pocket, then shifted to donor funding, and now seeks public money. Rep. Lauren Boebert cited national security as justification. Multiple Democratic representatives criticized the proposal as grift and misplaced priorities given infrastructure and healthcare needs. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene sarcastically criticized the spending in the context of broader foreign policy and budget priorities.
• Senate Republicans introduced legislation to fund Trump ballroom with $400 million — A group of Senate Republicans introduced legislation authorizing $400 million in federal spending to build a ballroom at a Trump property. The proposal uses public funds for a private commercial facility, exemplifying the blending of public resources and private business interests.

Supporting reports

• EPA dismantles environmental protections and regulatory enforcement — EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has pursued a deregulatory agenda including rolling back drinking water standards for PFAS ("forever chemicals"), weakening protections against air pollutants such as mercury and arsenic, greenlighting pesticides with known health risks, proposing safe exposure levels for the carcinogen formaldehyde, declining to regulate endocrine-disrupting chemicals in consumer products, and canceling millions of dollars in research grants on chemical and pollutant health effects. The agency has also invited companies to email for exemptions from air pollution standards. One major beneficiary is Bayer, which received an executive order exemption from lawsuits for endangering public health after making large campaign contributions to Trump.
• Trump administration declares glyphosate production a national security issue via executive order — The Trump administration issued an executive order declaring protection of glyphosate production a national security issue. This action was cited by protesters and lawmakers as evidence of executive support for Monsanto/Bayer and against consumer protection. The order was announced in the context of the Supreme Court hearing on glyphosate liability.

Supporting reports

• Trump hosts lavish Mar-a-Lago conference for top meme coin investors; distributes branded merchandise. — Trump hosted a lavish conference at Mar-a-Lago for the top 297 investors in his meme coin, which has flagged in popularity. The top investor in Trump's crypto has sued the Trump family's other crypto business. Attendees included 18 "global superstars," including boxer Mike Tyson, motivational speaker Tony Robbins, and prominent crypto executives and investors. Guests received Trump-branded fragrance, a commemorative poster, and a "Fight Fight Fight Red Beauty Watch" retailing for $499. The top 29 VIPs received a "very, very special" talk about the history of Mar-a-Lago.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration awards no-bid contract to ballroom builder for fountain repairs — The Trump administration secretly awarded a no-bid $17.4 million contract to Clark Construction, the company building the White House ballroom, to repair two ornamental fountains in Lafayette Park. The Biden administration had estimated the same work at $3.3 million in 2022. The Trump administration justified the cost increase by adding 27% inflation, then 24% additional inflation, then 50% more for expedited completion. The contract should have been open for competitive bidding, but the administration cited an "urgency" exception meant for war or natural disasters to bypass normal procurement procedures. The government will pay for the repairs while Trump claims private donations will fund the ballroom.

Supporting reports

• Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation donated $2 million to Trump Super PAC amid Interior Department influence effort — The Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, a California tribe, made a $2 million donation to MAGA Inc., Trump's Super PAC, in March 2026. According to internal Trump administration documents obtained by Popular Information, the donation appears designed to influence the Interior Department's regulatory decisions affecting the tribe's casino business. The donation represents a potential quid pro quo arrangement linking tribal financial support to federal policy outcomes.

Supporting reports

• Deputy Defense Secretary Feinberg consolidates control over Pentagon shipbuilding and acquisitions — Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg, a private-equity billionaire and close ally of Defense Secretary Hegseth, is consolidating control over shipbuilding and Navy acquisitions—roles traditionally held by the Secretary of the Navy. Feinberg is simultaneously overseeing the newly created Economic Defense Unit (EDU), which directs government investment in private defense contractors and has negotiated deals for the government to take equity stakes in those businesses.

Supporting reports

• Congress members protest Ellison dinner for Trump amid $110bn media merger review — Dozens of protesters, including U.S. Representatives Jamie Raskin and Becca Balint, gathered on the National Mall on Thursday to protest an "intimate" dinner hosted by Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison honoring the Trump White House. The protest occurred as the Trump administration weighs approval of Paramount's $110 billion merger with CNN parent WarnerBros Discovery. Raskin characterized the event as a "lavish oligarch's dinner" designed to cement the Ellisons' relationship with Trump during a critical regulatory review. WBD shareholders had voted to approve the merger earlier that day, with DOJ approval still pending.

Supporting reports

• Howard Lutnick admits only one person approved for Gold Card visa program — Howard Lutnick, a Trump administration official, admitted that only one person has been approved for the Gold Card visa program he promised to sell 200,000 of. The admission reveals that a major promised initiative has failed to materialize, representing either fraud or gross incompetence in program administration.
• Trump administration's "Gold Card" visa program approved only one applicant — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that only one person has been approved for Trump's "Gold Card" visa program, which grants U.S. residency to foreigners for a $1 million fee. At a February 2025 press conference, Lutnick stated the administration planned to sell 200,000 gold cards and Trump claimed the program would help balance the budget.

Supporting reports

• White House negotiates $500m financing package for Spirit Airlines with potential equity stake — The Trump administration is finalizing a financing package of up to $500m in loans to rescue Spirit Airlines, which has faced repeated bankruptcy filings and financial distress exacerbated by rising fuel costs from the Iran conflict. In exchange for federal funds, the government would receive warrants for a potential equity stake in the airline. Trump publicly stated support for federal aid to preserve the carrier's 14,000 jobs. White House spokesperson Kush Desai blamed the Biden administration for blocking Spirit's 2024 merger with JetBlue on antitrust grounds.
• Trump administration negotiates $500 million Spirit Airlines bailout — The Trump administration is reportedly close to a $500 million loan deal to bail out Spirit Airlines, which faces bankruptcy due to elevated fuel costs from Trump's own military campaign. In return, the government would receive warrants for a significant equity stake in the airline—as much as 90% according to early reports. This follows the administration taking stakes in Intel and various rare earth companies.
• Trump administration entered advanced talks for Spirit Airlines financing package — The Trump administration engaged in advanced negotiations for a financing package to prevent Spirit Airlines from liquidating. The deal could include $500 million in government financing and potentially grant the government an equity stake in the carrier. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the architect of the deal, argued to Trump it could save jobs and boost GOP prospects in midterms. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy raised concerns that a bailout could be a political nightmare and questioned what the government would gain. Senators Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton publicly opposed the deal as poor use of taxpayer dollars.

Supporting reports

• Major news outlets omit Kushner conflict of interest from 97% of Iran diplomacy coverage — Analysis by Popular Information found that of 202 articles published by major news outlets (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times) covering Kushner's diplomatic role in Iran negotiations from February 28 to April 19, 2026, only six mentioned his financial conflict of interest with Saudi Arabia. This represents 97% of coverage omitting the conflict. Five of the six articles mentioning the conflict appeared in the New York Times; one appeared in Foreign Policy and was republished by the Washington Post. The Wall Street Journal, AP, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, and Los Angeles Times collectively published dozens of articles on Kushner's diplomatic role without mentioning the conflict.
• Kushner leads Iran diplomacy while receiving millions from Saudi government — Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, is leading U.S. diplomatic negotiations with Iran while simultaneously receiving over $110 million in management fees from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) for his private equity fund, Affinity Partners. Kushner raised $2 billion from the Saudi PIF in 2021 and has reportedly sought billions more. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly lobbied Trump to initiate and continue the Iran war. This arrangement presents a direct financial conflict of interest, as Kushner's Saudi payments create incentive to prolong the conflict benefiting his Saudi investors.
• Media coverage analysis reveals 97% of outlets omitted Kushner's Saudi financial conflicts during Iran negotiations — A Popular Information analysis of media coverage from February 28 to April 19, 2026, found that 97% of coverage from major media outlets failed to mention Jared Kushner's multi-billion-dollar business relationship with the Saudi government while he represented the U.S. in Iran negotiations. Kushner's simultaneous diplomatic role and substantial financial interests in a key regional actor constitute a significant undisclosed conflict of interest that received minimal journalistic scrutiny.
• Jared Kushner's financial ties to Persian Gulf governments not widely reported — Major news outlets have not prominently reported that Jared Kushner, the administration's de facto Iran negotiator, has received billions of dollars from Persian Gulf governments. The lack of coverage represents a gap in media scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration considers financial bailout for UAE amid undisclosed Trump family business ties — President Trump stated on Tuesday that he is considering a financial bailout for the United Arab Emirates, a U.S. ally experiencing economic hardship from the Iran war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama, who proposed a currency-swap line to provide inexpensive dollar access. While such swaps are typically Federal Reserve decisions, the Trump administration has previously used Treasury funds for bailouts. The UAE is not a major U.S. trading partner (2024 trade totaled $47.9 billion, compared to $909 billion with Canada), yet administration officials including National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett signaled openness to assistance.
• Trump indicated openness to UAE financial bailout tied to Trump Organization business relationships — On April 22, 2026, Trump indicated he was open to offering the United Arab Emirates a taxpayer-funded financial bailout to offset economic losses from the Iran war. The UAE has extensive business partnerships with the Trump Organization and multiple financial ties to the Trump family. The proposed bailout would use federal funds to benefit a foreign government with direct financial interests in Trump family enterprises.
• UAE requests U.S. financial backstop for Iran war damage — Officials from the United Arab Emirates asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Treasury and Federal Reserve officials whether the U.S. will provide a financial backstop for the UAE if the Iran war continues to damage its economy.
• UAE warns Trump administration of dollar destabilization risk — The United Arab Emirates quietly warned the Trump administration that if the Iran conflict is not resolved, it will face dollar destabilization. The warning represents a private diplomatic signal from a key Gulf ally regarding economic consequences of prolonged conflict.

Supporting reports

• Major news outlets omit Kushner conflict of interest from 97% of Iran diplomacy coverage — Analysis by Popular Information found that of 202 articles published by major news outlets (New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times) covering Kushner's diplomatic role in Iran negotiations from February 28 to April 19, 2026, only six mentioned his financial conflict of interest with Saudi Arabia. This represents 97% of coverage omitting the conflict. Five of the six articles mentioning the conflict appeared in the New York Times; one appeared in Foreign Policy and was republished by the Washington Post. The Wall Street Journal, AP, CNN Wire, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, and Los Angeles Times collectively published dozens of articles on Kushner's diplomatic role without mentioning the conflict.
• Media coverage analysis reveals 97% of outlets omitted Kushner's Saudi financial conflicts during Iran negotiations — A Popular Information analysis of media coverage from February 28 to April 19, 2026, found that 97% of coverage from major media outlets failed to mention Jared Kushner's multi-billion-dollar business relationship with the Saudi government while he represented the U.S. in Iran negotiations. Kushner's simultaneous diplomatic role and substantial financial interests in a key regional actor constitute a significant undisclosed conflict of interest that received minimal journalistic scrutiny.
• Jared Kushner's financial ties to Persian Gulf governments not widely reported — Major news outlets have not prominently reported that Jared Kushner, the administration's de facto Iran negotiator, has received billions of dollars from Persian Gulf governments. The lack of coverage represents a gap in media scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest in high-stakes diplomatic negotiations.

Supporting reports

• Regulators examined suspicious trades before Trump market announcements — Regulators are examining suspicious trades that occurred just before Trump's announcement regarding the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Similar trades from one of Trump's announcements last month are also under regulatory scrutiny. The timing of massive trades immediately preceding Trump's market-moving announcements suggests potential insider trading or market manipulation.
• Potential insider trading pattern in oil markets tied to Trump announcements — WaPo reporter Josh Rogin reported on CNN that traders shorted oil markets by hundreds of millions of dollars approximately 20 minutes before Trump announced Iran peace breakthroughs, with this pattern occurring at least three times since the war began. The Guardian reported that 16 bets of $100,000 each accurately predicted the timing of U.S. airstrikes on February 27, a single user bet $550,000 on Ayatollah Khamenei's assassination moments before it occurred, and traders bet $950 million that oil prices would fall right before Trump announced a ceasefire.
• BBC reports pattern of insider trading around Trump announcements — Nick Marsh of the BBC analyzed the timing of Trump's market-moving statements against trade volume on financial markets and found "a consistent pattern of spikes just hours, or sometimes minutes, before a social media post or media interview was made public." Marsh noted a similar spike pattern over Trump's announcement of "Liberation Day" tariffs in April 2025.

Supporting reports

• Harmeet Dhillon confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights; dismantles civil rights enforcement — Harmeet Dhillon was confirmed by the Senate in a 52-45 vote in April 2025 as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Within two weeks, she issued new mission statements abandoning core civil rights laws (Voting Rights Act, Fair Housing Act) in favor of preventing voter fraud, anti-transgender issues, and preventing discrimination against white people. She involuntarily reassigned career lawyers with decades of experience, triggering an exodus of over 100 attorneys. The division has dropped dozens of anti-discrimination cases and reoriented enforcement away from minorities toward white Americans, leaving the division a "shadow of its former self."
• Dhillon served as co-chair of Lawyers for Trump; promoted false 2020 election claims — Before joining the DOJ, Harmeet Dhillon served as co-chair of Lawyers for Trump in 2020, a position from which she worked on lawsuits contesting the 2020 election results and frequently appeared on television promoting the false claim that the election was stolen. During one appearance on Lou Dobbs Tonight on Fox Business, she suggested Trump's Supreme Court appointees would save the election for him, stating "We're waiting for the United States supreme court which the president has nominated three justices to step in and do something and, hopefully, Amy Coney Barrett will come through and pick it up."
• Dhillon's firm defended Trump against 14th Amendment ballot disqualification effort — Before joining the DOJ, Dhillon's law firm successfully defended Trump against an effort to use a novel interpretation of the 14th Amendment to disqualify him from the 2024 presidential ballot. The firm also defended Trump and several close aides in litigation related to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. David Warrington, who now serves as White House counsel, was a managing partner at the firm.

Supporting reports

• Trump filed $10 billion lawsuit against IRS over tax information leak — Trump, along with his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS after an IRS contractor during his first term leaked some of his tax information along with that of more than 400,000 other taxpayers to two news outlets. Trump claimed the leak caused "reputational and financial harm, public embarrassment, unfairly tarnished their business reputations, portrayed them in a false light, and negatively affected President Trump, and the other Plaintiffs' public standing." The lawsuit amount exceeds 80% of the IRS's annual budget.
• Watchdog organizations filed briefs challenging Trump's IRS lawsuit — Several watchdog organizations filed briefs challenging Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS. Democracy Forward argued that the case is "extraordinary because the President controls both sides of the litigation, which raises the prospect of collusive litigation tactics" and that "the conflicts of interest make it uncertain whether the Department of Justice will zealously defend the public [treasury]" in the same manner as it has against other plaintiffs claiming related damages.

Supporting reports

• Kanatsiz warns business owners to "align" with Trump administration or face exclusion — Sinan Kanatsiz, a PR and government affairs operative, told business owners in December 2024 that they must "align" with the Trump administration or "be left in the dark." The statement was made at a Mar-a-Lago event coordinated by Kanatsiz and attended by Trump advisors David Sacks and Michael Kratsios. Kanatsiz framed alignment with Trump as a business necessity, positioning himself as a networker who can facilitate or block access to the administration based on political loyalty.
• Trump offers $500,000 donors private meeting and photo through Turning Point USA fundraiser — President Trump is scheduled to appear at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix on April 16, 2026. An email from Sinan Kanatsiz, a Trump-connected political operative, solicits $500,000 contributions to TPUSA PAC in exchange for "one-on-one meetings and private photos" with Trump, plus travel, lodging, and access to Turning Point leadership. Kanatsiz confirmed the solicitation in a phone interview. The offer represents a significant escalation in Turning Point PAC's fundraising strategy, which has historically raised less than $10 million since 2021.

Supporting reports

• U.S. District Judge Richard Leon halted above-ground construction of White House ballroom — U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, appointed by Republican President George W. Bush, issued an order halting above-ground construction of a proposed White House ballroom but permitting construction of the below-ground bunker to continue. The decision prompted President Trump to post four lengthy social media screeds attacking the judge as "Trump Hating" and claiming the ballroom is essential to national security, containing bomb shelters, military installations, and protective infrastructure. Trump characterized the judicial order as "illegal overreach" and "a mockery to our Court System."
• Federal judge limits Trump's White House ballroom project — Federal Judge Richard Leon, a George W. Bush appointee, ruled that construction on Trump's planned White House ballroom project can proceed only on an underground portion deemed necessary for national security, not on the 90,000-square-foot aboveground addition Trump wanted for entertaining VIP guests. Judge Leon wrote that "national security is not a blank check to proceed with otherwise unlawful activity." Trump had argued the entire project counted as a security project because of bulletproof glass and bomb shelters.
• Trump attacks federal judge blocking White House ballroom construction — Trump attacked a federal judge on Truth Social who blocked the administration's above-ground construction of a White House ballroom, calling the judge "Trump Hating" and "highly political" and baselessly accusing him of "illegal overreach." The judge had authorized below-ground construction, citing protection of national security facilities. Trump claimed the below-ground portion will include bomb shelters and medical facilities.
• President Trump attacked federal judge Richard Leon in social media posts over ballroom ruling — President Trump posted four lengthy social media screeds attacking U.S. District Judge Richard Leon for halting above-ground construction of a proposed White House ballroom. Trump characterized the judge as "Trump Hating," accused him of "illegal overreach," and claimed the judicial order is "a mockery to our Court System." Trump asserted that the ballroom is essential to national security and that no judge can be allowed to stop the project, framing judicial review as an attack on presidential authority and national defense.
• Stay pending appeal decided — National Trust for Historic Preservation in the United States v. National Park Service (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-04316 — The D.C. Circuit granted Defendants' emergency motion for a stay pending appeal of Judge Leon's April 16, 2026 order and set an expedited briefing schedule, noting: “The purpose of this administrative stay is to give the court sufficient opportunity to consider the emergency motion for a stay pending appeal and should not be construed in any way as a ruling on the merits of that motion.”

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr testifies before House Ways and Means Committee on health budget amid vaccine and public health criticism — Robert F Kennedy Jr, health secretary, testified before the US House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday regarding the administration's health budget and policies. Lawmakers from both parties challenged Kennedy over sweeping changes to vaccination recommendations, promotion of vaccine misinformation during a measles outbreak affecting nearly 2,300 cases, cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, and previous racist comments about Black children. Kennedy defended his positions while promoting disputed claims about vaccine safety and hepatitis B transmission risk, and the hearing became contentious with multiple heated exchanges.
• Gov. Andy Beshear defended Pope's biblical interpretation on war — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear responded to claims by Speaker Johnson and Vice President Vance that the Pope was misinterpreting the Bible regarding war. Beshear stated that there is no point in the New Testament where Jesus discusses just war, and that the Pope is simply speaking about Christ who could have brought down fire on the Roman Empire but chose not to. Beshear emphasized that Jesus, "the most powerful person who's ever walked the face of the Earth," could have justified violence but instead chose to be "the Prince of Peace" rather than "the Prince of Power."
• Rep. Linda Sanchez questioned RFK Jr. on public health messaging priorities — During House testimony, Rep. Linda Sanchez questioned RFK Jr. about suspending a pro-vaccine campaign while spending taxpayer dollars on a campaign featuring him drinking milk shirtless in a hot tub with Kid Rock, asking how this constituted a better public health message. RFK Jr. responded by citing global measles epidemic prevention, to which Sanchez countered that no country has seen a bigger percentage increase in measles than the United States.
• Rep. Melanie Stansbury criticized illegal war and administration's actions — Rep. Melanie Stansbury (D-NM) stated that millions of people have been displaced and American bases bombed, questioning the justification for the war. She characterized the conflict as illegal, led by a president attacking the Pope, threatening war crimes, and implicated in Epstein files, while being unable to explain the war's purpose or post-war plans.
• Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove criticized war costs and health care priorities — Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) criticized the administration's spending priorities, stating that the costs of the war are visible in rising gas prices and fertilizer costs, and that the administration wants to spend $2 billion daily on military operations rather than help Americans access health care. She used colorful language to express frustration with the spending priorities.
• Rep. Terri Sewell questioned RFK Jr. on statements about Black children and ADHD medication — Rep. Terri Sewell asked RFK Jr. whether he had ever parented a Black child, referencing a 2024 podcast interview in which he allegedly suggested Black children on ADHD medication should be "re-parented." RFK Jr. denied making the statement. The Ways & Means Committee Democrats subsequently posted a video clip of RFK Jr. from 2024 stating: "Every Black kid is now just standard put on Adderall, SSRIs, benzos, which are known to induce violence, and those kids are going to have a chance to go somewhere and get re-parented."
• RFK Jr. testified before House on health care fraud investigation — Robert F. Kennedy Jr., leading a Trump administration initiative to investigate alleged health care fraudsters, testified before the House. During questioning, Rep. Lloyd Doggett presented a case involving Paul Walczak, who retained $10 million in wages and purchased a $2 million yacht after his mother contributed to the Trump campaign, and was no longer required to pay $4.4 million or serve prison time. Doggett asked whether RFK Jr. recommended pardons for health care fraudsters or if campaign contributions influenced the decisions. RFK Jr. denied the account as not credible.
• RFK Jr. testified before House committee on HHS spending and policy — RFK Jr. testified before a House committee hearing. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici questioned HHS spending on a video of RFK Jr. drinking milk in a hot tub with Kid Rock. Rep. Greg Casar asked about 1.4 million people who lost health insurance from Obamacare; RFK Jr. responded they were "almost all illegal immigrants." Rep. Adelita Grijalva referenced RFK Jr.'s history of performing his own medical research, including cutting the penis off a dead raccoon. Rep. Summer Lee raised concerns that RFK Jr.'s agency instructed programs to remove 200 words from funding applications including the word "Black."

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• Trump administration cancels $11 million Catholic Charities contract — The Trump administration abruptly canceled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities, cutting off care for vulnerable migrant children and ending a partnership that has existed for more than 60 years. The article characterizes this as retaliation against the Catholic Church for the Pope's and Archbishop of Baltimore's criticism of the administration's military policies and rhetoric.
• Trump cut federal funding for Catholic charitable program for migrant children — Trump retaliated against the Catholic Church by cutting off federal funding for one of their most successful charitable programs working with children who arrive in the United States, following the Pope's public criticism of the administration's military operations and theology.

Supporting reports

• Trump reportedly promises mass pardons to close advisers at end of second term — President Trump reportedly told associates he will issue mass pardons to his closest advisers at the end of his second presidency, joking he would pardon anyone within 200 feet (or 10 feet in an earlier version) of the Oval Office. The White House press secretary characterized the remarks as a joke but affirmed the president's "absolute" pardon power. Trump has already granted clemency to over 1,800 people since his second term began, including 1,500 unconditional pardons to January 6 Capitol riot participants on his first day in office.
• Trump stated he would pardon all officials within 200 feet of the Oval Office — According to reporting by Josh Dawsey of the Wall Street Journal, Trump has repeatedly promised to pardon his top officials before leaving office and brings up the subject frequently. In a recent meeting, Trump said: "I'll pardon everyone who has come within 200 feet of the Oval [Office]." When asked for comment, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated: "The Wall Street Journal should learn to take a joke; however, the President's pardon power is absolute."