Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Justice Department Launches Criminal Investigation Against Andrew Cuomo — The New York Times reported that the Justice Department launched a criminal investigation against Andrew Cuomo, focusing on allegations of lying to Congress about COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. This investigation could impact Cuomo's political future.
• Justice Department Opens Inquiry into Andrew Cuomo’s Covid-19 Response — The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated a criminal investigation into Andrew Cuomo, former New York governor and current New York City mayoral candidate, over allegations of mishandling the state's Covid-19 response, particularly in nursing homes. The investigation, led by the U.S. attorney's office in Washington, follows a criminal referral by Republican Representative James Comer, who accused Cuomo of making false statements to Congress about the Covid-19 nursing home situation. The inquiry aims to determine if Cuomo engaged in a cover-up to protect himself from accountability for the high number of deaths in nursing homes.

Supporting reports

• Rep. Raskin Requests Investigation into Possible Insider Trading — Rep. Jamie Raskin requested the DOJ Inspector General investigate potential insider trading by Attorney General Pam Bondi and other officials before Trump's tariff announcement. This request highlights concerns about ethical conduct within the administration.

Supporting reports

• NJ US Attorney drops charges against Mayor Baraka — NJ US Attorney Alina Habba announced the dismissal of misdemeanor trespass charges against Newark Mayor Baraka, stating it was for the sake of moving forward. However, charges against Rep. LaMonica McIver remain, as Habba indicated efforts to resolve the situation without criminal charges were unsuccessful.
• US Attorney Drops Case Against Newark Mayor, Charges Rep. McIver — Acting US Attorney Alina Habba announced the dropping of charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka while charging Rep. LaMonica McIver with assaulting law enforcement. McIver claims the charges are politically motivated.
• DOJ Drops Charges Against Mayor Baraka — The Department of Justice announced it is dropping all charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka related to his oversight visit at an ICE facility. Previously, Trump lawyer Alina Habba had claimed Baraka committed trespass during the visit, but the DOJ's decision indicates a lack of legal basis for the charges.
• Charges Dismissed Against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — The Department of Justice announced it would drop all charges against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka related to his attempt to oversee the ICE facility where Representative McIver was charged. Previously, Alina Habba had claimed Baraka committed trespass and ignored warnings from law enforcement. The decision to drop charges reflects a shift in the DOJ's stance on the incident.
• Federal Judge Dismisses Trespassing Charge Against Newark Mayor — The interim U.S. attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, announced the dismissal of a misdemeanor trespassing charge against Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark. Baraka was arrested while attempting to join a congressional delegation at Delaney Hall, a federal immigration detention center. The dismissal was described as a move to "move forward," and Habba offered to accompany Baraka on a tour of the facility. The incident had led to a confrontation with federal agents, which also resulted in charges against Congresswoman LaMonica McIver.
• — A federal judge dismissed a trespassing charge against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, criticizing the state US attorney's office for a "worrisome misstep." This dismissal underscores concerns about prosecutorial conduct and political motivations.

Supporting reports

• Appeal filed — State of Rhode Island v. Trump (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00128 — Defendants appealed to the First Circuit (Case No. 25-1477 ).
• Case update — Agelviz-Sanguino v. Noem (S.D. Tex.) 4:25-cv-02116 — Following a hearing, district court Judge Keith Ellison issued an order granting Plaintiffs' emergency motion. Among other actions, it states: “If Defendants claim an inability to facilitate communication due to lack of control over El Salvadoran facilities, they must: i. Set forth in a declaration all efforts made to secure cooperation, including through diplomatic or contractual channels. ii. Disclose all agreements or arrangements with El Salvador (or any agency or sub-division otherwise involved) related to Agelviz-Sanguino's detention, including any memoranda of understanding with, or funding ties to CECOT.”
• Case update — Southern Education Foundation v. United States Department of Education (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01079 — Plaintiffs filed an amended supplemental complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — American Educational Research Association v. Department of Education (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-01230 — Plaintiffs filed a reply further supporting their motion for a preliminary injunction.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Butterbee Farm v. United States Department of Agriculture (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00737 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint which noted that USDA had resumed processing invoices and advance requests for IRA grant recipients following the entry of preliminary injunction in Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council v. Dep't of Agriculture . Plaintiffs asserted that permanent judicial relief is still needed even in light of Woonasquatucket .
• Preliminary injunction ruling — State of Illinois v. Federal Emergency Management Agency (D.R.I.) 1:25-cv-00206 — Plaintiffs filed a motion for a preliminary injunction .
• Stay motion decided — Doe 1 v. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (E.D. Va.) 1:25-cv-00300 — The court granted Defendants' consent motion to stay proceedings pending appeal.
• Stay pending appeal decided — J.O.P. v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (D. Md.) 8:19-cv-01944 — The Fourth Circuit, in a 2-1 decision, denied the government's request for a stay pending appeal. Judge Benjamin, joined by Judge Gregory, upheld the district court's enforcement order; Judge Gregory concurred separately, suggesting that the underlying AEA proclamation was “plainly invalid,” while Judge Richardson dissented, arguing that AEA removals were outside the scope of the settlement and that “court-commanded negotiation with a foreign state” exceeded judicial authority.
• Case update — CASA, Inc. v. Noem (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-01484 — Plaintiff filed its first amended complaint .
• Motion to dismiss decided — Chung v. Trump (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-02412 — Chung filed a sur-reply in further opposition to Defendants' motion to dismiss to address intervening 2nd Circuit decisions in Ozturk v. Hyde and Mahdawi v. Trump that reject Defendants' jurisdictional challenges.
• Notice of appeal filed — Sustainability Institute v. Trump (D.S.C.) 2:25-cv-02152 — Judge Gergel granted Plaintiffs judgment on their uncontested APA claims for Grants 1-26 and 33-38, issuing declaratory and permanent injunctive relief and denying Defendants' motion to stay. The court also found jurisdiction and standing for the nonstatutory review claims and granted preliminary injunctive relief for Grants 1-26 and 33-38, while denying preliminary relief for Grants 27-32. The following day, the government filed a notice of appeal to the Fourth Circuit.
• Summary judgment ruling — Oregon v. U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Ct. Intl. Trade) 1:25-cv-00077 — Plaintiffs filed a reply in support of their motion for summary judgment, arguing that the States do have standing, reiterating that the IEEPA does not authorize the tariff orders and that the States have established the other elements for an injunction.
• Lawsuit Filed Over Death of Glenn Smallwood Jr. in Police Custody — Defendants appealed Judge Friedman's May 14 preliminary injunction order.
• Appeal filed — American Foreign Service Association v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01030 — Judge Ellison issued an order requiring supplemental information by the government. “Defendants' declaration provided no meaningful information regarding Plaintiff Agelviz-Sanguino's location, health, or the legal basis for his detention,” the court wrote.
• Case update — King County v. Turner (W.D. Wash.) 2:25-cv-00814 — Plaintiffs filed their first amended complaint .
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Centro de Trabajadores Unidos v. Bessent (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00677 — The Plaintiffs filed notice that they were appealing the Court's order denying their Motion for Preliminary Injunction to the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
• Appeal filed — Agelviz-Sanguino v. Noem (S.D. Tex.) 4:25-cv-02116 — The government appealed, and, on May 23, the Fifth Circuit issued an administrative stay pending appeal.
• Case update — Espinoza Escalona v. Noem (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00604 — Plaintiffs submitted a notice of voluntary dismissal stating that the government has removed them and their claims are thus rendered moot.
• Case update — State of Washington v. Dept. of Transport et al (W.D. Wash.) 2:25-cv-00848 — Seven nonprofit environmental and public interest organizations filed a motion to intervene as Intervenor-Plaintiffs. The Parties allege that they seek to protect their interests in the federal EV charging program, which they argue is critical for reducing pollution and ensuring access to reliable charging infrastructure. The Parties move to intervene by alleging that the federal government's suspension of the program directly harms their members and that no current party in the case fully represents their interests.
• Motion to dismiss decided — Center for Taxpayer Rights v. IRS (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00457 — Defendants motion to dismiss was denied without prejudice.
• Motion to dismiss decided — Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts v. Bessent (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-12822 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint that included additional facts, amended one claim for relief, and added three more, including a violation of the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 and a separation of powers violation for usurping legislative function.
• Case update — Amica Center for Immigrant Rights et al. v. U.S. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00298 — The district court case was voluntarily dismissed and on May 27, the appeal was dismissed.
• Case update — New York et al v. Donald J. Trump (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01144
• Dismissal entered — Agelviz-Sanguino v. Noem (S.D. Tex.) 4:25-cv-02116

Supporting reports

• Georgia's RICO Prosecution Against Cop City Protesters — The state of Georgia is prosecuting 61 individuals under the RICO statute for their involvement in protests against the Cop City police training center near Atlanta. The case, initiated by Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr in August 2023, has faced significant delays and is criticized for being politically motivated. Defense attorneys argue that the prosecution is causing undue harm to the defendants' lives and has a chilling effect on protest activities. The case involves a large volume of evidence, and the new judge, Kevin Farmer, plans to conduct trials in smaller groups starting as early as June.

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• Trump’s Pardon Attorney Promises Investigation into Biden Pardons — Ed Martin, Trump’s pardon attorney, announced plans to investigate the pardons issued by Biden, claiming it is necessary to maintain the integrity of the American Pardon system. This move is part of a broader effort to scrutinize the previous administration's actions.
• Trump’s DOJ Pardon Attorney discusses Biden’s pardons — Ed Martin, the new DOJ Pardon Attorney appointed by Trump, indicated that he may investigate Biden's pardons, claiming the integrity of the American Pardon system requires scrutiny.

Supporting reports

• FBI Director comments on crime prioritization — FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that agents have been instructed to deprioritize white-collar crime in favor of focusing on narcotics and sex trafficking, indicating a shift in law enforcement priorities.
• FBI deprioritizes white-collar crime investigations — The FBI ordered agents to deprioritize investigations related to white-collar crime in favor of immigration enforcement, directing field offices to allocate one-third of their time to immigration crackdowns.

Supporting reports

• Durbin requests investigation into pizza deliveries to judges — On May 17, 2025, Senator Richard Durbin wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, requesting an investigation into anonymous pizza deliveries to judges. These deliveries are seen as intimidation tactics against judges handling cases involving the Trump administration. The letter seeks a full accounting of the incidents and steps taken to protect judges and their families.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department Considers Indicting Congress Members Without Approval — The Washington Post reported that the Justice Department is considering a proposal to allow federal prosecutors to indict members of Congress without the approval of the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section. This move could alter the checks and balances within the justice system.

Supporting reports

• Secret Service launches investigation into James Comey's social media post — The Secret Service has initiated an investigation into a social media post by former FBI Director James Comey. The post featured a photograph of seashells arranged to spell the numbers "8647," which some interpreted as a coded threat against former President Donald Trump. The number "86" is slang for getting rid of something, while "47" could refer to Trump as the 47th president. Comey removed the post, stating he did not intend any threat. The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are involved in the investigation.
• Investigation initiated into James Comey’s Instagram post — The Department of Homeland Security and the Secret Service are investigating former FBI director James Comey following his Instagram post that some interpreted as a threat against President Donald Trump. Comey voluntarily appeared at FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., for an interview regarding the matter. This investigation follows Trump's public comments suggesting that Comey's post implied a call for assassination.

Supporting reports

• DOJ announces new policy to "name and shame" political opponents — Department of Justice leader Ed Martin announced a reversal of DOJ policies, stating that when the department lacks grounds to charge political opponents, it will "name" and "shame" them in the public sphere. This policy aims to publicly convict individuals rather than through legal processes.

Supporting reports

• DOJ Requests Civil Rights Attorneys to Stay After Mass Exits — The US Department of Justice has asked civil rights division attorneys to reconsider their recent decisions to leave the department, following a significant wave of departures. This request comes after more than 250 attorneys have left or are planning to leave, representing a 70% reduction in the division's personnel. The DOJ also reached out to attorneys who were involuntarily detailed to low-level offices in April, asking them to return to their original sections. The department is reportedly struggling to staff its civil rights division to handle priorities set by the Trump administration, such as investigations into antisemitism and limiting transgender rights.

Supporting reports

• Investigation into James Comey for alleged threat — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced an investigation into former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly calling for the assassination of President Trump. The investigation was prompted by a social media post from Donald Trump Jr., which claimed Comey made the threat. The situation highlights tensions between political figures and the use of social media in political discourse.
• Trump calls for arrest of James Comey — Trump and senior members of his administration called for the arrest of former FBI Director James Comey after he posted a photo interpreted as a threat against Trump. The FBI is in communication with the Secret Service regarding the matter.
• Secret Service Investigates James Comey's Instagram Post — The U.S. Secret Service has launched an investigation into a now-deleted Instagram post by former FBI Director James Comey. The post featured seashells arranged in the formation "8647," which some interpreted as a coded threat against former President Donald Trump. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other Trump supporters have claimed the post was a call for violence. Comey has since removed the post, stating he was unaware of any violent connotations and does not condone violence. The FBI has pledged support for the investigation led by the Secret Service.

Supporting reports

• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested by ICE Agents — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested by ICE agents while protesting outside a private detention facility. The arrest was justified by the interim U.S. attorney, who claimed Baraka ignored warnings to leave the area. Videos show Baraka being arrested in a public space.
• DHS Threatens Arrests of Democratic Congress Members — DHS spokesperson Tricial McLaughlin announced potential arrests of Democratic Congress members who attempted oversight at an ICE facility, resulting in the arrest of the Newark mayor. The incident has sparked accusations of abuse of power and intimidation against the administration.
• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka arrested by federal officials — Federal officials arrested Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka outside an immigration facility, alleging he committed trespass and ignored warnings from DHS officials.
• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested at ICE Detention Facility Protest — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested by Homeland Security agents on Tuesday after participating in a protest and press conference outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey. Baraka, along with three members of Congress, was protesting against the Geo Group, which operates the facility. He was charged with trespassing and released after five hours. The Department of Homeland Security indicated that more arrests could follow, citing risks posed to law enforcement and detainees. Baraka has vowed to continue the legal fight against the Geo Group, alleging improper renovations and lack of compliance with local laws.
• ICE Arrests Newark Mayor Ras Baraka — ICE agents arrested Newark Mayor Ras Baraka during a protest, an action that has sparked significant controversy and allegations of intimidation. The arrest occurred in the context of a protest, and there were subsequent threats made to members of Congress who were present. This incident has raised concerns about ICE's tactics and their impact on democratic protest rights and political expression. The arrest and threats have been criticized as attempts to intimidate and suppress dissent.

Supporting reports

• Jay Bratt summoned by House judiciary committee — Jay Bratt, the former special counsel prosecutor who led the Mar-a-Lago case against Donald Trump, is scheduled to appear before the Republican-led House judiciary committee. The committee is investigating potential politicization in federal criminal cases against Trump. This marks the first known instance of a special counsel prosecutor being summoned by the committee since Trump took office. The deposition is set for next Wednesday, and it is unclear if Bratt will invoke any privileges to avoid testifying. The committee, led by Jim Jordan, has expressed concerns about political bias in the justice department's actions against Trump.
• Jay Bratt asserts Fifth Amendment rights before House committee — Jay Bratt, a former special counsel prosecutor, invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent during a deposition before a Republican-led House committee. The committee, chaired by Jim Jordan, is investigating alleged politicization in the prosecutions of Donald Trump. Bratt, who was involved in the federal criminal case concerning Trump's handling of classified documents, was invited to testify as part of the committee's inquiry. This marks the first known instance of a special counsel prosecutor being summoned before the judiciary committee since Trump took office.

Supporting reports

• Newark Mayor Ras Baraka Arrested — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested by federal agents after a confrontation outside the Delaney Hall ICE detention center. Baraka was participating in a peaceful protest and attempting to assert local jurisdiction over an ICE operation he claimed violated city law. The arrest occurred after tensions escalated when ICE agents blocked his access during a scheduled visit with members of Congress. The arrest has been described as an act of intimidation by Rep. Robert Menendez Jr., who was present at the scene.
• Arrest of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka by ICE Officials — On May 9, 2025, Ras Baraka, the mayor of Newark and a Democratic candidate for governor, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials outside Delaney Hall, an immigration detention center in New Jersey. The arrest occurred during a visit by Baraka and three Democratic Congress members, who were inspecting the facility. The Congress members accused ICE officials of creating a confrontation that led to Baraka's arrest. ICE officials claimed the Congress members staged a political stunt and threatened to arrest them as well.
• Mayor of Newark Ras Baraka arrested at ICE detention center protest — On May 9, 2025, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested for alleged trespass at an ICE detention center in Newark, New Jersey. Baraka, who opposes the facility's construction due to permit issues, was detained after a confrontation with federal officials. The arrest occurred during a protest against the detention center, which Baraka and other Democratic politicians argue was opened without necessary permits. Baraka was released after several hours, and his wife accused the government of targeting him. The incident has sparked criticism of ICE's actions and raised concerns about federal overreach.

Supporting reports

• Administration Halts Review of Air Traffic Control Oversight — Following a deadly collision involving an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army helicopter, the administration has stopped the work of an outside panel of experts examining the air traffic control system. This decision raises concerns about the commitment to improving aviation safety and oversight.

Supporting reports

• White House Removes Vice Chair of National Transportation Safety Board — The White House has removed Alvin Brown, the Black vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), marking a significant and unprecedented action in modern history. This removal raises questions about the independence of the NTSB and the potential politicization of safety oversight in aviation.

Supporting reports

• Michigan AG drops charges against pro-Palestinian protesters — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the dismissal of all charges against seven pro-Palestinian protesters who were arrested at a University of Michigan encampment. This decision was made shortly before a judge was to rule on a defense motion to disqualify Nessel’s office due to alleged bias. The motion was based on a report detailing Nessel's connections to university regents who advocated for the prosecution. Despite dropping these charges, Nessel's office continues to pursue cases related to alleged vandalism by other protesters.

Supporting reports

• Federal Judges Criticize DOJ Lawyers' Performance — Reports indicate that federal judges are increasingly frustrated with the performance of Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyers defending over 200 cases against the Trump administration. Judges have accused these lawyers of providing inadequate responses, flimsy evidence, and failing to comply with court orders. This criticism reflects a growing concern about the integrity and effectiveness of the DOJ in upholding the rule of law.

Supporting reports

• Ed Martin's Nomination for DC US Attorney Stalled — Ed Martin's nomination as DC US Attorney is unlikely to proceed as his confirmation hearing was omitted from the Senate Judiciary Committee's schedule. Senator Thom Tillis's decision not to support Martin's nomination, due to his controversial statements and representation of January 6 defendants, has left the committee split 11-11, preventing the nomination from advancing.

Supporting reports

• Judge rules Trump order targeting Perkins Coie unconstitutional — A federal judge, Beryl Howell, permanently struck down an executive order by Donald Trump that targeted the law firm Perkins Coie. The order was deemed unconstitutional, violating the first, fifth, and sixth amendments. The executive order had terminated government contracts with Perkins Coie and barred its attorneys from federal buildings, citing national security risks due to the firm's past work with Hillary Clinton's campaign. Judge Howell criticized the order as retaliatory and discriminatory, and the Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision.
• Judge blocks Trump's executive order against Perkins Coie — Judge Beryl Howell permanently barred the enforcement of Trump's executive order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie, which restricted federal hiring and access for its lawyers. Howell ruled that the order violated the Constitution and was null and void, citing First, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment protections.
• Fed Judge strikes down Trump's executive order — Federal Judge Beryl Howell struck down Trump's executive order targeting the Perkins Coie law firm, stating that no American president has previously issued such orders against a law firm. The ruling emphasized the importance of constitutional freedoms, including free speech and due process.

Supporting reports

• DoJ closes cryptocurrency unit amid political pressure — In April, the Department of Justice abruptly closed its cryptocurrency unit, which had been active since 2022 in prosecuting criminal schemes involving North Korean hackers. The closure followed criticism from cryptocurrency leaders who supported Trump's campaign, raising concerns about the influence of political donations on law enforcement priorities.
• DoJ halts prosecutions under Foreign Corrupt Practices Act — The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, has paused prosecutions of businesses charged with violating the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for six months. This decision aligns with President Trump's agenda and has sparked criticism for potentially favoring business interests over legal accountability, further indicating the politicization of the justice department.

Supporting reports

• Bishop Barber Arrested During Moral Monday Protest — Bishop William J. Barber II was arrested in the Capital Rotunda while participating in a Moral Monday protest against the proposed federal budget. The protest was part of a series of actions led by Barber to highlight the moral implications of the budget, which critics argue disproportionately affects the poor and vulnerable. The arrest was confirmed by Barber's team and shared on social media. This event underscores ongoing tensions between activists and lawmakers over budget priorities.
• Bishop Barber Arrested During Protest at US Capitol — Bishop Barber was arrested in the US Capitol rotunda during a protest against the proposed federal budget. He and others engaged in nonviolent civil disobedience to draw attention to what they view as an extreme budget proposal that prioritizes military spending over social welfare. Barber's actions are part of a broader movement to mobilize public opposition to the budget, which is currently being debated in Congress. The protest aims to highlight the potential negative impacts on healthcare and social services if the budget is passed in its current form.

Supporting reports

• Appeals Court Restores Injunction Against CFPB Employee Firings — A federal appeals court restored an injunction against the Trump administration's attempt to fire about 90% of employees at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This decision temporarily halts the administration's efforts to reshape the agency.