Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration lifted sanctions on Iranian oil at sea — On Friday, the Trump administration lifted sanctions on Iranian oil currently at sea in an attempt to lower global oil prices following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran after the February 28 U.S. attack. The action enables Iran to sell approximately 140 million barrels of oil worth about $14 billion, including to the United States and China. Iranian oil has been under sanctions since 1979.
• Treasury Department lifts sanctions on Iranian oil at sea to lower energy prices — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on March 21 that the Treasury Department was temporarily lifting sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto ships as of that date, through April 19. The license allows most countries to purchase the Iranian oil. According to NBC, at current prices the oil would be worth more than $14 billion for Tehran. The administration argued Iran would have difficulty accessing the revenue, but the mechanism for preventing access was unclear. The move occurred during active U.S. military conflict with Iran.
• U.S. temporarily waives sanctions on Iranian oil — The United States temporarily waived sanctions on Iranian oil at sea, allowing it to flow despite escalating military tensions with Iran. This decision has been criticized as contradictory, as it effectively funds a conflict against U.S. interests. The waiver reflects the administration's prioritization of economic factors over strategic military objectives, raising concerns about the coherence of U.S. foreign policy.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent stated U.S. lifted sanctions on Iranian oil as part of strategy — When asked on NBC why the U.S. lifted sanctions on Iranian oil, helping Iran obtain $14 billion in oil revenue while at war with the U.S., Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent responded: "We have always planned for this contingency. In essence, we are jujitsuing the Iranians." Sen. Chris Murphy countered that Trump is "suspending sanctions on Iran and Russia, which will put over $15 billion in their treasuries to help them fund the wars against us."
• Russia increased crude oil sales due to eased sanctions — Ukrainian President Zelensky stated: "Over the past week, Russia launched nearly 1,550 attack drones against Ukraine, more than 1,260 guided aerial bombs, and two missiles. Over that same week, due to the easing of sanctions, Russia increased its crude oil sales to finance its war. Revenues give Russia a sense of impunity and the ability to continue the war. That is why pressure must continue and sanctions must work."
• Trump lifted Treasury sanctions on Iranian oil while claiming to oppose sanctions relief. — Trump announced that Treasury had lifted sanctions on Iranian oil. When asked about this in light of his past criticism of President Obama for providing Iran $1.7 billion, Trump stated he wanted "as much oil in the system as possible" and claimed "We don't even know that Iran gets that money." The statement appeared to contradict his earlier public opposition to sanctions relief for Iran.

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• ProPublica report detailed $220 million DHS ad contract to cronies — A November 2025 ProPublica report by Justin Elliott, Joshua Kaplan, and Alex Mierjeski documented that the Department of Homeland Security awarded a $220 million contract for a taxpayer-funded advertising campaign to cronies. The contract circumvented transparency laws by being awarded to a small company that then subcontracted the work to associates of Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski. Trump allegedly commented on the arrangement: "Corey made out on that one."

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• Sergey Brin donates $45m total to Super PACs opposing California billionaire wealth tax — Google co-founder Sergey Brin contributed $25m to the Super PAC "Building a Better California," adding to a prior $20m donation, for a total of $45m aimed at blocking California's proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires. Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt added $1.02m to his previous $2m contribution. The tax would apply to California residents worth over $1bn and would generate revenue for education, food assistance, and healthcare. Brin relocated to Nevada in late 2025, potentially to avoid the tax's residency requirement.

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• New York attorney Joshua Nass charged with attempted extortion of client over unpaid fees — Joshua Nass, a 34-year-old New York lobbyist and attorney connected to a Trump pardon issued in November 2025, was arrested and charged in federal court in Brooklyn with attempted Hobbs Act extortion. Prosecutors allege Nass threatened a former client and the client's son over an alleged $500,000–$600,000 debt for lobbying services, instructing an associate to intimidate the client at his home and threatening physical assault or kidnapping. Nass was released on a $5 million bond secured by five properties and $50,000 cash, with GPS monitoring imposed.

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• Trump purchased Apple stock the same day he publicly praised the company in a Kentucky speech — On March 11, 2026, President Trump delivered a speech in Kentucky in which he singled out Apple and CEO Tim Cook for extensive praise, highlighting Apple's $2.5 billion investment in glass manufacturing and $650 billion in U.S. plant expansion. The same day, Trump purchased between $250,000 and $500,000 of Apple stock in an "unsolicited" transaction. Trump had also purchased between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000 of Apple stock on March 2 in an unsolicited purchase. In total, Trump purchased between $2 million and $7.2 million in Apple stock during March 2026, including five unsolicited purchases. These transactions were not publicly disclosed until May 14.
• Trump purchased stock in Thermo Fisher the same day he publicly praised the company at a facility tour — On March 11, 2026, President Trump toured a Thermo Fisher Scientific manufacturing facility in Reading, Ohio, where he publicly praised the company and its CEO Marc Casper, encouraging pharmaceutical companies to contract with Thermo Fisher for U.S. manufacturing. The same day, Trump purchased between $15,000 and $50,000 of Thermo Fisher stock in an "unsolicited" transaction (initiated by the customer, not recommended by a broker). Trump had also purchased between $51,000 and $115,000 of Thermo Fisher stock on February 12 and another $15,000–$50,000 on March 2, totaling as much as $215,000 in the month prior to the tour. Trump did not publicly disclose these purchases until May 14, when they appeared on page 38 of his financial disclosure form.

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• Trump discloses Kushner's role in advising military action against Iran — At a press conference on March 10, 2026, President Trump stated that his son-in-law Jared Kushner, along with Steve Witkoff, Pete Hegseth, and Marco Rubio, convinced him to launch major combat operations against Iran. Trump claimed Iran was preparing an imminent attack. However, U.S. intelligence agencies subsequently told Congress that intelligence did not support the claim of an Iranian preemptive strike threat, contradicting Trump's stated rationale for the military action.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration eased oil sanctions to benefit Russia during Iran War — The Trump administration eased sanctions on Russian oil, allowing millions of barrels sitting on ships to go to India, with the financial benefit flowing to Russia as it wages war in Ukraine. Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz acknowledged the policy but framed it as "common sense," while Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated the U.S. is "temporarily suspending some sanctions on Russia to make Russian oil available."
• Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments — The Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments in an effort to stabilize oil markets and reduce economic fallout from the Iran war. The move allows Russia to sell approximately 128 million barrels of oil previously loaded onto tankers facing U.S. restrictions. Brent crude futures closed above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022. Experts estimate Russia has already received approximately $150 million per day from increased oil sales since the U.S. attacked Iran two weeks prior, with Moscow earning an estimated $1.9 billion windfall in taxes on oil exports.
• Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments — Late on March 13, the Trump administration lifted sanctions on Russian oil shipments, permitting sales to buyers worldwide until April 11. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent cited the need to ease skyrocketing oil prices caused by Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The move contradicts G7 consensus; German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated G7 heads had urged Trump not to ease sanctions, noting there was a price problem but not a supply problem, and questioned the U.S. government's additional motives.

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• Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation donated $2 million to MAGA Inc. while DOI reconsidered rival tribe's casino eligibility — On March 5, 2026, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, a 41-member California tribe, donated $2 million to MAGA Inc., President Trump's Super PAC. The donation occurred while the Department of the Interior was reconsidering a January 2025 decision that had approved a rival tribe's (Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians) casino project on restored lands. The Yocha Dehe, which operates a competing casino, had tripled its lobbying payments to Miller Strategies after Trump's election and engaged multiple lobbyists with Trump administration connections to pressure the DOI to reverse the Scotts Valley approval.

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• Kristi Noem testified before Senate Judiciary Committee — Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday regarding her department's handling of detentions, deportations, and other matters. During the hearing, lawmakers of both parties questioned her on the lawlessness and corruption in the department, including her labeling of individuals shot by federal agents as engaged in "domestic terrorism," her handling of FEMA disaster relief, and her refusal to back away from the administration's characterization of Trump opponents as engaged in "criminal and terroristic conspiracies."
• Sen. Tillis calls for DHS Secretary Noem's resignation — Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) formally called for DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's resignation during the hearing, citing a pattern of poor leadership decisions, detention of American citizens, obstruction of inspector general investigations, and slow response to disaster relief in North Carolina. Tillis submitted a letter from the Office of Inspector General documenting ten instances of being misled and prevented from pursuing investigations, and announced he would place holds on nominations and deny quorum in committee markups until receiving written responses to his questions within two weeks.
• Senate hearing on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's leadership and conduct — The Senate Homeland Security Committee held a hearing on DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's tenure, during which multiple senators criticized her management, including allegations of misuse of taxpayer funds, improper detention of U.S. citizens, conflicts of interest involving contracts awarded to associates, and failure to cooperate with inspectors general. Sen. Tillis detailed a $220 million ad campaign featuring Noem and questioned her judgment; Sen. Whitehouse asked about luxury aircraft purchases; Sen. Welch raised concerns about no-bid contracts to her former spokeswoman's husband; and Sen. Blumenthal questioned whether an agent involved in a shooting remained on duty.
• Sen. Blumenthal questions whether agent in shooting remains on duty — During the Senate hearing, Sen. Richard Blumenthal asked DHS Secretary Noem whether the agent who shot Ms. Martinez remained on the job carrying a gun. Noem stated she did not know the details and said she would get back to him. Blumenthal expressed concern that Americans would find it "absolutely terrifying" if the agent remained on duty.
• Sen. Welch questions DHS Secretary Noem on arrest quotas — During the Senate hearing, Sen. Chris Coons asked DHS Secretary Noem whether DHS operates with arrest quotas. Noem denied the practice, claiming only "targeted enforcement." Coons countered by citing a statement from Stephen Miller on Fox News the prior year stating, "We're setting a minimum of 3,000 arrests for ICE every day," directly contradicting Noem's testimony.
• DHS Secretary Noem questioned on $220 million ad campaign — During the Senate hearing, Sen. Adam Schiff questioned DHS Secretary Noem about a $220 million taxpayer-funded advertising campaign featuring her prominently. Schiff noted the contract went to a company that did not exist two weeks before receiving it, and that $143 million went to a subcontractor Noem had worked with extensively as South Dakota governor. Noem claimed she had nothing to do with the contract award, though she acknowledged Trump had approved the campaign.
• Sen. Kennedy questions DHS ad spending and Noem's name recognition — Sen. John Kennedy questioned DHS Secretary Noem about the $220 million ad campaign, noting it was a quarter-billion in taxpayer money while the administration was cutting budgets elsewhere. Kennedy stated the campaign was effective for Noem's personal name recognition and put the president in an awkward position, suggesting OMB Director Russ Vought would not have approved such spending.
• DHS Secretary Noem questioned on no-bid contract to former spokeswoman's husband — During the Senate hearing, Sen. Peter Welch questioned DHS Secretary Noem about a $143 million no-bid DHS contract awarded to Yoho, the husband of her former chief spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. Noem confirmed the relationship and the contract award. Welch also asked Noem to inquire whether Corey Lewandowski, identified as a "special government adviser," received any compensation from these contracts.

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• Securities and Exchange Commission settled lawsuit against Chinese billionaire Justin Sun for $10 million — The Securities and Exchange Commission settled a lawsuit against Chinese billionaire Justin Sun for securities and market manipulation, which had been filed in 2023, for a payment of $10 million in March 2026. Sun had been a major investor in World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency venture founded by Trump's sons, and had poured as much as $90 million into Trump family cryptocurrency ventures. The settlement occurred quietly and at a fraction of typical penalties for such violations.

Supporting reports

• Trump hosts Mar-a-Lago fundraiser while military operation begins — Trump hosted a fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago on Friday as the U.S. offensive against Iran began. According to the New York Times, tickets for the dinner dance were priced at $1 million each. The event occurred on the same day that three service members were killed in action.

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• Trump redirected National Park Service funds to West Colonnade renovation — In March 2026, Trump ordered the replacement of Tennessee flagstone in the West Colonnade walkway connecting the White House residence to the Oval Office with polished black African granite. Trump claimed he paid for the $689,232 project, but National Park Service budget documents examined by The Atlantic's Michael Scherer revealed taxpayers funded the entire cost. The project was part of a $1.3 million initiative including new door hardware. In the prior year, the NPS spent $347,503 replacing colonnade stucco so Trump could display presidential portraits with his own written opinions.

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• Six newly-created accounts on Polymarket placed nearly $1 million in bets predicting U.S. strike on Iran hours before it occurred — In the hours before the February 28 U.S. strike on Iran, six newly-created accounts on the prediction market Polymarket placed nearly $1 million in bets that the U.S. would strike Iran by that date. One account, "dicedicedice," wagered nearly $30,000 and recorded a profit of about $120,000 hours later. Analytics sites flagged the trades as suspicious, with many observers suspecting the accounts benefited from insider knowledge. The international version of Polymarket does not require user identification and accepts crypto payments. Overall, $529 million was traded on Iran strike-related contracts. The White House denied anyone in Trump's orbit was involved, though Donald Trump Jr. serves as an advisor to both Polymarket and rival Kalshi.
• Polymarket account made $515,000 betting on Iran strikes before public announcement — A Polymarket account named "Magamyman" made $515,000 in a single day betting on the US strike on Iran, with the first trade placed 71 minutes before the news broke publicly. When the account bought in, the market had the strike at a 17% probability; the account turned roughly $87,000 into over half a million dollars overnight. Representative Mike Levin (D-CA) noted that Donald Trump Jr. sits on Polymarket's advisory board and his firm invested double-digit millions into the platform in the previous year. The DOJ and CFTC had active investigations into Polymarket that were dropped after Trump took office.
• DOJ and CFTC dropped investigations into Polymarket after Trump took office — The DOJ and CFTC had active investigations into Polymarket that were dropped after Trump took office. This occurred in the context of the suspicious trading activity on the Iran strikes and Trump Jr.'s financial interest in the platform.

Supporting reports

• Trump explicitly called for Iranian regime change during military campaign — Trump explicitly urged Iranians to "take over" their government in a video announcement, stating: "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." Netanyahu described the stated objectives as overthrow of the Iranian regime, elimination of the nuclear program, and elimination of the missile threat. The Atlantic Council, in expert analysis, noted this was not a preventive strike against an imminent threat but rather an exploitation of perceived regime weakness to generate political change inside Iran. They described it as an "enormous gamble with questionable legal justification."
• U.S. launches Operation Epic Fury against Iran without congressional authorization — On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military offensive called Operation Epic Fury targeting Iranian military infrastructure, leadership compounds, and air defense systems. CENTCOM reported strikes began at 1:15 a.m. ET from regional bases and the USS Abraham Lincoln, with over 1,000 strikes on Iranian targets within two days. The operation killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and 40 senior Iranian commanders. President Trump stated combat operations would continue "in full force" until objectives are achieved, without defining those objectives to Congress or the public. No congressional authorization was sought or obtained.
• Trump announced "major combat operations in Iran" via social media video from Mar-a-Lago — President Trump posted an 8-minute video on social media from Mar-a-Lago announcing "major combat operations in Iran." He warned that American lives and casualties may be lost, framed the mission as noble and forward-looking, and cited decades of U.S.-Iran tensions. Trump referenced the June 2025 strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and claimed the U.S. had "completely obliterated" Iran's nuclear program. He did not mention the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal that he withdrew from in 2018, after which Iran resumed ignoring nuclear limits within a year.
• Trump initiated military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, closing the Strait of Hormuz and triggering oil price surge — On February 28, 2026, President Trump unilaterally began military operations against Iran without consulting Congress, presenting evidence of an immediate threat, or heeding military and intelligence experts' warnings. The strikes closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil passes. As of April 30, 2026, the blockade remains in place, oil prices have surged to $114 per barrel (highest since June 2022), and 13 service members have been killed with over 400 wounded. Gas prices are rising globally, costing American consumers approximately $700 million daily.
• Trump launched military strikes on Iran without congressional consultation or declaration of war — President Trump initiated military strikes against Iran in February 2026, reportedly at the urging of Saudi Arabia's Mohammad bin Salman and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, despite U.S. intelligence assessments that Iran posed no imminent threat for at least a decade. Trump avoided using the word "war" in public statements, instead calling it a "military operation," and administration officials refused to appear at congressional hearings, briefing Congress only behind closed doors. The strikes proceeded without formal congressional authorization or consultation with lawmakers.
• Trump launched war without congressional authorization — Trump launched a military war against Iran without seeking or obtaining congressional authorization. The Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the power to declare war. The article notes that the Framers, having fought for independence against a king they considered a tyrant, deliberately withheld the power to raise an army from a single executive. Trump assumed the powers of a dictator by unilaterally initiating major combat operations.
• Trump launches Iran War without congressional authorization and exceeds 60-day limit — The administration did not consult Congress about launching the war, as the Constitution requires, and has blown through the 60-day time limit for the use of U.S. military to counter an "imminent threat" without obtaining congressional approval. The War Powers Resolution requires congressional authorization or notification within 60 days; the Iran War began February 28, 2026, and continues without formal declaration or approval.
• Trump posted that Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in strikes — Trump posted on social media that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader since 1989, was killed in the strikes. Iran later confirmed Khamenei's death. Trump celebrated the death and posted that this represented "the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country." He claimed without evidence that many of Iran's soldiers and police "no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us," and expressed hope they would "peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots" to restore the country to "Greatness it deserves."
• Trump posted that bombing would continue throughout the week to achieve "PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST" — Trump posted that the coordinated bombing campaign had "very much destroyed and, even, obliterated" much of Iran and that "heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!" The statement framed ongoing military destruction as a path to peace, without specifying concrete objectives or end conditions for the military campaign.
• Trump told Washington Post reporters his real goal is regime change in Iran — Hours after posting his video announcement, Trump told Washington Post reporters Natalie Allison and Tara Copp in a phone call shortly after 4 A.M. Eastern Time that his real goal is regime change for Iran. He stated "All I want is freedom for the people." In his video, Trump had told Iran's armed forces and police to lay down weapons and accept immunity or face death, and told the Iranian people that "the hour of your freedom is at hand" and to take over their government after the bombing concludes, calling it "probably your only chance for generations."
• Trump administration provides 17 conflicting justifications for Iran war without clear casus belli — Nine days after announcing major combat operations in Iran on February 28, President Trump and senior officials (Secretary of State Rubio, Defense Secretary Hegseth, Press Secretary Leavitt) have publicly offered at least 17 contradictory rationales for the war, ranging from Iran's nuclear program and missile threats to personal retaliation for assassination plots and election interference. The war has killed over 1,500 people and costs approximately $1 billion daily. Officials simultaneously claim the war's objectives are "very clear" and "laser-focused," despite the absence of a consistent, publicly stated justification.
• US and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran, killing senior Iranian military and security officials — The US and Israel conducted a coordinated military operation against Iran, with strikes beginning around 9:40 AM Tehran time on Saturday. The operation targeted a leadership compound in Tehran where senior Iranian officials were gathered, including Ayatollah Khamenei (Iran's supreme leader), IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and other top military and security leaders. US Central Command reported 3 American service members killed in action and 5 seriously wounded. Trump announced the strikes on Truth Social and stated combat operations would continue until objectives were achieved. Israel executed the operation using US intelligence and its own capabilities with long-range, highly accurate munitions.
• U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes across Iran — On February 28, 2026, U.S. and Israeli warplanes conducted a broad, coordinated military campaign against Iran, striking targets in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, Tabriz, Bushehr, and other cities. CENTCOM confirmed strikes on IRGC command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields using air-, land-, and sea-based capabilities, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and low-cost one-way attack drones. Israel's military reported approximately 200 fighter jets hit roughly 500 targets across western and central Iran, described as the Israeli Air Force's largest-ever strike sortie. Iranian state media confirmed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, age 86, was killed in the strikes. CBS News reported as many as 40 Iranian officials were killed, though verification was unclear. The operation was launched without Congressional authorization.
• Operation Epic Fury military offensive against Iran commenced — On February 28, 2026, the United States launched Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated military offensive against Iran alongside Israel. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, notified deployed troops they were "embarking on a mission of profound consequence," moving "from deterrence into active combat." The operation involves approximately 50,000 military personnel, 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers, and bombers. Central Command reported six American service members killed and eighteen wounded. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to rule out sending ground troops to Iran.
• Trump launched U.S. attacks on Iran — Trump launched U.S. military attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. He notified Congress of the action on March 2, 2026, invoking the War Powers Act's provision allowing presidential action in response to an "imminent threat" without prior congressional approval. Trump claimed the Iranian threat was imminent, though his own advisors testified that Iran lacked the capacity to build a nuclear weapon in less than ten years.
• Trump launched U.S. attacks on Iran alongside Israeli attacks — On February 28, 2026, President Trump launched U.S. military attacks on Iran in coordination with Israeli attacks. Trump notified Congress of these actions on March 2, 2026, triggering the 60-day War Powers Act clock. The article notes that Trump's war of aggression violated the Constitution by sidestepping Congress, which holds sole authority to declare war, and that Trump claimed an "imminent threat" despite his own advisors testifying Iran lacked capacity to build a nuclear weapon in less than ten years. The action also violated the United Nations Charter, which prohibits use of force except in defense against actual attack or legitimate imminent threat.
• U.S. and Israel launched coordinated military assault on Iran, named "Operation Epic Fury" — Early on February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel conducted a major coordinated military assault on Iran. Israel targeted senior Iranian government officials while the U.S. attacked military targets. Iran state media reported at least 200 people killed, including 118 students from a girls' school, and over 700 wounded. Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel (1 killed, 121 injured) and on U.S. bases across the Middle East and Gulf region. U.S. Central Command reported no American casualties and minimal facility damage.
• Trump ordered additional airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — In late February 2026, President Trump ordered new military strikes against Iran targeting nuclear facilities. The author notes these strikes were more significant than prior June 2025 attacks, particularly because they resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader and other top officials. The strikes were ostensibly justified as necessary to destroy Iranian nuclear capabilities, contradicting the White House's earlier claim that such facilities had already been destroyed.
• Trump administration justifies Iran war with false claims about nuclear weapons timeline — Between February 22 and March 17, 2026, President Trump and his proxies made repeated public statements claiming Iran was weeks away from acquiring nuclear weapons, with Trump stating Iran was "two weeks away" from a nuclear weapon on multiple occasions and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff claiming Iran was "a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material." These claims formed the public justification for launching major combat operations against Iran on March 1, 2026. However, according to the testimony of Trump's own Director of National Intelligence and prior intelligence community assessments from March 2025, Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and posed no imminent nuclear threat.
• Trump launched military operations against Iran following private lobbying by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — President Trump announced "major combat operations in Iran" on Saturday, March 1, 2026, despite U.S. intelligence assessments that Iran posed no imminent threat. The military action followed private calls in which Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to attack Iran over concerns about Iran's military capabilities. Trump had previously declared in June 2025 that limited strikes had "completely obliterated Iran's nuclear capability." By Sunday, the conflict had resulted in three U.S. service member deaths and hundreds of Iranian casualties, with Iran launching retaliatory attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• Trump announced war via edited video from Mar-a-Lago rather than formal Oval Office address — President Trump announced the initiation of "major combat operations in Iran" through a short, edited video rather than a traditional live address from the Oval Office. The video was recorded at his Florida home and private club, Mar-a-Lago, with Trump wearing a baseball cap, and was posted on his social network Truth Social. On the same evening, Trump attended a $1 million-per-plate fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago for MAGA Inc., the primary pro-Trump Super PAC.
• Trump announces military operation against Iran via social media video — President Trump released an eight-minute video on Truth Social at 2:30 a.m. Saturday announcing a major military operation ("Operation Epic Fury") against Iran. He declared Iran a threat to US national security, referenced its nuclear program and alleged support for terrorism, and called for regime change, explicitly urging the Iranian people to overthrow their government once US bombing concludes. Trump acknowledged potential American casualties and stated the operation would be "massive and ongoing," signaling a long-term military commitment without prior congressional authorization or public explanation.
• United States launched military strikes on Iran without congressional authorization — The United States conducted Operation Epic Fury, striking Iranian targets including military installations and civilian areas, killing approximately 40 senior Iranian commanders including Iran's Chief of Staff. The operation resulted in the first American combat deaths from a war Congress never voted to authorize. Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel and seven other countries hosting U.S. forces, opening a multi-front regional conflict. The Strait of Hormuz was disrupted, affecting global shipping and oil prices.
• U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — The U.S. and Israel conducted military strikes against Iran in late February 2026, with Israeli forces killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian leaders. The author characterizes this as a significant escalation from prior June 2025 strikes, noting that the removal of Iran's head of state represents a crossing of a geopolitical threshold with potential long-term consequences. The strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, which the author notes contradicts a White House statement from June 2025 claiming Iran's nuclear facilities had been "obliterated."
• Trump and Israel launched illegal war against Iran with massive airstrikes — On February 28, 2026, Trump, in coordination with Israel, launched military operations against Iran, conducting massive airstrikes across the country that killed hundreds of people and resulted in the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump posted a video to Truth Social claiming Iran posed an imminent threat, despite previously stating the U.S. had destroyed Iran's nuclear program. He also called on the Iranian people to "take over your government" after the war concludes, framing it as a generational opportunity.

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• Trump directs federal agencies to cease use of Anthropic technology — President Trump issued a directive ordering all federal agencies to immediately stop using Anthropic's AI technology, escalating a dispute with the company over AI safety guardrails. The Department of Defense had demanded Anthropic loosen ethical guidelines restricting mass surveillance and autonomous weapons; Anthropic refused. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth designated Anthropic a supply-chain national security risk, barring military contractors from working with the company. The GSA terminated its contracts with Anthropic. OpenAI announced a competing Pentagon deal while maintaining the same safety principles Anthropic had insisted upon.
• Trump administration cut off Anthropic from all government contracts — The Trump administration declared that AI company Anthropic would be cut off from all government contracts after the company refused to allow its technology to be used for domestic surveillance and autonomous weapons. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth labeled Anthropic a "supply chain risk to national security." The administration ordered all government agencies to "immediately cease" using Anthropic's technology. The move appeared to put Anthropic on course to lose billions of dollars in potential revenue. Anthropic said it would challenge Hegseth's designation in court. Anthropic's conversational assistant Claude was being deployed or tested in at least 5 government agencies, including the Pentagon, HHS, DHS, and the Department of Energy.
• Trump administration imposed sweeping ban on military contractors doing business with Anthropic — The Trump administration asserted that all companies doing business with the US military are now prohibited from conducting any commercial activity with Anthropic. Although the legal basis for the sweeping ban was unclear, it could have disastrous consequences for Anthropic, which has received billions of dollars in investment from partners like Amazon, Microsoft, and Nvidia that also supply the military. AI researcher Steven Feldstein stated that "It isn't legally sufficient to simply proclaim or label a supply chain risk and have this be the final word. It's a major overreach."

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• House Democrats demand DOJ briefing on removal of antitrust chief Gail Slater — House Democrats Jamie Raskin and Jerry Nadler requested a briefing from Attorney General Pam Bondi regarding the forced resignation of Gail Slater, head of the antitrust division, in February 2026. Slater's removal followed her attempt to block a $14 billion Hewlett Packard Enterprise–Juniper Networks merger and alleged interference by Trump-connected lobbyists. The letter raised concerns about potential corruption, the role of Trump allies including Mike Davis, and questioned DOJ handling of multiple high-profile merger cases and antitrust matters.
• Gail Slater forced to resign as antitrust chief amid Trump administration pressure — Gail Slater, assistant attorney general for the antitrust division, was forced to resign in February 2026 after her relationship with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Vice President JD Vance deteriorated. Her removal followed her effort to block the $14 billion Hewlett Packard Enterprise–Juniper Networks merger and her claims that the intelligence community had not raised national security concerns. Trump-connected lobbyist Mike Davis, retained by Hewlett Packard Enterprise, publicly took credit for her removal. The DOJ subsequently dropped the antitrust suit in favor of a settlement.

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• Trump meme coins collapse, retail investors lose billions — The Trump and Melania meme coins fell 92 percent and 99 percent respectively from their peaks. Retail investors absorbed overwhelming losses while insiders reportedly extracted significant fees and proceeds. Estimates showed retail losses exceeding $4.3 billion across nearly two million wallets. The collapse occurred amid Trump's promotion of other financial products, including "$100,000 'Fight, Fight, Fight' watches" on Fox News.

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• EPA finalizes repeal of 2024 MATS amendments for coal- and oil-fired power plants — The Environmental Protection Agency finalized a rule repealing key amendments to the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) promulgated in May 2024. The repeal eliminates the revised filterable particulate matter (fPM) emission standard (0.010 lb/MMBtu), the requirement for exclusive use of PM continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) for compliance demonstration, and the revised mercury emission standard for lignite-fired units (1.2 lb/TBtu). The EPA reverts these standards to the 2012 MATS Rule levels, citing cost-effectiveness concerns and low remaining health risks. The rule becomes effective April 27, 2026, with estimated cost savings of $670 million (3% discount) to $490 million (7% discount) over 2028–2037.
• Trump administration grants blanket pollution exemptions to 71 coal plants — The Trump administration granted pollution exemptions to 71 coal plants across 24 states, allowing them to opt out of mercury pollution rules. All exemption requests were approved without denial, and many were granted for longer periods than operators requested. Exemptions were issued even when operators stated they possessed the technology to comply with pollution limits. The process involved operators simply emailing the president to request exemptions.
• Trump administration scraps mercury and air toxics standards for coal plants — The Trump administration formally reversed the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) that had tightened limits on mercury, lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals from coal plants. The EPA's own analysis showed only 27 of 219 coal plants would need technological upgrades to comply. Despite this, the administration eliminated the standards entirely. Additionally, 71 coal plants across 24 states had previously received pollution exemptions via email requests to the president, all of which were approved without denial.

Supporting reports

• FedEx sues US government for refund of Trump tariffs ruled illegal by Supreme Court — FedEx filed a lawsuit in the US Court of International Trade on Monday, seeking a full refund of tariffs imposed by Donald Trump that the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional last week. The suit names US Customs and Border Protection, its commissioner Rodney Scott, and the United States as defendants. The company did not specify a dollar amount but seeks reimbursement for duties paid. This marks the first major company attempt to recover from an estimated $175 billion in levies after the court found Trump exceeded his authority.
• FedEx sues US government for tariff refund — FedEx filed a lawsuit against the US government on Monday seeking a refund for tariffs paid following the Supreme Court's decision striking down the "liberation day" tariffs. The suit represents a private-sector challenge to the tariff regime and its retroactive application.

Supporting reports

• DHS considers purchasing $70 million Boeing 737 for deportation flights and official travel — The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly considering purchasing a $70 million Boeing 737-8 Max aircraft for dual use: transporting immigration detainees on deportation flights and ferrying Trump administration officials. The plane features luxury amenities including a bedroom with queen bed, showers, kitchen, flat-screen TVs, and bar. DHS stated it would convert at least one bedroom for seating to accommodate deportation missions. Some DHS officials privately questioned the necessity, noting the plane's 18-passenger capacity is incompatible with typical ICE deportation flights carrying over 100 shackled detainees. The purchase requires Office of Management and Budget approval.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration held first meeting of Board of Peace at renamed U.S. Institute of Peace — President Trump held the inaugural meeting of his "Board of Peace" at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), which the Trump administration renamed the "Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace"—a change being legally challenged. Last year, Trump officials seized the USIP building, which housed an independent entity created by Congress in 1984, and fired nearly all employees. Twenty-seven countries participated; none have contributed the $1 billion needed for permanent status. Trump extended invitations to International Criminal Court-indicted leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin. Canada was withdrawn after Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Trump's foreign policy at Davos. Fourteen countries rejected invitations, citing support for the UN, concerns about Russian influence, and Trump's unilateral decision-making authority over the board.
• Trump announced $10 billion commitment to Board of Peace without congressional appropriation — President Trump announced that the U.S. will commit $10 billion to the Board of Peace. However, under the U.S. constitutional system, only Congress possesses the power to appropriate funds. The mechanism by which Trump intends to fund this commitment remains unclear, raising questions about whether he is attempting to bypass congressional appropriation authority.
• Trump announces $10 billion transfer to "Board of Peace" without congressional approval — Donald Trump announced he will transfer $10 billion from the U.S. government to his "Board of Peace," a gathering that drew limited participation from major democratic allies. The transfer is characterized as requiring congressional approval but proceeding without it. Critics warn the fund operates as a slush fund under Trump's direct control. The Board of Peace event itself drew primarily authoritarian or illiberal regime leaders rather than democratic nations.
• Trump held first meeting of "Board of Peace" at Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace — Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his "Board of Peace" at the newly established Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace. The meeting lasted over three hours, with Trump speaking for more than an hour followed by attendees offering praise. Trump's remarks included rambling anecdotes about receiving a peace prize from FIFA, crediting Hamas for recovering hostages, making comments about foreign leaders' wealth and appearance, and references to his wife Melania's film success. Other speakers included the Kazakhstan dictator, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff. Trump fell asleep at the two-hour mark and concluded the meeting by striking a golden gavel as the Village People's "YMCA" played.
• Trump Announces Funding for Board of Peace — During the meeting of the Board of Peace, President Trump announced that the U.S. would contribute $10 billion to the initiative. However, this funding is legally questionable, as only Congress has the authority to appropriate federal funds. The announcement has raised concerns about the legality and transparency of the board's operations.

Supporting reports

• Homeland Security Secretary traveled in $70 million luxury aircraft — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her affair partner Corey Lewandowski travel in a $70 million luxury Boeing 737 MAX jet equipped with a private cabin, according to Wall Street Journal reporting. The use of such an aircraft for personal travel by a cabinet secretary raises questions about misuse of government resources.
• Department of Homeland Security plans $70 million luxury jet purchase for Kristi Noem — The Department of Homeland Security announced plans to purchase a $70 million luxury jet for Secretary Kristi Noem's travel. The aircraft features a bedroom with queen bed, showers, kitchen, four large flat-screen televisions, and a bar. Officials are attempting to justify the purchase as necessary for deportation operations and cabinet travel.
• DHS began leasing luxury Boeing 737 Max 8 jet for deportations and Cabinet travel — The Department of Homeland Security recently began leasing a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft described as a luxury jet, equipped with a bedroom with queen bed, showers, kitchen, four large flat-screen televisions, and a bar. ICE is now seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget to purchase the aircraft for $70 million, stating it would be used for deportations and Cabinet officials' travel. The aircraft features interior design by renowned New York designer Peter Marino. Secretary Kristi Noem recently flew on the jet for a trip to Tel Aviv. Some ICE officials initially deemed the aircraft too luxurious for use in immigrant deportations.

Supporting reports

• Trump Media stock collapsed to all-time low amid massive business losses and failed diversification strategy — Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG), parent of Truth Social and majority-owned by President Trump, saw its stock (DJT) plummet from a peak of $62 in March 2024 to below $10 per share by February 2026. Despite Trump's extensive personal promotion on Truth Social, the company reported only $972,000 in quarterly revenue against a $58.4 million net loss in Q3 2025. Truth Social has approximately 359,000 daily active users versus 100+ million for competitors X and Threads. TMTG's diversification efforts—including a $2.5 billion Bitcoin purchase at $108,000 per coin (now worth $67,000), a $51 million loss on Crypto.com tokens, and a proposed $6 billion merger with nuclear fusion company TAE Technologies—have failed to stabilize the business or stock price.
• Trump administration dropped SEC investigation into Crypto.com, which then became TMTG's major business partner — Under the Biden administration, Crypto.com faced an SEC investigation. After Trump took office, the administration terminated the inquiry. Shortly thereafter, Crypto.com became TMTG's most significant business partner. In September 2025, TMTG announced it would offer Crypto.com's Cronos tokens (CRO) as rewards on Truth Social and purchased 684.4 million CRO tokens at 15.3 cents each. The partnership also included plans for a joint prediction market platform called Truth Predict. The timing and sequence—regulatory relief followed by lucrative business partnership—suggests potential quid pro quo dynamics.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed: Democracy Defenders Fund v. Federal Bureau of Investigation (D.D.C. 1:26-cv-00496) — Democracy Defenders Fund, a non-profit organization, filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia against the FBI for violating the Freedom of Information Act by failing to respond to a FOIA request concerning the FBI's investigation of Thomas Homan, Trump's "Border Czar." DDF alleges that Homan accepted $50,000 from undercover FBI agents posing as contractors in 2024, and that the FBI ended its investigation after Trump took office in 2025. The FBI denied DDF's FOIA request on January 5, 2026, denied expedited processing on February 9, 2026, and has not responded to DDF's appeal. DDF seeks a declaration that the FBI wrongfully withheld records and a permanent injunction requiring disclosure.

Supporting reports

• Trump family and organization sued IRS for $10 billion over tax data leak — Trump, his sons Don Jr. and Eric, and the Trump Organization filed a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department for damages stemming from an IRS contractor's conviction during Trump's first term for leaking their tax information, along with that of thousands of other Americans who are not suing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated he will write whatever check he is told to cut, indicating executive willingness to pay the claim from federal funds.