Trump Action Archive

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• Justice Department announces investigation into Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney's prosecutorial decisions — The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division announced on May 6, 2026, that it has initiated a federal investigation into Fairfax County, Virginia Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano, examining his office's plea bargaining, charging decisions, and sentencing policies. The department alleges the investigation will determine whether the office discriminated against U.S. citizens by offering preferential treatment to noncitizen criminal defendants. The investigation will proceed under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Safe Streets Act, and 34 U.S.C. § 12601. The department stated it has not reached conclusions and invited public submission of relevant information.

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• Complaint filed — Espinoza v. Blanche (N.D. Ill.) — Carla Espinoza, a former immigration judge in the Department of Justice's Executive Office for Immigration Review, filed suit in the Northern District of Illinois alleging that the DOJ terminated her employment in July 2025 without cause after declining to convert her probationary appointment to permanent status. Espinoza claims the termination violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by targeting her on the basis of sex, race, national origin, and association with Latin American and Hispanic immigrants, and violated the First Amendment by punishing her prior association with organizations whose ideologies conflicted with the current administration. She seeks back pay, reinstatement, compensatory damages, and declaratory relief.

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• Homeland Security Investigations reopens investigation into 2020 Arizona election — The investigative arm of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (HSI) is conducting a federal investigation into Arizona elections and has reopened examination of the 2020 presidential election result. Secretary of State Fontes characterized the move as a "bizarre" attempt to relitigate an election settled more than five years ago, comparing the perpetual resurfacing of election denial claims to a recurring disease.

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• 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."

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• 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.

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• Democrats file civil contempt resolution against Pam Bondi for subpoena defiance — House Democrats on the Oversight Committee filed a civil contempt resolution against former Attorney General Pam Bondi after she failed to appear for a scheduled deposition in mid-April. Representative Robert Garcia stated that Bondi had "illegally defied" the committee and refused to cooperate. The DOJ had claimed the subpoena no longer applied because Bondi was no longer serving as attorney general, though Democrats argued her testimony remained essential to understanding the Trump administration's handling of Epstein files.
• DOJ argues subpoena no longer applies to Bondi after removal from office — The Department of Justice, through Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis, argued in a letter to Representative James Comer that Pam Bondi's subpoena no longer obligated her to appear because she was subpoenaed in her official capacity as attorney general and no longer holds that office. The DOJ claimed the subpoena therefore became void after Trump removed Bondi from her position, preventing her scheduled April 14 deposition.
• House Oversight Committee schedules Pam Bondi testimony after contempt resolution filed — The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee announced that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will appear on May 29 to answer questions about the DOJ's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and release of Epstein files. This followed Democrats filing a civil contempt resolution against Bondi for failing to appear at a scheduled deposition earlier in April. The DOJ had previously argued the subpoena no longer applied after Trump removed Bondi from office, but Democrats insisted her testimony was necessary regardless of her current job title.
• Contempt Charges Filed Against Pam Bondi — Democrats in Congress filed contempt charges against Pam Bondi. Shortly after the charges were filed, Republicans arranged a date for her testimony. This development highlights the ongoing partisan tensions and the procedural maneuvers in congressional investigations.

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• Katie Phang files federal lawsuit against DOJ over Epstein files — MeidasTouch host and legal analyst Katie Phang filed a federal lawsuit against the Department of Justice regarding Epstein files. No further details on the suit's claims, jurisdiction, or filing date are provided in the source text.
• Journalist Katie Phang sues acting attorney general Todd Blanche over Epstein files non-compliance — Investigative journalist Katie Phang filed a federal lawsuit in Washington DC on Monday against acting attorney general Todd Blanche, alleging the Department of Justice violated the Epstein Files Transparency Act by withholding documents and over-redacting disclosures. The act, passed by Congress in November, mandated full release of Epstein-related records by December 19, 2025. Phang seeks a court declaration of DOJ violation, release of all required documents without unlawful redactions, and appointment of an independent special master to oversee compliance.

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• Justice Department expanded federal execution methods — On April 24, the Justice Department announced plans to expand federal execution methods to include firing squads, electrocution, and nitrogen gas asphyxiation, citing difficulties obtaining lethal-injection drugs. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche authorized seeking death sentences against 44 defendants and directed the Bureau of Prisons to examine relocating, expanding, or constructing federal death-row facilities. Before Trump's first term, the federal government had largely abstained from capital punishment for roughly 17 years.
• Department of Justice announces policy actions to expand federal death penalty authority and execution methods — The Department of Justice announced a comprehensive policy shift to prioritize capital prosecution and execution. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced rescission of the prior administration's moratorium on federal executions, authorization to seek death sentences against 44 defendants, reinstatement of lethal injection protocols using pentobarbital, expansion to include firing squad executions, and streamlined internal processes. The department released a report concluding pentobarbital use complies with the Eighth Amendment and announced plans to propose rules restricting habeas review and clemency petitions in capital cases.
• DOJ announces firing squad authorization and lethal injection protocol for federal executions — The US Department of Justice announced Friday that it is taking steps to "strengthen the federal death penalty" by readopting the lethal injection protocol from Trump's first administration (using pentobarbital), expanding execution methods to include firing squads, streamlining internal processes to expedite death penalty cases, rescinding the Biden-era moratorium on federal executions, and authorizing the pursuit of death sentences against 44 defendants. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has already authorized seeking death sentences against nine of these defendants.
• DOJ expanded death penalty protocols to include firing squads — The Department of Justice directed the Bureau of Prisons to expand capital punishment methods beyond current protocols to include firing squads and other execution methods, and to streamline internal processes to expedite death penalty cases. The DOJ stated it was acting to "restore its solemn duty to seek, obtain, and implement lawful capital sentences." This represents a significant expansion of federal execution capabilities.

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• House Democrats demand FBI director Kash Patel submit to alcohol abuse screening — House Judiciary Committee Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, sent a formal letter to FBI Director Kash Patel on Tuesday demanding he complete the WHO's Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and submit results to Congress, along with all security clearance questionnaires since his appointment. The letter cited alleged patterns of conduct—including unavailability during terror-related decisions and public dissemination of inaccurate information in high-profile investigations—that Democrats claimed compromised national security. Patel denied the allegations and filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic.

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• Federal grand jury indicts Southern Poverty Law Center for wire fraud, false statements, and money laundering conspiracy — A federal grand jury in Montgomery, Alabama, returned an indictment charging the Southern Poverty Law Center with 11 counts of wire fraud, false statements to a federally insured bank, and conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering. The indictment alleges that between 2014 and 2023, the SPLC funneled more than $3 million in donated funds to individuals associated with violent extremist groups including the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nations, and National Socialist Party of America, while publicly claiming to oppose those groups. The DOJ alleges the organization used fictitious bank accounts to conceal the scheme and made false statements to financial institutions.
• Acting Attorney General Blanche announces 11-count indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center — Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche held a press conference announcing an 11-count federal indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center, charging the civil rights organization with wire fraud, making false statements to a bank, and conspiracy to launder money. The charges relate to a now-defunct program in which the SPLC paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups and shared information with law enforcement. Legal experts have characterized the charges as weak, and the SPLC has denied all wrongdoing. The indictment was widely viewed as an effort by Blanche to demonstrate to Trump his willingness to use the DOJ against political rivals.
• DOJ pressured prosecutors to indict Southern Poverty Law Center despite case-strength concerns, whistleblower alleges — A Department of Justice lawyer, Aakash Singh, reportedly pressured federal prosecutors in Alabama to rush an 11-count indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center despite serious concerns about the case's strength, according to a whistleblower account shared with House Democrats. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the indictment on April 21, accusing the civil rights organization of wire fraud and money laundering related to an informant program. Democrats Jamie Raskin and Mary Gay Scanlon opened an investigation into the matter, citing Singh's directive to prosecutors to expedite charges. Legal experts have characterized the charges as weak, and the SPLC has denied all wrongdoing.
• Justice Department indicts Southern Poverty Law Center on federal fraud charges — Trump's Justice Department indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center on federal fraud charges, alleging the civil rights organization defrauded donors by secretly paying informants more than $3 million to infiltrate white supremacist and extremist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan. The tactic of using paid informants has been used by the FBI and other federal agencies for decades. Critics characterized the indictment as "nakedly political."
• DOJ indicts Southern Poverty Law Center on federal fraud charges — The Department of Justice, through Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, announced an 11-count federal indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) by an Alabama grand jury. The charges include wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering, alleging the SPLC funneled over $3 million to confidential informants within extremist groups between 2014 and 2023 using fictitious entities, and misrepresented to donors and banks how funds were being used. The SPLC's CEO Bryan Fair disputed the allegations and stated the informant program "saved lives."
• Southern Poverty Law Center indicted on federal fraud charges by Trump administration DOJ — The Southern Poverty Law Center was indicted on federal fraud charges by acting attorney general Todd Blanche, alleging the organization improperly paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups without disclosing payments to donors. The indictment claims at least $3 million went to informants affiliated with the KKK, Aryan Nations, and other groups between 2014 and 2023. SPLC CEO Bryan Fair stated the payments were necessary to monitor violence threats and that information was shared with the FBI and law enforcement. Charges include wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
• DOJ indicted Southern Poverty Law Center for fraud — The Department of Justice indicted the Southern Poverty Law Center, alleging that SPLC used donor money to pay informants to infiltrate right-wing hate groups, but claiming the purpose was to create false flags to instigate violence and racist demonstrations. The indictment has refueled conspiracy theories that the January 6 insurrection was instigated by infiltrators paid by left-wing groups. Rep. Dan Goldman criticized the indictment as legally baseless, comparing it to prosecuting the FBI for funding drug trafficking through informants.

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• Acting Attorney General Blanche announces 11-count indictment of Southern Poverty Law Center — Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche held a press conference announcing an 11-count federal indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center, charging the civil rights organization with wire fraud, making false statements to a bank, and conspiracy to launder money. The charges relate to a now-defunct program in which the SPLC paid informants to infiltrate extremist groups and shared information with law enforcement. Legal experts have characterized the charges as weak, and the SPLC has denied all wrongdoing. The indictment was widely viewed as an effort by Blanche to demonstrate to Trump his willingness to use the DOJ against political rivals.
• DOJ pressured prosecutors to indict Southern Poverty Law Center despite case-strength concerns, whistleblower alleges — A Department of Justice lawyer, Aakash Singh, reportedly pressured federal prosecutors in Alabama to rush an 11-count indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center despite serious concerns about the case's strength, according to a whistleblower account shared with House Democrats. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the indictment on April 21, accusing the civil rights organization of wire fraud and money laundering related to an informant program. Democrats Jamie Raskin and Mary Gay Scanlon opened an investigation into the matter, citing Singh's directive to prosecutors to expedite charges. Legal experts have characterized the charges as weak, and the SPLC has denied all wrongdoing.

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• Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia seeking $250 million in damages against the Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick over an article published April 17 alleging excessive drinking and unexplained absences during his tenure. Patel's legal team claimed the article was a "malicious hit piece" relying on anonymous sources and accused the magazine of acting with actual malice. The Atlantic and Fitzpatrick have stated they stand by the reporting and will vigorously defend the lawsuit.
• Kash Patel filed $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit in DC federal court against The Atlantic magazine over an article documenting multiple incidents of alleged intoxication while serving as FBI Director. The lawsuit challenges the article's use of anonymous sources and claims the publication engaged in a "deliberate and malicious smear." The article cited dozens of sources including current and former FBI officials, law-enforcement and intelligence agency staff, hospitality workers, members of Congress, and political operatives.
• FBI Director Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine. The Atlantic stated it stands by its reporting. The lawsuit represents a high-stakes legal action by a law enforcement leader against a news organization over published reporting.
• Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million defamation — FBI Director Kash Patel sued The Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick on Monday for defamation, seeking $250 million in damages over a story published Friday alleging Patel engaged in excessive drinking, unexplained absences, and conduct that alarmed colleagues. The Atlantic's story was based on interviews with more than two dozen sources including current and former FBI officials, intelligence agency staff, and members of Congress, all speaking anonymously. Patel's complaint claims the article is "replete with false and obviously fabricated allegations" published with "actual malice," but legal analysis suggests his case faces significant obstacles under defamation law for public figures.
• FBI Director Kash Patel filed $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic — On April 21, Kash Patel sued The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick for $250 million for publishing "a sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece" full of "obviously fabricated allegations." The suit denies that Patel drinks to excess and claims this has never been a source of concern across government. The Atlantic stated it stands by its reporting and will vigorously defend against the lawsuit.
• — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic on April 21, 2026, in response to an article alleging he has alarmed colleagues with excessive drinking. Patel's complaint characterizes the article as "a sweeping, malicious, and defamatory hit piece." According to Popular Information, the complaint itself actually confirms several key aspects of The Atlantic's reporting, suggesting the lawsuit may be a strategic effort to intimidate press coverage of the FBI Director.

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• Joe DiGenova sworn in to lead "Russia hoax investigation" — On April 20, 2026, Joe DiGenova, an 81-year-old former Trump election lawyer and conspiracy theorist, was sworn in to oversee a multi-year "grand conspiracy" investigation against Trump's perceived enemies, including former CIA director John Brennan. DiGenova stated that Trump "personally asked" him to lead the investigation and publicly sketched a grand conspiracy narrative framing investigations into Trump as a coordinated plot to deny him civil rights.

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• Dhillon directs civil rights division to investigate Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for alleged race discrimination — After Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who is Black, spoke about hiring Black people in his administration to ensure they "look out for the interest of Black folks," the civil rights division's official account posted a letter from Dhillon informing Johnson he was under investigation for violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act's prohibition on race discrimination. The investigation was announced publicly on social media the day after Johnson's remarks, a highly unusual practice that alarmed former civil rights lawyers and signals the weaponization of civil rights law against efforts to address racial equity.
• Dhillon directs investigation into Cassidy Hutchinson, January 6 committee witness — The civil rights division, under Dhillon's oversight, is investigating Cassidy Hutchinson, the former Trump aide who gave vivid testimony to the January 6 committee about the president's actions on that day. The source notes it is unclear what civil rights violation, if any, Hutchinson committed. The investigation appears retaliatory against a witness who testified against Trump.
• Dhillon directs investigation into Pennsylvania school bus driver firing over "English only" sign — In December 2025, after a local news outlet published a story about a Pennsylvania school bus driver being fired for posting an "English only" sign on her bus, Dhillon posted that she had directed the civil rights division to open an investigation into "this situation implicating DEI wokeness." The investigation was announced on social media days after learning of the incident, departing sharply from standard practice in which the civil rights division does not publicly announce investigations or release letters informing targets they are under investigation.
• Dhillon posts on social media about ongoing DOJ investigations in early stages — Harmeet Dhillon, with 1.3 million followers on her personal X account, has posted official department letters on X announcing civil rights investigations, a highly unusual practice that has alarmed former civil rights division lawyers. The practice violates longstanding norms that investigations remain confidential until formal notice is provided. Dhillon has also posted about investigations in early stages, departing from standard practice in which the civil rights division does not publicly announce investigations.

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• DOJ fires veteran civil rights prosecutor; releases report criticizing anti-abortion prosecution efforts — The justice department fired a veteran civil rights prosecutor who oversaw a criminal case against anti-abortion protesters. The department also released a widely criticized report on efforts to prosecute anti-abortion protesters, signaling a shift away from enforcement against anti-abortion violence and toward protection of anti-abortion activists.

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• DOJ sues UCLA on antisemitism allegations after school rejects $1 billion fine demand — The civil rights division, under Dhillon's direction, sued UCLA on antisemitism allegations after the school rejected a $1 billion fine and other concessions. The lawsuit followed a 30-day investigation period in which Dhillon's deputies pressured attorneys to produce a draft lawsuit despite insufficient evidence, with one deputy stating "We're under a lot of pressure to bring this case," signaling White House or DOJ leadership direction. The investigation was conducted under artificial time constraints that departed from standard practice.

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• Harmeet Dhillon confirmed as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights; dismantles civil rights enforcement — Harmeet Dhillon was confirmed by the Senate in a 52-45 vote in April 2025 as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. Within two weeks, she issued new mission statements abandoning core civil rights laws (Voting Rights Act, Fair Housing Act) in favor of preventing voter fraud, anti-transgender issues, and preventing discrimination against white people. She involuntarily reassigned career lawyers with decades of experience, triggering an exodus of over 100 attorneys. The division has dropped dozens of anti-discrimination cases and reoriented enforcement away from minorities toward white Americans, leaving the division a "shadow of its former self."
• Dhillon served as co-chair of Lawyers for Trump; promoted false 2020 election claims — Before joining the DOJ, Harmeet Dhillon served as co-chair of Lawyers for Trump in 2020, a position from which she worked on lawsuits contesting the 2020 election results and frequently appeared on television promoting the false claim that the election was stolen. During one appearance on Lou Dobbs Tonight on Fox Business, she suggested Trump's Supreme Court appointees would save the election for him, stating "We're waiting for the United States supreme court which the president has nominated three justices to step in and do something and, hopefully, Amy Coney Barrett will come through and pick it up."
• Dhillon's firm defended Trump against 14th Amendment ballot disqualification effort — Before joining the DOJ, Dhillon's law firm successfully defended Trump against an effort to use a novel interpretation of the 14th Amendment to disqualify him from the 2024 presidential ballot. The firm also defended Trump and several close aides in litigation related to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. David Warrington, who now serves as White House counsel, was a managing partner at the firm.

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• Department of Justice settled Michael Flynn lawsuit for $1.2 million — The Department of Justice settled a lawsuit brought by Trump's former national security advisor Michael Flynn for $1.2 million. Flynn had sued for $50 million on grounds of malicious prosecution after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russians before Trump took office. The settlement was cited by Democratic lawmakers as an example of potential abuse of power through government settlements of baseless lawsuits.

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• Tony Gonzales announces resignation from Congress amid expulsion threat — Representative Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), facing a House ethics committee investigation and expulsion threat over an extramarital affair with a staffer who later died by suicide, announced on Monday that he would file his retirement from office when Congress reconvened on Tuesday. The announcement followed similar resignation by Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell over sexual assault allegations. Gonzales had previously admitted to the affair but denied involvement in the staffer's September 2025 death.
• Rep. Tony Gonzalez announces resignation from Congress — Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez announced his resignation from Congress on April 14, 2026, hours after Rep. Eric Swalwell's resignation announcement. No specific reason for Gonzalez's departure was provided in the article.
• Tony Gonzales resigns from Congress following sexual misconduct pressure — Republican congressman Tony Gonzales submitted his resignation to the House of Representatives, effective 11:59pm on Tuesday, following mounting pressure to leave office. Gonzales had previously admitted to an affair with an aide who later died by suicide and had announced he would not seek re-election. His resignation came less than an hour after Swalwell's announcement, as bipartisan calls for accountability intensified and lawmakers threatened expulsion resolutions against multiple members accused of misconduct.

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• Congressional subpoena issued to Pam Bondi for Epstein files testimony — Congress issued a subpoena requiring former Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify on 14 April regarding her handling of the Epstein investigative files. The subpoena was issued after Bondi's Justice Department repeatedly missed disclosure deadlines mandated by the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA) and faced accusations of withholding documents. The subpoena remains in effect despite Bondi's removal from office, though House oversight leadership indicated uncertainty about whether the deposition would proceed.
• Pam Bondi defies congressional subpoena on Epstein files handling — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi failed to appear for a scheduled 14 April congressional deposition before the House Oversight Committee regarding her handling of Epstein investigative files. The Trump Department of Justice, led by Todd Blanche, notified the committee that Bondi would not appear because she is "no longer attorney general." Ranking Democrat Robert Garcia called the non-appearance an evasion of a lawful subpoena and threatened contempt proceedings. The committee stated it would reschedule the deposition, but the status remains unclear amid broader questions about DOJ transparency on Epstein-related documents.
• Rep. Garcia invokes congressional subpoena for Epstein documents — Rep. Garcia, Ranking Member of the House Oversight Committee, responded to Acting AG Blanche's statement by reminding the public that a legally binding congressional subpoena exists for Epstein documents, separate from any DOJ discretionary release standard. Garcia asserted that the subpoena remains in force and the matter will not disappear.
• House Oversight Committee Moves to Hold Pam Bondi in Contempt — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi failed to appear for a scheduled testimony before the House Oversight and Reform Committee regarding the Department of Justice's handling of the Epstein files. In response, Democrats on the committee announced plans to hold her in contempt of Congress for defying a lawful subpoena. Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) stated that Bondi is responsible for the White House cover-up of the Epstein files and emphasized the need for accountability.
• Representative Crockett announced intention to hold Bondi in contempt of Congress — Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) posted that Pam Bondi refused to appear for the House Oversight deposition in defiance of a lawful subpoena. Crockett stated that Oversight Democrats will move to hold Bondi in contempt of Congress, citing her responsibility for leading a White House cover-up of the Epstein files and the need for accountability and justice for survivors.
• Representative Garcia stated people must be held accountable for congressional subpoenas — Representative Robert Garcia (D-CA), the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, told the Weeknight that people have to be held accountable for the laws that Congress passes and the subpoenas that it puts in place.
• Department of Justice asserted subpoena no longer in force for former Attorney General Bondi — The Department of Justice took the position that because Pam Bondi was subpoenaed as attorney general and no longer holds that position, the subpoena was no longer in force. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee disagreed with this legal position.
• Former Attorney General Pam Bondi failed to appear for House Oversight Committee deposition — Former Attorney General Pam Bondi was scheduled to testify under oath before the House Oversight and Reform Committee regarding the Department of Justice's handling of the release of Epstein files. The DOJ has released only approximately half of the files despite a law requiring full production by December 19 of the previous year, with many released records heavily redacted despite narrow congressional authorization for redactions. Bondi did not appear for the scheduled deposition.

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• Ramsey County investigation into ICE detention opened; DHS refuses to provide evidence — Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Sheriff Bob Fletcher announced an official investigation into the ICE detention of ChongLy Thao as potential kidnapping, false imprisonment, and burglary. County officials stated that the Department of Homeland Security had failed to respond to a March 20 request for evidence and set a deadline of April 30 for DHS to provide records, witness interviews, and video recordings. DHS declined to cooperate and characterized the investigation as a "political stunt to demonize ICE law enforcement."

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• Rep. Eric Swalwell announced resignation from Congress — Rep. Eric Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress after losing the support of his closest friend Sen. Ruben Gallego and following reports of a new accuser coming forward. Swalwell stated he was aware an expulsion vote was going to be scheduled immediately and chose to resign rather than face expulsion, saying his constituents needed representation in Congress while claiming it was unfair to be expelled so quickly without the ability to prove his innocence.
• Eric Swalwell suspends California gubernatorial campaign following sexual assault allegations — Representative Eric Swalwell, the Democratic frontrunner in California's gubernatorial race, suspended his campaign after the San Francisco Chronicle and CNN published allegations that he sexually assaulted a former staff member twice and sent unsolicited explicit messages to at least three other women. Swalwell initially denied the claims but announced he would not continue his campaign. The Manhattan district attorney opened a criminal investigation into a 2024 sexual assault allegation, and the Department of Homeland Security launched an investigation into alleged immigration law violations related to hiring an undocumented nanny.
• Eric Swalwell suspends California gubernatorial campaign following sexual misconduct allegations — Congressman Eric Swalwell, the early frontrunner in California's 2026 gubernatorial race, suspended his campaign on April 13 following allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell had been positioned as a leading Democratic candidate in a field of 150 total candidates. His withdrawal occurs less than two months before the June 2 primary election and leaves the Democratic field uncertain as the party seeks to succeed term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom in the reliably blue state.
• Eric Swalwell Suspends Gubernatorial Bid in California — Congressman Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for the California governor's race following allegations of sexual misconduct. Swalwell was considered an early frontrunner in the race to succeed Gavin Newsom. His withdrawal from the race leaves the Democratic field open, with less than two months until the primary election on June 2, 2026. The primary will determine the top two candidates, regardless of party, who will advance to the general election.
• Rep. Eric Swalwell resigns from Congress — Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress on April 13, 2026. The resignation came hours before a fifth woman came forward at a press conference in Beverly Hills on April 14 accusing him of drugging her drink and raping her. Swalwell continues to deny all allegations but has issued a public apology.
• Eric Swalwell suspends California gubernatorial campaign and resigns from Congress amid sexual assault allegations — On Sunday, U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for California governor following allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. On Tuesday, a second woman accused him of rape in 2018. Facing expulsion threats, Swalwell formally resigned his House seat on Monday. He denied all allegations. His sudden exit has destabilized the Democratic primary race, forcing candidates to scramble for his supporters with the June 2 primary approaching and ballots set to mail early next month.
• Eric Swalwell resigns from Congress following sexual assault allegations — Representative Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, announced his resignation from Congress on Monday following multiple allegations of sexual assault and misconduct. The House ethics committee had opened an investigation into allegations that Swalwell engaged in sexual misconduct, including toward an employee under his supervision. Swalwell acknowledged mistakes in judgment while disputing the serious allegations, stating that remaining in office would distract from his constituents' needs. His resignation came after he suspended his gubernatorial campaign.
• Eric Swalwell resigns from Congress amid sexual misconduct allegations — Democratic congressman Eric Swalwell submitted his resignation to the House of Representatives on Tuesday at 2pm ET following allegations of sexual assault and unwanted sexual messages from multiple women. The San Francisco Chronicle and CNN reported the allegations, prompting the House ethics committee to open an investigation. Swalwell's resignation came after lawmakers from both parties threatened expulsion resolutions. California Governor Newsom announced a special election for August 18 to fill the vacant 14th congressional district seat.

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• Trump administration fires immigration judges who blocked deportations — The Trump administration abruptly fired two immigration judges appointed by the Biden administration in 2024 who were approaching the end of their probationary terms. Both judges—who had granted asylum at higher rates than peers—had blocked deportations of Tufts University student Rümeysa Öztürk and Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi. The firings were reported by the New York Times on April 11.
• Department of Justice terminates six immigration judges, including two who ruled against deportations of pro-Palestinian students — The Department of Justice terminated six immigration judges, including Roopal Patel and Nina Froes, who had ruled against the Trump administration in deportation cases involving pro-Palestinian university students Rümeysa Öztürk and Mohsen Mahdawi. Both judges were Biden appointees with prior immigration defense experience. Patel rejected deportation grounds against Öztürk; Froes blocked removal of Mahdawi. The administration stated judges are evaluated on conduct, impartiality, and performance, but NPR analysis found the Trump administration appears to target judges with immigrant representation backgrounds.

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• Department of Justice claims Pam Bondi subpoena void after her removal as Attorney General — The Department of Justice, through Assistant Attorney General Patrick Davis, informed House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will not appear for a scheduled 14 April deposition regarding the DOJ's handling of the Epstein investigation and release of Epstein files. The DOJ argued the subpoena, issued in her official capacity, no longer obligates her to testify since she was ousted from office on 7 April. The committee has not withdrawn the subpoena; bipartisan members and Democratic leadership assert Bondi remains legally obligated to appear.
• DOJ blocks Pam Bondi deposition on Epstein files — The Department of Justice announced that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will not appear for her deposition before the House Oversight Committee on April 14th. The DOJ claimed she was subpoenaed in her capacity as AG and no longer holds that role. House Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia clarified that the subpoena is to Bondi as an individual, not to her title, and stated that contempt charges are on the table if she does not comply. This continues an ongoing cover-up of Epstein files by the administration.
• Pam Bondi cancels deposition on Epstein files handling — The Republican-led House Oversight and Reform Committee announced that former Attorney General Pam Bondi will no longer appear for a scheduled deposition to provide testimony about the Justice Department's handling of the Epstein files. Ranking Member Rep. Robert Garcia warned that if Bondi defies her subpoena, the committee "will begin contempt charges in the Congress."

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• US Supreme Court vacates lower court ruling upholding Steve Bannon's contempt conviction — The US Supreme Court filed a brief order vacating a lower court ruling that had upheld Steve Bannon's conviction on two misdemeanor counts of contempt of Congress. The case was remanded to the US Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit for further consideration in light of a pending motion to dismiss the indictment filed by the Trump administration. Bannon had been convicted for refusing to submit to a subpoena to testify before the House committee investigating the January 6 insurrection and served four months in prison in 2024.