Trump Action Archive

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• White House issued memorandum suspending security clearances for Covington & Burling LLP members and directing contract review — The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing the Attorney General and heads of executive agencies to immediately suspend active security clearances held by Peter Koski and all members, partners, and employees of Covington & Burling LLP who assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith, pending review of their roles in what the memorandum characterizes as "weaponization of the judicial process." The memorandum also directs agencies to terminate engagements with the firm to the maximum extent permitted by law and instructs the Office of Management and Budget to direct all agencies to review government contracts with the firm.
• White House issues fact sheet on suspension of security clearances for Covington & Burling LLP employees — The White House issued a fact sheet announcing that President Trump signed a memorandum suspending security clearances for employees of Covington & Burling LLP, including Peter Koski, who assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith. The fact sheet states the administration will review and terminate federal contracts with the firm and evaluate all existing contracts to align with administration priorities. The document characterizes the firm's provision of legal services to Smith as "weaponization of government."

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• ICE deports Venezuelan teenager to El Salvador despite agents reportedly knowing he was not the intended target — Merwil Gutiérrez, 19, a Venezuelan asylum seeker living in the Bronx, was detained by ICE on 24 February alongside 237 other Venezuelans and subsequently deported to El Salvador's Cecot prison. According to his father, ICE agents stated at the time of arrest that Gutiérrez was not the person they intended to apprehend. Gutiérrez has no criminal record, gang ties, or connection to El Salvador. The deportation occurred under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 as part of the Trump administration's broader removal campaign.

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• Investigation launched into US Attorney Ed Martin — Rep. Gerry Connolly announced an investigation into DC US Attorney Ed Martin for potential abuse of public office. Martin is accused of using his position to silence media critics of Elon Musk and DOGE, raising concerns about First Amendment violations.

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• DOJ accuses Rep. Garcia of threatening Musk — The Department of Justice accused Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia of threatening Elon Musk after Garcia made inflammatory comments about Musk in a CNN interview. This accusation raises concerns about the use of law enforcement to target political opponents and suppress dissent.

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• Trump expected to name Kash Patel as head of ATF — Former President Trump is expected to appoint FBI Director Kash Patel as the head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), a move likely to please the National Rifle Association (NRA).
• Dan Bongino named deputy director of FBI — President Trump appointed Dan Bongino, a known election denier and conspiracy theorist, as the deputy director of the FBI. This appointment raises concerns about the politicization of federal law enforcement agencies.
• Trump appoints Kash Patel as FBI director — The Trump administration has appointed Kash Patel, a known supporter of far-right ideologies and conspiracy theories, as the director of the FBI. This move has raised concerns among experts who fear that federal law enforcement may deprioritize the threat from far-right extremist groups like the Base, a neo-Nazi organization. The appointment is seen as part of a broader policy shift away from policing far-right extremism, potentially exposing Americans to increased domestic terror threats.
• Trump appoints Dan Bongino as FBI deputy director — President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Dan Bongino, a far-right podcaster with no prior experience in the FBI, as the new deputy director of the agency. Bongino is known for his conservative commentary and support of Trump's false claims regarding the 2020 presidential election. This appointment has raised concerns about the future direction of the FBI under Bongino's leadership.
• Kash Patel appointed as FBI director — Kash Patel has been officially appointed as the new FBI director, with Dan Bongino as his deputy. Patel has signaled a lack of interest in pursuing investigations into far-right extremism, including groups connected to the January 6 Capitol attacks. Instead, he has indicated a focus on Black Lives Matter, antifascist activists, and media figures. Patel's leadership marks a shift in FBI priorities, potentially reducing scrutiny on far-right groups and impacting domestic terrorism investigations.

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• Trump administration shuts down national police misconduct database — The Trump administration has shut down the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD), which was created to track police misconduct and prevent officers with records of misconduct from moving undetected between agencies. The database, established by an executive order from President Biden in 2023, is no longer accessible, as confirmed by the US Department of Justice. The Trump administration rescinded Biden's executive order, citing concerns over "woke, anti-police concepts" and emphasizing law enforcement's ability to fight crime without such oversight.

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• Trump issues executive order for DOJ review — On his first day back in office, Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Justice to review potential abuses of the criminal justice system over the past four years. This order led to the creation of a "weaponization working group" by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The group is tasked with examining cases that angered Trump, and its findings will be sent to Trump's deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller. The group includes officials from various DOJ offices, raising concerns about conflicts of interest due to their previous roles in related cases.

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• Trump pardoned Enrique Tarrio and others involved in January 6 insurrection — Former President Donald Trump pardoned Enrique Tarrio, the ex-leader of the Proud Boys, and approximately 1,500 other participants in the January 6 insurrection. This decision has sparked significant backlash from lawmakers, including some Republicans. Tarrio had been sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy and other charges related to the attack on the Capitol. The pardons have emboldened Tarrio and others, leading to confrontations with Capitol police officers who defended the Capitol during the attack.
• Trump pardoned Enrique Tarrio — Former President Donald Trump pardoned Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, who had been sentenced to 22 years in prison for seditious conspiracy and other charges related to his role in the January 6 insurrection. This pardon was part of a broader action where Trump pardoned approximately 1,500 individuals involved in the insurrection. The pardons have been criticized as encouraging future violence by signaling that crimes committed on Trump's behalf would be forgiven.

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• Attorney General Bondi indicates Epstein files under review on her desk — On February 21, 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News that Epstein case files were "sitting on my desk right now to review" in response to a question about whether the DOJ would release a list of Epstein's clients. Bondi later suggested she was referring to case files rather than a client list, but the statement signaled potential control over the release of materials potentially implicating the president.
• Attorney General Bondi states Epstein client list is on her desk — In February 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News Channel that the Epstein client list was "sitting on my desk right now," suggesting the administration would release it. This statement was made to MAGA audiences who had been promised transparency on Epstein files as a key campaign commitment, with senators like Marsha Blackburn supporting Kash Patel's FBI directorship partly on the expectation he would release Epstein information.

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• Kash Patel confirmed as FBI director — The US Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the new FBI director with a narrow 51-49 vote. Patel's confirmation was contentious due to concerns about his potential use of the position to pursue political opponents of Donald Trump. The vote reflects the divisive nature of his nomination and the polarized political climate.
• US Senate confirms Kash Patel as FBI director — The US Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the new FBI director with a narrow 51-49 vote. Patel, a key ally of former President Donald Trump, has been criticized for his perceived alignment with Trump's political agenda and his refusal to commit to keeping the FBI independent from partisan politics. His confirmation raises concerns about the potential politicization of the FBI, as Patel has previously expressed views that align with Trump's vision of a unitary executive. The confirmation reflects the contentious nature of his nomination and the divided opinions in the Senate.
• Republican senators confirm Kash Patel as FBI director — On February 20, 2025, the Senate voted 51-49 to confirm Kash Patel as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The confirmation saw all but two Republican senators supporting Patel, who has previously labeled numerous officials as part of a "deep state." His confirmation raises concerns about potential political targeting within the FBI.
• Senate confirms Kash Patel as FBI director — The Senate narrowly confirmed Kash Patel, an election denier and Trump ally, as FBI director for a 10-year term. Patel has expressed intentions to target US media organizations, raising concerns about the politicization of the FBI and threats to press freedom.

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• White House issues promotional fact sheet claiming executive accomplishments in first month — The White House published a fact sheet titled "America Is Back — and President Trump Is Just Getting Started" on February 20, 2025, listing claimed accomplishments across border enforcement, economic policy, energy, military matters, and domestic governance. The document asserts that President Trump has "already accomplished more than most presidents do in their entire term" after one month in office. It attributes specific policy actions including border emergency declarations, tariff implementations, military deployments, regulatory rollbacks, and personnel changes across federal agencies.
• White House issues compilation release touting departmental accomplishments after one month — The White House published a compilation release on February 21, 2025, in which it aggregated statements from eight federal departments (Homeland Security, Interior, Education, Housing and Urban Development, State, Transportation, Defense, and Health and Human Services) describing their claimed accomplishments during President Trump's first month in office. The release does not announce new policy but curates existing departmental messaging around themes including border security, energy development, education policy, military readiness, and what the administration characterizes as reversals of prior policies.

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• DOJ motion to dismiss Eric Adams indictment — Emil Bove, acting deputy attorney general under Trump, appeared in a Manhattan courtroom to argue for the dismissal of a corruption indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The motion to dismiss was based on the rationale that continuing the prosecution would impede Adams's ability to collaborate with Trump's immigration agenda. The judge, Dale E Ho, questioned the appropriateness of this rationale, which could set a precedent for dismissing cases against other officials to facilitate cooperation with the president's policies. The hearing concluded without a decision, leaving Adams's legal future uncertain.
• Justice Department dismisses case against Eric Adams — Emil Bove, the acting deputy attorney general, led the Justice Department in dismissing a corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The decision, aligned with the Trump administration's directive, was justified by Bove as necessary to avoid interfering with Adams' governance and to support federal immigration policies. The dismissal was formalized with signatures from Bove and two trial attorneys. This move reflects a shift in the Justice Department's approach, prioritizing political agendas over prosecutorial independence, and has led to multiple resignations within the department.

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• Trump orders firing of Biden-appointed US attorneys — Former President Donald Trump instructed the Justice Department to fire all remaining US attorneys appointed by the Biden administration. This move is part of Trump's effort to eliminate political appointees who might oppose his agenda. The terminations were communicated through abrupt emails, and some attorneys were initially unaware due to email delivery issues. This action aligns with Trump's broader strategy to implement his political agenda within the Justice Department, emphasizing a crackdown on illegal immigration as a top priority.
• Trump orders DoJ to fire Biden-era US attorneys — Donald Trump instructed the Department of Justice to fire any remaining US attorneys appointed by the previous administration of Joe Biden. This move is seen as an effort to remove political appointees who might resist Trump's agenda. The dismissal of US attorneys after a change in administration is typical, but Trump's approach has been notably aggressive, pushing for mass firings across the board.

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• ICE detains immigrants at check-ins and court hearings — The Trump administration has authorized US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to conduct civil enforcement operations at courthouses, including immigration courts. This has led to the detention of immigrants attending mandatory check-ins or court appearances. Reports indicate that ICE has set daily arrest quotas and is targeting immigrants who comply with legal requirements, such as attending scheduled appointments. This approach has resulted in the detention and deportation of individuals, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) protections and minimal criminal records.

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• Connecticut woman arrested for holding stepson captive — Kimberly Sullivan, a 56-year-old woman from Waterbury, Connecticut, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including assault, kidnapping, unlawful restraint, cruelty to persons, and reckless endangerment. Authorities discovered her stepson, now 32, malnourished and claiming to have been held captive for 20 years. The discovery occurred during a house fire on February 17, which the stepson reportedly started in an attempt to escape. Sullivan is currently held on a $300,000 bond and denies the allegations.

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• Justice Department dropped charges against Eric Adams — The U.S. Department of Justice requested the dropping of corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, which included conspiracy, wire fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions. This decision led to the resignation of seven prosecutors who were involved in the case, as they refused to comply with the directive. The charges were widely perceived as being dropped in exchange for Adams' cooperation with the Trump administration's immigration policies.
• DOJ drops bribery case against Eric Adams — The U.S. Department of Justice, under the Trump administration, has ordered the dismissal of bribery charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This decision has sparked controversy and concern over potential political motivations, as Adams has been seen as aligning with Trump. The move has led to resignations within the Justice Department, including the interim U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle Sassoon, who accused the DOJ of political interference. The decision has raised questions about the integrity of the judicial process and the rule of law.
• DOJ motion to dismiss Eric Adams indictment — Emil Bove, acting deputy attorney general under Trump, appeared in a Manhattan courtroom to argue for the dismissal of a corruption indictment against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The motion to dismiss was based on the rationale that continuing the prosecution would impede Adams's ability to collaborate with Trump's immigration agenda. The judge, Dale E Ho, questioned the appropriateness of this rationale, which could set a precedent for dismissing cases against other officials to facilitate cooperation with the president's policies. The hearing concluded without a decision, leaving Adams's legal future uncertain.
• Justice Department dismisses case against Eric Adams — Emil Bove, the acting deputy attorney general, led the Justice Department in dismissing a corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The decision, aligned with the Trump administration's directive, was justified by Bove as necessary to avoid interfering with Adams' governance and to support federal immigration policies. The dismissal was formalized with signatures from Bove and two trial attorneys. This move reflects a shift in the Justice Department's approach, prioritizing political agendas over prosecutorial independence, and has led to multiple resignations within the department.

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• Denise Cheung resigns from DOJ — Denise Cheung, the Criminal Division Chief for the US Attorneys Office in DC, resigned after refusing to execute a directive from a Trump appointee. The directive involved launching a criminal probe and pursuing an asset freeze on a government contract from the Biden Administration, which Cheung deemed unethical and without legal basis. Her resignation highlights internal conflicts within the DOJ regarding adherence to legal and ethical standards under political pressure.

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• EEOC seeks to dismiss gender-identity discrimination cases — The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has moved to dismiss six cases involving gender-identity discrimination, citing a conflict with a Trump administration executive order that recognizes only two sexes, male and female. The cases, filed in Illinois, Alabama, New York, and California, involve allegations of discrimination against transgender or gender-non-conforming workers. This action marks a shift in the EEOC's interpretation of civil rights law, contrasting with previous rulings that protected transgender employees under federal sex-discrimination law.

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• Resignation of Assistant U.S. Attorney over Dismissal Justification — Hagan Scotten, the acting assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, resigned in a letter criticizing the justification for dropping charges against Mayor Adams as "transparently pretextual." He emphasized that using prosecutorial power to influence elected officials is contrary to legal traditions.
• Resignation of U.S. Attorney over Corruption Charges — Danielle Sassoon, the acting U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, resigned in protest against the Trump administration's order to drop federal corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. This decision was made in exchange for Adams' cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Sassoon's resignation sparked a crisis within the Department of Justice, leading to multiple resignations from other attorneys who opposed the dismissal of the charges.
• Denise Cheung resigns from DOJ — Denise Cheung, the Criminal Division Chief for the US Attorneys Office in DC, resigned after refusing to execute a directive from a Trump appointee. The directive involved launching a criminal probe and pursuing an asset freeze on a government contract from the Biden Administration, which Cheung deemed unethical and without legal basis. Her resignation highlights internal conflicts within the DOJ regarding adherence to legal and ethical standards under political pressure.

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• Resignation of Deputy Attorney General over Corruption Case — Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general of the Department of Justice, attempted to bypass the Southern District of New York by taking the case against Mayor Eric Adams to the Public Integrity Section in Washington, D.C. His actions led to the resignation of at least five lawyers from that section, who opposed the dismissal of the charges against Adams.
• Threats to Dismiss Public Integrity Section Lawyers — Reports emerged that DOJ leadership threatened to fire all lawyers in the Public Integrity Section if they did not agree to dismiss the charges against Mayor Adams. This created a tense environment where lawyers felt pressured to act against their professional ethics.

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• Case update — Dellinger v. Bessent (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00385 — The D.C. Circuit rejected Defendant's appeal in a 2-1 opinion.
• DC Court of Appeals rejects Trump case — The DC Court of Appeals rejected former President Trump's request to hear a case involving a lower court's temporary injunction preventing him from firing Hampton Dellinger, who monitors compliance with workplace protections for federal employees. The decision upholds the lower court's injunction.
• Trump administration files supreme court appeal over watchdog firing — The Government petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court asking the Justices to freeze and vacate the district court order that had temporarily reinstated Dellinger.
• — The Trump administration has filed an appeal with the US Supreme Court to approve the firing of Hampton Dellinger, the head of the Office of Special Counsel (OSC), an independent federal agency. This appeal challenges a federal judge's decision to reinstate Dellinger pending a court hearing. The administration argues that the judge's order is an impermissible check on presidential power. The case is a significant test of executive authority over independent agencies and could impact numerous lawsuits against the administration.
• — The Supreme Court rejected (7-2) the Government's petition on the ground that a TRO was not properly subject to appeal at this stage.

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• Prosecutors request dismissal of Eric Adams charges — Under pressure from the Justice Department leadership, prosecutors in Washington filed a request to dismiss the criminal corruption case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The charges included bribery, fraud, and soliciting illegal foreign campaign contributions. This decision followed the resignation of seven prosecutors, including the acting US attorney for the Southern District of New York, who opposed the dismissal for political reasons. The Justice Department argued that the case impeded Adams' cooperation with immigration enforcement, despite not being based on the strength of the evidence.
• Six prosecutors resign in protest over order to dismiss charges against Eric Adams — On February 13, 2025, six prosecutors resigned in protest after Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general, ordered them to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The prosecutors had previously indicted Adams on multiple counts, including bribery and campaign finance offenses, and expressed concerns that the dismissal was politically motivated.
• Six prosecutors resign over order to dismiss charges against Eric Adams — Six prosecutors resigned in protest after Emil Bove III, the acting deputy attorney general, ordered them to dismiss corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. The prosecutors argued that the dismissal was politically motivated and undermined the rule of law, as Adams had been indicted on serious charges including bribery and campaign finance offenses.

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• Sangamon County settles with Massey family for $10m — Sangamon County, Illinois, reached a $10 million settlement with the family of Sonya Massey, a Black woman killed by a sheriff's deputy in her home. The settlement aims to avoid a lawsuit over the shooting by former deputy Sean Grayson, who is charged with first-degree murder. The county also agreed with the Justice Department to improve training in de-escalation and non-discriminatory policing. The incident highlighted issues of police brutality and systemic racism, prompting the formation of a citizen's commission to address these concerns.

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• Interim US Attorney resigns over corruption case — Danielle Sassoon, the interim US Attorney handling the NYC Mayor Eric Adams' public corruption case, resigned after refusing to drop charges despite pressure from DOJ Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Sassoon's resignation follows a letter to AG Pam Bondi detailing alleged unethical proposals from Adams' attorneys. Other senior US Attorneys also resigned in protest, highlighting concerns over political interference.
• US Attorney resigns over refusal to drop charges — Danielle Sassoon, the interim US Attorney in charge of the NYC Mayor Eric Adams’ public corruption case, resigned after refusing to drop the charges despite demands from DOJ Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove. Sassoon wrote a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, outlining an alleged quid pro quo proposal from Adams' attorneys. Following Sassoon's resignation, senior US Attorneys in New York also refused to dismiss the case and resigned in protest. Bove, who previously served as Trump's criminal defense attorney, is involved in the case.
• DOJ pressures Public Integrity Section lawyers — DOJ leadership reportedly pressured Public Integrity Section lawyers to decide within an hour who would dismiss the indictment against NYC Mayor Eric Adams, threatening to fire all if none complied. This move has sparked resignations and widespread dismay within the legal community, reminiscent of the 1973 Saturday Night Massacre.
• Memo issued to dismiss Adams case for political reasons — A memo was issued stating that the criminal case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams was dismissed for political reasons, citing that the case restricted his ability to assist in deportation efforts. The memo admitted the decision was not based on evidence or law, raising ethical concerns about the DOJ's actions.
• Prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigns over DOJ pressure — Prosecutor Hagan Scotten resigned after refusing to dismiss a corruption case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. Scotten's resignation letter criticized the use of prosecutorial power to influence elected officials, stating that he would not comply with such directives. His resignation follows that of co-counsel Danielle Sassoon, highlighting internal DOJ tensions over the case.

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• Kash Patel accused of orchestrating FBI purge — Kash Patel, nominated by Donald Trump to lead the FBI, has been accused by Democratic Senator Dick Durbin of orchestrating a purge of FBI agents. Durbin claims Patel, as a private citizen, directed the firing of senior FBI personnel through the White House deputy chief of staff and the acting attorney general. These actions allegedly contradict Patel's testimony at his Senate confirmation hearing. Durbin has called for an investigation into the matter, suggesting that Patel may have committed perjury.