Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Kristi Noem's DHS awarded $200 million ad campaign bypassing competitive bidding — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's agency awarded a more than $200 million taxpayer-funded ad campaign to stem illegal immigration, invoking a "national emergency" at the border to bypass normal competitive bidding designed to prevent waste and corruption. The main recipient was a mysterious Delaware company created days before the deal was finalized. The company running the campaign, Strategy Group, does not appear on public documents but has close ties to Noem and her senior aides, including her chief spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin, whose spouse is the Strategy Group's CEO. The arrangement represents the first known example of money flowing from Noem's agency to businesses controlled by her allies and friends.

Supporting reports

• Trump acknowledged arch was for himself — In October 2025, when officials first acknowledged to reporters that Trump was planning to build an arch, a reporter asked Trump about a model of an arch on the desk in the Oval Office. Trump responded "It's an Arc. Take a look." When asked who the arch was for, Trump pointed at himself and said "Me."

Supporting reports

• Trump pardons Changpeng Zhao, Binance founder, for money-laundering facilitation — Donald Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, in October 2025. Zhao had pleaded guilty in 2023 to enabling money laundering after Binance failed to report suspicious transactions involving Hamas and al-Qaida. He served nearly four months in prison and paid a $50 million fine before Trump's pardon. In a 60 Minutes interview aired November 2, Trump claimed he did not know who Zhao was and had no recollection of the pardon decision, stating he was told Zhao was a victim of Biden's "war on cryptocurrency."

Supporting reports

• Trump administration approves $20 billion bailout for Argentina with admitted minimal U.S. benefit — The Trump administration provided a $20 billion rescue package to Argentina, announced in late September 2025. During an October 14 White House meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump admitted the bailout "is not going to make a big difference for our country." Popular Information reporting, confirmed by the New York Times, revealed the bailout would substantially benefit billionaire hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, a personal friend of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Citrone was in close contact with Bessent before the announcement, advocating for the bailout to prevent Argentina's currency collapse and protect Milei's political position. The bailout has harmed U.S. soybean farmers, who now face competition from Argentine soybeans sold to China.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent announced $20 billion bailout package for Argentina benefiting hedge fund billionaire Rob Citrone — On October 3, 2025, Popular Information reported that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a $20 billion taxpayer-funded bailout package for Argentina that directly benefits Rob Citrone, a hedge fund billionaire and longtime associate of Bessent. Citrone's hedge fund, Discovery Capital, holds Argentine bonds and stakes in Argentine companies whose value depends on Argentina's economic stability. Argentine media reported that Citrone himself requested the bailout from Bessent. The package was justified as serving U.S. strategic interests, though Bessent did not claim Argentina's economy materially affects the U.S. economy.

Supporting reports

• Barry Bennett became directly involved in securing U.S. rescue package — Barry Bennett, a former Trump advisor and current principal at Tactic Global (the lobbying firm representing Argentina), "became directly involved" in securing the U.S. rescue package announced by Treasury Secretary Bessent, according to CE Noticias Financieras. Bennett's involvement demonstrates how a registered foreign agent with ties to Trump's political operation directly participated in securing U.S. taxpayer funds for Argentina.
• Rob Citrone's hedge fund positioned to gain substantially from Argentina bailout through prior contact with Treasury Secretary — Billionaire hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, founder of Discovery Capital Management, stands to gain immensely from the $20 billion Argentina bailout. Citrone's fund has made Latin America its largest bet globally, with Argentina as its biggest regional investment. According to reporting confirmed by the New York Times, Citrone was in close contact with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the lead-up to the bailout announcement, arguing that preventing Argentina's currency collapse was necessary to protect President Milei's political position. Citrone and Bessent previously worked together under George Soros in 2013. The arrangement raises concerns about private financial interests influencing U.S. foreign policy decisions.
• Trump administration approves $20 billion bailout for Argentina with admitted minimal U.S. benefit — The Trump administration provided a $20 billion rescue package to Argentina, announced in late September 2025. During an October 14 White House meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump admitted the bailout "is not going to make a big difference for our country." Popular Information reporting, confirmed by the New York Times, revealed the bailout would substantially benefit billionaire hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, a personal friend of Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Citrone was in close contact with Bessent before the announcement, advocating for the bailout to prevent Argentina's currency collapse and protect Milei's political position. The bailout has harmed U.S. soybean farmers, who now face competition from Argentine soybeans sold to China.
• Citrone and Bessent's undisclosed decades-long relationship and financial entanglement — Popular Information reports that hedge fund manager Rob Citrone and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have a personal and professional relationship spanning decades that has not been previously reported in American media. In 2013, while both worked for investor George Soros, Citrone convinced Bessent and Soros to make a large bet on the dollar-yen trade that generated over $1 billion in profits, with Citrone claiming responsibility for 75% of Bessent's bonus. This relationship was not disclosed when Bessent took office as Treasury Secretary.
• Bessent traveled to Argentina and met with Milei following Citrone's intervention — Shortly after securing the IMF agreement, Treasury Secretary Bessent traveled to Argentina to meet with President Javier Milei and other top Argentine officials in what was described as an unusual choice for the Treasury Secretary's first foreign trip. Citrone arrived in Argentina at the same time as Bessent and met with Milei immediately before Bessent did. During these meetings, Bessent emphasized U.S. support for Argentina's economic agenda, directly supporting the policies that benefit Citrone's investments.
• Argentine media reports hedge fund billionaire purchased bonds before Treasury bailout announcement — Argentine media outlets report that hedge fund billionaire Rob Citrone purchased additional Argentine bonds approximately two weeks before Treasury Secretary Bessent announced the $20 billion bailout package. Political Economy Editor Ariel Maciel of Argentine outlet Perfil stated the timing of Citrone's purchases raised "suspicions" that Citrone had access to "confidential information" about the impending bailout, allowing him to purchase assets at depressed prices before their value would be restored by U.S. Treasury intervention.

Supporting reports

• Trump issued executive order granting Qatar NATO-level security guarantee — On September 29, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order describing Qatar as "a steadfast ally" and declaring it "the policy of the United States to guarantee the security and territorial integrity of the State of Qatar against external attack." The order states that the U.S. will regard any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security. This expansive security guarantee was previously extended only to NATO members. The shift in policy followed Qatar's May 2025 gift of a luxury 747 jet to the U.S. government and a $1.5 billion investment in Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners in 2024.
• Trump signed executive order protecting Qatar — Trump signed an executive order on September 29 vowing to protect Qatar, weeks after Israel's attack on the country targeting Hamas leaders, which he reportedly received prior notice about. The order states that the US "shall regard any armed attack on the territory, sovereignty or critical infrastructure of the state of Qatar as a threat to the peace and security of the United States."
• Trump issues executive order guaranteeing U.S. security commitment to Qatar — President Trump signed Executive Order 14353 on September 29, 2025, establishing a formal U.S. security guarantee to the State of Qatar. The order declares that any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure will be regarded as a threat to U.S. peace and security, and commits the United States to take diplomatic, economic, and military measures if necessary to defend Qatar and restore stability. The Secretary of War, State, and Director of National Intelligence are directed to maintain joint contingency planning with Qatar.
• Trump signed executive order granting Qatar NATO-like security guarantees — On September 29, President Trump signed an executive order granting Qatar security guarantees comparable to those provided by NATO. The order stated that the United States would regard any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security, and committed the United States to take "all lawful and appropriate measures—including diplomatic, economic, and, if necessary, military—to defend the interests of the United States and of the State of Qatar." The order was published as a new document on October 2. The agreement appeared to follow Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the White House and likely reflected Qatar's demand for guarantees following Israel's recent strike on Doha.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14353 guaranteeing security of Qatar against external attack — President Trump signed Executive Order 14353 on September 29, 2025, establishing a formal U.S. security guarantee for Qatar. The order states the U.S. shall regard any armed attack on Qatar's territory, sovereignty, or critical infrastructure as a threat to U.S. peace and security, and commits the U.S. to take diplomatic, economic, and military measures if necessary to defend Qatar. The order directs the Secretary of War to maintain joint contingency planning with Qatar and the Secretary of State to reaffirm the assurance to Qatar and coordinate with allies.

Supporting reports

• YouTube settled lawsuit with Trump for $24.5 million — YouTube agreed on September 29 to a $24.5 million settlement with Trump to end a lawsuit he brought after the platform suspended his account following the January 6 insurrection. As part of the settlement, YouTube will provide $22 million to help fund the construction of the White House State Ballroom, and another $2.5 million will go to a group of Trump's supporters, including the American Conservative Union. The settlement effectively uses a private company's funds to benefit Trump personally and his political allies.

Supporting reports

• Trump posted about gold décor in the Oval Office — Trump posted on Truth Social that foreign leaders are amazed at the "majesty and splendor" of his new golden palace, claiming the Oval Office and Cabinet Room contain "some of the highest quality 24 Karat Gold" and stating "Best Oval Office ever, in terms of success and look!!!"
• Trump posted about gold fixtures in Oval Office remodel — President Trump posted on social media praising his remodeling of the Oval Office, which included copious gold fixtures. Trump claimed the fixtures were made of 24-karat gold and stated that foreign leaders "freak out" when they see the quality. Some of the gold appliqué matched polyurethane fixtures available from the home improvement store Home Depot.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department Public Integrity Section decimated — The number of attorneys in the Justice Department's Public Integrity Section, which investigates corruption cases against politicians and police officers, has dropped from 36 to two since Trump's term began in January. The lawyers have quit under pressure, resigned in protest, or been reassigned.

Supporting reports

• FEMA expedites $11 million in disaster aid to Naples, Florida pier after contact from Homeland Security Secretary's political donor — ProPublica reported that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem expedited more than $11 million in federal FEMA disaster assistance to rebuild a historic pier in Naples, Florida—a tourist attraction damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022—after being contacted by a major financial supporter, cardiologist Sinan Gursoy. City officials had labored for months without success to obtain disaster assistance, but within two weeks of the donor's intervention, FEMA moved to "warp speed." Noem flew to Naples on a government plane to tour the pier and stayed for the weekend, dining with the donor at a French restaurant. Her top adviser Corey Lewandowski, an unpaid DHS staffer serving as her de facto chief of staff, owns a home in Naples near the pier.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced farmer bailout funded by tariff revenue without congressional authorization — Trump stated he would use tariff revenue to bail out farmers harmed by his trade war with China, claiming "we're gonna take some of that tariff money that we've made, we're gonna give it to our farmers." Legal analysts noted tariff revenue belongs to the U.S. Treasury and requires congressional appropriation. Trump previously enacted farm bailouts in his first term using similar mechanisms. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed discussions of a farmer aid package across the White House and government.
• Trump announces new tariffs on pharmaceuticals, furniture, and trucks effective October 1 — President Trump announced new tariffs of 100 percent on pharmaceuticals, 50 percent on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, 30 percent on upholstered furniture, and 25 percent on heavy trucks, effective October 1. Trump claimed the tariffs were necessary for national security and other reasons. Courts have previously ruled that Trump does not have the power to impose tariffs unilaterally.
• Trump Announces New Tariffs — On September 25, 2025, President Trump announced new tariffs of 100% on pharmaceuticals, 50% on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 25% on heavy trucks, set to take effect on October 1. He justified these tariffs as necessary for national security and other reasons, despite previous court rulings limiting his tariff powers.
• Trump announces 50% tariff on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities effective October 1, 2025 — On September 25, 2025, President Trump announced new tariffs of 100% on pharmaceuticals, 50% on kitchen and bathroom cabinets, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 25% on heavy trucks, set to take effect on October 1. He claimed these tariffs were necessary for national security and other reasons, despite previous court rulings limiting his tariff powers.
• — Trump announced via Truth Social that a 50% tariff will be imposed on all kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and associated products beginning October 1, 2025, and a 30% tariff on upholstered furniture. Trump cited large-scale "flooding" of these products into the U.S. by other countries and invoked national security as justification for the tariffs.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced farmer bailout funded by tariff revenue without congressional authorization — Trump stated he would use tariff revenue to bail out farmers harmed by his trade war with China, claiming "we're gonna take some of that tariff money that we've made, we're gonna give it to our farmers." Legal analysts noted tariff revenue belongs to the U.S. Treasury and requires congressional appropriation. Trump previously enacted farm bailouts in his first term using similar mechanisms. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins confirmed discussions of a farmer aid package across the White House and government.

Supporting reports

• Treasury Secretary Bessent announced U.S. support for Argentina's economy — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on social media on September 22, 2025, fifteen minutes before Argentina's foreign-exchange markets opened, that the U.S. will consider "all options" for stabilizing Argentina's economy. Bessent stated that "Argentina is a systemically important U.S. ally." Argentina's right-wing president Javier Milei, a Trump ally, faces declining voter support ahead of elections next month due to austerity measures, inflation, and currency weakness.
• Argentina stock market surged following US Treasury announcement — Following the Trump administration's announcement of support for Argentina, Argentina's stock market surged 8% after having collapsed 10% in the previous 24 hours. The Kobeissi Letter reported that the timing of the US Treasury's "lifeline" announcement coincided with the market recovery, occurring one month before Argentina's midterm elections.
• Treasury Secretary announced support for Argentina bailout — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the US Treasury stands ready to support Argentina with stabilization measures, stating that "all options are on the table" including swap lines, direct currency purchases, and purchases of US dollar-denominated government debt from the Exchange Stabilization Fund. Bessent praised President Javier Milei's fiscal discipline and pro-growth reforms.
• Treasury Department considered using Exchange Stabilization Fund to bail out Argentina. — The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration was considering using the Treasury's Exchange Stabilization Fund to provide financial assistance to Argentina. The fund, created in the 1930s, can be used to supply loans to foreign countries facing dire financial difficulties, with the Treasury secretary having full control over its use. Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations called such unilateral action "incredibly unusual," noting the U.S. typically coordinates such assistance with other countries and the IMF.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent offered financial support to Argentina without conditions. — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent offered financial support to Argentina without conditions such as requiring the country to address its over-valued peso problem. Mark Sobel, a former U.S. Treasury and IMF official, criticized this approach as potentially "a way of just financing capital flight for little purpose," noting that investors have 100+ years of experience with Argentine over-borrowing, hyperinflation, and defaults.
• CPAC promoted Bessent's Argentina rescue package on social media — After Treasury Secretary Bessent announced the $20 billion rescue package for Argentina on September 24, CPAC promoted the deal on its social media accounts. This occurred despite CPAC's promotion of an "America First" agenda and despite the fact that CPAC's affiliated lobbying firm, Tactic Global, was simultaneously representing Argentina as a foreign agent and had organized CPAC Argentina featuring President Milei.
• Treasury announces $20 billion currency swap with Argentina; potential expansion to $40 billion — On September 24, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a $20 billion currency swap with Argentina, exchanging U.S. taxpayer dollars for Argentine pesos to support President Javier Milei's peso stabilization efforts. The bailout may expand to $40 billion as Bessent organizes an additional $20 billion facility financed by banks and private equity, with those banks demanding U.S. government guarantees to backstop potential losses. President Trump acknowledged the bailout provides little benefit to Americans but benefits hedge fund billionaire Robert Citrone, a personal friend and former colleague of Bessent with heavy Argentine asset investments.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent announced $20 billion bailout package for Argentina, reportedly at hedge fund billionaire's request — On September 24, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a $20 billion U.S. Treasury package to rescue Argentina's economy. Argentine media outlets report that hedge fund billionaire Rob Citrone, a personal friend and former colleague of Bessent, requested the bailout after his fund Discovery Capital suffered losses from Argentine investments. Citrone had previously urged Bessent to help secure a separate $20 billion IMF package in spring 2025. Argentine media also reports Citrone purchased additional Argentine bonds two weeks before the bailout announcement, raising suspicions he had access to confidential information.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent announces $20 billion rescue package for Argentina — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a $20 billion taxpayer-funded economic rescue package for Argentina, involving currency stabilization through dollar-peso exchanges. The package was designed to shore up Argentina's foreign currency reserves and stabilize the peso amid economic crisis under President Javier Milei. Bessent's announcement followed months of advocacy by hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, a personal and professional associate of Bessent, who holds substantial Argentine investments and stands to benefit significantly from the currency stabilization.
• U.S. prepares financial aid for Argentina — The U.S. government is preparing a $20 billion financial aid package for Argentina's right-wing leader Javier Milei, despite recent actions that undermine U.S. agricultural interests. This aid is being directed without following the usual congressional appropriations process.
• U.S. preparing $20 billion rescue package for Argentina — The Trump administration is preparing a $20 billion rescue package to bail out Argentina's right-wing leader Javier Milei, a Trump ally, before October elections. This financial support is being offered despite Argentina recently suspending its grain export tax, which undercut U.S. soybean farmers who lost their Chinese market due to Trump's tariff war. Within hours of Argentina's action, China purchased Argentine soybeans.

Supporting reports

• Sinclair demanded Kimmel make donation to Kirk family and Turning Point USA as condition for reinstatement — Sinclair Broadcast Group stated it would not consider airing "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" unless and until host Jimmy Kimmel makes "a meaningful personal donation to the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA," Kirk's right-wing political advocacy group. The demand effectively conditions Kimmel's return to air on a financial payment to a political organization, creating a direct link between editorial suppression and financial extraction.
• Sinclair conditions Kimmel's return on personal apology and donations to right-wing organization — Sinclair Broadcasting stated it would not consider airing Kimmel's show until the host personally apologized and made donations to both the Kirk family and Turning Point USA, a right-wing organizing group founded by Charlie Kirk. The article notes that David Smith, Sinclair's executive director, donated $250,000 to Turning Point USA the previous year, raising questions about the company's financial and ideological alignment with the organization whose support it demanded from Kimmel.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration issues executive order imposing $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa employers — Trump issued an executive order imposing a $100,000 annual fee on employers for each H-1B visa worker employed. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified the terms. The order prompted immediate backlash over concerns it would effectively eliminate the H-1B program. Within one day, U.S. government agencies clarified via social media that the fee is a one-time charge rather than annual, and does not apply to existing visa holders, reducing but not eliminating the burden on employers and workers.
• Presidential proclamation restricts H-1B nonimmigrant worker entry unless accompanied by $100,000 payment — President issued Proclamation 10973 restricting entry of H-1B specialty occupation workers into the United States for 12 months, effective September 21, 2025, unless petitions are accompanied by a $100,000 payment. The proclamation cites systemic abuse of the H-1B program to replace American workers with lower-paid foreign labor, particularly in IT and STEM fields. The Secretary of Homeland Security may grant exemptions if hiring is deemed in the national interest. The proclamation also directs the Secretary of Labor to initiate rulemaking to revise prevailing wage levels and the Secretary of Homeland Security to prioritize admission of high-skilled, high-paid aliens.
• Trump imposed $100,000 charge for H-1B visas with discretionary discounts — Trump's administration implemented a new $100,000 charge for H-1B visas while also granting the administration authority to offer $100,000 discounts to any person, company, or industry at its discretion. Economist Justin Wolfers characterized this as replacing rules with arbitrary discretion, noting that Trump's direct power over H-1B visas gives him leverage over tech, higher education, and other sectors similar to his leverage over media through FCC regulation.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces Larry Ellison as preferred buyer for TikTok's U.S. operations — President Trump announced that Larry Ellison, Oracle co-founder, would be among a consortium of American billionaires permitted to acquire TikTok's U.S. operations. The consortium also includes Fox Corp. CEO Lachlan Murdoch, Dell Technologies CEO Michael Dell, and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. Ellison will gain access to data on the political views, consumption habits, and social connections of tens of millions of American TikTok users. The deal is required under a law passed by Congress and signed by President Biden.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration approved UAE AI chip deal and crypto investment — The White House approved an agreement allowing the United Arab Emirates to acquire hundreds of thousands of advanced AI chips and a separate $2 billion investment from the UAE into the Trump family's crypto company, World Liberty Financial. While there is no evidence the deals were made in exchange for each other, they appear to show Trump personally benefiting from them and raise questions about public corruption.

Supporting reports

• FBI recorded Tom Homan accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover agents; Trump administration closed investigation — The FBI recorded Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover agents posing as business contractors on September 20, 2024, allegedly in exchange for promises to secure government contracts in the border security industry. Federal officials under the Biden administration had planned to monitor whether Homan would follow through after his appointment. However, after Trump took office, officials appointed by Trump reviewed and closed the investigation, with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stating no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing was found.
• Tom Homan investigation into bribery closed by Trump DOJ — The New York Times reported that Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, was recorded in September 2024 accepting a bag containing $50,000 in cash during an undercover FBI investigation. The cash was provided by undercover agents posing as businessmen seeking government contracts related to border security. After Trump took office, DOJ officials shut down the investigation. Emil Bove, a former Trump personal attorney now serving as a federal appeals court judge, expressed skepticism about the case.
• FBI closed investigation into Tom Homan bribery allegations — FBI agents caught Tom Homan, now Trump's "border czar," on video accepting $50,000 in cash from agents posing as business executives after he promised he could help them win government contracts for border enforcement in a second Trump administration. The FBI and Justice Department initially waited to see whether Homan would provide the aid he offered once he joined the new administration. The case stalled when Trump took office, and after FBI director Kash Patel requested a status update, Trump appointees officially closed the investigation. When asked about it, the White House, Justice Department, and FBI dismissed the investigation as politically motivated and baseless.

Supporting reports

• ACIP votes against prescription requirement for Covid-19 vaccine, adopts "individual-based decision making" framework — The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), reconstituted by RFK Jr after he took control of HHS, voted 6–6 with chair Martin Kulldorff breaking the tie against recommending that people obtain a prescription for Covid-19 vaccines. The committee also voted to recommend "individual-based decision making" for coronavirus vaccination and that the CDC promote informed consent processes highlighting "risks and uncertainties" around Covid vaccines. The votes followed a contentious two-day meeting marked by confusion, animosity, and members raising anecdotal concerns over data-driven analysis.
• Trump signs Executive Order 14351 establishing "Gold Card" visa program for wealthy foreign investors — President Trump signed Executive Order 14351 on September 19, 2025, creating the "Gold Card" visa program administered by the Secretary of Commerce. The program grants expedited immigrant visa eligibility to foreign nationals who make unrestricted financial gifts to the Department of Commerce: $1 million for individuals or $2 million for corporations sponsoring individuals. The order directs State, Commerce, and Homeland Security to implement the program within 90 days, establish application processes, set administrative and transfer fees, and treat gifts as evidence of exceptional business ability and national benefit under immigration law.
• Trump announced $100,000 fee for H-1B visa worker entry — Trump announced that companies employing skilled workers holding temporary H-1B visas would have to pay a $100,000 fee for their entry into the U.S. beginning Sunday. The announcement triggered a rush of workers outside the country on business trips, vacations, or family visits to return before the rule took effect. The administration did not clarify until Saturday that the fee does not apply to those who already hold visas.
• Trump administration issues proclamation imposing $100,000 fee on H-1B visa petitions — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed a proclamation restricting entry of certain H-1B nonimmigrant workers and requiring a $100,000 payment to accompany new H-1B petitions. The proclamation directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to restrict approvals for petitions not accompanied by the payment, allows case-by-case exemptions, and directs the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security to issue joint guidance on verification and enforcement. The fact sheet claims the measure addresses alleged abuse of the H-1B program and displacement of U.S. workers.
• Trump issued proclamation restricting H-1B nonimmigrant worker entry unless employers pay $100,000 fee — President Trump signed a proclamation on September 19, 2025, restricting entry of H-1B specialty occupation workers into the United States unless their prospective employers pay a $100,000 fee per worker. The proclamation states the H-1B program has been "deliberately exploited to replace, rather than supplement, American workers" and cites data showing foreign STEM workers doubled between 2000 and 2019 while overall STEM employment grew only 44.5 percent. The restriction takes effect September 21, 2025, and expires after 12 months unless extended. The Secretary of Homeland Security may grant exemptions if hiring is deemed in the national interest.
• White House issues FAQ on H-1B visa proclamation with $100,000 fee requirement — The White House published a frequently-asked-questions document on September 21, 2025, explaining a proclamation signed by President Trump on September 19, 2025, titled "Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers." The proclamation imposes a $100,000 payment requirement on all new H-1B visa petitions submitted after 12:01 a.m. EDT on September 21, 2025, including the 2026 lottery. The FAQ states the proclamation does not affect previously issued visas or petitions submitted before the effective date, and does not restrict travel for current H-1B visa holders. The White House indicates further reforms are planned, including Department of Labor rulemaking to raise prevailing wage levels and Department of Homeland Security rulemaking to prioritize higher-paid workers in the H-1B lottery.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues "Gold Card" visa program for wealthy foreign investors — President Trump issued Executive Order "The Gold Card" on September 19, 2025, establishing a visa program administered by the Secretary of Commerce that grants expedited immigrant visa eligibility to foreign nationals who make substantial financial gifts to the U.S. government. The program requires a $1 million gift from individuals or $2 million from corporations sponsoring individuals. The order directs the Secretaries of Commerce, State, and Homeland Security to implement the program within 90 days, including establishing application processes, fees, and procedures for visa adjudication and status adjustment.
• White House issues Executive Order 14351 establishing "Gold Card" visa program tied to financial gifts — The White House signed Executive Order 14351 on September 19, 2025, establishing a "Gold Card" visa program administered by the Secretary of Commerce. The order permits foreign nationals who make unrestricted gifts of $1 million (individuals) or $2 million (corporations) to the Department of Commerce to obtain expedited immigrant visas. The order directs State and Homeland Security to treat such gifts as evidence of exceptional business ability and national benefit under existing visa law. Gifts are to be deposited in a Treasury fund for commerce promotion.
• White House issues fact sheet on Gold Card visa program — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed an executive order establishing a "Gold Card" visa program. The program facilitates expedited immigrant visas for aliens donating $1 million individually or $2 million if paid by a corporation on behalf of an individual. The order directs the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with State and Homeland Security, to establish application processes and deposit gifts into the Treasury to promote commerce. The fact sheet frames the program as prioritizing "high-value contributors" and generating revenue while reversing what it characterizes as Biden-era "lax immigration policies."

Supporting reports

• Senate committee launches investigation into oil industry lobbying over EPA endangerment finding rollback — The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, led by ranking Democrat Sheldon Whitehouse, sent letters to two dozen corporations—including oil giants Exxon, Chevron, Shell, BP, coal producers, auto manufacturers, trade associations, law firms, and right-wing think tanks—requesting documents on their role in lobbying the Trump administration to rescind the EPA's 2009 endangerment finding. The finding established that greenhouse gases harm human health and underpins virtually all U.S. climate regulations. Democrats lack subpoena power but expect compliance; the investigation signals potential future action if Democrats regain congressional control.

Supporting reports

• Steve Witkoff met with UAE official and facilitated investment deals — The New York Times reported that President Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff met with Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who controls $1.5 trillion of UAE sovereign wealth, on a yacht in Sardinia. Over subsequent months, Witkoff and Sheikh Tahnoon became "both diplomatic allies and business partners." In May, Witkoff's son Zach announced that one of Sheikh Tahnoon's investment firms would deposit $2 billion into World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency startup founded by the Witkoffs and Trumps. Two weeks later, the White House agreed to allow the UAE access to hundreds of thousands of advanced computer chips crucial for AI development, with many chips going to G42, a firm controlled by Sheikh Tahnoon, despite national security concerns about sharing with China.
• Trump administration permitted UAE access to advanced computer chips — The Trump administration permitted the United Arab Emirates to gain access to hundreds of thousands of the world's scarcest and most advanced computer chips as part of a deal to develop the UAE into an artificial intelligence powerhouse. G42, a technology company controlled by Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, would receive many of the chips. This occurred two weeks after an investment firm controlled by Sheikh Tahnoon announced a $2 billion investment in World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency startup founded by the Trump family and Steve Witkoff, Trump's Middle East envoy.

Supporting reports

• Saudi Crown Prince overrode investment committee recommendation to approve $2 billion Kushner fund investment — The Public Investment Fund (PIF) committee that screens investments recommended rejecting Kushner's Affinity Partners proposal, citing "the inexperience of the Affinity Fund management" and "excessive" fees. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who heads PIF's Board of Directors and with whom Kushner had developed a close relationship, overrode the committee's recommendation and approved the $2 billion investment. This investment represents the largest single source of capital for Affinity Partners since its 2021 founding.

Supporting reports

• GREAT Trust plan circulates at White House proposing forced Palestinian relocation and Gaza privatization — A nearly 40-page document outlining the Gaza Reconstitution, Economic Acceleration and Transformation (GREAT) Trust plan has been circulating around the White House. The plan proposes turning Gaza into AI-controlled urban centers surrounded by luxury hotels, data centers, solar power plants, and electric vehicle factories, funded through a multilateral "custodianship" involving the U.S., Israel, and foreign investors. The plan emphasizes that Palestinians would be relocated either to other countries or designated areas within Gaza, with financial incentives structured so that each Palestinian who leaves generates $23,000 in savings and every 1% of population departure generates $500 million in savings for investors.

Supporting reports

• Kushner advises Trump on Middle East policy while receiving tens of millions annually from Saudi Arabia and UAE — Jared Kushner, who committed in February 2024 not to advise Trump if he won re-election, has taken a central role advising President Trump on Middle East policy. Kushner simultaneously receives approximately $25 million annually from the Saudi government and collects fees from other Middle Eastern governments through his firm Affinity Partners. Since 2021, Affinity Partners has raised $4.8 billion, nearly 99% from foreign sources, primarily Middle Eastern governments. Kushner met with Trump's Middle East envoy and Israeli officials in Miami on Monday to discuss ceasefire proposals, and visited the White House two weeks prior with Tony Blair to advise on Gaza reconstruction plans.
• Kushner breaks public commitment not to advise Trump in second term — In a February 2024 interview with Axios, Kushner stated he would not resume his role advising Trump if he won re-election, citing commitments to run his private equity firm Affinity Partners "for the long term" and that his "commitment is to my investors, to my firm, to my employees, [and] to my partners." When pressed about whether his billions in investments from Saudi Arabia and UAE would make foreign policy work "very difficult," Kushner replied, "I'm an investor now." Kushner has now taken a central advisory role on Middle East policy in Trump's second term, directly contradicting his public statement.