Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• DOJ employees wrote open letter about sledgehammer approach — ProPublica reported that nearly 300 DOJ employees who have left the agency under Trump signed an open letter stating that the Trump DOJ is "taking a sledgehammer" to long-standing work to "protect communities and the rule of law." The employees stated that the DOJ is retreating from its mission to impartially uphold the rule of law, keep the country safe, and protect civil rights.

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• Prosecutor resigns under protest in Broadview Six case — Sheri Mecklenburg, a career Department of Justice prosecutor near retirement, resigned on September 26 in protest over the handling of felony charges against six Democratic activists arrested at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility protest in Illinois. In her resignation letter, Mecklenburg alleged that U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros, a Trump supporter, had personally directed the felony prosecution against her objection that misdemeanor charges were more appropriate, threatened to fire her if she pushed back, and later scapegoated her for prosecutorial misconduct when the cases fell apart.

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• DHS whistleblower alleges voter impersonation by federal agents — A Department of Homeland Security whistleblower alleged that DHS, as part of its "Unlawful Voter Initiative," directed federal agents to impersonate voters in violation of state laws, using Social Security numbers and other information to look up voter history on state websites. The allegation prompted US Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff to request an investigation by California's attorney general, citing concerns about how DHS obtained and used voter data and whether it complied with law.

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• DOJ investigates virus scientists including former COVID czar Fauci — Trump's Justice Department has been investigating several virus scientists, including former COVID czar Anthony Fauci, seeking phone, email, grant, payment records, and grand jury testimony. The investigation's status and scope remain unclear. Fauci is protected from federal prosecution for his official actions from 2014 to 2025 by a preemptive pardon issued by former President Joe Biden.

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• Three Secret Service officials placed on leave amid misconduct probe — Three Secret Service officials, including communications director Anthony Guglielmi and two others in his department, were removed from their offices on Monday and placed on administrative leave. Their security clearances were suspended and work devices seized as part of an internal misconduct investigation reportedly involving the CIA and FBI. The probe is reportedly connected to FBI Director Kash Patel's effort to identify the source of a leak to media regarding Trump's clandestine plane swap on the tarmac in Turkey following the NATO summit last month.

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• Acting AG Blanche greenlit second indictment of former FBI Director Comey — As acting attorney general, Todd Blanche approved the second indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. This action follows Blanche's confirmation and represents a continuation of Trump administration efforts to prosecute former officials who investigated the president.
• Acting AG Blanche reauthorized firing squad executions — As acting attorney general, Todd Blanche reauthorized the use of firing squads for death penalty executions. This reversal of prior policy expands capital punishment methods available to federal prosecutors.

Supporting reports

• DOJ arrests Heidi Beirich, far-right extremism expert, on financial crime charges related to SPLC — The Department of Justice arrested Heidi Beirich, a prominent expert on far-right extremism and former SPLC executive, charging her with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to submit false statements to a federally insured bank, and conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. The charges are part of the government's broader case against the Southern Poverty Law Center, which the DOJ alleges laundered money through fictitious entities to protect informant identities in a now-ended program paying informants to infiltrate white supremacist groups. Beirich's attorney argues the prosecution is politically motivated retaliation against her decades of work combating hate groups.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — Rosenzweig v. Blanche (S.D. Fla.) — Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Rosenzweig filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida challenging his removal by the Department of Justice on September 23, 2025. Rosenzweig alleges the removal was retaliation for First Amendment-protected speech critical of President Trump, a violation of the Civil Service Reform Act's restrictions on removing career employees, a Privacy Act violation for compiling records of his protected activity, and a due process violation. He seeks reinstatement, backpay, declaratory relief, and damages.

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• Federal judge ordered Acting AG Todd Blanche to produce unredacted Epstein Files documents — U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan ordered Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to hand over unredacted Epstein Files emails and documents for the court's private review in a lawsuit brought by MeidasTouch host Katie Phang. Judge Sullivan directed the DOJ to produce the unredacted records in camera (for judicial review only) by July 30, along with documentation supporting DOJ's claims that redacted names and information fall within the categories the department claims they do.
• DOJ Submits Unredacted Epstein Records for Judicial Review — The Department of Justice has submitted unredacted Epstein-related records to U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan for private review. This action follows a lawsuit challenging the government's handling of these files. The DOJ complied with a July 25 order to produce documents supporting contested redactions, delivering them to Judge Sullivan's chambers. The records are being reviewed in camera, allowing the judge to assess the government's redactions and determine their validity.
• DOJ delivered unredacted Epstein records to federal judge for private in-camera review in response to court order. — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's DOJ notified U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan on July 30 that it had complied with his July 25 order to produce unredacted documents supporting contested redactions in Epstein-related records. Hard copies were delivered by hand to Judge Sullivan's chambers at 2:28 p.m. Thursday. The records are being reviewed in camera—privately by the judge—allowing Sullivan to examine what the government concealed and determine whether DOJ's redaction justifications are valid. This development stems from a lawsuit brought by attorney Katie Phang challenging the government's handling of the files.

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• DOJ prosecutors demoted after Comey indictment push — The Washington Post reported that prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Virginia have been demoted or pushed out following the push to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey. The fallout has disrupted major cases, including one involving a deadly attack in Afghanistan. The action reflects apparent retaliation against prosecutors perceived as insufficiently loyal to the Trump administration's priorities.

Supporting reports

• FBI launched criminal leak investigation targeting journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick — The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, launched a criminal "insider threat investigation" into who leaked information to journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick for her article on Patel. Ken Dilanian and Carol Leonnig reported that such investigations typically target government officials suspected of disclosing state secrets or classified documents, but focusing on leaks to a reporter is "highly unusual." The investigation could allow FBI agents to obtain Fitzpatrick's phone records and examine her social media contacts. FBI sources expressed concern that agents felt coerced to proceed despite knowing the investigation was improper.
• FBI executed search warrant at office of Virginia Democratic state senator — Trump's FBI executed a search warrant at the office of Virginia state Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas, who was at the center of the state's redistricting efforts. The search targeted a Democratic lawmaker actively involved in protecting voting rights and fair redistricting. No public explanation was provided for the warrant, and the timing coincided with Republican efforts to suppress Democratic electoral gains.
• FBI launched criminal leak investigation targeting Atlantic magazine journalist — The FBI launched a criminal "insider threat" investigation focusing on journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick, who wrote an unflattering account of FBI Director Kash Patel's work habits for The Atlantic magazine last month. The investigation is unusual because it did not stem from classified information disclosure and is focused on leaks to a reporter. Fitzpatrick's story cited two dozen anonymous sources reporting that Patel's alcohol consumption and erratic behavior had caused concern among FBI officials. The investigation could enable FBI agents to obtain her phone records, search her name through FBI databases, and examine her social media contacts.
• FBI launched criminal probe into Atlantic reporter's sources — The FBI launched a highly unusual criminal probe into leaks to a reporter from The Atlantic in relation to an article she wrote about FBI Director Kash Patel's drinking habits and unexplained absences, which Patel sued the outlet over last month. An FBI spokesperson denied the investigation exists and claimed reporting about it was "completely false." The probe targets a journalist's sources and reporting on a federal official.

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• Kash Patel sued The Atlantic and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick for defamation — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick, seeking $250 million in damages over Fitzpatrick's April 17 article detailing Patel's drinking and inability to perform his job. The Atlantic and Fitzpatrick stood by the story, which was sourced from two dozen sources, and Fitzpatrick reported that additional informants came forward after publication to corroborate her findings.
• Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick — Kash Patel filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia against the Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick, seeking $250 million in damages. Patel's attorneys characterized the Atlantic's reporting on his alleged excessive alcohol consumption and whiskey bottle distribution as "a sweeping, malicious and defamatory hit piece." This lawsuit follows an earlier Atlantic report alleging Patel's excessive drinking and claims that security personnel struggled to wake him on multiple occasions.
• Kash Patel filed defamation suit against The Atlantic and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick in response to her article reporting that FBI personnel were alarmed by what they said was erratic behavior and excessive drinking by Patel. Fitzpatrick's story included reporting that Patel was known to drink to the point of intoxication and that on occasion his security detail had trouble waking him in the morning. Patel has denied the allegations.

Supporting reports

• Attorney General announces indictment of former FBI Director James Comey — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that a federal grand jury in North Carolina had indicted former FBI Director James Comey with threatening Trump. The charges stemmed from an Instagram post Comey made of seashells arranged to spell "86 47," which he deleted and apologized for, stating he was unaware the number could convey violent intent. The DOJ completed its investigation nearly a year later and chose to announce the charges days after the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting.
• Acting Attorney General Blanche announces DOJ evidence in Comey case — On May 3, 2026, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that the Department of Justice has "evidence of all sorts" from an 11-month investigation into James Comey that it will present at trial. This statement came as part of the prosecution of Comey on charges related to the Instagram seashell post, which legal experts characterized as a weak case designed to appease Trump.
• Attorney General Blanche addressed selective prosecution of '86 47' posts. — Attorney General Todd Blanche was asked on NBC whether other people would be prosecuted for posting "86 47" or only James Comey. Blanche responded that the phrase is "posted constantly" and "used constantly," stating that "every single case depends on the investigation that is done."

Supporting reports

• House Democrats open investigation into DOJ pressure on SPLC indictment — House Democrats Jamie Raskin and Mary Gay Scanlon announced an investigation into allegations that DOJ leadership pressured prosecutors to rush charges against the Southern Poverty Law Center. The investigation was triggered by a whistleblower account indicating that Aakash Singh, an associate deputy attorney general, ordered federal prosecutors in Alabama to expedite the indictment despite concerns about case strength. The Democrats' letter, released Friday, seeks to examine whether the indictment was politically motivated and whether DOJ norms of prosecutorial independence were violated.
• SPLC lawyers seek court order blocking prejudicial government statements — Lawyers representing the Southern Poverty Law Center filed for a court order to block the government from making further prejudicial statements against the organization. The filing came after Trump, Blanche, and other administration allies made false or misleading statements about the SPLC, including claims that the organization funded rightwing extremism and never shared information with law enforcement—both contradicted by the facts underlying the indictment itself.

Supporting reports

• FBI investigates New York Times reporter after critical coverage of FBI Director Patel — The New York Times reported that Trump's FBI launched an investigation into reporter Elizabeth Williamson last month after she published an article detailing FBI Director Kash Patel's use of an agency SWAT team to escort his girlfriend. Times executive editor Joseph Kahn called the probe "alarming" and "unconstitutional," characterizing it as an attempt to "criminalize routine reporting" and to "prevent journalists from scrutinizing" the Trump administration.
• FBI investigated New York Times reporter for article about Kash Patel — The FBI opened an investigation into New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson after she published an article about FBI Director Kash Patel using bureau personnel to provide his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, with government security and transportation. Agents interviewed Wilkins, queried databases for information on Williamson, and recommended determining whether Williamson violated federal stalking laws. DOJ officials expressed concern the inquiry was retaliation for the article. The FBI later stated investigators were concerned the reporter's "aggressive reporting techniques crossed lines of stalking." NYT Executive Editor Joseph Kahn called the action "a blatant violation of Elizabeth's First Amendment rights" and "unconstitutional."
• Kash Patel denied using FBI to retaliate against reporter — FBI Director Kash Patel appeared on Sean Hannity's Fox News program and denied allegations that he used the FBI to investigate reporter Elizabeth Williamson in retaliation for her article about his girlfriend receiving government security. Patel claimed the reporter's story posed "a direct threat of life" to his girlfriend and characterized himself and his associates as "tough."

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• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent criminal referral to DOJ targeting Inspector General Michael Atkinson — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent a second criminal referral to the Department of Justice targeting Michael Atkinson, the intelligence community inspector general who found the 2019 Ukraine whistleblower complaint "credible" and "urgent" and initiated the process of sharing it with congressional intelligence committees, which led to Trump's first impeachment. The referral is intended to criminalize the inspector general's lawful performance of his oversight duties.
• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent criminal referrals to DOJ targeting 2019 Ukraine whistleblower — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard sent a criminal referral to the Department of Justice targeting the former government official who was the whistleblower in the July 2019 phone call in which Trump pressured Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden in exchange for congressionally appropriated defense funds. The whistleblower had reported to the intelligence community inspector general that Trump was using his office to solicit foreign interference in the 2020 election. The referral is viewed as an attempt to criminalize whistleblowing and chill future complaints.
• DNI Gabbard issues criminal referrals against whistleblower and former IG — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard issued criminal referrals to the Justice Department against a whistleblower whose complaint contributed to Trump's first impeachment and former Inspector General Michael Atkinson, who handled the complaint. The specific crimes alleged in the referrals were not disclosed.

Supporting reports

• Republican lawmakers push DOJ to prosecute Jan. 6 witness Cassidy Hutchinson — On March 6, 2026, CNN reported that Republican lawmakers are pressuring the Justice Department to bring criminal charges against Cassidy Hutchinson, a former Trump aide who provided damaging testimony about Trump's role in the January 6 insurrection. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.) filed a criminal referral accusing Hutchinson of perjury in her 2022 congressional testimony about Trump's conduct on January 6.

Supporting reports

• ICE whistleblower testifies on unconstitutional training practices — During congressional testimony, ICE whistleblower Ryan Schwank, a former ICE lawyer at the training academy, revealed that the agency's 584-hour training program for new deportation officers had been cut by 240 hours and that he received "secretive orders" to teach recruits "to violate the Constitution by entering homes without a judicial warrant."
• Former ICE instructor testified about inadequate training for new officers — Ryan Schwank, a former ICE instructor and attorney who resigned from the agency less than two weeks prior, testified to Congress that the agency's efforts to rapidly scale up its ranks will place recruits on the streets without adequate training to lawfully carry out immigration enforcement. Schwank stated that new cadets are graduating from the Academy despite widespread concerns among training staff that they cannot demonstrate a solid grasp of the tactics or law required to perform their jobs. He testified that ICE has cut 240 hours of training from a 584-hour program, eliminating classes on the Constitution, the legal system, firearms, use of force, lawful arrests, proper detention, and the limits of officers' authority. Schwank characterized the ICE Basic Immigration Enforcement Training Program as "deficient, defective, and broken" and stated that ICE is lying about the amount of training new recruits are receiving.
• Ryan Schwank resigned from ICE in protest — Ryan Schwank, an attorney and former career ICE employee, resigned from the agency less than two weeks prior to testifying before Congress. A spokesperson for Whistleblower Aid, the legal group representing Schwank, stated that he quit the agency in protest. His resignation represents one of the first instances of an ICE official who has served under the second Trump administration publicly rebuking the agency and the adequacy of its training.

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• Attorney General Bondi announced arrests of church protest organizers — Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of Nekima Levy Armstrong, whom she characterized as having "allegedly played a key role in organizing the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul." Bondi later announced a second arrest of Chauntyll Louisa Allen. Bondi stated the arrests were made "at my direction" and emphasized that the administration does not tolerate "attacks on places of worship."
• DOJ filed criminal complaints against church protest participants — The Department of Justice filed criminal complaints against seven protesters who entered St. Paul's Cities Church in Minnesota and interrupted a service. Arrests were made throughout the day. The DOJ also attempted to charge journalist Don Lemon, but a federal magistrate judge refused to sign the complaint, requiring the DOJ to pursue a grand jury indictment if it wishes to proceed against Lemon.
• Three arrested for anti-ICE protest at Minnesota church — Three people—Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly—were arrested on Thursday in connection with a protest at Cities church in St Paul, Minnesota on Sunday. Demonstrators had alleged that pastor David Easterwood was the acting field director of the St Paul ICE office. Armstrong was charged under a statute criminalizing conspiracy to block someone from exercising civil rights. The White House and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem celebrated the arrest on social media.

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• Attorney General Pam Bondi fires six federal prosecutors over insufficient support for ICE — Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Fox News that she had fired six federal prosecutors who resigned over DOJ pressure to investigate Renee Nicole Good's widow rather than the ICE agent's conduct. Bondi characterized the prosecutors' departure as a failure to "sufficiently support law enforcement," stating "We had six prosecutors who suddenly decided they didn't want to support the men and women of ICE. So, the breaking news tonight is I fired them all."

Supporting reports

• Senator Slotkin said she is under federal investigation — Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) said in an interview that federal prosecutors are investigating her for participating in a video with other Democratic lawmakers calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
• DOJ threatens Federal Reserve with criminal indictment over interest rate policy — Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly stated that the Department of Justice threatened criminal charges against the Fed related to a multi-year renovation project of Federal Reserve office buildings. Powell characterized the threat as retaliation for the Fed's decision to set interest rates based on economic conditions rather than presidential preference, stating the threat was "a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President."
• Federal investigation opened against Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin for video urging troops to refuse illegal orders — Michigan senator Elissa Slotkin announced she is under federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for her participation in a video released in 2025 in which she and five other Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds urged U.S. troops to refuse unlawful orders. The video's message aligns with established military law and constitutional principle. President Trump called the video "seditious behavior by traitors" punishable by death; the White House later clarified he did not seek execution but wanted them "held accountable." Slotkin characterized the investigation as weaponization of federal government to intimidate political opponents.
• Senator Elissa Slotkin faces federal criminal investigation for oath video — Senator Elissa Slotkin is now under federal criminal investigation for appearing in a video urging service members to remember their oath and refuse illegal orders. The investigation represents potential criminalization of speech encouraging military personnel to uphold constitutional obligations and refuse unlawful commands.
• Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are under investigation — Four additional Democratic lawmakers said they are being investigated by the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia over their participation in a viral video calling on military members to refuse illegal orders.
• Trump DOJ investigates Democratic lawmakers over military video on illegal orders — Three House Democrats—Jason Crow (Colorado), Maggie Goodlander (New Hampshire), and Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania)—confirmed that the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C., led by Jeanine Pirro, requested interviews regarding their participation in a November video instructing troops they need not comply with illegal orders. The investigation expands to five lawmakers total; the Pentagon also formally censured Senator Mark Kelly and launched administrative proceedings. Trump called the video "seditious" and threatened capital punishment, later walking back but maintaining the lawmakers face "serious jeopardy."

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• Federal judge restores whistleblower lawyer's security clearance after blocking White House revocation — Attorney Mark Zaid, a national security lawyer who represented whistleblowers critical of the Trump administration, had his security clearance revoked in March 2025 via presidential memo. Zaid sued in May, arguing the revocation was political retribution. On December 23, 2025, federal judge Amir H. Ali granted a preliminary injunction requiring immediate restoration of Zaid's clearance, finding the revocation was solely motivated by Zaid's representation of government-adverse clients and violated due process. The administration complied by January 13, 2026.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Zaid v. Executive Office of the President (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01365 — Judge Ali granted in part and denied in part Plaintiff's motion for preliminary injunction and denied the government's motion to dismiss. Judge Ali enjoined the government from giving effect to the security clearance revocations or denial of access to classified information as to Zaid. The preliminary injunction will not go into effect until Jan. 13, 2026.

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• Trump administration invoked sedition law against six Democratic lawmakers for reminding troops of duty to refuse illegal orders. — Trump posted on Truth Social attacking six Democratic lawmakers (Senators Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin; Representatives Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Maggie Goodlander, Chrissy Houlahan) who had released a 90-second video stating "You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders." Trump called them traitors and claimed they committed "seditious behavior, punishable by death." The administration and allies then cited 18 U.S.C. § 2387, a federal sedition statute, as the legal basis for the attack. Legal experts widely agree the lawmakers' statement reinforces military discipline rather than undermining it, as the law requires.
• Trump threatened sedition charges against Democratic lawmakers — Trump threatened six Democratic lawmakers with sedition charges after they publicly urged military personnel to refuse illegal orders. The lawmakers had warned troops in response to allegations that Defense Secretary Hegseth ordered the killing of shipwrecked survivors in a Caribbean military operation.

Supporting reports

• Former JAGs declare alleged orders constitute war crimes — The Former JAGs Working Group, composed of former military judge advocate generals, issued a statement unanimously declaring that the giving and execution of the alleged orders to kill survivors "constitute war crimes, murder, or both" and called for prosecution of anyone who issues or follows such orders. The group noted that the military's legal guardrails, which Hegseth had systematically dismantled after purging JAGs from the Army and Air Force in February 2025, would have prevented these alleged crimes had they remained in place.
• Hegseth defended strikes as legal and justified on social media — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth posted on X that the strikes are "specifically intended to be 'lethal, kinetic strikes'" designed to stop lethal drugs, destroy narco-boats, and kill narco-terrorists. He stated "We have only just begun to kill narco-terrorists" but did not directly deny the allegation that he ordered killing of crew members in the water.
• Pete Hegseth allegedly ordered killing of crew members on suspected drug-smuggling vessel — The Washington Post reported that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth gave a spoken order to kill all crew members aboard a vessel suspected of smuggling drugs in the Caribbean Sea. The report triggered bipartisan congressional scrutiny, with Senate Armed Services Committee leaders Roger Wicker and Jack Reed and House Armed Services Committee leaders Mike Rogers and Adam Smith announcing investigations into the alleged strikes.
• White House claimed September 2 boat strike was lawful self-defense — White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the administration believes the September 2 strike on a boat off Venezuela was lawful because it "was conducted in self defense to protect Americans and vital United States interests." This justification would permit the president or those acting in his name to be judge, jury, and executioner without regard to law. Leavitt attributed the orders to Admiral Bradley rather than Defense Secretary Hegseth.
• Senator Angus King stated boat strike would be war crime if facts alleged are true — Senator Angus King, a lawyer who sits on both the Senate Intelligence Committee and the Senate Armed Services Committee, told CNN that if the facts alleged about the September 2 boat strike are accurate—specifically that there was a second strike to kill survivors in the water—"that's a stone cold war crime. It's also murder." King stated that Congress would investigate who gave which orders and when.
• Senator Angus King stated September 2 strike was war crime if facts alleged — Senator Angus King (I-ME), a lawyer on the Senate Intelligence Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee, told CNN that if the facts alleged are true—that a second strike was specifically conducted to kill survivors in the water—"that's a stone cold war crime. It's also murder." King stated the law is clear and Congress will investigate who gave which orders and when.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth posted mocking AI image about boat strike — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted an AI-generated fake cover of a children's book featuring Franklin the Turtle in military gear firing a rocket launcher at a burning boat with survivors, titled "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists" with the caption "For your Christmas wish list…" The post appeared to mock concerns about a September 2 strike on survivors of a boat attack off Venezuela that has been characterized as a potential war crime.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth posted support for Admiral Bradley — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted that "Admiral Mitch Bradley is an American hero, a true professional, and has my 100% support. I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made—on the September 2 mission and all others since." The post appeared to shift responsibility for the September 2 boat strike to the admiral while maintaining public support, a tactic commentators characterized as "underbussing."
• U.S. military strike on Venezuelan fishing boat alleged as war crime — A U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan fishing boat is characterized as potentially constituting a war crime. Reports indicate a second strike may have been ordered after survivors were observed clinging to life. MAGA Congressman Carlos Gimenez dismissed calls for investigation, insisting that Pete Hegseth and Trump's denial of wrongdoing should be accepted without further inquiry.
• White House Press Secretary contradicts Trump on deadly second strike in military operation — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt held a press conference addressing a controversial second military strike that killed survivors of an initial boat strike. Leavitt admitted the second strike occurred but claimed neither Trump nor Defense Secretary Hegseth ordered it, attributing the decision to Admiral Bradley. She characterized the strike as lawful self-defense. Trump had denied knowledge of the incident the previous night on Air Force One. The contradiction raised questions about command responsibility and adherence to international law and the Geneva Convention.
• Hegseth ordered lethal September 2 Caribbean boat strike — The New York Times reported that five US officials confirmed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the lethal September 2 attack on a vessel in the Caribbean, though officials also claimed that Special Operations commander Admiral Frank Bradley directed the initial missile strike, followed by additional strikes that killed survivors and sank the boat. The narrative matched White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt's briefing statement.
• Pentagon and Congressional officials expressed concern about scapegoating of Admiral Mitch Bradley. — Officials in Congress and the Pentagon stated they are increasingly concerned that the Trump administration intends to scapegoat Admiral Mitch Bradley, the military officer who directed U.S. forces to kill two survivors of a targeted strike on suspected drug smugglers in Latin America. Lawmakers made initial moves to investigate whether the attack constituted a war crime. Pentagon officials described feeling angry at uncertainty over whether Hegseth would take responsibility for his alleged role or leave military and civilian staff to face consequences.
• Rep. Carlos Gimenez changed position on legality of killing survivors. — After initially stating that the story about a second strike killing survivors must be fake news because Hegseth would never do such a thing, Rep. Carlos Gimenez appeared on CNN and changed his position. When asked "If there were survivors clinging for their lives on that boat, was it legal to go ahead and kill them?" Gimenez responded "If the mission was just to have a second strike to kill the survivors, that's questionable."
• Sen. Markwayne Mullin defended the second strike as necessary. — Senator Markwayne Mullin appeared on Fox News and stated "If there was a second strike, it wouldn't be to just simply take out the survivors. It's because there was still a threat or opportunity for them to run." This represents a Republican senator's defense of the lethal strike on survivors.
• Senate Majority Leader John Thune declined to evaluate Hegseth's leadership. — Senate Majority Leader John Thune, when asked about Hegseth's leadership at the Department of Defense, stated "I don't have, at this point, I guess, an evaluation of the secretary. Others can make those evaluations." This represents a refusal to comment on the Defense Secretary's fitness for office during an ongoing investigation into potential war crimes.
• Inspector General report finds Hegseth sent classified information over Signal — Acting Inspector General Steven A. Stebbins released a report on December 2 concluding that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent sensitive, nonpublic, operational information over the non-secure messaging app Signal on his personal cell phone, violating Department of Defense policy. The report detailed that U.S. Central Command sent Hegseth seven emails classified as SECRET/NOFORN before and during strikes on Houthi militants in Yemen on March 14 and 15. Hegseth transmitted information including details about targets, weapons packages, aircraft, and strike times to people on a Signal chat. The report noted that if the information had fallen into adversaries' hands, Houthi forces might have been able to counter U.S. forces or reposition to avoid strikes, creating a risk to operational security and potential harm to U.S. pilots.
• Coast Guard records revealed that 21% of boats interdicted prior to new Trump policy contained no drugs. — Senator Rand Paul requested records from the Coast Guard on boat interdictions for the 12-month period before the Trump/Hegseth policy of striking suspected drug-smuggling vessels went into effect. The Coast Guard responded with data showing that of 212 total vessels interdicted in the year prior to the new policy who were suspected of trafficking drugs, only 55 actually had drugs on board. Additionally, 21% of boats stopped off the coast of Venezuela possessed no drugs at all, indicating a significant false-positive rate in targeting decisions.
• Trump administration lawyers warned of criminal behavior in boat strike — Zeteo reported that Trump administration lawyers have been warning senior colleagues that if the Washington Post's reporting on the second strike is true, it would be blatantly illegal, with one administration official saying, "There's defending the homeland, and then there's criminal behavior."
• CNN National Security Correspondent Barbara Starr responded to Pete Hegseth's criticism of the press. — CNN National Security Correspondent Barbara Starr responded to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's statement that reporters "sit in your air conditioned offices" and plant "fake stories." Starr stated "How dare you sir. Close to every member of the press corps you despise has made multiple reporting trips to combat zones, been under fire, some reporters wounded, some killed. Some today still with PTS. Mr. Hegseth should we indeed finally accept it's just not possible for you to show any basic respect?" This represents a direct rebuke of the Defense Secretary's attack on the press.
• George Will published opinion piece titled "A Sickening Moral Slum of an Administration." — Conservative columnist George Will published an opinion piece in the Washington Post with the title "A Sickening Moral Slum of an Administration." In the piece, Will wrote "Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth seems to be a war criminal. Without a war. An interesting achievement." This represents significant criticism from a prominent conservative voice.
• Pete Hegseth posted unauthorized mock children's book cover depicting Franklin the Turtle as a military combatant. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on social media a mock cover of the children's book series "Franklin the Turtle" titled "Franklin Targets Narco Terrorists," showing the character dressed in military gear, standing in a helicopter, and firing a weapon at boats. Hegseth captioned the image "For your Christmas wish list." The publisher, Kids Can Press, issued a statement condemning the unauthorized use, stating that Franklin the Turtle "stands for kindness, empathy, and inclusivity" and that the depiction "directly contradicts these values."
• White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that Hegseth had authorized Admiral Bradley to conduct the strikes. — White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt made scripted remarks at a news briefing acknowledging that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had authorized Admiral Mitch Bradley to conduct the strikes. She stated that Bradley "worked well within his authority and the law, directing the engagement to ensure the boat was destroyed." The remarks triggered backlash within the Department of Defense, with officials expressing anger at the uncertainty over whether Hegseth would take responsibility for his role or leave military and civilian staff to face consequences.
• White House Press Secretary defended legality of second strike without substantiation — On Monday following the Washington Post report, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the second strike during the September 2 operation, stating that everything was within the military's legal authority. Leavitt provided no details, evidence, or legal reasoning to substantiate the claim that killing survivors clinging to wreckage complies with law.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied knowledge of a second military strike that killed survivors of a targeted operation. — During the Cabinet meeting, Hegseth stated that he did not know about a second strike that killed survivors in the water following an initial strike on a suspected drug-smuggling boat. He claimed he relied on military commanders for information and had not been involved in the second strike, while simultaneously defending the decision as correct and stating "we have his back" regarding the commander who authorized it. He also attacked the press, claiming reporters sit in "air conditioned offices" and plant "fake stories."
• Pete Hegseth posted statement of support for Admiral Mitch Bradley regarding combat decisions in the September 2 strike. — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted on X that Admiral Mitch Bradley is "an American hero, a true professional" and stated "I stand by him and the combat decisions he has made - on the Sept 2 mission and all others since." The post came amid reporting that Pentagon officials and Congress were investigating whether the strike that killed survivors constituted a war crime and that military officials believed Hegseth was attempting to scapegoat Bradley.
• Hegseth distanced himself from second boat strike — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth continued to distance himself from the second strike carried out on a boat in the Caribbean to kill two survivors in September, saying he watched the first strike he authorized live but "a couple of hours passed" before he was informed of the follow-up strike. Hegseth claimed he "did not personally see survivors" because the vessel was "on fire and was exploded," and attributed the action to "the fog of war."
• Classified Inspector General report shows Pete Hegseth shared sensitive war plans over Signal app — A classified Inspector General report set for public release on Thursday documents that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth risked endangering troops' lives by sharing sensitive war plans over the Signal messaging app, a security breach that violated protocols for handling classified information.
• Hegseth claims declassification authority and denies wrongdoing — On Wednesday, December 3, the day after the inspector general report was released, Defense Secretary Hegseth claimed he had declassified the information he shared and therefore had not acted inappropriately. He stated on social media that the report had cleared him, writing "No classified information. Total exoneration." Hegseth asserted that he determined the material he shared did not need to be classified because "there were no details that would endanger our troops or the mission." However, the inspector general's report acknowledged that while Hegseth had the authority to declassify information, his actions created a risk to operational security that could have resulted in failed mission objectives and harm to U.S. pilots.
• Secretary Hegseth claimed total exoneration in IG report response — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded to the Pentagon Inspector General's report by claiming "total exoneration" and stating "case closed," asserting that no classified information was shared. His spokesperson Sean Parnell echoed the claim of total exoneration. However, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) contradicted this characterization on CNN, stating that "no one can rationalize that as an exoneration."
• Congressional briefing on boat strike held in closed session — On December 4, Admiral Frank Bradley and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine appeared before House and Senate armed services and intelligence committees in a closed briefing to discuss the September 2 boat strike. Bradley denied receiving a "kill them all" order from Defense Secretary Hegseth, though lawmakers disagreed sharply on what the video showed. Democratic lawmakers expressed deep concern about potential war crimes; Republican lawmakers defended the strikes as justified.
• Representative Himes characterized boat strike video as deeply troubling — Representative Jim Himes (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, described a video of the U.S. strike against two survivors of the September 2 boat strike as "one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service." Himes stated the video showed "two individuals in clear distress without any means of locomotion, with a destroyed vessel,... killed by the United States."
• Admiral Bradley briefed Congress on September 2 boat strike — Admiral Frank Bradley, who oversaw the September 2 missile strike on a boat that killed 11 people, met with lawmakers on Thursday to discuss the operation. He is expected to tell them that he considered the survivors viable targets rather than shipwrecked, defenseless mariners. Bradley is expected to testify that U.S. personnel observing the operation believed the survivors possessed communications equipment and may have been capable of calling other drug smugglers for help recovering cargo, though it is unclear if they made contact with anyone.
• Rep. Adam Smith questioned legality of strikes on survivors — Representative Adam Smith, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, characterized the decision to strike two survivors on an incapacitated vessel as "highly questionable." Smith stated that the military's assumption that the survivors were still "in the fight" was based on an "unbelievably broad definition" of what constitutes active combat, given that the vessel was destroyed and the survivors had no means of locomotion.
• Rep. Jim Himes called briefing one of most troubling experiences — Representative Jim Himes, House Intelligence Committee ranking Democrat, stated that the briefing on the boat strikes was "one of the most troubling things I've seen in my time in public service." Himes characterized the killing of two individuals in clear distress, without means of locomotion and with a destroyed vessel, as deeply problematic.
• Rep. Mike Turner expressed concerns about accuracy of military intelligence — Representative Mike Turner (R-OH), who was chair of the House Intelligence Committee until Trump ordered Speaker Mike Johnson to remove him, expressed concerns about whether the accuracy of information being used in military operations meets the standard for informed congressional oversight. Turner stated that members have "very much concerns" about the level of accuracy and noted that if the individuals targeted were captured, tried, and convicted, they would not be subject to capital punishment, yet they are being killed without due process.
• Senator Tom Cotton endorsed boat strikes as lawful — Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton, emerging from the briefing on the September 2 boat strikes, characterized all four strikes that day as "righteous," "entirely lawful and needful," and exactly what military commanders should do. Cotton stated he saw two survivors trying to flip a boat loaded with drugs back over to stay in the fight.
• Inspector General report finds Hegseth violated Pentagon policies on classified information handling — The Department of Defense inspector general released a report concluding that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated Pentagon policies by using the Signal messaging app to share classified details about upcoming airstrikes in Yemen, including aircraft types and strike times, two to four hours before missions on 15 March. The report determined his actions created operational security risks that could have resulted in failed missions and harm to pilots. Hegseth also failed to retain associated messages, violating federal record-keeping requirements.
• Messages from Hegseth's Signal account contained specific strike timing details — CNN reported that messages sent from Secretary Hegseth's Signal account to a group chat offered specific, real-time updates about planned military strikes, including one message that read "This is DEFINITELY when the first bombs will drop." The messages were so specific that they identified exact timing of operations. It remains unclear whether Hegseth properly declassified the information before sharing it with other top Trump officials and a reporter from The Atlantic who was accidentally added to the chat.
• Pentagon may not turn over Strike Bridge communications logs to Congress — The New York Times reported that military officials had used a written texting system known as "Strike Bridge" to communicate during planning and execution of military operations, including communications between Admiral Bradley and SEAL Team 6 operators directing drone strikes. The system automatically saves messages. Several congressional officials stated that lawmakers had requested to review logs related to the operation, along with written documentation including Hegseth's "execute order" and rules of engagement. It remains unclear whether the Pentagon will turn over these records to Congress.
• Senator Jack Reed demanded complete release of strike footage — Senator Jack Reed, ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, stated that the Department of Defense has no choice but to release the complete, unedited footage of the strike, given that the President has agreed to do so. Reed stated that the briefing confirmed his "worst fears" about the nature of the Trump administration's military activities and demonstrated why the Senate Armed Services Committee has repeatedly requested and been denied fundamental information, documents, and facts about the operation.
• Senator Rand Paul called for public release of strike video — Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) stated that the video of distressed, shipwrecked, or incapacitated people on boats being bombed should be shown to every American, calling for public disclosure of the controversial military operation.
• Trump agreed to release video of second strike — When asked whether he would release video of the second strike to the public, President Trump stated: "Whatever they have, we'd certainly release. No problem." This represents a commitment to public disclosure of the controversial military operation.
• Admiral Bradley briefed Congress on September 2 boat strike in Caribbean — Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley, Special Operations commander, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine conducted a closed-door briefing for congressional members regarding a U.S. military strike on September 2 against a small boat in the Caribbean. The strike killed nine of eleven people aboard; a second strike 41 minutes later killed the two survivors. Bradley stated the vessel appeared to be afloat due to cocaine packages and survivors could have floated to safety to continue drug trafficking, contradicting earlier claims that survivors were communicating with other vessels. The administration claims the operation targets drug cartels under a formal armed conflict determination, but has not provided legal authority and has ignored War Powers Resolution requirements for congressional approval beyond 60 days.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth responded to social media post about boat strikes — Andrew Kolvet of Turning Point USA posted on social media: "Every new attack aimed at Pete Hegseth makes me want another narco drug boat blown up and sent to the bottom of the ocean." Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth quoted Kolvet's post and responded: "Your wish is our command, Andrew. Just sunk another narco boat." U.S. Southern Command confirmed a strike against a small boat in the eastern Pacific, stating that intelligence confirmed the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics and four male individuals aboard were killed.
• U.S. military conducted more than 20 strikes on small boats with at least 87 deaths — As of the date of the article, the U.S. military had carried out more than 20 strikes on small boats that the Trump administration claims are run by "narco-terrorists," resulting in at least 87 deaths. These operations began in September 2025 following the initial September 2 strike and have continued without formal congressional authorization beyond the initial War Powers Resolution notification.
• CNN reports boat was not headed for U.S., contradicting administration claim — CNN reported that the boat struck on September 2 was not headed for the United States, contradicting a claim made by President Trump. Admiral Frank "Mitch" Bradley, overseeing Special Operations that day, told Congress the intelligence indicated the boat was headed to meet a larger vessel bound for Suriname to transfer drugs. Bradley confirmed the military could not locate the second vessel. U.S. drug enforcement officials stated that drugs trafficked through Suriname are generally bound for Europe. Bradley also confirmed that after the people on the boat appeared to see American aircraft, they turned the boat back toward land.
• New York Times reports survivors of first strike were waving before second strike — Journalists Julian E. Barnes and Charlie Savage reported that survivors of the first strike on the boat were waving to something overhead before a second strike killed them. The report notes that the administration had not announced its new policy of striking alleged drug traffickers rather than arresting them, so the men had no way of knowing they were under attack. Some observers believed the men were waving to be rescued; others supporting the administration's position speculated they were signaling other alleged traffickers, though no other vessels or aircraft were in visual range.
• Pentagon announced 22nd airstrike against suspected drug smuggling vessel in eastern Pacific — The Pentagon announced a lethal strike on a boat suspected of carrying illegal narcotics in the eastern Pacific Ocean on 4 December, killing four men. The US Southern Command described the strike as a "lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in international waters operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization" and stated that intelligence confirmed the vessel was carrying illicit narcotics. This was the 22nd attack in the campaign against boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, bringing the death toll to at least 87 people. The strike was the first publicly announced operation in nearly three weeks.
• Pentagon announces lethal strike on boat in eastern Pacific, killing four men — The US military, at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel in international waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing four men described as narco-terrorists. The strike, the 22nd such operation since September, was conducted by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and targeted a boat suspected of carrying illegal narcotics. The operation brings the death toll of the campaign to at least 87 people. The strike occurs amid mounting congressional scrutiny over the legal basis for the attacks.
• TPUSA operations head Kolvet called for drug boat destruction; Hegseth confirmed action — Andrew Kolvet, now running operations at The America First PAC (TPUSA) after Charlie Kirk's death, posted on social media: "Every new attack aimed at Pete Hegseth makes me want another narco drug boat blown up and sent to the bottom of the ocean." Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth responded: "Your wish is our command, Andrew. Just sunk another narco boat," and posted a video of what he described as a homicide committed by the Department of Defense.

Supporting reports

• New York Attorney General launches Federal Action Reporting Portal for ICE raid documentation — New York Attorney General Letitia James unveiled a "Federal Action Reporting Portal" form inviting residents to submit photos and videos of federal immigration enforcement actions, following a high-profile ICE raid in Manhattan's Chinatown on October 22. The raid involved over 50 federal agents, an armored vehicle, and resulted in the arrest and detention of four U.S. citizens for nearly 24 hours with no charges filed. James stated the portal aims to document potential violations of law and protect New Yorkers from fear and intimidation.