Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• DHS deployed 19 USC 1509 administrative summonses to obtain records on journalists, non-profits, and unions without judicial oversight — The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security has systematically used an obscure customs law (19 USC 1509) to issue administrative summonses demanding records from social media companies and telecommunications providers targeting journalists (Georgia Fort, Don Lemon, Megyn Kelly, Brendan Gutenschwager, Democracy Now), unions (SEIU, Communications Workers of America), and left-leaning non-profits (Sunrise Movement, Voices for Racial Justice). The summonses bypass judicial review required for search warrants and include secrecy directives. Fort's six-month phone records from T-Mobile and YouTube account information were obtained after a federal judge had twice rejected similar warrant requests in February 2026, citing lack of probable cause.
• Trump administration uses customs law to obtain journalist records without judicial oversight — The Trump administration deployed an obscure legal maneuver to obtain private information on journalists, non-profits, and unions without judicial oversight. The Department of Homeland Security served Google with an administrative summons citing 19 USC 1509, a customs statute, to obtain YouTube account information for journalist Georgia Fort and Don Lemon. The summons bypassed judicial review required for search warrants, which a judge had twice rejected for lacking probable cause. DHS officials used the customs provision—designed to investigate import duties and taxes—to investigate a domestic protest at a Minneapolis church that the journalists were covering.

Supporting reports

• ICE agents conducting arrests in immigration courthouses despite prior judicial recognition of chilling effect — ICE agents have conducted high-profile mass arrests in immigration courthouses, stalking hallways and detaining immigrants. This practice reverses a shared understanding since at least 1996 between immigration judges and DHS that enforcement presence in courts creates a "chilling effect" on respondents' ability to present their cases. EOIR officials dismissed this concern as "contrary to logic." A federal judge has since blocked the policy, but the arrests have already created fear and distrust, causing many immigrants to avoid attending hearings.

Supporting reports

• Todd Blanche declines to pledge DOJ independence from White House — US Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, declined on NBC's Meet the Press to pledge that the Department of Justice would act independently of the White House, stating "no attorney general should ever pledge that." Blanche asserted Trump would never ask him to do something unethical or illegal, dismissing concerns about politicization as a "false narrative." His comments came days after his narrow 50-49 Senate confirmation and amid Trump's dismissal of his predecessor Pam Bondi over insufficient action against Trump's political opponents.
• Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to pledge DOJ independence from White House — On NBC's Meet the Press, Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to pledge that the DOJ will always act independently of the White House, stating "No, I'm not going to pledge that, and no AG ever should." When asked if he would comply with a presidential directive that crosses ethical or legal lines, Blanche responded that the president "would never do that" and "never has" and "never will," without committing to refuse unlawful orders.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to withdraw Blanche's nomination and resubmit it after Cornyn and Tillis leave office. — After the Blanche vote was canceled, Trump posted on Truth Social that he would "temporarily withdraw" Blanche's nomination if Cornyn and Tillis did not "do the right thing," with the intention to resubmit it after the two senators leave office. Trump attacked both senators, claiming his prior refusal to endorse them had "ended" their political careers. He praised Blanche as a potential "Greatest AG of All Time" and stated Blanche would "remain, in any event, as Acting." The post signaled Trump's intent to circumvent Senate opposition through procedural delay and attrition.
• Trump threatens to withdraw Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination — Trump threatened to withdraw his nomination of Todd Blanche as attorney general after Senators Cornyn and Tillis refused to confirm him without a written revocation of Trump's tax audit immunity and January 6th slush fund. The senators' conditional refusal to confirm created a standoff over Trump's demand to retain immunity protections and control of discretionary funds related to January 6th.
• Trump refuses to narrow tax immunity agreement despite Republican senators' written limits request — Donald Trump declined a request from Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis to formally limit the scope of a controversial tax immunity agreement that grants him, his family, and related entities broad protection from IRS audits. The agreement, part of a settlement ending a lawsuit over unauthorized disclosure of Trump's tax records, includes a $1.8 billion slush fund. Trump's refusal to narrow the deal jeopardized confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general, though Blanche can continue serving as acting AG indefinitely under federal law.
• Trump reverses position on $1.8bn "anti-weaponization" fund and vows to revive it despite Senate opposition — Donald Trump, after initially declaring a controversial $1.8bn "anti-weaponization" fund "dead," reversed course and promised to revive it through legislation or executive action. The fund, part of a legal settlement with the DOJ over Trump's IRS lawsuit, is intended to compensate individuals Trump claims were wrongfully targeted by government. Senate Republicans John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are blocking Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination over the fund dispute, demanding written assurance the DOJ will not establish it. Trump threatened to withdraw Blanche's nomination, keep him as acting attorney general, and "push hard" for the fund anyway.
• Trump threatens to withdraw Blanche AG nomination temporarily, keep him as acting attorney general — Donald Trump announced he may "temporarily" withdraw Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general to circumvent Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who are blocking confirmation over objections to a $1.8 billion political-weaponization compensation fund and tax immunity provisions. Trump stated he would keep Blanche as acting attorney general indefinitely under federal law until the two senators leave office in January 2027. The Senate Judiciary Committee canceled a scheduled confirmation vote on Thursday.

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• Trump directs ICE to resume vehicle stops within 24 hours — Within 24 hours of Homan's announcement of a temporary suspension of ICE vehicle stops, President Donald Trump directed federal immigration agents to resume them. The rapid reversal undercut the agency's stated intention to review procedures following the two fatal shootings.
• White House overturns DHS halt to ICE traffic stops after two fatal shootings — The White House reversed a one-day-old Department of Homeland Security memo halting ICE traffic stops following the fatal shootings of two unarmed men—Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston on July 7 and Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine on July 14. Both men were shot by federal officers without body cameras and were not the intended targets. President Trump, via Truth Social, insisted ICE continue traffic stops, framing the DHS pause as capitulation to criminals and crediting ICE with crime reduction. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin subsequently aligned with Trump's position, announcing deportation enforcement and a $2,600 payment offer to undocumented immigrants to leave voluntarily.
• Trump overruled ICE vehicle-stop suspension order — President Trump overruled his own administration's order suspending most ICE vehicle stops after receiving intense pushback from his MAGA base. White House officials reported Trump heard complaints from hard-line allies including MAGA influencer Tomi Lahren, former Border Patrol official Greg Bovino, and podcaster Steve Bannon. Trump concluded that ICE abandoning traffic stops would "make them all look weak," and reversed the policy based on cable-news segments he watched.
• Trump directed ICE to continue traffic stops despite deaths — At 6:45 a.m. on July 16, Trump issued a statement insisting that ICE agents continue traffic stops as a "Crime Fighting tool," overriding an ICE memo issued the previous day that had ordered agents to prioritize tactics other than traffic stops. The directive came after two immigrants were killed in separate ICE operations six days apart, neither of whom was the intended target. Trump's statement falsely characterized undocumented immigrants as "Criminals" and rejected calls from Senator Susan Collins and others to cease non-urgent vehicle stops.

Supporting reports

• US District Judge Kathleen Williams voided DOJ's $1.776 billion settlement with Trump — US District Judge Kathleen Williams voided the Department of Justice's $1.776 billion settlement with Trump, finding the litigation constitutionally defective under Article III because Trump, as head of the Executive Branch, controlled both the plaintiff and defendant agencies (Treasury and IRS), making them never genuinely adverse. The judge found no actual case or controversy occurred, no meaningful litigation preceded the settlement, and government lawyers never filed a response or defended the agencies. Williams imposed Rule 11 sanctions and referred one of Trump's attorneys for possible professional discipline.
• Federal Judge Voids Trump's $1.8 Billion IRS Settlement — A federal judge voided Trump's $1.8 billion settlement with the IRS that included an "anti-weaponization fund" and immunity from tax audits, ruling that the president's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS was filed "to manipulate the judicial process." The judge sanctioned two of Trump's personal attorneys, banning one from practicing in the Southern District of Florida for at least one year, and suggested that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and associate Attorney General Stan Woodward could face state bar investigations.
• Federal judge nullifies Trump tax-return settlement and sanctions president's lawyers — US District Judge Kathleen Williams in the Southern District of Florida voided a settlement agreement between the Trump administration and the president over a $10 billion lawsuit regarding leaked tax returns. The judge found the lawsuit was filed in bad faith and the settlement was collusive, designed to confer immunity on Trump and his family and create an $1.8 billion slush fund. Williams sanctioned Trump's lawyers, referred two to bar disciplinary proceedings, and blocked one from practicing in the district for one year.
• Federal judge ruled Trump's IRS lawsuit settlement was improper and manufactured — U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen Williams for the Southern District of Florida ruled that Trump, his lawyers, and Department of Justice lawyers had manufactured a fraudulent settlement of Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. Williams found the lawsuit was brought "for an improper purpose—to gain the imprimatur of judicial legitimacy for a 'settlement' that had no viable basis in law or fact." The settlement was designed to establish a $1.776 billion slush fund for Trump loyalists and to grant Trump, his family, businesses, and associates immunity from prosecution for any tax crimes revealed by audits of tax returns filed before May 19, 2026.
• Federal judge rules against Trump's IRS lawsuit — On July 13, 2026, U.S. District Court Judge Kathleen Williams ruled that Trump and his legal team improperly manufactured a settlement in his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, which aimed to create a slush fund for Trump loyalists and grant immunity from prosecution for tax crimes. The judge found the lawsuit lacked a legitimate basis and recommended sanctions against some lawyers involved.
• Judge Williams recommended sanctions against lawyers involved in fraudulent settlement — Judge Kathleen Williams recommended legal sanctions against some of the lawyers involved in the fraudulent IRS settlement and expressed that she was "extremely troubled" by the testimony of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, which she characterized as "at best, misleading and, at worst, disingenuous."
• E. Jean Carroll Receives Payment from Trump — E. Jean Carroll has received a $5.6 million payment from Donald Trump, confirmed by a court filing. This payment is part of a legal settlement related to a defamation case brought by Carroll against Trump.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge issues temporary order blocking "anti-weaponization" fund — A federal judge issued a temporary order preventing the Trump administration from establishing the nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund while a lawsuit seeking to stop it is considered. The fund, which originated from a settlement after Trump sued the IRS over disclosure of his tax returns, had been proposed to compensate individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
• Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump's $1.8bn Anti-Weaponization Fund — US District Judge Leonie Brinkema issued a temporary restraining order on Friday barring the Trump administration from transferring money into or taking further action on a $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund." The fund was created to settle a $10 billion lawsuit filed by Trump and his sons over leaked tax returns, without the government mounting a legal defense. The order preserves the status quo pending legal arguments in a challenge brought by Democracy Forward and other plaintiffs, preventing irreversible disbursement of taxpayer funds.
• Judge Leonie Brinkema temporarily blocked Anti-Weaponization Fund — U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema for the Eastern District of Virginia issued a temporary order halting the Department of Justice from creating, operating, or distributing funds from the so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund, a $1.776 billion slush fund established by the Trump administration to compensate those convicted of crimes related to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The order prohibits the administration from transferring money to the fund, considering claims for payment, or paying out any funds. Brinkema scheduled a hearing on the case for June 12. The plaintiffs challenging the fund are people and entities prosecuted or threatened by the Trump administration who argue they are not being treated equally with Trump loyalists in compensation claims.
• Motion granted — Floyd v. Department of Justice (E.D. Va.) 1:26-cv-01399 — Judge Brinkema enjoined Defendants from taking any action related to the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund, including transferring money to the Fund, considering submitted claims, or disbursing any funds. Judge Brinkema also denied the Plaintiffs' motion for expedited briefing and granted the Defendants' request for additional time.
• Federal Judge Brinkema temporarily blocked Trump's $1.776 billion fund for fraudsters and insurrectionists — Federal Judge Brinkema issued a temporary block on any further action involving Trump's $1.776 billion fund, preserving the status quo while litigation moves forward. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for June 12, 2026. The fund was characterized as being for "fraudsters and insurrectionists."
• Federal judge temporarily blocked Trump's $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund — U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Virginia issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Department of Justice from taking further action on the creation or operation of the Anti-Weaponization Fund, a $1.8 billion taxpayer-funded initiative. The order blocks the transfer of money to the fund, consideration of claims, and disbursement of funds while plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction is pending. Judge Brinkema scheduled a hearing for June 12 to hear further arguments on the case.
• Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump's $1.776 Billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" — A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from creating or operating a planned $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" designed to compensate individuals who claim they were wrongfully targeted by the government, potentially including those Trump pardoned for Jan. 6 involvement. The order prohibits consideration of submitted claims and disbursement of funds pending a June 12 hearing.

Supporting reports

• Department of Justice argued for unlimited presidential firing power — Karen Lesperance, a lawyer for the Department of Justice, told Judge Jesse Furman of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York that the government's position is that the President has the power to fire anyone, even if doing so for political reasons. The statement was made in the case of Maurene Comey, daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. When Judge Furman asked whether there were any limits to presidential firing power—such as whether the President could fire people to create an "all-white executive branch" or "all-Black" executive branch—Lesperance avoided answering the question. Comey's lawyer characterized the Justice Department's position as a "novel and breathtaking theory about the scope of" presidential power.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration officials use shooting incident to advance ballroom construction and suppress criticism. — Within hours of the shooting, Trump administration officials and allied Republicans coordinated messaging to use the incident as justification for a contested White House ballroom construction project. Deputy White House Chief of Staff Dan Scavino attempted to lead a "USA! USA!" chant immediately after the shooting. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche sent a letter to the National Trust for Historic Preservation demanding dismissal of their lawsuit against the ballroom, stating the lawsuit "puts the lives of the president, his family, and his staff at grave risk." Multiple Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Chip Roy and Sen. John Fetterman, called for taxpayer funding of the ballroom. Trump held a press conference claiming the incident proved the need for the ballroom's "bulletproof glass" and "much more secure" design.
• Trump invokes shooting incident to press White House ballroom construction project — Following a shooting at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on Saturday night, President Trump used the incident to advance his controversial $400 million White House ballroom project. Trump claimed at a Saturday press briefing and in a Sunday Truth Social post that the incident demonstrated the need for a secure on-site ballroom, stating it would be "drone-proof" and "bulletproof." Trump also demanded on Sunday that lawsuits challenging the ballroom construction "must be dropped, immediately."
• DOJ demands National Trust drop White House ballroom lawsuit citing assassination attempt — Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the DOJ Civil Division sent a letter to the National Trust for Historic Preservation demanding the organization withdraw its lawsuit challenging Trump's planned ballroom on the site of the former White House East Wing. Shumate cited a shooting incident the previous night at the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents' Dinner, where a man carrying firearms and knives was apprehended by Secret Service. Shumate argued the ballroom is essential for presidential security and threatened to move to dissolve the injunction and dismiss the case if the lawsuit was not voluntarily dismissed by 9 a.m. Monday.
• Trump insisted security incident proved need for proposed ballroom — At a press conference hours after the April 26, 2026 security incident at the White House Correspondents' Dinner, Trump stated that the trouble demonstrated the necessity of his proposed ballroom addition to the White House.
• Department of Justice demanded National Trust for Historic Preservation drop lawsuit against Trump ballroom plans — On April 27, 2026, the Department of Justice sent a letter demanding that the National Trust for Historic Preservation withdraw its lawsuit challenging Trump's plans to construct a ballroom addition to the White House, arguing that the lawsuit "puts the lives of the President, his family, and his staff at grave risk." The National Trust rejected the demand, stating that while the security incident was "awful," Trump must still follow the law and obtain congressional approval for the ballroom.
• DOJ pressures National Trust for Historic Preservation to drop lawsuit against Trump ballroom project — Following a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Association dinner on April 26, the Department of Justice, through Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate, sent a letter to lawyers representing the National Trust for Historic Preservation demanding the organization voluntarily withdraw its lawsuit challenging Trump's $400 million White House ballroom construction project. The DOJ characterized the lawsuit as "frivolous" and argued the ballroom was essential for presidential security. The trust had previously obtained a preliminary injunction halting the project in March, but a three-judge appeals panel granted a stay allowing construction to resume on April 11.

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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."

Supporting reports

• Pam Bondi fired as Attorney General; Todd Blanche assumes interim role — President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 1, 2026, shortly before delivering a primetime address on the Iran war. Trump announced her departure via Truth Social, stating she would transition to the private sector. According to reporting, Trump cited Bondi's alleged intervention in matters related to Rep. Eric Swalwell and FBI investigative documents concerning Swalwell's relationship with Christine Fang as a reason for the dismissal. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche was named interim AG. Bondi reportedly pleaded for more time but Trump remained firm.
• Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi; Todd Blanche becomes acting AG and affirms Trump's "right" to direct DOJ investigations — Donald Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 2, 2026, after months of pressure to prosecute political rivals including James Comey, Letitia James, and Adam Schiff. Though the DOJ secured indictments against Comey and James, the cases collapsed. Trump was reportedly angered by the department's lack of progress in pursuing enemies. Todd Blanche, the acting attorney general, subsequently stated Trump has the "right" to direct investigations at the justice department, signaling the administration's intent to weaponize law enforcement for political retribution.
• Trump dismisses Attorney General Pam Bondi — President Trump announced on 2 April via Truth Social that Attorney General Pam Bondi was being removed from office. Trump cited her transition to "a much needed and important new job in the private sector" without explicitly naming the Epstein files as the reason, though reporting indicates her mishandling of the Epstein investigation and repeated missed disclosure deadlines under the Epstein Files Transparency Act (EFTA) were a primary motivation for her ouster. Todd Blanche assumed the role of acting attorney general.
• Trump fires attorney general Pam Bondi — Donald Trump dismissed Pam Bondi as US attorney general after 14 months, citing frustration with her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and her failure to prosecute additional political enemies to his satisfaction. Bondi had reshaped the Justice Department through staff purges, shifted prosecutorial focus toward immigration, and complied with Trump's demands to indict former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche assumed acting leadership; Lee Zeldin is reportedly a top contender for permanent replacement.
• Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi via social media — President Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi by posting her dismissal on social media. Trump was reportedly angry that Bondi had not adequately punished his political enemies and that her handling of the Epstein files had failed to contain the story. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal lawyer, will serve as her replacement.
• Pam Bondi fired as Attorney General — President Trump terminated Pam Bondi as Attorney General on April 2, 2026. According to reporting, Bondi reportedly pleaded with Trump not to fire her during a confrontation at the White House. Trump released a statement describing her as a "Great American Patriot" transitioning to the private sector. Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney and current Deputy Attorney General, assumed the role of Acting Attorney General. Bondi remains subject to a bipartisan congressional subpoena to testify before the Oversight Committee regarding the Epstein files.
• Trump appoints Todd Blanche as acting Attorney General — Trump appointed Deputy AG Todd Blanche, his former criminal defense attorney, to replace fired Attorney General Pam Bondi in an acting capacity on April 2. Blanche's appointment places a personal loyalist with no prior DOJ leadership experience in control of the nation's chief law enforcement agency, raising concerns about politicization of the Justice Department.
• Trump fires Attorney General Pam Bondi — Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi on April 2 after she failed to prosecute Trump's perceived political enemies and mishandled the release of the Epstein files. CNN reported that Bondi's upcoming deposition about the Epstein files influenced the timing of her firing, as the White House sought to avoid it. Trump appointed Deputy AG Todd Blanche, his former criminal defense attorney, to replace Bondi in an acting capacity. Bondi is the second woman in Trump's Cabinet to be fired.

Supporting reports

• Trump posted demands to condition legislation on passage of voting restrictions bill — Trump posted on social media that he will not sign other bills until the "SAVE AMERICA ACT" is passed, demanding voter ID requirements, proof of citizenship, elimination of mail-in ballots except for military/illness/disability, prohibition of transgender athletes in women's sports, and bans on gender-affirming care for minors. He stated the bill "supersedes everything else" and "MUST GO TO THE FRONT OF THE LINE."
• Trump threatens legislative veto unless Congress passes strict voter ID act — On Sunday, President Trump posted on Truth Social that he will not sign any bills until Congress passes the Save America Act, a voting restriction measure. On Monday, he reiterated this demand at a Republican event in Miami, calling for proof of citizenship, elimination of mail-in ballots except in narrow cases, and unrelated provisions banning transgender participation in women's sports. The bill has passed the House but faces steep odds in the Senate due to the filibuster rule. Trump's threat represents an attempt to leverage executive power to force legislative action on a measure voting rights advocates say would disenfranchise millions of Americans.
• Trump announced refusal to sign legislation until Congress passes SAVE America Act — On Sunday, President Trump announced he would not sign any other legislation until Congress passes the SAVE America Act, which passed the House on February 11, 2026, by a vote of 218 to 213. The bill requires documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. A Center for American Progress analysis estimated that approximately 69 million American women and 4 million men lack birth certificates matching their current legal names due to marriage or name changes, and would be blocked from voting under the bill. The measure would also apply to routine voter registration updates and threatens election officials with civil and criminal penalties for noncompliance.
• Trump threatened to withhold bill signatures unless Senate passes SAVE Act — Trump posted on social media threatening that unless the Senate weakens the filibuster to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act over Democratic objections, he will not sign other bills. His message demanded voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements, elimination of mail-in ballots except for military and disability cases, and other restrictions. The message also included demands unrelated to voting, including bans on transgender medical care for minors and transgender athletes in women's sports.
• Trump threatens Congress over voting legislation — Donald Trump threatened Republican senators on social media, stating he would not sign any bills unless they passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which includes strict voter ID requirements and limits on mail-in ballots. Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer criticized the act as a modern form of Jim Crow that would disenfranchise millions.
• House passes Save America act with restrictive voting provisions — The House approved the Save America act, legislation requiring documented proof of U.S. citizenship to register and vote, voter ID requirements, prohibitions on mail voting, bans on gender-affirming care for minors, and restrictions on transgender women in sports. The bill would allow private parties to sue election officials and impose criminal penalties for registration without citizenship documentation. Voting rights advocates warned the measure would prevent millions of Americans from voting, particularly affecting married women whose documents may not match current names.
• Trump demands Senate majority leader alter filibuster rules to force vote on Save America act — Donald Trump publicly pressured Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune to change Senate filibuster rules to force a vote on the Save America act, a bill that would impose strict voter ID and citizenship documentation requirements, ban mail voting, and restrict transgender medical care and sports participation. Trump declared he would not sign any other legislation until the bill reached his desk. Thune refused, citing lack of votes, but some Republicans including John Cornyn reversed prior positions to support rule changes to advance the bill.
• Trump escalated pressure on Congress to pass SAVE America Act — Trump escalated pressure on Congress to pass the SAVE America Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship to register to vote. Court records indicate that approximately 69 million American women do not have a birth certificate matching their current legal name, often due to marriage, making compliance with such a requirement difficult for a large eligible voter population.
• Save America act introduced with expansive voting restrictions and election worker liability provisions — The Save America act, a rebranded expansion of last year's failed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility act, includes four major provisions: mandatory documentary proof of citizenship for voter registration and any registration changes; strict photo ID requirements for all voting methods including mail ballots; criminal penalties and private right of action against election officials who register voters without citizenship proof; and mandatory transfer of state voter rolls to the Department of Homeland Security for comparison against federal benefit eligibility databases. The bill would take immediate effect upon signature, requiring states to overhaul voter registration systems mid-election cycle.
• Trump vows to block all legislation until Senate votes on Save America voting restrictions bill — Donald Trump announced he will not sign any other legislation until Republicans pass the Save America act, a sweeping voting restrictions bill that would impose documentary proof of citizenship requirements, strict voter ID mandates for mail and in-person voting, criminal liability for election officials, and mandatory transfer of state voter rolls to the Department of Homeland Security. The Senate is scheduled to vote next week but lacks the 60 votes needed to overcome the filibuster, making passage unlikely. The bill would take effect immediately upon presidential signature and would affect all American voters.

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• DHS agents arrest Columbia student using false pretenses — DHS agents arrested Columbia University student Ellie Aghayeva after misrepresenting themselves as police searching for a missing child to gain access to an off-campus residence building, according to the university's president. Aghayeva was released from federal custody hours later following an apparent intervention by Trump after he met with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who raised concerns about the detention.
• Mamdani meets Trump in Oval Office; secures housing funding pitch and immigration detainee release — New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Trump in an unannounced Oval Office visit on Thursday. Mamdani pitched a $21 billion federal grant proposal for 12,000 affordable housing units, including construction over a rail yard in Sunnyside, Queens. During the meeting, Trump appeared "enthusiastic" about the housing plan. Mamdani also secured the release of a Columbia University student from federal immigration detention who had been arrested that morning, and requested Trump consider dismissing cases against four other detained students, including Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil.
• Trump agreed to release detained Columbia student following mayor's intervention — NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani met with President Trump and raised concerns about Elmina Aghayeva's detention by ICE. Trump agreed to release her "imminently." Aghayeva confirmed her release via Instagram the same day, stating she was "safe and okay." The intervention bypassed normal legal processes and demonstrated executive discretion over immigration enforcement outcomes based on political access.
• ICE detained Columbia student Elmina Aghayeva using misrepresentation to gain apartment access — Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents entered an off-campus Columbia University residential building on February 27, 2026, by falsely claiming to search for a missing child. They detained student Elmina Aghayeva without a warrant. Columbia's acting president confirmed agents misrepresented themselves and lacked proper legal authorization. Following a meeting between NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Trump, Aghayeva was released the same day. The incident sparked campus protests and criticism from state officials over ICE's tactics.

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• DOJ established controlled in-person review system for congressional Epstein files access — The Department of Justice opened an in-person review facility in Washington on February 9, 2026, allowing members of Congress to search unredacted Epstein records under tight controls on access and note-taking. This was the sole mechanism established for congressional review of unredacted files following passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act in late 2025, which required DOJ to release unclassified Epstein-related records. The DOJ controlled all variables of the review process, including which files could be accessed, how searches were conducted, and what records were kept of congressional activity.
• DOJ tracked congressional searches in Epstein files review system — Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared at a House Judiciary Committee oversight hearing on February 11, 2026, carrying a printed document labeled "Jayapal Pramila Search History" that detailed Rep. Pramila Jayapal's searches within the DOJ's controlled, members-only review system for unredacted Epstein records. A Reuters photographer captured the document. The DOJ had established the in-person review system on February 9, 2026, as the sole mechanism for congressional access to unredacted Epstein files under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The revelation suggests the DOJ monitored lawmakers' investigative activity and used that intelligence during the oversight hearing itself.
• DOJ surveilled House member's access to Epstein files — During Attorney General Bondi's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, a photograph captured by Reuters showed a page of Bondi's briefing book with a printout titled "Jayapal Pramila Search History," appearing to be files showing what Representative Pramila Jayapal accessed after the DOJ made some Epstein files available at DOJ offices. This represents executive branch surveillance of a legislative branch member's document access. Representative Jamie Raskin, top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said he will ask for an investigation of this "outrageous abuse of power."
• Ranking Member Raskin requested DOJ Inspector General investigation into congressional surveillance — House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Jamie Raskin formally requested that the DOJ Inspector General investigate the DOJ's apparent surveillance of lawmakers' searches in the Epstein files review system. Raskin stated he had "reason to believe that it was happening to everyone," not just Rep. Jayapal. He also called for the DOJ to immediately stop tracking member searches, open Epstein file review to senior congressional staff, and publicly release all remaining files with only survivor information properly redacted.
• Rep. Jayapal organized formal congressional letter demanding investigation into surveillance — Rep. Pramila Jayapal organized a formal congressional letter demanding an investigation into what she characterized as improper surveillance of Congress by the DOJ. Jayapal also raised the question of whether the DOJ's decision to open the Epstein files to congressional review two days early was intended to allow the DOJ to surveil members' searches and anticipate their questions for the oversight hearing.
• DOJ tracked congressional members' Epstein files research and displayed search records at hearing — During a House oversight hearing on Wednesday, US Attorney General Pam Bondi displayed a document titled "Jayapal Pramila Search History" showing which Epstein files Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal had accessed. The DOJ confirmed it monitors all Epstein file searches by lawmakers on its systems. Congressional members, including Jamie Raskin and Jayapal, alleged the tracking violates separation of powers and constitutes surveillance designed to anticipate questions and gather intelligence on their investigative activities.
• DOJ surveilled Congress members' search history of Epstein files — Multiple members of Congress confirmed that the Department of Justice tracked and monitored which Epstein documents members of Congress searched, opened, and reviewed, including timestamps. Rep. Pramila Jayapal reported that AG Bondi presented her with a printed search history of her email searches. Rep. Nancy Mace confirmed the DOJ was tagging all documents searched by members and that timestamps were associated with the tracking. Speaker Mike Johnson stated he was investigating the allegations.
• DOJ monitored congressional search history in Epstein files review system — Attorney General Pam Bondi carried a printed document labeled "Jayapal Pramila Search History" into a House Judiciary oversight hearing, revealing that the Department of Justice had tracked which Epstein-related files Rep. Pramila Jayapal searched within DOJ's controlled, members-only review system. The executive branch collected intelligence on the legislative branch's investigation of the executive branch. Rep. Jamie Raskin called the practice Orwellian and requested a DOJ Inspector General investigation; Rep. Jayapal is organizing a congressional letter demanding answers.
• Racist video of Obamas posted on Trump's Truth Social account — A racist video depicting the Obamas as apes appeared on President Trump's official Truth Social account. The video was removed, but Trump refused to apologize and claimed a staffer posted it without review. The incident occurred on an official presidential account.

Supporting reports

• FBI executes search warrant at Fulton County elections office, seizes ballots and voter data — FBI agents executed a criminal search warrant at the Fulton County elections office in Union City, Georgia, on January 28, 2026, seizing approximately 700 boxes of election materials including all ballots, tabulator tapes, electronic ballot images, and voter rolls. The raid was conducted at the behest of the Trump administration as part of efforts to relitigate the 2020 presidential election. Election integrity experts have confirmed the 2020 election was the most secure to date, and dozens of legal challenges to Trump's defeat have failed.
• FBI raid on Fulton County election office based on debunked election-denial claims — On 28 January 2026, the FBI raided the Fulton County election office in Georgia, seizing nearly 700 boxes of election materials. The search warrant affidavit, unsealed on 11 February, reveals the raid's rationale was based on debunked claims from election deniers and originated from a referral by Kurt Olsen, a White House lawyer who previously sought to overturn the 2020 election. Witnesses included conservative activists and Trump-aligned Georgia state election board members. Claims cited in the affidavit—regarding ballot image discrepancies, tabulator tape handling, and "pristine" ballots—had been previously investigated and debunked by state officials.
• FBI seized 2020 election records from Fulton County in January raid — On January 28, 2026, FBI agents executed a criminal search warrant at Fulton County's election offices in Georgia, seizing approximately 700 boxes of 2020 election documents. In a federal court hearing on March 27, Fulton County's lawyers argued the FBI's affidavit contained misrepresentations and relied on debunked claims from witnesses, some of whom had been sanctioned for lying or convicted of other crimes. The county contends the seizure was part of the Trump administration's campaign to delegitimize the 2020 election results and that the statute of limitations for any alleged crimes has expired.
• Trump directs national intelligence investigation into voting machines — Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard launched an investigation into voting machines at Trump's direction. Simultaneously, the FBI conducted an unprecedented search of the Fulton County, Georgia election office in late January 2026, seizing ballots related to the 2020 election. The basis for the raid relied on recycled and debunked claims about the 2020 election. These actions are part of a broader administration effort to undermine confidence in election integrity ahead of November 2026 midterms.
• Tulsi Gabbard present at FBI search warrant execution at Fulton County elections office — On January 28, FBI agents executed a search warrant at the Fulton County elections hub in Union City, Georgia, seeking 2020 election records including ballots, tabulator tapes, ballot images, and voter rolls. Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, was present at the scene. An unnamed administration official cited election security and foreign interference concerns; Gabbard has not publicly explained her presence. Democratic lawmakers questioned whether her attendance violated protocols or represented a politicization of the intelligence community.
• FBI agents raided Fulton County, Georgia election office and seized 2020 election materials — FBI agents, operating under a warrant issued by U.S. Attorney Thomas Albus (appointed by Trump to the Eastern District of Missouri), raided an election office in Fulton County, Georgia and removed 700 boxes of ballots, tabulation tapes, and other election-related materials from the 2020 election. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was present at the raid, met with some of the FBI agents, and connected Trump to the agents by phone, allowing Trump to speak directly to them during the operation.
• FBI raided Fulton County election office under Trump administration direction — On January 28, 2026, FBI agents executed a warrant to seize records from the Fulton County, Georgia election office related to the 2020 election. The warrant authorized seizure of physical ballots, voting machine tabulator tapes, voter rolls, and electronic data. Trump administration officials claimed the materials constituted evidence of crime. Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's Director of National Intelligence, was on site despite the DNI having no domestic law enforcement role and being tasked with foreign intelligence.
• FBI executes search warrant at Fulton County election office for 2020 election records — The FBI executed a search warrant at the Fulton County, Georgia election office on January 29, 2026, seeking ballots, tabulator tapes, ballot images, and voter rolls from the 2020 election. County Commissioner Mo Ivory stated the initial warrant was "legally incorrect" and was challenged by county officials before the FBI obtained a corrected version. Democratic officials expressed concern that chain of custody protections were inadequate, fearing the Trump Administration could modify seized materials. The warrant was issued by interim U.S. Attorney Thomas Albus (Eastern District of Missouri) and suggests alleged criminal conduct involved retaining records and tabulating false ballots.
• FBI executes search warrant at Fulton County election office, seizing 2020 ballots and records — FBI agents executed a search warrant at the Fulton County, Georgia election office on Wednesday afternoon, seizing all 2020 election ballots, tabulator tapes, ballot images, and voter rolls. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard was present during the raid. The action follows the Trump administration's nationwide push to obtain voter rolls and investigate alleged election fraud, despite courts dismissing three of nearly two dozen related DOJ lawsuits. Election officials and experts contend the raid has little legal basis and serves to undermine public confidence in election integrity ahead of the 2026 midterms.
• FBI executes search warrant at Fulton County elections warehouse — The Federal Bureau of Investigation executed a search warrant at the elections warehouse in Fulton County, Georgia, to seize ballots from the 2020 presidential election, including all tabulator tapes and ballot images from the original ballot count. The seizure also included all voter rolls from Fulton County. The action breaks the chain of custody and contaminates the files. This action occurs as President Trump continues to assert that the 2020 election was stolen despite zero evidence, five years of debunked claims, and dismissal of dozens of court cases.
• FBI seizes 2020 election ballots from Fulton County, Georgia warehouse — The FBI executed a search warrant at the elections warehouse in Fulton County, Georgia, to seize ballots from the 2020 presidential election. This action is part of ongoing efforts by Trump and his allies to promote unfounded claims of voter fraud despite a lack of evidence.
• Georgia State Board of Elections subpoenas 2020 election records from Fulton County — The Federal Bureau of Investigation seized ballots from the 2020 presidential election stored in a warehouse in Fulton County, Georgia. The seizure occurred as Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has been reassigned to investigate Trump's claims that the 2020 election was stolen, focusing on allegations of foreign government involvement.
• FBI raids Fulton County election office for 2020 materials — The Georgia State Board of Elections, which has a Trump-aligned majority, issued a subpoena for 2020 election records from Fulton County at the urging of Trump and election denialists. Fulton County initially sought to quash the subpoena in court. In December, a Fulton County superior court judge ruled in the state board's favor, ordering the county to turn over records. County officials estimated the cost of producing the documents at $376,800 and had scheduled a February 9 meeting to discuss the transfer process before the FBI raid occurred.
• DHS warns of prosecution for doxing ICE agents — FBI agents conducted a raid on the Fulton County election office to seize materials related to the 2020 presidential election. The action is characterized as part of the Trump Administration's broader effort to challenge the legitimacy of the 2020 election results and to support claims of election fraud.
• FBI Atlanta field office chief removed after questioning DOJ's 2020 election investigation — The Department of Homeland Security, through Secretary Kristi Noem, issued a public warning that it would prosecute individuals who identify ICE agents online to "the fullest extent of the law." The statement characterized those engaged in identifying agents as criminals "taking the side of vicious cartels and human traffickers." The warning was issued in response to antifa groups in Portland identifying ICE officers.
• Trump administration pursues nationwide voter roll seizures via DOJ lawsuits — Paul W Brown, special agent in charge of the FBI's Atlanta field office, was reportedly removed from his post after expressing concerns about unsubstantiated voter fraud allegations in Fulton County, Georgia, and refusing to carry out searches and seizures of election records. The removal occurred one week before the DOJ executed a search warrant seizing 700 boxes of 2020 election records from the county elections office. National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard was present during the raid, prompting Democratic concern about partisan overreach.
• Attorney General Bondi linked voter roll demands to immigration enforcement — The Trump administration has launched a nationwide effort to obtain voter rolls containing sensitive information from nearly every U.S. state, including Georgia, through Department of Justice lawsuits. Experts report little legal basis for the move; three of nearly two dozen DOJ lawsuits have already been dismissed by courts. Election security experts characterize the effort as designed to fuel false claims of fraud and weaken confidence in election results, particularly ahead of the 2026 and 2028 election cycles.
• Tulsi Gabbard, DNI, appears at Fulton County election raid — Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter this week to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz linking the Department of Justice's voter roll data demands to the administration's immigration enforcement operations in the state. The letter connected federal voter registration record requests to recent immigration raids, a linkage that had already been cited in one active DOJ voter roll lawsuit.
• — Tulsi Gabbard, the Director of National Intelligence, was spotted on site at the Fulton County election office during the FBI raid on Wednesday evening. Her presence prompted widespread outrage and questions about why an intelligence official was involved in a domestic election matter. The Wall Street Journal reported that Gabbard is leading the Trump administration's effort to investigate voter fraud nationwide, raising concerns about the politicization of the intelligence community.

Supporting reports

• Trump grants clemency to dozens convicted of fraud, including billionaires and political allies — President Trump has pardoned or commuted sentences for dozens of people convicted of white-collar crimes, particularly fraud offenses. Notable recipients include former Puerto Rico governor Wanda Vázquez Garced (campaign finance violation), Venezuelan businessman Julio Herrera Velutini (wire fraud, whose daughter donated $2.5m to pro-Trump PAC), and others convicted of money laundering, bank fraud, and wire fraud. An analysis by House Democrats found Trump's pardons have deprived victims of $1.3bn in restitution and fines. The pardons occur as Trump simultaneously accuses Democratic-run states of fraud and has attempted to cut federal funding to those states.
• No civil rights investigation initiated by DOJ into fatal shooting of Alex Pretti — Despite the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents during immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, the U.S. Justice Department has not initiated a civil rights investigation, a departure from recent standard practice in federal officer-involved shootings. Trump stated he was awaiting results of an internal DHS investigation, which is conducted by the parent agency of the agents involved, raising questions about independent oversight and accountability.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened prosecution of DOJ officials over 2020 election claims — At the Davos speech, Trump stated that "People will soon be prosecuted for what they did" regarding the 2020 presidential election, which he falsely claimed was rigged. He asserted that DOJ officials and others would face prosecution for refusing to help him overturn the election results. The threat was made one day before former special counsel Jack Smith was scheduled to testify publicly about evidence leading to Trump's indictment for efforts to overturn the 2020 election.
• President Trump threatens prosecution of DOJ officials — During a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Trump claimed that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was rigged and threatened to prosecute Department of Justice officials who did not assist him in overturning the election results. This statement came as former special counsel Jack Smith was set to testify about evidence related to Trump's actions following the election. Trump's remarks indicate a continued effort to undermine the legitimacy of the election and discredit those who oppose him.
• Trump threatened Jack Smith and demanded investigation — After Jack Smith testified before the House Judiciary Committee, Trump's social media account posted a threatening message calling Smith a "deranged animal" who "shouldn't be allowed to practice Law" and stating that if Smith were a Republican, "his license would be taken away from him, and far worse." Trump demanded that the Attorney General investigate Smith's conduct, including his use of witnesses, and characterized the entire investigation as a "Democrat SCAM."
• Trump calls for prosecution of Jack Smith on Truth Social — On Truth Social, President Trump responded to Jack Smith's congressional testimony by calling for Smith to "be prosecuted for his actions" and arguing that "At a minimum, he committed large scale perjury!"
• Jack Smith testifies he expects Trump administration to indict him — During his public testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, former special counsel Jack Smith stated that he believes Trump administration officials will "do everything in their power" to indict him "because they've been ordered to by the president," but added that he "will not be intimidated." Smith also expressed concern about Trump's mass pardons of people who assaulted police officers.

Supporting reports

• DOJ subpoenas Minnesota Democratic officials over immigration enforcement obstruction — The Trump Justice Department subpoenaed several Minnesota officials, including Democratic Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, as part of a federal investigation into whether they obstructed or impeded federal agents conducting a mass immigration crackdown through their public statements. Mayor Frey characterized the probe as a bullying tactic to suppress political opposition.
• Justice Department subpoenas Minnesota Democratic officials over immigration enforcement obstruction — Trump's Justice Department subpoenaed several Minnesota officials, including Democratic Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, as part of a federal investigation into whether they obstructed or impeded federal agents conducting a mass immigration crackdown through their public statements. Mayor Frey characterized the probe as a bullying tactic to quash political opposition.
• Justice Department subpoenas Minnesota Democratic officials over alleged ICE obstruction — The U.S. Justice Department issued subpoenas to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, State Attorney General Keith Ellison, and other Democratic officials on January 21, 2026, as part of an investigation into whether they conspired to impede federal immigration enforcement. The subpoenas request documents on immigration policies, communications with state agencies, and materials related to "hindering, doxxing, identifying, or surveilling immigration officers." Legal experts have characterized the claim as flimsy, and officials have stated the investigation is politically motivated retaliation.
• Department of Justice subpoenas Minnesota Democratic leaders — The Department of Justice subpoenaed several prominent Minnesota Democrats, including Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, accusing them of conspiring to impede ICE operations. The subpoenas came in response to state and local officials' public condemnation of the federal deployment of thousands of ICE agents as an unconstitutional "federal invasion" and retaliatory campaign against civil liberties.
• DOJ issues subpoenas to Minnesota state and local officials investigating alleged obstruction of ICE enforcement — The U.S. Justice Department issued subpoenas to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and other state and local elected officials this week as part of an investigation into whether they were conspiring to impede federal immigration enforcement. The action follows recent ICE operations in Minneapolis that have drawn criticism for detaining a five-year-old child and using gas against protesters. Governor Walz characterized the subpoenas as political retaliation rather than legitimate law enforcement.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department appeals ICE protest-response injunction — The Department of Justice filed a notice of appeal challenging a federal court injunction issued on Friday that curtailed aggressive ICE and federal agency tactics against protesters, including restrictions on pepper spray, weapon display, and arrest of observers. The appeal signals the administration's intent to overturn limits on law enforcement conduct during immigration enforcement operations.

Supporting reports

• Vice President Vance announces White House-based assistant attorney general position reporting directly to president and vice president — Vice President JD Vance announced creation of a new assistant attorney general position with nationwide jurisdiction over fraud investigations, to be based in the White House and answering directly to Vance and President Trump rather than Attorney General Pam Bondi at DOJ headquarters. Vance made the announcement the day after an ICE agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, framing Good as part of a "far-left network" and implying the new position would target Trump's political opponents, including Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Supporting reports

• DOJ opens criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell — The Trump administration's Department of Justice opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, rooted in his June 2025 Senate testimony about the Fed's headquarters renovation costs. Powell confirmed the subpoena on Sunday and characterized the investigation as part of a pressure campaign linked to the administration's frustration with the Fed's interest rate policy. Several Republican lawmakers, including Senator Thom Tillis, publicly opposed the investigation as an attack on Fed independence.
• DOJ Subpoenas Federal Reserve in Investigation — The Department of Justice has issued a subpoena to the Federal Reserve as part of an investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. This investigation is reportedly linked to Powell's testimony before the Senate regarding the costs of the Fed's headquarters renovation. The DOJ's actions have sparked criticism from several Republican lawmakers, who view the investigation as an attempt to undermine the Federal Reserve's independence. Powell has confirmed the subpoena and described the investigation as part of a broader pressure campaign by the Trump administration.
• US Attorney's office in DC opened criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell — The US Attorney's office for the District of Columbia opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell regarding the central bank's renovation of its Washington headquarters and whether Powell made false statements to Congress about the project's scope. The inquiry, approved in November by Jeanine Pirro (a Trump ally appointed to run the office), includes analysis of Powell's public statements and examination of spending records. Powell acknowledged receipt of grand jury subpoenas.
• 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."

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."

Supporting reports

• ICE Director Todd Lyons threatened Minnesota sheriff over potential prosecution of agent Ross — ICE Director Todd Lyons appeared on Fox News and, when asked about the possibility of Minnesota state authorities prosecuting ICE agent Jonathan Ross for the fatal shooting of Renee Good, stated: "My message to the sheriff is: try and arrest my folks—let's see what happens." The statement constituted a direct threat against state law enforcement attempting to exercise jurisdiction over a federal agent.

Supporting reports

• FBI assumes sole control of Minneapolis ICE shooting investigation, blocking state access to evidence — Following the shooting death of Renee Nicole Good by ICE agent Jonathan Ross in Minneapolis, the U.S. Attorney's Office reversed course and transferred the investigation solely to the FBI, removing the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) from the case and denying state investigators access to evidence, scene materials, and forensic findings. State and local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty, expressed alarm that the federal investigation cannot be fair given prior statements by Trump, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Vice President JD Vance prejudging the case and the agent's conduct.
• FBI limits cooperation with local law enforcement in ICE shooting investigation — The FBI has taken the unusual step of restricting cooperation with local Minneapolis law enforcement agencies regarding the investigation into Jonathan E Ross's shooting of Renee Nicole Good. This limitation prevents local authorities from accessing evidence needed to file potential criminal charges against the federal agent, effectively consolidating investigative control within federal authorities and reducing the possibility of independent accountability.
• Senator Smith questions legitimacy of Trump administration investigation — U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) publicly questioned the legitimacy of the Trump administration's investigation into the ICE shooting, citing the administration's strategy of excluding state investigators and controlling the narrative. She expressed concern that the public would not accept the federal government's version of events, particularly given video evidence contradicting official claims.
• Mayor Frey calls for state inclusion in federal ICE shooting investigation — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey publicly called on the Trump administration to include Minnesota's Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in the federal investigation of the ICE shooting. Frey criticized the administration for being "so quick to jump on a narrative as opposed to the truth," referencing Noem's premature "domestic terrorism" characterization. He stated the investigation must be conducted transparently and without predetermined conclusions.
• Minneapolis mayor requests state investigators be included in FBI inquiry into Good shooting — Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called on the FBI to include state officials in its investigation of the Renee Good shooting, criticizing the Trump administration's refusal to allow Minnesota state investigators to participate. Frey accused the administration of being "so quick to jump on a narrative as opposed to the truth," highlighting the lack of transparency and state-federal cooperation in the investigation.
• DHS deploys hundreds more federal agents to Minneapolis following Renee Good shooting — Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the deployment of "hundreds more" federal agents to Minneapolis as part of what DHS described as its largest enforcement operation to date, following the fatal shooting of Renee Good, a 37-year-old American citizen, by an ICE officer on Wednesday. The escalation occurred amid widespread protests across the US. Door-to-door raids began Sunday with heavily armed agents; some protesters were hit with chemical spray. Over 2,000 immigration arrests have been made in Minnesota since the operation began in early December.
• Secretary Noem asserts state prosecutors lack jurisdiction in ICE shooting investigation — Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that state-level prosecutors "don't have any jurisdiction in this investigation" of the ICE shooting. This assertion blocked Minnesota state officials from participating in the inquiry, centralizing control of the investigation within the federal government despite local concerns about impartiality.
• FBI excludes Minnesota state investigators from Renee Good shooting investigation — The FBI and Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) initially agreed to conduct a joint investigation into Renee Good's death, standard procedure for officer-involved shootings. This agreement was quickly rescinded. The BCA lost "access to the case materials, scene evidence [and] investigative interviews necessary to complete a thorough and independent investigation." The FBI, run by Kash Patel—a Trump partisan who wrote children's books referring to Trump as a "king"—will lead the investigation exclusively. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison stated the federal government was undermining "a fair, transparent investigation" and that the FBI investigation "will look simply like a whitewash."
• Federal agents removed Renee Good's vehicle before state examination — Federal law enforcement removed Renee Good's vehicle from the crime scene before state investigators could examine it. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty revealed this removal. Good's car is a key piece of evidence because it could help definitively establish whether ICE agent Ross was struck in any way, making its removal before independent examination a critical loss of evidence integrity.
• Federal law enforcement selectively leaked evidence to partisan outlet — Since asserting control over the investigation, federal law enforcement selectively leaked evidence to ideologically friendly publications. A 47-second video of the incident was shared with Alpha News, a right-wing outlet in Minnesota, before being released by DHS the next day. Vice President Vance amplified the video. This selective leaking to partisan outlets undermines the integrity of the investigation and shapes public narrative through controlled information release.
• DOJ blocks state and local authorities from participating in FBI investigation of ICE shooting — The DOJ blocked state and local authorities from participating in the FBI's investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Senior federal officials, including the president, had already characterized Good as a domestic terrorist who threatened the ICE officer's life and was shot in self-defense, foreclosing any genuine federal inquiry into the agent's conduct.

Supporting reports

• ICE blocks three House members from detention facility visit despite prior judicial ruling — Three Democratic House members from Minnesota—Ilhan Omar, Angie Craig, and Kelly Morrison—were blocked from entering an ICE detention facility near Minneapolis on January 10, 2026, despite having notified the facility in advance. Although initially permitted entry, they were ejected approximately 10 minutes later. This action directly violated a federal judge's ruling from the previous month that the Trump administration cannot bar members of Congress from visiting immigrant detention facilities. Officials cited funding from the Big Beautiful Bill Act as justification for the denial.
• U.S. Representatives attempt entry to Minneapolis ICE facility — On the morning of Saturday, January 11, 2026, U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar, Kelly Morrison, and Angie Craig attempted to enter a Minneapolis ICE facility. ICE unlawfully denied them entry, according to the representatives' subsequent accusations.
• Minnesota congressional delegation denied access to ICE detention facility — A contingent of Minnesota representatives, including Rep. Angie Craig, attempted to gain access to a local ICE detention facility and were turned away by a large group of ICE agents in full tactical gear. ICE officials told the representatives that because the facility was funded by the "Big Beautiful Bill" rather than the congressional appropriations act, they would not be allowed to enter. When Craig informed them they were violating the law, ICE officials responded that "they didn't care."