Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• US military fires attack drones on Iranian naval base at Bandar Abbas — The US military conducted a strike on Iran's Bandar Abbas naval base using one-way attack surface drones on July 12, 2026, according to video released by US Central Command. The strike resulted in explosions at the facility. This action represents an escalation in the exchange of fire between the US and Iran that prompted Senate Democrats to block the NDAA.
• Trump ordered airstrikes on Iran — In response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump ordered airstrikes against Iran. The strikes followed Iran's closure of the strait and attacks on commercial vessels near the Oman shoreline. Additional U.S. military strikes against Iran were launched on the night of July 12, 2026.
• US and Iranian forces exchanged heavy missile and drone assaults — US and Iranian forces conducted heavy exchanges of missiles and drone attacks over several days. Iran targeted US facilities across the Gulf and declared the Strait of Hormuz closed. Trump declared an end to a ceasefire but left the door open for negotiations. CENTCOM reported US forces struck 140 Iranian military targets on Saturday out of more than 300 during three nights of strikes to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners. Iran's Revolutionary Guards reported destroying a command center and drone hangars in Jordan, targeting a radar site in Kuwait, and attacking US aircraft carrier support platforms in Oman and a jet maintenance center in Qatar.
• Trump announced blockade of Iranian shipping and claimed U.S. will charge fees for Strait of Hormuz passage — At 10:16 a.m., Trump announced via social media that the U.S. is reinstating a blockade of Iranian ships and customers while keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to all other nations. Trump declared the U.S. will be "the Guardian of the Hormuz Strait" and will charge a 20% fee on all cargo shipped through the waterway to reimburse costs of providing security. This represents a resumption of hostilities against Iran following a June 17 memorandum of understanding that Trump now considers void.
• Trump Declares US Control Over Strait of Hormuz — Former President Donald Trump announced that the United States will take control of the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% cargo fee on vessels passing through. This declaration has significant implications for international trade and maritime law, potentially escalating tensions in the region and affecting global oil prices.
• Trump Reverses Strait of Hormuz Fee — President Donald Trump reversed his decision to impose a 20% "reimbursement fee" on the Strait of Hormuz less than a day after announcing it. The fee was intended to be levied on countries using the strategic waterway, but the quick reversal suggests significant backlash or reconsideration of the policy's implications.
• Trump administration announces blockade and cargo fee plan — The Trump administration announced a plan to reinstate a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz for Iranian ships and impose a 20% fee on all cargo passing through. This announcement, made by Trump on Truth Social, has led to a spike in energy prices. The plan's effectiveness in reopening the strait or reducing energy costs remains unclear. The administration's approach has not resolved the ongoing disruption in maritime traffic, which has been severely affected since the conflict began.
• U.S. offers insurance for tankers in the Strait of Hormuz — The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation announced it would insure losses up to $40 billion for tankers willing to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Despite this offer, most shippers remain unwilling to risk passage due to the ongoing threat from Iran's military tactics. The insurance initiative has not succeeded in restoring normal maritime traffic through the strait, which remains severely disrupted.
• Trump walked back military takeover of Strait of Hormuz, replacing toll fee with investment deals — Trump announced he was reversing his previous day's declaration that the U.S. military would seize the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% toll on cargo vessels. He stated he had decided instead to pursue trade and investment deals with Gulf States, claiming these would be "massive" but beneficial to those nations. Trump cited conversations with Middle Eastern leaders as the reason for the reversal, acknowledging the original plan was impractical and faced universal international opposition.
• Trump announced Iran blockade and Strait of Hormuz control — On July 15, Trump announced he was reimposing a blockade on Iran and that the United States would become "THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT." Later the same day, he reversed course, claiming that Gulf allies had told him they would prefer to invest directly in the U.S. rather than pay tolls for strait passage.
• Trump announces blockade on Iran — President Trump announced the reimposition of a blockade on Iran, declaring the U.S. would act as the "guardian of the Hormuz Strait." This announcement follows a reversal of a previous proposal to charge Gulf allies for tolls, indicating a shift in U.S. foreign policy towards Iran.

Supporting reports

• Legal challenge filed against DHS border wall waivers in Big Bend sector — The Friends of the Ruidosa Church, river guide Billy Miller, and the Center for Biological Diversity updated an existing lawsuit on Thursday, June 12, 2026, challenging DHS border wall-related waivers of environmental laws in the Big Bend sector. The plaintiffs argue that the waivers violate due process and other constitutional rights, marking the first major legal challenge to the administration's authority to suspend environmental protections in a national park.

Supporting reports

• Department of Homeland Security issues waiver allowing border wall construction in Big Bend National Park — The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security published a waiver in the Federal Register on June 11, 2026, that suspends enforcement of major environmental and historical preservation laws—including the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, Clean Water Act, and Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act—to permit Customs and Border Protection to construct border security infrastructure in Big Bend National Park, Texas. The waiver authorizes construction of vehicle barriers, roads, surveillance systems, and potentially 30-foot steel bollard fencing across 17 miles of the park's river frontage and interior, despite the area accounting for less than 0.5% of unauthorized border crossings nationally.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration granted Clean Air Act compliance pauses to 180+ polluting facilities — The Trump administration granted a two-year pause on compliance with the Clean Air Act to more than 180 facilities, including coal power plants and medical sterilizers, that are polluting in 38 states and Puerto Rico. The administration invoked a presidential exemption claiming the technology to implement pollution standards does not exist and that compliance poses a national security risk. The exemption was justified by citing a purported national energy emergency related to emerging industries like artificial intelligence and data centers. This authority has never been used before, and other utilities report they are already using the pollution controls the administration claims do not exist. Democratic senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Adam Schiff introduced legislation requiring congressional approval for future Clean Air Act pauses.

Supporting reports

• President exempts Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements in Idaho, Oregon, Nevada — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-07, exempting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from Federal, State, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for one year (April 20, 2026–April 20, 2027). The exemption applies to operations subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Ass'n v. Meink. The determination invokes section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, citing paramount national interest. Certain statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317) remain applicable.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation essential to national defense, waiving procedural requirements. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-08, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains, mining, logistics, terminals, and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination cites a prior national energy emergency declaration and asserts that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-10 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act to declare grid infrastructure and supply chains (transformers, transmission lines, substations, power electronics, and related materials) essential to national defense. The determination finds that domestic production capacity is dangerously limited and foreign-dependent, posing a threat to defense readiness. The President waives procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic manufacturing capability.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity as national defense priority. — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-11 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity essential to national defense. The determination, published April 23, 2026, finds that without federal action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand domestic petroleum capacity.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity as national defense priority — The President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-12 on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot timely provide these capabilities due to financing constraints, permitting delays, and infrastructure bottlenecks. The President waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure.
• President invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to prioritize large-scale energy infrastructure development, manufacturing, and deployment as essential to national defense. — On April 20, 2026, the President issued Presidential Determination No. 2026-09, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, made pursuant to Executive Order 14156 (declaring a national energy emergency), finds that domestic capability cannot be met under existing market conditions due to financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers. The President waives certain procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) and authorizes the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination through purchases, commitments, and financial instruments.
• Trump invokes Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal purchases and financial support for domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity constitute industrial resources essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The memorandum, issued pursuant to a January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand petroleum infrastructure, citing constrained financing, permitting bottlenecks, and supply chain limitations as barriers. The determination waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act regulations — President Trump signed a Presidential Determination on April 20, 2026, granting U.S. Air Force jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada a one-year exemption from certain Clean Water Act regulations. The fact sheet states the exemption prioritizes national security and military readiness while claiming compliance with "toughest Federal standards." The determination removes what the administration characterizes as "unnecessary obstacles" to pilot training and operational effectiveness.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to authorize federal action on large-scale energy infrastructure development and financing — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare that development, manufacturing, and deployment of large-scale energy and energy-related infrastructure are essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to a prior national energy emergency declaration (Executive Order 14156), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic energy infrastructure capability, citing financing risks, regulatory delays, and market barriers as obstacles. The memorandum waives standard procedural requirements under Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) of the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand domestic grid infrastructure manufacturing capacity — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum determining that grid infrastructure and supply chains—including transformers, transmission lines, substations, and related equipment—are essential to national defense under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950. The determination, issued pursuant to the January 20, 2025 National Energy Emergency declaration, authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic production capacity. The memorandum waives procedural requirements of Section 303(a)(1)-(a)(6) to expedite implementation.
• Trump issues Presidential Determination invoking Defense Production Act Section 303 to expand natural gas and LNG capacity — President Trump issued a Presidential Determination under Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, declaring natural gas transmission, processing, storage, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity to be industrial resources essential to national defense. The determination, issued pursuant to the national energy emergency declared in Executive Order 14156 (January 20, 2025), authorizes the Secretary of Energy to make purchases, financial commitments, and provide financial support to expand domestic natural gas and LNG infrastructure, waiving standard procedural requirements under the Act.
• Trump issues presidential determination invoking Defense Production Act to expand coal supply chains and baseload power generation — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, invoking Section 303 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to declare coal supply chains and baseload power generation capacity essential to national defense. The determination finds that without presidential action, U.S. industry cannot provide these capabilities in a timely manner due to financing constraints and regulatory delays. The memorandum directs the Secretary of Energy to implement the determination, including making purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to expand coal supply chain capacity and baseload generation availability, and waives certain procedural requirements of the Act.
• White House issues presidential memorandum exempting Air Force jet fighter training from Clean Water Act requirements — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on April 20, 2026, exempting the U.S. Air Force's jet fighter training operations in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada from federal, state, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements under the Clean Water Act for a one-year period (April 20, 2026 to April 20, 2027). The memorandum cites section 313 of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and notes that some operations are subject to ongoing litigation in Oregon Natural Desert Association v. Meink. The exemption does not apply to certain specific statutory provisions (33 U.S.C. 1316 and 1317).
• Trump signs memos invoking Defense Production Act to expand domestic fossil fuel production — On Monday, President Trump released multiple memoranda citing his January 2025 national energy emergency declaration, directing the energy secretary to expand US oil, coal, and natural gas production under the Defense Production Act. Trump claimed inadequate domestic energy supply poses a national security threat and ordered federal action to ensure "resilient domestic petroleum production, refining, and logistics capacity." The memos authorized the energy secretary to make purchases, commitments, and financial instruments to enable fossil fuel projects.

Supporting reports

• Endangered Species Committee votes to exempt Gulf of Mexico oil and gas drilling from ESA protections — The Endangered Species Committee, convened for the first time in over 30 years, voted unanimously to grant an exemption from the Endangered Species Act for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requested the exemption citing national security concerns related to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and global energy prices. The exemption could jeopardize the Rice's whale (51 remaining), whooping cranes, sea turtles, and other marine species. Environmental groups have pledged legal challenges.
• Endangered Species Committee grants exemption for Gulf of America oil and gas activities from Endangered Species Act requirements — The Endangered Species Committee, by unanimous vote on March 31, 2026, granted an exemption under section 7(h) of the Endangered Species Act for Gulf of America Oil and Gas Activities based on a national security finding by the Secretary of War. The exemption exempts federal agencies from consultation, jeopardy, and adverse modification mandates, and prohibits the taking of endangered species in connection with covered oil and gas exploration, development, and production activities in federal and state waters of the Gulf of America.
• Complaint filed — Healthy Gulf v. Endangered Species Committee, Secretary of Defense (D.D.C. 1:26-cv-01118) — Conservation nonprofits filed a complaint challenging an Endangered Species Committee decision issued March 31, 2026, granting a categorical exemption excusing all oil and gas activities in the Gulf of America from Endangered Species Act requirements. The exemption was based on a March 13, 2026 National Security Finding by the Secretary of Defense asserting that litigation threatens national security. Plaintiffs allege the Committee bypassed mandatory ESA procedures, including public hearings and formal reports, and that the Finding lacks evidence of irreconcilable conflict between species protection and oil production. Plaintiffs seek declaratory relief and vacatur of both the Finding and the Exemption.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration invokes Defense Production Act to force reopening of California offshore oil pipeline — On Friday, March 15, 2026, the Trump administration ordered the reopening of the Santa Ynez offshore oil pipeline system in California, which had been closed since 2015 following a major oil spill. Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked emergency powers under the Defense Production Act, citing national security and military readiness amid the US-Israel war on Iran. Sable Offshore Corporation, the Houston-based operator, announced oil was flowing through the system by Monday, March 18. California Governor Gavin Newsom immediately threatened legal action and the state parks department ordered removal of the pipeline from Gaviota State Park.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration invokes Defense Production Act to force reopening of California offshore oil pipeline — On Friday, March 15, 2026, the Trump administration ordered the reopening of the Santa Ynez offshore oil pipeline system in California, which had been closed since 2015 following a major oil spill. Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked emergency powers under the Defense Production Act, citing national security and military readiness amid the US-Israel war on Iran. Sable Offshore Corporation, the Houston-based operator, announced oil was flowing through the system by Monday, March 18. California Governor Gavin Newsom immediately threatened legal action and the state parks department ordered removal of the pipeline from Gaviota State Park.

Supporting reports

• Energy secretary Chris Wright restarts Sable Offshore pipeline under Trump Defense Production Act order — US energy secretary Chris Wright restarted the Sable Offshore pipeline system using powers granted by Trump through an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act. The pipeline, which links the Santa Ynez offshore platform to California refineries, had been shut down following a 2015 spill that released over 100,000 gallons of crude oil. Wright's restart order superseded California state law and court orders. Sable Offshore began shipping hydrocarbons on March 14 and expects to sell 50,000 barrels per day by April 1, 2026.
• Trump administration invokes Defense Production Act to force reopening of California offshore oil pipeline — On Friday, March 15, 2026, the Trump administration ordered the reopening of the Santa Ynez offshore oil pipeline system in California, which had been closed since 2015 following a major oil spill. Energy Secretary Chris Wright invoked emergency powers under the Defense Production Act, citing national security and military readiness amid the US-Israel war on Iran. Sable Offshore Corporation, the Houston-based operator, announced oil was flowing through the system by Monday, March 18. California Governor Gavin Newsom immediately threatened legal action and the state parks department ordered removal of the pipeline from Gaviota State Park.

Supporting reports

• Trump invokes Defense Production Act to mandate domestic elemental phosphorus and glyphosate production, delegating authority to Secretary of Agriculture. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14387 on February 18, 2026, invoking the Defense Production Act of 1950 to designate elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides as critical to national defense. The order delegates authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate materials, set nationwide priorities, and issue orders ensuring adequate domestic supply. The EO shields domestic producers from corporate viability risk and grants them immunity under the Act. The order cites phosphorus's role in military devices, semiconductors, and batteries, and glyphosate's role in agricultural productivity.
• Trump issued executive order delegating Defense Production Act authority to Secretary of Agriculture to ensure domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on February 18, 2026, invoking the Defense Production Act to delegate authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to prioritize and allocate materials, services, and facilities to ensure adequate domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The order designates these substances as critical to national defense and agricultural productivity, citing their use in military devices, semiconductors, lithium-ion batteries, and crop protection. The Secretary is directed to issue orders and regulations ensuring domestic producers' corporate viability is not jeopardized.
• Trump signed executive order invoking Defense Production Act to ensure domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides — President Trump signed an executive order on February 18, 2026, invoking the Defense Production Act of 1950 to designate elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides as critical to national defense. The order delegates authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate materials and prioritize domestic production, stating that the U.S. imports over 6 million kilograms of elemental phosphorus annually and has only one domestic producer. The order directs the Secretary to ensure domestic producer viability and grants immunity to compliant producers under section 707 of the Act.
• White House issued fact sheet on Defense Production Act order for phosphorus and herbicide supply chains — The White House published a fact sheet on February 18, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that day invoking the Defense Production Act to mobilize domestic production of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The order delegates Defense Production Act authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to allocate materials and ensure supply continuity, framing both substances as critical to military readiness and food security. The fact sheet states the order directs the Secretary of Agriculture to issue implementing regulations in consultation with the Secretary of War.
• Trump administration issued executive order to ramp up domestic glyphosate production — The Trump administration announced an executive order aimed at spurring domestic production of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup weedkiller. The move immediately provoked backlash from supporters of RFK Jr.'s "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) movement, who had been promised health reform. RFK Jr., now Health Secretary, had previously campaigned against glyphosate as a carcinogen and promised to ban its use as a desiccant on wheat. Despite the contradiction, Kennedy issued a statement supporting the president's decision. MAHA activists and advocates expressed outrage, viewing the order as a betrayal of the movement's core health agenda and a gift to the pesticide industry.
• Trump executive order provides legal protections for glyphosate manufacturers — Trump issued an executive order expected to provide legal protections for chemical manufacturers tied to glyphosate-based products as he seeks to increase production of the chemical found in weed killers. The move contradicts RFK Jr.'s stated position one month prior that glyphosate causes cancer. RFK Jr. is now supporting Trump's action despite his earlier public statements on the carcinogenic properties of the chemical.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration suspends offshore wind leases citing national security — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced that the Trump administration is suspending leases for five large offshore wind projects under construction, citing national security concerns and alleged radar interference. Burgum stated the Department of Defense concluded the wind programs create radar clutter that impairs military ability to distinguish friend from foe in airspace. Critics, including foreign policy journalist Kevin Baron and energy policy experts, characterized the stated rationale as false and attributed the action to Trump's long-standing ideological opposition to wind energy stemming from disputes over turbines near his Scottish golf course.
• Trump administration suspends offshore wind project leases citing national security concerns — The administration suspended leases for major offshore wind projects, citing "national security concerns." The stated rationale was framed as protecting radar systems, though the underlying motivation was to protect fossil fuel interests and prevent lower energy prices for consumers.
• Department of the Interior suspends offshore wind projects — The Department of the Interior announced the suspension of five offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns. The decision affects billions in investments and thousands of jobs, with the projects intended to provide electricity to millions of households. The justification referenced the "Department of War," a defunct entity, raising questions about the validity of the reasoning. A federal judge had previously ruled a related suspension effort as "arbitrary and capricious."
• Department of Interior suspends five offshore wind projects citing national security — The Department of Interior announced suspension of five offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns and referencing a non-existent "Department of War." The projects represent billions in investment, thousands of jobs, and electricity generation capacity for millions of households. A federal judge had previously ruled a related suspension effort "arbitrary and capricious" and contrary to law. The suspension was announced three days before Christmas.
• Interior Department suspended offshore wind projects on national security grounds — The Interior Department suspended five offshore wind projects, citing national security concerns and referencing "the Department of War," an agency that has not existed since 1947. A federal judge had recently declared a similar suspension "arbitrary and capricious."

Supporting reports

• Trump proclamation exempts ethylene oxide sterilization facilities from EPA emissions standards for two years. — President Trump issued Proclamation 10959 on July 17, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources subject to the EPA's April 2024 ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions rule from compliance for two years beyond the rule's original deadlines. The proclamation asserts that required emissions-control technology does not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption serves national security by preventing disruption to the supply of sterile medical devices. Affected facilities will remain subject to pre-rule emissions obligations during the exemption period.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting medical sterilization facilities from EPA ethylene oxide emissions rule for two years — President Trump issued a proclamation granting a two-year exemption from the EPA's April 2024 ethylene oxide emissions standards rule for commercial sterilization facilities. The proclamation states the exemption applies to 24 named companies operating approximately 40 facilities nationwide. Trump asserts the rule's compliance technology does not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption is necessary for national security to prevent disruption of sterile medical device supply. The proclamation extends all EtO Rule compliance deadlines by two years for listed facilities.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting taconite iron ore processing facilities from Clean Air Act emissions standards for 2 years — President Trump signed a proclamation on July 17, 2025, exempting certain taconite iron ore processing facilities from compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's March 2024 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants rule. The proclamation extends all compliance deadlines under the Taconite Rule by 2 years, citing national security interests and claims that required emissions-control technologies are not commercially viable. The exemption applies to six named facilities operated by U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs in Minnesota and Michigan.
• Trump proclamation exempts certain chemical manufacturers from HON Rule emissions standards for two years — President Trump issued Proclamation 10957 on July 17, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources subject to the EPA's May 2024 Hazardous Organic Naphtha (HON) Rule from compliance with section 112 Clean Air Act emissions-control requirements for two years beyond the rule's original compliance deadlines. The proclamation invokes national security and chemical manufacturing resilience, asserting that compliance technology is not commercially available. Affected facilities will revert to pre-HON Rule emissions obligations during the exemption period.
• Trump proclamation exempts taconite iron ore processors from Clean Air Act emissions standards for two years — President Trump issued Proclamation 10958 on July 17, 2025, exempting certain stationary sources engaged in taconite iron ore processing from compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's March 2024 National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) rule under section 112 of the Clean Air Act. The proclamation extends all compliance deadlines by two years, citing unavailability of required emissions-control technology and national security interests in domestic steel production. Affected facilities revert to pre-rule emissions obligations during the exemption period.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting 25 chemical manufacturing facilities from Clean Air Act emissions standards for 2 years — President Trump signed a proclamation on July 17, 2025, exempting 25 named chemical manufacturing facilities from compliance with the EPA's May 2024 Hazardous Organic Noxides (HON) Rule for 2 years beyond the rule's original compliance deadlines. The proclamation asserts that the technology to implement the HON Rule is not commercially available and that the exemption serves national security interests by protecting domestic chemical supply chains. The exemption extends all compliance deadlines by 2 years, during which affected facilities remain subject to pre-HON Rule emissions standards.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting coal-fired power plants from EPA emissions standards for two years — President Trump signed a proclamation on July 17, 2025, exempting certain coal-fired electric utility generating units from compliance with the EPA's 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule for a two-year period (July 8, 2027 to July 8, 2029). The proclamation states the exemption applies to three named facilities (Cardinal Units 1–3 in Ohio, Craig Generating Station Units 2–3 in Colorado, and Dallman Unit 4 in Illinois) and asserts that the required emissions-control technology does not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption serves national security interests by protecting coal-sector jobs and grid reliability.
• White House issues fact sheet on EPA regulatory relief proclamations — The White House issued a fact sheet on July 17, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed four proclamations granting two years of regulatory relief from EPA emissions standards for coal plants, taconite iron ore processing facilities, and chemical manufacturers producing semiconductors, medical device sterilization, and defense-related chemicals. The fact sheet states these exemptions allow facilities to comply with pre-Biden EPA standards instead of current rules, claiming the relief supports national security and economic stability while avoiding "unattainable compliance requirements."

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• Hundreds protested DeSantis migrant detention facility in Everglades — Hundreds of protesters lined Highway 41 through the Everglades to oppose construction of Ron DeSantis's migrant detention facility, dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz." Protesters waved signs calling for protection of the preserve, home to Native tribes and endangered species. The state fast-tracked the project under emergency executive powers, allowing it to sidestep purchasing laws and local objections from Miami-Dade County. The facility will use temporary structures like tents and trailers to house detained immigrants, with the state estimating 5,000 detention beds operational by early July.

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• Trump administration orders Michigan coal plants to remain open — The Trump administration has directed the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) to keep two Michigan coal plants, JH Campbell and Monroe, operational despite plans for their closure. The JH Campbell plant was ordered to remain open beyond its scheduled closure date of May 31, while the Monroe plant's closure, set for 2028, is expected to be delayed. This decision, made under a national energy emergency executive order, has been criticized for lacking support in Michigan and potentially costing ratepayers hundreds of millions of dollars. The move is seen as ideologically driven and contrary to Michigan's climate law, which mandates 100% clean energy by 2040.

Supporting reports

• Reinvigorating America's Beautiful Clean Coal Industry and Amending Executive Order 14241 — President Trump signed Executive Order 14260 on April 8, 2025, directing the Attorney General to identify all state and local laws, regulations, and causes of action burdening domestic energy development—particularly those addressing climate change, environmental justice, carbon emissions, or ESG initiatives—that the administration deems unconstitutional, preempted by federal law, or otherwise unenforceable. The order instructs the Attorney General to expeditiously stop enforcement of such laws and submit a report within 60 days recommending additional presidential or legislative action.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14260 directing Attorney General to identify and challenge state energy and climate laws as unconstitutional or preempted. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14262 on April 8, 2025, invoking emergency authority under the Federal Power Act to address electricity demand surge from AI data centers and manufacturing. The order directs the Secretary of Energy to streamline Department of Energy processes for issuing orders under section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act, develop a uniform reserve-margin methodology within 30 days, and establish protocols to identify and retain generation resources critical to system reliability. The order authorizes DOE to prevent generation resources exceeding 50 megawatts from leaving the bulk-power system or converting fuel sources if such conversion would reduce accredited generating capacity.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14262 directing DOE to streamline emergency authority for electric grid reliability and develop reserve-margin methodology to retain generation resources. — On April 8, 2025, President Trump signed a series of executive orders designed to permit and expand coal plant construction. The orders are cited in the climate petition as part of the broader pattern of federal fossil fuel promotion that the young activists argue violates international human rights obligations. The orders exemplify the Trump administration's pro-fossil fuel regulatory posture.
• Trump signs executive orders to expand coal plant construction — President Trump signed an executive order on April 8, 2025, directing the Secretary of Energy to streamline Department of Energy processes for issuing emergency orders under the Federal Power Act to maintain electric grid reliability during supply interruptions. The order requires the Secretary to develop a uniform methodology for analyzing reserve margins across all bulk power system regions within 30 days, establish protocols to identify critical generation resources, and prevent generation resources exceeding 50 megawatts from leaving the grid or converting fuel sources if doing so would reduce accredited capacity. The order invokes emergency authority under a prior national energy emergency declaration.
• Trump issued executive order directing energy secretary to streamline grid reliability protocols and prevent power plant retirements. — President Trump issued Executive Order "Protecting American Energy From State Overreach" on April 8, 2025, directing the Attorney General to identify and challenge state and local laws regulating energy production, with particular focus on climate-related policies. The order characterizes state climate regulations—citing New York's climate liability law, Vermont's emissions penalties, and California's carbon cap system—as unconstitutional or preempted by federal law. The Attorney General is instructed to take "expeditious" action to stop enforcement of identified state laws and report within 60 days on actions taken and recommendations for additional presidential or legislative measures.
• Trump issues executive order directing DOJ to challenge state energy regulations — President Trump signed an executive order on April 8, 2025, designating coal as a "mineral" under Executive Order 14241 and directing federal agencies to remove regulatory barriers to coal production, expedite coal leasing on federal lands, and promote coal exports and use in electricity generation and steel production. The order requires the Departments of Interior, Agriculture, and Energy to assess coal resources on federal lands within 60 days and instructs multiple agencies to identify and revise policies that discourage coal investment.
• Trump issues executive order to reinvigorate coal industry and amend mineral production directive — President Trump signed Executive Order 14260 on April 8, 2025, directing the Attorney General to identify all state and local laws, regulations, and policies that burden domestic energy development—particularly those addressing climate change, environmental justice, carbon emissions, or ESG initiatives—and to take action to stop their enforcement. The order characterizes such state laws as unconstitutional, preempted, or otherwise unenforceable, citing concerns about energy costs, national security, and federalism. The Attorney General must report within 60 days on actions taken and recommend additional presidential or legislative measures.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14260 directing the Attorney General to identify and challenge state energy regulations as unconstitutional or preempted federal law. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14262 on April 8, 2025, directing the Secretary of Energy to streamline Department of Energy processes for issuing orders under the Federal Power Act during grid emergencies, develop a methodology to identify regions with low reserve margins, and establish protocols to retain generation resources identified as critical to system reliability. The order states it aims to address electricity demand from AI data centers and manufacturing. Section 3(c) authorizes the Secretary to prevent generation resources over 50 megawatts from leaving the bulk-power system or converting fuel sources if such conversion would reduce accredited generating capacity.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14262 directing emergency streamlining of energy generation approvals and retention of coal and fossil fuel plants. — The White House published a fact sheet on April 8, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs the Secretary of Energy to streamline emergency processes under the Federal Power Act, develop a uniform methodology to analyze reserve margins across bulk power regions, and prevent critical generation resources from leaving the grid or converting fuel sources if doing so would reduce accredited generating capacity. The fact sheet frames the order as a response to rising electricity demand from AI data centers and manufacturing.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on electric grid reliability and security — The White House published a fact sheet on April 8, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Attorney General to identify and challenge state laws and policies that burden domestic energy production. The order states it targets laws addressing climate change, environmental justice, carbon emissions, and carbon taxes. The fact sheet claims state policies in New York, Vermont, and California raise energy prices and disrupt supply. The Attorney General is directed to submit a report within 60 days detailing actions taken and recommendations.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on state energy regulation — The White House signed Executive Order 14261 on April 8, 2025, directing federal agencies to remove regulatory barriers to coal production, designate coal as a "mineral" under prior executive order, assess coal resources on federal lands, expedite coal leasing, lift mining barriers, identify and revise policies discouraging coal investment, promote coal exports, expand categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act for coal projects, and accelerate coal technology development. The order states coal is "essential to our national and economic security" and directs the Secretary of Interior to terminate the "Jewell Moratorium" on coal leasing.
• White House signed Executive Order 14261 to reinvigorate coal industry and amend Executive Order 14241 — President Trump issued Proclamation 10914 on April 8, 2025, exempting certain coal-fired electricity generation facilities from compliance with the EPA's May 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule revision for a two-year period (July 8, 2027–July 8, 2029). The proclamation invokes section 112(i)(4) of the Clean Air Act and asserts that required emissions-control technology does not exist in commercially viable form and that the exemption serves national security and energy security interests. The exemption delays compliance obligations, reverting affected sources to pre-2024 MATS standards during the exemption window.
• Trump proclamation exempts coal-fired power plants from EPA emissions standards for two years. — On April 8, 2025, Trump signed four executive orders aimed at reviving the coal industry. He used emergency authority to allow older coal-fired power plants scheduled for retirement to continue producing electricity, claiming this is needed to meet increased energy demands from datacenters, AI, and electric cars. The order "slashes unnecessary regulations that targeted the beautiful, clean coal." Coal is the dirtiest fossil fuel and its usage has long been in decline.
• Trump signed four executive orders reviving coal industry — President Trump signed a proclamation on April 8, 2025, exempting certain coal-fired electricity generation facilities from compliance with the EPA's 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) amendments for a two-year period (July 8, 2027 to July 8, 2029). The proclamation asserts that the required emissions-control technologies do not exist in commercially viable form and claims the exemption is necessary for national security, grid reliability, and energy security. The exemption delays compliance obligations that would otherwise take effect in 2027.
• Trump issued proclamation exempting coal-fired power plants from EPA emissions standards for two years — The White House published a fact sheet on April 8, 2025, promoting an executive order signed by President Trump that day. The order directs agencies to designate coal as a "mineral" under prior executive authority, lift barriers to coal mining on federal lands, rescind policies favoring transition away from coal, and promote coal exports and use in steel production and AI data centers. The fact sheet claims the coal industry supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and adds tens of billions annually to the economy.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on coal industry — The White House published a fact sheet on April 8, 2025, describing a proclamation signed by President Trump granting two years of relief from the Biden-era Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) rule to certain coal-fired power plants. The fact sheet states the proclamation allows affected plants to comply with a less stringent version of the EPA standard, claims this prevents premature plant closures, and asserts the measure protects energy grid stability and national security. The document characterizes the Biden-era rule as imposing "unattainable compliance requirements" and "commercially unviable" emissions-control technologies.
• White House issues fact sheet on EPA coal plant emissions relief proclamation — Trump said that some law firms that agreed to provide pro bono services to the administration will be working with coal companies on "leasing and other things." He also bragged about the agreements with the firms, saying "they give me a lot of money considering they've done nothing wrong." Trump has targeted or threatened law firms that partnered with or represented his political enemies, claiming they have "weaponized" the legal system.
• Trump said law firms will work with coal companies — President Trump signed four executive orders on Tuesday aimed at reviving coal production and allowing older coal-fired power plants scheduled for retirement to continue operating. The orders direct federal agencies to end policies discriminating against coal, impose a moratorium on Biden-era climate protections for coal plants, promote coal as a "secure" energy source, and instruct the Justice Department to investigate state policies that disadvantage coal. The administration framed the move as addressing rising electricity demand from datacenters, AI, and electric vehicles, though environmental groups criticized it as economically backward.
• Trump signs four executive orders to revive coal industry and allow retirement-scheduled plants to remain operational

Supporting reports

• Trump signed Executive Order 14260 directing Attorney General to identify and challenge state energy and climate laws as unconstitutional or preempted. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14260 on April 8, 2025, directing the Attorney General to identify all state and local laws, regulations, and causes of action burdening domestic energy development—particularly those addressing climate change, environmental justice, carbon emissions, or ESG initiatives—that the administration deems unconstitutional, preempted by federal law, or otherwise unenforceable. The order instructs the Attorney General to expeditiously stop enforcement of such laws and submit a report within 60 days recommending additional presidential or legislative action.
• Trump directs DOJ to stop enforcement of state climate laws — President Trump issued an executive order instructing the Department of Justice to cease enforcement of state climate laws, specifically targeting New York and Vermont's "climate superfund" laws requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for climate disaster damages. The order characterizes these state policies as unconstitutional and irreconcilable with the administration's energy agenda. Trump also targeted lawsuits brought by states, cities, and counties against oil companies for climate damages, framing them as obstacles to energy independence.
• Trump signed executive order stopping enforcement of state climate laws — On April 8, 2025, Trump signed an executive order instructing the Department of Justice to "stop the enforcement" of state climate laws, which his administration suggested are unconstitutional or unenforceable. The order states "These State laws and policies are fundamentally irreconcilable with my Administration's objective to unleash American energy. They should not stand." The action represents Trump's attempt to preempt state climate initiatives.
• Trump issues executive order directing DOJ to challenge state energy regulations — President Trump issued Executive Order "Protecting American Energy From State Overreach" on April 8, 2025, directing the Attorney General to identify and challenge state and local laws regulating energy production, with particular focus on climate-related policies. The order characterizes state climate regulations—citing New York's climate liability law, Vermont's emissions penalties, and California's carbon cap system—as unconstitutional or preempted by federal law. The Attorney General is instructed to take "expeditious" action to stop enforcement of identified state laws and report within 60 days on actions taken and recommendations for additional presidential or legislative measures.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14260 directing the Attorney General to identify and challenge state energy regulations as unconstitutional or preempted federal law. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14260 on April 8, 2025, directing the Attorney General to identify all state and local laws, regulations, and policies that burden domestic energy development—particularly those addressing climate change, environmental justice, carbon emissions, or ESG initiatives—and to take action to stop their enforcement. The order characterizes such state laws as unconstitutional, preempted, or otherwise unenforceable, citing concerns about energy costs, national security, and federalism. The Attorney General must report within 60 days on actions taken and recommend additional presidential or legislative measures.
• White House issued fact sheet promoting executive order on state energy regulation — The White House published a fact sheet on April 8, 2025, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing the Attorney General to identify and challenge state laws and policies that burden domestic energy production. The order states it targets laws addressing climate change, environmental justice, carbon emissions, and carbon taxes. The fact sheet claims state policies in New York, Vermont, and California raise energy prices and disrupt supply. The Attorney General is directed to submit a report within 60 days detailing actions taken and recommendations.

Supporting reports

• Trump signs four orders revitalizing coal industry — Trump signed four executive orders aimed at reviving the coal industry. Using emergency authority, the orders allow some older coal-fired power plants scheduled for retirement to keep producing electricity, justified as needed to meet increased energy demands from datacenters, artificial intelligence, and electric cars. The administration claims the order "slashes unnecessary regulations that targeted the beautiful, clean coal."
• Trump expands tree cutting on public lands — Trump ordered an expansion in tree-cutting across 280 million acres (113 million hectares) of national forests and other public lands. The order calls for reversing "heavy-handed federal policies" and increasing "domestic timber production to protect our national and economic security." The order evades rules to protect endangered species and raises the prospect of chainsaws razing some of the most ecologically important trees in the US.
• Trump signs order boosting deep-sea mining industry — Trump signed an executive order aimed at boosting the deep-sea mining industry as part of efforts to offset China's control of the critical minerals industry. The order seeks to increase US production of nickel, copper, and other critical minerals used across the economy, extracted from the ocean floor.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on Border Security — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14165 on January 20, 2025, directing the deployment of physical barriers and personnel to secure the U.S. southern border. The order mandates the resumption of the Migrant Protection Protocols, adjustments to parole policies, and prioritization of prosecuting border-related offenses. It aims to deter illegal immigration and enhance border security through various measures, including international cooperation and DNA identification requirements.
• National emergency declared at southern border — President Donald J. Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border of the United States, citing threats from cartels, criminal gangs, and illicit narcotics. The proclamation authorizes the use of the Armed Forces to support the Department of Homeland Security in securing the border, including constructing additional physical barriers and deploying personnel. The proclamation revokes a previous termination of the emergency and requires reports on actions taken and conditions at the border.
• President Trump declares a national energy emergency — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14156, declaring a national energy emergency. The order directs federal agencies to use emergency authorities to enhance domestic energy production, transportation, and infrastructure. It aims to address high energy prices and vulnerabilities in energy supply, particularly in the Northeast and West Coast regions. The order invokes the National Emergencies Act and the Defense Production Act to expedite energy-related projects and infrastructure improvements.
• Presidential Proclamation on Border Security — President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring an ongoing invasion at the southern border of the United States. The proclamation suspends the entry of aliens involved in this invasion and imposes restrictions on their access to immigration provisions. The President directed the Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General, to take actions necessary to repel and remove aliens engaged in the invasion.
• Trump declares national border emergency — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the US-Mexico border. This order allows for the deployment of US troops to the southern border to assist the Department of Homeland Security in controlling immigration. The declaration is part of a series of executive orders aimed at cracking down on immigration and unauthorized border crossings, despite a recent decrease in such crossings. The move has sparked controversy and is expected to face legal challenges.
• Trump declares national emergency at southern border — President Trump signed a national emergency declaration concerning the southern border, framing foreigners as national security threats. This declaration is part of a series of executive orders aimed at restricting immigration and increasing border security. The emergency declaration allows for the use of military resources to enforce border control and aims to achieve "complete operational control" of the border, defined as zero unlawful entries.
• Trump declares national energy emergency — On his first day back in office, Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency, allowing his administration to expedite permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure. This declaration is part of a broader agenda to increase oil and gas production, including lifting restrictions on drilling in Alaska and resuming liquefied natural gas exports. The move is expected to face legal challenges due to questions about the legitimacy of the emergency. The declaration aims to boost national security and job creation by increasing natural resource production.
• Trump declares national energy emergency to bypass environmental permitting rules — On his first day back in office (January 2025), Trump declared a national "energy emergency" to accelerate permitting for oil and gas projects and override environmental regulations. The declaration claimed to address a purported energy crisis, though the U.S. produces more oil and gas than any other nation. Fifteen Democratic state attorneys general sued to halt the declaration, arguing it unlawfully bypassed normal permitting procedures and endangered natural resources and drinking water standards.
• Trump declared emergency at southern border and requested Insurrection Act advice — When Trump declared an emergency at the southern border on January 20, he ordered the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Homeland Security to advise him whether they thought it necessary to invoke the 1807 Insurrection Act. That act allows a president during times of civil unrest to use the military against U.S. citizens. The article notes that this action, combined with the administration's apparent willingness to deport people without due process, has raised alarm among Americans about the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act.
• Executive Order Clarifying Military's Role in Border Protection — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order clarifying the military's role in protecting the territorial integrity of the United States. The order directs the Secretary of Defense to revise the Unified Command Plan, assigning the United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) the mission to secure the borders against unlawful mass migration, narcotics trafficking, and other criminal activities. The order emphasizes the military's role in maintaining national sovereignty and security along the borders, citing a national emergency at the southern border.
• Trump Declares National Energy Emergency — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring a national energy emergency. The order directs federal agencies to utilize emergency authorities to enhance the identification, leasing, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic energy resources. It emphasizes the need for a reliable and diversified energy supply to support national security and economic stability. The order also calls for expedited infrastructure projects and emergency regulations to address energy supply issues, particularly in the Northeast and West Coast regions of the United States.
• Trump issues executive order to secure U.S. borders — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Securing Our Borders." The order mandates the construction of physical barriers and deployment of personnel along the southern border to achieve complete operational control. It also calls for the resumption of the Migrant Protection Protocols, adjustments to parole policies, and increased cooperation with state and local law enforcement. The order aims to deter illegal immigration, prioritize the prosecution of border-related offenses, and enhance international cooperation to secure the border.
• President Trump declared a national energy emergency under the National Emergencies Act — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, declaring a national energy emergency. The order directs federal agencies to use all available lawful authorities—including emergency powers under the Defense Production Act and eminent domain—to accelerate energy identification, leasing, production, transportation, refining, and generation on federal lands. It instructs agencies to expedite infrastructure projects, invoke emergency permitting under the Clean Water Act, and apply emergency consultation procedures under the Endangered Species Act to facilitate energy development. The order establishes quarterly convening of the Endangered Species Act Committee to review exemption applications and identify regulatory obstacles to energy infrastructure.
• Trump declares national emergency at southern border and invokes military deployment authority — President Trump issued a proclamation declaring a national emergency at the southern border, invoking the National Emergencies Act and directing the Secretary of Defense to deploy Armed Forces units, including the Ready Reserve and National Guard, to support Department of Homeland Security operations. The proclamation authorizes construction of additional physical barriers, directs waiver of FAA and FCC regulations for unmanned systems within 5 miles of the border, and requires revision of use-of-force policies. It revokes the prior emergency termination proclamation and directs reports within 30 and 90 days, the latter to include recommendations on invoking the Insurrection Act.
• Trump issued proclamation declaring southern border "invasion" and suspending entry of migrants — President Trump signed a proclamation on January 20, 2025, declaring the southern border situation an "invasion" under Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution. The proclamation suspends physical entry of aliens "engaged in the invasion" across the southern border, restricts their access to asylum provisions (Section 208 of the INA), and directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to "repel, repatriate, or remove" such aliens. The order applies to aliens who fail to provide medical, criminal history, or background information before entry. Trump asserts inherent constitutional authority to take these actions independent of statutory immigration law.
• Trump declared national emergency at southern border — On January 20, 2025, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, allowing federal funds to be used to build a border wall without Congressional approval. This declaration is part of Trump's ongoing efforts to enhance border security and control immigration. The move bypasses legislative oversight and has sparked legal and political challenges.
• Executive Order on Military's Role in Border Protection — On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order declaring an emergency at the southern US border along with several immigration-related policies. Trump stated in his inauguration speech "All illegal entry will immediately be halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of criminal aliens back to the places from which they came." The declaration paves the way to send US troops to the border and fulfills campaign promises for hardline immigration policies. Immigrant communities have braced for Trump's promised "largest deportation program in American history."
• White House signed executive order assigning military border enforcement mission to USNORTHCOM — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14167, clarifying the military's role in protecting U.S. territorial integrity. The order directs the Secretary of Defense to revise the Unified Command Plan, assigning USNORTHCOM the mission to secure borders against unlawful migration and criminal activities. The order emphasizes the military's role in maintaining national sovereignty and security along the southern border.
• Trump declares national emergency at US-Mexico border — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of Defense to revise the Unified Command Plan within 10 days to assign U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) a mission to "seal the borders" and repel what the order characterizes as "forms of invasion" including unlawful mass migration, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling. The order also directs USNORTHCOM to develop contingency and campaign plans for steady-state southern border security operations.
• Trump plans to declare border emergency — President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency at the southern US border. This action is part of a series of hardline immigration policies, including plans to deploy US troops to the border and initiate mass deportations.
• President Trump signs executive order declaring national emergency at southern border — President Trump declared a national emergency at the US-Mexico border, citing the need to halt illegal entry and return undocumented migrants. This declaration is part of a broader immigration crackdown and includes designating criminal cartels as "foreign terrorist organizations." The move is expected to lead to increased military presence at the border.
• Trump to deploy troops to US-Mexico border — President Donald Trump declared a national energy emergency, allowing his administration to fast-track permits for new fossil fuel infrastructure. This declaration is part of a broader effort to roll back climate policies and promote fossil fuel production. The order is likely to face legal challenges due to its environmental implications.
• Trump sends troops to southern border — Donald Trump plans to declare a national emergency at the US border, using Title 42 to trigger public health emergency powers similar to those used during the Covid pandemic. This declaration aims to prevent migrants from entering or staying in the country. However, this approach faces a significant hurdle as only the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention can declare such emergencies.
• Department of Defense orders military personnel to the border — President Trump signed an executive order on January 22, 2025, invoking the National Emergencies Act regarding the southern border. The order directs the Secretary of Defense to deploy additional Armed Forces and National Guard personnel to the border, and instructs the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security to complete the border wall and expand air mission flexibility. The fact sheet characterizes the action as a response to what it claims are record illegal immigration encounters and associated harms.
• Trump declares national emergency at the southern border — The Pentagon is preparing to deploy up to 1,500 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border as part of President Donald Trump's new immigration enforcement strategy. This move is part of a series of executive actions targeting immigration, including the suspension of the refugee resettlement program. The deployment, authorized by acting defense secretary Robert Salesses, will add to the 2,500 army reserve and national guard soldiers already supporting federal law enforcement at the border. The exact role of the troops remains unclear, but the deployment marks a significant militarization of the border.
• Trump deploys military to southern border — The Trump administration deployed 1,000 soldiers and 500 Marines to the southern U.S. border. The Marines were redirected from California, where they were on standby for wildfire threats. This deployment is being treated as a military operation, with troops armed and prepared for engagement. The move comes despite border crossings being at their lowest in over four years.
• — The Department of Defense announced the deployment of 1,500 active-duty military personnel to the southern border, joining an existing contingent of 2,500 troops. This deployment is part of Trump's directive to make homeland security a core mission of the agency, which includes providing support for deportations.
• — President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, despite lower border crossings compared to previous years. He directed the Defense Department and Homeland Security to consider invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow military deployment to suppress domestic unrest. This declaration follows his push to eliminate a bipartisan immigration measure aimed at expediting asylum hearings.
• — Acting Secretary of Defense Robert Salesses announced the deployment of 1,500 active-duty military personnel to the southern border of the United States, joining 2,500 already present. This action follows Trump's declaration of a national emergency at the border and raises concerns about the militarization of domestic issues.