Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Putin claimed inability to determine drone origin; Medvedev warned EU of escalation — In response to the Russian drone strike on Romania, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed at a press conference in Kazakhstan that no one can determine the origin of the aircraft until an examination is conducted, despite clear evidence of Russian responsibility. Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, posted on social media warning EU citizens that their governments have "unilaterally entered into a war with Russia" and that "the peaceful sleep is over," escalating rhetoric and threatening further conflict.

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• Trump demanded Arab nations sign Abraham Accords as precondition for Iran deal — During a Saturday conference call with Arab and Muslim nation leaders, President Trump demanded that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan normalize relations with Israel as a precondition for any Iran nuclear deal. Trump later posted publicly that these countries must sign the Abraham Accords, stating he was "mandatorily requesting" it and that countries refusing "should not be part of this Deal." The demand blindsided regional leaders, several of whom have no formal diplomatic relations with Israel.

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• Trump administration approves higher-ethanol fuel sales amid Iran war gas price crisis — Following sharp gas price increases triggered by U.S. military action against Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the Trump administration approved the sale of fuel with higher ethanol content as a cost-mitigation measure. The move aims to provide cheaper alternatives but risks increasing smog. Separately, the president floated suspending the federal gas tax. Truck drivers and other consumers report severe financial strain from fuel costs exceeding $5 per gallon for diesel.
• U.S. military action against Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, triggering global energy crisis — The United States, in coordination with Israel, launched military attacks on Iran, resulting in the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint through which approximately 20% of the world's oil supply travels. The action precipitated a global energy crisis, with gasoline prices rising to four-year highs and diesel reaching $5.72 per gallon at major truck stops. Analysts predict prices could reach record levels if the strait remains closed.

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• Republican officials publicly criticize Iran deal terms — Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the reported terms a framework matching the Obama-era Iran deal, the very agreement Trump spent a decade attacking. Senator Ted Cruz issued a lengthy statement expressing deep concern that Iran would emerge with billions in assets, uranium enrichment capability, and control of the Strait. Senator Roger Wicker called the deal "ill-advised." Senator Lindsey Graham warned that a deal leaving Iran in regional dominance would empower Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias. Ben Rhodes, an Obama-era JCPOA negotiator, stated that Operation Epic Fury accomplished nothing except putting the IRGC in charge of Iran and the Strait.
• Senator Roger Wicker condemned Iran deal as surrender — Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, publicly condemned the reported Iran agreement as "a disaster" that would nullify the accomplishments of Operation Epic Fury. Wicker urged Trump to allow the armed forces to complete the destruction of Iran's conventional military capabilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning that pursuing an agreement with Iran's government "risks a perception of weakness."

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• Trump administration announces Iran memorandum, then reverses course after backlash from Netanyahu and Republican allies — The Trump administration announced a proposed memorandum with Iran involving release of $25 billion in frozen assets, lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, and deferral of nuclear negotiations. Iran's state media contradicted Trump's characterization, stating passage through the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian control and management. Netanyahu called Trump directly; Republican figures including Pompeo, Cruz, Graham, and Wicker publicly criticized the terms. Trump subsequently told ABC he "can't talk about the deal" and that the blockade remains in full force pending certification and signing.
• Trump administration negotiated Iran agreement — Trump announced via social media that an agreement with Iran had been "largely negotiated" following calls with leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The deal reportedly included unfreezing Iranian funds, lifting the U.S. blockade, withdrawing U.S. forces, reopening the Strait of Hormuz with Iranian tolls, and allowing Iran to retain enriched uranium. Iran's state media immediately disputed Trump's claims, noting that American officials had told Iran that Trump's tweets are "primarily for promotional purposes" and should not be taken seriously.
• Trump Claims Progress on Iran Deal Amidst Controversy — President Trump announced via social media that a largely negotiated agreement with Iran is in the final stages, which includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and unfreezing Iranian funds. However, Iranian state media refuted Trump's claims, stating that they are primarily for U.S. media consumption. The deal has drawn criticism from Republican Senator Roger Wicker, who warned it could undermine U.S. military efforts in the region.

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• Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly refused to attend an emergency Oval Office meeting with Trump regarding the weaponization fund controversy, marking a potential first instance of Johnson declining a direct presidential summons. — Trump called Speaker Mike Johnson to an emergency Oval Office meeting to discuss the weaponization fund controversy. According to four aides familiar with the meeting, Johnson refused to attend, potentially marking the first time the Speaker has declined a direct presidential request. A Johnson aide subsequently denied the report. The incident reflects tension between the White House and House leadership over the fund's political viability and fiscal impact.
• House Speaker Mike Johnson adjourned Congress early to prevent war powers vote — House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) sent representatives home a day early to prevent members from passing a war powers resolution that would have ordered Trump to remove U.S. troops from his military operations against Iran. The 1973 War Powers Act permits the president 60 days to conduct military operations before requiring congressional approval; that timeline expired on May 1, 2026. The administration claimed it did not need authorization because it had declared a ceasefire on April 7, though it continued to maintain a blockade against Iranian ports and exchange fire with Iranian forces.

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• House GOP cancels War Powers Resolution vote on Iran — House Republican leaders abruptly canceled a vote on an Iran War Powers Resolution that was likely to pass due to absences of Republican members and others who signaled support for the measure. The cancellation came after the Senate advanced a similar resolution earlier in the week to limit Trump's military action against Iran without congressional approval.
• House Republican leaders delayed Iran war-powers vote past Memorial Day recess — House Republican leaders delayed a vote on the Iran war-powers resolution into June, after appearing to lack the votes to defeat it. The measure's sponsor, Rep. Gregory Meeks, stated he believed it would have passed. A similar House resolution had fallen on a tie vote the week before. The delay postpones a constitutional confrontation over congressional war-declaration authority.
• House Republicans cancel scheduled war powers resolution vote on Iran conflict — House Speaker Mike Johnson canceled a scheduled Thursday vote on a war powers resolution that would have required President Trump to end the US war with Iran. The measure likely would have passed with bipartisan support. Democrats criticized the cancellation as cowardly avoidance of political embarrassment for Trump. The vote has been postponed until June. Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick stated the resolution would pass when brought to a vote again.
• House Republicans adjourned without voting on War Powers resolution — Rep. Johnny Olszewski (D-MD) reported that House Republicans did not have the votes to continue the war and decided to adjourn for the holiday instead of stopping the war. While the war continues, American taxpayers are paying tens of billions of dollars, service members are being lost, and gas prices are rising. The House closed up shop without addressing the War Powers resolution.

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• Trump threatened escalated bombing campaign against Iran — On social media, Trump posted a message stating that if Iran does not agree to U.S. demands regarding the Strait of Hormuz, "the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before." The post came amid shifting White House messaging about the Iran war, including Trump's abrupt cancellation of "Project Freedom" after initially having Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth promote the operation.

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• Trump characterizes military blockade as "greatest military maneuver in history" and threatens Iranian ships — Trump told Fox News Channel's Trey Yingst that his military blockade of Iranian ports is the "greatest military maneuver in history." He also stated that if Iranians target U.S. ships, they will be "blown off the face of the earth." Trump later described the blockade to a group of small-business owners at the White House as a "mini war."

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• Trump issued 24-hour ultimatum to Iran and threatened imminent massive air strikes. — Trump declared to reporters that Iran had been given only 24 hours, after which "the world may witness one of the most devastating air strikes ever seen." On Truth Social, he claimed US forces had "shot down seven small Boats" and suggested South Korea should "join the mission." Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and other administration officials appeared on Fox to downplay the threat to oil prices and characterize Iranian leadership as "hunkered down in bunkers" and operating on false information.

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• Trump announced naval escort mission for ships in Strait of Hormuz, warning Iran against interference. — Trump posted on Truth Social announcing "Project Freedom," a mission to escort neutral ships out of the Strait of Hormuz beginning Monday. He stated the US would guide ships safely through restricted waterways and warned that any interference with this "humanitarian process" would "have to be dealt with forcefully." The announcement framed the operation as assistance to countries uninvolved in the Middle Eastern dispute whose vessels are trapped due to the ongoing Iran conflict.
• Project Freedom collapses after Saudi and Kuwaiti blockade — Project Freedom, an apparent U.S. military initiative, collapsed after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked American military access. The blockade by key regional allies represents a significant diplomatic and strategic setback for the administration's Middle East posture.
• Trump announced and then abruptly halted "Project Freedom" military operation — Trump announced "Project Freedom" on social media as a way to break Iran's blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, surprising Gulf allies and angering leadership in Saudi Arabia. Top national security leaders spent much of Tuesday publicly briefing about the effort at the Pentagon and White House. Approximately 36 hours after the announcement, Trump abruptly halted the operation. The reversal came after Saudi Arabia suspended the U.S. military's ability to use Prince Sultan Airbase and Saudi airspace to carry out the operation. A call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince MBS did not resolve the issue. Other close Gulf allies, including Qatar, were also caught off guard by the announcement and had not been consulted beforehand.
• Project Freedom Collapses After Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Block U.S. Military Access — Project Freedom, a U.S. military initiative, has collapsed after Saudi Arabia and Kuwait blocked U.S. military access. This development marks a significant setback for U.S. military strategy in the Middle East and reflects shifting alliances and regional dynamics.

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• Trump announced "Project Freedom" to escort merchant ships through Strait of Hormuz — President Trump announced that on Monday the U.S. will launch "Project Freedom," an effort to escort stranded merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command stated that Project Freedom will include "guided-missile destroyers, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms, and 15,000 service members." Iran has stated that the use of U.S. Navy ships for escort would violate the ceasefire; it is unclear whether Navy ships will participate. Trump characterized the effort as "humanitarian," citing ships stuck from the strait's closure running low on supplies and facing sanitation problems, though the administration is clearly attempting to challenge Iran's control of the strait.

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• Trump administration claims War Powers Resolution compliance by declaring Iran war "terminated" despite ongoing blockade — The Trump administration argued on Friday that it did not require congressional approval under the 1973 War Powers Resolution at the 60-day mark because the war with Iran had "terminated" on April 7, despite the U.S. continuing to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports—an act of war. When asked how the war could be terminated while the military enforced the blockade, Trump told reporters it was a "very friendly blockade" that "nobody's even challenging." Senator Tammy Duckworth challenged the claim as false, noting that U.S. and Iranian ships were exchanging missile fire in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Secretary of State announces shift in military operations against Iran — Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the military operation known as Epic Fury against Iran has concluded, transitioning to a new phase called Project Freedom, which aims to open the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement comes after the deadline set by the War Powers Act for congressional approval of military action.
• Secretary of State Rubio announced end of Operation Epic Fury and transition to Project Freedom — Secretary of State Marco Rubio told reporters that Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign against Iran, is concluded and the administration is transitioning to Project Freedom, an effort to open the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement came after the May 1 deadline imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act, which required either congressional approval or withdrawal of troops within 60 days of notifying Congress of military action.
• Trump claims war has "terminated" to avoid War Powers Act compliance — The Trump administration insists the war with Iran has "terminated," a characterization that would exempt the president from the requirement under the 1973 War Powers Act to either withdraw troops or obtain congressional approval for continuing military actions. This claim is made despite ongoing military exchanges in the Strait of Hormuz.

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• Trump claimed no prior president sought War Powers Act congressional approval — On May 1, 2026, President Trump told reporters that he did not need to seek congressional authorization to extend military operations against Iran because "it's never been sought before" and "nobody's ever asked for it before." Trump stated that "every other president considered it totally unconstitutional" and that the administration agreed with that interpretation. The claim contradicts historical practice; presidents before Trump have honored the 60-day War Powers Act requirement for congressional approval of military operations.
• Trump claimed War Powers Act 60-day clock terminated after ceasefire — On May 1, 2026, sixty days after notifying Congress of military action in Iran on March 2, Trump sent letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley stating that hostilities that began on February 28 had "terminated" on April 7, when Trump ordered a two-week ceasefire. Although hostilities and a U.S. blockade of Iran continued, the administration maintained the ceasefire was in place until July 10, 2026.
• Trump notified Congress of claimed termination of Iran hostilities under War Powers Act — On May 1, 2026, President Trump sent letters to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley claiming that hostilities with Iran that began on February 28 had terminated on April 7 when Trump ordered a two-week ceasefire. The letter asserted no exchange of fire had occurred since April 7, despite U.S. forces firing on an Iranian tanker on April 19 and continuing a blockade of Iranian ports. The administration stated it would continue building military presence in the region. This action occurred on the 60-day deadline imposed by the 1973 War Powers Act, which requires presidential withdrawal of forces or congressional authorization by that date.
• White House asserted to Congress that Iran hostilities have terminated despite ongoing military presence — The White House sent a letter to Congress asserting that hostilities with Iran have "terminated" despite the continued presence of U.S. armed forces in the region. The assertion was made to circumvent a May 1 legal deadline for congressional approval to continue the war, which Trump began without congressional authorization two months prior.

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• Senate Majority Leader Thune declined to challenge Trump's War Powers Act interpretation — On May 1, 2026, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) stated he would not challenge Trump's novel interpretation of the War Powers Act. Thune said Senate Republicans had given him no reason to do so. The article notes that Republicans have no interest in voting to support Trump's unpopular war but do not want to oppose Trump, leading them to abdicate their constitutional responsibilities regarding war authorization.

Supporting reports

• Senate Republicans blocked sixth Democratic measure to require Trump to end Iran war — Senate Republicans blocked a sixth Democratic measure, introduced by Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), that would have required President Trump to end military operations against Iran. This occurred as the 60-day War Powers Act deadline approached, after which the president must either terminate hostilities or obtain congressional approval. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) stated that Congress need not intervene because the U.S. is "not at war," contradicting the administration's own characterization of ongoing military operations.

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• Hegseth testifies before Senate Armed Services Committee on DEI dismissals — At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Defense Secretary Hegseth denied that Trump had instructed him to target Black and female officers for dismissal, but acknowledged that the administration viewed prior leadership's focus on "height, social engineering, race and gender" as "unhealthy." The testimony occurred as part of oversight of the officer purge.
• House Armed Services Committee Hearing with Pete Hegseth — Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure, faced a challenging hearing before the House Armed Services Committee. The hearing was marked by contentious exchanges and scrutiny over his qualifications and past statements. The outcome of this hearing could influence his standing and future involvement in military-related matters.
• Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Pentagon budget and Iran war strategy — Senator Jack Reed, ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Capitol Hill hearing on the Pentagon's $1.45 trillion budget submission. Reed accused Hegseth of providing Trump with "dangerously exaggerated" assessments of US military success in Iran, failing to give the president accurate information while pursuing a personal agenda. The hearing also addressed Hegseth's controversial personnel decisions, including firing senior commanders and inviting Kid Rock to an Army base, amid an eight-week stalemate in the Iran conflict that has closed the Strait of Hormuz and driven up fuel prices.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before House and Senate Armed Services Committees on Iran war and defense budget — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee on April 29 and the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 30 regarding Trump's $1.5 trillion defense budget request and the ongoing Iran military operations. This was the first public administration testimony since the war began. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) detailed the strategic and human costs: 13 service members killed, over 400 wounded, dozens of aircraft lost, significant base damage, depleted missile inventory, and degraded morale and readiness across the force, particularly among overdeployed units.

Supporting reports

• NBC News reported Iran inflicted far worse damage on U.S. military bases than administration disclosed — On April 25, 2026, NBC News reporters Gordon Lubold, Courtney Kube, Mosheh Gains, and Natasha Lebedeva reported that damage Iran inflicted on American military bases, radar systems, aircraft, warehouses, and infrastructure in the Gulf region was significantly worse than the administration had publicly disclosed, with repair costs estimated at up to $5 billion.
• Iranian military strikes on U.S. bases in Middle East cause extensive damage far worse than publicly acknowledged. — U.S. military bases and equipment in the Persian Gulf region suffered extensive damage from Iranian strikes that is far worse than publicly acknowledged and is expected to cost billions of dollars to repair. The Iranian regime retaliated after the Trump administration attacked, hitting dozens of targets across U.S. military bases in seven Middle East countries. Attacks struck warehouses, command headquarters, aircraft hangars, satellite communications infrastructure, runways, high-end radar systems, and dozens of aircraft. An Iranian F-5 fighter jet bombed Camp Buehring in Kuwait, marking the first time an enemy fixed-wing aircraft has struck an American military base in years. The bases are home to thousands of American troops and in some cases their families.

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• Trump declines to seek congressional authorization for Iran military operations — Trump has refused to seek congressional approval for military operations against Iran, claiming Iran posed an "imminent threat" under the War Powers Act. Trump's own intelligence agencies contradicted the imminent threat claim. The War Powers Act requires the president to notify Congress within 48 hours and cease military action within 60 days unless Congress declares war or authorizes the specific military action. The 60-day window closes on May 1, 2026. Trump stated he has "all the time in the world" and told reporters not to rush him, comparing the conflict to Vietnam, Iraq, and World War II. Trump previously claimed in January that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional.

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• Trump orders Navy to shoot Iranian boats near Strait of Hormuz based on nonexistent minesweeping operation — President Trump ordered the U.S. Navy to shoot Iranian boats near the Strait of Hormuz, citing a minesweeping operation that does not exist. The order represents a direct military command based on a false premise, escalating tensions in a critical international waterway and potentially violating rules of engagement and international law governing naval operations in contested waters.

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• Veterans arrested during Iran war protest in Washington DC — Sixty-six veterans, including elderly and disabled participants, were arrested during a protest against the ongoing Iran war in Washington DC. Mike Prysner, Executive Director of the Center on Conscience and War, was among those arrested. Prysner stated that the war has claimed thousands of American lives and over a million Iraqi lives, and called on active service members to refuse deployment. The protest occurred as the U.S. continues military operations in Iran at an estimated cost of $1–2 billion per day.

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• Trump administration considers financial bailout for UAE amid undisclosed Trump family business ties — President Trump stated on Tuesday that he is considering a financial bailout for the United Arab Emirates, a U.S. ally experiencing economic hardship from the Iran war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with UAE Central Bank Governor Khaled Mohamed Balama, who proposed a currency-swap line to provide inexpensive dollar access. While such swaps are typically Federal Reserve decisions, the Trump administration has previously used Treasury funds for bailouts. The UAE is not a major U.S. trading partner (2024 trade totaled $47.9 billion, compared to $909 billion with Canada), yet administration officials including National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett signaled openness to assistance.
• Trump indicated openness to UAE financial bailout tied to Trump Organization business relationships — On April 22, 2026, Trump indicated he was open to offering the United Arab Emirates a taxpayer-funded financial bailout to offset economic losses from the Iran war. The UAE has extensive business partnerships with the Trump Organization and multiple financial ties to the Trump family. The proposed bailout would use federal funds to benefit a foreign government with direct financial interests in Trump family enterprises.
• UAE requests U.S. financial backstop for Iran war damage — Officials from the United Arab Emirates asked Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Treasury and Federal Reserve officials whether the U.S. will provide a financial backstop for the UAE if the Iran war continues to damage its economy.
• UAE warns Trump administration of dollar destabilization risk — The United Arab Emirates quietly warned the Trump administration that if the Iran conflict is not resolved, it will face dollar destabilization. The warning represents a private diplomatic signal from a key Gulf ally regarding economic consequences of prolonged conflict.

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• Trump issued 12-hour ultimatum to Iran without national security planning — According to Wall Street Journal reporting, on the Tuesday after Easter, Trump issued the most dramatic ultimatum of his presidency, stating that unless Iran struck a deal within 12 hours, "a whole civilization would die." Administration officials stated the post was improvisational and not part of a national security plan.

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• Treasury quietly extends Russian oil license — Treasury Secretary Bessent stated two days prior that the U.S. would not renew sanctions waivers on Russian or Iranian oil. Two days later, Treasury quietly extended a license allowing Russian oil transactions for another month via a late Friday night press release, with no announcement, press conference, or explanation.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent reversed decision on Russian oil sanctions waivers — On April 15, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the U.S. would not renew sanctions waivers permitting the sale of Russian oil. On April 18, the administration reversed that decision, renewing the waiver allowing countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products through May 16. The sale of oil provides financial support for Russia's war against Ukraine.
• U.S. Extends Waiver for Russian Oil Purchases — The U.S. administration renewed the waiver that allows countries to buy Russian oil and petroleum products, which had been set to expire. This decision comes despite previous statements indicating that the U.S. would not renew such waivers, providing a financial lifeline for Russia amid its ongoing war against Ukraine.

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• Trump declares Iran victory; Strait of Hormuz remains closed and Iran denies agreement — Two days after Trump posted 13 celebratory messages on Truth Social declaring Iran had agreed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and surrendered to all his demands, the strait remained closed, Iran stated they had agreed to nothing, and Iranian forces fired on vessels attempting to transit. The Trump administration scrambled to organize another round of peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Pakistan, but Iran denied any plans to attend and disputed Trump's characterization of events.
• Trump announced Iran wanted to close Strait of Hormuz and accused Iran of blackmail — President Trump stated that Iran wanted to "close up the strait again, you know, as they've been doing for years, and they can't blackmail us." Trump's characterization contradicted the factual timeline: the strait remained open until Trump began bombing Iran on February 28, 2026. Trump's use of the term "blackmail" lacked public evidence of threats to expose secrets or threats of harm associated with the Iran crisis.