Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Bipartisan group of ex-federal judges files lawsuit challenging Trump's $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund — Thirty-five former federal judges, including conservative J. Michael Luttig and former district judges Nancy Gertner and Shira Scheindlin, filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of Florida on May 29 seeking to reopen Trump's IRS case. They argue the $1.776bn settlement fund is "a product of collusion and a fraud on the Court," claiming Judge Kathleen Williams may have been deceived before approving it on May 18. The judges contend the fund was created to distribute taxpayer dollars to Trump's political allies, including those convicted in the January 6 Capitol riot.
• Thirty-five federal judges requested Trump lawsuit reopening — Thirty-five federal judges filed a request that U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams reopen a legal case that Trump, his oldest sons, and the Trump Organization had brought against the Internal Revenue Service. Although the Trumps had dropped the suit, the Department of Justice used it as justification for establishing the $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund to compensate those claiming the legal system had been "weaponized" against them for crimes related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The judges' filing challenges the legitimacy of the fund by questioning whether the Trumps and the IRS were actually adversaries in the case.
• Thirty-five former federal judges challenge Trump IRS settlement as fraud on the court — A group of thirty-five former federal judges, appointed by members of both political parties, filed a motion asking U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams to reopen the legal case Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization brought against the Internal Revenue Service. The judges alleged that Trump and his organization dropped the lawsuit and announced a "settlement agreement" with the Department of Justice as a pretext to justify a $1.776 billion slush fund for paying off those convicted in connection with Trump's schemes to overturn the 2020 election results. The judges characterized the lawsuit and settlement as "fraud on the Court," noting that Trump was simultaneously the plaintiff and the person in charge of the IRS, and that the settlement lacked constitutional or congressional authority.
• Florida court ordered Trump to respond to retired federal judges' filing on slush fund — A federal court in Florida ordered President Trump to respond to a filing by 35 retired federal judges who are requesting an investigation into the Anti-Weaponization Fund and the dismissal of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS. The retired judges' filing alleges possible "collusion" in the case. This represents an early procedural victory for the judges in their challenge to the fund.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge issues temporary order blocking "anti-weaponization" fund — A federal judge issued a temporary order preventing the Trump administration from establishing the nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund while a lawsuit seeking to stop it is considered. The fund, which originated from a settlement after Trump sued the IRS over disclosure of his tax returns, had been proposed to compensate individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
• Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump's $1.8bn Anti-Weaponization Fund — US District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a temporary restraining order on Friday barring the Trump administration from transferring money into or taking further action on a $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund." The fund was created to settle a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump and his sons over leaked tax returns, without the government mounting a legal defense. The order preserves the status quo pending legal arguments in a challenge brought by Democracy Forward and other plaintiffs, preventing irreversible disbursement of taxpayer funds.
• Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily blocked Anti-Weaponization Fund — U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema for the Eastern District of Virginia issued a temporary order halting the Department of Justice from creating, operating, or distributing funds from the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund, a $1.776 billion slush fund established by the Trump administration to compensate those convicted of crimes related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The order prohibits the administration from transferring money to the fund, considering claims for payment, or paying out any funds. Brinkema scheduled a hearing on the case for June 12. The plaintiffs challenging the fund are people and entities prosecuted or threatened by the Trump administration who argue they are not being treated equally with Trump loyalists in compensation claims.
• Motion granted — Floyd v. Department of Justice (E.D. Va.) 1:26-cv-01399 — Judge Brinkema enjoined Defendants from taking any action related to the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund, including transferring money to the Fund, considering submitted claims, or disbursing any funds. Judge Brinkema also denied the Plaintiffs' motion for expedited briefing and granted the Defendants' request for additional time.
• Federal Judge Brinkema temporarily blocked Trump's $1.776 billion fund for fraudsters and insurrectionists — Federal Judge Brinkema issued a temporary block on any further action involving Trump's $1.776 billion fund, preserving the status quo while litigation moves forward. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 12, 2026. The fund was characterized as being for "fraudsters and insurrectionists."
• Federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund — U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Department of Justice from taking further action on the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund, a $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded initiative. The order blocks the transfer of money to the fund, consideration of claims, and disbursement of funds while plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction is pending. Judge Brinkema scheduled a hearing for June 12 to hear further arguments on the case.
• Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump's $1.776 Billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" — A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from creating or operating a planned $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" designed to compensate individuals who claim they were wrongfully targeted by the government, potentially including those Trump pardoned for Jan. 6 involvement. The order prohibits consideration of submitted claims and disbursement of funds pending a June 12 hearing.

Supporting reports

• Judge Christopher Cooper ordered removal of Trump's name from Kennedy Center — U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper of the District of Columbia ordered the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to remove Trump's name from the building, all official materials, and signage within fourteen days. Cooper also blocked the Kennedy Center's plan to close for two years. The judge affirmed that Congress, not the Trump administration, has authority over the Kennedy Center's name and operations. Cooper found that the Kennedy Center's board had agreed to the closure without legal counsel and that the executive director had proposed the shutdown within minutes of assuming the role.
• Judge Cooper issued ruling requiring Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center — On May 29, 2026, Judge Christopher R. Cooper of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia ruled that Trump's name must be removed from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, finding that Congress alone has authority to change the center's name and that the board's renaming violated statutory restrictions on memorials. Cooper set a midnight June 12 deadline for removal of all signage, merchandise, and related materials bearing Trump's name.
• Federal judge ordered Trump's name removed from Kennedy Center — U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington, D.C., declared that the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees lacked authority to rename the facility for President Trump. The judge ruled that only Congress can change the Center's official name under federal statute (20 U.S.C. 76h-76s), and voided the Board's December 18, 2025 resolution to rename it the "Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center." The court found the defendants violated the Kennedy Center's organic statute by installing signage, altering the website, and issuing materials bearing Trump's name.

Supporting reports

• National park entrance fees diverted to Trump D.C. renovation projects — The New York Times reported that the Trump administration has diverted at least $67 million in entrance fees paid by the American people to national parks to fund Trump's renovation projects in Washington, D.C. The diverted funds include a multi-million dollar contract to repaint the Reflecting Pool, awarded to a MAGA-connected contractor. The diversion represents a misappropriation of public funds collected for park maintenance and operations.
• National Park Service diverts $67 million in entrance fees for DC beautification — The National Park Service is using at least $67 million in park entrance fees to fund beautification projects in Washington, D.C., ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The projects were directed by Trump and include a $7 million paint job on the Reflecting Pool. The Interior Department is spending at least $95 million in total taxpayer funds on DC beautification projects, all initiated between December 2025 and April 2026. The funds come from entrance fees that would normally support park operations and maintenance nationwide.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon loan of $620 million pushed through for Trump Jr.-linked company — ProPublica reported that a top White House aide intervened to expedite a $620 million Pentagon loan for a small North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr. A person involved in the transaction told ProPublica: "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The company's valuation jumped from approximately $200 million to billions following the White House intervention, indicating the loan was granted on terms favorable to Trump family interests rather than merit-based criteria.
• Pentagon awarded $620 million loan to Trump Jr.-linked startup via White House request — ProPublica reported that the Pentagon awarded a $620 million loan to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup linked to Donald Trump Jr., following a direct request from Peter Navarro, a White House adviser and friend of Trump Jr. The Pentagon and the company initially denied any political favoritism, with Trump Jr.'s spokesperson claiming he was not involved. However, interviews and DOD records show Navarro initiated the loan request, and Vulcan's was the only deal among dozens of Pentagon funding considerations that originated from a top presidential aide. Pentagon staff worked at an unusually rapid pace with minimal sleep to complete the loan in a matter of weeks after receiving the White House directive.
• Trump trade advisor pressures Pentagon to loan $620 million to company with Trump Jr. stake — Trump's trade advisor Peter Navarro personally pressured the Pentagon to loan $620 million to Vulcan Elements, a North Carolina startup in which Donald Trump Jr. holds a financial stake. The Pentagon invested $620 million in Vulcan, a rare-earth magnet company, and another $80 million in its partner ReElement. The Commerce Department provided $50 million in additional incentives, and the government took a $50 million stake in Vulcan. When Trump Jr.'s venture capital firm 1789 Capital invested in August 2025, Vulcan was valued at approximately $200 million; after government investments, the valuation jumped to around $2 billion.
• Pentagon Approves $620 Million Loan to Trump Jr. Company at White House Direction — ProPublica reported that a $620 million loan approved by the Pentagon to a company linked to Donald Trump Jr. was initiated by White House adviser Peter Navarro, with a Pentagon source stating, "The call came from the White House: We have to get this done." The loan was approved last year and represents a direct intervention by the White House in Pentagon contracting decisions.

Supporting reports

• White House proposes legislation to place Trump's image on new $250 currency bill — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced at a White House press conference that the administration is pushing Congress to approve legislation permitting a living person—Donald Trump—to appear on a new $250 bill, ostensibly to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. The proposal would require changing a federal law enacted in 1866 that prohibits any living person from appearing on U.S. currency. Bessent stated the treasury has already begun preparing prototypes. House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, immediately opposed the measure, calling it a "hard no."
• Trump administration pushed to place Trump's face on $250 bill — The Washington Post reported that Trump's political appointees pressured the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a proposed $250 bill featuring Trump's portrait. Federal law has prohibited living people from appearing on U.S. currency since 1866, and a $250 denomination does not exist and would require an act of Congress. The bureau's director informed the appointees the proposal was illegal and would take years to implement. The director was subsequently reassigned and effectively demoted, and the political appointee who led the push became the acting director.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration pushed to place Trump's face on $250 bill — The Washington Post reported that Trump's political appointees pressured the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to design a proposed $250 bill featuring Trump's portrait. Federal law has prohibited living people from appearing on U.S. currency since 1866, and a $250 denomination does not exist and would require an act of Congress. The bureau's director informed the appointees the proposal was illegal and would take years to implement. The director was subsequently reassigned and effectively demoted, and the political appointee who led the push became the acting director.

Supporting reports

• Modernizing the Arsenal of Freedom: DoW Awards $9.7B Microsoft Enterprise Agreement to Power Global Mission Readiness — The Department of War published a release on 2026-05-28 through its releases channel. The department's own account of it reads: "The Department of War awarded a Core Enterprise Technology Agreement to Dell Federal Systems for Microsoft services to strengthen the department's digital infrastructure and accelerate modernization efforts across the joint force."
• Trump purchased Dell stock, promoted company, then Pentagon awarded $9.7 billion contract — Trump purchased between $1 million and $5 million in Dell Technologies stock on February 10, 2026. Over the following months, he repeatedly promoted Dell products in public speeches and on social media (February 27, March 9, April 16, May 8). On May 27, the Pentagon announced a five-year, $9.7 billion contract with Dell to provide software to the U.S. military. The contract has propelled Dell stock to an all-time high, directly enriching Trump's holdings.
• Pentagon $9.7 Billion Dell Contract Bolsters Trump's Personal Portfolio — The New York Times reported that the Pentagon's announcement of a $9.7 billion contract with Dell is likely to bolster Trump's personal investment portfolio, after the president purchased more than $1 million worth of Dell stock earlier in 2026. The timing and scale of the contract raise questions about conflicts of interest in federal procurement.

Supporting reports

• Trump purchased Dell stock, promoted company, then Pentagon awarded $9.7 billion contract — Trump purchased between $1 million and $5 million in Dell Technologies stock on February 10, 2026. Over the following months, he repeatedly promoted Dell products in public speeches and on social media (February 27, March 9, April 16, May 8). On May 27, the Pentagon announced a five-year, $9.7 billion contract with Dell to provide software to the U.S. military. The contract has propelled Dell stock to an all-time high, directly enriching Trump's holdings.

Supporting reports

• Representative Maxwell Frost documented closure of "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility — Representative Maxwell Frost (D-FL) posted that he had visited "Alligator Alcatraz," a detention facility in Florida that appears to be in the process of shutting down. Frost noted that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Trump have not publicly acknowledged the closure despite spending approximately $1 billion in taxpayer funds on the site in less than one year. Frost stated that the administration does not want public discussion of the closure because it would require accountability for the expenditure and examination of "human rights abuses and civil rights abuses that happened there and in other facilities."

Supporting reports

• Proud Boy Enrique Tarrio stated January 6 defendants would use Trump fund for political takeover — Enrique Tarrio, a Proud Boy leader, stated that he expected Trump supporters convicted of crimes for their actions around the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol would use money Trump has promised them from a $1.776 billion slush fund to spread "conservative culture" and to run for office to take over the system.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration redirected national park entrance fees to White House projects — The Trump administration is using $7 million in entrance fees collected from visitors to national parks across the country to pay for repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The administration is also using nearly $60 million in national park fees to repair nine ornamental fountains in the capital. The reflecting pool contractor was awarded a no-bid contract and is being paid an inflated and excessive profit margin; the government is paying $13.1 million for the work, seven times Trump's initial stated cost.
• National park entrance fees diverted to Trump D.C. renovation projects — The New York Times reported that the Trump administration has diverted at least $67 million in entrance fees paid by the American people to national parks to fund Trump's renovation projects in Washington, D.C. The diverted funds include a multi-million dollar contract to repaint the Reflecting Pool, awarded to a MAGA-connected contractor. The diversion represents a misappropriation of public funds collected for park maintenance and operations.
• National Park Service diverts $67 million in entrance fees for DC beautification — The National Park Service is using at least $67 million in park entrance fees to fund beautification projects in Washington, D.C., ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The projects were directed by Trump and include a $7 million paint job on the Reflecting Pool. The Interior Department is spending at least $95 million in total taxpayer funds on DC beautification projects, all initiated between December 2025 and April 2026. The funds come from entrance fees that would normally support park operations and maintenance nationwide.
• Interior Department contracts $5 million to gild Lincoln Memorial horses — The Interior Department awarded a $5 million contract to a Maryland gilding studio to restore and cover four bronze horse statues surrounding the Lincoln Memorial with 23.75-karat gold leaf in preparation for the nation's 250th anniversary on July 4. The horses, which have retained their original patina since restoration in the 1970s, will be gilded at Trump's direction. The project is part of the broader $95 million DC beautification initiative.

Supporting reports

• Texas Senate runoff candidates deploy anti-Muslim rhetoric in campaign ads and legal challenges — In the Texas Senate runoff between incumbent John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, both candidates have made anti-Muslim messaging central to their campaigns. Paxton-allied groups ran ads accusing Cornyn of supporting "Muslim mass immigration" and having "a special place in his heart for radical Islam," while Cornyn responded by emphasizing his record "fighting radical Islamic extremism" and drafting legislation to "[stop] the spread of Sharia Law in the U.S." Both candidates have pursued legal action against the East Plano Islamic Center's real estate development, with Cornyn urging the DOJ to investigate and Paxton pursuing state-level litigation. Governor Greg Abbott designated CAIR a foreign terrorist organization under Texas law and urged local law enforcement to investigate alleged "sharia law" enforcement efforts.

Supporting reports

• FDA sends serious enforcement letter to pharmaceutical company; CEO donates $1 million to Trump super PAC days later — On May 26, the FDA sent a letter to pharmaceutical company QOL Medical containing serious allegations that could threaten the company's existence. Days later, QOL Medical CEO Frederick Cooper donated $1 million to MAGA Inc., Trump's super PAC. The timing and sequence raise questions about whether the donation was made in response to the regulatory threat or as an attempt to influence the agency's enforcement action.
• FDA sends warning letter to QOL Medical for false drug advertising — On May 26, 2026, the FDA sent a warning letter to QOL Medical accusing the pharmaceutical company of using "false or misleading" advertising to promote Sucraid, a drug for treating congenital sucrase-isomaltase deficiency (CSID). The FDA alleged that QOL Medical's marketing materials encouraged doctors to prescribe Sucraid for patients with IBS-like symptoms (gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea), despite the drug being unable to treat IBS or its symptoms. The FDA determined QOL Medical violated the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act's prohibition on drug misbranding. The letter required QOL Medical to respond within 15 working days.

Supporting reports

• White House began construction of UFC stadium on south lawn for Trump's birthday event — Construction commenced on the south lawn of the White House for a stadium to host a UFC fight scheduled for Trump's birthday on June 14. The White House released a photo of the expected event layout.
• UFC arena construction on White House lawn for Trump's 80th birthday celebration — Construction began on the White House lawn for a temporary 5,000-seat UFC arena to host mixed martial arts fights on 14 June, coinciding with Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the US's 250th anniversary. The event will feature two title fights: a lightweight championship between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, and an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. Trump announced the plan last year and has scaled back initial expectations from 20-25,000 attendees and eight or nine fights to the current configuration.
• UFC arena constructed on White House grounds for Trump birthday event — Workers are constructing a massive 90-foot-tall structure called "The Claw" on the White House lawn to frame a temporary octagon fighting arena for Ultimate Fighting Championship fights that Trump will host on his birthday, June 14. The structure is designed to frame the White House and Washington Monument for television during the event. This follows Trump's destruction of the East Wing and paving of the Rose Garden to create a patio resembling the one at Mar-a-Lago.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Nicole Malliotakis expressed openness to Trump's fund for supporters convicted of crimes — Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) stated on the record that she is willing to hear the White House's rationale for a fund designed to reward Trump supporters with taxpayer money for committing crimes. Malliotakis argued that people who were "legitimate victims of weaponization under the Biden admin" deserve compensation.

Supporting reports

• FDA issues guidance opening door to flavored vape sales after tobacco donation — The Trump Food and Drug Administration issued new guidance opening the door to the sale of flavored vapes after a tobacco company donated $5 million to the Trump-backed super PAC MAGA Inc. Two days after the donation, Trump had lunch with tobacco industry representatives, during which he complained to administration officials about FDA e-cigarette regulations. The new guidance was issued days later.

Supporting reports

• Michael Caputo files first claim under Anti-Weaponization Fund — Michael Caputo, a longtime Trump ally and former administration official, filed the first known claim under the Anti-Weaponization Fund, seeking $2.7 million and claiming the "machinery of government was clearly politically weaponized against my family." The claim demonstrates the fund's immediate use to compensate Trump associates.

Supporting reports

• Senate Republicans rebuke Trump over White House ballroom project and political weaponization compensation fund — Senate Republicans issued a rare rebuke of Trump over his lavish White House ballroom project and a controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund for allies claiming to be victims of "political weaponisation." The rebuke signals fracturing Republican unity on Trump's spending priorities and use of public funds for partisan purposes.

Supporting reports

• Trump exploits White House shooting to promote $1 billion ballroom project — Following a shooting incident near the White House involving a 21-year-old with documented mental health issues, Trump used the incident to push for his $1 billion taxpayer-funded gold ballroom project. Kevin Hassett appeared on television claiming the ballroom would not cost taxpayers anything because Trump and donors are covering it, but when pressed on the billion-dollar price tag, said that figure was only for "security," not the ballroom itself. Senator Ron Johnson said he "supports the national security component."