Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• ABC News pays Trump to settle defamation lawsuit — ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million to Donald Trump to settle a defamation lawsuit. The lawsuit was over inaccurate comments made by anchor George Stephanopoulos, claiming Trump had been found civilly liable for rape. This settlement is part of a series of legal actions by Trump against media organizations, which may deter critical reporting.
• CBS News parent Paramount settles claim with Trump — Paramount, the parent company of CBS News, is in talks to settle a $10 billion claim with Donald Trump. The claim alleges deceptive editing of a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. This settlement follows other media companies making payments to Trump, indicating a trend of media entities seeking to avoid conflict with the administration. The settlement has reportedly caused unrest within the CBS newsroom.
• Meta settles censorship claim with Trump — Meta has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a First Amendment protections claim with Donald Trump. The claim was related to "impermissible censorship" when Trump was banned from Facebook and Instagram in 2021. A significant portion of the settlement will be donated to Trump's presidential library. This settlement reflects ongoing tensions between social media platforms and political figures.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration investigates NPR and PBS sponsorship — Brendan Carr, the new federal communications chair under President Trump, has ordered an investigation into the sponsorship practices of NPR and PBS member stations. These media networks have been criticized by conservatives for having a liberal bias. The investigation reflects Trump's ongoing focus on media entities he perceives as adversarial. This move is part of a broader pattern of actions by the Trump administration to influence media coverage and control narratives.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon implements media rotation program — The Pentagon has announced a new "annual media rotation program" that will replace traditional media outlets with non-traditional ones in its press spaces. The New York Times, NPR, NBC, and Politico will be replaced by the New York Post, Breitbart, One America News Network, and HuffPost, respectively. This change, set to take effect on February 14, aims to broaden access to the Pentagon's Correspondents' Corridor. The move has been criticized by affected outlets as impeding access and not serving the public interest.
• Pentagon informs press corps of media rotation — The Pentagon informed its resident press corps that NBC, NPR, the New York Times, and Politico would have to rotate out to give seats to the New York Post, Breitbart, OANN, and HuffPost. This decision could affect media access and the diversity of press coverage at the Pentagon.

Supporting reports

• White House blocks Associated Press from press pool over terminology dispute — In February 2025, the White House blocked the Associated Press from the press pool after the news agency refused to adopt Trump's preferred terminology of "Gulf of America" instead of the longstanding "Gulf of Mexico" in its reporting. The exclusion represents retaliation for editorial independence.
• White House removes Associated Press journalists from press pool for terminology dispute — In February 2025, White House officials removed Associated Press (AP) journalists from the press pool in retaliation for the AP's continued use of "Gulf of Mexico" instead of Trump's preferred term "Gulf of America." Although a federal judge ruled in April that the removal violated the AP's First Amendment rights and ordered restoration of access, the Trump administration continued to limit AP access, excluding them from Air Force One during a Middle East trip and announcing it would no longer reserve a regular press pool slot for the AP and other independent newswires.

Supporting reports

• Purdue Exponent removes names and images of student protesters from website — In February 2025, Purdue Exponent removed the names and images of student protesters advocating for Palestinian human rights from its website, citing safety concerns and the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics. The paper announced the removal in an editorial stating "Pro-Palestinian students are under attack, so we're removing their names." The decision generated significant controversy, with the editor receiving over 7,000 emails, including death threats.

Supporting reports

• Washington Post kills Harris endorsement op-eds and restructures opinion section — In the weeks before the 2024 election, Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos killed op-eds at the paper endorsing Kamala Harris. After Trump's reelection, the Post announced it was revamping its opinion page to include only viewpoints supporting "personal liberties and free markets," with other viewpoints to be published elsewhere. Bezos stated in a note to staff that the paper would cover other topics but would exclude opinions opposing those pillars. The change led to a drop in subscriptions and the departure of the Post's top opinion editor.

Supporting reports

• Federal agencies stopped collecting and publishing data on immigration, workforce, climate, and other topics — The Washington Post reported that the Trump administration has ceased collection and publication of data across multiple federal agencies. The Department of Homeland Security stopped issuing monthly immigration statistics reports in February. The administration did not deliver the legally required annual report on the federal workforce. Dozens of climate change reports and data collections have been removed from government websites. The Education Department omitted key data from its required annual education report. Ongoing surveys have been dropped, including the Agricultural Labor Survey, the Drug Abuse Warning Network, and a household survey on hunger. Climate scientist Daniel Swain stated that "the complete and total collapse" of federal agency credibility has occurred in recent months.

Supporting reports

• Musk offers federal workers pay to resign — Elon Musk offered all 2 million federal workers eight months' pay if they resign, a move that has been criticized as potentially illegal and disruptive. The offer has raised concerns about the impact on government operations and the potential loss of experienced personnel.
• Treasury Secretary grants Musk access to payment systems — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent approved access to the Treasury's payments system for Elon Musk's team, following the administrative leave and subsequent retirement of Acting Secretary David Lebryk, who had refused the access. The payments system controls disbursement of over $6 trillion annually, and the decision to grant access to Musk's team has raised concerns about political influence and security.
• Attempt to Access Payment Systems — Elon Musk's team forced the resignation of David A. Lebryk, the highest-ranking career official at the Treasury Department, amid concerns that Musk's associates sought access to the U.S. government's payment systems. This access could allow for politically motivated interference in federal payments.
• Musk's team takes control of Treasury payment system — Elon Musk's team gained control of the Treasury's payment system, which manages approximately $6 trillion annually, allowing them access to sensitive financial information of Americans and businesses. This takeover was facilitated by the Trump administration, which placed two USAID security officials on leave when they attempted to prevent Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing classified information. The implications of this action raise significant concerns about the security and integrity of U.S. government operations.
• Elon Musk gains access to US Treasury payment system — Elon Musk has reportedly gained access to the US Treasury payment system, which is responsible for funding government operations. This access has raised concerns about bypassing traditional government oversight, as Musk is neither a federal employee nor appointed by the President. The situation has been described as a potential coup, with Musk and his team allegedly circumventing Congress and the executive branch. This development has sparked significant public outcry and calls for action to prevent further unauthorized control over government functions.
• Musk's Team Takes Control of U.S. Treasury Payment Systems — Elon Musk's team, operating under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has taken control of the U.S. Treasury payment systems, which manage approximately $6 trillion in annual transactions. This action allows them access to sensitive personal information and enables Musk to cancel transactions he deems wasteful, including the IRS Direct File system that allowed free online tax filing. This move raises concerns about the legality and security of government operations.
• Musk's team takes control of U.S. Treasury systems — Elon Musk's team, operating under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has taken control of the U.S. Treasury payment systems, which manage approximately $6 trillion in annual transactions. This action allows them access to sensitive personal information and enables Musk to cancel transactions he deems wasteful, including the IRS Direct File system. This move raises significant concerns about the security and integrity of government operations.
• Musk's DOGE given access to federal payment systems — Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been granted access to federal payment systems, allowing them to review government payments for waste. Although their access is described as "read only," this move is highly irregular and raises concerns about data privacy and the influence of private entities on government operations.
• Treasury grants Musk's team access to payment systems — The U.S. Department of the Treasury granted Elon Musk's team "read-only" access to coded data of the government's payment systems, which handle transactions such as social security payments and tax refunds. This access has sparked protests and concerns among Democratic lawmakers and the public about the potential misuse of sensitive financial data. Treasury officials assured that the system remains robust and effective, with no valid payment requests rejected, but the decision has been met with skepticism and fear of data exploitation.
• Elon Musk seizes control of US Treasury — Elon Musk, a private citizen, has reportedly seized control of the US Treasury, leading to significant financial disruptions. This action has resulted in the loss of funds for organizations such as the Haw River Assembly and World Relief, affecting grants and refugee resettlement money. The seizure is part of broader concerns about the potential confirmation of Russell Vought to the Office of Management and Budget, who is expected to support such actions if confirmed.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders USDA to remove climate crisis websites — The Trump administration ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to take down websites documenting or referencing the climate crisis. This directive affected several sites, including the United States Forest Service's Climate Change Resource Center, which provided resources and research on climate adaptation. The USDA instructed its website managers to archive or unpublish these pages, with a deadline to list mentions for further review. This move is part of broader executive orders reshaping federal policies on climate change and environmental protections.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order on America's 250th Birthday — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14189 to establish the White House Task Force on Celebrating America's 250th Birthday. The task force will plan and execute celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American Independence on July 4, 2026. The order reinstates previous executive orders related to monuments and the National Garden of American Heroes, emphasizing protection against vandalism and expanding the list of honored figures.
• Executive Order on K-12 Education Policy — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14190, titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling," on January 29, 2025. The order aims to eliminate federal funding for K-12 education programs that promote gender ideology and discriminatory equity ideology. It also reestablishes the President's Advisory 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. The order mandates the development of an "Ending Indoctrination Strategy" by the Secretaries of Education, Defense, and Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Attorney General, to ensure compliance with federal laws protecting parental rights and prohibiting discrimination.
• Trump issues executive order to end "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schools — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 29, 2025, aimed at ending what he describes as "radical indoctrination" in K-12 schooling. The order directs federal agencies to develop strategies to eliminate federal funding for educational practices deemed illegal or discriminatory, particularly those related to gender ideology and equity ideology. It also reestablishes the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education. The order emphasizes protecting parental rights and enforcing compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws in education.
• White House signed executive order on K-12 education framing certain curricula and policies as "radical indoctrination" — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ending Radical Indoctrination in K-12 Schooling" directing federal agencies to develop a strategy within 90 days to eliminate federal funding for what the order characterizes as "gender ideology" and "discriminatory equity ideology" in K-12 schools. The order defines these terms broadly to encompass curricula addressing race, sex, and gender identity. It directs the Secretary of Education to reestablish the 1776 Commission to promote "patriotic education" and instructs the Attorney General to coordinate with state and local prosecutors to enforce laws against school officials. The order asserts that certain school practices violate Title VI, Title IX, FERPA, and the PPRA.
• Trump signs executive order on critical race theory and gender ideology — President Trump signed an executive order threatening to cut federal funding from schools that teach critical race theory or gender ideology. This order could impact educational content and restrict academic freedom in schools across the country.

Supporting reports

• Trump falsely claims military action in California — President Trump falsely claimed that he ordered the military into California to turn on water supplies. The California Department of Water Resources clarified that the federal government had merely restarted water pumps after maintenance, and the Pentagon confirmed no military deployment occurred. This false statement has been criticized for misleading the public and undermining trust in government communications.

Supporting reports

• Declassification of Assassination Records Ordered — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14176, mandating the declassification and release of all federal records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The order requires the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to present plans for the full release of these records within specified timeframes. This action aims to enhance transparency and fulfill public interest in these historical events.
• Trump orders release of classified JFK assassination files — President Donald Trump signed an executive order to release thousands of classified documents related to the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy. The order also aims to declassify records concerning the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. This move fulfills a campaign promise and directs the director of national intelligence and the attorney general to develop a declassification plan within 15 days for JFK records and 45 days for the others. The release date for these documents remains unspecified.
• Trump orders declassification of assassination records — President Donald Trump issued an executive order mandating the declassification and release of all federal records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The order requires the Director of National Intelligence and the Attorney General to present plans for the full release of these records within specified timeframes. This action aims to provide transparency and truth to the American public and the families of the assassinated figures.
• President Trump signed executive order directing declassification of JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination records — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed an executive order on declassification of assassination records. The order directs the Director of National Intelligence to present a plan within 15 days for full release of JFK assassination records, and to review and present a plan within 45 days for RFK and MLK assassination records. The fact sheet states the order finds continued withholding is not in the public interest and long overdue.
• Trump signed executive order directing declassification of JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination records — President Trump signed an executive order on January 23, 2025, directing the declassification and release of federal records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The order states that more than 50 years after these events, the federal government has not released all related records, and that families and the American people "deserve transparency and truth." The Director of National Intelligence and Attorney General are directed to present a plan for full release of JFK records within 15 days and RFK/MLK records within 45 days.

Supporting reports

• FCC reinstates Trump campaign complaints — On January 22, 2025, the new FCC Chair Brendan Carr reinstated Trump campaign complaints against ABC, NBC, and CBS alleging election bias. This action is part of a broader effort to challenge media coverage critical of the Trump administration and raises concerns about the independence of the FCC and press freedom.

Supporting reports

• Trump calls for MSNBC license revocation — On January 22, 2025, President Trump called for MSNBC to lose its broadcasting license on Truth Social. This call is part of a broader pattern of attacks on media outlets critical of his administration and raises concerns about press freedom and the use of government power to silence dissent.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders communications blackout for health agencies — The Trump Administration has ordered a communications blackout for national health agencies, pausing all external communications, including health advisories and scientific reports. This move restricts the flow of public health information and transparency.
• Trump instructs health agencies to pause communications — President Trump instructed all federal health agencies on January 21, 2025, to pause external communications, including scientific reports, updates to websites, health advisories, and social media posts. This directive has raised concerns about transparency and the public's access to critical health information.
• US health agencies face travel and funding restrictions — The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has imposed significant restrictions on its agencies, including a ban on nearly all travel and a halt on issuing new contracts and grants. These measures, announced internally, also include indefinite halts on external communications and the review and approval of new medical research. The restrictions affect agencies such as the CDC and FDA, impacting their ability to respond to health outbreaks and conduct research. The changes are part of a broader shift in the second Trump administration's approach to federal health agencies.
• Trump administration pauses HHS communications and cancels meetings — The Trump administration has paused public communications and canceled scientific meetings within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) following the president's inauguration. This pause affects regulations, guidance, announcements, press releases, social media posts, and website posts, which now require approval by a political appointee. The pause is intended to allow the new administration to establish a process for review and prioritization. Additionally, the administration has not appointed an acting head of the CDC, creating a leadership vacuum at the agency.
• Trump halts health advisories from federal agencies — Trump directed the Department of Health and Human Services, including the CDC and FDA, to stop issuing health advisories, scientific reports, and updates on their websites and social media. This directive affects the dissemination of critical public health information.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration eliminated "X" gender marker on federal passports and denied or revoked requests to update gender markers — Within days of returning to office on January 20, 2025, the Trump administration reversed Biden-era protections for transgender Americans by eliminating the "X" gender marker on passports that had been introduced in 2022. Requests to update gender markers were returned with instructions to "correct" them back to birth sex. Some applicants reported their passports were seized and never reissued. The Supreme Court allowed the administration to continue enforcing these rules while litigation proceeds, leaving trans people unable to obtain identification documents that reflect their identity.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14168 eliminating gender markers from federal recognition and banning trans military service. — On his first day back in office, President Trump signed Executive Order 14168 titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government." Over the subsequent ten months, the order resulted in elimination of passport gender markers, ban on trans military service with reinstatement of discharge codes, threats to youth healthcare funding, closure of the 988 LGBTQ+ Youth Lifeline (which had served 1.3 million youth), transfer of trans women to men's prisons, removal of federal data on trans Americans from government websites, removal of shelter protections, and deletion of LGBTQ health pages from federal sites.
• Executive Order on Gender Definitions and Policies — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14168, mandating federal agencies to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, and rescinding previous orders that supported gender identity recognition. The order directs agencies to enforce sex-based distinctions in federal policies and documents, and prohibits federal funding for gender ideology. It also requires changes to identification documents and agency policies to reflect these definitions.
• Trump issues executive order on gender and fetal personhood — Donald Trump issued an executive order that defines gender based on biological sex at conception, incorporating language that aligns with the concept of fetal personhood. This doctrine, advocated by the anti-abortion movement, suggests that life begins at conception, granting embryos and fetuses full legal rights. The order's language has raised concerns among abortion rights supporters, as it could potentially lead to nationwide abortion bans and criminalization of the procedure. The order was issued shortly after Trump took office, signaling a possible shift in federal policy regarding reproductive rights.
• Trump issues executive order on passport sex markers — On January 20, 2025, Trump issued an executive order overturning a 33-year State Department policy allowing transgender individuals to change sex markers on passports. The order declared that "It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female," defined as "an individual's immutable biological classification" assigned "at conception." The order characterized transgender identity as "false" and "corrosive" to the country.
• Trump issues executive order on gender ideology — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government." The order mandates federal agencies to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, and to enforce sex-based rights and protections accordingly. It directs agencies to revise policies, documents, and communications to reflect this definition and prohibits the use of federal funds to promote gender ideology. The order also rescinds previous executive orders related to gender identity and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• White House issued executive order redefining sex and gender in federal policy and rescinding prior LGBTQ+ protections — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing federal policy that recognizes only two sexes (male and female) as immutable biological categories and directs all federal agencies to enforce this definition across law, policy, and identification documents. The order directs the Attorney General to reinterpret the Supreme Court's Bostock decision, rescind prior guidance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, remove gender-identity-affirming materials from federal programs, prohibit federal funding for gender-affirming care in prisons, and enforce sex-based distinctions in detention facilities and shelters. It explicitly rescinds five prior executive orders and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• Trump administration issued new federal prison guidance transferring transgender women to men's prisons and authorizing male guards to conduct pat-down searches — New federal guidance issued by the Trump administration reshaped the federal prison system by directing the transfer of transgender women into men's prisons regardless of their safety or medical needs. Male guards were authorized to conduct pat-down searches on trans women, a practice condemned by advocates and medical professionals. Those who reported threats were placed in solitary confinement labeled as "protective custody," despite isolation being known to cause psychological harm. Federal court filings describe some trans women as being at "imminent risk" of assault.
• Trump administration issued directives removing LGBTQ and race-related books from federal military-base schools — The Trump administration issued directives around "gender ideology" that reshaped education in federal military-base schools. Administrators removed hundreds of LGBTQ- and race-related books from shelves. A federal judge ordered the books restored after legal challenge. Teacher unions warned that educators now face legal and administrative risks for using a student's correct name or pronouns. Federal guidance discouraged any support for social transition, even when recommended by medical professionals.
• Trump administration issued Executive Order 14168 directing federal agencies to delete LGBTQ health pages, suicide-risk data, and trans-related terminology from government records — Executive Order 14168, signed January 20, 2025, directed federal agencies to delete LGBTQ health pages, suicide-risk data, trans-related terminology, public health guidance, federal surveys, workforce protections, and research pages from government systems. Almost overnight, web pages went dark and guidance documents disappeared. Datasets that once helped hospitals, schools, and researchers understand risk and allocate resources became inaccessible. Some pages were restored only after lawsuits forced agencies to comply with transparency requirements.
• Trump creates policy recognizing only two genders — President Donald Trump signed an executive order removing "gender ideology guidance" from federal government communication, policies, and forms. The order establishes a policy recognizing only two genders, male and female, reversing a Biden-era action on gender identity acceptance.
• White House initiates Foreign Terrorist Organization designation process for Ansar Allah (Houthis) — President Trump signed a presidential action on January 22, 2025, directing the Secretary of State to initiate a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) designation process for Ansar Allah (the Houthis) within 30 days, followed by formal designation within 15 days thereafter. The order cites Houthi attacks on U.S. Navy vessels, civilian infrastructure in the Middle East, commercial shipping in the Red Sea, and Israeli targets. It directs the State Department to consult with intelligence and Treasury officials, and mandates USAID to review and terminate relationships with entities that have made payments to or are controlled by Ansar Allah or have criticized counter-Houthi efforts.

Supporting reports

• CBPOne asylum appointment system canceled by Trump administration — On January 20, 2025, hours after Trump's inauguration, the Trump administration canceled the CBPOne mobile application system that had allowed asylum seekers to request legal appointments to apply for refuge at the US-Mexico border. The system, created during the Biden administration, was a legal mechanism for rationing asylum appointments. Its cancellation left asylum seekers with scheduled appointments—including Alexander's family with a February 2 appointment in Calexico, California—without recourse.
• Trump administration cancels 30,000 CBPOne asylum appointments via executive order — On 20 January 2025, President Trump signed an executive order cancelling all scheduled CBPOne appointments for asylum seekers, affecting approximately 30,000 migrants who had been granted prized appointments to enter the US legally from Mexico. The order abruptly closed the border for those planning to seek asylum through official channels. Families like a Salvadoran household were turned back at the international bridge; many have since dispersed across Mexico, entered unlawfully, or given up on seeking US asylum.
• Trump administration plans to cancel CBP One app — The Trump administration plans to cancel the CBP One app, which migrants in Mexico use to arrange US asylum appointments. This move is part of a broader set of immigration policy changes that include reviving the Remain in Mexico policy and Title 42. These changes are expected to increase the number of migrants in Mexico's border cities, potentially overwhelming local resources and increasing the risk of exploitation by criminal groups.
• Trump administration shuts down CBP One app and reclassifies legal immigrants as illegal — The Trump administration shut down the CBP One mobile app on the first day of Trump's second term in January 2025, eliminating the scheduling and pre-screening tool that allowed immigrants to request legal entry appointments. The app was then repurposed as a tool for requesting removal from the U.S. The administration has begun reclassifying many people who entered the U.S. legally via the app as suddenly illegal, affecting their immigration status retroactively.
• Trump administration terminates CBP One asylum app and deploys troops to southern border — Hours after Trump's second inauguration, the administration signed a national emergency order allowing additional US troops at the southern border and terminated the CBP One mobile app, which had permitted tens of thousands of people in Mexico to cross legally and apply for asylum. The action reversed Biden-era policy and contributed to a dramatic drop in border crossings in the Del Rio sector from over 2,300 daily in December 2023 to an average of 30 by September 2025.
• Trump cancels CBP One app — On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration abruptly canceled the CBP One app, which was used by asylum seekers to schedule appointments at the US-Mexico border. This action resulted in the cancellation of approximately 30,000 scheduled appointments, leaving hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers in limbo. The app had been a critical tool for managing asylum requests, allowing limited daily appointments and reducing congestion at the border. The cancellation has caused significant distress among asylum seekers and may lead to increased attempts to cross the border illegally.
• Trump disables CBP One app for migrants — On the day of his inauguration, President Trump disabled the CBP One phone app's appointment system, which allowed prospective migrants and asylum seekers to schedule appointments with U.S. authorities for legal entry. This action affected approximately 270,000 people trying to apply and canceled existing appointments for about 30,000 individuals, many of whom had waited in dangerous conditions in Mexico. This move effectively closed a legal pathway for migrants and asylum seekers to enter the United States.
• Trump administration deports Russian asylum-seeking family to Costa Rica without asylum hearing — The Trump administration canceled an asylum appointment for a Russian family (Alexander, his wife, and son) scheduled for February 2, 2025, after Trump's January 20 inauguration. When the family presented themselves at the US-Mexico border, they were arrested, detained for one month, then forcibly deported via military aircraft to Costa Rica—a country they had no connection to—as part of a third-country deportation deal. The family was subsequently detained in Costa Rica for two months in poor conditions before being released following a June 2025 Costa Rican constitutional court ruling that their rights had been violated.
• Trump cancels asylum appointment system — On January 20, 2025, the Trump administration canceled the CBP One app, an online system that allowed asylum seekers to schedule appointments with border agents. This cancellation left many asylum seekers stranded and without access to the process.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration issued Executive Order 14168 directing federal agencies to delete LGBTQ health pages, suicide-risk data, and trans-related terminology from government records — Executive Order 14168, signed January 20, 2025, directed federal agencies to delete LGBTQ health pages, suicide-risk data, trans-related terminology, public health guidance, federal surveys, workforce protections, and research pages from government systems. Almost overnight, web pages went dark and guidance documents disappeared. Datasets that once helped hospitals, schools, and researchers understand risk and allocate resources became inaccessible. Some pages were restored only after lawsuits forced agencies to comply with transparency requirements.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration issued directives removing LGBTQ and race-related books from federal military-base schools — The Trump administration issued directives around "gender ideology" that reshaped education in federal military-base schools. Administrators removed hundreds of LGBTQ- and race-related books from shelves. A federal judge ordered the books restored after legal challenge. Teacher unions warned that educators now face legal and administrative risks for using a student's correct name or pronouns. Federal guidance discouraged any support for social transition, even when recommended by medical professionals.

Supporting reports

• America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14150, directing the Secretary of State to align the Department of State's policies and operations with an "America First" foreign policy. This directive emphasizes prioritizing American interests in foreign policy decisions. The order specifies that it should not affect existing legal authorities or create enforceable rights against the U.S. government.
• Establishment of the Department of Government Efficiency — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14158, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency to modernize federal technology and software. The order renames the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service and creates a temporary organization to advance the President's 18-month DOGE agenda. The initiative aims to improve government-wide software, network infrastructure, and IT systems, promoting interoperability and data integrity.
• Executive Order 14154 Revokes Climate and Energy Regulations — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14154, titled "Unleashing American Energy," which revokes multiple previous executive orders related to climate and energy policies. The order aims to promote energy exploration and production on federal lands, eliminate the electric vehicle mandate, and streamline the permitting process for energy projects. It also disbands the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases and terminates the American Climate Corps.
• Executive Order Designating Cartels as Terrorist Organizations — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14157, designating certain international cartels and organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This order aims to address the national security threat posed by these entities, which are involved in violence and illegal activities across the U.S. southern border. The order mandates the Secretary of State, in consultation with other federal officials, to recommend designations under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
• Executive Order Ending DEI Programs — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14151 on January 20, 2025, directing the termination of all federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The order mandates the Office of Management and Budget, along with other federal agencies, to eliminate DEI-related positions, programs, and policies within 60 days. The order aims to align federal employment practices with a policy of equal dignity and respect, excluding DEI considerations.
• Executive Order on Federal Hiring Reform — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14170 on January 20, 2025, reforming the federal hiring process to emphasize merit and efficiency. The order mandates a Federal Hiring Plan to recruit highly skilled individuals committed to American ideals, while preventing hiring based on race, sex, or religion. It aims to reduce hiring time, improve candidate communication, and integrate modern technology in recruitment. The Office of Personnel Management will establish performance metrics and consult with stakeholders to ensure reform success.
• Executive Order on Free Speech and Censorship — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14149 on January 20, 2025, aimed at restoring freedom of speech and ending federal censorship. The order prohibits federal entities from engaging in activities that abridge free speech and mandates an investigation into past government censorship. The Attorney General is tasked with reporting findings and recommending remedial actions. This order emphasizes the protection of constitutionally protected speech and seeks to correct past misconduct related to censorship.
• Executive Order on Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14172, directing the reinstatement of the name "Mount McKinley" and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The order mandates the Secretary of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System and work with relevant entities to implement these changes. The order aims to honor American heritage and contributions by renaming national landmarks.
• Executive Order Restores Accountability in Federal Workforce — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14171, reinstating Executive Order 13957, which creates Schedule F in the excepted service. This order aims to enhance accountability for policy-influencing positions within the federal workforce by allowing easier removal of employees for poor performance or misconduct. It revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected federal workforce rights, and mandates amendments to civil service regulations to align with the reinstated policies.
• Executive Order to Develop Alaska's Resources — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14153 on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to maximize the development of Alaska's natural resources. The order mandates rescinding restrictions on resource development, expediting permits, and prioritizing liquefied natural gas projects. It aims to enhance economic and national security by utilizing Alaska's energy, mineral, timber, and seafood resources. The order also calls for reviewing and potentially reversing previous regulations that hinder resource development in Alaska.
• Executive Order to End Federal Weaponization — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14147 on January 20, 2025, directing the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to review past federal enforcement and intelligence activities for misconduct. The order aims to address alleged weaponization of federal agencies against political opponents by the previous administration. Reports with recommendations for remedial actions are to be submitted to the President.
• President Trump rescinds multiple executive orders — President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14148, revoking numerous executive orders from the previous administration. These include orders related to racial equity, COVID-19 response, climate change, and immigration policies. The revocations aim to reverse policies deemed harmful and restore what the administration describes as common sense to federal governance. The order mandates agency heads to cease implementation of the revoked orders and requires reviews of related actions for potential rescission or amendment.
• Presidential memorandum issued to resolve security clearance backlog — President issued a memorandum to address the backlog of security clearances for Executive Office of the President personnel. The White House Counsel is directed to grant interim Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information clearances for up to six months to affected personnel, allowing them access to necessary facilities and technology.
• Presidential memorandum mandates return to in-person work — President issued a memorandum directing heads of executive departments and agencies to end remote work arrangements and require employees to return to in-person work at their duty stations. Exemptions may be made as necessary by department and agency heads. The memorandum is to be implemented in accordance with applicable law.
• Presidential Memorandum on Accountability for Senior Executives — President issued a memorandum to enhance accountability among Career Senior Executive Service (SES) officials. The directive mandates the Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget to issue SES Performance Plans. Agency heads are instructed to reassess and realign SES members, reconstitute Executive Resources Boards, and enforce performance evaluations. The memorandum emphasizes the President's authority to remove SES officials who fail to meet performance standards or violate duties.
• Presidential memorandum on America First Trade Policy — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum establishing the America First Trade Policy. This policy directs various departments to investigate trade deficits, unfair trade practices, and currency manipulation. It also mandates reviews of trade agreements, including the USMCA, and assesses economic relations with China. The memorandum aims to enhance national security and benefit American workers and businesses by recommending tariffs and other measures.
• Presidential memorandum on emergency price relief — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum directing executive departments and agencies to deliver emergency price relief to American families. The memorandum aims to lower housing costs, reduce healthcare expenses, and eliminate climate policies that increase food and fuel costs. The Assistant to the President for Economic Policy is tasked with reporting on the implementation status within 30 days and every 30 days thereafter.
• Presidential Memorandum on Federal Civic Architecture — President issued a memorandum directing the General Services Administration (GSA) to propose recommendations for ensuring federal buildings reflect civic identity and classical architectural heritage. The GSA must consult with relevant officials and submit recommendations within 60 days. The memorandum emphasizes community input and potential revisions to architectural guidelines.
• Presidential Memorandum on Hiring Freeze — President issued a memorandum ordering a freeze on hiring Federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective January 20, 2025. The freeze excludes military personnel and positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety. The Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with other agencies, is tasked with developing a plan to reduce the workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition within 90 days. The memorandum remains in effect for the IRS until further notice.
• Presidential memorandum to redirect water in California — The President issued a memorandum directing the Secretaries of Commerce and the Interior to restart efforts to redirect water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to Southern California. This action aims to address water shortages exacerbated by recent wildfires. The memorandum requires a progress report within 90 days on the implementation of these policies.
• Presidential Proclamation on Flag Display for Inauguration Day — President issued a proclamation mandating that the U.S. flag be flown at full-staff on Inauguration Day at all federal buildings, military posts, and U.S. facilities worldwide. This order applies to all future Inauguration Days, honoring the significance of the event. The flag will return to half-staff after Inauguration Day in memory of former President Carter, as previously directed.
• Regulatory Freeze Pending Review — The Executive Office of the President issued a memorandum ordering a regulatory freeze pending review. This directive requires all executive departments and agencies to halt proposing or issuing new rules until reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed by the President. The memorandum also mandates the withdrawal of rules sent to the Office of the Federal Register but not yet published, and considers postponing the effective date of published rules for 60 days for further review. The Office of Management and Budget Director is tasked with overseeing the implementation of this memorandum.
• Trump rescinds 78 Biden-era orders — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed an executive order rescinding 78 orders and actions from the Biden administration. This sweeping action was part of Trump's first day in office, aimed at reversing policies related to the cost of living, censorship, and what he described as the "weaponisation of the government against the adversaries of the previous administration." The rescission of these orders marks a significant shift in policy direction.
• Trump signed 92 executive orders in 2025 — In the first 100 days of his presidency in 2025, Donald Trump signed 92 executive orders, marking the highest number of executive orders signed by a president in this timeframe for decades. These orders covered a wide range of policy areas, including civil service, immigration, education, health, taxes, tariffs, aid, and foreign policy. The rapid pace and breadth of these orders indicate a significant shift in U.S. policy under Trump's administration.
• Trump signs executive orders — On January 20, 2025, President Trump signed several executive orders during a public event, including one that withdrew the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement. These orders were characterized as retaliatory actions against perceived wrongs and were met with approval from his supporters.
• America First Policy Directive To The Secretary Of State — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "America First Policy Directive To The Secretary Of State." This directive mandates the Secretary of State to align the Department of State's policies, programs, personnel, and operations with an "America First" foreign policy. The order emphasizes prioritizing American interests in foreign policy decisions. It is one of 26 executive orders issued by Trump on his first day in office during his second term.
• Executive Order Reforming Federal Hiring Process — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order establishing the "Department of Government Efficiency" (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and software, aiming to enhance governmental efficiency and productivity. The order reorganizes the United States Digital Service into the United States DOGE Service, which will operate within the Executive Office of the President. It mandates the creation of DOGE Teams in each federal agency to implement the DOGE agenda, focusing on software modernization and data interoperability. The initiative includes a temporary organization to advance the agenda, set to terminate on July 4, 2026.
• Executive Order: Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at reforming the federal hiring process to emphasize merit and efficiency. The order mandates the development of a Federal Hiring Plan within 120 days, focusing on recruiting highly skilled individuals committed to American ideals and the Constitution. It prohibits hiring based on race, sex, or religion and seeks to reduce the time-to-hire to under 80 days. The plan also includes modernizing recruitment technology and improving communication with candidates.
• Trump designates cartels as terrorist organizations — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness." This order directs the reinstatement of the name "Mount McKinley" for North America's highest peak, reversing a 2015 decision by the Obama administration. It also mandates the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The order requires the Secretary of the Interior to update the Geographic Names Information System and work with relevant entities to implement these changes. The order aims to honor American historical figures and promote national heritage.
• Trump ends federal DEI programs — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order designating certain international cartels and other organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. This order aims to address the national security threat posed by these groups, which are involved in activities such as drug trafficking and violence across the U.S. southern border. The order mandates the Secretary of State, in consultation with other federal officials, to recommend designations under the Immigration and Nationality Act and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The order also declares a national emergency to address these threats.
• Trump issues executive order on federal workforce accountability — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, to terminate all federal programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The order directs the Office of Management and Budget, the Attorney General, and the Office of Personnel Management to coordinate the cessation of DEI programs across federal agencies. It mandates the termination of DEI offices, positions, and related initiatives, and requires agencies to report on DEI-related expenditures and positions. The order aims to eliminate what it describes as discriminatory practices and restore a focus on merit-based employment.
• Trump issues executive order on gender ideology — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce." This order reinstates and amends Executive Order 13957, originally issued in 2020, which created Schedule F in the excepted service. The order aims to enhance accountability among federal employees in policy-influencing positions by reinstating the prior administration's policy with modifications. It also revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected the federal workforce, and mandates changes to civil service regulations to align with the new order.
• Trump issues executive order to end federal censorship — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Defending Women From Gender Ideology Extremism And Restoring Biological Truth To The Federal Government." The order mandates federal agencies to recognize only two biological sexes, male and female, and to enforce sex-based rights and protections accordingly. It directs agencies to revise policies, documents, and communications to reflect this definition and prohibits the use of federal funds to promote gender ideology. The order also rescinds previous executive orders related to gender identity and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• Trump issues executive order to end federal government weaponization — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship." The order aims to secure the right of Americans to engage in constitutionally protected speech without government interference. It prohibits federal departments and agencies from using resources to abridge free speech and mandates an investigation into past government actions that may have suppressed speech. The Attorney General is tasked with reporting findings and recommending remedial actions.
• Trump Issues Executive Order to Unleash Alaska's Resource Potential — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, aimed at ending the perceived weaponization of the federal government by the previous administration. The order directs the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to review the activities of federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies over the past four years. They are tasked with identifying instances of misconduct and recommending remedial actions. The order emphasizes accountability for actions that allegedly targeted political opponents and were inconsistent with constitutional and legal standards.
• Trump Issues Executive Order to Unleash American Energy — President Donald Trump issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, aimed at maximizing the development of Alaska's natural resources. The order directs federal agencies to rescind or amend regulations that hinder resource development in Alaska, particularly on federal and state lands. It emphasizes the importance of developing Alaska's liquified natural gas (LNG) potential and includes specific actions for the Department of the Interior and other agencies to facilitate resource extraction and infrastructure development. The order seeks to reverse restrictions from the previous administration and enhance national economic and energy security.
• Trump issues executive order to withdraw from Paris Agreement — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Unleashing American Energy." The order aims to promote energy exploration and production on federal lands and waters, establish the U.S. as a leading producer of non-fuel minerals, and eliminate regulatory barriers to consumer choice in vehicles and appliances. It revokes several previous executive orders related to climate change and environmental regulations, and mandates a review of agency actions that may burden domestic energy development. The order also calls for expedited permitting processes and prioritizes national security in energy policy.
• Trump rescinds multiple executive orders from previous administration — President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Putting America First In International Environmental Agreements," directing the United States to withdraw from the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The order mandates the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations to submit formal notification of withdrawal and cease any financial commitments related to the agreement. The order emphasizes prioritizing American economic interests in international environmental agreements and revokes the U.S. International Climate Finance Plan.
• Trump Withdraws U.S. from World Health Organization — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Initial Rescissions of Harmful Executive Orders and Actions," which revoked several executive orders from the previous administration. These included orders related to racial equity, COVID-19 response, climate change, and gender identity discrimination, among others. The order aims to reverse policies deemed by Trump as inflationary, illegal, and radical, and to restore what he describes as common sense to the federal government. The order mandates agency heads to cease implementation of the revoked orders and requires reviews of related actions for further rescission or amendment.
• President Trump signed executive order reinstating Schedule F civil service exemption with amendments — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The order revokes a previous retraction of the withdrawal notice and halts U.S. funding and personnel support to the WHO. It also mandates the Secretary of State to inform the United Nations and WHO leadership of the withdrawal. The order cites the WHO's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and financial contributions as reasons for the withdrawal.
• Signed Executive Order 14154 revoking climate and environmental protections and redirecting energy policy toward fossil fuel development — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, reinstating and amending Executive Order 13957 (Schedule F), which creates a new "Schedule Policy/Career" category in the excepted service for federal employees in policy-influencing positions. The order removes civil service protections and adverse action procedures for these employees, allowing their dismissal without the procedural safeguards that apply to competitive service employees. The order revokes Executive Order 14003 and directs the Office of Personnel Management to rescind regulations protecting civil service merit principles.
• Trump signed executive order rescinding 78 prior executive orders and memoranda from the Biden administration — The White House signed Executive Order 14154 on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to review and suspend regulations that burden fossil fuel development, revoke 12 prior executive orders on climate and environmental protection, terminate the American Climate Corps, pause disbursement of Inflation Reduction Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds, expedite permitting for energy projects, disband the Interagency Working Group on the Social Cost of Greenhouse Gases, and eliminate the "social cost of carbon" from regulatory decisions. The order directs agencies to eliminate EV subsidies and mandates, streamline NEPA review, and prioritize mineral extraction on federal lands.
• White House issued executive order directing review of federal law enforcement and intelligence activities over prior four years — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, rescinding 78 executive orders and presidential memoranda issued between January 20, 2021, and January 14, 2025. The order states the prior administration "embedded deeply unpopular, inflationary, illegal, and radical practices" including DEI initiatives, border policies, and climate regulations. The order directs agency heads to end DEI implementation and instructs the Directors of the Domestic Policy Council and National Economic Council to review remaining actions and recommend additional rescissions within 45 days. The National Security Advisor is directed to review all National Security Memoranda from the prior administration and recommend rescissions within 45 days.
• White House issued executive order redefining sex and gender in federal policy and rescinding prior LGBTQ+ protections — The White House issued an executive order titled "Ending the Weaponization of the Federal Government" on January 20, 2025. The order directs the Attorney General to review enforcement activities across federal departments and agencies over the preceding four years and identify instances of alleged misconduct, and directs the Director of National Intelligence to conduct a parallel review of Intelligence Community activities. Both officials are instructed to submit reports with recommendations for remedial actions. The order asserts the prior administration engaged in "weaponization" of law enforcement and intelligence against political opponents.
• White House issued executive order reforming federal hiring process — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing federal policy that recognizes only two sexes (male and female) as immutable biological categories and directs all federal agencies to enforce this definition across law, policy, and identification documents. The order directs the Attorney General to reinterpret the Supreme Court's Bostock decision, rescind prior guidance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals, remove gender-identity-affirming materials from federal programs, prohibit federal funding for gender-affirming care in prisons, and enforce sex-based distinctions in detention facilities and shelters. It explicitly rescinds five prior executive orders and dissolves the White House Gender Policy Council.
• White House issued memorandum freezing federal civilian hiring — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the development of a Federal Hiring Plan within 120 days. The order states that current federal hiring practices are "broken, insular, and outdated" and claims they improperly prioritize factors such as "equity" and "gender identity." The order directs the plan to prioritize recruitment based on commitment to constitutional values and efficiency, prevent hiring based on race, sex, or religion, implement technical assessments, reduce time-to-hire to under 80 days, and improve candidate communication. It also requires specific agency plans for Senior Executive Service positions in named Cabinet agencies and other entities.
• White House issued presidential memorandum directing emergency price relief measures — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, imposing a freeze on hiring of federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective immediately. The freeze prohibits filling vacant positions as of noon on January 20, 2025, and creating new positions, with exceptions for military personnel, immigration enforcement, national security, public safety roles, and Social Security, Medicare, and Veterans benefits. The Director of OMB, in consultation with OPM and the USDS, must submit a workforce reduction plan within 90 days; upon issuance, the freeze expires government-wide except for the IRS, where it remains until the Treasury Secretary determines lifting it serves the national interest.
• White House issued presidential memorandum imposing regulatory freeze pending review — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive departments and agencies to deliver emergency price relief and increase worker prosperity. The memorandum attributes inflation to Biden-era policies, regulatory burden, and energy restrictions. It orders agencies to lower housing costs, reduce healthcare administrative expenses, eliminate appliance requirements, create employment, and eliminate climate policies affecting food and fuel costs. The Assistant to the President for Economic Policy is directed to report on implementation every 30 days.
• White House issues America First Policy Directive to Secretary of State — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive departments and agencies to halt the proposal or issuance of any rule until reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed after noon that day. The order requires withdrawal of rules sent to the Federal Register but not yet published, and directs agencies to postpone for 60 days the effective date of published rules or rules not yet in effect, pending review of factual, legal, and policy questions. The OMB Director may exempt rules addressing emergencies or statutory/judicial deadlines.
• White House issues executive order renaming Mount McKinley and Gulf of Mexico — The White House issued a presidential directive on January 20, 2025, instructing the Secretary of State to align the Department of State's policies, programs, personnel, and operations with an "America First foreign policy" that prioritizes American interests. The order directs the Secretary to issue guidance "as soon as practicable" to implement this reorientation. The directive contains standard boilerplate provisions preserving existing agency authority and requiring consistency with applicable law.
• White House issues memorandum directing GSA to recommend federal architecture policy — The White House issued an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing the restoration of the name "Mount McKinley" to North America's highest peak (renamed Denali in 2015) and renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The order directs the Secretary of the Interior to update federal geographic naming systems within 30 days and instructs agency heads to review and potentially replace appointees to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to align with the stated policy of honoring "visionary and patriotic Americans."
• White House issues memorandum requiring federal employees to return to full-time in-person work — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing the Administrator of the General Services Administration to submit recommendations within 60 days on advancing a policy that federal public buildings should be "visually identifiable as civic buildings" and respect "regional, traditional, and classical architectural heritage." The memorandum requires the GSA to consider revisions to the Guiding Principles for Federal Architecture and procedures for community input. It also mandates that the GSA notify the White House at least 30 days before approving any new federal building design that diverges from this policy.
• White House issues presidential memorandum withdrawing all Outer Continental Shelf areas from offshore wind leasing and imposing moratorium on federal wind permitting — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing all executive branch department and agency heads to terminate remote work arrangements and require employees to return to work in-person at their duty stations on a full-time basis. The memorandum permits department and agency heads to make exemptions they deem necessary and states it shall be implemented consistent with applicable law.
• White House signed executive order directing reversal of Alaska resource development restrictions and expedited permitting for energy and mineral projects — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on January 20, 2025, directing the withdrawal of all areas on the Outer Continental Shelf from offshore wind energy leasing, effective January 21, 2025, pending revocation. The memorandum also imposes a temporary cessation of new or renewed federal approvals, permits, leases, and loans for onshore and offshore wind projects pending a comprehensive review. It directs the Secretary of the Interior to place a moratorium on activities under the Lava Ridge Wind Project Record of Decision and to assess environmental and cost impacts of defunct windmills.
• White House signed executive order establishing Department of Government Efficiency — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, directing federal agencies to rescind, revoke, or amend regulations and policies restricting resource development in Alaska implemented between January 2021 and January 2025. The order mandates expedited permitting for energy, mineral, timber, and seafood development on federal and state lands; prioritizes liquefied natural gas infrastructure; withdraws protections in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge; places temporary moratoriums on recent environmental reviews; and directs the Secretary of the Interior to reinstate prior oil and gas leasing decisions and rescind conservation rules in the National Petroleum Reserve and national forests.
• White House signed executive order on free speech and federal censorship — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and software. The order renames the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service, establishes a USDS Administrator reporting to the White House Chief of Staff, and creates a temporary organization set to terminate July 4, 2026. Each federal agency must establish DOGE Teams of at least four employees within 30 days. The order directs USDS to conduct a Software Modernization Initiative and grants USDS full access to unclassified agency records and IT systems.
• White House signed executive order terminating federal DEI programs and positions — President Trump signed an executive order titled "Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship" on January 20, 2025. The order asserts that the previous administration censored Americans' speech by pressuring social media companies to moderate or deplatform content, and directs all federal departments and agencies to cease any conduct that would "unconstitutionally abridge" free speech. It instructs the Attorney General to investigate federal censorship activities over the prior four years and submit recommendations for remedial action.
• — President Trump signed an executive order directing the termination of all diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and related programs across the federal government. The order instructs the Office of Management and Budget, Attorney General, and Office of Personnel Management to coordinate the elimination of DEI offices, positions, equity action plans, and related mandates within 60 days. Agencies must report on existing DEI expenditures and assess operational impacts. The order states that federal employment practices shall reward "individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work" and shall not consider DEI factors.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order to End Federal Weaponization — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14147 on January 20, 2025, directing the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to review past federal enforcement and intelligence activities for misconduct. The order aims to address alleged weaponization of federal agencies against political opponents by the previous administration. Reports with recommendations for remedial actions are to be submitted to the President.
• Trump signs executive orders for DOJ investigations — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed two executive orders directing the attorney general to conduct investigations into the Biden administration. These orders aim to address what Trump describes as the "weaponization of the federal government" and "government censorship of speech." The investigations are to be conducted by the Department of Justice, with findings reported to a political appointee at the White House. This move is seen as an effort to use the DOJ's power to pursue Trump's personal grievances against the previous administration.
• Trump issues orders for DOJ and ODNI investigations — President Trump issued two executive orders on January 20, 2025, allowing the Department of Justice and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to conduct broad investigations into alleged "censorship of free speech" and "weaponization of the federal government" by the Biden administration. These orders are seen as politically motivated and could lead to further polarization and misuse of federal resources.
• Trump removes DOJ officials — On January 21, 2025, President Trump removed and reassigned several top career officials in the Justice Department's national security and criminal divisions. This action is part of a broader effort to reshape the department and has raised concerns about the independence and integrity of the DOJ.
• Trump suggests prosecution of Biden — President Trump suggested on January 22, 2025, that former President Biden could face prosecution, stating, "The funny thing, maybe the sad thing, is he didn’t give himself a pardon." This statement has raised concerns about the potential for politically motivated prosecutions and the erosion of norms regarding the treatment of former presidents.

Supporting reports

• White House signed executive order establishing Department of Government Efficiency — The White House signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, establishing the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to modernize federal technology and software. The order renames the United States Digital Service as the United States DOGE Service, establishes a USDS Administrator reporting to the White House Chief of Staff, and creates a temporary organization set to terminate July 4, 2026. Each federal agency must establish DOGE Teams of at least four employees within 30 days. The order directs USDS to conduct a Software Modernization Initiative and grants USDS full access to unclassified agency records and IT systems.
• Lawsuit filed against Trump's 'Doge' program — A lawsuit was filed against the 'department of government efficiency' (Doge) program, initiated by Donald Trump and led by Elon Musk, shortly after Trump's swearing-in. The lawsuit, filed by the public interest law firm National Security Counselors, claims that Doge violates federal transparency rules. It argues that Doge should be considered a federal advisory committee, which requires balanced representation, record-keeping, and public access to meetings. The program, which aims to cut government programs and jobs, has reportedly hired staff working from Musk's SpaceX offices.
• Elon Musk given office in West Wing — Elon Musk has reportedly secured an office in the West Wing of the White House, following negotiations with Donald Trump. This development suggests a close relationship between Musk and the Trump administration, raising questions about the influence of private sector leaders on government policy and operations.