Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Peter Oberacker forced to delete Nazi tribute post — Peter Oberacker, a Republican state senator in New York running for a congressional seat, was forced to delete a Facebook post paying tribute to his grandfather, who served in Adolf Hitler's Nazi military during World War II. The post featured a photograph of Ludwig Oberacker in Nazi uniform and stated "I salute all who served," with Oberacker noting he had debated whether to make the post.

Supporting reports

• Trump asked supporters to pledge allegiance to him instead of the nation — At the conclusion of his RNC convention speech, Trump asked the crowd to raise their right hands and recite a pledge of allegiance to him personally rather than to the United States. The pledge stated: "I pledge to the greatest president in the history of the US that loves us so much he can't even breathe, that I will go out with my family, my friends, I'll do it any way - I don't care if I'm registered or not, I'm going to try to cheat like hell just like they do."
• Trump told supporters voting is a religious obligation — During his RNC convention speech, Trump told the crowd: "You know what happens if you don't vote? You go to hell." He framed voting as a religious duty with eternal consequences.

Supporting reports

• Giuliani disparages Muslim NYC mayor and urges him to skip 9/11 memorial ceremony — Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, in a Newsmax interview, disparaged Muslim NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani's religion and stated he should not attend the 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial service on Friday. Giuliani drew inflammatory parallels between Mamdani's faith and the 9/11 hijackers, claiming Mamdani was "hiding" his religion and suggesting Islam should be dominant. Mamdani confirmed he would attend the ceremony to honor victims and first responders, and his office declined to respond to Giuliani's remarks.

Supporting reports

• Federal appeals court restricted immigration enforcement at places of worship — A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit upheld an order limiting federal immigration enforcement at eight houses of worship affiliated with Quaker, Sikh, and Cooperative Baptist Fellowship groups. The court concluded that the groups were likely to succeed in their argument that the Trump administration's policy violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, keeping the restriction in place.

Supporting reports

• JD Vance promoted book on religious conversion — Vice President JD Vance appeared on Fox News promoting a new book about his conversion from atheism to Catholicism. He described supernatural experiences, including a near-car accident and a glass falling off a wall during a conversation about Christianity, as signs of God's intervention in his spiritual journey.

Supporting reports

• Mike Johnson claimed God supports Republican midterm chances through prayer — House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that he is "very confident" about Republican chances in the midterms because he has formed a prayer group at the Capitol and is "certain that God wants them to win," characterizing the political campaign as "a God thing" with intercessory prayers being conducted on the Capitol grounds.

Supporting reports

• House Democratic subcommittee releases report alleging Trump administration hijacked US 250th anniversary celebration for corruption, partisan gain, and ideological purposes — A House Democratic natural resources subcommittee released an interim report titled "From Vanity to Insanity" alleging that the Trump administration orchestrated a hostile takeover of the US semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) celebration. The report documents alleged corruption, wire fraud, pay-to-play schemes, and misuse of the National Park Foundation (NPF) through a shadow corporation called Freedom 250. The administration allegedly diverted resources from the non-partisan America250 Foundation, installed campaign operatives on the NPF board, misled donors, steered federal contracts to Trump loyalists, harvested voter data through event registration, and replaced civic programming with Christian nationalist content while erasing historical narratives about slavery and Indigenous removal from national parks.

Supporting reports

• Congressional investigation found Trump administration misused 250th anniversary celebration — A congressional investigation titled "From Vanity to Insanity: How the WH Cheated the American People Out of Their 250th Birthday" found that Trump staged a hostile takeover of the United States' 250th anniversary celebration to enrich political allies, harvest voter data, and promote Christian nationalist ideology. The report outlined a web of alleged corruption, wire fraud, and pay-to-play schemes orchestrated through a shadow corporation embedded within the National Park Service.
• House Democratic subcommittee releases report alleging Trump administration hijacked US 250th anniversary celebration for corruption, partisan gain, and ideological purposes — A House Democratic natural resources subcommittee released an interim report titled "From Vanity to Insanity" alleging that the Trump administration orchestrated a hostile takeover of the US semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) celebration. The report documents alleged corruption, wire fraud, pay-to-play schemes, and misuse of the National Park Foundation (NPF) through a shadow corporation called Freedom 250. The administration allegedly diverted resources from the non-partisan America250 Foundation, installed campaign operatives on the NPF board, misled donors, steered federal contracts to Trump loyalists, harvested voter data through event registration, and replaced civic programming with Christian nationalist content while erasing historical narratives about slavery and Indigenous removal from national parks.
• House Democrats released report on Freedom 250 corruption allegations — Democrats on the House Natural Resources Committee, led by Rep. Jared Huffman, released a report titled "From Vanity to Insanity" accusing Trump's allies of turning the nation's 250th birthday into a "hotbed of corruption and self-enrichment." The report alleges that when the bipartisan America250 commission would not bend to Trump, the White House created a rival group, Freedom 250, and placed it inside the National Park Foundation to avoid transparency rules. The report describes alleged wire fraud (donors directed to Freedom 250 instead of America250), selling presidential access through sponsorship packages, soliciting foreign money, and steering contracts to Trump allies. Freedom 250 denies the allegations.

Supporting reports

• Trump addresses Faith & Freedom Coalition, attacks Democrats as "godless communists" — President Trump spoke at the Faith & Freedom Coalition's Road to Majority conference in Washington on Friday, seizing on Democratic primary wins by progressive candidates backed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani to portray Democrats as communists threatening Christianity and "traditional American way of life." Trump claimed communists want to "mutilate" transgender children, "restart the war on Christians," and that assassinations are "a very important element of their ideology." House Speaker Mike Johnson echoed the messaging, listing alleged radical positions of leftwing candidates running for Congress.
• Trump called Democratic opponents "animals" and "communists" — At a Faith and Freedom Coalition convention in Washington, Trump called Democratic political opponents "hard core, godless communists" and "animals," framing them as a "horrible thread of cancer" permeating the country. The rhetoric was deployed as midterm messaging following Democratic primary victories by progressive candidates in New York.
• Trump launched midterm campaign theme attacking Democrats as communists — Trump delivered a speech on June 26, 2026 launching a new midterm election theme characterizing Democrats as communists and framing the election as necessary to prevent a communist takeover of America. Trump based his premise on candidates endorsed by New York state legislator Zohran Mamdani who won their primary elections. Trump stated that communists are "godless," will "close your churches," and want to "end religion," and characterized them as "animals." Trump also made statements suggesting he would be "the greatest communist in history" if he implemented free rent and free food policies.

Supporting reports

• Mass shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego; two teenage assailants killed three victims and themselves — Two teenagers, identified as Cain Clark (17) and Caleb Vazquez (18), opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 19, killing three victims: security guard Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nadir Awad. The shooters, who had met and been radicalized online, rushed the mosque "fully armored" with handguns and rifles. Police found them dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds near the scene. The FBI recovered a manifesto expressing "broad hatred" toward various races and religions, along with 30 firearms, tactical gear, and ammunition from two residences. The shooting prompted lockdowns at five nearby public schools.
• Mass shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego kills three worshippers; two teenage suspects dead from self-inflicted wounds — Three people, including a security guard, were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD), the county's largest mosque, shortly before midday prayer. Two suspects, aged 17 and 18, died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The mother of one suspect had called police two hours prior reporting her son missing along with weapons and a vehicle. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime; the FBI recovered evidence of "generalized hate rhetoric" by the attackers. No children at the center's school were harmed.
• Two teenagers opened fire at Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three men; attackers found dead from self-inflicted wounds — On Monday, May 19, 2026, two teenagers aged 17 and 18 opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing security guard Amin Abdullah (51), mosque elder Mansour Kaziha (78), and community member Nadir Awad (57). Abdullah engaged the attackers, delaying their advance and protecting approximately 140 children nearby. Kaziha called 911 and Awad attempted to intervene. Both attackers fled and were found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds several blocks away. Police and FBI are investigating as a hate crime, with the FBI noting the attackers appear to have been radicalized online.
• Memphis Safe Task Force agents shoot and kill Jonah Neal during mental health call — On 21 May, Memphis Safe Task Force officers responded to a report of an armed man threatening to harm himself at a home. Police reported finding Jonah Neal, 25, with several weapons inside. A Homeland Security special agent shot and killed him. This is the third officer-involved death attributed to the taskforce.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration held taxpayer-funded evangelical worship event on National Mall as part of 250th anniversary celebration — Thousands gathered on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for an eight-hour taxpayer-funded evangelical worship event called "Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving." President Trump, Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Gabbard, and Defense Secretary Hegseth spoke on video; House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke in person. Nineteen clergy and faith leaders participated, nearly all Christian evangelicals. The event promoted the claim that the United States was founded as a Christian nation, contradicting the 1796 Treaty of Tripoli and the Founders' explicit separation of church and state.
• "Rededicate 250" National Jubilee of Prayer held in Washington, DC — A religious and political event called the "Rededicate 250" National Jubilee of Prayer was held in Washington, DC on May 17, 2026. Speaker Mike Johnson delivered a prayer rejecting what he characterized as "sinister ideologies" and attacks on American history and spiritual identity. Trump submitted a prerecorded message that was widely criticized for poor audio and visual quality. The event featured religious leaders including Franklin Graham and Eric Metaxas speaking on themes of national spiritual renewal and opposition to what they termed cultural degradation.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacks Pope Leo XIV on Iran policy — President Trump posted that Pope Leo XIV was "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy" and continued his attacks, stating that the pope would rather allow Iran to have nuclear weapons and that the pope is "endangering a lot of Catholics, and a lot of people." Trump characterized the pope's position as endorsing Iran's nuclear capability. Pope Leo XIV is the first pope from the United States.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV and Italian Prime Minister Meloni — President Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV and portrayed himself as Jesus on Orthodox Easter. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a Catholic, stated Trump's attack on the Pope was "unacceptable." Trump responded by attacking Meloni, claiming she does not want to help with NATO or nuclear weapons reduction and asserting "She's no longer the same person, and Italy won't be the same country."

Supporting reports

• Representative Andy Ogles posted that Muslims "don't belong in American society" — Representative Andy Ogles (R-TN) posted on social media that Muslims—who first arrived in the American colonies in the early 1600s—"don't belong in American society." House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) called "the demand to impose Sharia Law in America…a serious problem." The statements represent a Republican strategy to deploy Islamophobia and culture war rhetoric to distract from concerns about gas prices, corruption, the Iran war, and Trump's erratic behavior.

Supporting reports

• Pete Hegseth attacked press for insufficient patriotism in war coverage — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a press conference attacking the press for what he characterized as relentlessly negative coverage and insufficient patriotism in reporting on the war. He compared journalists to Pharisees in a biblical analogy, stating they were "there to witness, to write everything down, and to report" with "hardened hearts" and "politically motivated animus" that blinded them to "the brilliance of our American warriors." He accused the media of peddling "garbage" and questioned which side some journalists were on.
• Pete Hegseth compares press to Biblical Pharisees at Pentagon briefing — At an 8 AM press briefing at the Pentagon, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth compared the American press corps to the Biblical Pharisees, stating that the media, like the Pharisees, witness miracles but have hardened hearts. This came after Trump faced significant backlash for posting an AI-generated image of himself as Jesus. The article notes this represents an escalation of religious comparisons rather than a retreat from the controversy.
• Pete Hegseth quoted non-biblical text as scripture at Pentagon prayer service — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth incorporated what he claimed was a Bible verse at his monthly Pentagon Christian prayer and worship service, attributing it to Ezekiel 25:17. The verse he quoted—"And I will strike down upon thee with great vengeance and furious anger those who attempt to capture and destroy my brother"—was actually written by screenwriter Quentin Tarantino for the 1994 film Pulp Fiction and recited by a character before committing murder. The text does not appear in the actual Bible.
• Hegseth took questions only from conservative and far-right media outlets — During his press conference, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth took questions exclusively from OAN (One America News Network), Real America's Voice, Daily Wire, and Just the News—all conservative or far-right media outlets. He did not take questions from mainstream or independent news organizations.
• Hegseth claims China assurances on Iran weapons shipments — When asked about intelligence reports suggesting China is preparing weapons shipments to Iran during the ceasefire, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded that "China has assured us that is not going to happen." The article notes the irony of relying on China's assurances while the Trump administration is in the middle of a catastrophic trade war with China.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cancels $11 million Catholic Charities contract — The Trump administration abruptly canceled an $11 million contract with Catholic Charities, cutting off care for vulnerable migrant children and ending a partnership that has existed for more than 60 years. The article characterizes this as retaliation against the Catholic Church for the Pope's and Archbishop of Baltimore's criticism of the administration's military policies and rhetoric.
• Trump cut federal funding for Catholic charitable program for migrant children — Trump retaliated against the Catholic Church by cutting off federal funding for one of their most successful charitable programs working with children who arrive in the United States, following the Pope's public criticism of the administration's military operations and theology.

Supporting reports

• Religious Liberty Commission holds final hearing on religious liberty in America — The Religious Liberty Commission, established by President Trump, held its final hearing on April 13, 2026, to discuss religious liberty in America. Chairman Dan Patrick stated that the commission concluded that the phrase "separation of church and state" does not appear in the Constitution and has been misused by "the anti-God left" to suppress religious liberty. The hearing featured testimony from nine witnesses, including civil rights activists, clergy, legal scholars, and religious leaders from Christian, Hindu, and Jewish traditions.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on social media — Trump posted a lengthy attack on Pope Leo XIV on social media, criticizing the Pope for speaking out against the religious justification for wars, widely interpreted as commentary on the Trump administration's claim that the war in Iran is a holy war. Trump suggested the Pope was elevated to the papacy only because he was American and to deal with Trump. Trump wrote that "Leo should get his act together as Pope, use Common Sense, stop catering to the Radical Left, and focus on being a Great Pope, not a Politician."
• Trump criticizes Pope Leo XIV over war commentary — In a social media post, President Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV for his remarks against the religious justification for wars, particularly in relation to the ongoing conflict in Iran. Trump's comments reflect his contentious relationship with religious leaders and his interpretation of the war's moral implications.
• Trump posted image of himself as Jesus on social media — Approximately 45 minutes after attacking Pope Leo XIV, Trump posted an image of himself in the place of Jesus, apparently healing a sick man in a bed, surrounded by a soldier, a nurse, a woman praying, and an older man. Behind him are the Statue of Liberty, the Lincoln Memorial, and a giant American flag, while in the sky are two eagles, three fighter jets, soldiers, and what appears to be a monster. The post prompted widespread criticism, with former U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene calling it "more than blasphemy. It's an Antichrist spirit."
• Trump posted image of Trump tower on the moon — One minute after posting the image of himself as Jesus, Trump posted an image of a Trump tower on the moon.
• Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social — Trump posted a lengthy attack on Pope Leo XIV on Truth Social, criticizing the Pope as weak on crime and foreign policy, claiming the Pope was placed in the Vatican only because he is American and to deal with Trump's presidency, and stating that without Trump in the White House, Leo would not be in the Vatican. Trump also criticized the Pope's positions on Iran's nuclear weapons, the U.S. attack on Venezuela, and meetings with figures like David Axelrod, and called on the Pope to "get his act together" and stop catering to the "Radical Left."
• Trump posted Jesus Christ meme on Truth Social, later deleted — Trump posted an image on Truth Social depicting himself as Jesus Christ laying hands on a sick man to heal him, with onlookers gazing reverently. The post generated significant backlash across social media platforms, including over 8,000 angry replies from Trump supporters on Truth Social itself. Trump later deleted the post. When questioned, Trump claimed he thought the image depicted him as a Red Cross worker, not as Jesus Christ.
• Trump posts AI-generated image of himself as Jesus Christ, then deletes it — President Trump posted an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ on social media at 9:49 p.m., followed by multiple other posts including images of Trump Tower on the moon and various memes and news clips. After widespread backlash, Trump deleted the Jesus image. When questioned by reporters, Trump claimed the image was not of himself as Jesus but as a doctor related to the Red Cross, and refused to apologize to the Pope.
• Trump refused to apologize for attacking Pope Leo XIV — When asked by reporters about Bishop Robert Barron's call for Trump to apologize to the Pope, Trump refused, stating "No. There's nothing to apologize for. He's wrong."
• Trump posted AI-generated image depicting himself with divine healing powers; image deleted after backlash; Trump claimed he thought it was a doctor image. — On Monday morning, Trump posted an AI-generated image on Truth Social showing himself in white and red robes with divine light emanating from his hand, healing a bedridden man, surrounded by religious and patriotic symbols including the American flag, bald eagles, and the Lincoln Memorial. The image was deleted by late Monday morning. When reporters asked about it, Trump stated he believed it was an image of himself as a doctor. The post came shortly after Trump called Pope Leo XIV "WEAK on Crime, and terrible for Foreign Policy" following the pope's Palm Sunday statements against war.
• Trump posts and deletes AI image depicting himself as Christ-like figure; faces backlash from Christian supporters — On Sunday, President Trump posted an AI-generated image to Truth Social showing himself as a Jesus-like figure with divine light healing a sick man, with a demonic figure in the background. The image sparked widespread condemnation from conservative Christian supporters including Fox News hosts and Republican figures. Trump later deleted the post. When asked about it, Trump claimed it depicted him as a doctor, not Jesus, and insisted "I do make people a lot better." The incident followed Trump's public attacks on Pope Leo XIV, whom he called "weak on crime."
• Trump posts unverified claims about Iran protest deaths — Trump posted on Truth Social claiming Iran has killed "at least 42,000 innocent, completely unarmed, protesters in the last two months," directing the claim at Pope Leo. Trump provided no evidence for the figure and has previously cited a different number (45,000), neither of which has been independently verified. The posts were made late at night as part of an extended attack on the pope.
• Trump reposts AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus Christ — Donald Trump reposted an AI-generated image showing himself as a Jesus Christ-figure, which he claimed depicted him as a doctor. The image sparked widespread backlash from critics across the political spectrum, including Christian activists and some Republicans who called it blasphemous. Trump defended the post by claiming it showed him "making people better" through medical practice, despite the image's religious iconography. The incident is part of a broader pattern of Trump sharing AI-generated images portraying himself in various idealized roles.
• Trump shares AI image of himself as pope — In May 2025, Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Pope, complete with white cassock, crucifix pendant, and mitre hat. The image was posted while the Catholic Church was still mourning Pope Francis's death. The post drew negative reactions and fits a pattern of Trump using AI imagery to portray himself in idealized or messianic roles.
• Trump reposts image of Jesus embracing him — On Wednesday morning, Trump reposted an AI-generated image appearing to show Jesus Christ embracing him from behind. Trump captioned the post: "The Radical Left Lunatics might not like this, but I think it is quite nice!!!" The repost continued the pattern of Trump using religious imagery to elevate his persona and dismissing criticism as partisan opposition.
• Trump announces Israel-Lebanon ceasefire without Israeli security cabinet vote — Donald Trump posted on Truth Social claiming a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon beginning at 5 PM EST, stating he had "excellent conversations" with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and directing JD Vance, Marco Rubio, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine to work toward lasting peace. Israeli journalist Amichai Stein reported that Israel's security cabinet has not yet voted on the ceasefire, meaning Trump declared victory before one of the two parties' governing bodies officially approved it.
• Trump attacked and made false claims about the Pope — Trump attacked Pope Leo XIV, claiming the Pope made a statement saying Iran can have nuclear weapons. When a reporter corrected him, stating the Pope did not say that, Trump responded that he had the right to disagree with the Pope. Trump also declined an offer to meet with the Pope to resolve differences, stating he did not think it was necessary. Trump further claimed the Pope was "just preaching the gospel" in response to bishops' statements defending the Pope.

Supporting reports

• White House issues Easter release promoting Christian liberty policies — The White House issued a promotional release on Easter Sunday characterizing the Trump Administration's policies on religious liberty, abortion, gender identity, and faith-based institutions. The document claims the administration has established a White House Faith Office, created a Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, pardoned pro-life activists, declared a policy recognizing two sexes, banned federal funding for gender-affirming care for minors, arrested rioters who attacked a church, signed a school choice program, ended fetal tissue research funding, eliminated abortion coverage mandates, strengthened conscience protections for healthcare providers, established a Religious Liberty Commission, repealed regulations conflicting with religious liberty precedents, placed Faith Directors in federal agencies, reformed accreditation processes, issued an order against "debanking" based on political and religious beliefs, restricted use of the FACE Act against pro-life advocates, mandated Hyde Amendment enforcement, reinstated the Mexico City Policy, withdrew from the WHO, renewed Geneva Consensus Declaration membership, launched a probe into Spanish euthanasia, ordered strikes against ISIS in Nigeria, and delivered humanitarian aid to persecuted Christians. The document frames these as protections for Christian liberty and religious freedom.

Supporting reports

• White House Press Secretary Leavitt denied Iran negotiations while Trump claimed agreement — When asked to explain the discrepancy between Trump's claims that Iran had agreed to most of his 15-point plan and Iran's public statements that no negotiations were taking place, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded: "I think the American people are smart enough not to take the word of a terrorist regime." Leavitt did not address the factual discrepancy or provide evidence supporting Trump's claims of Iranian agreement.
• White House Press Secretary Leavitt invoked religious justification for military operations — When asked about Pope Francis's statement that "God does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war," White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded by reframing the question as one about praying for service members rather than addressing the Pope's moral critique. Leavitt stated: "Our nation was a nation founded 250 years ago almost on Judeo-Christian values. And we have seen presidents, the leaders of the Dept of War, and our troops go to prayer during the most turbulent times in our nations history and I don't think there is anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our service members overseas."
• White House Press Secretary Leavitt stated Trump loves CPAC and has great relationship with Matt Schlapp — When asked why Trump did not attend CPAC and whether he believed the conference had become less relevant, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded: "No. He loves CPAC. He has a great relationship with Matt Schlapp." The statement affirmed Trump's support for the conservative conference and its leadership despite his absence from the event.
• White House Press Secretary Leavitt defended potential strikes on Iranian infrastructure — When asked about Trump's statements regarding potentially destroying Iranian electrical generating plants, oil wells, Kharg Island, and desalination plants, and whether such strikes would constitute war crimes under international law, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded: "Their best move is to make a deal or else the US armed forces has capabilities beyond their wildest imagination." Leavitt did not directly address the legality question but instead issued a threat regarding US military capabilities.
• White House Press Secretary Leavitt stated US would not pay for Iran war costs — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Trump administration would not commit to paying for the costs of the Iran war, instead suggesting that Arab countries should be called upon to fund the operation. When asked who would pay for the war, Leavitt responded: "I think it is something the president would be quite interested in calling them to do. Certainly, it's an idea I know he has and something you will hear more from him on." The response drew comparison to Trump's unfulfilled promise that Mexico would pay for the border wall.

Supporting reports

• ICE arrests approximately 100 clergy members during Minneapolis airport protest — During a demonstration at Minneapolis-St Paul international airport organized by clergy opposing ICE operations, federal immigration agents arrested approximately 100 faith leaders who were engaged in prayer and civil disobedience. The arrests occurred as 250 clergy members led roughly 2,000 participants in the protest against federal immigration enforcement in the city.
• Minneapolis mayor reaffirms sanctuary policy and clergy conduct mass protest against ICE operations — In response to Trump sending thousands of federal troops to Minneapolis in January 2026, the city's mayor emphasized the municipality's sanctuary policy refusing cooperation with ICE. Hundreds of clergy members from inside and outside the city organized protests, with 250 clergy leading approximately 2,000 participants in a demonstration at Minneapolis-St Paul international airport. ICE arrested about 100 clergy members during the action as faith leaders engaged in prayer and civil disobedience.

Supporting reports

• Fifth Circuit lifts injunction on Louisiana Ten Commandments classroom display law — The US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12-6 to lift a preliminary injunction blocking Louisiana's law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom. The majority found it premature to decide constitutionality before implementation, citing insufficient facts about display prominence and classroom context. The law, passed in 2024, now proceeds to enforcement despite ongoing constitutional challenges from parents and civil rights groups arguing it violates First Amendment protections against government establishment of religion.

Supporting reports

• Trump claims he won 2020 election and needed victory for his ego at National Prayer Breakfast — At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump made a rambling speech claiming "they rigged the second election" and stating he had to win it "for my own ego," adding "I needed it for my own ego. I would've had a bad ego for the rest of my life." He also falsely claimed to have won the popular vote in 2016, contradicting the documented fact that Hillary Clinton won by approximately 2.9 million votes. Trump attributed his false claims about undocumented immigrant voting to this popular vote loss.
• Trump repeats election lies at National Prayer Breakfast — On February 5, President Trump repeated his election lies and grievances about losing to former President Joe Biden at the National Prayer Breakfast, a traditionally nonpartisan event. Trump stated "They rigged the second election" and claimed he needed to win "for my own ego," conflating personal grievance with claims of electoral fraud.
• Trump spoke at National Prayer Breakfast and made false election claims — At the National Prayer Breakfast, Trump claimed the 2020 election was rigged, framed his obsession with "winning" as a matter of ego, portrayed himself as a victim despite economic hardship facing working families, and questioned how "a person of faith" could vote for a Democrat. He also boasted about his appearance at Davos. The event was intended to be bipartisan and reflective but was converted into a political attack.

Supporting reports

• DOJ Civil Rights Division opened investigation into church protest for potential FACE Act violations. — DOJ Civil Rights Division Chief Harmeet Dhillon announced an investigation into potential violations of the federal FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act) by protesters who disrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church in Minneapolis to protest a pastor they claimed works for ICE. Dhillon stated that houses of worship are protected spaces and that the First Amendment does not protect disrupting a prayer service. She indicated the investigation will determine how many people were involved and how many charges will be brought.
• Harmeet Dhillon announced potential prosecution under Ku Klux Klan Act. — DOJ Civil Rights Division Chief Harmeet Dhillon stated on Benny Johnson's podcast that she is looking at prosecuting Don Lemon and the church protesters under the Ku Klux Klan Act, which makes it illegal to terrorize and violate citizens' civil rights. She warned that "the fullest force of the federal govt is going to come down and prevent this from happening and put people away for a long time." She also characterized protesters as "godless people" unfamiliar with houses of worship.
• DOJ Assistant Attorney General threatens Black journalist with KKK Act prosecution — On MLK Day, Justice Department Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon threatened to invoke the Ku Klux Klan Act to bring conspiracy charges against Black journalist Don Lemon after he covered an anti-ICE protest inside a St. Paul, Minnesota church. Later in the week, a federal magistrate judge rejected the DOJ's initial attempt to bring charges against Lemon.
• Justice Department threatens Black journalist with KKK Act conspiracy charge on MLK Day — Harmeet Dhillon, the Justice Department's Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, threatened to invoke the Ku Klux Klan Act to bring a conspiracy charge against Black journalist Don Lemon after he covered an anti-ICE protest inside a St. Paul church on MLK Day. A federal magistrate judge later rejected the Justice Department's initial attempt to bring charges against Lemon.

Supporting reports

• Trump did not issue MLK Day proclamation or recognition. — In a break from past presidential traditions, including his own first term, President Trump did not recognize January 19, 2026 as Martin Luther King Jr. Day through any official statement, proclamation, or activity. Trump spent the day at his Mar-a-Lago estate. The White House did not respond when asked whether Trump planned to acknowledge the day or King's legacy. Trump is the first president not to issue an official proclamation for the federal holiday.
• Trump failed to issue Martin Luther King Jr. Day proclamation — On Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026, Trump issued no official proclamation honoring Dr. King, marking the first time in more than four decades that a sitting president failed to acknowledge the holiday. The omission occurred as Trump was reported to have invited Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to join his "Board of Peace," a shadow institution he is attempting to create parallel to the United Nations.