Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• DTE Energy requests regulatory approval for $6.4bn gas plant expansion to serve datacenter demand — DTE Energy, Michigan's largest utility serving 2.3 million customers, filed a long-term energy delivery plan with the Michigan Public Service Commission requesting approval to build 2.1 gigawatts of new gas plants in 2031–2032 to meet demand from hyperscale datacenters contracted with Google, Oracle, and others. The proposal would shift infrastructure costs to residential ratepayers while potentially undermining Michigan's 2040 renewable energy mandate. The MPSC will issue a preliminary decision within 300 days.

Supporting reports

• Food & Water Watch reports water prices up 62% in a decade — Food & Water Watch analyzed 2025 billing data from the 500 largest community water systems in the United States, which serve approximately 155 million people or 45% of the country's population. The analysis found that US households are paying 62% more for drinking water than they did a decade ago, outpacing inflation (39%), grocery prices (30%), and household income growth (19%). Water prices rose 1.6 times faster than overall inflation between 2015 and 2025, with low-income households being hit hardest.

Supporting reports

• Administration removed approximately 760,000 people from Affordable Care Act health coverage rolls — The Trump administration announced it was removing approximately 760,000 people from Affordable Care Act health coverage, claiming they were fraudulently enrolled in the program. The administration stated that cutting these enrollees and removing dishonest brokers would save $2.2 billion. The action affected hundreds of thousands of Americans' access to health insurance without clear evidence of systematic fraud.

Supporting reports

• Treasury bond market experienced severe decline — The U.S. Treasury bond market experienced significant losses on September 29, 2026, with traders aggressively selling off government bonds of all types, driving yields across the entire curve to multiyear and multidecade highs. The bond market was on the verge of recording one of its worst monthly performances in years. The decline in Treasury yields affects borrowing costs for American consumers and businesses on mortgages, car loans, and credit-card debt.
• U.S. Treasury yields hit highest level in over two decades — U.S. Treasury yields hit their highest level in more than two decades on Thursday as a global bond sell-off deepened. The 10-year Treasury yield breached a level last seen in April 2002, rising 4 basis points to 5.3338 percent. The 30-year Treasury bond yield jumped 3 basis points to 5.6702 percent, its highest level since July 2002. The 2-year yield was 2 basis points higher at 4.91 percent. These yields are key to rates for mortgage borrowing, auto loans, and credit card debt.

Supporting reports

• Mortgage rates reach 7.50%, up from 6.38% one year prior — The average 30-year mortgage rate hit 7.50 percent, up from 6.38 percent exactly one year ago. Economist Peter Schiff noted that the yield on the 10-year Treasury just hit 5.27 percent, having first hit 5 percent exactly two weeks ago, and predicted the yield will hit 6 percent by November 5, just two days after the midterm elections, at which point the interest rate on a 30-year mortgage will exceed 8 percent. NYC Councilman Justin Brannan noted that on a $500,000 30-year mortgage, every half-point increase in interest rate adds $165 to the monthly payment, or nearly $2,000 per year.
• National gas prices reach $4.48 per gallon; diesel at $6.47 — The national average for a gallon of gasoline reached $4.48, with diesel at $6.47. With fewer than five weeks until midterm elections and the Iran war ongoing, Republicans on Capitol Hill acknowledge that voters are focused on the economy. An analysis of Trump's social media posts since Labor Day found that Trump had posted roughly 30 times about renovations to Washington and the White House, approximately 10 times about renaming Lake Ontario and New Mexico, and more than 20 times about press coverage, including criticism of MSNBC and CNN, while devoting significant attention to obscure topics including former baseball player Johnny Damon, Gracie Mansion, Zohran Mamdani, his Greenland deal, and polls about renaming AI.
• Americans paid record amounts for gasoline and diesel — According to fuel market analyst Patrick De Haan on September 29, 2026, Americans have paid $74.4 billion more on gasoline and $47.5 billion more on diesel since March 1 compared to the same period a year earlier. The total additional cost reached $122 billion by September 29. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve stands at approximately 285 million barrels, its lowest level since 1982 and roughly 40% of its 714 million barrel capacity.
• Treasury bond market experienced severe decline — The U.S. Treasury bond market experienced significant losses on September 29, 2026, with traders aggressively selling off government bonds of all types, driving yields across the entire curve to multiyear and multidecade highs. The bond market was on the verge of recording one of its worst monthly performances in years. The decline in Treasury yields affects borrowing costs for American consumers and businesses on mortgages, car loans, and credit-card debt.
• U.S. Treasury yields hit highest level in over two decades — U.S. Treasury yields hit their highest level in more than two decades on Thursday as a global bond sell-off deepened. The 10-year Treasury yield breached a level last seen in April 2002, rising 4 basis points to 5.3338 percent. The 30-year Treasury bond yield jumped 3 basis points to 5.6702 percent, its highest level since July 2002. The 2-year yield was 2 basis points higher at 4.91 percent. These yields are key to rates for mortgage borrowing, auto loans, and credit card debt.

Supporting reports

• Datacenter developers accused of circumventing EPA air pollution permitting rules — Environmental advocates allege that datacenter developers, including Amazon and Duke Energy, are manipulating EPA air pollution permitting processes by dividing emissions sources into multiple "minor" permits to avoid "major" source reviews and associated emission controls. Cases cited include North Carolina (Amazon/Duke with 649 diesel generators), New Mexico (Project Jupiter proposing two natural gas microgrids), and Maryland (four datacenters on one campus). The tactic reduces public scrutiny and regulatory oversight while potentially exposing low-income communities to increased air pollution.

Supporting reports

• RFK Jr. funded personal security from Office of Minority Health — The Wall Street Journal reported that Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. funded enhanced personal security by taking funds from the department's Office of Minority Health, an office created by the Reagan administration after research showed disparities in Black life expectancy and infant mortality. Kennedy also accepted $4 million in book advances and more than $270,000 in gifts from allies connected to the "Make American Healthy Again" movement interested in policy changes, and his wife accepted $210,000 in consulting fees from a MAHA advocacy group.

Supporting reports

• Federal Reserve raised interest rates by quarter percentage point — The Federal Reserve's board voted unanimously to raise interest rates by a quarter percentage point to a target range of 3.75% to 4%, the first rate increase since July 2023. The decision came amid rising diesel and gasoline prices driven by Houthi threats to the Bab el-Mandeb strait and Iranian strikes on U.S. military bases. Trump had previously threatened to cut off trade with countries unless the Fed lowered rates.
• Trump calls Federal Reserve rate increase politically motivated against him — Trump claimed the Federal Reserve raised interest rates to harm his political standing, stating "they're doing it to make Trump do as bad as possible." The bulletin notes that every Trump nominee to the Federal Reserve voted to raise rates, contradicting Trump's assertion that the decision was politically motivated against him rather than based on economic policy.
• Federal Reserve raises interest rates, increasing borrowing costs — The Federal Reserve raised interest rates on Wednesday, increasing the cost of borrowing for mortgages, auto loans, and credit card debt at a time when many voters are already paying high rates. The rate increase is expected to negatively impact Republican electoral prospects in the midterms, as voter anger over high prices and economic conditions is cited as a major factor in GOP electoral decline.
• Federal Reserve raises interest rates despite Trump opposition — The Federal Reserve, chaired by Trump appointee Kevin Warsh, raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 3.75%–4%, marking the first rate hike in three years. Warsh described the decision as "sober," "serious," and "responsible." Trump lashed out, telling reporters the board was "very hostile" and "very political," though he avoided directly blaming Warsh, instead attributing the decision to board hostility.
• Mortgage rates and gas prices surge before midterms — The Wall Street Journal reported that mortgage rates have climbed close to 7%, gas prices are near their highest levels since 2022, and the Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years. These increases have made buying a house and filling a gas tank more expensive than a week prior, putting affordability back in the spotlight before midterm elections. For five months, wage gains have not kept pace with inflation, and with sharp recent increases in gas prices, wages are unlikely to keep pace in the current month. A veteran Republican strategist noted that despite some wage increases, voters have not concluded they are in a better position to handle current prices.

Supporting reports

• GasBuddy warns diesel price surge will increase inflation and supply chain costs — GasBuddy issued a statement warning that record diesel prices will have cascading economic effects across supply chains, raising costs for groceries, household goods, deliveries, and other consumer products. The company's head of petroleum analysis stated the record price "will be a particularly painful one for the economy" and is "likely to reignite inflation up and down the supply chain," predicting a costlier holiday season.
• Oil prices spike to $109 per barrel amid Red Sea tensions — Following Houthi seizure of the Mocha port and attacks on Saudi oil facilities, crude oil prices jumped to $109 per barrel. U.S. gasoline prices rose to an average of approximately $4.28 per gallon, and diesel fuel reached $6.00 per gallon for the first time in history, up from approximately $3.70 one year prior.

Supporting reports

• Florida Attorney General sues Netflix over alleged deceptive data collection practices targeting minors — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed a 66-page lawsuit against Netflix on Wednesday, alleging the company misled parents about data collection on minors and designed features to encourage excessive viewing. The complaint claims Netflix promised not to track and monetize user data like other tech companies but violated that pledge after launching its advertising service in November 2022, allegedly sharing Floridians' data with commercial brokers and advertisers without required consent under Florida law.

Supporting reports

• AFL-CIO releases report warning electronic shelf labels will cost jobs and enable surveillance pricing — The AFL-CIO Tech Institute released a policy brief analyzing electronic shelf label (ESL) manufacturers' marketing materials, concluding that universal adoption could eliminate 44,223 to 191,633 jobs and cost workers $1.6 billion to $6.9 billion annually in lost wages. The report warns ESLs enable algorithmic "surveillance pricing" that changes prices based on personal data, potentially raising grocery costs further. The AFL-CIO calls for a federal ban on electronic labels and surveillance pricing to protect workers and consumers.

Supporting reports

• Trump's trade war and Iran conflict contributed to inflation — Trump refused for months to help pass a major legislative package designed to lower housing costs. His ongoing trade wars and conflict with Iran have contributed to persistent inflation. A recent import deal designed to address rising beef prices came at the cost of upsetting American cattlemen. GOP lawmakers had urged Trump to address the high cost of living, but he openly scoffed at "affordability" as a Democratic talking point.

Supporting reports

• Los Angeles County sues State Farm for false advertising and underpaying wildfire victims — Los Angeles County filed a 107-page lawsuit against State Farm on behalf of California residents, seeking at least $160 million in restitution plus civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation. The complaint alleges State Farm systematically failed to pay benefits to 2025 LA wildfire victims, refused to authorize environmental testing for contamination, and delayed or denied claims until policyholders contacted the press or EPA representatives. The lawsuit also cites State Farm's "Halfway There" Super Bowl advertising campaign as false advertising, arguing the company marketed complete claims service while delivering inadequate coverage to its own California policyholders.
• California Department of Insurance found State Farm violated state law in majority of wildfire claims reviewed — The California Department of Insurance (CDI) concluded that State Farm "delayed, underpaid, and buried policyholders in red tape at the worst moment of their lives." CDI found that in more than half of the claims it reviewed related to the 2025 LA wildfires, State Farm violated state law. The agency's findings are cited as evidence in the Los Angeles County lawsuit and document systematic violations of insurance regulations affecting disaster victims.
• Los Angeles County sues State Farm for wildfire benefits denial — Los Angeles County filed a lawsuit against State Farm alleging that the insurance company failed to pay benefits to victims of the 2025 LA wildfires. The lawsuit cites State Farm's Super Bowl advertisement claiming comprehensive coverage and seeks at least $160 million in restitution for the alleged failure to honor claims.

Supporting reports

• Department of Labor rescinds coordinated enforcement regulations for migrant farmworker protections — The Department of Labor finalized a rule rescinding 29 CFR Part 42, which established formal procedures for coordination of enforcement activities among the Wage and Hour Division, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Employment and Training Administration regarding migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The Department determined the 1980 regulations are obsolete, no longer reflect current organizational structure or operational practices, and are unnecessary because modern coordination mechanisms—including interagency working groups, task forces, and statutory frameworks under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act and H-2A visa program—have proven effective. The rule becomes effective September 30, 2026.

Supporting reports

• US imposes 50% tariff on Canadian toilet paper, paper products, and dairy; Canada retaliates with 25-50% tariffs on nearly 900 US goods — After trade negotiations between the US and Canada broke down on 25 August 2026, the Trump administration imposed a 50% tariff on Canadian toilet paper, tissues, and dairy products (except cheese), citing retaliation for Canadian provincial alcohol bans and alleged unfair treatment of US dairy. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced reciprocal tariffs of 25-50% on nearly 900 American goods effective 8 September 2026, including paper products, liquor, fish, seafood, and autos. The US imported $328 million in toilet paper from Canada in 2024; retailers including Costco source heavily from Canada.

Supporting reports

• National average gasoline price reaches $4.11 per gallon; diesel at $5.57 — Gas market expert Patrick DeHaan reported that the national average gasoline price reached $4.11 per gallon on Friday morning, with diesel at $5.57 per gallon, just 25 cents below its all-time record of $5.82 per gallon. Prices are slowly inching upward.

Supporting reports

• Multiple food product recalls issued for salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria contamination — Multiple food product recalls were issued in 2026 for contamination with salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, including frozen organic blueberries sold across eight states, fresh jalapeños from Taylor Farms, 1.5 million dozen eggs sold across six states, and numerous prepared foods, salad dressings, soups, bakery items, and ready-to-eat products. FDA records show a steady stream of recalls throughout 2026, reflecting the broader food safety crisis.
• Federal funding cuts reduced food safety inspection capacity by more than 40 percent — Federal funding cuts scaled back the ability of federal agencies to conduct food inspections and provide grants to state and local health departments, reducing food safety detection systems by more than 40 percent. These cuts directly contributed to the largest cyclospora outbreak in U.S. history, with at least 9,481 people in 17 states falling ill from contaminated lettuce from Taylor Farms, and thousands more cases under investigation.

Supporting reports

• Republican newspapers warned of economic collapse if tariffs were lowered — Republican newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune, published warnings that lowering tariff rates would destroy industries and throw workers out of work. The Tribune stated that "the working classes of the country need such a lesson," indicating that Republican media outlets viewed economic hardship for workers as a necessary consequence of tariff reduction. These publications amplified Republican claims that Democrats' tariff policies would cause economic catastrophe, creating panic among investors and consumers.

Supporting reports

• U.S. retail sales declined 0.6% against forecast of 0.1% growth — U.S. retail sales fell 0.6% in the latest reporting period, significantly below the forecasted 0.1% growth and down from the previous month's 0.2% increase. The decline signals a contraction in consumer spending, a key driver of economic activity, and has raised concerns about consumer confidence and broader economic challenges ahead.

Supporting reports

• DHS posts procurement forecast for ICE electric-shock glove contract — The Department of Homeland Security published a procurement forecast on August 10, 2026, announcing that Immigration and Customs Enforcement intends to purchase the CTG-5 G.L.O.V.E. (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter), an electric-shock device manufactured by Compliant Technologies. The contract is estimated at $10 million to $20 million and could involve thousands of devices. The gloves deliver 324–362 volts through direct skin contact and are designed for use by ICE agents in Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations.
• ICE announces procurement of shock gloves for detainee control — On August 10, ICE published a notice announcing plans to spend up to $20 million on shock gloves that deliver electrical charges to subdue individuals. The manufacturer's warnings specify the device should subdue someone in three seconds or less, must not be used longer than 15 seconds, should not be used simultaneously on one person, must avoid the head, face, throat, chest, and groin, and must not be used on the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with severe disabilities, or as punishment or torture. The procurement represents a significant expansion of potentially harmful restraint technology.
• ICE procurement of electric shock gloves for immigration enforcement — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced plans to spend up to $20 million to purchase thousands of Glove (Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter) devices—gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks—for use by officers and agents by March 2027. The manufacturer claims the devices induce compliance within three seconds without leaving marks. Civil rights advocates, including the ACLU, expressed alarm, citing ICE's existing pattern of force with minimal oversight and the risk of abuse in immigration enforcement contexts.
• DHS plans to equip ICE agents with electric shock gloves — The Department of Homeland Security announced plans to equip ICE agents with "Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter" (G.L.O.V.E.) gloves capable of delivering painful electric shocks to detainees. The devices, which have been used by some jails and police departments, are intended to be deployed by March 2027. DHS plans to spend up to $20 million to purchase thousands of the gloves. Tom Homan, on Fox News, characterized the devices as an alternative to lethal force for gaining compliance.
• ICE announced plan to purchase shock gloves — DHS published an acquisition forecast stating that ICE has a new requirement to purchase shock gloves, officially named "Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter." The gloves function as tactical gloves until an officer activates electric-shock mode, delivering a painful electrical stimulus intended to gain compliance through direct skin-to-skin contact. DHS estimates the contract at $10 million to $20 million, with ICE intending to issue the devices to officers and agents in Homeland Security Investigations and Enforcement and Removal Operations. The manufacturer's manual warns against use against vulnerable groups including children, pregnant people, the elderly, and those with severe disabilities, and recommends a maximum activation of 15 seconds. A pending lawsuit alleges a 43-year-old died when Kentucky jail officers shocked him 27 times with shock gloves and 13 times with a Taser in 2024.
• ICE plans to spend $20 million on electric shock gloves for agents — The Associated Press reported that ICE is planning to spend up to $20 million to give its agents electric shock gloves to use as part of enforcement operations. The manufacturer states the gloves should not be used on children, pregnant people, or elderly or disabled people. The gloves represent an expansion of force capabilities for an agency already known for excessive force.

Supporting reports

• Popular Information analysis reveals billions in taxpayer-funded Medicaid for Amazon and Walmart employees — Popular Information's analysis found that American taxpayers spend approximately $2 billion annually on Medicaid benefits for hundreds of thousands of Amazon and Walmart employees. Despite being among the largest and most profitable U.S. corporations, both companies employ workers whose take-home pay falls at or below the poverty line, making them eligible for federal Medicaid assistance. The analysis documents how public funds subsidize wages at major retailers.

Supporting reports

• Lineage Logistics files warehouse rebuild permits amid ongoing cleanup crisis — One month after a major fire at a Lineage Logistics cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, the company filed applications with the city's department of building and safety to rebuild the facility to its pre-fire condition. The move drew public criticism from LA Mayor Karen Bass, who called it "a slap in the face" to residents still suffering from persistent odors from 85 million pounds of spoiled food. The city has not yet approved or denied the permits. Cleanup remains incomplete despite company assurances.

Supporting reports

• Yale Budget Lab estimates fiscal policy impact on household borrowing costs — Martha Gimbel, executive director of Yale's Budget Lab policy research center, released analysis estimating that congressional spending decisions since 2015 have raised Treasury yields by approximately one percentage point, increasing borrowing costs for American households. The analysis quantifies impacts on 30-year mortgages (approximately $2,500 annually or $76,000 over loan life at median home prices), auto loans (approximately $120 annually), small-business loans (approximately $770 annually), and credit-card borrowing rates near record highs. The findings connect government deficits and waning federal revenues to elevated long-term interest rates affecting consumer and business borrowing.

Supporting reports

• Undocumented immigrants lose work and income during ICE crackdown; DACA renewals cost $1,000 — During an ICE crackdown in Minneapolis, many undocumented single mothers were afraid to leave their homes and lost months of work, creating financial hardship for themselves and their children. Additionally, some immigrants authorized to work under DACA status are now being forced to pay upwards of $1,000 to renew their status. The enforcement actions and renewal costs are creating economic precarity for vulnerable populations.

Supporting reports

• Trump promotes "Trump accounts" investment program at Georgia rally — President Trump held a campaign rally at Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, to promote newly funded "Trump accounts"—tax-free investment funds seeded with $1,000 federal contributions for children born through 2028. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent attacked socialism and New York's mayor. Trump dismissed "affordability" as a Democratic talking point while attributing high prices to Biden's legacy. The program is projected to cost $17 billion through 2028. Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson pledged to match federal contributions if elected.