Trump Action Archive

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• Defense Secretary Hegseth issued formal censure of Senator Kelly for calling military to refuse unlawful orders — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a formal censure of Senator Mark Kelly, a retired Navy officer, stating that Kelly's call for military personnel to refuse unlawful orders "undermines the chain of command," "counsels disobedience," "creates confusion about duty," "brings discredit upon the armed forces," and "is conduct unbecoming an officer." Hegseth directed the Navy Secretary to investigate reducing Kelly's retirement grade. This action followed Kelly's November 18 participation in a video with five other Democratic veterans in Congress reminding military and intelligence personnel of their legal obligation to refuse orders that violate the law or Constitution.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth censured Senator Mark Kelly and threatened military pension cuts and criminal prosecution — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth censured Senator Mark Kelly, cut his military pension, threatened demotion, and warned of possible criminal prosecution after Kelly urged service members to obey their oath to the Constitution. The action appears to be retaliation for Kelly's public criticism of Hegseth and the Trump administration. Kelly responded by stating he would fight the censure and threats, characterizing Hegseth as "the most unqualified Secretary of Defense in our country's history" and asserting that Hegseth and Trump do not have the authority to suppress Americans' right to speak about their government.
• Defense Secretary Hegseth issues formal censure to Senator Mark Kelly and initiates rank-stripping proceedings — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a formal censure to Democratic Senator Mark Kelly on January 6, 2026, and initiated administrative proceedings to strip Kelly of his retired military rank and reduce his pension. Hegseth accused Kelly of making "seditious statements" after Kelly, along with five other Democratic lawmakers who are military or intelligence veterans, released a November 2025 video urging service members to uphold the Constitution and refuse unlawful orders. Hegseth cited Articles 133 and 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Kelly has 30 days to respond; the Navy Secretary must complete the rank review within 45 days.

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• Rep. Beatty sues to block Kennedy Center name change — Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees, sued the Trump administration to block the Center's name change, calling the move a "flagrant violation of the rule of law." The suit challenges the administration's authority to unilaterally alter the name of a congressionally chartered institution.
• Democratic lawmaker sues Trump over Kennedy Center renaming — Democratic U.S. Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio filed a lawsuit against Donald Trump on Monday challenging the Kennedy Center board's vote to rename the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the "Trump-Kennedy Center." Beatty, an ex-officio trustee, argued the renaming violates federal law requiring congressional approval and alleged she was muted and prevented from speaking during the board vote. The Trump administration announced the "unanimous" board vote last week, and workers have already changed the name on the building's exterior.

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• Kennedy Center board votes to rename center after Trump — On December 18, 2025, the Kennedy Center board voted unanimously to add Donald Trump's name to the institution, rebranding it as the "Donald J Trump and the John F Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." Trump had assumed the board chair in February and appointed supporters including Ric Grenell as president. The vote occurred under the new bylaws that excluded ex-officio members. The name change has prompted artist cancellations, congressional opposition, and a lawsuit by Representative Joyce Beatty challenging whether the change requires an act of Congress.
• Trump administration announced renaming of Kennedy Center to Trump-Kennedy Center — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that the Board of the Kennedy Center voted unanimously to rename the facility the "Trump-Kennedy Center" due to Trump's work in saving the building through reconstruction and financial support. The board members who voted for the change include Maria Bartiromo, Pam Bondi, Sergio Gor, Laura Ingraham, Lee Greenwood, Dan Scavino, Usha Vance, and Susie Wiles—all Trump loyalists or administration officials.
• Trump-aligned board votes to rename Kennedy Center to "Trump Kennedy Center" — Trump's hand-picked board at the Kennedy Center voted to rename the facility to the "Trump Kennedy Center," despite lacking Congressional authority to do so. The action represents an attempt to use a federal cultural institution for personal branding without proper legislative authorization.
• Trump announced plan to rename Kennedy Center — Trump announced a plan to rename the Kennedy Center, prompting questions from Senate Majority Leader John Thune about whether the proposal would pass Capitol Hill. Thune indicated uncertainty about the process and acknowledged that both Democrats and some Republicans would likely oppose renaming a historic monument. Trump's crew changed the name on the building's exterior the same day.
• Maria Shriver issued statement opposing Kennedy Center renaming — Maria Shriver, niece of President John F. Kennedy, issued a statement opposing Trump's plan to rename the Kennedy Center. She stated that the center was named in honor of her uncle, who championed the arts and culture, and that renaming it or adding Trump's name is "beyond comprehension" and "beyond wild." She warned that the precedent could lead to renaming other historic monuments like JFK Airport and the Lincoln Memorial.
• Rep. Joyce Beattie disputed unanimous vote claim on Kennedy Center renaming — Representative Joyce Beattie, a Democrat on the Kennedy Center board, disputed White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's claim that the board voted unanimously to rename the center. Beattie stated she was muted on the call and not allowed to speak or voice her opposition, and that the renaming was not on the agenda and was not consensus. She characterized the action as censorship.

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• FCC Chair Brendan Carr testified that the FCC is under full control of Trump and is not an independent agency. — FCC Chair Brendan Carr testified before the Senate that the FCC is not an independent agency but rather under full control of Trump. Shortly after the testimony, the Trump administration scrubbed any references to the FCC being independent from the agency's website.
• FCC chair declares agency not independent; removes "independent" from mission statement — FCC Chairman Brendan Carr told the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday that the FCC is "not an independent agency, formally speaking." Shortly before his testimony, the word "independent" was removed from the FCC's official website mission statement, which had previously described it as "an independent US government agency overseen by Congress." The action raised concerns about Trump administration efforts to exert greater control over independent agencies.

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• Federal judge allows Trump White House ballroom construction — A federal judge allowed Trump to move forward with the construction of his new White House ballroom for now. Later, Trump said the price tag of the ballroom would be $400 million, up from his last estimate of $300 million and double the White House's initial estimate.

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• Trump filed $10 billion lawsuit against BBC over January 6 documentary — Trump filed a lawsuit in Florida seeking $10 billion from the BBC over alleged deceptive editing of a January 6 documentary. The BBC had previously apologized for an "error of judgment" but stated there is no legal basis for a defamation claim. AP reported that legal experts have raised major obstacles for Trump's case in U.S. court, including the high bar for public figures and complications around where and how the documentary was shown.
• Trump files $10bn lawsuit against BBC over January 6 speech editing — Donald Trump filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on December 16, 2025, seeking up to $10 billion in damages from the BBC. Trump alleged the broadcaster "intentionally, maliciously, and deceptively" edited his January 6, 2021 speech in a Panorama episode aired a week before the 2024 election. The complaint asserts defamation and violations of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. The BBC previously acknowledged the editing as an "error of judgment" and apologized but denied legal liability.
• Trump files $10 billion defamation lawsuit against BBC — Trump filed a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the BBC, accusing it of broadcasting a "false, defamatory, deceptive, disparaging, inflammatory, and malicious depiction" of him when it edited parts of his January 6 speech at the Ellipse during a recent documentary that the lawsuit claims was meant to "intentionally misrepresent the meaning" of what Trump said.

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• Federal grand jury declines second indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges — A federal grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges for the second time in a week. The Trump Justice Department had attempted to refile charges after a judge dismissed an earlier indictment, ruling the prosecutor handling the case had not been properly appointed. James was accused of bank fraud and making a false statement regarding a 2020 home purchase she allegedly misrepresented as a second home but then rented out. Career prosecutors had declined to file charges, citing insufficient evidence.

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• Supreme Court oral arguments on Trump's FTC firing and presidential removal power — The US Supreme Court heard oral arguments on whether President Trump lawfully fired FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter in March 2025. The case challenges the 90-year-old Humphrey's Executor precedent that has protected independent agency heads from at-will presidential removal. Conservative justices signaled support for Trump's "unitary executive" theory, suggesting they may overturn the New Deal-era protection. The ruling could expand presidential power over more than two dozen independent agencies. A decision is expected by June 2026.
• Supreme Court oral arguments on presidential removal power over independent agencies — The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Trump's assertion that he has complete control over officers in independent agencies established by Congress. Solicitor General John Sauer argued the president must have removal power because "the President must have the power to control and…the one who has the power to remove is the one who…is the person that they have to fear and obey." Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson warned that allowing a president to fire all scientists, doctors, economists, and PhDs and replace them with loyalists would harm the country. The Court is expected to rule in June, with the right-wing majority appearing poised to grant Trump broad removal authority.

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• Federal grand jury refused to indict NY AG Letitia James on mortgage fraud charges — A federal grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia, refused to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James on alleged mortgage fraud charges on Thursday, rejecting the Department of Justice's attempt to refile the case ten days after a federal judge had dismissed an earlier case based on the unlawful appointment of the U.S. Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia. The refusal represents a second prosecutorial failure against James.
• Grand jury declines to re-indict New York Attorney General Letitia James — A federal grand jury declined to indict Letitia James on Thursday, less than two weeks after a judge ruled that the original mortgage fraud charges against her were unlawful. James had been charged in October with bank fraud and making a false statement in connection with a 2020 mortgage on a Virginia home. The Justice Department's decision to re-present the case to a grand jury was viewed as a signal of determination to prosecute James, a prominent Trump critic who successfully sued Trump in New York.

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• Marjorie Taylor Greene announces resignation from Congress — Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress in a 10-minute video posted late Friday, effective January 5, 2026. She cited disagreements with Republicans on the Epstein files release, foreign military financing, Trump's potential support for a primary challenger against her, and healthcare costs. Greene stated she refused to be a "battered wife" after Trump spent millions against her politically. Her announcement drew mixed reactions: some Republicans praised her, while AOC criticized her timing relative to pension vesting and her voting record on healthcare.
• Marjorie Taylor Greene announces resignation from House seat — Marjorie Taylor Greene, a five-term Republican congresswoman representing Georgia's 14th district, announced her resignation from the House of Representatives, effective January 2026. Greene has been a polarizing figure known for promoting conspiracy theories and making inflammatory statements. Her departure follows a public dispute with Donald Trump over the Epstein files and a discharge petition she signed to release additional documents. Her resignation has prompted speculation about potential successors and reflects broader divisions within the Republican Party at both national and local levels.
• Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced resignation from Congress — Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced her resignation from Congress, effective January 5, 2026, three days after she secures her congressional pension. In a four-page statement, Greene blamed Trump for forcing her out, saying she did not want her district to endure a "hurtful and hateful primary" against her by Trump. She criticized the "Political Industrial Complex of both Political Parties" and suggested she would rebuild American politics after leaving office.

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• Federal prosecutors acknowledge full grand jury never saw final Comey indictment — Federal prosecutors admitted in a Wednesday hearing that the full grand jury in James Comey's case never reviewed the final indictment filed against him. Only the grand jury foreperson and one other juror saw the revised two-count indictment; the full jury had rejected a third charge. Comey's lawyers argue the indictment is therefore null and the case should be dismissed on grounds of selective and vindictive prosecution. Prosecutors contend the omission is harmless because the two counts match those the jury previously approved.
• Federal judge questioned validity of Comey indictment grand jury process — During a court hearing, a federal judge questioned Trump's former lawyer and handpicked prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, about the validity of her grand jury indictment against former FBI Director James Comey. Halligan confirmed that the grand jury had never seen the final indictment that was returned against Comey, a move that could jeopardize the case. Another prosecutor in the case told the judge that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's office ordered them not to disclose whether a memo was written that recommended against indicting Comey before Halligan moved forward with the grand jury.
• Judge Nachmanoff questions prosecutor Halligan in Comey vindictive prosecution hearing — U.S. District Court Judge Michael Nachmanoff held a hearing to consider whether the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey was vindictive. During the hearing, Judge Nachmanoff questioned prosecutor Lindsay Halligan, who admitted she had shown the final Comey indictment not to the entire grand jury but only to two of the grand jurors. A prosecutor working with Halligan also revealed that prior prosecutors had drafted a memo explaining why they would not prosecute Comey, and that someone in the deputy attorney general's office instructed him not to admit that information in court.
• Indictment of James Comey by Justice Department — The Justice Department, under pressure from President Trump, indicted former FBI director James Comey for obstruction of justice and making false statements to Congress. The indictment followed a controversial appointment of a new prosecutor, Lindsay Halligan, who faced scrutiny over her handling of the case and the grand jury proceedings.
• Judge Questions Legality of Comey Indictment — During a hearing regarding the indictment of James Comey, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Nachmanoff questioned prosecutor Lindsay Halligan about irregularities in the grand jury proceedings. It was revealed that Halligan had not presented the final indictment to the entire grand jury and had misled them regarding the evidence.
• Judge questions validity of Comey indictment — During a hearing regarding the indictment of James Comey, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Nachmanoff questioned prosecutor Lindsay Halligan about irregularities in the grand jury process. Halligan admitted to not presenting the final indictment to the entire grand jury, raising concerns about the integrity of the prosecution.

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• Federal judge finds government misconduct in DOJ prosecution of James Comey — Magistrate Judge William Fitzpatrick ruled that the Department of Justice engaged in a "disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps" in securing criminal charges against former FBI Director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress in 2020. The judge found fundamental misstatements of law presented to the grand jury, use of potentially privileged communications, and unexplained irregularities in grand jury transcripts. Fitzpatrick ordered prosecutors to produce all grand jury materials to Comey's defense team, citing concerns that the DOJ's approach was to "indict first and investigate later."
• Federal magistrate judge found prosecutor Lindsey Halligan provided false statements to grand jury in Comey case — A federal magistrate judge in Virginia ruled that Trump-appointed prosecutor Lindsey Halligan made false statements of law to a grand jury in the case against former FBI Director James Comey. The judge found a "disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps" and stated that Halligan's explanations "simply make no sense." The judge ordered grand jury materials released to Comey's legal team, finding the misstatements severe enough to potentially taint the indictment itself.
• Judge Fitzpatrick issued scathing ruling against interim US Attorney Lindsay Halligan for grand jury misconduct in Comey indictment — Judge William Fitzpatrick ruled that interim US Attorney Lindsay Halligan likely used illegally obtained evidence, privileged information, and made two false statements of law to the grand jury that indicted former FBI Director James Comey. The judge found Halligan presented only a single witness (an FBI agent exposed to privileged communications) and ordered all grand jury materials turned over to the defense. The court found a "disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps" and established grounds for potential dismissal of the indictment with prejudice.
• Federal judge found "disturbing pattern" of misconduct in Comey case — A federal judge ruled that prosecutors in former FBI Director James Comey's criminal case must turn over grand jury materials from his indictment. In his ruling, which was paused after the Justice Department appealed it, the judge wrote that "the record points to a disturbing pattern of profound investigative missteps" by Lindsey Halligan, Trump's handpicked interim US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, that could "undermine the integrity of the grand jury proceeding." The judge also found "genuine issues of misconduct" in the case.

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• State Department proposes suspending 38 universities from Diplomacy Lab partnership over DEI practices — The State Department issued an internal memo proposing to suspend 38 universities—including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Duke, and Johns Hopkins—from the Diplomacy Lab federal research partnership effective January 1, 2026, citing diversity, equity, and inclusion hiring practices. The memo directs the department to update program criteria to exclude institutions with DEI policies, whether openly or covertly implemented. Ten new schools would be approved to replace them. Universities were not yet formally notified at the time of reporting.
• State Department proposes suspending 38 universities from Diplomacy Lab research program over DEI hiring practices — The State Department issued an internal memo dated November 17, 2025, recommending suspension of 38 universities—including Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins—from the Diplomacy Lab federal research partnership program because they engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) hiring practices. The suspensions would take effect January 1, 2026. The memo directs the State Department's bureau of public affairs to update suitability criteria to exclude institutions with DEI hiring policies and replace them with schools including Liberty University and Brigham Young University. Notification letters are pending approval.

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• Marjorie Taylor Greene announces resignation from Congress — Republican Georgia congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation effective January 5, 2026, citing "unfair and wrong" treatment by President Trump after he withdrew his endorsement. Greene stated she faced death threats and personal attacks following Trump's withdrawal of support. Trump responded by calling the resignation "great news for the country." The move shocked political observers and prompted speculation about Greene's future political ambitions.
• Marjorie Taylor Greene announces resignation from Congress effective January 5, 2026 — Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from the House of Representatives, effective January 5, 2026, citing souring relations with President Trump and frustration with the legislative branch being "sidelined." Greene, a former Trump ally, broke with the administration over the Epstein files release, Israel policy, healthcare subsidies, and other issues. Trump responded by calling the resignation "great news for the country." Greene's departure will further narrow House Speaker Mike Johnson's already thin majority.
• Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announces she will not seek reelection — On November 21, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) announced in a public letter that she would not run for reelection. In the letter, she attacked Trump and "Establishment Republicans," called out Trump's threats to primary her, and stated, "I refuse to be a 'battered wife' hoping it all goes away and gets better." Three days later, Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News reported that her letter "rang true to" many House Republicans, with a senior House Republican describing widespread dissatisfaction with the White House team's treatment of members and predicting more early resignations and loss of the House majority.
• Trump withdraws support for Marjorie Taylor Greene over Epstein records stance — Marjorie Taylor Greene, a prominent Republican and supporter of former President Trump, announced her resignation from Congress effective January 5, 2026. Her decision follows a public break with Trump after she pushed for the release of the Epstein files, which Trump initially resisted. Greene cited threats from Trump and described her Republican colleagues as "terrified" to oppose him publicly. Her resignation highlights internal tensions within the Republican Party and signals a shift in her stance towards Trump.
• Trump attacked Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and withdrew endorsement — President Trump withdrew his support for Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene on Friday after she criticized his handling of the Epstein records and refused to remove her name from the discharge petition forcing a House vote. Greene had publicly opposed Trump's initial resistance to releasing the files and stood with survivors demanding transparency. Trump reportedly called her a "traitor" for her stance.
• Trump withdrew endorsement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene — Trump posted angrily at Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), calling her a traitor, "wacky," and a "ranting Lunatic." He announced he was withdrawing his endorsement of her and would support another Republican to replace her in her district. This attack came after Greene and other House Republicans indicated they would vote to release the Epstein files despite Trump's initial opposition.
• Trump attacks Marjorie Taylor Greene with inflammatory rhetoric over Epstein files disagreement — Trump posted statements withdrawing his endorsement of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, calling her "wacky" and accusing her of complaining excessively. He stated he would support a primary challenger against her in Georgia and claimed she had "gone Far Left." Greene responded by stating she was receiving security warnings about threats to her safety fueled by Trump's rhetoric, drawing parallels to threats faced by Jeffrey Epstein victims. The exchange sparked internal MAGA conflict, with supporters divided over the dispute.
• Marjorie Taylor Greene announced resignation from Congress, citing Trump retaliation over Epstein files advocacy — Trump repeatedly attacked House Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene over the weekend, calling her a "traitor" and using other insults after she publicly stated that releasing the Epstein files was "the easiest thing in the world" and criticized efforts to block their release. Greene responded on CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, stating that Trump's rhetoric "can radicalize people against me and put my life in danger." She subsequently reported receiving hoax pizza deliveries and a pipe bomb threat directed at her construction company.
• — On November 21, 2025, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress, effective January 5, 2026. Greene stated she faced retaliation from Trump after publicly advocating for release of the Epstein files and criticizing Trump's initial resistance. On 60 Minutes, she said standing up for trafficking victims "should not result in me being called a traitor and threatened by the President." Trump responded by calling her a traitor and "very dumb" on Truth Social and promised to back a replacement candidate.

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• Trump filed appeal to overturn hush money convictions citing presidential immunity — Trump filed an appeal to overturn his criminal hush money convictions, arguing in part that he should have been protected by the Supreme Court's ruling on presidential immunity, with his lawyers calling the case the "most politically charged prosecution in our Nation's history."

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• Letitia James pleads not guilty to mortgage fraud charges brought by Trump-appointed prosecutor — New York Attorney General Letitia James appeared in federal district court in Norfolk, Virginia, and pleaded not guilty to charges of bank fraud and false statements. The indictment, filed by Trump-appointed US Attorney Lindsey Halligan, alleges James falsely claimed a Norfolk home purchased in 2020 would be a secondary residence to obtain favorable loan terms when she used it as an investment property. Career prosecutors had objected to the charges, citing insufficient evidence and no material profit to James. James is expected to file a motion to dismiss on grounds that Halligan was improperly appointed.

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• Trump fired White House Personnel Director Sergio Gor. — Trump fired Sergio Gor as White House Personnel Director after Gor disclosed that he had previously lied about his birthplace, claiming to have been born in Malta when he was actually born in the Soviet Union. Trump announced that Dan Scavino, who began his career as Trump's golf caddie and is known primarily for fanatical loyalty to Trump, would replace Gor as head of the White House Personnel Office while remaining Deputy Chief of Staff. Scavino will also be appointed as Ambassador to India.

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• Pam Bondi Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on DOJ independence and Trump deployments — US Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on October 7, 2025, amid Democratic demands for answers on her involvement in prosecuting Trump's political opponents, national guard deployments to Democratic-led cities, and handling of Epstein files. Bondi declined to discuss controversial decisions, personally attacked senators, and invoked the government shutdown. Democrats expressed alarm that the DOJ had been politicized; Bondi defended the Comey indictment as approved by a "liberal grand jury" and dismissed questions about dropped investigations and Epstein documents.
• Pam Bondi Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on DOJ weaponization and enforcement actions — Attorney General Pam Bondi testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday amid Democratic accusations that the Trump administration weaponized the DOJ to investigate political adversaries. Democrats criticized her tenure, citing enforcement in Democratic-led cities, mishandling of the Epstein investigation, and inquiries into Trump's political enemies. Bondi defended the administration, refused to discuss conversations with Trump regarding James Comey's indictment, and sparred with senators over Epstein documents and Operation Arctic Frost.
• Pam Bondi Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing — Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for a contentious hearing. She refused to answer numerous questions about her handling of investigations into Trump, the Epstein case, border czar Tom Homan's alleged $50,000 cash receipt, and her prior work as a foreign agent for Qatar. Bondi made personal attacks against Democratic senators and became defensive when questioned about Epstein. She also declined to answer questions about firing career prosecutors, approving gifts to Trump from foreign governments, and her role in flagging Trump's name in Epstein documents.
• Former DOJ officials warn against politicization of the Department of Justice — On October 6, 2025, 282 former Department of Justice officials issued a letter expressing concern that the Trump administration is undermining the integrity of the DOJ by violating court orders and using law enforcement to target political enemies. They warned that these actions threaten national security and the rule of law.
• 282 former Department of Justice career officials issued letter warning Trump administration is destroying the DOJ — 282 former Department of Justice career officials—including prosecutors, FBI agents, intelligence analysts, civil rights attorneys, and immigration judges—wrote a letter warning that Trump and his appointees are destroying the Department of Justice. The letter called out the administration's violation of court orders, destruction of anti-corruption units, endangering national security, and using law enforcement to persecute those Trump sees as enemies. The officials stated, "We believe it's our duty to sound the alarm."
• Pam Bondi questioned on Epstein documents and Trump references during Senate confirmation hearing — U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi was grilled during Senate hearings on whether she agreed to "flag records related to President Trump" in government-held Epstein files. Bondi refused to discuss the matter, responding combatively to Senator Dick Durbin's questions. A July Wall Street Journal report had claimed that "multiple" references to Trump were found in Epstein-related documents. Durbin warned that Bondi would "eventually have to answer for your conduct."
• Trump administration fails to fulfill promise to release all Epstein documentation — The Trump administration has spent much of his second presidency attempting to contain a scandal surrounding its failure to fulfill a promise to release all federal government documentation related to Jeffrey Epstein. The administration's handling of Epstein files, including the selective flagging of records mentioning Trump and delays in release, has drawn criticism from Congress and raised questions about whether the Justice Department is being used to shield the president.
• Epstein client list withheld from Congress — Attorney General Pam Bondi has not produced Epstein client list files despite stating in February that the list was "sitting on my desk right now for review." Eight months later, the files remain unreleased. A credible whistleblower informed Senator Durbin's office that FBI agents were directed to flag any records in which President Trump was mentioned, suggesting selective handling of sensitive documents.
• Attorney General Bondi refused to answer Epstein-related questions — While testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Attorney General Pam Bondi refused to say who ordered that records in the Epstein files containing Trump's name be flagged, or whether the FBI has incriminating photographs of Trump with half-naked young women. She claimed an Epstein client list doesn't exist despite saying publicly back in February that it was "sitting on my desk right now." Bondi also said she didn't know whether a recording of border czar Tom Homan taking a $50,000 bribe from undercover federal agents exists and refused to say whether Homan kept the cash. She also wouldn't answer a question about whether she was directed by the White House to prosecute former FBI Director James Comey.
• Attorney General Bondi refuses to answer Senate Judiciary Committee questions — Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee and declined to answer substantive questions about ethics approvals, alleged gifts to Trump, bribery allegations involving border officials, prosecutorial decisions, and military actions. When asked by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse whether the FBI found photographs of Trump with young women in Jeffrey Epstein's files, Bondi refused to answer and instead accused the senator of attempting to slander Trump.

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• Supreme Court ruled Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook can remain in position — The Supreme Court ruled on October 1 that Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, whom Trump attempted to fire in August, can remain in her position for the time being, with arguments in her case scheduled for January 2026. The ruling represents a temporary victory for Cook and a check on the President's removal power.
• Supreme Court defers Trump's bid to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — The US Supreme Court declined to immediately grant the Department of Justice's request to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, allowing her to remain in her post for now. Trump attempted to fire Cook in August, citing unconfirmed mortgage fraud allegations predating her 2022 appointment; Cook denied wrongdoing and argued the president lacks authority to remove her. The Court scheduled oral arguments for January 2026 on the merits of the case, maintaining the status quo while litigation continues in lower courts.
• Supreme Court defers stay application in Trump v. Cook pending January 2026 oral argument — The Supreme Court deferred a stay application filed by President Trump and others in the case Trump v. Cook (Docket 25A312). The Chief Justice referred the application to the full Court, which declined to rule immediately. Instead, the Court scheduled oral argument for January 2026 and directed the Clerk to establish a briefing schedule for amici curiae and supplemental briefs. The deferral preserves the status quo pending full briefing and argument.

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• Trump administration implements mass deferred resignation program for federal workers — The Trump administration oversaw the largest mass resignation in U.S. history on September 28, 2025, with over 100,000 federal workers formally quitting through a deferred resignation program. The program costs $14.8 billion, paying workers full salary and benefits while on administrative leave for up to eight months. The total expected departures across all reduction programs is approximately 275,000 employees. Federal workers cited months of "fear and intimidation," public vilification, job insecurity, and threats of firings as reasons for departing, with many describing the environment as deliberately hostile.
• Resignations of Federal Workers Take Effect — The Trump administration's cuts to the federal workforce resulted in the resignations of over 100,000 federal workers, effective immediately. Many of those leaving reported feeling pressured and fearful due to the administration's actions. This year's cuts are projected to lead to a total loss of at least 275,000 federal workers, marking the largest decline in civilian federal employment since World War II.
• Over 100,000 federal workers resign as part of workforce reduction — More than 100,000 federal workers' resignations took effect on September 30 as part of the Trump administration's cuts to the federal workforce. Those departing reported being forced out through fear and pressure from administration officials. This year's cuts will result in the loss of at least 275,000 workers, the largest decline in civilian federal employment in a single year since World War II. OMB Director Russell Vought previously stated the goal was to make federal workers not want to come to work and to put them "in trauma."

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

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• Prosecutor Halligan obtains grand jury indictment of James Comey — Days after her appointment, prosecutor Lindsay Halligan obtained a grand jury indictment against former FBI Director James Comey for obstruction of justice and making false statements to Congress. Comey pleaded not guilty, with his lawyers arguing that the charges constitute vindictive prosecution by the president.
• DOJ announced indictment of former FBI Director James Comey on obstruction and false-statement charges — The Department of Justice announced that a federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of obstructing a congressional investigation into disclosure of sensitive information (18 USC 1505) and making a false statement (18 USC 1001). The indictment alleges Comey falsely stated he did not authorize an FBI employee to be an anonymous source. Attorney General Pamela Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel issued statements characterizing the indictment as reflecting DOJ's commitment to accountability and the FBI's effort to restore public trust.
• U.S. Attorney Halligan secured indictment against former FBI Director James Comey — Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-installed temporary U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia with minimal prosecutorial experience, secured an indictment against former FBI Director James Comey on charges of making false statements to a Senate committee in September 2020 and obstructing a congressional investigation. The indictment came over the objections of career prosecutors in the district and was presented by Halligan alone before a grand jury—a highly unusual procedure for such a high-profile, politically charged case. Comey is scheduled for arraignment on October 9, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia.
• Federal grand jury indicts James Comey on false statement and obstruction charges — A federal grand jury in the eastern district of Virginia indicted former FBI director James Comey on September 25, 2025, on charges of making a false statement and obstructing a congressional investigation. The indictment relates to Comey's September 2020 testimony to Congress regarding whether he authorized FBI personnel to be anonymous sources in news stories. The indictment was presented by Lindsey Halligan, a White House aide with no prosecutorial experience who replaced a career prosecutor fired after refusing to bring charges against New York attorney general Letitia James.
• Indictment of James Comey on charges of lying to Congress — Former FBI director James Comey was indicted Thursday in the Eastern District of Virginia on one count of making a false statement to Congress and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding, related to testimony given five years prior during a hearing on the FBI's Russia investigation. The indictment followed the forced removal of US Attorney Erik Siebert, who reportedly found no grounds to indict Comey, and his replacement with Trump loyalist Lindsey Halligan with limited prosecutorial experience. Democrats and legal experts characterized the action as weaponization of the justice system for political retribution.
• James Comey indicted on false statements and obstruction charges — Former FBI director James Comey was indicted by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Virginia, on Thursday on two felony counts: making false statements to Congress and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. The charges relate to Comey's September 2020 testimony about the Russia investigation, specifically allegations that he falsely claimed he had never authorized FBI leaks to the media. The indictment followed Trump's directive to Attorney General Pam Bondi to "move now" against Comey and came after Trump fired the previous federal prosecutor who had declined to bring charges due to insufficient evidence.
• DOJ expected to indict James Comey before statute of limitations expires — Three sources told MSNBC that Lindsey Halligan is expected to attempt to get a grand jury to indict former FBI Director James Comey before the five-year statute of limitations on lying to Congress expires in six days. Bloomberg reported the Department of Justice is also pushing forward with the case against New York Attorney General Letitia James.
• Federal grand jury indicts former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress and obstructing investigation — A federal grand jury indicted former FBI director James Comey for allegedly lying to Congress and obstructing an investigation. The indictment came days after Trump demanded that the Department of Justice prosecute those he perceives as enemies, and after Trump replaced acting U.S. attorney Erik Siebert—who had concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge Comey—with White House aide and Trump's former personal lawyer Lindsey Halligan. Sources indicated Halligan was expected to pursue the indictment before the five-year statute of limitations expired.
• Indictment of James Comey allegedly based on false evidence presented to grand jury — Ken Dilanian reported that the indictment of James Comey appears to attribute words to Comey that he never uttered. Comey testified to Senator Ted Cruz that he stood by his 2017 testimony but did not state in a 2020 hearing that he had not "authorized someone else at the FBI to be an anonymous source in news reports." Legal analysts including Andrew McCarthy stated the indictment appears premised on a false claim that Andrew McCabe said Comey authorized him to leak to the Wall Street Journal, which McCabe never said.
• DOJ indicts former FBI director James Comey on false statement charges — The Justice Department indicted former FBI director James Comey in federal court in Alexandria, Virginia, on two counts of making false statements to Congress in September 2020. Prosecutors alleged Comey misled lawmakers by claiming he had never authorized anyone at the FBI to leak to reporters, when he had in fact authorized Columbia law professor Dan Richman to leak information about an investigation into Hillary Clinton. The case was considered weak by prosecutors and observers; the grand jury barely met the threshold to approve charges, with only 14 of 23 jurors voting for the false statement count.
• Trump-ordered indictment of former FBI Director James Comey filed by newly appointed US Attorney — Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted on two felony counts by a grand jury presented by newly appointed US Attorney Lindsey Halligan. Trump posted on Truth Social celebrating the indictment, calling Comey "one of the worst human beings this Country has ever been exposed to." Multiple legal analysts, including Fox contributors Andrew McCarthy and Kim Strassel, expressed skepticism that the charges would survive judicial scrutiny, with McCarthy stating he did not believe the case would reach trial. Ken Dilanian reported DOJ sources characterizing the indictment as "among the worst abuses in DOJ history."

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• Trump administration petitions Supreme Court to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — The Trump administration filed an emergency petition with the U.S. Supreme Court on September 19, 2025, seeking to overturn a lower court order blocking the removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The administration cited unconfirmed mortgage fraud allegations predating her Fed appointment. Cook's lawyers argue the president lacks statutory authority to fire her. The filing represents an escalation in Trump's effort to gain political control over the Federal Reserve's traditionally independent board, following his installation of loyalist Stephen Miran as a governor.

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• US appeals court blocks Trump's removal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit declined to allow President Trump to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, upholding a lower court's temporary block. Trump had claimed Cook committed mortgage fraud before taking office; Cook denies the allegations and argues they are pretextual retaliation for her monetary policy stance. The 2-1 decision (Biden appointees Garcia and Childs in majority; Trump appointee Katsas dissenting) preserves Cook's seat ahead of a Fed policy meeting. The administration signaled intent to appeal to the Supreme Court.

Supporting reports

• Bill Pulte refers Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook for criminal investigation into alleged mortgage fraud — William Pulte, director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and a Trump appointee, referred Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to the Department of Justice for alleged mortgage fraud, claiming she misrepresented her homes as primary residences to secure favorable rates. The DOJ opened a criminal investigation and issued subpoenas. Cook denies wrongdoing, calling discrepancies a clerical error. Former officials and experts called Pulte's direct involvement "bizarre," as criminal referrals typically originate from the FHFA's inspector general office, not the agency director.
• Housing Finance Agency director targeted Democrat with mortgage fraud allegations — Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who has been targeting Democrats with flimsy mortgage fraud allegations, posted that Federal Reserve Board member Dr. Lisa Cook obtained bank loans with "lower than allowed" interest rates while serving on the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's academic advisory council. Economist Justin Wolfers responded that Pulte's claim was dishonest: Cook was asked to give macroeconomic advice to an academic advisory council, not to set interest rates, and the Chicago Fed does not set rates.
• Trump administration officials accused Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook of mortgage fraud based on documents later shown to be inaccurate — President Trump sought to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook by alleging she committed mortgage fraud by claiming two homes as primary residences to obtain lower interest rates. Reuters reported that documents show Cook actually designated the Georgia property as a "vacation home" to her lender, and standardized forms were overridden by her personal application specifying it as a second home. Cook never claimed a primary residence tax exemption for the Georgia property and referred to it officially as a "2nd home." The allegations appear to be false.