Trump Action Archive

A searchable record of documented actions, compiled weekly from public sources.

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Filtering Attack target: Immigrants & Refugees × Trait: Data and algorithms are used to manipulate, not serve, the public × Clear all ☆ Save this search
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Jan 20, 2026 White House posted a digitally altered image of an arrested protester to make her appear crying Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation

Analysis found the administration published a manipulated photograph darkening the subject's skin and fabricating tears, using state channels to spread disinformation about a criminal defendant.

Independently corroborated by4 independent news desks
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone

Supporting reports

  • White House posted AI-altered image of arrested protester — The White House posted an image of arrested protester Nekima Levy-Armstrong on social media following her arrest. The image was altered using artificial intelligence to show her crying hysterically, whereas the original photograph from the scene showed her appearing defiant. The discrepancy was quickly noticed by observers.
  • White House posted AI-generated images of arrested Minneapolis protesters — The White House posted what appear to be AI-generated images connected to ongoing arrests of protesters in Minneapolis, including an AI-altered image depicting a protest organizer with tears streaming down her face. The original image shows no such thing. This represents a deeply unethical abuse of federal government power, effectively manufacturing visual narratives to intimidate, discredit, or prejudice individuals before they have had their day in court.
  • White House posts digitally altered image of arrested activist on social media — The White House posted a digitally altered photograph of activist Nekima Levy Armstrong on social media, manipulating the image to falsely portray her as crying and darkening her skin. The caption falsely described her as an "arrested far-left agitator" who "orchestrated church riots." The deception was uncovered by the Guardian and other news outlets after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had posted the original, unaltered image showing Armstrong composed and dignified.
  • White House posts digitally altered image of arrested protester — The White House posted a digitally altered photograph of Nekima Levy Armstrong, arrested during an ICE protest disruption in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 23, 2026. The altered image depicted her crying, whereas the original showed her composed. Guardian analysis confirmed the images were identical except for digital manipulation of her facial expression and apparent skin tone. The White House did not deny the alteration when questioned, instead responding with a statement defending law enforcement.
  • White House posts doctored photo of arrested Minneapolis activist — The White House posted a digitally altered photograph of Nekima Levy Armstrong, a Black woman arrested during a protest at a Minneapolis church on January 23, 2026. The image darkened her skin tone and added tears to her face. Armstrong is one of three people arrested in connection with the disruptive protest. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had posted unaltered images of the other two defendants, but only Armstrong's image was manipulated by the White House. Legal experts say the act may be raised in court but is unlikely to derail the case entirely.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record Week 53 – 2026-01-17–2026-01-23 wk53_IM_008
Jun 21, 2025 Todd Lyons and DHS cited unverified statistics claiming a 413-500% increase in assaults on ICE officers to justify masked, unidentified agents Tier 1 · Primary Information, Memory and Manipulation

Using unsubstantiated data to justify expanded enforcement tactics conflates threats with actual violence and misleads the public about enforcement necessity.

Primary sourceA record that carries the claim alone
Independently corroborated by1 independent news desk
Supporting reportingSurfacings — do not carry alone

Supporting reports

  • ICE Director Claims Increased Assaults Against Officers — Todd Lyons, acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, justified the use of plainclothes, unidentified agents by citing a 413% increase in assaults against ICE officers. Philip Bump of the Washington Post investigated the claim and found ICE conflated "threatening to assault" with actual assault, avoided disclosing absolute numbers, and refused to provide evidence. Bump concluded ICE's representations should not be taken at face value. The Department of Homeland Security subsequently posted on social media claiming a 500% increase in assaults.
  • Department of Homeland Security Attributes ICE Officer Assaults to Democratic Opposition — After Philip Bump's Washington Post article questioned ICE's assault statistics, the Department of Homeland Security posted on social media claiming a 500% increase in assaults and stating: "Make no mistake, sanctuary politicians are contributing to the surge in assaults of our ICE officers through their repeated vilification and demonization of ICE." The statement blamed Democratic legislators for violence against ICE officers.
  • ICE Director Lyons defended masked agents and claimed doxxing threat — ICE Director Todd Lyons was asked on Newsmax about calls from Democrats for ICE agents to stop wearing masks. Lyons stated that ICE agents did not have to wear masks before or after January 20, that he personally does not want officers wearing masks because it is hot and dangerous, but that ICE agents are being doxxed at a horrible rate. The bulletin notes that there have not been any incidents of anyone going to the homes of ICE agents and threatening them or their families.
Verified: Tier 1 primary record Week 23 – 2025-06-21–2025-06-27 wk23_IM_001