Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Pentagon fires publisher, editor, and reporter of Stars and Stripes military news outlet — The Pentagon terminated Max Lederer (publisher), Erik Slavin (editor), and Lara Korte (reporter) from Stars and Stripes, citing insubordination. The firings followed the outlet's reporting on crew conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln and statements by staff defending editorial independence from Pentagon control. Lederer, who had served 19 years, was set to retire in September. All three received termination notices with five-day appeal periods. The dismissals reflect escalating conflict between the Trump administration's Pentagon and the military news outlet over press freedom and editorial autonomy.

Supporting reports

• Department of Justice subpoenaed New York Times reporters over Air Force One security reporting — The Department of Justice, through U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, issued subpoenas to New York Times reporters Julian E. Barnes, Eric Lipton, Tyler Pager, and Eric Schmitt. The subpoenas order the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday regarding an alleged violation of federal criminal law related to leaking national security information. The reporters had published a story on Wednesday reporting that the Secret Service had security concerns about the new Air Force One Boeing 747-8 and recommended the president use an older plane during his return from the NATO summit in Türkiye due to escalating Iran tensions. FBI Director Kash Patel conducted an 8-hour investigation from the White House to identify the anonymous sources.
• DOJ subpoenaed New York Times journalists over Air Force One reporting — The Trump administration issued subpoenas on Friday to several journalists at the New York Times after the outlet reported on security concerns involving Trump's new Qatari-donated Air Force One. The subpoenas seek to force the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury in Manhattan on Wednesday. NYT General Counsel David McCraw called the action "an attempt to prevent the public from knowing what is happening in their country by intimidating journalists from doing their jobs." Fox chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin posted that the action "should alarm every American."
• New York Times Journalists Subpoenaed Over Trump Air Force One Coverage — The Trump administration subpoenaed several New York Times journalists to testify before a federal grand jury about their reporting on security concerns surrounding Trump's new Air Force One, which was donated by Qatar. The subpoenas followed a White House meeting where FBI Director Kash Patel was directed to lead a leak investigation into the newspaper's reporting. The Times' top newsroom lawyer called the move a violation of press freedom protections in the Constitution.
• DOJ subpoenas New York Times reporters — The Department of Justice issued subpoenas to reporters from the New York Times regarding a story about security concerns related to the new Air Force One plane. The subpoenas require the reporters to testify before a federal grand jury about an alleged violation of federal criminal law concerning the leaking of national security information. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton, nominated by Trump to be the next director of national intelligence, is overseeing the subpoenas. The DOJ stated that the reporters are not targets, but the act of subpoenaing journalists raises concerns about press freedom.
• DOJ issues subpoenas to New York Times journalists — The Trump administration, through the Department of Justice, issued subpoenas to multiple New York Times journalists seeking to compel their testimony before a federal grand jury in Manhattan. The subpoenas followed the Times' reporting on security concerns regarding Trump's new Qatari-gifted aircraft, which cited anonymous sources. An FBI official had previously contacted the Times requesting the article be withheld on national security grounds and demanded disclosure of sources, which the Times refused. The Times' legal counsel condemned the subpoenas as threatening constitutional press freedom.
• DOJ issued subpoenas to New York Times journalists — The Department of Justice issued subpoenas to four New York Times journalists—Julian Barnes, Eric Lipton, and Eric Schmitt—demanding they appear before a grand jury and disclose confidential sources. The subpoenas relate to the Times' reporting on security concerns surrounding the new Air Force One aircraft. The New York Times filed a motion to quash the subpoenas, arguing they were intended to punish the newspaper for its coverage and violated journalists' constitutional rights.

Supporting reports

• FBI investigates New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson after critical reporting on Patel's girlfriend's security — The FBI investigated New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson after she wrote an article raising concerns about security arrangements surrounding Kash Patel's girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. The investigation represents potential retaliation against a journalist for reporting on matters related to a senior government official.

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.

Supporting reports

• 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

• Trump's EEOC sued the New York Times over hiring practices — Trump's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the New York Times, alleging the publication engaged in "unlawful employment practices" and discriminated against a white man after he was passed over for a promotion, claiming the decision was influenced by the paper's "stated race and sex-based representation goals." A Times spokesperson called the allegations "politically motivated." The litigation follows Trump's $15 billion lawsuit against the Times and its reporters last fall.

Supporting reports

• FCC accelerates ABC license renewal review following White House attack on Jimmy Kimmel — The Federal Communications Commission, led by Trump-appointed chair Brendan Carr, announced an accelerated review of eight ABC-owned local broadcasting licenses (WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KTRK-TV Houston, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh-Durham, and KFSN-TV Fresno). The licenses were not scheduled for renewal until 2028–2031 but now must be filed by May 28, 2026. The action follows the White House's attack on late-night host Jimmy Kimmel over a joke about Melania Trump. The FCC cited an ongoing investigation into Disney's diversity practices as justification, though critics characterize the move as political retribution and regulatory intimidation.
• Federal Communications Commission announced review of ABC's broadcast licenses — On April 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission announced it is reviewing ABC's broadcast licenses following a joke made by late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel about First Lady Melania Trump on April 24, 2026. FCC chair Brendan Carr, a Trump loyalist who frequently attacks media organizations, leads the agency.
• FCC orders Disney/ABC license renewal in retaliation for Kimmel criticism — FCC Chair Brendan Carr issued an order directing Disney's ABC to file license renewals for all licensed TV stations within 30 days (by May 28, 2026). The order is widely viewed as retaliation for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel's criticisms of Trump and the network's resistance to Trump administration pressure to fire Kimmel. The FCC asserts the review relates to an ongoing probe into Disney's diversity initiatives, but the timing and context suggest political retaliation. The order initiates a protracted legal process, though ABC has broad legal protections.
• FCC accelerates review of ABC broadcast licenses following Kimmel joke — On Monday, following Melania Trump's public criticism of ABC host Jimmy Kimmel for a joke about her appearance, FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced the agency was expediting its review of eight ABC local broadcasting licenses. Carr denied the action was related to Kimmel's monologue, but the timing and context suggest regulatory retaliation for constitutionally protected speech critical of the Trump family.

Supporting reports

• FBI Director Kash Patel pressed to release decade-old investigative file on Rep. Eric Swalwell. — FBI Director Kash Patel directed agents in the San Francisco office to quickly redact and prepare for public release a decade-old investigative file involving Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, despite no evidence of wrongdoing by Swalwell. The file concerns Christine Fang (Fang Fang), who courted Swalwell and other California politicians from 2011–2015. When FBI agents conveyed concerns about Fang to Swalwell around 2015, he cut off ties and cooperated with investigators. Swalwell was not accused of wrongdoing in the original investigation, and the Republican-led House Ethics Committee closed a two-year investigation in 2023 with no action. Patel has reassigned multiple agents to work on bringing a criminal case against Swalwell, a vocal Trump critic and leading Democratic candidate for California governor.
• Trump FBI director Kash Patel pushes for release of Eric Swalwell investigative records — FBI Director Kash Patel, under the Trump administration, is reportedly pushing to release records from a decade-old FBI investigation into Eric Swalwell's alleged links to a Chinese agent. Swalwell, a Democratic congressman and California gubernatorial candidate, was found cooperative and not suspected of wrongdoing. The move occurs as Swalwell gains traction in the governor's race. Democrats characterize the effort as weaponized retaliation against a political opponent. Swalwell's attorneys issued a cease-and-desist letter on Monday.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration arrests journalist Don Lemon and searches reporter Hannah Natanson's home — The Trump administration arrested former CNN anchor Don Lemon in January 2026 and conducted an FBI search of Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home, seizing electronic devices. Nancy Pelosi characterized these actions as "an affront to press freedom meant to scare, chill and silence." The arrests and searches occurred amid broader concerns about press freedom and were cited by Pelosi as evidence that the First Amendment is "under siege."

Supporting reports

• DHS press secretary demands Star Tribune delete story naming ICE officer — The Department of Homeland Security press secretary Tricia McLaughlin called the Minnesota Star Tribune "reckless" and demanded the outlet "delete their story immediately" after the newspaper published the name of the ICE officer (Jonathan Ross) who killed Renee Good. The Star Tribune declined to retract the story. Editor Kathleen Hennessey characterized the decision to name the shooter as deliberate and well-reasoned.

Supporting reports

• DHS and Trump administration frame shooting as self-defense and label victim as domestic terrorist — Within hours of the shooting, DHS and ICE officials characterized the incident as lawful self-defense. Trump amplified the narrative by posting that Good "violently, willfully, and viciously ran over" an ICE officer and that the agent "almost died." DHS leadership immediately began using the phrase "domestic terrorism" to describe Good's actions, establishing a federal narrative before full evidence was released to the public.
• DOJ civil rights division leader amplifies false claim about Renee Good shooting — Harmeet Dhillon, the Republican activist now leading the Justice Department's civil rights division, shared on X (formerly Twitter) Trump's false claim that Renee Good "violently, willfully and viciously ran over the ICE officer." Forensic analysis by the New York Times, Bellingcat, and other outlets has demonstrated this characterization is false. Dhillon's amplification of disproven claims while heading the civil rights division signals politicization of the office responsible for investigating police and federal law enforcement misconduct.
• Homeland Security Secretary Noem characterized Renee Good's actions as domestic terrorism — Following the fatal shooting of Renee Good on January 7, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly stated that Good had committed an act of "domestic terrorism," claiming she disobeyed officers' commands and attempted to "run a law enforcement officer over." This characterization preceded detailed video analysis that contradicted the account of the shooting.
• DHS Secretary Noem falsely labels Renee Good's death an "act of domestic terrorism" — Hours after the January 7 shooting, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed that Renee Good "attempt[ed] to kill or to cause bodily harm to agents" and described the incident as an "act of domestic terrorism." White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also described the incident as "domestic terrorism" on X. Domestic terrorism is legally defined as a violent act intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or affect government conduct by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping. Good was driving home after taking her 6-year-old son to school, had no criminal record beyond a speeding ticket, and no known links to any terrorist group.
• Trump falsely claims Renee Good ran over ICE agent — On January 7, President Trump posted on Truth Social that Renee Good "violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer." Witness videos contradict this claim, showing the first shot occurred while Ross stood in front of Good's vehicle as she turned to avoid him, and subsequent shots while he stood to the side. Trump repeated the false claim to New York Times reporters the same day, claiming Good "ran him over," and showed reporters a video he said supported his narrative. When reporters noted the video did not show Good running over Ross, Trump called it a "terrible scene."
• ICE agent shoots and kills Minneapolis resident; Trump administration launches coordinated disinformation campaign — An ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and poet, during a Minneapolis raid on January 8, 2026. Within hours, the Trump administration—including President Trump, Vice President Vance, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem—issued a coordinated series of false and misleading statements characterizing Good as a "domestic terrorist" and "violent rioter" who attempted to run over the officer. Video evidence contradicts these claims. Democratic officials, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, publicly denounced the falsehoods as "verifiably false" and "bullshit."
• Republican Randy Fine justifies killing of civilian by ICE — Republican Randy Fine appeared on television and justified the killing of Renee Good by stating that if Americans "get in the way of the government repelling a foreign invasion" they will "end up just like that lady did yesterday." The statement framed civilian death as an acceptable consequence of federal enforcement actions.
• Department of Homeland Security issued false statement about ICE shooting — The Department of Homeland Security posted a statement on social media claiming that Renee Nicole Good had "weaponized her vehicle, attempting to run over our law enforcement officers" and that the shooting was an act of "domestic terrorism." The statement falsely claimed ICE officers were injured and recovering in the hospital. Video evidence contradicts these claims, showing the vehicle moving away from the officer and no evidence of officers being struck or injured. The statement also blamed "sanctuary politicians" for assaults on law enforcement.
• DHS and administration officials made false public statements about Minneapolis shooting — The Department of Homeland Security, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, and President Trump made public statements claiming that federal agent Renee Nicole Good was shot in self-defense, contradicting video evidence from multiple witnesses. The administration's narrative was amplified by Fox News Channel, which shifted its coverage to align with official talking points as video evidence emerged.
• Trump posted false account of ICE shooting — President Trump posted on social media a false account of the shooting, claiming the officer "seems to have shot at her in self defense" and that "it is hard to believe that he is alive" because the woman "violently, willfully, and viciously ran over the ICE Officer." Video evidence shows the vehicle moving away from the officer and no contact between vehicle and officer. Trump blamed the incident on "the Radical Left" and called for Americans to "stand by and protect our Law Enforcement Officers."
• Vice President Vance made false claims about Minneapolis shooting — Vice President J.D. Vance held a press conference on the shooting and claimed that Renee Nicole Good was part of a "left wing network" and that she "aimed her car at a law enforcement officer and pressed on the accelerator." The New York Times published a slow-motion video analysis the same day demonstrating conclusively that the vehicle was turning away from the officer when he opened fire.
• White House press secretary attacked victim of federal shooting — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterized the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good as resulting from a "larger, sinister left-wing movement" and described federal law enforcement as "under organized attack." The statement blamed the victim and a political movement rather than addressing the circumstances of the shooting.
• Vice President Vance repeats false claims about shooting victim at press conference — Vice President JD Vance held a press conference where he repeated the administration's false narrative that Renee Good used her car as a weapon against ICE officers. He reduced her to "that woman," insisted she tried to run down an officer, and made unsubstantiated claims that she was part of "left-wing networks" targeting officers. He also attacked the press for reporting facts about the incident, accusing media of "putting law enforcement at risk."
• Vice President Vance repeats false claims about Renee Good shooting — On January 8, Vice President J.D. Vance repeated Trump's false claims about the shooting, stating "Ramming an ICE officer with your car, that's what justifies being shot." Vance later amplified a 47-second video of the incident that was selectively leaked to Alpha News, a right-wing outlet, before being released by DHS. Vance also claimed Good was "brainwashed" and a "victim of left-wing ideology," and told reporters that Ross has "absolute immunity" for Good's killing.
• White House Press Secretary falsely labels Renee Good an "insurrectionist" — On January 8, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed Renee Good was part of "a large, sinister left-wing movement" and described her as "a leftist insurrectionist who was purposefully and illegally obstructing law enforcement operations." Vice President Vance amplified these claims. Good was affiliated with ICE Watch, a loose coalition of citizens that alerts neighbors to ICE activity using whistles and messaging apps—activity that is legal and constitutionally protected. Good had no association with any violent or extremist group.
• Homeland Security Secretary and Vice President defend ICE shooting and attack victim's character — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Vice President JD Vance publicly defended ICE agent Jonathan E Ross's shooting of Renee Nicole Good, contradicting video evidence of the incident. Noem characterized Ross as "an experienced officer" following his training and noted he had been hospitalized. Vance claimed without evidence that Good was part of a "leftwing network" attempting to incite violence against law enforcement, calling her "a victim of leftwing ideology" who had been "brainwashed." Both officials asserted the agent acted in self-defense, contradicting widely circulated video footage showing Good reversing her car to allow ICE vehicles to pass before being shot multiple times.
• Trump administration justifies Minneapolis shooting as self-defense and labels victim as domestic terrorist — The Trump administration publicly justified the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent as "self-defense" and accused Good of engaging in "an act of domestic terrorism." This narrative contradicts witness video evidence widely shared online, which shows Good had turned her vehicle wheels away from the agent before he shot her three times as she attempted to drive away.
• Trump administration officials accuse shooting victim of domestic terrorism without evidence — President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem publicly accused Renee Nicole Good of "domestic terrorism" in connection with her fatal shooting by ICE, without providing evidence and before the official investigation was complete. Vance further asserted the agent enjoyed "absolute immunity" from prosecution, a claim contradicted by legal experts and state officials.
• Vice President Vance and DHS repost video of ICE shooting of Renee Good — Vice President J.D. Vance and the Department of Homeland Security reposted a cell phone video of the fatal shooting of Renee Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis. The video, which Vance claimed exonerated Ross, actually shows Good smiling and telling Ross "I'm not mad at you" before he shot her, then calling her a slur afterward. Vance captioned his repost: "What the press has done in lying about this innocent law enforcement officer is disgusting." The administration's framing contradicted the video's actual content.
• Noem falsely claims ICE agent received hospital treatment — Secretary Noem stated that the ICE agent involved in the shooting "went to the hospital. He was hit by the vehicle. He received treatment, was released, and is spending time with his family now." The bulletin reports this claim was false; the agent had no injuries and received no treatment.
• Trump discusses taking Machado's Nobel Peace Prize — Trump told Sean Hannity he understood Machado was coming to meet with him in the next week and that accepting a Nobel Peace Prize from her "would be a great honor." When asked if receiving her prize would change his view of her running the country, Trump said he would have to speak with her and that "I can't think of anybody in history that should get the Nobel prize more than me."
• Trump endorses Vance's characterization of Renee Good as agitator — When asked about Vance's suggestion that Renee Good was part of a broad left-wing network, Trump stated he had not seen the VP's statement but called him "generally very accurate" and characterized Good as "an agitator. Probably a paid agitator. She was not normal."

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

• FBI accessed private Signal group chat of immigration court-watch activists — The FBI gained access to encrypted Signal conversations of New York immigration activists organizing "courtwatch" efforts to monitor public federal immigration court proceedings. An August 2025 joint FBI-NYPD report quoted from the private chat and characterized court watchers as "anarchist violent extremist actors," despite the courtwatch activities being non-violent legal observation of public hearings. The report was distributed to law enforcement agencies nationwide. The method of access to the encrypted platform remains unclear.

Supporting reports

• Trump's name reported in DOJ Epstein files; Congress subpoenas Maxwell — The Wall Street Journal reported that Donald Trump's name appears multiple times in Department of Justice files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Trump in May that he was named in the files, though she stated the findings warranted no further investigation. The House Oversight Committee voted 8–2 to subpoena DOJ for Epstein-related files and subpoenaed Ghislaine Maxwell for a deposition on August 11. Trump subsequently filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Journal and banned one of its reporters from Air Force One.
• Wall Street Journal reported Trump's name in Epstein files — The Wall Street Journal reported that AG Bondi told Trump in May that his name was in the Epstein files, following a review by Justice Department officials who discovered his name "multiple times" in the "truckload" of documents. The bombshell report comes one week after Trump told reporters that Bondi told him he wasn't in the files.
• Trump informed months ago that his name in Epstein files — The New York Times reported that Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche, both former Trump lawyers, informed the president months ago that his name, along with those of other high-profile figures, had appeared in documents connected to the Epstein case that had not previously been made public. This contradicts Trump's denials of prior knowledge. The White House responded by characterizing the report as "fake news" concocted by Democrats and the liberal media.

Supporting reports

• Border czar encouraged DOJ to investigate CNN over ICEBlock reporting — Border czar Tom Homan encouraged the Department of Justice to investigate CNN over its reporting on the ICEBlock app, which notifies users when ICE agents are nearby. The request represents an attempt to use law enforcement to retaliate against press coverage of government operations.
• Trump administration threatens to prosecute CNN over IceBlock app reporting — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan announced that the Department of Justice is investigating whether to prosecute CNN for reporting on the IceBlock app, which allows users to track ICE agents. Noem stated the reporting "actively encourages people to avoid law enforcement" and constitutes illegal conduct. Trump added that CNN should also be prosecuted for reporting on Iran strikes. CNN defended its coverage as factual reporting on a publicly available app.
• Homeland Security Secretary said DOJ will prosecute CNN for ICEBlock coverage — Speaking at the new immigration detention facility in the Everglades dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her department is working with the DOJ to potentially prosecute CNN for its coverage of the ICEBlock app. Trump added that CNN may also be prosecuted "for false reports on the attack on Iran." The statements represent threats of criminal prosecution against a news organization.

Supporting reports

• FCC chair Brendan Carr orders investigations into NBC News, NPR, and PBS — Brendan Carr, Trump's appointed FCC chair and Project 2025 author, has ordered a flurry of investigations into NBC News, NPR, and PBS. These investigations are ongoing as of late March 2025 and represent part of a broader pattern of using federal regulatory authority to target news organizations critical of the administration.

Supporting reports

• Trump dismissed Atlantic report on classified messaging breach — When asked about Jeffrey Goldberg's Atlantic article detailing the classified messaging breach, President Trump stated he knew nothing about the incident and dismissed The Atlantic as "a magazine that's going out of business." Trump declined to engage substantively with the security breach allegations.
• Secretary Hegseth denied texting war plans, contradicted by Signal messages — Asked by a reporter about the Signal group chat, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said "Nobody was texting war plans." This claim was directly contradicted by the chain of messages later published by The Atlantic, which included exact timings of strikes and information about planes and drones used—information that was highly classified at the time.
• Secretary of Defense Hegseth and administration officials denied classified information was shared in Signal chat — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and President Trump made public statements asserting that no classified information was shared in the Signal group chat discussing Yemen military strikes. Hegseth told reporters "Nobody was texting war plans." Gabbard testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee that "There was no classified material that was shared in that Signal group." Ratcliffe stated his communications "did not include classified information." Trump told reporters the information "wasn't classified." These statements were later contradicted when The Atlantic published screenshots of the messages showing precise attack details.
• The Atlantic published screenshots of classified Signal messages discussing Yemen military strikes — The Atlantic published screenshots of the Signal group chat messages in which senior administration officials discussed and planned military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The messages revealed that Secretary of Defense Hegseth had uploaded precise attack details including timing and targeting information before the operation commenced. The publication followed administration officials' repeated denials that classified information had been shared, and came after The Atlantic's reporters determined there was clear public interest in disclosing the information.

Supporting reports

• White House issues release attacking sanctuary city policies and Democratic officials over immigration enforcement — The White House published a release titled "Sick Politicians Want Killers, Rapists Roaming Our Streets" characterizing sanctuary city policies as shielding violent criminal immigrants. The release lists specific ICE arrests in Saint Paul, Chicago, Washington State, Los Angeles, and New York City, naming Democratic officials (including Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, Chicago Representatives Delia Ramirez, Chuy García, and Mike Quigley, Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) and quoting their statements opposing immigration enforcement cooperation. The release frames these officials' positions as enabling violent crime.