Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Hillary Clinton suggested Putin has leverage over Trump — Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton suggested that Vladimir Putin possesses compromising information on Trump. The statement was made in the context of Trump's reported request to restrict Ukrainian communications networks during active Russian military operations.
• Hillary Clinton alleged Trump's Russia alignment stems from financial interests and potential blackmail — Hillary Clinton publicly stated three reasons for Trump's alignment with Russia: first, his admiration for authoritarian leaders who can kill opponents and his desire to become a dictator; second, financial motivation through oil, gas, and critical minerals deals with Russia and carving up Ukrainian assets involving Trump and his family; and third, her belief that Putin possesses compromising material on Trump (photos, videos) similar to Epstein files, which Trump has fought to keep sealed. Clinton suggested that public release of Epstein files would shock even Trump supporters about his conduct.

Supporting reports

• Department of Defense requests additional $200 billion for Iran war — The Department of Defense has requested an additional $200 billion to fund the ongoing war with Iran. The administration acknowledges that fuel and munitions costs alone have reached approximately $45 billion, with actual costs running far higher when accounting for destruction of U.S. bases in the Middle East. The president has requested $1.5 trillion for military funding in 2027, a 44% increase from pre-war levels.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration suspended Russia sanctions — The Trump administration suspended Russia sanctions that Trump had recently signed into law, representing a reversal of its own policy and a unilateral easing of economic pressure on Russia.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel declined to confirm or deny plans to visit Moscow — Kash Patel, when asked whether he was planning to go to Moscow and for what purpose, declined to provide specifics, stating: "We're not going to announce where we're gonna go and when we're gonna go, except to tell you that this DOJ is going to go wherever we need to go to mete out justice for the American people." The response avoided direct confirmation or denial of Moscow travel plans.
• Vice President Vance defended Musk's Starlink decisions — Vice President JD Vance was asked whether he agreed with Republicans calling for an investigation into Musk's Starlink decisions. Vance responded that Musk "runs a private corporation" and that it is "completely understandable that he doesn't want to get in the middle of a war without the US govt directing him on what to do," and stated "I don't think this is about Elon."
• Sen. Kevin Cramer expressed concerns about Musk's influence over national security — Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-ND) stated that he had concerns about Elon Musk's influence over national security matters following Ukraine's disruption of Starlink access. Cramer said that "one individual and one company has control over America's ability to protect the domain of space, which is a war-fighting domain," and expressed discomfort with "vendor lock-in" in space assets.
• SpaceX investor Ross Gerber criticized Musk's Starlink decisions on CNN — SpaceX investor Ross Gerber stated on CNN that he is "disgusted" with Elon Musk's decisions regarding Starlink, characterizing them as "strategically horrendous" and "horrible" from a humanitarian perspective. Gerber expressed concern that Musk could restrict Starlink access to the United States if he disagreed with a sitting president, and called for development of competitors to Starlink to ensure national security independence.

Supporting reports

• Congress members vow investigation into Starlink service cuts to Ukraine — Multiple Congress members, including Republicans, announced they will investigate and hold accountable whoever was responsible for cutting Starlink service to Ukraine. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) stated those limiting Starshield "will be fully investigated and will be held fully accountable" and promised "immediate harsh and punitive budget cuts" to responsible agencies.
• Bipartisan lawmakers called for investigation into Elon Musk's Starlink restrictions on Ukraine — The Wall Street Journal reported that bipartisan lawmakers are calling for an investigation into Elon Musk after SpaceX restricted Ukraine's access to the Starlink satellite network. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) told CNN that Congress must compel Musk to testify and could block federal funding for agencies that played a role in throttling the network. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated that national security decisions should be made in the national interest, not based on "the personal whim of an unstable executive."
• Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick stated Congress could block federal funding over Starlink throttling — Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) told CNN that Congress must investigate the Starlink network restrictions, call witnesses under oath, and get to the bottom of the matter because it is "a very, very serious matter." Fitzpatrick indicated that Congress could block funding for federal agencies or agency heads that played any role in throttling the network.
• Sen. Adam Schiff called for Musk to testify under oath — Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) stated that the Senate must put Elon Musk under oath regarding the Starlink restrictions. Schiff emphasized that national security decisions should be made in the national interest and not based on "the personal whim of an unstable executive."
• Sen. Cramer received briefing on Starshield and called for competition in space — Sen. Kevin Cramer received a briefing from Air Force Secretary Troy Meink on Starshield and told reporters that he wanted Congress and the Pentagon to "pour a lot of resources into making sure there's lots of competition both for satellite production and satellite launch." Cramer stated he was "uncomfortable with the potential vendor lock in space" and that recent events had demonstrated greater concern than cost alone.

Supporting reports

• Trump arranged U.S. purchase of Russian diesel — Trump made a deal for the United States to purchase Russian diesel fuel, providing an economic lifeline to Russia during its ongoing military conflict with Ukraine. The transaction occurred as part of Trump's broader policy alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin and was cited alongside other actions demonstrating Trump's support for Russia.
• Ukraine's Sanctions Commissioner analyzed economic impact of Russian diesel purchase — Vladyslav Vlasiuk, Ukraine's Presidential Commissioner for Sanctions Policy, published a mathematical analysis of the Trump administration's announced purchase of Russian diesel. Vlasiuk calculated that a single 40,000-ton tanker covers less than two hours of U.S. diesel consumption, while the U.S. exports 1.5 million barrels of diesel daily—meaning the Russian shipment is equivalent to just 4.5 hours of U.S. exports. Vlasiuk questioned why "one of the world's largest diesel exporters is buying diesel from an aggressor state just to cover two hours of domestic consumption," characterizing the purchase as economically irrational and politically motivated.

Supporting reports

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized Starlink slowdown as a business decision — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, in remarks to CBS News, attempted to frame SpaceX's slowdown of Starlink service to Ukraine as a routine business decision governed by terms of service, stating "We haven't pulled anything back" and "nothing's changed from our view." He added that the administration had not issued directives on the matter, while expressing wishes for Ukrainian success.

Supporting reports

• Energy Secretary Wright claimed sanctions pressure benefits Russia — Energy Secretary Chris Wright, appearing on CNN, argued that the administration's pressure on Ukraine—rather than Russia—to end the war was actually pressuring Russia. When asked if the U.S. stance had shifted to pressure Ukraine instead of Russia, Wright responded: "Oh, this is pressuring Russia. Russia does not have diesel to export. The only way they can get diesel to export is to turn down the conflict with Ukraine." He characterized the approach as "quite innovative," despite Russia's demonstrated ability to export diesel and the administration's own diesel import deal with Russia.

Supporting reports

• Starlink and Starshield services restricted in Ukraine — Ukraine's access to Starlink and Starshield satellite communication systems was abruptly restricted without warning or explanation. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated the restrictions came from the U.S. government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio denied U.S. involvement, claiming SpaceX was responsible, while SpaceX and the White House blamed each other. The timing coincided with Trump's pressure on Ukraine not to attack Russian refineries and preceded intensive Russian aerial attacks on Ukrainian territory. Starshield's speed limitations rendered it unable to detect Russian missiles traveling above approximately 100 miles per hour.
• Elon Musk ordered Starlink slowdown during Ukrainian bombardment — The Wall Street Journal reported that Elon Musk ordered a slowdown of Starlink service during one of the worst bombardments of the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces lost control of their drones when Starlink slowed during the attack, impairing their defensive capability at a critical moment.

Supporting reports

• Trump ordered military to cut off Starshield satellite communications to Ukraine — The Trump administration ordered the military to cut off Starshield satellite communications that were being used by Ukrainians defending their homes from Russian drones. This action was part of a broader shift in U.S. policy toward Russia and away from European allies.

Supporting reports

• Trump waives Russia sanctions legislation passed by Congress — President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 last month after bipartisan congressional passage, but issued an executive order on Friday waiving the sanctions, restrictions, and duties on Russia that were due to take effect on October 18. The legislation targeted Russian officials, banks, and a shadow fleet of tankers, and directed Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on top importers of Russian oil and gas. Trump's waiver comes amid his public criticism of Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and a separate agreement to purchase Russian diesel.
• Trump waived Russia sanctions days before implementation — President Trump issued an executive order waiving sanctions on Russia that Congress had passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (86–11 in the Senate). The action drew immediate criticism from lawmakers of both parties, who characterized it as capitulation to Putin and a betrayal of Ukraine. Trump's stated rationale centered on reducing U.S. gas prices ahead of midterm elections on November 3, citing a diesel import deal with Russia. The move represented an escalation in Trump's alignment with Putin and contradicted congressional intent to pressure Russia economically during its invasion of Ukraine.
• Trump cancelled congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia — The Trump administration cancelled congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia. This action was part of a broader pattern of pro-Russia policy shifts including urging Europe to purchase more Russian gas, ordering military cutoff of Starshield satellite communications to Ukraine, and discussing joint economic projects with Russia.
• Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress had enacted — Trump waived sanctions on Russia that Congress, led by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, had pushed for. The action removed economic penalties previously imposed on Russia, reportedly as part of Trump's broader alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The waiver occurred amid Trump's simultaneous purchase of Russian diesel and his handling of Starlink connectivity over Ukraine during Russian military operations.
• Trump announced waiver of congressionally mandated Russia sanctions — Two days before congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia were set to take effect, Trump announced he would waive them. The sanctions had been enacted by Congress as a binding requirement, but Trump exercised executive authority to suspend their implementation, circumventing the legislative mandate.

Supporting reports

• Trump denies knowledge of Starlink restrictions in Ukraine — Trump denied responsibility for temporary restrictions on Starlink access to Ukrainian military forces, stating "I don't know if it was anybody, because it wasn't me, and I don't think it was Elon." Ukrainian President Zelenskyy subsequently clarified that Starlink speed was reduced rather than shut down entirely, hampering Ukraine's ability to intercept drone attacks on civilians and conduct military operations in occupied territories. Zelenskyy stated the speed has been partially but not fully restored.

Supporting reports

• Trump criticizes Ukraine and Zelenskyy in Newsmax interview — Trump gave a one-on-one interview to Newsmax in which he criticized Ukraine and President Zelenskyy, citing a former Ukrainian TV host sanctioned for spreading Russian propaganda. Trump claimed that Biden's provision of weapons to Ukraine depleted U.S. stocks and attributed Russia's initial military setback to a "wrong turn onto farmland" rather than Ukrainian military success. He stated "It should end soon" and called Zelenskyy "more difficult to deal with than Putin," adding "I'm not a big fan of Zelenskyy. They've destroyed that country."

Supporting reports

• Ukraine received no warning of Russian strikes; intelligence sharing questioned — On October 14, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine received no advance warning from Western partners of Russia's overnight strikes on Kyiv. The disclosure raised concerns that Trump is making good on his threat to stop sharing intelligence with Ukraine unless it ceases striking Russian oil refineries. When asked by reporters, Trump stated the U.S. is still sharing intelligence with Ukraine.

Supporting reports

• SpaceX restricted Starlink/Starshield speed limits during Russian attack on Ukraine — Ukrainian presidential advisor Serhiy Beskrestnov reported that SpaceX, without warning, restricted speed limits on Starlink terminals (Starshield) used by Ukraine's military, reducing drone control speeds to 160 kph (100 mph) during a major Russian barrage. Russia launched 39 ballistic missiles and over 120 drones, killing at least five Ukrainians and leaving 600,000 without power. The U.S. provided no intelligence warning. Musk initially blamed Trump; the White House blamed Musk. Both Starlink and Starshield systems were affected.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration threatens to suspend intelligence sharing and weapons sales to Ukraine — The Trump administration warned Ukraine and European allies that the US could suspend intelligence sharing and halt European purchases of US weapons for Ukraine if Kyiv does not cease deep strikes on Russian energy facilities. The Financial Times reported that the administration is threatening to halt the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) weapons procurement program and cut intelligence sharing. National security reporter Michael Weiss noted that PURL represents billions of dollars in weapons sales to Europe for Ukrainian defense, and that Trump's threat would cost American defense industry revenue while benefiting only Moscow.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced oil deal with Putin to supply diesel fuel to the US market — Trump announced via Truth Social that he and Vladimir Putin reached an agreement for Russia to supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel immediately, 500,000 tons in November, and 1,000,000 tons thereafter, with an additional 3,000,000 tons to follow. Trump stated the deal would lower diesel prices for Americans, farmers, ranchers, and truckers. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy immediately responded, stating the deal provides additional funding for Russia's war effort and accused Trump of using Ukraine peace negotiations as a smokescreen while colluding with Putin.

Supporting reports

• Oil shipments from Persian Gulf surge despite Iran war attacks; shipping costs reach $40 million per trip — Oil is pouring out of the Persian Gulf at the fastest rate since the start of the Iran war, even as recent attacks threaten the flow. The cost of getting oil out is eye-watering: up to $40 million for a multiday trip. Gulf oil producers are hiring very large crude carriers (VLCCs) to complete perilous "shuttle runs" through the Strait of Hormuz. These new economics represent a wartime gold rush: producers swallow record freight costs to keep crude moving, shipowners reap some of the best returns the industry has seen in decades, and sailors are paid like never before. However, those financial rewards come with substantial risks. Since September 28, seven ships have been hit.

Supporting reports

• Trump suggested allowing Iran to destroy Los Angeles and San Diego — At a rally in Nebraska on October 6, Trump stated that high oil prices were "a small price to pay" for keeping the country safe and suggested allowing Iran to attack U.S. cities: "They can take out a city, let 'em take out Los Angeles. Let 'em take out San Diego." He characterized destruction of these cities as acceptable and "a very small price to pay." The statement generated rapid and widespread outcry from Democratic officials and scholars of authoritarianism.
• Trump suggests Iran could attack Los Angeles and San Diego — Speaking at a rally in Nebraska, Trump appeared to suggest that Iran could "take out" Los Angeles and San Diego if it develops a nuclear weapon. Trump stated: "They could take out a city. Let them take - Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego." California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned Trump's comments as "deranged and dangerous," noting that Trump had previously sent the National Guard and Marines to occupy California. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stated that "SD is not collateral damage. We are not expendable." Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said Trump's statements were dangerous and could compromise city safety. GOP congressional nominee Jim Desmond, running in San Diego, disagreed with Trump's comments, stating that no American city is expendable.
• Trump suggested Iran could attack Los Angeles or San Diego — Trump made public statements suggesting Iran could "take out" Los Angeles or San Diego while discussing the economic costs of war. He subsequently clarified that his administration intends to prevent such attacks. The remarks drew significant criticism for appearing to acknowledge or speculate about foreign military threats to U.S. cities without clear strategic context.

Supporting reports

• U.S. Southern Command conducted 70th strike on Caribbean boat, killing four people — U.S. Southern Command reported on October 4 that it struck another small boat in the Caribbean, killing four people it characterized as "narco-terrorists." This strike brings the total to more than 70 strikes over the past year, resulting in more than 230 deaths. The administration has justified the strikes by claiming, without public evidence, that those on the boats were drug traffickers, though such charges would normally be handled through the legal system. The Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel issued an opinion providing legal justification for the strikes.
• Federal judge ordered disclosure of boat-strike legal memo — On an unspecified date before October 6, U.S. District Judge Paul Engelmayer of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ordered the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice to produce the Office of Legal Counsel memo justifying the boat strikes and to disclose who else has reviewed it. The judge's order was issued to evaluate whether the memo should be released to the public.

Supporting reports

• New York Times reported Trump administration negotiations for Lukoil asset purchase — On October 3, the New York Times reported that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff—neither diplomats—have been negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin about a multibillion-dollar deal to purchase assets of Russian oil giant Lukoil at depressed prices due to U.S. sanctions. The sale would remove those assets from sanctions, making them far more valuable. Beneficiaries would include a major Trump donor and Middle Eastern investors tied to the Trump family and Witkoffs. The U.S. government would take a stake through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Putin allegedly suggested the deal on September 5, after Senator Lindsey Graham's death on July 11. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent would need to approve the deal.

Supporting reports

• United States deploys third aircraft carrier strike group to Middle East — The United States announced it will send a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East. The USS Theodore Roosevelt will join the USS George H.W. Bush and the USS George Washington, adding 9,000–10,000 troops to the more than 50,000 U.S. troops already in the region. The Roosevelt left San Diego on Sunday, and a group of three amphibious ships and Marines from the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit left Monday, with arrival expected by the end of November.

Supporting reports

• Trump discusses annihilating Iran in TIME interview — In the TIME interview, Trump stated that he would annihilate Iran, saying "Yeah, I would do that. It's possible." When asked how a "president of peace" could call for annihilation of an entire people, Trump responded that "by annihilating Iran, we've created peace in the world" and asserted "With Iran, I don't think you could ever have peace."
• Trump threatens Iran with annihilation — As Trump departed for a rally in Oklahoma, he told reporters about Iran: "Now I have to make a decision. They'll either sign a very fair deal, or they won't exist any longer." Later in Texas, he told the crowd the U.S. would "win very easily…right after the election," in reference to potential military action against Iran.

Supporting reports

• Senate Republicans block war powers resolution to end US-Iran conflict — Senate Republicans voted down a House-passed war powers resolution on Thursday, September 25, 2026, that sought to end the US military conflict with Iran. The measure failed 49-50, despite bipartisan House passage and support from four Republican senators (Tillis, Murkowski, Paul, Collins). The conflict had reached 200 days with 19 US service members killed and over 750 injured. Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer and Andy Kim, invoked the War Powers Resolution to force the vote. The defeat marks the latest in a series of failed Democratic attempts to end the war since Trump ordered military strikes in late February 2026.

Supporting reports

• Trump calls Iran war "going to end very soon," claims they want to deal — Trump stated "That war is going to end very soon. You watch" regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, and claimed "They want to make a deal so badly. They called. We could have a deal anytime we want." These statements suggest active military conflict with Iran and Trump's assertion of imminent resolution through negotiation.