Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Sean Duffy confirmed as Secretary of Transportation after prior airline industry lobbying — Former Congressman Sean Duffy (R-WI), who served as a paid lobbyist for The Partnership for Open and Fair Skies (a coalition including American Airlines, Delta, and United) in 2020, was confirmed as Secretary of Transportation by a Senate vote of 77–22. Duffy's lobbying firm, BGR Government Affairs, received $50,000 in the first three months of his engagement. During Senate hearings, Duffy was not questioned aggressively about his ties to the airline industry or his consumer protection vision. Airlines for America issued a statement expressing enthusiasm for his appointment.

Supporting reports

• Trump family earned up to $5 billion windfall from World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency — The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump family earned as much as a $5 billion windfall after Trump's venture, World Liberty Financial, opened trading of a new cryptocurrency. This likely makes the venture the Trump family's most valuable asset, worth more than their property portfolio.

Supporting reports

• Trump hosted Rose Garden Club dinner for loyal supporters — Trump hosted the inaugural dinner of the "Rose Garden Club" in the newly-paved White House Rose Garden, explicitly telling attendees they were present because of their loyalty to the president. Trump stated: "You're the ones that I never had to call at 4:00 in the morning. You are the ones that have been my friends, and you know what I'm talking about." The event formalized a loyalty-based inner circle.
• — Trump hosted the inaugural dinner of the "Rose Garden Club" in the newly-paved White House Rose Garden, telling attendees they were present because of their loyalty to the president. Trump told them: "You're the ones that I never had to call at 4:00 in the morning. You are the ones that have been my friends, and you know what I'm talking about."

Supporting reports

• World Liberty Financial crypto token launches to public trading — Trump's World Liberty Financial crypto token began public trading on September 1 at $0.30 per share, declining 24.2% to $0.212 within the first 24 hours. Eric Trump announced the launch in Japan, describing it as setting "a new standard for financial freedom." The bulletin characterizes the venture as Trump's "biggest grift of all-time," with Trump positioned to profit several billion dollars regardless of investor outcomes.
• Trump launches World Liberty Financial token trading with regulatory favoritism and undisclosed conflicts of interest — On September 1, 2025, the World Liberty Financial (WLFI) cryptocurrency token began public trading, marking the culmination of a scheme by Trump and his sons to monetize the presidency. Trump personally owns 15.75 billion WLFI tokens and receives 75% of initial sales proceeds. The token was structured to evade SEC securities laws by restricting resale and claiming governance voting rights held exclusively by insiders. Trump's administration has dismantled crypto enforcement units, nominated a crypto-industry advocate (Paul Atkins) as SEC chair, and halted prosecution of crypto entrepreneur Justin Sun—who invested $75 million in WLFI—in exchange for a settlement. Trading platforms including Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken listed WLFI after Trump dropped prosecutions against them.
• Justice Department disbands crypto crimes investigation unit — The Trump administration disbanded the Justice Department unit responsible for investigating cryptocurrency crimes. According to an internal memo, the unit will henceforth focus exclusively on protecting crypto investors and companies from hackers and other threats, rather than investigating criminal activity by crypto actors. This elimination of federal crypto crime investigation capacity removes a key enforcement mechanism that could constrain illegal activity in the sector where Trump holds massive personal financial interests.
• Trump administration drops prosecutions against major crypto exchanges in exchange for WLFI listings — Trump dropped prosecutions against three major cryptocurrency exchanges—Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken—enabling them to list the World Liberty Financial token on its first day of trading. The article states: "Trump, however, ingratiated himself with these platforms by dropping prosecutions against companies like Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken. All three of these companies listed WLFI on its first day of trading." This quid pro quo arrangement—prosecutorial leniency in exchange for preferential treatment of the president's personal financial asset—directly links law enforcement discretion to the president's financial interests.
• Trump's cryptocurrency holdings valued at $5 billion, creating conflict of interest — Trump's interest in a cryptocurrency venture was valued at approximately $5 billion on paper, exceeding the combined value of all his other assets. Fox Business host Stuart Varney characterized the arrangement as a "clear conflict of interest," noting that crypto-friendly legislation from the president would directly benefit his personal and family financial interests. The deal would not be occurring absent Trump's presidential position.
• SEC drastically cuts crypto enforcement unit staffing — Following Paul Atkins's confirmation as SEC chairman in April 2025, the agency drastically reduced staffing in its crypto enforcement unit. This reduction in enforcement capacity directly correlates with the launch of World Liberty Financial and the removal of regulatory obstacles to Trump's cryptocurrency scheme. The staffing cuts eliminate the agency's ability to investigate or prosecute crypto-related securities violations.
• Eric Trump launches American Bitcoin cryptocurrency mining company — Eric Trump launched American Bitcoin, a cryptocurrency mining company, on September 3, 2025. According to reporting by Kyle Khan-Mullins and Dan Alexander of Forbes, Eric Trump is now worth at least $3.2 billion as a result of this venture and related Trump family cryptocurrency activities, including the Monday launch of WLFI cryptocurrency which netted the family approximately $5 billion on paper.
• Trump meets with tech executives including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg at White House — Trump held a White House meeting with multiple technology executives including Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg, ostensibly tied to Melania Trump's AI safety initiative. The meeting focused on securing electricity and water resources from the government for tech companies' AI infrastructure development. The gathering prompted significant backlash from MAGA influencers and conservative figures who view Gates and Zuckerberg as enemies of Trump and the MAGA movement.

Supporting reports

• Citrone purchased Argentine bonds days before Bessent's rescue announcement — Hedge fund manager Rob Citrone, who manages $2.8 billion in assets and holds substantial Argentine investments, purchased additional Argentine bonds in early September 2025, days before Treasury Secretary Bessent announced the $20 billion rescue package. Citrone's timing positioned him to profit directly from the currency stabilization that followed Bessent's announcement, which increased the value of Argentine assets including bonds and the peso.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration withdraws passenger flight compensation rule — The Department of Transportation, under Secretary Sean Duffy, withdrew a proposed rule that would have required U.S. airlines to provide cash compensation ($200–$775) to passengers for significant flight delays or cancellations caused by the airline. The rule, formally proposed in December 2024 under the Biden administration, would have mirrored European Union protections in place since 2005. The withdrawal was announced via a brief Federal Register entry citing "Department and administration priorities." Airlines for America, representing major carriers, praised the decision as eliminating "unnecessary and burdensome regulations."

Supporting reports

• Trump and Lutnick secured Kazakhstan tungsten deal with undisclosed Trump family financial involvement — Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick met with Kazakhstan's president at the St. Regis Hotel in New York in September 2025, during which Trump joined by phone to seal a deal giving an American company access to one of the world's largest untapped tungsten reserves. The Trump administration approved preliminary applications for $1.6 billion in federal financing for the company, now called Kaz Resources. Within weeks, Dominari Securities—partly owned by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump and housed at Trump Tower—took a 20% stake in a corporate entity related to the project. Cantor Fitzgerald, controlled by Lutnick's family and overseen by his sons, helped raise $210 million in new capital for a related entity. The Kazakh deal was signed six days after the Trump sons' investment. The arrangement is one of at least 14 companies in which one or both families have financial ties and that are actively working with the federal government on critical mining deals.

Supporting reports

• IRS granted tax-exempt status to Trump Mount Rushmore memorial charity — In September 2025, the IRS granted tax-exempt status to the Donald Trump Mount Rushmore Memorial Legacy, designating it as a charity that can accept tax-free donations. The move allows the creation of a tax-advantaged vehicle for raising funds ostensibly for a memorial to Trump on Mount Rushmore, while Trump controls the IRS.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announced government equity stake in Intel and discussed nationalizing defense contractors — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the Trump administration took an ownership stake in Intel and discussed potentially taking equity positions in major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which derives 97% of revenue from U.S. government contracts. Lutnick justified the policy as necessary for the government to benefit from taxpayer-funded research and patents. The announcement drew criticism from labor analysts and economists who noted the government received no governance rights or board seats despite taking equity.
• Commerce Secretary discusses equity stakes in defense contractors — On CNBC, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said that Pentagon officials are considering whether the US should acquire equity stakes in defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which he called "basically an arm of the US government."

Supporting reports

• Trump demands $500 million from Harvard — During a Cabinet meeting, Trump said his administration wants "nothing less than $500 million" from Harvard University in a settlement to restore its federal funding, telling Education Secretary Linda McMahon, "Don't negotiate" with the school.

Supporting reports

• Trump intervened in Cracker Barrel corporate dispute — Trump posted on social media directing Cracker Barrel to revert to its old logo, admit a mistake based on customer response, and hold a major news conference. The post characterized the situation as an opportunity for the company to become a "winner again." The bulletin notes this is part of an "elaborate scam to extort companies for money" using MAGA influencer networks to organize boycotts over contrived culture war issues, with coordination involving government officials like Stephen Miller.
• Trump publicly pressures Cracker Barrel to reverse logo rebrand; company complies within hours — On Tuesday, August 27, 2025, Donald Trump posted on social media demanding that Cracker Barrel revert to its old logo, calling the modernized rebrand a mistake. Within hours, Cracker Barrel executives called the White House to inform the administration they would restore the original logo. By Wednesday, Trump celebrated the reversal as a political victory. The incident exemplifies the Trump administration's use of presidential influence to pressure corporations to abandon diversity and modernization efforts, with the company's stock rebounding 8% after the reversal.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced government stake in Intel — Trump announced that the federal government has taken a 10% stake in Intel, which manufactures semiconductors and chips. Trump stated he intends to take similar stakes in other companies. The action represents direct government equity ownership in private corporations.
• Trump announced U.S. acquisition of 10% stake in Intel following pressure on CEO — President Trump announced on social media that the United States now owns and controls 10% of Intel. Trump had called for CEO Lip-Bu Tan's removal on August 7, met with Tan on August 11, and stated he told Tan the U.S. "should be given 10% of Intel." Tan agreed to the arrangement. Trump publicly characterized the transaction as a major corporate acquisition achieved through direct presidential intervention in private business operations.
• Trump Announces U.S. Ownership of 10% of Intel — President Donald Trump announced that the United States now owns 10% of Intel after a meeting with the company's CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, on August 11, where Trump demanded the stake. This announcement marks a significant government intervention in a private company, contrasting with traditional Republican values of free markets.
• Conservative economists and commentators criticized Trump's Intel stake acquisition — Multiple conservative figures criticized Trump's acquisition of a 10% government stake in Intel as socialism and government overreach. National Review's Pradheep Shanker warned it sets a precedent Democrats will exploit; Editor Charles Cooke called it "preposterous"; Sen. Rand Paul questioned whether it constitutes socialism; talk show host Erick Erickson called it "socialism with an R"; former House Freedom Caucus Chair Bob Good suggested canceling Intel subsidies instead; former Trump economic advisor Stephen Moore called it "terrible"; and Fox Business host Larry Kudlow expressed discomfort with the move.
• Trump announced U.S. government acquisition of 10% stake in Intel — President Trump announced that the U.S. government now owns and controls 10% of Intel, stating he negotiated the deal with Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan and that "the US paid nothing for these Shares" valued at approximately $11 billion. Trump characterized it as "a great Deal for America." The announcement followed Trump's previous threats against Intel's leadership.
• Trump administration announced government equity stake in Intel and discussed nationalizing defense contractors — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced that the Trump administration took an ownership stake in Intel and discussed potentially taking equity positions in major defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, which derives 97% of revenue from U.S. government contracts. Lutnick justified the policy as necessary for the government to benefit from taxpayer-funded research and patents. The announcement drew criticism from labor analysts and economists who noted the government received no governance rights or board seats despite taking equity.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration halts Revolution Wind offshore project via BOEM stop-work order — The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), under Trump administration direction, issued a stop-work order on Friday halting construction of the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm off Rhode Island and Connecticut coasts. The project was approximately 80% complete with 45 of 65 turbines installed. BOEM acting director Matt Giacona cited national security concerns and Trump's first-day executive order to reconsider wind energy leases. The order prevents Ørsted from resuming work pending agency review. Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee and Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont vowed to fight the decision; Senator Chris Murphy alleged the move reflected oil industry demands made in exchange for campaign donations.
• Trump administration halts Revolution Wind offshore project via stop-work order — On August 22, 2025, the Trump administration's Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) issued a stop-work order halting the Revolution Wind offshore electricity project off the northeast U.S. coast, which was 80% complete. The order cited unspecified "concerns" without identifying legal violations or safety threats. Rhode Island and Connecticut filed suit on September 5, 2025, challenging the order as unlawful; the project developers (Ørsted and Skyborn Renewables) separately filed in federal court seeking preliminary injunction. The project, expected to power 350,000 homes and reduce Rhode Island emissions by 11 million metric tons annually, has already cost $5 billion with another $1 billion in potential losses.
• Interior Department halted Revolution Wind offshore project construction — On August 22, the Interior Department suddenly stopped construction of the Revolution Wind offshore wind farm off Connecticut and Rhode Island without stated explanation. The project was 80 percent complete and scheduled for completion in early 2026. Revolution Wind was designed to power over 350,000 homes, employ more than 1,000 local union workers, and support Rhode Island's goal of 100 percent renewable energy by 2033. The halt disrupted a $20 billion multinational investment in American energy infrastructure and manufacturing across 40 states.

Supporting reports

• ICE seeks millions for customized vehicles without open bidding — ICE proposed spending more than $2.4 million on customized vehicles, including $2.25 million for 25 Chevrolet Tahoes from Hendrick Motorsports and approximately $174,000 for custom wrapping with gold-detailed "DEFEND THE HOMELAND" emblems. The agency selected the companies without an open bidding process, as revealed in government contracting documents made public this week.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration pursues equity stake in Intel via Chips Act conversion — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced on Tuesday that the Trump administration is pursuing conversion of Chips and Science Act funding into equity ownership in Intel. The administration seeks non-voting equity in the semiconductor manufacturer, framing the move as ensuring taxpayer return on investment rather than a grant. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the stake would not obligate US businesses to purchase Intel chips. The announcement followed days of circulating reports and preceded SoftBank's $2 billion investment in the company.

Supporting reports

• Senator Schiff requests FCC details on Trump-Paramount merger quid pro quo — Democratic Senator Adam Schiff sent a letter to FCC chair Brendan Carr requesting details to determine whether Trump tried to obtain programming or media coverage commitments in exchange for his administration approving Paramount's merger with Skydance. Schiff pointed to Paramount's $16 million settlement with Trump and the cancellation of 'The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert' as a sequence of events raising concerns that the FCC has become a vehicle for Trump to exact personal retribution and undermine press freedom.

Supporting reports

• Texas judge issues restraining order blocking Beto O'Rourke's group from sending funds out of state — Tarrant County Judge Megan Fahey issued a restraining order against former congressman Beto O'Rourke and his political organization Powered by People, barring them from sending money out of Texas. The order, sought by Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, freezes funds and restricts financial institutions and platforms including ActBlue from removing property belonging to O'Rourke or his group from the state. Fahey found the fundraising for Democratic lawmakers who fled the state to block redistricting constituted deceptive trade practices under Texas law.

Supporting reports

• New York Times reported on law firm deals with Trump — The New York Times reported that two law firms that made deals with Trump to prevent enforcement of executive orders targeting them were connected with the Commerce Department by Trump's personal lawyer Boris Epshteyn about assisting on trade deals as part of their pro bono work for the president's administration.
• Law firms reach agreements with Trump to quash executive orders — The New York Times reported that at least two prominent law firms that reached agreements with Trump to quash executive orders that targeted them have committed to doing pro bono legal work for the Commerce Department, including on trade deals.

Supporting reports

• Nvidia and AMD reached chip export agreement with Trump administration — The Wall Street Journal reported that Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices agreed with the Trump administration to give the US government 15% of revenues from chip sales in China in exchange for export licenses. Legal experts note the arrangement may violate the Constitution's export clause prohibiting taxes or duties on articles exported from any state.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration in talks with Intel for government stake — Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration is in talks with Intel Corp. to give the federal government a stake in the tech company. The move follows a meeting between Trump and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan, whom the president said was "highly conflicted" and should resign on Truth Social last week.
• Trump administration pursues equity stake in Intel via Chips Act conversion — Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced on Tuesday that the Trump administration is pursuing conversion of Chips and Science Act funding into equity ownership in Intel. The administration seeks non-voting equity in the semiconductor manufacturer, framing the move as ensuring taxpayer return on investment rather than a grant. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent clarified that the stake would not obligate US businesses to purchase Intel chips. The announcement followed days of circulating reports and preceded SoftBank's $2 billion investment in the company.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration pardons January 6 insurrectionists and removes federal prosecutors — Trump pardoned all individuals convicted or awaiting trial for offenses related to the January 6 Capitol insurrection. His appointees simultaneously moved to clear out federal prosecutors and target FBI agents involved in investigating and prosecuting the cases, ensuring what the article describes as a lack of accountability for the attack.
• Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 January 6 defendants — Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes for their participation in the January 6, 2021 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Many of those pardoned attacked police officers during the riot. The pardons were issued despite Trump's stated commitment to "law and order."
• Trump pardoned drug trafficker Ross Ulbricht — Trump pardoned Ross Ulbricht, who was sentenced to life in prison for drug trafficking. The pardon represents Trump's support for individuals convicted of serious crimes, contradicting his stated commitment to "law and order."
• Department of Justice dismissed all pending cases against January 6 defendants — Under Trump's direction, the Department of Justice dismissed all pending cases against remaining January 6 defendants who had not been pardoned. This action followed Trump's mass pardons of approximately 1,500 individuals convicted of crimes related to the January 6 riot.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration approved Paramount-Skydance merger after company settled lawsuit with Trump — The Trump administration approved Paramount's merger with Skydance after Paramount agreed to pay Trump $16 million to settle a lawsuit Trump filed against CBS News, a Paramount subsidiary. Following the merger approval, Paramount secured an exclusive deal with the UFC valued at $7.7 billion over seven years. The timing and sequence suggest the settlement and merger approval were linked to securing favorable terms for the UFC, whose CEO Dana White is a close Trump ally.

Supporting reports

• Trump issues draft executive order exempting space launches from environmental review — Donald Trump issued a draft executive order directing the U.S. Transportation Department to "eliminate or expedite" environmental reviews for space launches, largely exempting them from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Coastal Zone Management Act. The order would classify launches as "categorical exclusions" (minor site changes requiring no review) and potentially circumvent the Endangered Species Act. Legal experts say the order is likely illegal and represents an "end run around" environmental law to benefit SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other commercial space companies.

Supporting reports

• Mason, Tennessee town approves CoreCivic Ice detention facility conversion — The five-member board of aldermen in Mason, Tennessee, voted to approve contracts converting the closed West Tennessee detention facility into a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) detention center operated by CoreCivic Inc. The facility, closed in 2021 under Biden's order halting private detention contracts, will reopen under Trump's reversal of that policy. Mayor Eddie Noeman cited job creation and economic development; residents and activists objected loudly, citing CoreCivic's history of mistreatment allegations and Ice's immigration enforcement role.

Supporting reports

• Trump revokes Biden's Executive Order on Competition — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14337 on August 13, 2025, revoking Executive Order 14036 (Promoting Competition in the American Economy), issued by President Biden on July 9, 2021. The revocation eliminates the prior administration's competition-focused regulatory framework. The order was published in the Federal Register on August 19, 2025. No substantive rights or benefits are created by the revocation itself.
• Trump revokes Biden's executive order on competition — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on August 13, 2025, revoking Executive Order 14036 (Promoting Competition in the American Economy), which had been signed by President Biden on July 9, 2021. The revocation eliminates the prior administration's competition-focused regulatory framework. The order contains standard provisions preserving agency authority and stating it creates no enforceable rights. Implementation is subject to applicable law and appropriations availability.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14335 to streamline commercial space industry regulation — President Trump signed Executive Order 14335 on August 13, 2025, directing federal agencies to eliminate or expedite environmental reviews and licensing barriers for commercial space launch, reentry, and spaceport development. The order instructs the Secretary of Transportation to reform Part 450 regulations, the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate state coastal zone compliance and propose novel activity authorizations, and multiple agencies to align review processes and establish categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act. The order establishes new leadership positions within the Transportation and Commerce departments focused on commercial space innovation.
• Trump signed executive order revoking Biden's 2021 competition order — President Trump signed Executive Order 14337 on August 13, 2025, revoking Executive Order 14036 (Promoting Competition in the American Economy), issued by President Biden on July 9, 2021. The revocation order contains standard boilerplate provisions regarding implementation, legal effect, and cost allocation. No substantive policy direction or replacement framework is stated in the instrument.
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order streamlining commercial space regulations — The White House published a fact sheet on August 13, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump to streamline regulations for the commercial space industry. The order directs the Secretary of Transportation to eliminate or expedite environmental reviews for launch and reentry licenses, review and eliminate outdated regulatory requirements, and establish a streamlined process for novel space activities. It also directs the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate state compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act and whether states are hindering spaceport development, and mandates alignment of review processes across Defense, Transportation, and NASA to eliminate duplicative regulations.
• Trump signs Executive Order 14335 streamlining commercial space industry regulations and licensing approvals. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14335 on August 13, 2025, directing federal agencies to eliminate regulatory barriers to commercial space launch, reentry, and spaceport development. The order instructs the Secretary of Transportation to expedite environmental reviews and amend Part 450 regulations; the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate state coastal zone compliance and propose novel space activity authorizations; and the Secretary of Defense, Interior, and NASA to coordinate and accelerate spaceport approvals. The order also elevates the Office of Space Commerce and establishes new leadership positions focused on deregulation and innovation in commercial space transportation.
• Trump issued executive order streamlining commercial space industry regulations — President Trump signed an executive order on August 13, 2025, directing federal agencies to eliminate regulatory barriers to commercial space launch and reentry operations. The order instructs the Secretary of Transportation to expedite environmental reviews, amend Part 450 regulations, and establish categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It also directs the Secretary of Commerce to evaluate state compliance with coastal zone management requirements and proposes streamlined authorization processes for novel space activities, with the goal of substantially increasing commercial space launch cadence by 2030.
• Trump issues draft executive order exempting space launches from environmental review — Donald Trump issued a draft executive order directing the U.S. Transportation Department to "eliminate or expedite" environmental reviews for space launches, largely exempting them from the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Coastal Zone Management Act. The order would classify launches as "categorical exclusions" (minor site changes requiring no review) and potentially circumvent the Endangered Species Act. Legal experts say the order is likely illegal and represents an "end run around" environmental law to benefit SpaceX, Blue Origin, and other commercial space companies.
• Trump signs executive order relaxing environmental reviews for commercial rocket launches — President Trump signed an executive order titled "Enabling Competition in the Commercial Space Industry" on Wednesday, directing the FAA to allow commercial space companies to forgo environmental reviews required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for rocket launch permits. The order cites national security and the need to increase launches "substantially" by 2030. The measure appears designed to benefit SpaceX and Blue Origin, which have sought to dramatically increase launch frequencies. Environmental groups and legal experts warn the order puts communities and endangered species at risk from rocket explosions and debris.