Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Alethea documented coordinated Iranian AI-generated military disinformation campaign on TikTok — Threat-intelligence firm Alethea documented a coordinated TikTok network of AI-generated videos depicting fake Iranian female fighter pilots, designed to project military strength and co-opt dissident hashtags. The campaign accumulated over 25 million views within days. Iran bans women from combat roles, making the fabrication identifiable but effective at scale. The campaign represents a state-level disinformation operation using synthetic media.

Supporting reports

• Trump explicitly called for Iranian regime change during military campaign — Trump explicitly urged Iranians to "take over" their government in a video announcement, stating: "When we are finished, take over your government. It will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations." Netanyahu described the stated objectives as overthrow of the Iranian regime, elimination of the nuclear program, and elimination of the missile threat. The Atlantic Council, in expert analysis, noted this was not a preventive strike against an imminent threat but rather an exploitation of perceived regime weakness to generate political change inside Iran. They described it as an "enormous gamble with questionable legal justification."
• U.S. launches Operation Epic Fury against Iran without congressional authorization — On February 28, the U.S. and Israel launched a joint military offensive called Operation Epic Fury targeting Iranian military infrastructure, leadership compounds, and air defense systems. CENTCOM reported strikes began at 1:15 a.m. ET from regional bases and the USS Abraham Lincoln, with over 1,000 strikes on Iranian targets within two days. The operation killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and 40 senior Iranian commanders. President Trump stated combat operations would continue "in full force" until objectives are achieved, without defining those objectives to Congress or the public. No congressional authorization was sought or obtained.
• Trump announced "major combat operations in Iran" via social media video from Mar-a-Lago — President Trump posted an 8-minute video on social media from Mar-a-Lago announcing "major combat operations in Iran." He warned that American lives and casualties may be lost, framed the mission as noble and forward-looking, and cited decades of U.S.-Iran tensions. Trump referenced the June 2025 strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and claimed the U.S. had "completely obliterated" Iran's nuclear program. He did not mention the 2015 JCPOA nuclear deal that he withdrew from in 2018, after which Iran resumed ignoring nuclear limits within a year.
• Trump initiated military strikes against Iran on February 28, 2026, closing the Strait of Hormuz and triggering oil price surge — On February 28, 2026, President Trump unilaterally began military operations against Iran without consulting Congress, presenting evidence of an immediate threat, or heeding military and intelligence experts' warnings. The strikes closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global oil passes. As of April 30, 2026, the blockade remains in place, oil prices have surged to $114 per barrel (highest since June 2022), and 13 service members have been killed with over 400 wounded. Gas prices are rising globally, costing American consumers approximately $700 million daily.
• Trump launched military strikes on Iran without congressional consultation or declaration of war — President Trump initiated military strikes against Iran in February 2026, reportedly at the urging of Saudi Arabia's Mohammad bin Salman and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu, despite U.S. intelligence assessments that Iran posed no imminent threat for at least a decade. Trump avoided using the word "war" in public statements, instead calling it a "military operation," and administration officials refused to appear at congressional hearings, briefing Congress only behind closed doors. The strikes proceeded without formal congressional authorization or consultation with lawmakers.
• Trump launched war without congressional authorization — Trump launched a military war against Iran without seeking or obtaining congressional authorization. The Constitution grants Congress, not the president, the power to declare war. The article notes that the Framers, having fought for independence against a king they considered a tyrant, deliberately withheld the power to raise an army from a single executive. Trump assumed the powers of a dictator by unilaterally initiating major combat operations.
• Trump launches Iran War without congressional authorization and exceeds 60-day limit — The administration did not consult Congress about launching the war, as the Constitution requires, and has blown through the 60-day time limit for the use of U.S. military to counter an "imminent threat" without obtaining congressional approval. The War Powers Resolution requires congressional authorization or notification within 60 days; the Iran War began February 28, 2026, and continues without formal declaration or approval.
• Trump posted that Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in strikes — Trump posted on social media that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader since 1989, was killed in the strikes. Iran later confirmed Khamenei's death. Trump celebrated the death and posted that this represented "the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country." He claimed without evidence that many of Iran's soldiers and police "no longer want to fight, and are looking for Immunity from us," and expressed hope they would "peacefully merge with the Iranian Patriots" to restore the country to "Greatness it deserves."
• Trump posted that bombing would continue throughout the week to achieve "PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST" — Trump posted that the coordinated bombing campaign had "very much destroyed and, even, obliterated" much of Iran and that "heavy and pinpoint bombing, however, will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary to achieve our objective of PEACE THROUGHOUT THE MIDDLE EAST AND, INDEED, THE WORLD!" The statement framed ongoing military destruction as a path to peace, without specifying concrete objectives or end conditions for the military campaign.
• Trump told Washington Post reporters his real goal is regime change in Iran — Hours after posting his video announcement, Trump told Washington Post reporters Natalie Allison and Tara Copp in a phone call shortly after 4 A.M. Eastern Time that his real goal is regime change for Iran. He stated "All I want is freedom for the people." In his video, Trump had told Iran's armed forces and police to lay down weapons and accept immunity or face death, and told the Iranian people that "the hour of your freedom is at hand" and to take over their government after the bombing concludes, calling it "probably your only chance for generations."
• Trump administration provides 17 conflicting justifications for Iran war without clear casus belli — Nine days after announcing major combat operations in Iran on February 28, President Trump and senior officials (Secretary of State Rubio, Defense Secretary Hegseth, Press Secretary Leavitt) have publicly offered at least 17 contradictory rationales for the war, ranging from Iran's nuclear program and missile threats to personal retaliation for assassination plots and election interference. The war has killed over 1,500 people and costs approximately $1 billion daily. Officials simultaneously claim the war's objectives are "very clear" and "laser-focused," despite the absence of a consistent, publicly stated justification.
• US and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran, killing senior Iranian military and security officials — The US and Israel conducted a coordinated military operation against Iran, with strikes beginning around 9:40 AM Tehran time on Saturday. The operation targeted a leadership compound in Tehran where senior Iranian officials were gathered, including Ayatollah Khamenei (Iran's supreme leader), IRGC Commander Mohammad Pakpour, Defense Minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, and other top military and security leaders. US Central Command reported 3 American service members killed in action and 5 seriously wounded. Trump announced the strikes on Truth Social and stated combat operations would continue until objectives were achieved. Israel executed the operation using US intelligence and its own capabilities with long-range, highly accurate munitions.
• U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes across Iran — On February 28, 2026, U.S. and Israeli warplanes conducted a broad, coordinated military campaign against Iran, striking targets in Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, Tabriz, Bushehr, and other cities. CENTCOM confirmed strikes on IRGC command-and-control facilities, air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields using air-, land-, and sea-based capabilities, including Tomahawk cruise missiles and low-cost one-way attack drones. Israel's military reported approximately 200 fighter jets hit roughly 500 targets across western and central Iran, described as the Israeli Air Force's largest-ever strike sortie. Iranian state media confirmed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, age 86, was killed in the strikes. CBS News reported as many as 40 Iranian officials were killed, though verification was unclear. The operation was launched without Congressional authorization.
• Operation Epic Fury military offensive against Iran commenced — On February 28, 2026, the United States launched Operation Epic Fury, a coordinated military offensive against Iran alongside Israel. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command, notified deployed troops they were "embarking on a mission of profound consequence," moving "from deterrence into active combat." The operation involves approximately 50,000 military personnel, 200 fighter jets, two aircraft carriers, and bombers. Central Command reported six American service members killed and eighteen wounded. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to rule out sending ground troops to Iran.
• Trump launched U.S. attacks on Iran — Trump launched U.S. military attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. He notified Congress of the action on March 2, 2026, invoking the War Powers Act's provision allowing presidential action in response to an "imminent threat" without prior congressional approval. Trump claimed the Iranian threat was imminent, though his own advisors testified that Iran lacked the capacity to build a nuclear weapon in less than ten years.
• Trump launched U.S. attacks on Iran alongside Israeli attacks — On February 28, 2026, President Trump launched U.S. military attacks on Iran in coordination with Israeli attacks. Trump notified Congress of these actions on March 2, 2026, triggering the 60-day War Powers Act clock. The article notes that Trump's war of aggression violated the Constitution by sidestepping Congress, which holds sole authority to declare war, and that Trump claimed an "imminent threat" despite his own advisors testifying Iran lacked capacity to build a nuclear weapon in less than ten years. The action also violated the United Nations Charter, which prohibits use of force except in defense against actual attack or legitimate imminent threat.
• U.S. and Israel launched coordinated military assault on Iran, named "Operation Epic Fury" — Early on February 28, 2026, the U.S. and Israel conducted a major coordinated military assault on Iran. Israel targeted senior Iranian government officials while the U.S. attacked military targets. Iran state media reported at least 200 people killed, including 118 students from a girls' school, and over 700 wounded. Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel (1 killed, 121 injured) and on U.S. bases across the Middle East and Gulf region. U.S. Central Command reported no American casualties and minimal facility damage.
• Trump ordered additional airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — In late February 2026, President Trump ordered new military strikes against Iran targeting nuclear facilities. The author notes these strikes were more significant than prior June 2025 attacks, particularly because they resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader and other top officials. The strikes were ostensibly justified as necessary to destroy Iranian nuclear capabilities, contradicting the White House's earlier claim that such facilities had already been destroyed.
• Trump administration justifies Iran war with false claims about nuclear weapons timeline — Between February 22 and March 17, 2026, President Trump and his proxies made repeated public statements claiming Iran was weeks away from acquiring nuclear weapons, with Trump stating Iran was "two weeks away" from a nuclear weapon on multiple occasions and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff claiming Iran was "a week away from having industrial-grade bomb-making material." These claims formed the public justification for launching major combat operations against Iran on March 1, 2026. However, according to the testimony of Trump's own Director of National Intelligence and prior intelligence community assessments from March 2025, Iran was not building a nuclear weapon and posed no imminent nuclear threat.
• Trump launched military operations against Iran following private lobbying by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — President Trump announced "major combat operations in Iran" on Saturday, March 1, 2026, despite U.S. intelligence assessments that Iran posed no imminent threat. The military action followed private calls in which Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to attack Iran over concerns about Iran's military capabilities. Trump had previously declared in June 2025 that limited strikes had "completely obliterated Iran's nuclear capability." By Sunday, the conflict had resulted in three U.S. service member deaths and hundreds of Iranian casualties, with Iran launching retaliatory attacks on Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
• Trump announced war via edited video from Mar-a-Lago rather than formal Oval Office address — President Trump announced the initiation of "major combat operations in Iran" through a short, edited video rather than a traditional live address from the Oval Office. The video was recorded at his Florida home and private club, Mar-a-Lago, with Trump wearing a baseball cap, and was posted on his social network Truth Social. On the same evening, Trump attended a $1 million-per-plate fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago for MAGA Inc., the primary pro-Trump Super PAC.
• Trump announces military operation against Iran via social media video — President Trump released an eight-minute video on Truth Social at 2:30 a.m. Saturday announcing a major military operation ("Operation Epic Fury") against Iran. He declared Iran a threat to US national security, referenced its nuclear program and alleged support for terrorism, and called for regime change, explicitly urging the Iranian people to overthrow their government once US bombing concludes. Trump acknowledged potential American casualties and stated the operation would be "massive and ongoing," signaling a long-term military commitment without prior congressional authorization or public explanation.
• United States launched military strikes on Iran without congressional authorization — The United States conducted Operation Epic Fury, striking Iranian targets including military installations and civilian areas, killing approximately 40 senior Iranian commanders including Iran's Chief of Staff. The operation resulted in the first American combat deaths from a war Congress never voted to authorize. Iran retaliated with strikes on Israel and seven other countries hosting U.S. forces, opening a multi-front regional conflict. The Strait of Hormuz was disrupted, affecting global shipping and oil prices.
• U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — The U.S. and Israel conducted military strikes against Iran in late February 2026, with Israeli forces killing Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other top Iranian leaders. The author characterizes this as a significant escalation from prior June 2025 strikes, noting that the removal of Iran's head of state represents a crossing of a geopolitical threshold with potential long-term consequences. The strikes targeted Iranian nuclear facilities, which the author notes contradicts a White House statement from June 2025 claiming Iran's nuclear facilities had been "obliterated."
• Trump and Israel launched illegal war against Iran with massive airstrikes — On February 28, 2026, Trump, in coordination with Israel, launched military operations against Iran, conducting massive airstrikes across the country that killed hundreds of people and resulted in the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Trump posted a video to Truth Social claiming Iran posed an imminent threat, despite previously stating the U.S. had destroyed Iran's nuclear program. He also called on the Iranian people to "take over your government" after the war concludes, framing it as a generational opportunity.

Supporting reports

• Trump suggested "friendly takeover" of Cuba — Trump told reporters he was considering a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, stating "The Cuban govt is talking with us. They're in big deal of trouble. Maybe we'll have a friendly takeover of Cuba. We could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba." The statement suggested potential military or coercive action against a sovereign nation.
• Trump suggests military takeover of Cuba — Speaking to reporters, Trump suggested that the United States "could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba." Trump characterized Cuba as "in a big deal of trouble," citing a humanitarian crisis. The statement comes as the Trump administration continues a fuel blockade against the island nation, according to the UN's top official for Cuba.

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• Trump administration held first meeting of Board of Peace at renamed U.S. Institute of Peace — President Trump held the inaugural meeting of his "Board of Peace" at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP), which the Trump administration renamed the "Donald J. Trump U.S. Institute of Peace"—a change being legally challenged. Last year, Trump officials seized the USIP building, which housed an independent entity created by Congress in 1984, and fired nearly all employees. Twenty-seven countries participated; none have contributed the $1 billion needed for permanent status. Trump extended invitations to International Criminal Court-indicted leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Vladimir Putin. Canada was withdrawn after Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized Trump's foreign policy at Davos. Fourteen countries rejected invitations, citing support for the UN, concerns about Russian influence, and Trump's unilateral decision-making authority over the board.
• Trump announced $10 billion commitment to Board of Peace without congressional appropriation — President Trump announced that the U.S. will commit $10 billion to the Board of Peace. However, under the U.S. constitutional system, only Congress possesses the power to appropriate funds. The mechanism by which Trump intends to fund this commitment remains unclear, raising questions about whether he is attempting to bypass congressional appropriation authority.
• Trump announces $10 billion transfer to "Board of Peace" without congressional approval — Donald Trump announced he will transfer $10 billion from the U.S. government to his "Board of Peace," a gathering that drew limited participation from major democratic allies. The transfer is characterized as requiring congressional approval but proceeding without it. Critics warn the fund operates as a slush fund under Trump's direct control. The Board of Peace event itself drew primarily authoritarian or illiberal regime leaders rather than democratic nations.
• Trump held first meeting of "Board of Peace" at Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace — Trump convened the inaugural meeting of his "Board of Peace" at the newly established Donald J. Trump Institute for Peace. The meeting lasted over three hours, with Trump speaking for more than an hour followed by attendees offering praise. Trump's remarks included rambling anecdotes about receiving a peace prize from FIFA, crediting Hamas for recovering hostages, making comments about foreign leaders' wealth and appearance, and references to his wife Melania's film success. Other speakers included the Kazakhstan dictator, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff. Trump fell asleep at the two-hour mark and concluded the meeting by striking a golden gavel as the Village People's "YMCA" played.
• Trump Announces Funding for Board of Peace — During the meeting of the Board of Peace, President Trump announced that the U.S. would contribute $10 billion to the initiative. However, this funding is legally questionable, as only Congress has the authority to appropriate federal funds. The announcement has raised concerns about the legality and transparency of the board's operations.

Supporting reports

• U.S. military buildup in Middle East signals imminent major military campaign against Iran — According to Axios reporting cited in the article, the United States is preparing for a major military confrontation with Iran that could begin within days, described as a prolonged and expansive campaign rather than limited strikes. The U.S. has deployed a second aircraft carrier group to the region, bringing the total to two carriers, 12 warships, hundreds of fighter jets, and multiple air defense systems. Over 150 military cargo flights have transported weapons and ammunition to the Middle East in recent days, with additional F-35s, F-22s, and F-16s expected to arrive imminently. Oil prices have surged above $64 per barrel in response. The operation is reportedly being conducted as a joint U.S.-Israeli effort rather than a multilateral coalition campaign.
• Trump threatens potential military action against Iran — During the Board of Peace meeting, Trump stated the US had already launched strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and indicated potential further military action against Iran within ten days. He said "we may have to take that a step further, or we may not" and emphasized the need for "a meaningful deal" with Iran, warning that failure to achieve one would result in "bad things."

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• Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered speech at Munich Security Conference attacking postwar international order — Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the 62nd Munich Security Conference (February 13–15, 2026) and attacked the three pillars of U.S. postwar foreign policy: global trade, international institutions, and climate agreements. He characterized global trade as economically ruinous, international institutions as sovereignty-undermining, and climate policy as a "cult" impoverishing Americans. He framed "mass migration" as a civilizational threat and called for Europe to join the U.S. in rejecting the post–World War II international order in favor of "Western civilization" dominance, defined narrowly as white and Christian heritage.
• Secretary of State Rubio delivers address at Munich Security Conference on transatlantic alliance — Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference on February 14, 2026, reaffirming the Trump administration's commitment to a transatlantic alliance grounded in "mutual strength, shared heritage, and unapologetic defense of Western civilization." The White House release states the speech drew on "Europe's profound Christian foundations" and urged European leaders to "reclaim their sovereignty" and reject "unchecked mass migration and climate extremism." The release compiled reactions from Republican lawmakers, media figures, and commentators praising the address.
• Rubio addresses Munich Security Conference — Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a reassuring message to America's allies at the Munich Security Conference, striking a less aggressive but still firm tone about the administration's intent to reshape the trans-Atlantic alliance and push its priorities. Rubio addressed the conference a year after JD Vance delivered a harsh critique of European values. Rubio made clear the Trump administration is sticking to its policy goals while offering a calmer tone.
• Secretary of State Rubio endorsed white Christian nationalism at Munich Security Conference — Secretary of State Marco Rubio presented an endorsement of white Christian nationalism at the Munich Security Conference over the weekend. According to the article, this position did not persuade European countries to abandon their defense of democracy or align with the U.S. trajectory toward authoritarianism. Instead, retired lieutenant general Mark Hertling assessed that the endorsement squandered the strategic advantage the U.S. partnership with Europe has historically provided.

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• Trump posted digitally altered image threatening western hemisphere annexation — Late Sunday night, Trump posted a digitally altered image depicting himself looming over a map showing the United States, Canada, Greenland, parts of the Caribbean, and South America all draped in the American flag, while he appeared encircled by European leaders. The post continues Trump's pattern of threatening to annex the entire western hemisphere as world leaders have increasingly distanced themselves from him and the U.S.

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• China stockpiles gold at undisclosed rates — According to Goldman Sachs estimates cited in the article, China acquired approximately 270 tonnes of physical gold in 2025, far exceeding officially reported purchases. China acquired roughly 10 tonnes in November (11 times official reports), 15 tonnes in September (10 times official reports), and 0.9 tonnes in December, marking the 14th consecutive month of purchases and bringing total gold reserves to a record 2,306 tonnes.

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• Trump social media account posts conspiracy theory about Italian military satellites and Chinese election interference — Trump's social media account amplified a post claiming that Italian officials used military satellites to hack U.S. voting machines in an operation coordinated by China "all to install Biden as a puppet." The post was made as part of ongoing promotion of debunked 2020 election fraud claims.

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• Trump officials held secret meetings with Canadian separatist groups — Trump administration officials held secret meetings with separatist fringe groups in Alberta, Canada, attempting to encourage secession from Canada and floating the idea of Alberta aligning with the United States. Trump has repeatedly referred to Canada as the "51st state" and has begun calling Prime Minister Mark Carney "Governor Carney." The meetings were confirmed by multiple publications.

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• Trump administration conducts 36th military boat strike in eastern Pacific — The Trump administration announced its 36th military boat strike on Friday, 24 January 2026, targeting a small vessel in the eastern Pacific Ocean. This strike is part of an ongoing campaign the administration claims targets go-fast boats connected to cartels and gangs. The cumulative death toll from all boat strikes under this campaign stands at approximately 117 people. The administration maintains the strikes are legal under a secret Justice Department opinion asserting the US is in an armed conflict with cartels and that laws of war apply.

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• Bombing of Venezuela and capture of Nicolás Maduro — In early 2026, after months of military buildup in the Caribbean, Trump ordered the bombing of Venezuela and the capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro.

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• Military strikes in Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and Iran — Despite campaigning against foreign military adventures, Trump ordered military strikes on Iraq, Nigeria, Somalia, Islamic State in Syria, Houthi militants in Yemen, and nuclear sites in Iran. He also mused about military operations in Colombia and suggested seizing Greenland by force.

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• Trump establishes "board of peace" as pay-to-play global club requiring $1 billion membership — Trump created and chairs a "board of peace" presented to the UN Security Council in November 2024 as a Gaza ceasefire mechanism but revealed in January 2026 as a permanent global governance body requiring countries to pay $1 billion in cash for life membership. The charter grants Trump absolute power to select and remove all members, set meeting agendas, and issue unilateral resolutions. The structure displaces UN agencies and principles of self-determination and national sovereignty, replacing multilateral governance with Trump's personal imperial authority.
• Trump launches "board of peace" with gold logo resembling UN emblem at Davos — Donald Trump unveiled a "board of peace" initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, featuring a gold logo that closely mirrors the UN emblem but centers only North America. The board, endorsed by the UN Security Council in November as a Gaza ceasefire broker, has been repositioned as a global conflict-resolution body chaired by Trump himself, requiring $1 billion in cash for permanent membership. Several European countries announced they will not join, citing concerns the initiative could sideline or replace the UN.

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• Trump leaked private messages from Emmanuel Macron and Mark Rutte at World Economic Forum in Davos — Trump's administration leaked private text messages from French President Emmanuel Macron questioning Trump's fixation on Greenland, and also posted private messages from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Macron subsequently refused to meet with Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The leaks signaled to allies that confidential conversations with Trump are not secure, undermining diplomatic trust and triggering international rebuke.
• Trump posted maps depicting U.S. territorial expansion and attacked allied nations — Trump posted maps showing U.S. control over Canada, Greenland, Cuba, and Venezuela, and shared images placing American flags over Greenland alongside JD Vance and Marco Rubio. He also attacked the United Kingdom over the Diego Garcia agreement despite his own administration previously endorsing it. These actions escalated tensions with multiple allied nations and signaled territorial ambitions contrary to international law and established agreements.
• Trump posted map depicting Canada and Greenland as U.S. territory — Trump posted an image on Truth Social showing Canada and Greenland as part of the United States. The post was part of an escalating series of statements in which Trump threatened to acquire Greenland and criticized Denmark and Canada for resisting. The map was designed to visually assert territorial claims that contradict international law and the sovereignty of both nations.
• Trump's social media account posts AI images depicting territorial expansion to include Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela — Trump's social media account posted AI-generated images depicting Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela as U.S. territory, including one showing world leaders in the Oval Office with North America covered in American flags and another showing Trump on an arctic landscape with a sign reading "GREENLAND—US TERRITORY EST. 2026." The posts accompanied claims that Trump had agreed to a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Davos concerning Greenland, framing it as "imperative for National and World Security."

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• Trump invited Putin and Lukashenko to "Board of Peace" in exchange for payments — Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to join his "Board of Peace," a shadow institution created parallel to the United Nations. According to multiple confirmations from Russian officials, Trump is offering seats on this board in exchange for massive payments, with funds reportedly being routed not to the U.S. Treasury but to offshore accounts.

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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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• United States sells Venezuelan oil and holds proceeds in Qatar — The United States has sold $500 million worth of Venezuelan oil and is holding the proceeds in a Qatar account rather than in U.S. banks. Trump claims he has the power to manage this money and is attempting to prevent its capture by oil companies with prior claims against Venezuela. Senator Elizabeth Warren stated there is no legal basis for a president to set up an offshore account to control assets seized by the American military.
• Trump administration completed first Venezuelan oil sale valued at $500 million — The Trump administration executed its first sale of Venezuelan oil valued at $500 million following the ouster of Nicolás Maduro. Trump signed an executive order detailing how the U.S. plans to block courts and creditors from accessing revenue from oil sales. Revenue is being held in bank accounts controlled by the U.S. government, with the main account located in Qatar and additional funds held in U.S. Treasury accounts. Trump indicated the U.S. would effectively run Venezuela and take control of up to 50 million barrels of oil.
• Trump discusses Venezuelan oil sales — Trump revealed that the U.S. has sold $500 million worth of Venezuelan oil and is keeping the proceeds in Qatar, claiming he has the authority to manage these funds.

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• Trump meets with oil executives and promises "total safety" for Venezuela investments — President Trump held a White House roundtable with oil industry executives from Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips on Friday, promising "total safety, total security" to persuade them to invest $100 billion in Venezuela's infrastructure following the toppling of Nicolás Maduro. Trump stated the investment would come from private companies, not federal funds, and warned executives that competitors stood ready to replace them. Later that day, Trump signed an executive order blocking courts or creditors from impounding revenue from Venezuelan oil sales held in US treasury accounts, directing those funds toward Venezuelan "peace, prosperity and stability."
• Trump signed executive order declaring national emergency over Venezuelan oil revenue — On January 10, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency—his tenth in this term—stating that any use of revenue from the sale of Venezuelan oil to repay billions of dollars owed to oil companies "will materially harm the national security and foreign policy of the United States." The order asserted that such repayment would interfere with efforts to ensure economic and political stability in Venezuela and jeopardize U.S. foreign policy objectives including ending illegal immigration, stopping illicit narcotics, protecting against Iran and Hezbollah, and bringing stability to the Western Hemisphere. The order effectively placed control of Venezuelan oil revenue under executive authority.
• Trump told oil executives he would not repay historical losses from Venezuelan nationalization — At a meeting with oil executives on January 10, 2026, Trump stated that he would not use revenue from the sale of Venezuelan oil to repay billions of dollars owed to U.S. oil companies for losses from the 2007 nationalization of their Venezuelan assets. Trump said: "We're not going to look at what people lost in the past, because that was their fault. That was a different president. You're going to make a lot of money, but we're not going to go back."

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• Energy Secretary announced U.S. will seize Venezuelan oil — Energy Secretary Chris Wright told an audience at a Goldman Sachs energy industry event in Miami, Florida, that the United States will take control of all oil from Venezuela for the foreseeable future. Trump administration officials told lawmakers that they plan to deposit money raised from the seizure of Venezuelan oil into bank accounts outside the U.S. Treasury, described by sources as "off-shore" accounts. Trump had announced the previous day that, as president, he would control the money from the sale of Venezuelan oil.

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• President directs withdrawal from 56 international organizations, conventions, and treaties deemed contrary to U.S. interests — On January 7, 2026, the President issued a memorandum directing all executive departments and agencies to immediately withdraw the United States from 56 international organizations, conventions, and treaties. The list includes 35 non-UN organizations (spanning climate, energy, democracy, and cultural cooperation initiatives) and 21 UN entities (including gender equality, human rights, peacebuilding, and development programs). The Secretary of State is tasked with providing implementation guidance. Withdrawal from UN entities means ceasing participation and funding to the extent permitted by law.
• Trump issues presidential memorandum directing withdrawal from 66 international organizations and UN entities — President Trump issued a presidential memorandum on January 7, 2026, directing all executive departments and agencies to withdraw the United States from 66 international organizations, conventions, and treaties. The memorandum follows an earlier executive order (14199, issued February 4, 2025) that tasked the Secretary of State with reviewing all international organizations and treaties to which the U.S. is a party. The Secretary of State's report determined these organizations contrary to U.S. interests. The withdrawal list includes the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Agency, UN Population Fund, UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, and numerous other multilateral bodies focused on climate, development, human rights, and peacekeeping.
• White House issues fact sheet on U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations — The White House issued a fact sheet on January 7, 2026, announcing that President Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing U.S. withdrawal from 66 international organizations, comprising 35 non-UN entities and 31 UN bodies. The fact sheet states the memorandum orders executive departments and agencies to cease participation in and funding these organizations, claiming they operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty. The document asserts these withdrawals will end taxpayer funding for entities it characterizes as advancing "globalist agendas" or operating ineffectively.
• Trump withdraws US from UNFCCC and 65 other international organizations — On January 7, 2026, President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum withdrawing the United States from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and 65 other international organizations. This move isolates the US from global efforts to address climate change, as the UNFCCC is a foundational treaty ratified by the US Senate in 1992. The withdrawal has been criticized by climate experts and former officials as detrimental to US leadership and economic interests, as it undermines the country's ability to influence global climate policy and investments.
• Trump withdraws US from UNFCCC and 65 other international organizations via presidential memorandum — On Wednesday, January 8, 2026, President Trump issued a presidential memorandum ordering the United States to withdraw from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)—a foundational treaty ratified by the Senate in 1992 and agreed to by every country since its 1992 inception—along with 65 other international organizations and agencies. The memo cited these groups as "contrary to the interests of the United States." Withdrawals include the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, International Renewable Energy Association, International Solar Alliance, and International Union for Conservation of Nature. Legal experts note uncertainty about whether Trump can unilaterally exit a Senate-ratified treaty.

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• Trump claims only his own morality constrains his power — In a January 7, 2026 interview with New York Times reporters, when asked if there are any checks on his power on the world stage, Trump answered: "Yeah, there is one thing. My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me, and that's very good." When asked about international law, Trump stated "I don't need international law" and later said international law compliance "depends what your definition of international law is."
• Trump claimed only his morality limits his power — President Trump told New York Times reporters that as commander-in-chief, he has only one limit on his power: "My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me." He claimed he gets to determine what is legal under international law and seemed to stretch that authority to domestic affairs, saying he was considering getting around a possible Supreme Court decision on tariffs by calling them licensing fees and that he could invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy troops in the U.S. if he "felt the need to do it."
• Trump declares power constrained only by personal morality, dismisses international law — In a New York Times interview, President Trump stated that his presidential power is limited only by "my own morality, my own mind" and declared "I don't need international law." He acknowledged international law exists but questioned its definition and applicability. Trump emphasized the importance of "ownership" over treaties or leases, referenced ongoing efforts to gain control of Greenland, and dismissed concerns that ousting Venezuela's Maduro would set precedents for Chinese action on Taiwan or Russian control of Ukraine. He expressed confidence Xi Jinping would not seize Taiwan while he is president.

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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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• White House deputy chief of staff rejected rules-based international order — On January 5, 2026, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller told CNN's Jake Tapper that the world is "governed by strength, that is governed by force, that is governed by power," rejecting the principles of the rules-based international order. Miller stated: "These are the iron laws of the world since the beginning of time."