Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration ends federal legal funding for unaccompanied immigrant children — The Trump administration severed ties with nearly 100 legal organizations providing immigration counsel and ended a federal contract providing legal representation to over 20,000 unaccompanied children, effective July 31, 2026. Federal officials refused to reimburse organizations for $65 million in completed work unless they violated client confidentiality by disclosing sensitive medical and immigration data. The cuts are forcing legal nonprofits into layoffs and closures, leaving children to face immigration court without attorneys. Experts warn children without counsel win relief less than 10% of the time and face expedited deportation proceedings.
• Legal representation contract for immigrant children expires; no-bid contract offered to Trump-connected firm — The Trump administration allowed a contract for legal representation of immigrant children to expire on July 31. The administration then offered a $150 million no-bid contract to a small Texas law firm with no experience in immigration law but with close ties to Trump. Following public outcry, the law firm declined the contract. The action left immigrant children without guaranteed legal representation during deportation proceedings.

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• Trump installed William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence — Trump installed loyalist William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, overseeing the nation's eighteen intelligence agencies, despite bipartisan opposition. Pulte officially took office on Friday. Pulte has no experience in intelligence, which is a requirement for the position. Pulte is known for using federal government power to attack Trump's political opponents, including harassing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, New York attorney general Letitia James, and U.S. senator Adam Schiff by accusing them of mortgage fraud, and pushing the ouster of Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell by claiming he lied to Congress.
• Pulte ordered firing of approximately 300 National Counterterrorism Center staff — William Pulte, on his first day as acting DNI (arriving a day early on June 21), ordered staff to compile a list of approximately 300 people to be fired from the National Counterterrorism Center. This follows prior cuts under former DNI Tulsi Gabbard, who announced in August 2025 that she would cut 40 percent of the staff of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI).
• Trump installs loyalist as acting director of national intelligence — President Trump appointed William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence, a move criticized for politicizing the intelligence community and redirecting its focus from foreign threats to domestic political opponents. This appointment raises concerns about the integrity of national security operations.
• Trump installs William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence — Trump installed loyalist William Pulte as acting director of national intelligence over bipartisan objections. According to Senator Mark Warner, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, Pulte can claim a national security threat and use that authority to place troops or immigration agents at polling places or shut down elections, converting intelligence agencies from foreign-threat focus to domestic political targeting.

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• Trump announces accelerated departure date for Gabbard — Trump announced on June 9 via Truth Social that Gabbard would leave office on June 19 (instead of June 30) and that Pulte would assume the acting DNI role that same day. This 10-day acceleration triggered further bipartisan Senate opposition, with senators from both parties threatening not to reauthorize key surveillance powers (FISA) set to expire June 12.
• Trump announces Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence — President Trump announced his decision to install Bill Pulte, a presidential loyalist with no national security experience, as acting director of national intelligence effective June 19, 2026, while Pulte remains head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Trump stated Pulte would "execute the immediate and needed downsizing" of the office. The appointment prompted immediate bipartisan concern and Democratic lawmakers warned it would derail a bipartisan agreement to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, set to expire June 13. Trump requested Congress pass a short-term extension of FISA.
• Trump insisted on Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence — Trump insisted on making loyalist Bill Pulte acting director of national intelligence for the period spanning the 2026 midterms, despite Pulte lacking the national security experience required by law. Pulte has a track record of weaponizing government to attack Trump's political opponents. Republicans requested Trump nominate a permanent DNI instead, but Trump doubled down on the Pulte appointment.

Supporting reports

• White House sent nomination of Todd Blanche to Senate for Attorney General — The White House issued a nomination announcement on June 8, 2026, sending Todd Blanche of Florida to the Senate for confirmation as Attorney General. The document is a single-line nomination notice published on the White House presidential actions page under the Nominations & Appointments category. No additional detail, rationale, or biographical information is provided in the published text.
• Trump nominates Bill Pulte as acting DNI, triggering FISA section 702 reauthorization crisis — President Trump announced that Bill Pulte, head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency with no intelligence background, will become acting director of national intelligence on June 19, 2026, while retaining his housing finance role. The appointment immediately collapsed a three-year bipartisan FISA renewal deal and blocked section 702 reauthorization—a post-9/11 surveillance authority set to expire June 12. Senate Democrats and seven Republicans opposed the bill; neither long-term nor short-term patches secured the 60 votes needed. Republican leaders now seek a credible permanent nominee to break the impasse, though the FISA court's existing year-long certification allows collection to continue if the statute lapses.
• Trump nominates Todd Blanche as attorney general — Donald Trump nominated his former personal lawyer Todd Blanche to serve permanently as attorney general on June 9, 2026. Blanche had been serving in an acting capacity since April after Trump fired Pam Bondi. Blanche, a federal prosecutor who represented Trump in multiple criminal cases, now faces Senate confirmation. Under Blanche's leadership, the DOJ has pursued controversial actions including indicting former FBI director James Comey and removing press releases about Capitol riot prosecutions.
• — President Trump officially nominated acting attorney general Todd Blanche to become attorney general of the United States. Blanche previously served as Trump's personal attorney, leading his criminal defense in the falsifying records case and the two cases brought by special counsel Jack Smith regarding the 2020 election overturn attempt and classified documents retention. As acting attorney general, Blanche has secured indictments against perceived Trump enemies, backed a $1.776 billion slush fund for January 6 convicts, and negotiated an agreement to drop pending claims against Trump and the Trump Organization while promising not to audit Trump's tax returns.

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• Senate committee advances Markwayne Mullin's nomination to lead Department of Homeland Security — The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs voted on March 20, 2026, to advance Markwayne Mullin's nomination to lead the Department of Homeland Security on a near party-line vote. Eight of nine Republicans supported the nomination; Rand Paul dissented. One Democrat, John Fetterman, voted in favor; six opposed. The committee's top Democrat, Gary Peters, criticized Mullin for failing to be forthright and transparent, and for appearing to condone political violence. Mullin's nomination now proceeds to a full Senate vote, where Republicans hold sufficient numbers for confirmation.
• Fetterman casts decisive committee vote to advance Mullin nomination for DHS secretary — Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) cast the deciding vote in the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on March 20, 2026, to advance Republican Markwayne Mullin's nomination as Department of Homeland Security secretary. Fetterman was the sole Democrat to join seven Republicans in supporting the nomination, which faced Democratic opposition over allegations that Mullin had encouraged political violence. The vote prompted calls from fellow Pennsylvania Democrats for Fetterman's resignation and criticism that he had abandoned party and constituent interests.
• Markwayne Mullin confirmation hearing for Department of Homeland Security — Markwayne Mullin, Trump's nominee to replace Kristi Noem as DHS secretary, appeared before the Senate Homeland Security Committee on March 18, 2026. He defended the administration's mass deportation agenda while striking a more diplomatic tone than his predecessor. Mullin expressed regret for past inflammatory comments about a US citizen killed by immigration agents and acknowledged mistakes in his public statements. The hearing was contentious, with committee chair Rand Paul demanding explanations for Mullin's past hostile remarks toward him. Democrats pressed Mullin on his truthfulness regarding claimed combat experience, his willingness to enforce immigration at polling places, and his commitment to constitutional limits on executive power. The committee scheduled a vote for the following day.
• Trump nominates Markwayne Mullin as DHS secretary; senator claims undisclosed overseas military-adjacent experience — Donald Trump selected Oklahoma Republican senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security. Mullin, who never served in the U.S. military, has repeatedly made cryptic public statements suggesting combat or overseas security experience, claiming "special assignments outside of DoD" and referencing war zones. During his Senate confirmation hearing, Mullin confirmed he had never traveled abroad except for vacation or mission work, contradicting his earlier implications. His office later clarified the "overseas" work involved Christian mission activities with returning troops.
• Markwayne Mullin confirmation hearing for DHS Secretary; Fema restructuring and staffing concerns raised — Senator Markwayne Mullin, Trump's nominee to replace Kristi Noem as DHS Secretary, testified before the Senate during his confirmation hearing. He pledged to restructure rather than eliminate Fema, revoke Noem's $100,000 expenditure review policy, and appoint a qualified Fema director. However, he declined to commit to reversing Fema staff cuts, suggesting some agencies are "bloated," and reiterated that states should lead disaster response with federal support only at certain levels. Disaster management officials expressed concern about his preparedness and vision.
• Senator Markwayne Mullin testified for Secretary of Homeland Security confirmation — Senator Markwayne Mullin, Trump's nominee to replace Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security, testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee in a contentious confirmation hearing. The hearing began with Chairman Rand Paul confronting Mullin over past comments where Mullin appeared to justify or "understand" the violent assault on Paul by his neighbor. Mullin refused to fully apologize for those comments, leading to a heated exchange.

Supporting reports

• Trump appoints Lindsay Halligan as U.S. Attorney for Eastern District of Maryland — On September 20, 2025, the day after Erik Seibert's resignation, President Trump appointed Lindsay Halligan, a White House aide with no experience as a prosecutor, to replace Seibert as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Maryland. The legality of Halligan's appointment is being challenged in court.
• Trump fired US Attorney and appointed personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan — Trump fired the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, citing insufficient evidence to indict NY AG Letitia James for mortgage fraud. He then appointed Lindsey Halligan, one of his former personal attorneys with no criminal law experience, to replace him. Trump stated Halligan had "worked with me for a long time" and "stood up for my rights during the Unconstitutional and UnAmerican raid on my home, Mar-a-Lago."
• Trump fires US Attorney Erik Siebert, replaces with inexperienced personal attorney — US Attorney Erik Siebert resigned from the Eastern District of Virginia after pressure to issue criminal charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Attorney General Pam Bondi initially appointed Mary Cleary as acting US attorney, but Trump revoked that nomination the same evening and elevated Lindsey Halligan, his former White House assistant and personal attorney with no prosecutorial experience, to the position. Halligan's career has focused on insurance matters in Florida, with federal case filings limited to Trump-related matters.
• Trump appoints former lawyer Halligan as US attorney for Eastern District of Virginia, pressures Bondi to investigate political enemies — Donald Trump announced the appointment of Lindsey Halligan, his former lawyer and special assistant, as US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, replacing experienced prosecutor Erik Siebert. In public posts on Truth Social, Trump explicitly pressured Attorney General Pam Bondi to pursue investigations of political enemies, including New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey, citing his own impeachments and indictments as justification for "justice" to be "served now."
• Erik Siebert removed as US Attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — Trump removed Erik Siebert as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia on Friday, creating confusion among the office's 300+ attorneys and staff. Siebert's chief deputy, who normally would have succeeded him, was also demoted. Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan, a White House adviser and former personal lawyer with insurance law background and no prosecutorial experience, as Siebert's replacement. Prosecutors expressed concern about Halligan's ability to handle sensitive investigations including those into James Comey and Letitia James.
• Trump removes US attorney and appoints White House aide with no prosecutorial experience as interim replacement — Donald Trump removed Erik Siebert, the US attorney for the eastern district of Virginia, after Siebert declined to bring charges against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James despite Trump's demands. Trump then appointed Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience and the most junior lawyer on his personal legal team, as interim US attorney. Halligan was sworn in by Attorney General Pam Bondi. The move alarmed prosecutors about political pressure to indict Trump's political enemies regardless of evidence strength.
• Trump replaces acting U.S. attorney with White House aide and former personal lawyer — President Trump replaced acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia Erik Siebert, a career prosecutor, with White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan. The replacement occurred after Siebert concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress or New York attorney general Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud. Trump had exploded at Siebert over the weekend over these prosecutorial decisions.
• Lindsey Halligan sworn in as interim US attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience, was sworn in as the interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. This appointment followed the removal of her predecessor, Erik Siebert, by Donald Trump after Siebert declined to bring charges against former FBI director James Comey and New York attorney general Letitia James. Halligan's appointment has raised concerns among current and former prosecutors about potential political pressure to indict Trump's political adversaries without sufficient evidence. Trump is expected to nominate Halligan for a full term in the Senate.
• Trump appointed Halligan as interim U.S. Attorney despite lack of federal prosecution experience — On September 23, 2025, President Trump appointed Lindsey Halligan, a 36-year-old insurance lawyer with no federal criminal prosecution experience, as interim U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan had previously served on Trump's legal team defending him against classified documents charges and suing CNN on his behalf. According to the article, Trump appointed Halligan specifically because he was "desperate to find someone to indict former FBI Director James Comey and other political enemies."
• Lindsey Halligan appointed as U.S. attorney for Eastern District of Virginia — White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan, who leads the administration's review of Smithsonian Institution museum exhibits, was appointed to replace Erik Siebert as acting U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Halligan has no experience as a prosecutor.
• Trump removed U.S. Attorney Erik Siebert from Eastern District of Virginia — President Trump forced Erik Siebert, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, from his post after Siebert raised concerns about potentially charging former FBI Director James Comey and other perceived enemies of the president. Trump then installed Lindsey Halligan, one of his former personal attorneys with minimal prosecutorial experience, as temporary U.S. attorney in Siebert's place. This removal enabled the subsequent indictment of Comey by a politically loyal prosecutor.
• Lindsey Halligan appointed as US Attorney despite lack of prosecutorial experience — Lindsey Halligan, age 36, was appointed as US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia—one of the most significant prosecutorial offices in the country—despite having no experience as a prosecutor at any level. Her career included only three federal cases, all while serving as one of Trump's personal attorneys. She previously worked as an insurance lawyer in Florida. Under federal law, she can serve as interim US Attorney for only 120 days unless extended by federal judges or confirmed by the Senate.
• Trump forces out previous US Attorney Erik Siebert for refusing to prosecute political opponents — Fortune reported that newly appointed US Attorney Lindsey Halligan replaced Erik Siebert, whom Trump forced out for refusing to pursue charges against New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey. Halligan, age 36, has never prosecuted a case at any level and has participated in only three federal cases while serving as one of Trump's personal attorneys. Siebert, by contrast, was listed as an attorney on 675 federal cases during his prosecutorial career.

Supporting reports

• Trump nominates EJ Antoni to lead Bureau of Labor Statistics — Trump nominated EJ Antoni to run the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Antoni previously operated an anonymous Twitter account containing sexually degrading attacks on Vice President Kamala Harris, anti-gay slurs, and far-right conspiracy theories, including sharing doctored sexually explicit images of Harris.

Supporting reports

• Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Jeanine Pirro as US attorney for the District of Columbia — The Republican-controlled Senate voted to confirm Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News personality and judge, as US attorney for the District of Columbia. Pirro has a history of calling for the "cleansing" of the FBI and DOJ, spreading conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, and making xenophobic and Islamophobic comments about Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar, for which she was suspended from Fox News.
• Senate confirms Jeanine Pirro as US Attorney for Washington DC — The US Senate confirmed Jeanine Pirro, a former Fox News host and Trump ally who promoted false claims about the 2020 election, as the top federal prosecutor for Washington DC in a 50-45 party-line vote on Saturday. Pirro, a former New York district attorney and county judge, has been serving as interim US attorney since May. She was nominated after Trump withdrew his initial choice, conservative activist Ed Martin, due to opposition from Republican Senator Thom Tillis. Pirro's confirmation raises concerns about prosecutorial independence given her documented promotion of election fraud falsehoods and her close alignment with Trump.
• Senate confirms Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for Washington, D.C. — The Senate confirmed former Fox News host Jeanine Pirro as U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia by a vote of 50–45. No Democratic senator voted in favor of her confirmation. Pirro, a partisan media figure, will oversee federal prosecutions in the nation's capital, including cases involving federal crimes and matters arising from the Capitol.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel nominated as FBI director — Kash Patel, a controversial figure known for promoting conspiracy theories, has been nominated by Donald Trump to head the FBI. His nomination has been met with approval from far-right extremists who were previously targeted by the FBI. Patel's confirmation hearing was contentious, and he is not expected to receive Democratic support. Experts warn that his leadership could lead to a reduction in efforts to confront far-right groups. The nomination is part of broader changes within the FBI, including the forced resignation of several high-ranking officials.
• Kash Patel's Senate confirmation hearing for FBI director — Kash Patel, nominated by Trump for FBI director, faced a Senate confirmation hearing where he refused to explicitly state whether he would use his position to investigate Trump's political opponents. Patel distanced himself from past statements perceived as targeting Trump's adversaries, claiming mischaracterization. Despite concerns from Democratic lawmakers about his potential misuse of FBI power, Patel maintained he would only investigate those who broke the law. His confirmation is likely, given Republican support, despite Democratic opposition.