Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Senator Durbin reveals FBI pressure to flag Trump mentions in Epstein records — In a letter to FBI Director Kash Patel, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, revealed that his office had received information that Attorney General Pam Bondi pressured the FBI to put 1,000 personnel to work in 24-hour shifts to review approximately 100,000 Epstein records. The personnel were instructed to "flag" any records in which President Trump was mentioned. Durbin asked Patel to answer questions about the information the FBI holds and how the administration is handling that information.

Supporting reports

• Arrest of John Caravello, CSU Channel Islands professor, on assault charges during ICE raid protest — John Caravello, a math and philosophy professor at California State University Channel Islands and immigrant rights advocate, was arrested and charged with assaulting a federal officer and throwing a teargas canister at ICE agents during the Glass House farm raid. Witnesses, including immigrant rights organizer Genevieve Flores-Haro, dispute the police account, stating they saw only ICE agents and National Guard deploying teargas, and that Caravello appeared to be assisting a demonstrator in a wheelchair. Caravello was released on a $15,000 bond and is scheduled for arraignment on August 1, 2025.

Supporting reports

• Class-action lawsuit filed against Trump administration for arrests at immigration courts — Twelve immigrants and advocacy groups filed a class-action lawsuit in U.S. District Court (D.C.) on July 16, 2025, alleging that the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security coordinated to arrest and deport people attending immigration hearings. The plaintiffs claim the administration stripped due-process rights under immigration law and the Fifth Amendment, placing detainees in expedited removal without hearings. The suit challenges ICE and immigration court guidance as arbitrary and capricious, seeking to vacate those directives.
• Immigrants and advocates sue DHS over courthouse arrests — A group of immigrants and legal advocates sued the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department, and ICE as part of a class-action lawsuit arguing that the arrests of thousands of people at courthouses violate immigration law and the Constitution. The lawsuit challenges the practice of arresting immigrants at courthouses where they appear for legal proceedings.
• Federal immigration enforcement conducts mass courthouse detentions at Manhattan federal building — On 16 July 2025, federal immigration agents conducted multiple detentions at the Jacob K Javits federal building in Manhattan, apprehending individuals both during and immediately after immigration hearings. The Guardian documented detentions of at least five people, including a father separated from his family and individuals granted follow-up hearings. Agents held detainees in stairwells and the building's 10th floor. The practice reflects the Trump administration's stated goal of arresting 3,000 people daily and has prompted a class-action lawsuit challenging courthouse arrest tactics.

Supporting reports

• Federal immigration enforcement conducts mass courthouse detentions at Manhattan federal building — On 16 July 2025, federal immigration agents conducted multiple detentions at the Jacob K Javits federal building in Manhattan, apprehending individuals both during and immediately after immigration hearings. The Guardian documented detentions of at least five people, including a father separated from his family and individuals granted follow-up hearings. Agents held detainees in stairwells and the building's 10th floor. The practice reflects the Trump administration's stated goal of arresting 3,000 people daily and has prompted a class-action lawsuit challenging courthouse arrest tactics.

Supporting reports

• DOJ recommends one-day sentence for Brett Hankison in Breonna Taylor civil rights case — The U.S. Department of Justice filed a sentencing memorandum recommending a one-day jail sentence and three years of supervised release for Brett Hankison, a former Louisville police officer convicted in November 2024 of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights. Hankison fired into Taylor's bedroom during a March 2020 narcotics raid on the wrong home; his bullets struck the neighboring apartment but hit no one. The DOJ argued no prison sentence was necessary despite Hankison facing a maximum of life imprisonment, citing his clean record and psychological stress from trials. Hankison is scheduled for sentencing on Monday (July 21, 2025).
• Assistant Attorney General Dhillon requests minimal sentence for Brett Hankison — Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Unit Harmeet Dhillon, a Trump loyalist, asked a federal judge to sentence Brett Hankison, the former police officer convicted of depriving Breonna Taylor of her civil rights, to a single day in jail—time he has already served. Hankison was convicted in 2024 of firing several shots into Taylor's home through a covered window and glass door during a botched police raid in 2020, though his bullets did not kill her.

Supporting reports

• Afghanistan war veteran charged with felony conspiracy after ICE protest — Bajun Mavalwalla II, a former Army sergeant and Afghanistan war veteran, was arrested and charged with felony "conspiracy to impede or injure officers" in July 2025, more than a month after participating in an anti-ICE protest in Spokane, Washington. The protest, called by city council president Ben Stuckart to block the transport of two Venezuelan immigrants, turned confrontational with property damage. Mavalwalla maintains his innocence and is preparing for jury trial while others arrested the same day have struck plea agreements. Legal experts and veterans' groups have characterized the charges as an escalation in attacks on First Amendment rights.
• FBI arrest of veteran Bajun Mavalwalla II on federal conspiracy charges following ICE protest — Bajun Mavalwalla II, a 35-year-old former US Army sergeant and advocate for Afghan refugees, was arrested by the FBI on July 15, 2025, more than a month after participating in a June 11 protest against ICE in Spokane, Washington. He faces federal conspiracy charges for allegedly agreeing with others to impede or injure a federal officer, despite not being charged with obstruction or assault. He pleaded not guilty and faces up to six years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years supervised release. Veterans and civil rights groups have condemned the arrest as criminalizing peaceful dissent.
• FBI arrests US Army veteran Bajun Mavalwalla II for conspiracy charges related to ICE protest — Bajun Mavalwalla II, a 35-year-old former Army sergeant and Afghanistan war veteran, was arrested by the FBI on July 15, 2025, and charged with "conspiracy to impede or injure officers" for participating in a June 11 protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Spokane, Washington. Though he was not among those arrested at the scene and was not charged with assault or obstruction, prosecutors allege he physically blocked a driveway and pushed against officers. Legal experts characterize the conspiracy charge as an escalation in prosecuting First Amendment protest activity and note the broad prosecutorial discretion it affords.

Supporting reports

• Former judges urge Senate to reject Emil Bove nomination — A group of more than 75 former federal and state judges urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject Trump's nomination of Emil Bove to serve as a federal appeals court judge, writing that his "egregious record of mistreating law enforcement officers, abusing power, and disregarding the law itself disqualifies him for this position."
• Senate confirms Anthony Tata as Pentagon undersecretary — The Senate voted to confirm Anthony Tata to serve as the Pentagon's undersecretary for personnel and readiness. Tata, a former Fox commentator, once called Barack Obama a "terrorist leader" and spread conspiracy theories that a former CIA director tried to overthrow Trump during his first term and even have him assassinated.
• Senate Judiciary Committee advances Emil Bove nomination to federal appeals court despite Democratic walkout — The Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Emil Bove's nomination to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals on July 18, 2025, clearing the way for a full Senate confirmation vote. Bove, a former Trump defense attorney and DOJ official, faced opposition from Democrats over allegations by whistleblower Erez Reuveni that Bove advocated ignoring court orders, and over his role in firing January 6 prosecutors. Democrats walked out in protest after Republicans refused to call Reuveni as a witness and rejected a motion to delay the vote.

Supporting reports

• Texas AG Ken Paxton threatened to arrest Democratic legislators for breaking quorum — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, in response to Democratic legislators' plan to break quorum to prevent a special redistricting session, threatened arrest. Paxton stated: "If Democrats ignore their duty to their constituents by breaking quorum, they should be found and arrested no matter where they go" and pledged his office would assist in "hunting down and compelling the attendance of anyone who abandons their office."

Supporting reports

• Two-thirds of DOJ Federal Programs lawyers resign — Nearly two-thirds of the lawyers in the Department of Justice's Federal Programs unit, responsible for defending Trump administration policies in court, have quit. One departing lawyer told Reuters that many joined the unit to defend constitutional systems but could not participate in "the project of tearing it down." The resignations reflect internal DOJ opposition to the administration's legal positions.

Supporting reports

• DOJ drops charges against Utah doctor Michael Kirk Moore for vaccine fraud and saline substitution — US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the dismissal of charges against Dr. Michael Kirk Moore, a Utah physician accused of destroying over $28,000 in government Covid-19 vaccines and administering saline injections to children instead. Moore had been indicted in 2023 on charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States, distributing 1,937 fraudulent vaccination cards, and converting government property. Bondi stated Moore "gave his patients a choice when the federal government refused to do so." The dismissal reflects the Trump administration's embrace of vaccine skeptics and represents a reversal of Biden-era prosecution.
• AG Pam Bondi dismissed charges against Michael Kirk Moore mid-trial — Attorney General Pam Bondi dismissed charges against Michael Kirk Moore, a MAGA favorite who had been charged with discarding hundreds of COVID vaccines and distributing 2,000 fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards in exchange for cash or donations. Moore had administered saline shots to children, deceiving them into believing they were receiving the vaccine. Bondi's dismissal occurred mid-trial in an apparent attempt to divert attention from the Epstein files controversy.

Supporting reports

• DOJ and FBI jointly decide to withhold further Epstein files from public release — US Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel jointly concluded a systematic review of Jeffrey Epstein materials and decided not to release further information, including a purported "client list." The memo stated no credible evidence of blackmail or basis for investigation of uncharged third parties was found. The decision triggered backlash from MAGA hardliners, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Steve Bannon, who questioned the Epstein autopsy conclusion and demanded disclosure.
• Justice Department announced no "incriminating client list" exists for Jeffrey Epstein; withheld evidence — The Department of Justice announced that deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain an "incriminating 'client list'" and stated it would not release additional evidence accumulated by investigators, including photographs and more than 10,000 videos. In February 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi had told Fox News that a list was "sitting on her desk awaiting review." The announcement reversed that position. MAGA influencers and media figures had previously demanded release of the files, claiming the Biden administration was covering up Democratic involvement. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, who had promoted the conspiracy theory, reportedly threatened to resign over Bondi's reversal.
• DOJ releases memo concluding no Epstein client list exists and death was suicide — The Department of Justice released a memo stating that a systematic review of evidence regarding convicted sex abuser Jeffrey Epstein found no incriminating client list and no credible evidence of blackmail. The memo concluded that Epstein died by suicide and that no further disclosure would be appropriate. This announcement contradicted years of claims by Trump and MAGA figures that Epstein was murdered to protect powerful men and that a client list existed naming prominent individuals involved in child trafficking.

Supporting reports

• Steve Bannon called for special counsel on Epstein case — Steve Bannon, speaking from the stage at the Turning Point USA conference, stated that Epstein is a key that unlocks many things including individuals, institutions, intelligence institutions, and foreign governments. While expressing support for AG Pam Bondi, Bannon called for a special counsel to be named to take over the Epstein case. When asked by NBC how his defense of Bondi went over with the crowd, Bannon reported that audience sentiment during live shows at the conference was running 100% against Bondi remaining as AG, stating "I've never seen anything like it."
• MAGA podcaster Jack Posobiec called for Jan. 6-style investigation of Epstein clients — MAGA podcaster Jack Posobiec, speaking from the stage at the Turning Point USA conference, stated that he will not rest until a full Jan. 6 committee-style investigation is conducted on the Epstein files, with every single client involved having an FBI agent at their door going after them the same way agents went after Jan. 6 participants.

Supporting reports

• DOJ and FBI jointly decide to withhold further Epstein files from public release — US Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel jointly concluded a systematic review of Jeffrey Epstein materials and decided not to release further information, including a purported "client list." The memo stated no credible evidence of blackmail or basis for investigation of uncharged third parties was found. The decision triggered backlash from MAGA hardliners, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Steve Bannon, who questioned the Epstein autopsy conclusion and demanded disclosure.
• Justice Department announced no "incriminating client list" exists for Jeffrey Epstein; withheld evidence — The Department of Justice announced that deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein did not maintain an "incriminating 'client list'" and stated it would not release additional evidence accumulated by investigators, including photographs and more than 10,000 videos. In February 2025, Attorney General Pam Bondi had told Fox News that a list was "sitting on her desk awaiting review." The announcement reversed that position. MAGA influencers and media figures had previously demanded release of the files, claiming the Biden administration was covering up Democratic involvement. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, who had promoted the conspiracy theory, reportedly threatened to resign over Bondi's reversal.

Supporting reports

• Hundreds of detainees without criminal charges held at "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration facility in Florida Everglades — The Trump administration's "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility in Ochopee, Florida holds hundreds of immigrants with no criminal records or charges, according to disclosures following a Democratic lawmakers' visit on Saturday. The Miami Herald obtained a list of 700 detainees showing at least 250 had committed only civil immigration violations. Authorities refused to release the full detainee list. Conditions include three exposed toilets per 32-person cage, inadequate water access, and excessive heat. Federal agencies claim the facility is state-run, contradicting public statements by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Trump about federal funding.
• Detained immigrants at "Alligator Alcatraz" reported inhumane conditions — CBS News reported that immigrants who are detained at the new facility dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Florida Everglades have said conditions there are inhumane, including only being served one meal a day that had maggots in it, no water to take a shower, and a lack of access to healthcare.
• Rep. Wasserman Schultz documents inhumane conditions at immigration detention facility — Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz conducted an oversight tour of "Alligator Alcatraz," a new immigration detention facility, and reported that detainees are "living in cages" with 32 people per cage and only three toilets per cage. She noted that the sink is attached to the toilet unit, forcing detainees to obtain drinking water and brush teeth where they defecate.
• Miami Herald reports 250+ detainees at Alligator Alcatraz have no criminal record — The Miami Herald reported that more than 250 people detained at "Alligator Alcatraz" have no criminal record, contradicting official claims that the facility would be reserved for the "worst of the worst." The finding suggests the facility is being used to detain individuals without serious criminal histories.

Supporting reports

• Trump calls for supporters to stop focusing on Epstein files — On July 12, 2025, President Trump posted on Truth Social urging his supporters to stop pursuing the Epstein files, calling the matter a distraction from his administration's accomplishments. Trump wrote that supporters should "not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about" and criticized "selfish people" trying to hurt the administration over the issue. The post was notably "ratioed" on Truth Social—receiving more comments than likes—suggesting unusual disagreement from his base.
• Trump posts lengthy social media screed defending Bondi and attacking critics — At 5:21 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday, July 12, Trump posted a long, incoherent message on Truth Social defending Attorney General Pam Bondi and attacking "selfish people" trying to hurt his "PERFECT administration" by focusing on Epstein. He suggested the Epstein files were created by Obama, Hillary Clinton, Comey, Brennan, and Biden administration officials, and called for focus on voter fraud and political corruption instead. The post received more comments than likes or shares, indicating disapproval from his own followers.
• Trump posts social media message dismissing Epstein files as Democratic fabrication — Trump posted a lengthy message on social media on July 12, 2025, characterizing the Epstein files as a "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax" created by "Radical Left Democrats" and other supposed enemies. He dismissed the matter as a scam and criticized his own supporters for demanding the administration release the files, calling them "weaklings" and stating he no longer wanted their support.
• Trump posted on Truth Social defending AG Pam Bondi amid MAGA base backlash over Epstein files — Trump posted a lengthy message on Truth Social defending Attorney General Pam Bondi against criticism from his MAGA base, claiming the Epstein files were created by Obama, Hillary Clinton, and other Democratic figures. The post backfired severely; after 24 hours it received over 40,000 replies, 99% negative, all from Trump supporters. The post triggered the largest rift in the MAGA movement since the author began covering it five years ago, with prominent MAGA figures, podcasters, and influencers expressing betrayal and disillusionment.
• Trump posts unhinged Truth Social rant about Epstein files closure — Trump posted a 400-word Truth Social message attacking critics of his administration's decision to close the Epstein file, calling them "selfish people" and claiming "We have a PERFECT Administration." He directed the FBI and Director Kash Patel to focus instead on "Voter Fraud, Political Corruption, ActBlue, The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020," dismissing the Epstein matter as unimportant.
• Trump posted on Truth Social about Epstein and blamed Obama for cover-up — Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday night telling followers to move on from Epstein allegations while blaming Obama for covering up "everything." The post received over 46,000 replies, with over 90% negative responses from Trump's base. The post attempted to shift focus away from the Epstein matter while attributing responsibility to the previous administration.
• Trump dismisses Epstein question at cabinet meeting — When a reporter asked Trump about Epstein during a press opportunity at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump responded dismissively, saying "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years. Are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable." His attempt to downplay the story drew further attention to it.
• Trump claims Epstein files were "made up" by Comey and Obama — Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed that the Epstein files were "made up" by former FBI Director James Comey, along with former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, comparing the matter to investigations of the 2016 Trump campaign's ties to Russia. The claim contradicts the existence of documented criminal proceedings.
• Trump dismisses Epstein inquiry as "hoax" and attacks supporters demanding transparency — President Trump posted on Truth Social calling supporters who question the administration's handling of Jeffrey Epstein case details "weaklings" and accused them of falling for a "radical left hoax." He told reporters the case was "boring" but said he would release "credible" files without defining the term. The Justice Department and FBI had announced the previous week that Epstein died by suicide and no client list would be released, sparking backlash from Trump's base and calls from House Speaker Mike Johnson for full transparency.
• Trump rants about Epstein backlash on Truth Social — On Truth Social, Trump ranted about the Epstein backlash, which he calls a "Hoax," saying his "PAST supporters have bought into this 'bullshit,' hook, line, and sinker," called them "weaklings," and said he doesn't want their support anymore. The post demonstrates Trump's frustration with criticism of his handling of the Epstein matter.