Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration considered plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island — According to Axios reporting, the Trump administration is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Kharg Island, located 15 miles offshore, processes 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports. A senior administration official stated that if Trump decides to take Kharg Island or conduct a coastal invasion to open the Strait, "that's going to happen." The plan could put US troops more directly in the line of fire and represents potential escalation despite Trump's stated desire to wind down operations.

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.

Supporting reports

• 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."

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• 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."

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• Trump stated intention to acquire Greenland for U.S. control — President Trump told Michael Scherer of The Atlantic that the U.S. needs to acquire Greenland, stating "we do need Greenland, absolutely. We need it for defense." Greenland is part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and is already integrated into U.S. national defense arrangements.
• Trump stated U.S. needs to acquire Greenland for national security — Trump stated during the press gaggle that the U.S. needs to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns about Russian and Chinese naval presence. Trump stated "We need Greenland from a national security situation. It's so strategic. Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security. And Denmark is not gonna be able to do it."
• Greenland's prime minister warned Trump's threats against the country must be taken seriously — Greenland's prime minister issued a warning that Trump's threats against the country must be taken seriously and stated that if the United States attacks another NATO country, "everything stops." The statement came in response to Trump's repeated threats and rhetoric regarding Greenland, which is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, a NATO ally.
• White House issued statement on Greenland as national security priority — The White House released a formal statement declaring that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority for the United States and vital to deter adversaries in the Arctic region. The statement indicated the president and his team are discussing "a range of options" to pursue this goal, explicitly noting that utilizing U.S. military force remains available to the commander in chief.
• Marco Rubio privately briefed lawmakers on Greenland acquisition preference — Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted a private briefing on Capitol Hill on Monday, January 6, 2026, in which he told lawmakers that the Trump administration would prefer to purchase Greenland from Denmark rather than invade it, according to a Wall Street Journal report. The briefing indicated that acquisition of Greenland remains an active policy objective under serious consideration by the administration, with purchase being the stated preference over military seizure.
• Stephen Miller suggests Denmark lacks sovereignty over Greenland — White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, in a CNN interview conducted on January 6, 2026, suggested that Denmark does not have a right to Arctic territory Greenland, which remains part of the Danish kingdom. Miller claimed military intervention would not be necessary because "nobody is going to fight the United States militarily over the future of Greenland." His comments directly contradicted Denmark's and Greenland's assertions of sovereignty and came after his wife, Katie Miller, posted a US flag draped over a Greenland map captioned "SOON."
• Danish Prime Minister warned NATO dissolution if U.S. attacks Greenland — Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that if the United States chooses to attack another NATO country militarily, "everything stops. That is, including NATO and thus the security that has been provided since the end of the Second World War." Her statement was a direct response to Trump's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland.
• European leaders issued joint statement defending Greenland sovereignty — European leaders issued a collective statement reaffirming that Denmark, including Greenland, is part of NATO and that Arctic security must be achieved collectively through NATO and the UN Charter. The statement emphasized that sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of borders are universal principles that will be defended, and that Greenland's future is for Denmark and Greenland alone to decide.
• German Bundestag member warned of Trump's imperial territorial expansion — German Bundestag Member Roderich Kiesewetter characterized Trump's interest in Greenland as part of a broader pattern of territorial expansion and imperial sphere-building. He warned that Trump interprets "Make America Great Again" literally—territorially—and cited recent U.S. actions toward Venezuela as evidence. Kiesewetter called for European military independence and geoeconomic strength to defend liberal democracy against great-power imperial competition.
• Stephen Miller stated U.S. military superiority makes Greenland acquisition feasible — White House adviser Stephen Miller told CNN that the U.S. is using its military to secure interests in the hemisphere "unapologetically" as a superpower. When asked whether military action against Greenland could be ruled out, Miller questioned Denmark's territorial claim and stated that "there's no need to even think or talk about this in the context that you're asking of a military operation. Nobody's going to fight the US militarily over the future of Greenland."
• Trump administration briefed Congress on plans to acquire Greenland through purchase or military options — Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers from armed services and foreign policy committees that Trump plans to buy Greenland rather than invade it, while Trump has asked aides for an updated acquisition plan. The White House issued a statement declaring that acquiring Greenland is a national security priority and that "utilizing the US military is always an option at the commander in chief's disposal." Stephen Miller stated the U.S. should possess Greenland as part of its security apparatus and questioned Denmark's territorial claim.
• White House states military force is "always an option" for acquiring Greenland — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, declaring that the Trump administration is exploring "a range of options" to acquire Greenland and that utilizing US military force remains "always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal." The statement framed Greenland acquisition as a national security priority. European leaders, including the prime ministers of France, Germany, and Britain, immediately issued a joint statement with Denmark's PM Mette Frederiksen asserting Greenland's sovereignty and warning that a US attack on a NATO ally would constitute the "end" of post-WWII security architecture.
• Trump reiterates desire to acquire Greenland as U.S. territory — Trump announced his intention to acquire Greenland, a resource-rich autonomous territory of Denmark, as U.S. property. In a January 7, 2026 interview with New York Times reporters, Trump stated that "ownership is very important" and that he wants to own Greenland rather than merely cooperate with it as the U.S. has done for decades. He framed the acquisition as psychologically necessary for his success and compared it to a real-estate transaction.
• Trump threatens military action against Greenland and NATO ally Denmark — Trump declared that the U.S. needs Greenland for national defense and threatened military action against the self-governing Danish territory. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that attacking a NATO ally would end NATO and the security guarantee that has existed since World War II. France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Denmark issued a joint statement supporting Greenland and NATO.
• Congressman Ogles calls U.S. a predator and demands seizure of Greenland — MAGA Congressman Andy Ogles declared the United States a "predator" that must act like a predator and seize Greenland. He spoke of America's supposed dominance in the Western Hemisphere and insisted the nation must assert control over the region.
• Secretary of State threatens military action against Greenland — Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States "retains the option" of military action against Greenland and said the administration "prefers to buy Greenland" but reserves the right to seize it if Denmark refuses to sell. Trump press secretary Karoline Leavitt declined to rule out military strikes on a NATO ally. The statements followed Trump's public statements about acquiring Greenland.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration conducted military strikes on Venezuela without congressional authorization — President Trump announced on January 3 that U.S. forces had captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and stated the administration would run Venezuela and control its oil fields. Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on Sunday talk shows to defend the strikes, characterizing them as a law enforcement operation rather than military action. However, reporting indicates at least 80 people were killed in the operation, and Trump explicitly told media the U.S. intends to take control of Venezuela's government and resources.
• Trump administration ordered U.S. Military to abduct Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro without Congressional authorization — On January 3, 2026, President Trump ordered the U.S. Military to conduct a raid that resulted in the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from Venezuelan territory without seeking Congressional authorization. Trump initially claimed the action was based on Maduro's alleged membership in a drug cartel called "Cartel de los Soles," but later admitted no such cartel exists. Trump subsequently announced that Venezuela would transfer 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, suggesting resource seizure as a motivation. The raid violated established international norms governing state sovereignty and the treatment of foreign heads of state.
• Trump administration conducts military raid capturing Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro — Top Trump officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Joint Chiefs Chair Gen Dan Caine briefed all 100 US senators on Operation Absolute Resolve, a special forces raid that captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife from Caracas on January 3 and transported them to a New York jail. Rubio outlined a three-phase plan involving stabilization, oil market access for US companies, and extracting 30–50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil at market rates. Republicans defended the operation as law enforcement against an indicted drug trafficker; Democrats condemned it as an illegal act of war undertaken without congressional consultation, with Senator Chris Murphy stating the administration plans to "steal Venezuelan oil at gunpoint."
• Military captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife — On January 3, 2026, the military captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Trump had previously suggested he was determined to end what he called "narco-terrorist" activity in Venezuela. Upon Maduro's capture, Trump made clear his intent to control Venezuela's oil resources.
• Trump administration launched military strike on Venezuela and captured President Nicolás Maduro — In the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026, the Trump administration ordered the military to conduct a strike against Venezuela, seize President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, and fly them to New York City to face federal charges announced by the Southern District of New York. The operation, called "Operation Absolute Resolve," was conducted without consulting Congress and in apparent violation of international law. At least 40 civilians and military personnel were killed in the strike, which hit a three-story apartment building.
• Trump ordered military invasion of Venezuela to capture President Maduro and seize oil assets — Trump ordered a military invasion of Venezuela using special forces to capture President Nicolás Maduro, who is under criminal indictment in the U.S. Trump explicitly stated the primary objective was to seize control of Venezuela's government and oil assets. Trump announced the U.S. would directly run Venezuela's government and oil infrastructure, with American oil companies investing billions in exchange for reimbursement from extracted oil revenues. Trump stated U.S. military personnel would remain on the ground and threatened Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez with severe consequences if she did not comply with U.S. directives.
• Trump authorized strikes in Venezuela and abduction of Maduro — In the middle of the night on January 3, Trump authorized a series of strikes in Venezuela, as well as the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by the US military. The illegal strikes took place without congressional authority. Maduro and Flores were transported to New York, where they face drug and weapons charges. Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez was subsequently sworn in as interim president following Maduro's kidnapping.
• United States military operation in Venezuela captured Nicolás Maduro and his wife — The U.S. carried out a large-scale military operation in and around Caracas, Venezuela, and seized Nicolás Maduro and his wife. They were transported to the United States to face charges related to narco-terrorism and drug trafficking allegations. The President publicly celebrated the operation and spoke in terms suggesting temporary U.S. control of Venezuela. Multiple governments have condemned the action as a violation of international law, and the U.N. Security Council is scheduled to meet Monday to address the matter.
• Trump administration conducted airstrikes in Venezuela and captured Maduro — On January 3, 2026, the Trump administration conducted nighttime airstrikes in Venezuela and removed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, transporting them to New York to face federal narcoterrorism and drug-trafficking charges. This action followed months of strikes against small boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific that Trump claimed, without evidence, were operated by narcoterrorists from Venezuela, and seizures of vessels allegedly carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil.
• Trump administration conducts lethal military strikes against Venezuelan targets without congressional authorization — Since September 2025, the Trump administration has conducted approximately 35 lethal strikes against alleged drug-trafficking boats off Venezuela's coast, resulting in at least 115 deaths. Additionally, a massive military deployment off Venezuela's shores, including the largest U.S. aircraft carrier, was carried out without seeking congressional authorization. These actions were justified through executive orders declaring Venezuelan leaders "narco-terrorists" and invoking post-2001 war-on-terror legal frameworks.
• Trump administration detains Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro without prior congressional notification — The Trump administration conducted a military operation to detain Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia, without alerting Congress in advance. Senior congressional leaders, including the "gang of eight," were informed only after the operation had begun. The administration justified the withholding of information by citing security concerns and the need for operational secrecy. The action bypassed the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which requires presidential notification to Congress within 48 hours of deploying troops into hostilities.
• US special forces capture Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in military raid ordered by Trump — US special forces conducted a pre-dawn military operation in Caracas on Saturday, capturing Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. The raid resulted in at least 40 deaths, including civilians and Venezuelan and Cuban security personnel. Maduro was transported to Manhattan and arraigned in federal court on Monday on drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges. He pleaded not guilty. The operation sparked international condemnation at an emergency UN Security Council meeting, with multiple countries calling it a "crime of aggression" and a breach of international law.
• Trump orders military raid capturing Venezuelan President Maduro — President Trump ordered a Saturday morning military raid in which U.S. forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro was transported to New York to face criminal charges. Trump subsequently announced the U.S. would "run" Venezuela indefinitely. Legal experts stated the action violated U.S. and international law. The raid occurred without prior congressional authorization or public debate.
• US military forces capture and extract Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela; Maduro arraigned in New York federal court on drug trafficking and weapons charges — US military forces conducted an operation that resulted in the forcible removal and capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro from Venezuela. Maduro was transported to New York and arraigned in federal court on charges related to international drug trafficking and weapons trafficking. The operation involved a US military attack on Venezuelan territory. Maduro pleaded not guilty to the charges. The arraignment drew dozens of protesters outside the federal courthouse in lower Manhattan, divided between those celebrating Maduro's detention and those opposing US intervention in Venezuela.
• 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.
• 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.
• US military operation captures Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela — US special forces captured Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro in a pre-dawn raid in Caracas, ordered by Donald Trump. The operation resulted in at least 40 deaths, including civilians and security personnel. The US justified the intervention as necessary to combat drug trafficking, but it has been widely condemned as a breach of international law. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the situation, with several countries condemning the US action as a "crime of aggression."
• Trump administration launches military operation to abduct Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro — The U.S. military, under President Trump's direction, conducted a night-time operation that forcibly abducted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, resulting in dozens of deaths. Trump subsequently backed Maduro's former vice-president, Delcy Rodríguez, to lead the country. The operation, termed "Operation Absolute Resolve," represents a significant military intervention in Latin America and a departure from Trump's stated 2024 campaign pledge to avoid foreign wars and "put America first."
• Trump announces U.S. control over Venezuelan oil — President Trump declared that the interim authorities in Venezuela would turn over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the United States, stating that the proceeds would be controlled by him to benefit both Venezuela and the U.S. This announcement indicates a shift towards direct U.S. control over Venezuelan resources.
• Trump threatens Greenland with military action — President Trump stated that the U.S. needs Greenland for national defense, implying potential military action against the self-governing territory, which is part of Denmark. This statement contradicts established NATO agreements and raises concerns about U.S. military intentions.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration lacked detailed post-invasion governance plan for Venezuela — According to reporting by the Wall Street Journal on January 3, 2026, the Trump administration was "racing to assemble an interim governing structure for Venezuela" but had no detailed plan in place before deposing Maduro. Trump told reporters that officials were "designating various people" to "run" Venezuela without specifying who they were. U.S. officials questioned why there was no detailed plan before the operation, and experts noted that Venezuela is twice the size of California with 28 million people, millions of whom support Maduro, an intact government, and an army of over 100,000 soldiers.
• Trump announced U.S. intent to control Venezuela's oil industry and govern the country — During a press conference on January 3, 2026, Trump announced that the U.S. will "run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper, and judicious transition" and stated that large U.S. oil companies will "go in, spend billions of dollars, fix the badly broken infrastructure, the oil infrastructure, and start making money for the country." Trump claimed Venezuela had "stolen" American oil and property worth "billions and billions of dollars" through nationalization, and introduced the "Donroe Document" as a replacement for the Monroe Doctrine, asserting American dominance in the Western Hemisphere.
• Trump administration pursues oil-focused Venezuela policy, sidelining democratic opposition — Trump held a press conference in which he repeatedly stated his administration's primary interest in Venezuela is securing access to the country's oil reserves. The administration reportedly favors working with Delcy Rodríguez, Nicolás Maduro's vice president, over supporting María Corina Machado, the leading democratic opposition figure. Trump dismissed Machado as lacking public support despite her central role in backing Edmundo González in the July 2024 election, which international observers believe González won decisively. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the policy on television and did not deny that Cuba might be targeted next.
• Trump stated primary objective in Venezuela is oil access, not democracy — Trump explicitly stated that the focus of U.S. operations in Venezuela is securing oil access rather than supporting democracy or freeing political prisoners. When asked about demanding Venezuelan VP Delcy Rodriguez allow opposition figures to return or free political prisoners, Trump responded "We haven't gotten to that. Right now, we want to do is fix up the oil." He later stated the goal is "Total access. We need access to the oil and other things."
• Trump announced indefinite U.S. control of Venezuela — Following the capture of Maduro, President Trump announced that the United States would "run" Venezuela for an indefinite period. Trump stated on Fox News that the U.S. would be "very strongly involved" with the Venezuelan oil industry going forward. Industry analysts anticipate rapid rerouting of Venezuelan oil exports to the U.S., with refiners benefiting substantially from access to Venezuela's heavy crude reserves—the world's largest proven oil reserves.
• Trump administration recognized Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela's head of state — On January 5, 2026, the Trump administration formally recognized Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro's vice president, as Venezuela's head of state, despite Venezuela's high court ruling that Rodríguez could only serve as acting president for 90 days (extendable to 180 days), after which elections would be constitutionally required. The administration's recognition of Rodríguez as head of state rather than acting president signaled Trump's intention for her to remain in power beyond the constitutional limits.
• Trump administration ordered military operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife — The Trump administration conducted a large-scale military operation that forcibly seized Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, removing them from the country. Trump's UN Ambassador Mike Waltz characterized the operation as a "law enforcement" action targeting "indicted fugitives," but justified it by stating the United States views the Western Hemisphere as its domain and cannot allow Venezuela's energy reserves to remain outside U.S. control. The operation prompted an emergency UN Security Council meeting where multiple nations condemned the action as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.

Supporting reports

• Trump issued threats against Colombia, Cuba, and Mexico regarding Western Hemisphere dominance — During his January 3 press conference, Trump warned Colombia's President Gustavo Petro to "watch his ass," stated "Cuba is going to be something we'll end up talking about," and warned that "something will have to be done about Mexico." He declared that "American dominance in the Western Hemisphere will never be questioned again."
• Venezuelan Vice President Rodríguez rejected U.S. occupation and reaffirmed Maduro as rightful president — Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, whom Trump claimed had been sworn into the presidency, delivered a televised address on January 3, 2026 insisting that Maduro is the rightful president of Venezuela and must be released. She characterized the U.S. action as "an unprecedented military aggression" and declared that "the Venezuelan people and this country are clear about" their refusal to "be slaves" or "a colony of any empire."
• Trump threatened Venezuelan President Rodríguez with consequences for non-compliance — In a phone call with Michael Scherer of The Atlantic, President Trump threatened Venezuela's new president Delcy Rodríguez, stating that "if she doesn't do what's right, she is going to pay a very big price, probably bigger than Maduro." Trump later told reporters on Air Force One that the U.S., not Rodríguez, is in charge of Venezuela.
• Rubio indicated Cuba is a potential military target — Secretary of State Rubio stated on NBC that the Cuban government is "a huge problem" and when asked directly if Cuba is the next target, responded affirmatively that "they are in a lot of trouble. Yes," signaling potential military action against Cuba following the Venezuela operation.
• Secretary of State Rubio declines to rule out military action against Cuba — Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared on television to defend the administration's Venezuela policy. When asked whether Cuba might be the target of similar operations, Rubio did not deny the possibility and characterized the Cuban government as a "huge problem," suggesting additional action could follow. Rubio also stated that no congressional authorization was required for Venezuela operations because they constituted a "precise operation" rather than a war.
• Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed support for military action against Iran and Cuba — Sen. Lindsey Graham, appearing with Trump on Air Force One, stated "You just wait for Cuba. Their days are numbered!" and later appeared on Fox News wearing a "Make Iran Great Again" hat, saying "I pray and hope that 2026 will be the year we make Iran great again" and adding Cuba to his target list: "To our Cuban friends in FL, the liberation of your homeland is close."
• Trump indicated U.S. military operations planned for Colombia — During the press gaggle, Trump responded affirmatively when asked if there would be a U.S. operation in Colombia, stating "Sounds good to me" in response to a reporter's question about whether operations would extend to Colombia. This followed Trump's characterization of Colombia as "very sick."
• Trump threatened military action against Mexico — Trump stated that cartels are running Mexico and that President Claudia Sheinbaum is not in control. Trump said he has repeatedly asked Sheinbaum whether the U.S. should "take out the cartels" and indicated that "something is gonna have to be done with Mexico," implying potential military intervention similar to the Venezuela operation.
• US Invasion of Venezuela — The United States has initiated a military invasion of Venezuela, an action that has been described as a significant breach of international law. This move has been characterized as an authoritarian act by the U.S. government, bypassing traditional diplomatic and coalition-building processes. The invasion has sparked widespread criticism and is expected to lead to increased global instability. The U.S. House of Representatives has been urged to respond with impeachment proceedings, although no immediate action has been taken.
• Colombian President Gustavo Petro rejected Trump's threats — Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded to Trump's threats by challenging him to come to Colombia in person, stating "Come get me! I'm waiting for you here." Petro rejected invasions, missiles, and assassinations, and called for dialogue based on facts rather than lies spread by "Colombian political mafias."
• Trump threatens Mexico and Cuba — Trump threatened Colombian President Gustavo Petro, declared that "Cuba is ready to fall," and warned Mexico to "get their act together," signaling potential military or coercive action against multiple Western Hemisphere nations without diplomatic process.
• Trump threatens military action against Iran — Trump warned that if Iran continues "killing people like they have in the past," Iran "is going to get hit very hard by the United States," signaling potential military escalation without congressional authorization or diplomatic process.
• Rick Scott advocates regime change in Western Hemisphere — Senator Rick Scott openly fantasized about regime-changing every country in the Western Hemisphere, expressing support for U.S. intervention to alter governments in the region.
• Trump attacks NATO alliance and questions member loyalty — Trump issued an all-caps statement claiming he "single handedly ended eight wars," complained that Norway "foolishly" did not award him the Nobel Peace Prize, and warned that NATO might not support the United States because he doubts member nations' loyalty. He attacked the alliance as a stabilizing institution.

Supporting reports

• CIA conducted drone strike on Venezuelan port facility — The CIA reportedly conducted a drone strike on a Venezuelan port facility. The dock was empty at the time of the strike and no casualties were reported. This marks the first reported attack on land in Venezuela and represents an escalation of the Trump administration's regime-change efforts against Venezuela.

Supporting reports

• Trump stated intention to seize Venezuelan oil resources — President Trump stated that the administration wants to reclaim oil rights in Venezuela that were allegedly taken away during previous administrations. He framed the objective as recovering resources that "we had" and that "they took it away because we had a president that maybe wasn't watching." The statement indicates that military action toward Venezuela is motivated by resource extraction rather than stated concerns about drugs or humanitarian issues.

Supporting reports

• Trump declares Venezuela a "foreign terrorist organization" and orders naval blockade — Trump announced a "total and complete blockade" of oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela and designated the Venezuelan government a "foreign terrorist organization" (FTO). The U.S. Navy deployed 11 ships, including an aircraft carrier, to the region. Legal experts note the FTO designation is legally murky because U.S. law targets non-state organizations, not sovereign governments. White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles stated Trump "wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle," suggesting regime change rather than counterterrorism as the objective. The administration seized one tanker carrying 1.85 million barrels of Venezuelan crude valued at approximately $95 million.
• Trump declares "total and complete blockade" on Venezuelan oil tankers — On Truth Social, Trump declared a "TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE" on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or departing Venezuela. Trump also warned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro that the US "will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States IMMEDIATELY."
• Trump orders naval blockade of sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers — President Trump announced a "total and complete" blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, escalating pressure on Nicolás Maduro's government. The order follows weeks of military strikes in the region that have killed dozens and the recent U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude. Trump stated the blockade aims to prevent Venezuela from funding drug trafficking. The Venezuelan government rejected the order as a "grotesque threat" and act of piracy; Democratic congressman Joaquin Castro called it an unauthorized act of war.
• Trump Announces Total Blockade of Venezuelan Oil Tankers — President Trump announced a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela, citing the Maduro regime's designation as a foreign terrorist organization. He claimed that the blockade is necessary to prevent the regime from financing terrorism and other criminal activities. This announcement follows military actions against small boats allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
• Trump orders total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers and designates Maduro regime as foreign terrorist organization — Trump posted on social media that Venezuela is surrounded by the largest armada ever assembled in South American history and ordered a total and complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela. He claimed Venezuela stole U.S. oil, land, and other assets and demanded their immediate return. Trump designated the Maduro regime as a foreign terrorist organization, citing terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. He stated that illegal aliens and criminals sent by the Maduro regime during the Biden administration are being returned to Venezuela at a rapid pace.
• Trump administration expands travel ban to 39 countries — The Trump administration expanded its travel ban from 19 to 39 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, and others. The expanded ban also applies to people holding Palestinian-Authority-issued travel documents, effectively restricting Palestinian travel rights.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration seizes Venezuelan oil tanker off nation's coast — On December 11, 2025, US forces seized a Venezuelan oil tanker off Venezuela's coast. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and Coast Guard executed a seizure warrant, claiming the vessel had transported sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran for years supporting foreign terrorist organizations. Trump confirmed the seizure, stating "We keep the oil, I guess!" The action prompted bipartisan congressional concern about escalating military posture in the Caribbean and potential war with Venezuela.

Supporting reports

• Trump convenes "war cabinet" to discuss Venezuela invasion — President Trump summoned his "war cabinet" to discuss a potential military invasion of Venezuela. The discussion occurred amid Trump's declining approval ratings and lowest presidential polling numbers in American history. Polling data shows 70% of Americans oppose military action against Venezuela, and 56% believe such conflict would not reduce drug trafficking. Trump's allies have been deployed to right-wing media to promote war rhetoric, regime-change justifications, and discussions of seizing Venezuelan oil reserves for American petroleum companies.
• White House demands Nicolás Maduro leave Venezuela with threat of military action — The White House conducted a phone call with Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro demanding his immediate departure from the country to allow restoration of democratic rule. The U.S. offered safe passage to Maduro, his wife Cilia Flores, and his son if he resigned immediately. Maduro's representatives proposed retaining command of the armed forces while ceding political control to the opposition. The call reached an impasse as positions diverged. Washington is simultaneously preparing to launch land attacks inside Venezuela.

Supporting reports

• Trump pardons former Honduran president — Trump announced a full pardon for former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández, who was convicted of drug trafficking. This decision raises questions about the integrity of U.S. foreign policy and the rule of law, given Hernández's criminal history.
• Trump pardons former Honduras president Juan Orlando Hernández convicted of cocaine trafficking conspiracy — Trump announced a full pardon for Juan Orlando Hernández, former president of Honduras, who was found guilty by an American jury last year of conspiring to import 400 tons of cocaine into the United States and was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison. Trump announced the pardon on social media, writing "MAKE HONDURAS GREAT AGAIN!"
• Trump granted pardon to Juan Orlando Hernández, major drug trafficker — Trump announced a pardon for Juan Orlando Hernández, former president of Honduras, who was convicted by a US jury of conspiring to traffic 400 tons of cocaine into the United States. The DOJ estimated this represented 4.5 billion doses of cocaine and that Hernández was at the center of one of the largest and most violent drug-trafficking conspiracies in the world.
• Trump justified Hernández pardon by claiming Biden setup — When asked to explain the pardon of Juan Orlando Hernández, Trump stated "Many of the people of Honduras said it was a Biden setup. I looked at the facts and agreed with them." When pressed for evidence, Trump responded that arresting a president for drug trafficking in any country would be unjust.
• Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, former Honduran president and major narco-trafficker — Trump pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras and one of the world's most notorious narco-traffickers. According to the text, Hernández trafficked hundreds of tons of cocaine into the United States, worked with El Chapo, and openly vowed to "shove cocaine up the noses of gringos until they die." Trump proceeded with the pardon despite these facts.
• Trump pledges pardon for former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández — Donald Trump announced his intention to pardon Juan Orlando Hernández, the former president of Honduras, who was convicted in July 2024 in Manhattan federal court and sentenced to 45 years in prison for cocaine importation and weapons offenses. Trump claimed Hernández was "set up" and that the Honduran people believed he was wrongly prosecuted. The pardon pledge contradicts Trump's stated "war on drugs" agenda, particularly given simultaneous military operations against Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro, whom Trump accuses of narco-trafficking despite weaker evidence of culpability than Hernández's proven conviction.
• Trump pardon of former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández — President Trump quietly pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández, former President of Honduras, who is described as one of the most notorious drug traffickers in modern history and who once promised to "shove the drugs right up the noses of the gringos." The pardon occurred while Trump was publicly demanding military action against drug trafficking and criticizing others as "narco terrorists."
• Trump pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was serving a 45-year sentence for drug trafficking and weapons conspiracy. — Trump officially pardoned Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, who was incarcerated in federal prison serving a 45-year sentence for drug trafficking and conspiracy to traffic weapons into the United States. Hernandez had served less than 2 years of his sentence before being released. According to an immigration attorney, Hernandez was also accused of ordering the murder of a former ally by machete while in prison.
• Trump formally pardoned Juan Orlando Hernández — Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández's lawyer said his client was released from prison after Trump formally pardoned him on Monday evening. Axios reported that Trump's pardon came hours after ally Roger Stone, who had called for the pardon in multiple posts, reached out to the president to lobby for the move.
• Trump pardons entertainment executive indicted by DOJ for bid-rigging conspiracy — Donald Trump issued a full and unconditional pardon on Tuesday for Tim Leiweke, co-founder of Oak View Group, who had been indicted by the Trump administration's own Justice Department in July 2025 on charges of orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process for an arena at a public university in Austin, Texas. Leiweke had pleaded not guilty and was scheduled to stand trial in 2026. The pardon was posted to the DOJ website on Wednesday with no explanation provided.
• Trump pardons ex-Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández from 45-year drug trafficking sentence — Donald Trump pardoned former Honduran president Juan Orlando Hernández on December 5, 2025, commuting a 45-year federal sentence for drug trafficking and weapons charges. Hernández had been convicted in March 2024 after a three-week trial in which prosecutors proved he accepted $1 million from cartel kingpin Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and allowed Honduras to serve as a cocaine trafficking corridor. The pardon occurred while Trump was simultaneously waging a "war on drugs" with military operations in the Pacific and Caribbean, and amid Trump's interference in Honduras's presidential election endorsing Hernández's political ally.