Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Human rights groups file federal lawsuit challenging Trump ICC sanctions executive order — Four prominent US human rights organizations—American Friends Service Committee, Center for Constitutional Rights, Human Rights Watch, and Open Society Institute—filed a federal lawsuit on Tuesday challenging Trump's February 2025 executive order imposing sanctions on ICC officials, judges, and affiliates investigating Israeli crimes in Palestine. The groups argue the sanctions regime violates First Amendment protections, criminalizes legitimate advocacy work, and undermines access to justice for victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

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• Department of Justice rejects International Criminal Court jurisdiction over U.S. persons — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a letter to the International Criminal Court President rejecting ICC jurisdiction over Americans, stating the U.S. is not a Rome Statute party and will not cooperate with ICC investigations, inquiries, or proceedings. The letter invoked the 2002 American Servicemembers' Protection Act and characterized the ICC as acting in a "lawless and illegitimate manner" with "selective enforcement." The Department declared it will oppose efforts by other countries to extradite or transfer U.S. persons to the ICC.

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• Bipartisan Congressional Efforts to Prevent Military Action Against Greenland — In response to Trump's threats regarding Greenland, bipartisan groups in Congress have introduced measures aimed at preventing any military action against NATO members, including Greenland. These measures require congressional approval for such actions and prohibit the use of federal funds for an invasion.
• Congress introduces bipartisan measures to prevent military action against Greenland — Bipartisan groups in Congress introduced multiple measures designed to prevent any U.S. military action against Greenland, including bills requiring congressional approval for such an attack, preventing military action against NATO members, and prohibiting the use of federal funds for any invasion of a NATO member state or NATO-protected territory.

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• Barry Pollack retained as counsel for Nicolás Maduro in US federal court — Nicolás Maduro, the captured Venezuelan president, appeared in federal court in New York on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of drug-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine-importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. He was represented by Barry Pollack, a prominent US trial lawyer previously known for securing Julian Assange's release from UK prison in 2024. Pollack questioned the legality of Maduro's abduction by US forces in a raid on Caracas and argued Maduro is entitled to immunity as a sovereign head of state.

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• Nicolás Maduro entered not guilty plea in court — Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, entered a not guilty plea in court, stating "I'm innocent. I'm a decent man. I'm the President of Venezuela. I consider myself a prisoner of war. I was captured at my home in Caracas."
• Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty in federal court — Nicolás Maduro appeared in federal court and pleaded not guilty to charges, telling the judge, "I am a decent man, the president of my country." The appearance followed his forcible seizure and removal from Venezuela by U.S. military forces.
• Maduro arraigned in Manhattan federal court on drug and narco-terrorism charges — Nicolás Maduro appeared before federal judge Alvin Hellerstein in Manhattan on Monday for arraignment on four federal criminal counts including narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices. Each charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. Maduro, who was first indicted in 2020, pleaded not guilty and claimed he remained the legitimate president of Venezuela and was being held as a prisoner of war. His wife Cilia Flores also pleaded not guilty to related charges.
• Nicolás Maduro arraigned in Manhattan federal court on narco-terrorism charges following US military capture in Caracas — Nicolás Maduro, Venezuelan president, was captured in Caracas on January 3 and arraigned in Manhattan federal court on January 6 on narco-terrorism charges brought by the Trump Justice Department. Maduro entered a not guilty plea while making defiant statements about his legitimacy and characterizing his capture as a kidnapping. His wife, Cilia Flores, also appeared and pleaded not guilty. Judge Alvin Hellerstein scheduled a case conference for March 17. Neither defendant requested bail at this stage but reserved the right to do so later.
• Nicolás Maduro pleads not guilty in US court after capture — Nicolás Maduro, the deposed president of Venezuela, pleaded not guilty to charges of drugs, weapons, and "narco-terrorism" in a US federal court in Manhattan. His capture was part of a US special forces operation ordered by Donald Trump, which has been condemned by several countries as a "crime of aggression." The operation has raised concerns about breaches of international law and has led to an emergency UN Security Council meeting. Maduro's arraignment follows his indictment in 2020 for drug trafficking-related charges.
• Judge orders Trump-appointed US attorney to defend unlawful title use despite prior ruling of invalidity — Federal judge David Novak ordered Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-installed lawyer with no prosecutorial experience, to explain within seven days why she continues to represent herself as US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia after another judge (Cameron McGowan Currie) ruled her appointment unlawful in November. Halligan was appointed to prosecute political opponents James Comey and Letitia James; both cases were dismissed. Novak's order notes that Currie's ruling remains binding precedent and that Halligan's continued use of the title may constitute professional misconduct and false statements.

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• NYC Bar Association issued statement on Comey indictment — The New York City Bar Association issued a statement on September 29 about the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey, writing, "We are at a turning point in our history," and adding that "the Supreme Court has long recognized that prosecutions animated by impermissible motives are unconstitutional." The statement signals concern that the prosecution may be politically motivated.
• New York City Bar Association condemns administration's military actions — The New York City Bar Association issued a statement condemning the Trump administration's military actions against Venezuelan boats, labeling them as illegal summary executions prohibited by U.S. and international law. They called for Congress to intervene and remind the President of his lack of authority for such actions.
• New York City Bar Association warned Trump administration that attacks on Venezuelan vessels violate law and called them illegal summary execution — The New York City Bar Association issued a warning that whatever legal advice officials are using to justify attacks on Venezuelan boats will not protect them in court. The bar association called the strikes "illegal summary execution" that are "prohibited by both U.S. and international law," or "murders." It called for Trump to stop such attacks and for Congress to remind the President that he lacks authority to continue misusing military forces for unlawful attacks on foreign vessels and their civilian crews.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court authorized freezing of $4 billion in foreign aid — The Supreme Court temporarily authorized the Trump administration to freeze approximately $4 billion in foreign aid set to expire at the end of the fiscal year on September 30, which includes funding for global health and HIV/AIDS programs. The decision allowed the administration to prevent the spending of congressionally appropriated funds.
• Trump administration filed emergency appeal to freeze foreign aid — The Trump administration filed an emergency appeal asking the Supreme Court to authorize the freezing of billions of dollars in foreign aid after a lower court ruled it must spend the funds before they expire at the end of the fiscal year on September 30. The move seeks to override judicial authority over appropriated funds.
• Supreme Court temporarily halts lower court order requiring Trump administration to spend $4.9bn in foreign aid — Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary stay on Tuesday halting a Washington DC federal judge's order requiring the Trump administration to spend nearly $5bn in congressionally appropriated foreign aid. Trump had announced via "pocket rescission" that he would not spend the funds, characterizing them as "woke, weaponized and wasteful." The stay gives aid groups until Friday to file a response. This marks the first pocket rescission in 50 years and follows Trump's earlier moves to dismantle USAID and downsize US global development and emergency response support.
• Supreme Court partially stays District Court order in Department of State v. AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition — The Supreme Court, in an emergency application, partially stayed a September 3, 2025 District Court order (D.D.C., cases 1:25-cv-400 and 1:25-cv-402) for funds subject to the President's August 28, 2025 rescission proposal pending before Congress. The stay applies only to those funds and remains in effect pending further order of the Chief Justice or the full Court. Respondents were ordered to file a response by September 12, 2025, at 4 p.m. EDT.

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• Supreme Court Strikes Down Mexico’s Lawsuit Against US Gunmakers — The US Supreme Court unanimously ruled to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Mexican government against American gun companies Smith & Wesson and Interstate Arms. The lawsuit accused these companies of aiding illegal firearms trafficking to Mexican drug cartels, which allegedly fueled gun violence in Mexico. The Supreme Court's decision overturned a previous ruling by the Boston-based first circuit court of appeals, which had allowed the lawsuit to proceed. The companies argued for dismissal under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, which shields gun manufacturers from liability for crimes committed with their products.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos (23-1141) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. v. Estados Unidos Mexicanos. Docket number(s): 23-1141.

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• Senator Chris Van Hollen requested meeting with President Bukele — Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) requested a meeting with El Salvador president Nayib Bukele to discuss the illegal detention of his constituent Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Van Hollen announced he would travel to El Salvador this week if Abrego Garcia was not returned home by midweek.
• Senator Chris Van Hollen announced travel to El Salvador to secure Abrego Garcia's release — Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) announced that he would travel to El Salvador to visit constituent Kilmar Abrego Garcia, check on his wellbeing, and hold constructive conversations with government officials regarding his release. Van Hollen stated that securing Garcia's safe return to the United States should be a priority of the U.S. government and that he would continue working urgently to return him safely to Maryland.
• El Salvador denies Senator Van Hollen access to constituent held in CECOT prison — Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) traveled to El Salvador to meet with constituent Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the Trump administration sent to the terrorist prison CECOT by "administrative error." Salvadoran Vice President Félix Ulloa initially claimed insufficient time to arrange a meeting, then stated a meeting might not be possible at all. When Van Hollen asked why El Salvador continued imprisoning Abrego Garcia without evidence of gang membership, Ulloa stated the Trump administration is paying El Salvador to hold him. Abrego Garcia has no criminal record.
• El Salvador Denies Senator Meeting Regarding Constituent's Imprisonment — In El Salvador, authorities denied Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) a meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a constituent imprisoned without evidence of gang affiliation. Van Hollen's attempts to discuss Garcia's situation with President Nayib Bukele were redirected to Vice President Félix Ulloa, who indicated that the U.S. government is financially incentivizing Garcia's detention. This raises concerns about Garcia's well-being and the implications of U.S. foreign policy.
• Senator Van Hollen Denied Meeting in El Salvador — In El Salvador, authorities denied Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) a meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a constituent imprisoned without evidence of gang affiliation. Van Hollen's attempts to meet with President Nayib Bukele were redirected to Vice President Félix Ulloa, who suggested that the meeting might not be possible at all. This situation raises concerns about Abrego Garcia's well-being and the implications of U.S. funding for his detention.
• Senator Chris Van Hollen meets with Kilmar Abrego Garcia — Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) met with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man detained in El Salvador, after the Trump administration's failure to return him to the U.S. Van Hollen expressed his commitment to advocating for Garcia's return and communicated Garcia's message to his wife. This meeting marks a significant shift in the relationship between U.S. officials and the Salvadoran government regarding Garcia's situation.

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• State Department announces USAID shutdown by July 1 — The State Department notified Congress that it is shutting down the U.S. Agency for International Development entirely by July 1, 2025. Functions the administration approves will be transferred to the State Department. USAID, founded by President Kennedy and enjoying bipartisan support, administers programs for global health, disaster relief, economic development, education, environmental protection, and democracy promotion. The administration's action appears to test the constitutional principle that the executive branch cannot unilaterally kill an agency Congress created or withhold appropriations Congress made.

Supporting reports

• President Trump rescinds multiple executive orders and actions — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14236, revoking several executive orders and memoranda from the previous administration. This includes orders related to COVID-19 response, minimum wage for federal contractors, and biotechnology innovation. The revocations aim to restore what the administration describes as "common sense" to federal governance. The order was signed on March 14, 2025, and affects various policies across national security, labor, and economic sectors.
• Trump rescinds multiple executive orders — On March 14, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Additional Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions," which revoked several executive actions from the previous administration. This order rescinded Executive Order 13994 related to COVID-19 response, National Security Memorandum 3 on foreign policy workforce revitalization, and other orders and memoranda concerning minimum wage for federal contractors, energy supply, and biotechnology innovation, among others. The rescissions aim to restore what Trump describes as "common sense" to federal governance and to unleash the potential of American citizens.
• Trump signed executive order rescinding 17 additional Biden-era executive actions and memoranda — President Trump signed an executive order on March 14, 2025, rescinding 17 additional executive actions, memoranda, and determinations issued by the Biden administration. The rescissions include orders on COVID-19 response, federal contractor minimum wage, LGBTQ+ human rights abroad, apprenticeships, worker empowerment, tribal self-determination, biotechnology innovation, and various Defense Production Act determinations related to infant formula, solar modules, insulation, electrolyzers, and heat pumps. The order states the rescissions are necessary to "restore common sense to the Federal Government and unleash the potential of American citizens."
• White House issues fact sheet on Trump executive order rescinding 19 Biden executive actions — The White House published a fact sheet on March 14, 2025, announcing that President Trump signed an executive order rescinding 19 executive actions issued by the Biden administration. The fact sheet states this is the second round of rescissions, following approximately 80 actions rescinded on Trump's first day in office. The document claims the rescissions target policies on gender ideology in diplomacy, Defense Production Act use for renewable energy mandates, labor policies, union-driven regulations, and biotech initiatives. The fact sheet characterizes these as "harmful" and "radical."

Supporting reports

• House Speaker Mike Johnson blocked aid to Ukraine — House Speaker Mike Johnson has obstructed the provision of aid to Ukraine, which has resulted in a shift in the momentum of the war in favor of Russia. This action reflects the influence of pro-Russia sentiments within the U.S. political landscape and raises questions about the reliability of U.S. support for its allies.

Supporting reports

• Unions sue over USAID cuts — Two labor unions filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to reverse cuts to USAID and a pause on all US foreign aid. This legal action challenges the administration's foreign aid policies and their impact on international development.

Supporting reports

• Government workers sue Trump and Rubio over USAid cuts — The American Federation of Government Employees and the American Foreign Service Association filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, including President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The lawsuit, filed in Washington, DC federal court, seeks to block what it claims are unconstitutional actions that have dismantled the US Agency for International Development (USAid), causing a global humanitarian crisis. The suit highlights Trump's order pausing all US foreign aid and subsequent state department orders halting USAid projects, leading to significant layoffs and program shutdowns.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — American Federation of Government Employees v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00352 — Judge Carl J. Nichols issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing USAID from placing employees on administrative leave or evacuating them. He rejected Plaintiffs' request for a restraining order on the funding freeze on the ground that Plaintiffs (USAID employees) could not show sufficient harm to themselves.

Supporting reports

• DOJ dismantles foreign bribery unit — Attorney General Pam Bondi has dismantled the Department of Justice's foreign bribery unit, which was responsible for investigating and monitoring foreign interference in U.S. elections. The unit is now limited to investigating cases involving drugs or trafficking under Bondi's new directive. This move has raised concerns about the DOJ's ability to address foreign interference in American affairs.
• DOJ eliminates Kleptocracy Initiative — The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, has eliminated the Kleptocracy Initiative, which was responsible for seizing assets from Russian oligarchs under sanctions. The initiative had recovered billions in stolen assets since 2010. The funds from these seizures are reportedly being redirected to fund new detention facilities in Guantanamo Bay and Texas.
• DOJ scales back enforcement of Foreign Agents Registration Act — Following the disbanding of the Foreign Influence Task Force, the Justice Department under Bondi announced a scaling back of enforcement of the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), which requires individuals receiving foreign government funds to disclose their connections. This change could facilitate foreign influence in U.S. politics.
• Trump disbands FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force — On February 6, 2025, Pam Bondi, newly appointed attorney general, disbanded the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, which was established to combat foreign interference in U.S. politics. This decision reduces the government's capacity to address foreign threats to democracy.
• Trump administration scales back enforcement of white-collar crimes — Under Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Justice Department is scaling back enforcement of white-collar crimes, including bribery of foreign officials and money laundering, while prioritizing human smuggling and drug cartels. This shift invites foreign interference in American affairs.