Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Unusual Machines, backed by Trump Jr., wins major Pentagon drone contract — Unusual Machines, a Florida-based drone company in which Donald Trump Jr. holds a $4 million stake, secured a contract from the U.S. Army to manufacture 3,500 drone motors and various drone parts. The company's CEO Allan Evans indicated the Army signaled plans to order an additional 20,000 components next year. Trump Jr. joined the company as an adviser in November 2024. Stock in Unusual Machines jumped 13% following the announcement. Financial Times reporting earlier in 2025 found the company's share price nearly tripled in the weeks before Trump Jr.'s appointment was disclosed.

Supporting reports

• House Democrats accuse Trump of orchestrating illegal scheme to direct $230m in Treasury funds to himself — Representatives Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia sent a letter to President Trump on Thursday condemning his plan to use a confidential Department of Justice administrative process to direct Treasury funds to himself personally. Trump claimed the government owes him "a lot of money" for past DOJ investigations, including the Mar-a-Lago search and the 2016 Russian interference probe. The arrangement would allow Trump as president to decide whether Trump as claimant receives taxpayer funds, with potential months of delay before public disclosure.

Supporting reports

• Trump commutes sentence of former Representative George Santos — Trump commuted the sentence of former Representative George Santos (R-NY), ending his seven-year sentence for fraud after only three months served and removing his obligation to pay $373,749.97 in restitution to his victims. Trump has pardoned or commuted sentences for more than 1,600 people, far exceeding typical presidential clemency. Trump's social media post stated: "Santos had the Courage, Conviction, and Intelligence to ALWAYS VOTE REPUBLICAN!"

Supporting reports

• Trump pardoned cryptocurrency executive Changpeng Zhao — President Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, co-founder and former CEO of Binance, on October 23. Zhao had pleaded guilty in 2023 to money laundering, resigned from Binance, paid a $50 million fine, and served a four-month prison sentence. The U.S. government had stated Zhao "caused significant harm to U.S. national security" by allowing terrorist groups like Hamas to move millions of dollars. Trump stated he knew little about Zhao and believed the prosecution was a "Biden witch hunt," citing his support for the cryptocurrency industry.
• Trump pardons Binance founder Changpeng Zhao — Trump announced a full and unconditional pardon for Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance cryptocurrency exchange, who pleaded guilty in 2023 to money laundering, paid a $50 million fine, and served nearly four months in prison. Binance paid a $4.3 billion penalty. In May 2025, Binance accepted USD1 stablecoin from the Trump family's World Liberty Financial crypto venture as payment for a $2 billion investment, enabling World Liberty Financial to retain tens of millions in annual profits. The pardon enables Zhao to return to business operations.
• Trump pardoned Binance founder Changpeng Zhao — Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao, the convicted founder of cryptocurrency exchange Binance, following months of lobbying efforts by Zhao to boost the Trump family's own crypto company. The DOJ had argued Zhao's company undermined U.S. sanctions against Iran. Zhao hired Teresa Guillen, who also represents special envoy Steve Witkoff's son, and co-counsel Ches McDowell, a hunting companion of Donald Trump Jr. When asked why he pardoned Zhao, Trump said he did not know which person that was and that Zhao was "recommended by a lot of people."
• Trump pardons Binance founder convicted of money laundering — Donald Trump has pardoned Changpeng Zhao, the founder of Binance, who was convicted of laundering money for terrorist organizations. This action raises ethical concerns regarding the influence of personal interests in presidential pardons.
• Trump pardons Binance founder CZ, convicted of anti-money laundering violations — President Trump pardoned Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder of Binance, on October 23, 2025. Zhao had pleaded guilty to violating anti-money laundering laws; the Department of Justice stated his conduct "allowed money to flow to terrorists, cybercriminals, and child abusers" through Binance. Zhao served four months in prison and agreed to step down as CEO. The pardon was announced publicly on October 23.
• Binance founder receives pardon after $2 billion transaction with Trump-linked cryptocurrency project — Changpeng Zhao (CZ), Binance founder and CEO, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to willfully failing to maintain anti-money laundering programs, allowing funds to flow to terrorists and cybercriminals. After serving four months in prison, Binance conducted a $2 billion transaction in May 2025 with a UAE investment fund using USD1, a stablecoin created by World Liberty Financial (WLF), in which Trump and family own approximately 38%. Binance provided technical infrastructure and promotion. On October 24, Trump pardoned CZ, who had hired a Trump Jr. associate for $450,000 to lobby for executive relief.

Supporting reports

• Banks demand U.S. government guarantee for $20 billion Argentina lending facility — Banks assembled by Treasury Secretary Bessent—including JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs—are demanding that the U.S. government backstop a $20 billion lending facility to Argentina, effectively requiring taxpayers to absorb losses while banks retain profits. The arrangement emerged after private lenders had ceased lending to Argentina due to its heavy debt burden and low repayment likelihood. The Treasury Department confirmed talks remain ongoing but did not dispute the Wall Street Journal's reporting of the guarantee demand.

Supporting reports

• United States signs economic stabilization agreement with Argentina, commits $20 billion currency swap — The United States signed an "economic stabilization agreement" with Argentina's central bank, committing to swap $20 billion in currency to prop up the Argentine peso, in addition to at least two previous direct purchases of pesos. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the government is arranging for private lenders or sovereign wealth funds to contribute another $20 billion into the Argentine economy. Banks have requested security from the United States that they will recover their money if the Argentine economy continues to decline.
• Trump Announces $40 Billion Aid to Argentina — President Trump has announced a $40 billion aid package to Argentina, intended to stabilize the country's currency. However, the move has been criticized for benefiting Trump-aligned investors while failing to address economic challenges faced by Americans. The aid has not succeeded in stabilizing Argentina's currency as intended.
• U.S. Treasury peso purchases fail to stabilize Argentine currency — The Argentine peso fell below levels reached before the U.S. Treasury began purchasing pesos earlier in October, indicating that the Trump administration's financial support has failed to halt the currency's decline ahead of crucial midterm elections for President Milei. The Treasury has made approximately three purchases totaling roughly $400 million since October 9, and a $20 billion currency swap line was announced, but the peso continued to slide.
• Trump’s $40 billion bailout of Argentina fails — Donald Trump’s $40 billion taxpayer-funded bailout of Argentina has failed, with the Argentine peso losing 10% of its value in the first two weeks of October. The economic situation in Argentina has worsened, with interest rates soaring to 157% and inflation rising. Trump's intervention has not stabilized the economy and has drained U.S. resources.
• Trump administration approves $40 billion bailout of Argentina — The Trump administration approved a $40 billion bailout of Argentina. Representative Hakeem Jeffries criticized the expenditure during a government shutdown, stating Trump had "found time to bail out a right-wing wannabe dictator in Argentina with $40b" while refusing to negotiate with Democrats on reopening the government. Senator Rand Paul also criticized the bailout as inconsistent with "America First" policy, noting the funds are borrowed and the country faces a $2 trillion deficit. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association opposed the bailout, stating it undermines family farmers and ranchers by allowing importation of Argentine beef.

Supporting reports

• Trump offered $230 million settlement in DOJ malicious prosecution lawsuit with conflict of interest — Trump proposed settling his lawsuit against the DOJ for $230 million, claiming malicious prosecution. The DOJ supervisors tasked with approving the settlement are Trump's former lawyers, creating a direct conflict of interest. Trump stated he would need to decide how much to pay himself in damages, acknowledging the unusual nature of the arrangement.
• Trump demanded Justice Department pay him $230 million for federal investigations — The New York Times reported that Trump is demanding that the Justice Department pay him roughly $230 million in compensation for its federal investigations into him. The settlement could ultimately be approved by senior department officials who defended him. The demand represents an unprecedented attempt to use the Justice Department to extract personal financial benefit from the presidency.
• Trump demands DOJ pay $230 million for "pain and suffering" from investigations — Trump demanded that the Department of Justice pay him $230 million in taxpayer money as compensation for his "pain and suffering" from federal investigations. Trump claimed he would donate the money to charity.
• Trump demands DOJ pay him $230 million for investigations and Mar-a-Lago search — President Trump is demanding that the Department of Justice hand over approximately $230 million to compensate him for the investigation into ties between his 2016 campaign and Russian operatives and for the 2022 search of Mar-a-Lago for classified documents. Trump filed the claims in 2023 and 2024. Trump's own appointees will now decide whether American taxpayers should pay the compensation Trump is demanding. When asked about the demand, Trump stated that media outlets had paid him settlements and claimed that any money he received would be given to charity, while acknowledging the unusual nature of deciding how much to pay himself in damages.
• Trump accused of using DOJ funds for personal settlement — Trump is accused of using Department of Justice funds to pay himself a $230 million settlement, raising concerns about the misuse of government resources for personal gain.

Supporting reports

• Trump solicits corporate donations for $300m White House ballroom project — Donald Trump announced a $300m ballroom project at the White House, funded by corporate and billionaire donors including Apple, Google, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Palantir, and others. Demolition of the entire East Wing began without prior public announcement or approval from the National Capital Planning Commission. Trump initially stated the project would cost $200m but increased the figure to $300m on Wednesday. House Democrats condemned the lack of transparency and secretive decision-making process.
• Trump raised $350 million in corporate donations for White House ballroom — Trump announced he has raised $350 million from corporate donors to fund the White House ballroom renovation, up from his initial estimate of $200 million, then $250 million, then $300 million. When asked how much he personally would contribute, Trump declined to provide a specific number. The project cost estimates have escalated repeatedly.
• White House releases list of donors to Trump ballroom project — The White House released a list of major corporations and individuals donating to Trump's ballroom project intended to replace the demolished East Wing of the White House. Donors include Google (whose CEO thanked Trump for resolving an antitrust case), Palantir (which holds lucrative ICE contracts), Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Coinbase, Ripple, and numerous others. Economist Robert Reich characterized the arrangement as "pay-to-play," noting that donors include companies with direct regulatory or contractual interests in Trump administration decisions.

Supporting reports

• Department of Homeland Security purchases two Gulfstream jets for $172 million during shutdown — Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security has purchased two Gulfstream private jets for $172 million for use by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other DHS officials. The initial departmental request was for $50 million for a single new plane. The Department of Homeland Security characterized the purchase as "a matter of safety."
• Kristi Noem claimed Coast Guard jets were for agency mission — Secretary Kristi Noem defended her acquisition of two new Gulfstream jets financed through the Coast Guard budget, stating they were necessary replacements for 25-year-old aircraft and that Congress had appropriated the funds. The source material indicates Noem personally uses the aircraft and that they represent taxpayer-funded government jets for her use, similar to her taxpayer-funded waterfront Coast Guard Commandant residence.

Supporting reports

• Eisenhower Library director fired for refusing to surrender presidential sword — The director of the Eisenhower Library in Kansas was fired after refusing to hand over one of General Dwight D. Eisenhower's swords to the Trump administration. The administration wanted the sword, which Trump subsequently brandished in an official video depicting himself as a crowned authoritarian ruler.

Supporting reports

• White House demolition of East Wing began without National Capital Planning Commission approval — Demolition of the White House East Wing commenced on October 20, 2025, without formal submission to or approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency statutorily required to review major construction and renovation projects on federal property in Washington, D.C. The East Wing, which housed First Lady offices for 48 years and served as a workspace for policy initiatives by multiple First Ladies, is being demolished to make way for a privately funded ballroom estimated at $250–$300 million. President Trump appointed Will Scharf, his White House Staff Secretary, to chair the Commission; Scharf argued the Commission has jurisdiction only over construction, not demolition, creating a procedural loophole.
• National Nuclear Security Administration furloughs 80% of workforce during government shutdown — The National Nuclear Security Administration announced it will furlough approximately 1,400 employees (80% of its workforce) starting Monday, October 20, 2025, due to exhausted carryover funding during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Only 375 essential staff will remain to handle critical safety operations including nuclear material monitoring, equipment maintenance, and reactor safety. The shutdown has now become the longest complete government-wide funding lapse in U.S. history, surpassing the 16-day 2013 shutdown. Most scientific research, stockpile maintenance, and global security programs will be suspended.
• Trump administration begins demolition of White House East Wing for $250 million ballroom construction — Construction crews began demolishing part of the White House East Wing to make way for a $250 million ballroom project announced by Trump in July. Trump announced on Truth Social that "ground has been broken on the White House" and stated the project would be privately funded with zero cost to taxpayers, though it involves unnamed donors and corporate representatives including Amazon, Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Palantir, and Lockheed Martin. The project is expected to be completed by January 2029. Democratic congressman Mark Takano proposed legislation to prohibit federal funds for White House construction during government shutdowns.
• Trump administration begins demolition of White House East Wing without approval — Demolition crews began tearing down the East Wing of the White House to make way for Trump's 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, which approves construction of federal buildings, has not signed off on the destruction. In September, the Trump-appointed head of the commission, Will Scharf, claimed the board has no jurisdiction over demolition or site preparation. As of the time of reporting, the White House had not submitted building plans to the National Capital Planning Commission.
• Trump bulldozes East Wing of the White House on October 20 — On Monday, October 20, President Trump began to bulldoze the East Wing of the White House, the People's House. The demolition of a historic structure symbolized the administration's disregard for institutional continuity and public property.
• Trump ordered physical destruction of White House East Wing to construct ballroom — Trump began demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make room for a ballroom styled after his Mar-a-Lago property. The work commenced on the date reported, representing a significant alteration to the historic structure. No congressional authorization or public process was described in the source material.

Supporting reports

• Trump commutes George Santos's prison sentence — On Friday, October 18, 2025, President Trump announced via Truth Social that he had commuted the sentence of disgraced former congressman George Santos, who was serving a federal prison sentence for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos, who had pleaded guilty and was less than three months into a seven-year sentence, was released immediately. In a CNN interview on Sunday, Santos called the sentence "disproportionate" but acknowledged receiving "a large slice of humble pie" and declined to commit to paying restitution.
• Trump commutes George Santos's seven-year fraud sentence after less than three months served — Donald Trump commuted the seven-year, three-month prison sentence of disgraced former congressman George Santos for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft on October 18, 2025, after Santos had served fewer than three months at Fairton federal prison in New Jersey. Santos was released the same evening. The commutation followed a public campaign by Republican allies including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert, and Anna Paulina Luna. Trump acknowledged Santos as "somewhat of a 'rogue'" but stated many similar offenders serve shorter sentences. The action has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans as an abuse of presidential power.
• Trump commutes sentence of George Santos in federal fraud case — Donald Trump announced on Friday, October 18, 2025, that he had commuted the sentence of George Santos, the disgraced former New York Republican representative who had been sentenced to 87 months in prison in April 2025 for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos was released from Federal Correctional Institution Fairton in New Jersey hours after the commutation. Trump's action followed pressure from Republican allies, notably Marjorie Taylor Greene, and came after Santos published a letter in a local newspaper appealing for clemency.