Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Federal prosecutor resigns after finding insufficient evidence against New York AG James — Erik Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, resigned on Friday after reportedly telling staff there was insufficient evidence to charge New York Attorney General Letitia James with mortgage fraud. Trump claimed on social media Saturday that he fired Siebert, contradicting the resignation account. The resignation occurred amid Trump's public pressure on the DOJ to prosecute James and Senator Adam Schiff.
• Trump claimed he fired Siebert and pressured Attorney General Bondi for prosecutions — On Saturday morning, Trump posted on social media that Siebert "didn't quit, I fired him." In the evening, Trump posted what appeared to be a direct message to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding prosecution of his political opponents, stating: "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" Trump explicitly demanded action against James Comey, Adam Schiff, and Letitia James.
• Acting U.S. attorney resigns after refusing to prosecute — Erik Siebert, the acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, resigned after determining there was insufficient evidence to charge New York Attorney General Letitia James or former FBI Director James Comey with crimes. His resignation follows pressure from Trump, who expressed dissatisfaction with the decision.
• Erik Siebert resigned as U.S. attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — Acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert, a career prosecutor, resigned after concluding there was insufficient evidence to charge New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud or former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress. Siebert's refusal to prosecute drew Trump's anger.

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• Trump appoints Lindsay Halligan as U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Maryland — On September 20, 2025, the day after Erik Seibert's resignation, President Trump appointed Lindsay Halligan, a White House aide with no experience as a prosecutor, to replace Seibert as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Maryland. The legality of Halligan's appointment is being challenged in court.
• Trump fired US Attorney and appointed personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan — Trump fired the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, citing insufficient evidence to indict NY AG Letitia James for mortgage fraud. He then appointed Lindsey Halligan, one of his former personal attorneys with no criminal law experience, to replace him. Trump stated Halligan had "worked with me for a long time" and "stood up for my rights during the Unconstitutional and UnAmerican raid on my home, Mar-a-Lago."
• Trump fires US Attorney Erik Siebert, replaces with inexperienced personal attorney — US Attorney Erik Siebert resigned from the Eastern District of Virginia after pressure to issue criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Attorney General Pam Bondi initially appointed Mary Cleary as acting US attorney, but Trump revoked that nomination the same evening and elevated Lindsey Halligan, his former White House assistant and personal attorney with no prosecutorial experience, to the position. Halligan's career has focused on insurance matters in Florida, with federal case filings limited to Trump-related matters.
• Trump appoints former lawyer Halligan as US attorney for Eastern District of Virginia, pressures Bondi to investigate political enemies — Donald Trump announced the appointment of Lindsey Halligan, his former lawyer and special assistant, as US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, replacing experienced prosecutor Erik Siebert. In public posts on Truth Social, Trump explicitly pressured Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue investigations of political enemies, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, citing his own impeachments and indictments as justification for "justice" to be "served now."
• Erik Siebert removed as US Attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — Trump removed Erik Siebert as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia on Friday, creating confusion among the office's 300+ attorneys and staff. Siebert's chief deputy, who normally would have succeeded him, was also demoted. Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan, a White House adviser and former personal lawyer with insurance law background and no prosecutorial experience, as Siebert's replacement. Prosecutors expressed concern about Halligan's ability to handle sensitive investigations including those into James Comey and Letitia James.
• Trump removes US attorney and appoints White House aide with no prosecutorial experience as interim replacement — Donald Trump removed Erik Siebert, the US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, after Siebert declined to bring charges against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James despite Trump's demands. Trump then appointed Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience and the most junior lawyer on his personal legal team, as interim US attorney. Halligan was sworn in by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The move alarmed prosecutors about political pressure to indict Trump's political enemies regardless of evidence strength.
• Trump replaces acting U.S. attorney with White House aide and former personal lawyer — President Trump replaced acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert, a career prosecutor, with White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan. The replacement occurred after Siebert concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress or New York attorney general Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud. Trump had exploded at Siebert over the weekend over these prosecutorial decisions.
• Lindsey Halligan sworn in as interim US attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience, was sworn in as the interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. This appointment followed the removal of her predecessor, Erik Siebert, by Donald Trump after Siebert declined to bring charges against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James. Halligan's appointment has raised concerns among current and former prosecutors about potential political pressure to indict Trump's political adversaries without sufficient evidence. Trump is expected to nominate Halligan for a full term in the Senate.
• Trump appointed Halligan as interim U.S. Attorney despite lack of federal prosecution experience — On September 23, 2025, President Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan, a 36-year-old insurance lawyer with no federal criminal prosecution experience, as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan had previously served on Trump's legal team defending him against classified documents charges and suing CNN on his behalf. According to the article, Trump appointed Halligan specifically because he was "desperate to find someone to indict former FBI Director James Comey and other political enemies."
• Lindsey Halligan appointed as U.S. attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan, who leads the administration's review of Smithsonian Institution museum exhibits, was appointed to replace Erik Siebert as acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan has no experience as a prosecutor.
• Trump removed U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert from Eastern District of Virginia — President Trump forced Erik Siebert, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, from his post after Siebert raised concerns about potentially charging former FBI Director James Comey and other perceived enemies of the president. Trump then installed Lindsey Halligan, one of his former personal attorneys with minimal prosecutorial experience, as temporary U.S. attorney in Siebert's place. This removal enabled the subsequent indictment of Comey by a politically loyal prosecutor.
• Lindsey Halligan appointed as US Attorney despite lack of prosecutorial experience — Lindsey Halligan, age 36, was appointed as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia—one of the most significant prosecutorial offices in the country—despite having no experience as a prosecutor at any level. Her career included only three federal cases, all while serving as one of Trump's personal attorneys. She previously worked as an insurance lawyer in Florida. Under federal law, she can serve as interim US Attorney for only 120 days unless extended by federal judges or confirmed by the Senate.
• Trump forces out previous US Attorney Erik Siebert for refusing to prosecute political opponents — Fortune reported that newly appointed US Attorney Lindsey Halligan replaced Erik Siebert, whom Trump forced out for refusing to pursue charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Halligan, age 36, has never prosecuted a case at any level and has participated in only three federal cases while serving as one of Trump's personal attorneys. Siebert, by contrast, was listed as an attorney on 675 federal cases during his prosecutorial career.

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• Prosecutor Halligan obtains grand jury indictment of James Comey — Days after her appointment, prosecutor Lindsay Halligan obtained a grand jury indictment against former FBI Director James Comey for obstruction of justice and making false statements to Congress. Comey pleaded not guilty, with his lawyers arguing that the charges constitute vindictive prosecution by the president.
• DOJ announced indictment of former FBI Director James Comey on obstruction and false-statement charges — The Department of Justice announced that a federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of obstructing a congressional investigation into disclosure of sensitive information (18 USC 1505) and making a false statement (18 USC 1001). The indictment alleges Comey falsely stated he did not authorize an FBI employee to be an anonymous source. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel issued statements characterizing the indictment as reflecting DOJ's commitment to accountability and the FBI's effort to restore public trust.
• U.S. Attorney Halligan secured indictment against former FBI Director James Comey — Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-installed temporary U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia with minimal prosecutorial experience, secured an indictment against former FBI Director James Comey on charges of making false statements to a Senate committee in September 2020 and obstructing a congressional investigation. The indictment came over the objections of career prosecutors in the district and was presented by Halligan alone before a grand jury—a highly unusual procedure for such a high-profile, politically charged case. Comey is scheduled for arraignment on October 9, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia.
• Federal grand jury indicts James Comey on false statement and obstruction charges — A federal grand jury in the eastern district of Virginia indicted former FBI director James Comey on September 25, 2025, on charges of making a false statement and obstructing a congressional investigation. The indictment relates to Comey's September 2020 testimony to Congress regarding whether he authorized FBI personnel to be anonymous sources in news stories. The indictment was presented by Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience who replaced a career prosecutor fired after refusing to bring charges against New York attorney general Letitia James.
• Indictment of James Comey on charges of lying to Congress — Former FBI director James Comey was indicted Thursday in the Eastern District of Virginia on one count of making a false statement to Congress and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding, related to testimony given five years prior during a hearing on the FBI's Russia investigation. The indictment followed the forced removal of US Attorney Erik Siebert, who reportedly found no grounds to indict Comey, and his replacement with Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan with limited prosecutorial experience. Democrats and legal experts characterized the action as weaponization of the justice system for political retribution.
• James Comey indicted on false statements and obstruction charges — Former FBI director James Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, on Thursday on two felony counts: making false statements to Congress and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. The charges relate to Comey's September 2020 testimony about the Russia investigation, specifically allegations that he falsely claimed he had never authorized FBI leaks to the media. The indictment followed Trump's directive to Attorney General Pam Bondi to "move now" against Comey and came after Trump fired the previous federal prosecutor who had declined to bring charges due to insufficient evidence.
• DOJ expected to indict James Comey before statute of limitations expires — Three sources told MSNBC that Lindsey Halligan is expected to attempt to get a grand jury to indict former FBI Director James Comey before the five-year statute of limitations on lying to Congress expires in six days. Bloomberg reported the Department of Justice is also pushing forward with the case against New York Attorney General Letitia James.
• Federal grand jury indicts former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress and obstructing investigation — A federal grand jury indicted former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress and obstructing an investigation. The indictment came days after Trump demanded that the Department of Justice prosecute those he perceives as enemies, and after Trump replaced acting U.S. attorney Erik Siebert—who had concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge Comey—with White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan. Sources indicated Halligan was expected to pursue the indictment before the five-year statute of limitations expired.
• Indictment of James Comey allegedly based on false evidence presented to grand jury — Ken Dilanian reported that the indictment of James Comey appears to attribute words to Comey that he never uttered. Comey testified to Senator Ted Cruz that he stood by his 2017 testimony but did not state in a 2020 hearing that he had not "authorized someone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports." Legal analysts including Andrew McCarthy stated the indictment appears premised on a false claim that Andrew McCabe said Comey authorized him to leak to the Wall Street Journal, which McCabe never said.
• DOJ indicts former FBI director James Comey on false statement charges — The Justice Department indicted former FBI director James Comey in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on two counts of making false statements to Congress in September 2020. Prosecutors alleged Comey misled lawmakers by claiming he had never authorized anyone at the FBI to leak to reporters, when he had in fact authorized Columbia law professor Dan Richman to leak information about an investigation into Hillary Clinton. The case was considered weak by prosecutors and observers; the grand jury barely met the threshold to approve charges, with only 14 of 23 jurors voting for the false statement count.
• Trump-ordered indictment of former FBI Director James Comey filed by newly appointed US Attorney — Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on two felony counts by a grand jury presented by newly appointed US Attorney Lindsey Halligan. Trump posted on Truth Social celebrating the indictment, calling Comey "one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to." Multiple legal analysts, including Fox contributors Andrew McCarthy and Kim Strassel, expressed skepticism that the charges would survive judicial scrutiny, with McCarthy stating he did not believe the case would reach trial. Ken Dilanian reported DOJ sources characterizing the indictment as "among the worst abuses in DOJ history."

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• Trump suggested broadcasters critical of him should "maybe" lose licenses — During public remarks, Trump stated that television networks and broadcasters who criticize him should potentially have their licenses revoked by the FCC. The comment reflects an escalating pattern of threats against media outlets that report unfavorably on his administration. Trump made the remark on Air Force One while claiming 97% of television networks give him "only bad publicity or press."
• Trump threatened ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl — Trump threatened ABC News chief Washington correspondent Jonathan Karl after Karl asked about Attorney General Pam Bondi's comments about targeting hate speech. Trump replied that the Justice Department will "probably go after people like you because you treat me so unfairly," and added, "You have a lot of hate in your heart."
• Trump threatened Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter — When asked by an Australian Broadcasting Corporation reporter whether a sitting president should be engaged in so much business activity, Trump threatened him, saying, "Your leader is coming over to see me very soon, I'm going to tell him about you. You set a very bad tone." The threat came during a press conference.

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• Trump demands DOJ prosecute Comey, James, and Schiff on Truth Social — On September 20, 2025, Trump posted on Truth Social demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi bring charges against former FBI director James Comey, New York attorney general Letitia James, and California senator Adam Schiff. Trump stated "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility" and "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" The post represents direct presidential pressure on the justice department to prosecute political opponents.
• Trump posts demand for prosecution of political opponents on social media — On September 20, Trump posted a message on social media apparently intended privately for Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Senator Adam Schiff. Trump wrote: "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" The posting violated the Presidential Records Act, which requires preservation of presidential communications.
• Trump posts message to Bondi demanding Comey indictment — On September 20, 2025, President Trump posted a message on social media apparently intended as a private communication to Attorney General Pam Bondi, demanding that the Justice Department indict Comey and others. The message was posted publicly.
• Trump threatened to fire AG Bondi if she did not indict political enemies — Trump posted on Truth Social threatening AG Pam Bondi with removal if she did not immediately indict his political opponents, specifically naming former FBI Director James Comey and Rep. Adam Schiff. He stated "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" and demanded action against those he claimed were "guilty as hell." The posts were framed as pressure on Bondi to accelerate prosecutions of Trump's perceived enemies.
• Trump publicly pressures Attorney General to prosecute political enemies — Trump posted on Truth Social demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi prosecute his political opponents, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, former FBI Director James Comey, and Senator Adam Schiff. Trump wrote that "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility" and demanded "JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" The posts came as the Justice Department was being restructured to remove career prosecutors resisting political pressure.
• Trump Publicly Pressures Attorney General to Prosecute Political Enemies — On September 20, 2025, President Trump accidentally posted a private message intended for Attorney General Pam Bondi on Truth Social, revealing his direct pressure on her to prosecute political opponents, including James Comey and Letitia James. The message, visible to approximately 10.8 million followers before being deleted, expressed frustration over perceived inaction and demanded immediate justice. Following the post, both Comey and James were indicted. This incident highlights the President's use of social media to influence legal proceedings against his adversaries.
• Trump claimed he fired Siebert and pressured Attorney General Bondi for prosecutions — On Saturday morning, Trump posted on social media that Siebert "didn't quit, I fired him." In the evening, Trump posted what appeared to be a direct message to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding prosecution of his political opponents, stating: "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!" Trump explicitly demanded action against James Comey, Adam Schiff, and Letitia James.
• Trump calls for DOJ action against political opponents; FCC threatens ABC over Kimmel criticism — Trump posted on social media demanding that Attorney General Pam Bondi pursue legal action against Democratic Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James on mortgage fraud allegations, despite a federal prosecutor's resignation after finding insufficient evidence. Simultaneously, FCC Chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke ABC's broadcast licenses after Jimmy Kimmel criticized the administration's response to Charlie Kirk's death, prompting ABC to pull Kimmel's show indefinitely. Democratic leaders warned these actions constitute a path toward dictatorship.

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• Trump directs Attorney General Bondi to appoint aide to prosecute political rivals — After the Homan investigation report was published, Trump posted on social media directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to appoint Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer, as interim US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia. Trump's stated purpose was to enable prosecution of Democratic political rivals Adam Schiff and Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges both deny. This followed the forced removal of interim US attorney Erik Siebert, reportedly for refusing to bring charges against James due to lack of evidence.

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• FBI recorded Tom Homan accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover agents; Trump administration closed investigation — The FBI recorded Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, accepting $50,000 in cash from undercover agents posing as business contractors on September 20, 2024, allegedly in exchange for promises to secure government contracts in the border security industry. Federal officials under the Biden administration had planned to monitor whether Homan would follow through after his appointment. However, after Trump took office, officials appointed by Trump reviewed and closed the investigation, with FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche stating no credible evidence of criminal wrongdoing was found.
• Tom Homan investigation into bribery closed by Trump DOJ — The New York Times reported that Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, was recorded in September 2024 accepting a bag containing $50,000 in cash during an undercover FBI investigation. The cash was provided by undercover agents posing as businessmen seeking government contracts related to border security. After Trump took office, DOJ officials shut down the investigation. Emil Bove, a former Trump personal attorney now serving as a federal appeals court judge, expressed skepticism about the case.
• FBI closed investigation into Tom Homan bribery allegations — FBI agents caught Tom Homan, now Trump's "border czar," on video accepting $50,000 in cash from agents posing as business executives after he promised he could help them win government contracts for border enforcement in a second Trump administration. The FBI and Justice Department initially waited to see whether Homan would provide the aid he offered once he joined the new administration. The case stalled when Trump took office, and after FBI director Kash Patel requested a status update, Trump appointees officially closed the investigation. When asked about it, the White House, Justice Department, and FBI dismissed the investigation as politically motivated and baseless.

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• Tulsi Gabbard revokes 37 security clearances without White House advance notice — Tulsi Gabbard, director of national intelligence, revoked security clearances for 37 people—including CIA deputies and two Democratic congressional staffers—without informing the White House in advance. The action targeted individuals involved in 2016 Russia intelligence assessments. White House officials learned of the revocations only after they became public, creating concern about lack of vetting and absence of a documented presidential directive. Gabbard claimed the action was at Trump's direction to punish alleged politicization of intelligence.

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• Erik Siebert resigns as US Attorney after Trump pressure — Erik Siebert, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, resigned on September 19 after facing pressure from Trump to file charges against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. Siebert's predecessor had concluded there was insufficient probable cause to charge Comey.
• US attorney Erik Siebert resigns after Trump demands his removal for failing to indict political rival — Erik Siebert, US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, resigned Friday after his office concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge New York attorney general Letitia James with mortgage fraud. Trump publicly demanded Siebert's removal, claiming James was "very guilty of something" despite the investigation's findings. Trump later claimed he "fired" Siebert. The investigation, led under pressure from Trump ally Ed Martin, centered on allegations James misrepresented a Virginia home purchase; evidence showed conflicting intent but no clear criminal conduct.
• Trump administration fires US Attorney Erik Siebert after he declined to prosecute NY AG Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges lacking evidence — President Trump directed the firing of US Attorney Erik Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia after federal prosecutors found no clear evidence that NY Attorney General Letitia James committed mortgage fraud in her 2023 home purchase. Trump officials had pressured Siebert to bring criminal charges despite the absence of incriminating evidence. Siebert's last day was expected to be September 19, 2025. The firing threatens operational continuity at a major US attorney's office handling espionage and terrorism cases and raises concerns about weaponization of the DOJ against political adversaries.
• Erik Siebert resigned as interim U.S. attorney — Interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert resigned on Friday night following Trump's public demand for his removal. Siebert had declined to prosecute Trump's political opponents despite Trump's pressure.
• U.S. Attorney Erik Seibert resigns after refusing to indict Comey — Erik Seibert, the career prosecutor serving as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Maryland, resigned on September 19, 2025, after determining in September that there was insufficient evidence to indict former FBI Director James Comey. Seibert's resignation came under pressure from President Trump, who demanded the Justice Department indict Comey and others.
• Trump demanded removal of interim U.S. attorney Erik Siebert — Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he wanted interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert "out" after Siebert declined to prosecute New York Attorney General Letitia James, who successfully sued the Trump Organization for fraud, for allegedly committing mortgage fraud. Siebert also declined to prosecute former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress. Siebert was Trump's own pick and had won support from both the Virginia Republican Party and Virginia's Democratic senators.

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• DHS arrests NYC elected officials conducting immigration oversight — Agents from the Department of Homeland Security arrested New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams along with ten other city and state elected officials near federal immigration courts when they attempted to conduct oversight of people detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the building.
• DHS Arrests Elected Officials Conducting Oversight — Agents from the Department of Homeland Security arrested New York City comptroller Brad Lander, public advocate Jumaane Williams, and ten other city and state elected officials while they were attempting to conduct oversight of detainees at federal immigration courts. This action raises concerns about the government's treatment of oversight and accountability in immigration enforcement.
• Brad Lander trial on arrest during immigration detention facility inspection — Brad Lander, former New York City comptroller, stood trial on June 10–11, 2026, for allegedly blocking an elevator at 26 Federal Plaza during a September 18, 2025 attempt to inspect ICE detention hold rooms. Lander and ten other elected officials sought access to review conditions after a federal judge had ordered improvements following overcrowding complaints. When denied inspection access, they sat chanting; Federal Protective Service officers arrested them. Lander's defense argued the arrest exemplified suppression of political dissent; prosecutors focused narrowly on elevator obstruction. The judge was to issue a verdict on June 12.

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• Jury acquits LA protester Brayan Ramos-Brito of assaulting border patrol agent; officials accused of lying — Brayan Ramos-Brito, a 29-year-old US citizen protester, was acquitted by jury on Wednesday after being charged with assaulting a border patrol agent during a June 7 protest in Paramount, California. Witness video footage contradicted government claims, showing an agent shoving Ramos-Brito rather than the reverse. Border patrol chief Gregory Bovino, the only witness to claim he saw an assault, faced cross-examination revealing past misconduct and false statements. The acquittal marks a major setback for the Trump-appointed US attorney's office, which has aggressively prosecuted protesters and immigration-related cases.

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• Family of Black student found hanging from tree on campus hires civil rights attorney Ben Crump — The family of Demartravion "Trey" Reed, a Black student found hanging from a tree near Delta State University's pickleball courts in Mississippi on Monday, retained civil rights attorney Ben Crump to conduct an independent investigation. Delta State police chief Michael Peeler initially stated Reed appeared to have died by suicide with no signs of foul play. Congressman Bennie Thompson called for FBI investigation, and the NAACP expressed skepticism about the preliminary findings, citing Mississippi's history of racial violence and lynching.

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• Georgia Supreme Court declines to hear Fani Willis appeal; disqualification from Trump case stands — The Georgia Supreme Court declined 4-3 to hear Fani Willis's appeal of her removal from prosecuting Donald Trump's election interference case. A lower appellate court had disqualified Willis in December 2024, citing an "appearance of impropriety" from her relationship with former special prosecutor Nathan Wade. The decision allows the appellate ruling and its new prosecutorial-removal standard to stand without further review. The case will be reassigned by the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, though finding a willing prosecutor remains uncertain.

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• Three former senior FBI officials sue Kash Patel for wrongful termination — Three former senior FBI officials, including one who served as acting director, filed a lawsuit against FBI Director Kash Patel alleging wrongful termination. The lawsuit claims the FBI has become politicized under Patel's leadership, with allegations that Patel was instructed to fire agents who investigated Trump. The suit was referenced during Patel's Senate testimony, though he declined to comment, citing ongoing litigation.

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• Kash Patel testifies before Senate Judiciary Committee on FBI leadership and politicization allegations — FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his first oversight hearing since confirmation in February. Democratic senators pressed him on the politicized firing of top FBI agents, the transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell to a lower-security prison, and a premature arrest announcement in the Charlie Kirk murder investigation. Patel denied politicization claims, defended his leadership, and refused to provide specific numbers on agent departures, describing Democratic inquiries as seeking "media hits and fundraising clips."
• Patel stated assault weapons ban could reduce political violence — Sen. Amy Klobuchar asked FBI Director Kash Patel whether an assault weapons ban could result in fewer instances of political violence. Patel responded: "I think there are instances on this legislation that could prevent future attacks."
• Patel testified at Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on FBI resource allocation — FBI Director Kash Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee and claimed he was unaware that Baltimore's domestic terrorism squad had been wiped out to reassign agents to immigration enforcement. The hearing was highly combative, with Patel arguing with Democratic senators. Sen. Dick Durbin stated that political opponents should not be treated as enemies, and Sen. Cory Booker suggested Patel's tenure would be short-lived.
• FBI Director Kash Patel testified before Senate Judiciary Committee — FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding his performance during the investigation into Charlie Kirk's murder and budget cuts at the agency. When questioned about Epstein case files, Patel stated that material in the files is limited and does not show Epstein trafficked girls to anyone other than himself, asserting "There is no credible information—none…that he trafficked to other individuals." Senator Adam Schiff expressed astonishment at this statement, and Patel yelled at Schiff when challenged on his assertion that the Bureau of Prisons alone made the decision to move Ghislaine Maxwell to a minimum-security work camp.
• Sen. Kennedy asked Patel about Epstein trafficking victims — Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) asked FBI Director Kash Patel who, if anyone, Jeffrey Epstein trafficked young women to. Patel responded: "There is no credible information, none, that he trafficked to other individuals."

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• White House congratulated Patel for confronting Schiff — The White House publicly congratulated FBI Director Kash Patel for his confrontational exchange with Senator Adam Schiff during Patel's Senate Judiciary Committee testimony. The White House's endorsement of Patel's aggressive behavior toward a senator reflected Trump's personal animosity toward Schiff, whom Trump calls "Pencil Neck."

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• Sen. Kennedy asked Patel about Epstein trafficking victims — Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) asked FBI Director Kash Patel who, if anyone, Jeffrey Epstein trafficked young women to. Patel responded: "There is no credible information, none, that he trafficked to other individuals."
• Man arrested for obstructing justice by falsely confessing to Charlie Kirk's killing — George Zinn, 71, was arrested on a second-degree felony charge of obstructing justice after he falsely confessed to shooting Turning Point USA executive director Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University on September 10. Zinn screamed "I shot him" immediately after the killing, causing initial confusion, but later admitted he was not the shooter and had acted to draw attention away from the real killer. He was also booked on charges related to child sexual abuse material found on his phone. The actual suspected killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was arrested separately and charged with capital murder.

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• Trump signed executive memo "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence" — Approximately two weeks after Charlie Kirk's death (mid-September 2025), President Trump signed an executive memo titled "Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence." Citing Kirk's killing, the memo laid groundwork for coordinated efforts by the attorney general, treasury secretary, and IRS commissioner to "investigate, prosecute and disrupt entities and individuals engaged in acts of political violence." Trump designated the leftist Antifa movement a "domestic terrorist organization" despite no such legal designation existing under U.S. law, and instructed the administration to "investigate, disrupt and dismantle" Antifa operations.
• Florida Politics suspends reporter for asking congressman about Kirk shooting — A.G. Gancarski, a reporter with Florida Politics, texted Congressman Randy Fine (R-FL) a question after Charlie Kirk's death asking whether the shooting would affect Fine's position on campus carry legislation. Fine responded by posting both the question and his response online, calling the question "repulsive." Within an hour, the editor of Florida Politics suspended Gancarski, citing lack of "basic empathy." The suspension occurred during the coordinated pressure campaign against Kirk critics.
• Trump designated ANTIFA as a major terrorist organization — Trump posted on Truth Social that he is "designating ANTIFA, A SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER, AS A MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION" and will "strongly recommend" that those funding ANTIFA be investigated. Legal experts noted that the President lacks statutory authority to designate domestic organizations as terrorist groups; only the Secretary of State may designate foreign terrorist organizations under law.
• Trump announces plan to designate antifa as domestic terrorist organization — Donald Trump announced via social media that he plans to designate antifa, a decentralized anti-fascist activist movement, as a "major terrorist organization." Trump called antifa a "SICK, DANGEROUS, RADICAL LEFT DISASTER" and said he would "strongly recommend" investigating funders. Legal experts and Trump's own former FBI director have noted that antifa lacks the hierarchical structure required for formal designation and that no domestic terrorism statute currently exists to support such a move.
• Trump administration designates Antifa as major terrorist organization — President Trump announced via social media that he is designating Antifa as a major terrorist organization and recommending investigation of those funding it. Legal experts note that no statutory authority exists to designate domestic organizations as terrorist organizations under U.S. law, and such a designation would conflict with First Amendment protections for speech and assembly. The announcement follows the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's television show by ABC after administration pressure.
• Trump Designates ANTIFA as a Major Terrorist Organization — President Donald J. Trump announced via social media that he is designating ANTIFA as a major terrorist organization and recommended that those funding it be investigated. This declaration lacks legal grounds, as government officials can only designate foreign terrorist organizations, not domestic ones. The announcement reflects a broader strategy to divide the American populace into supporters and opponents, undermining democratic norms.

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• Stephen Miller announced DOJ campaign against "domestic terror networks" — Stephen Miller, speaking on the Kirk podcast from the White House, announced that the administration will "use every resource we have at the DOJ, DHS, and throughout this government to identify, disrupt, dismantle and destroy" what he characterized as "vast domestic terror movement" networks, including "organized doxxing campaigns," "organized riots," and "organized street violence." Miller framed this campaign as channeling "anger" over an "organized campaign" that led to Kirk's assassination.

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• Attorney General Bondi issues official DOJ statement linking murder to Democratic criminal justice policies — Attorney General Pam Bondi issued an official Department of Justice statement on or before September 15 stating: "Iryna Zarutska was a young woman living the American dream — her horrific murder is a direct result of failed soft-on-crime policies that put criminals before innocent people." The statement attributed the murder to Democratic policies without evidence. The article documents that the suspect was released in January 2025 for a misdemeanor 911 call; Cooper's June 2020 executive order created only an advisory task force whose recommendations were never enacted and preceded the suspect's actual release by months.

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• ICE used Kirk assassination to recruit new agents — The Department of Homeland Security held a career expo at the Utah Valley Convention Center, located only miles from where Charlie Kirk was murdered, explicitly using the assassination as a recruitment tool. DHS messaging stated that "Like Charlie, DHS, under President Trump and Secretary Noem, will NEVER cower to those who threaten America."

Supporting reports

• White House issues fact sheet on Memphis crime task force memorandum — The White House published a fact sheet on September 15, 2025, describing a Presidential Memorandum signed by President Trump establishing a Memphis Safe Task Force to address violent crime in Memphis, Tennessee. The memorandum directs coordination among federal, state, and local law enforcement; authorizes the Secretary of War to request Tennessee National Guard deployment; and permits mobilization of National Guard units from other states. The fact sheet states that Memphis had the highest violent crime rate in the country in 2024 and cites FBI data on murder, robbery, and property crime rates.
• White House issued presidential memorandum establishing Memphis Safe Task Force and authorizing National Guard mobilization for law enforcement operations in Memphis, Tennessee. — On September 15, 2025, the White House issued a presidential memorandum directing the establishment of a Memphis Safe Task Force to coordinate federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts in response to violent crime in Memphis. The memorandum cites FBI data showing Memphis had the highest per capita violent crime rate in 2024 and directs the Attorney General to chair the Task Force, which shall include representatives from the Treasury, War, Justice, HHS, HUD, Transportation, Homeland Security, U.S. Marshals, FBI, ATF, DEA, and other agencies. The memorandum authorizes the Secretary of War to request Tennessee National Guard units under 32 U.S.C. § 502 to support law enforcement operations and permits further National Guard mobilization as deemed necessary.

Supporting reports

• ICE conducted raid on Hyundai plant in Georgia with unclear legal authority — ICE conducted a raid on a Hyundai-LG battery factory in Georgia, initially targeting four Hispanic workers but ultimately detaining Korean workers holding valid B1 business visas. Immigration lawyers questioned the legality of the operation, noting the warrant was for Hispanic workers but ICE "just transported everybody to the jail to sort it out later." The B1 visa guidance left unclear whether the workers' activities constituted legal consulting.
• ICE raid on Hyundai plant was operational mistake due to inexperienced agents — Labor policy analyst Sam Peak reported that the ICE raid on a Hyundai plant, which resulted in the arrest of hundreds of legally authorized Korean workers and became the largest raid in U.S. history, was an operational mistake. Peak attributed the error to agents lacking worksite enforcement experience, having previously worked on counter-terrorism and child sex trafficking cases. These agents were reassigned to low-priority immigration enforcement to boost the administration's deportation numbers, causing deprioritization of terror threat investigations, child trafficking cases, and other transnational crimes.
• Immigration raid in Georgia arrested Korean workers to meet quotas — Officials who conducted a raid on a Hyundai plant in Georgia, which sparked an international uproar after U.S. officials arrested more than 300 Korean workers, possessed a warrant to search for four people from Mexico. According to reporting, once officials were at the facility, they decided to arrest South Korean workers in order to meet quotas established by White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

Supporting reports

• Federal Housing Finance Director's criminal referral against Lisa Cook unraveling — A criminal referral from Federal Housing Finance Director Bill Pulte against Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, which was being used to justify an attempt to fire her by Trump, appears to be falling apart. A loan estimate for an Atlanta home purchased by Cook shows she declared the property as a "vacation home," contradicting claims that she committed mortgage fraud by reporting two different homes as her primary residence. The loan documents also contained language stating the primary residence stipulation exists "unless Lender otherwise agrees in writing."

Supporting reports

• ICE raids across Los Angeles targeting immigrants and perceived immigrants — During summer 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted military-style raids across Los Angeles, detaining gardeners, car wash workers, veterans, and U.S. citizens. The article documents survivors of prior xenophobic eras—Mexican repatriation (1930s), Chinese Exclusion (1882–1943), Japanese American incarceration (1942–1945), and farm worker exploitation—drawing parallels between historical and contemporary immigration enforcement. The Trump administration has also broadcast raids and run commercials encouraging "self-deportation."