Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Secretary Noem contradicted by ICE and CBP on domestic terrorism designation — During Senate hearings, Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott and ICE Director Lyons both denied that they had provided Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem with an assessment that Alex Pretti was engaged in domestic terrorism. However, Noem had repeatedly stated publicly that she only referred to Pretti as a domestic terrorist because that is what ICE and CBP told her. The contradiction suggests Noem may have misrepresented the basis for her characterization.
• Sen. Gary Peters questioned whether Noem was told Pretti was domestic terrorist — Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) asked Border Patrol Commissioner Rodney Scott and ICE Director Lyons whether they had provided Secretary Noem with an assessment that Alex Pretti was engaged in domestic terrorism. Both officials answered no. Peters then asked how Noem could possibly have come to that conclusion to tell the American public, and Scott responded that he could not speculate on what someone else would say or why.
• Wall Street Journal reports chaos at DHS under Noem and Lewandowski — Wall Street Journal reporters Michelle Hackman, Josh Dawsey, and Tarini Parti published an investigation describing the Department of Homeland Security as in chaos under Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her advisor Corey Lewandowski. The reporters documented that Noem and Lewandowski are using DHS for personal aggrandizement with an eye to elevating Noem to the presidency, including focus on image, firing or demoting 80% of career field leadership, apparent steering of contracts to allies, and excessive demands including a luxury 737 MAX jet for their travel. DHS is currently leasing the $70 million plane and is in the process of buying it.
• Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski misused DHS resources for personal and political purposes — Wall Street Journal reporting revealed that DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and her adviser Corey Lewandowski used departmental resources for personal and political benefit, including using a luxury 737 MAX jet (being acquired for approximately $70 million) for travel, firing a U.S. Coast Guard pilot over a blanket left on a plane, and attempting to obtain law-enforcement badges and guns for political appointees without proper training. The reporting also documented their public denial of an alleged affair while showing little effort to hide their relationship within the department.
• Coast Guard pilot fired over Kristi Noem's blanket, later reinstated — According to a Wall Street Journal report, a U.S. Coast Guard pilot was fired by Corey Lewandowski, described as Kristi Noem's close adviser, after Noem's personal blanket was left behind on a plane. The pilot was later reinstated because no one else was available to fly the leadership home. The incident reflects broader politicization and culture of intimidation within the Department of Homeland Security.
• DHS pushes for political appointees to receive federal badges and weapons — According to a Wall Street Journal report, Kristi Noem's close adviser Corey Lewandowski pushed for political appointees to receive federal badges and weapons. The moves alarmed career officials and deepened concerns about the politicization of law enforcement within the Department of Homeland Security.

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• White House OMB argues furloughed federal workers not entitled to back pay under GEFTA — The White House Office of Management and Budget issued a draft memo arguing that the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act (GEFTA) of 2019 does not automatically guarantee back pay to furloughed federal workers during the ongoing government shutdown. OMB General Counsel Mark Paoletta stated that Congress must include express appropriations language for back pay in legislation ending the shutdown. The OMB previously removed references to GEFTA from shutdown guidance. An estimated 750,000 federal workers have been furloughed as of the shutdown's seventh day.
• White House OMB memo argues federal workers not entitled to back pay — On Tuesday, the White House Office of Management and Budget released a memo contending that federal workers are not entitled to back pay during the shutdown, contradicting a 2019 law that mandates such compensation. House Speaker Mike Johnson subsequently stated at a press conference that he believes federal employees should receive back pay, citing statutory law. The memo represents an attempt to reduce pressure on Republicans to end the shutdown quickly.
• White House threatens federal workforce layoffs during shutdown — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that if the shutdown continued, the Trump administration would lay off federal employees, despite federal law entitling them to back pay. She also warned that a food assistance program for low-income mothers and children would exhaust its funding. Director of OMB Russ Vought had already cancelled funding for energy and transportation projects in Democratic-governed states.
• Administration announces continuation of illegal cuts during government shutdown — On October 1, 2025, as the government shutdown began, Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought announced plans to use the shutdown to implement $26 billion in cuts to infrastructure and climate projects in Democratic-led states, as well as to lay off federal employees instead of furloughing them. This action is part of a broader strategy to impose significant cuts to government programs.
• OMB floats denial of back pay guarantee for furloughed federal workers — The Office of Management and Budget issued a memo suggesting that federal workers furloughed during a government shutdown are not guaranteed back pay when the shutdown ends, departing from the administration's own guidance issued the previous month. This reverses the 2019 law that President Trump himself signed to guarantee such pay. Administration officials told media outlets the memo is intended to give Republicans leverage in shutdown negotiations with Democrats. OMB director Russell Vought had previously threatened mass firings if Democrats refused the Republican continuing resolution.
• Trump suggested not all furloughed employees deserve back pay — Speaking to reporters alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump suggested that not all furloughed federal employees should receive back pay following the government shutdown. He noted, "It depends on who we're talking about," and added, "We're going to take care of our people. There are some people that really don't deserve to be taken care of, and we'll take care of them in a different way."
• OMB revised guidance removing back pay guarantee — Government Executive reported that the Office of Management and Budget quietly revised a guidance document last week to remove references to a law passed during Trump's first term, guaranteeing all federal workers back pay following a government shutdown.
• Trump signals furloughed federal workers may not receive back pay — During a White House event, President Trump stated that some furloughed federal workers may not receive customary back pay when the government reopens, saying "there are some people that don't deserve to be taken care of" and that back pay "depends on who we're talking about." This breaks with historical precedent and creates uncertainty for unpaid workers already under financial strain.

Supporting reports

• 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."

Supporting reports

• 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.

Supporting reports

• Trump attempts to remove Federal Reserve governor and other non-appointed officials — Trump is attempting to remove dozens of personnel he did not appoint, including a Federal Reserve governor, a top official at the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, prosecutors who investigated him, and leaders across the government including the National Archivist.
• Trump installs second deputy at FBI after souring on first — The White House installed a second deputy at the FBI after becoming dissatisfied with the first, continuing a pattern of rapid personnel changes across agencies.
• Trump pressures Treasury secretary to fire agency's second-in-command — Trump pushed his Treasury secretary to fire the agency's second-in-command, demonstrating continued pressure on cabinet officials to remove personnel who may not align with administration priorities.
• Trump removes acting FEMA administrator over disagreement on agency's continued existence — The White House removed the acting FEMA administrator after he stated the agency should continue to exist, contradicting others in the administration.
• Trump removes IRS director after two months over Treasury Department clash — Trump replaced the head of the IRS less than two months into the job because appointee Billy Long clashed with officials at the Treasury Department. This removal is part of a broader pattern of Trump firing appointees and career officials across multiple agencies.
• Trump removes two DOJ antitrust officials over alleged deal-making with lobbyists — Two top DOJ antitrust officials were removed from their roles after clashing with senior officials at the agency. They accused their colleagues of cutting deals with favored lobbyists. One of the removed officials has publicly questioned the integrity of other DOJ officials.
• Department of Justice launched criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — The Department of Justice launched a criminal investigation into Lisa Cook, a governor of the U.S. Federal Reserve, for allegedly committing mortgage fraud by claiming two separate properties as her primary residence. Pro Publica reported that three Trump Cabinet members—Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin—have engaged in the same conduct but face no investigation.
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired CDC director Susan Monarez — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. fired newly confirmed CDC Director Susan Monarez after she refused to preapprove recommendations from a vaccine advisory panel that Kennedy had stacked with anti-vaccine advocates. This action followed Kennedy's earlier purges of thousands of CDC advisors and staffers who did not share his opposition to vaccines.
• Trump fires Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — President Trump removed Lisa Cook from her position as a Federal Reserve governor. This action raised concerns about central bank independence, as it represents part of a broader pattern of Trump's attacks on the Federal Reserve's autonomy. Trump's nominee to replace Cook stated he would respect Fed independence, but the removal itself signals potential politicization of monetary policy.

Supporting reports

• FBI forces out special agent Walter Giardina who worked on Trump and Navarro cases — The FBI, under director Kash Patel and deputy Dan Bongino, forced out special agent Walter Giardina, who had worked on cases involving Donald Trump and Peter Navarro, a top trade adviser to the president who was convicted of contempt of Congress. The ouster was part of a broader pattern of removals of senior FBI officials and agents under Patel's leadership.
• FBI pressures agent Michael Feinberg to resign or accept demotion over friendship with Peter Strzok — Special agent Michael Feinberg was told to resign or accept a demotion amid scrutiny from FBI leadership regarding his friendship with Peter Strzok, a lead agent on the FBI's Trump-Russia investigation who was fired by the Justice Department in 2018 after exchanging negative text messages about Trump with FBI lawyer Lisa Page.
• FBI subjects agents to polygraph exams under Patel leadership — Under FBI director Kash Patel and deputy Dan Bongino, numerous senior FBI officials and agents have been subjected to polygraph exams as part of aggressive personnel actions. Former officials report these moves have roiled the workforce and contributed to widespread angst among agents. Multiple senior agents in charge of field offices have been told to retire, resign, or accept reassignment.
• FBI DC field office head Steve Jensen terminated without stated cause — Steve Jensen, head of the FBI's Washington Field Office, announced in a farewell letter that his employment with the FBI will be terminated effective the next day. Jensen stated he received no explanation for the termination and pledged to meet the challenge with professionalism, integrity, and dignity. He urged colleagues to continue protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.
• FBI forced out acting director Brian Driscoll and agent Walter Giardina — The New York Times reported that the FBI is forcing out at least two agents under Kash Patel's leadership, including Brian Driscoll, the former acting head of the bureau, and Walter Giardina, who was involved in Trump investigations. Driscoll sent a message to colleagues stating he was informed his employment would end the next day with no cause articulated. Driscoll had previously refused to carry out the Trump administration's plans for mass firing of January 6 agents.
• Trump administration ousts FBI official Brian Driscoll for resisting demands to name January 6 investigators — The Trump administration forced out Brian Driscoll, a senior FBI official who briefly served as acting director, after he resisted demands from the Justice Department for names of agents who investigated the January 6 Capitol riot. Driscoll and then-deputy director Rob Kissane had resisted the request, leading Justice Department official Emil Bove to accuse them of "insubordination." The FBI ultimately provided employee numbers rather than names. Driscoll's final day was Friday, August 8, 2025.

Supporting reports

• Corey Lewandowski becomes permanent DHS advisor with significant authority — Corey Lewandowski has become a permanent advisor to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, officially designated as a special government employee with limited term of service. DHS documents refer to him as the chief advisor to the secretary. Lewandowski has overseen employee dismissals, demanded administrative leave placements, called agency heads to "keep them in line," and approved billion-dollar FEMA grants. He frequently appears alongside Noem in official capacity, regularly bypasses Deputy Secretary Troy Edgar, and effectively acts as the department's second-in-command.

Supporting reports

• Trump fired commissioner of labor statistics for announcing job growth slowdown — President Trump fired the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday after the agency released a jobs report showing dramatic slowdown in job growth. The firing occurred after the commissioner announced official economic data that contradicted Trump's claims about the strength of the economy. Trump had alleged the commissioner rigged the numbers to make him look bad, a claim former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and other economists rejected as implausible given the statistical procedures involved.
• Trump administration fires BLS commissioner Erika McEntarfer over disputed job statistics — The Trump administration fired Erika McEntarfer, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, following the release of July employment data showing only 73,000 jobs added—far below expectations—and downward revisions of 285,000 jobs for prior months. White House officials defended the dismissal on Sunday political shows, with Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stating the president had concerns about data reliability. Former BLS Commissioner William Beach warned the firing would undermine confidence in U.S. economic data, while economist Larry Summers compared it to authoritarian tactics.
• White House issues fact sheet attacking BLS credibility and former Biden-appointed commissioner — The White House published a fact sheet titled "BLS Has Lengthy History of Inaccuracies, Incompetence" on August 1, 2025, attacking the Bureau of Labor Statistics and its former Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. The document compiles allegations of overstated jobs numbers, technical errors, and data leaks, citing news reports and congressional correspondence. It asserts that BLS revisions totaling over 800,000 jobs influenced Federal Reserve policy and that financial firms received advance access to sensitive employment data. The fact sheet frames these claims as evidence of institutional failure eroding public trust.
• July jobs report shows 73,000 jobs added; May and June figures revised downward by 258,000 combined — The Bureau of Labor Statistics released the July employment report showing only 73,000 jobs added, well below estimates. Prior months were revised sharply lower: June fell from 147,000 to a lower figure, and May was revised down by 125,000, for a combined downward revision of 258,000 jobs. The unemployment rate rose to 4.2%. Health care and social assistance accounted for approximately 94% of job growth, with most other sectors showing weakness or contraction.
• Trump fired Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer — President Trump dismissed Dr. Erika McEntarfer, commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, after the agency released a jobs report showing only 73,000 new jobs added in July—far below the 115,000 economists predicted—and revealing that May and June job figures had been significantly overestimated (May revised down 87% from 144,000 to 19,000; June revised down 90% from 147,000 to 14,000). Trump claimed on Truth Social that the report was "RIGGED" to make Republicans and himself "look bad," despite U.S. economic statistics being widely regarded as a nonpartisan gold standard. McEntarfer had served in various roles under multiple administrations.
• Trump claims jobs report was rigged and announces firing of Labor Statistics Commissioner — Trump posted on social media that the jobs report was "rigged" to make Republicans look bad. He then announced he was firing Dr. Erika McEntarfer, the Commissioner of Labor Statistics, whom he identified as a Biden appointee, and stated he would replace her with someone "much more competent and qualified." Trump directed his team to remove her "immediately."

Supporting reports

• Appeal filed — American Association of University Professors v. United States Department of Justice (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-02429 — Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil dismissed the case. That day, the Plaintiffs appealed to the Second Circuit.
• Appeal filed — Boyle v. Trump (D. Md.) 8:25-cv-01628 — Defendants appealed Judge Maddox's summary judgment order to the Fourth Circuit.
• Case update — American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO v. Goldstein (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-03072 — Plaintiffs filed their second amended complaint .
• Case update — Carter v. Department of Education (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00744 — The court stayed the case pending the status of appeals in State of New York v. McMahon , Civil Action No. 25-10601 (D. Mass.) and Somerville Public Schools v. Trump , Civil Action No. 25-10677 (D. Mass.).
• Case update — City of Chicago v. United States Department of Homeland Security (N.D. Ill.) 1:25-cv-05462 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint , adding Boston, Denver, San Francisco, and Seattle as plaintiffs. The amended filing described each city's reliance on the Securing the Cities program and the harms from DHS's freeze on 2025 reimbursements and failure to release approved 2024 funds, shifted emphasis from primarily APA claims to a stronger Appropriations Clause theory challenging DHS's withholding of congressionally allocated funds, and stressed the need to restore funding before major events requiring heightened security, including political conventions and national holidays.
• Case update — City of New York v. Trump et al. (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01510 — Plaintiff filed their second amended complaint (redline here ).
• Case update — J.G.G. v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00766 — Plaintiffs/Appellees filed their opposition in the D.C. Circuit to the Defendants'/Appellants' emergency motion seeking a stay of Judge Boasberg's June 4 order pending appeal.
• Case update — Northern Alaska Environmental Center v. Trump (D. Alaska) 3:25-cv-00038 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint , which added the Conservation Law Foundation as a plaintiff.
• Motion granted — Democracy Forward Foundation v. Department of Education (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00940 — DOE answered Plaintiff's complaint, arguing that Plaintiff failed to state a claim for which relief can be granted, that the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction to grant relief authorized under FOIA, and that Plaintiff is not entitled to compel the release of records properly withheld under FOIA exclusions or exemptions, among other defenses.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Schiff v. U.S. Office of Personnel Management (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-10595 — Defendants filed a motion to dismiss , arguing that Plaintiffs' claims are moot in light of Defendants' compliance with the preliminary injunction order issued on May 23.
• House Judiciary Report on Trump Pardons — Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee released a report estimating that Trump's pardons have cost taxpayers over $1.3 billion in fines and restitution. The report highlights the financial impact of presidential pardons.
• R Kelly's Lawyers File Court Documents Alleging Overdose in Prison — Lawyers for R Kelly have filed new court documents alleging that the singer, who is serving a prison sentence for sex trafficking, was rushed to the hospital after overdosing on medication provided by prison staff. The filing claims that Kelly was placed in solitary confinement on June 10 and given medication with instructions to take it, leading to an overdose on June 13. The documents also allege a plot by Bureau of Prisons officials to have Kelly killed by another inmate, prompting a request for his release to home detention, which federal prosecutors have opposed.
• Case update — Project on Government Oversight, Inc. v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00527 — Defendants filed an unopposed motion before Judge Boasberg seeking clarification or, alternatively, a stay of further proceedings. They argued that under 28 U.S.C. § 2243, no responsive pleading (return) is due in habeas proceedings until the court issues a writ or show-cause order, and that the preliminary-injunction briefing had already served that function. In the alternative, they requested that any requirement to file a return or dispositive motion be stayed until after the D.C. Circuit resolves the appeal of the June 4 order.
• Motion granted — Northern Alaska Environmental Center v. Trump (D. Alaska) 3:25-cv-00038 — Defendants moved to dismiss the complaint or stay proceedings in the alternative.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Harris County Texas v. Robert F Kennedy Jr (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01275 — The court granted State of Alaska's motion to intervene . Judge Sharon Gleason ordered that the State of Alaska be admitted into the case as an intervenor-defendant.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Project on Government Oversight, Inc. v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00527 — Judge Christopher Cooper issued a memorandum opinion that granted in part and denied in part Plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction. Judge Cooper granted relief to some of the grants held by four local-government plaintiffs (Harris County, Texas; Columbus, Ohio; Davidson County and Nashville, Tennessee; and Kansas City, Missouri) and decided against granting relief to all terminated grants nationwide. Defendants are enjoined from enforcing or otherwise giving effect to the March 2025 terminations of grants issued directly or indirectly to these four plaintiffs under the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, the CARES Act, and the CRRSAA.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Association of American Universities v. Department of Defense (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-11740 — Judge James E. Boasberg denied Plaintiff's preliminary injunction motion. In the supporting memorandum , Judge Boasberg noted Plaintiff failed to show a likelihood of irreparable harm absent a preliminary injunction.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — National Job Corps Association v. Department of Labor (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-04641 — The Court granted Plaintiffs' motion for a temporary restraining order, prohibiting the DOD from enforcing the Rate Cap Policy.
• Case update — Association for Education Finance and Policy Inc. v. McMahon (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00999 — Judge Carter extended the temporary restraining order through June 25.
• Case update — CREW v. DOGE (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00511 — Plaintiffs filed an amended complaint . In this amended complaint, plaintiffs removed their ultra vires and Impoundment Act claims. Plaintiffs also added counts specifying the IES terminations and their associated alleged APA violation.
• Case update — Democracy Forward Foundation v. U.S. Department of the Treasury (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00684 — CREW filed a motion for summary disposition with the D.C. Circuit following the Supreme Court's Jun. 6 order.
• Complaint filed — EA T-B v. Bostock — Democracy Forward and the Department of the Treasury filed a joint status report to note the identification of 5,807 potentially responsive documents and the parties' efforts to further narrow Plaintiff's FOIA request to alleviate processing burdens and allow for a more expeditious processing of documents.
• Motion denied — Democracy Forward Foundation v. U.S. Department of Justice (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01535 — Defendants/Appellants filed their reply in support of their emergency motion in the D.C. Circuit to stay Judge Boasberg's June 4 order pending appeal.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — San Francisco Unified School District v. AmeriCorps, a.k.a. the Corporation for National and Community Service (N.D. Cal.) 3:25 — A complaint was filed in the Western District of Washington under the case caption EA T-B v. Bostock, docket number 2:25-cv-01192. The case involves legal challenges related to actions taken by the Trump administration. Further details about the case are forthcoming.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — W.J.C.C. v. Trump (W.D. Pa.) 3:25-cv-00153 — DOJ, DHS, and State Department (Agency Defendants) answered Plaintiff's complaint. The Agency Defendants admitted they received the FOIA requests but denied improperly withholding records from Plaintiff under FOIA.
• Summary judgment ruling — Grundmann v. Trump et al . (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00425 — The court granted Plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary injunction, thereby enjoining Defendants from imposing and enforcing new conditions on Plaintiffs' AmeriCorps grants during the pendency of the lawsuit.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Dvortsin as Next Friend of Hayam El Gamal et al., Petitioner, v. Noem (W.D. Tex.) 5:25-cv-00664 — Judge Stephanie Haines restated her holding in A.S.R. v. Trump , No. 3:25-cv-00113, that the presidential proclamation is a valid exercise of the AEA. Judge Haines, however, granted a preliminary injunction in favor of W.J.C.C., rejecting the government's claim that it could apply shortened notice akin to expedited removal procedures. The court held that the petitioner was entitled to: “(1) twenty-one (21) days' notice and an "opportunity to be heard," (2) notice that clearly articulates the fact that he is subject to removal under the Proclamation and the AEA, (3) notice in English and Spanish, the language of the one sought to be expelled, and if needed, Spanish-to-English interpreters shall be provided for any necessary hearings, and (4) notice of all of the foregoing to his counsel.” The court denied the petitioner's request for a preliminary injunction that would have barred the government from transferring him out of the district.
• Federal Appeals Court Rejects DOJ Representation for Trump — The D.C. Circuit issued an administrative stay of Judge Sparkle's March 12 order granting Plaintiff's motion for summary judgment .
• Federal Judge Blocks Education Department Firings — Judge Orlando Garcia granted a motion to extend the previous temporary restraining order blocking the removal of the family from the district or the United States.
• Federal Judge Blocks EPA Grant Cancellations — A federal appeals court rejected President Trump's request to have Justice Department lawyers represent him in his appeal of E. Jean Carroll's defamation case. The decision maintains the separation between personal and official legal matters.
• Case update — ACLU v. United States Social Security Administration (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01217 — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from executing mass firings at the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights. The decision prevents potential disruptions to civil rights enforcement.
• Stay pending appeal decided — Newsom v. Trump (N.D. Cal.) 3:25-cv-04870 — A federal judge blocked the EPA's cancellation of $600 million in environmental justice grants issued during the Biden administration. The ruling protects funding for underserved communities.
• Federal Judge Blocks Transportation Grant Conditions — Defendant Agencies answered Plaintiff's complaint. These agencies admitted that they failed to respond to Plaintiff's FOIA request, but provided several defenses to Plaintiff's action, including alleging Plaintiff is not entitled to compel the production of records under FOIA, the court lacks subject matter jurisdiction over Plaintiff's requests, and that they did not improperly withhold the records Plaintiff requested under FOIA.
• Appeal filed — Mahmoud Khalil v. William P. Joyce et al. (D.N.J.) 2:25-cv-01963 — The Ninth Circuit granted the federal government a stay pending appeal .
• Motion denied — Darwin Antonio Arevalo Millan v. Trump (C.D. Cal.) 5:25-cv-01207 — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from tying federal transportation grant funding to immigration enforcement cooperation. The ruling protects states' rights to manage their own policies.
• Motion granted — J.G.G. v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00766 — Judge Farbiarz ordered Mahmoud Khalil, who is currently detained by federal immigration authorities in Louisiana, be released from custody. On that same day, the government appealed Judge Farbiarz's June 11 order granting a preliminary injunction to the Third Circuit. Note: Mahmoud Khalil submitted a notice of claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act, seeking $20 million in damages from the administration for his detention. The notice alleges that Khalil's arrest and prolonged confinement were the result of discriminatory intent by Secretary Rubio, and that his treatment-including prolonged solitary confinement and denial of medical care-constituted multiple tortious acts by federal officers.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — American Federation of Government Employees, et al. v. Office of Personnel Management et al (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-01237 — Judge Holcomb denied petitioners' ex parte application for a writ of habeas corpus, noting petitioner's detention remains permissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) because of the government's intention to appeal the grant of relief in petitioner's removal proceedings (since petitioners can remain in custody pending such appeals).
• Preliminary injunction ruling — American Foreign Service Association v. Trump (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-01030 — Judge Boasberg granted the Defendants unopposed motion for clarification, confirming that the Defendants does not need to take further action in the district court until the D.C. Circuit issues its mandate in the appeal of his June 4 order.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — American Oversight v. Hegseth (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00883 — In connection with the June 9 preliminary injunction order, Judge Cote ordered OPM to file a report within two weeks describing the procedures put in place since March 6, to ensure adherence to the requirements of the Privacy Act with respect to new grant of access permissions by OPM to records containing Plaintiffs' personally identifiable information (PII). Judge Cote also ordered OPM to file a report within four weeks concerning OPM's grant of access permissions to any records containing Plaintiffs' PII made to DOGE personnel.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — Open Technology Fund v. Kari Lake (D.D.C.) 1:25-cv-00840 — The D.C. Circuit en banc stayed the preliminary injunction order pending appeal.
• Preliminary injunction ruling — President and Fellows of Harvard College v. Department of Homeland Security (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-11472 — Judge Boasberg granted in part and denied in part the Plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction, granting a narrower relief by requiring that Defendants perform their mandatory notification and referral obligations, as explained in its accompanying memorandum opinion .
• Stay motion decided — State of New York v. United States Department of Education (S.D.N.Y.) 1:25-cv-02990 — Judge Royce Lamberth granted Plaintiff's preliminary injunction motion, thereby enjoining Defendants from withholding congressionally appropriated funds under the grant agreement for Fiscal Year 2024 between USAGM and OTF.
• Summary judgment ruling — Association of American Universities v. National Science Foundation (D. Mass.) 1:25-cv-11231 — Judge Burroughs issued a preliminary injunction barring that administration from banning Harvard from participating in the State Department's Student and Visitor Exchange Program.
• Federal Judge Blocks Harvard Student Ban — The Second Circuit denied Defendants' motion to stay the district court's order, finding DOE's actions likely arbitrary and capricious under the APA-without any particularized assessment and insufficiently attentive to reliance interests-and concluding that a stay would substantially injure the plaintiff States.
• Federal Judge Orders Release of Mahmoud Khalil — The court granted Plaintiffs' motion for summary judgment. Implementation of the 15% Indirect Cost Rate is vacated and declared invalid, arbitrary and capricious, and contrary to law. The court further ordered that within 72 hours of entry of this order, Defendants provide written notice of the order to all funding recipients affected by the 15% Indirect Cost Rate.
• — A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from prohibiting Harvard University from admitting international students. The ruling prevents the implementation of a plan to remove the school from the Student and Visitor Exchange Program.
• — A federal judge ordered the release of Mahmoud Khalil from ICE detention on bail, citing concerns that his detention was used as punishment for his activism. Khalil is a Palestinian green card holder involved in student protests.

Supporting reports

• Trump created DOGE by executive order — Trump signed an executive order creating the Department of Government Efficiency and appointed Elon Musk to head it, as stated by Trump on February 19: "I signed an order creating [DOGE] and put a man named Elon Musk in charge." The White House has attempted to maintain that Musk was only an advisor despite this explicit statement of his official appointment.

Supporting reports

• Musk offers federal workers pay to resign — Elon Musk offered all 2 million federal workers eight months' pay if they resign, a move that has been criticized as potentially illegal and disruptive. The offer has raised concerns about the impact on government operations and the potential loss of experienced personnel.
• Treasury Secretary grants Musk access to payment systems — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent approved access to the Treasury's payments system for Elon Musk's team, following the administrative leave and subsequent retirement of Acting Secretary David Lebryk, who had refused the access. The payments system controls disbursement of over $6 trillion annually, and the decision to grant access to Musk's team has raised concerns about political influence and security.
• Attempt to Access Payment Systems — Elon Musk's team forced the resignation of David A. Lebryk, the highest-ranking career official at the Treasury Department, amid concerns that Musk's associates sought access to the U.S. government's payment systems. This access could allow for politically motivated interference in federal payments.
• Musk's team takes control of Treasury payment system — Elon Musk's team gained control of the Treasury's payment system, which manages approximately $6 trillion annually, allowing them access to sensitive financial information of Americans and businesses. This takeover was facilitated by the Trump administration, which placed two USAID security officials on leave when they attempted to prevent Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) from accessing classified information. The implications of this action raise significant concerns about the security and integrity of U.S. government operations.
• Elon Musk gains access to US Treasury payment system — Elon Musk has reportedly gained access to the US Treasury payment system, which is responsible for funding government operations. This access has raised concerns about bypassing traditional government oversight, as Musk is neither a federal employee nor appointed by the President. The situation has been described as a potential coup, with Musk and his team allegedly circumventing Congress and the executive branch. This development has sparked significant public outcry and calls for action to prevent further unauthorized control over government functions.
• Musk's Team Takes Control of U.S. Treasury Payment Systems — Elon Musk's team, operating under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has taken control of the U.S. Treasury payment systems, which manage approximately $6 trillion in annual transactions. This action allows them access to sensitive personal information and enables Musk to cancel transactions he deems wasteful, including the IRS Direct File system that allowed free online tax filing. This move raises concerns about the legality and security of government operations.
• Musk's team takes control of U.S. Treasury systems — Elon Musk's team, operating under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has taken control of the U.S. Treasury payment systems, which manage approximately $6 trillion in annual transactions. This action allows them access to sensitive personal information and enables Musk to cancel transactions he deems wasteful, including the IRS Direct File system. This move raises significant concerns about the security and integrity of government operations.
• Musk's DOGE given access to federal payment systems — Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been granted access to federal payment systems, allowing them to review government payments for waste. Although their access is described as "read only," this move is highly irregular and raises concerns about data privacy and the influence of private entities on government operations.
• Treasury grants Musk's team access to payment systems — The U.S. Department of the Treasury granted Elon Musk's team "read-only" access to coded data of the government's payment systems, which handle transactions such as social security payments and tax refunds. This access has sparked protests and concerns among Democratic lawmakers and the public about the potential misuse of sensitive financial data. Treasury officials assured that the system remains robust and effective, with no valid payment requests rejected, but the decision has been met with skepticism and fear of data exploitation.
• Elon Musk seizes control of US Treasury — Elon Musk, a private citizen, has reportedly seized control of the US Treasury, leading to significant financial disruptions. This action has resulted in the loss of funds for organizations such as the Haw River Assembly and World Relief, affecting grants and refugee resettlement money. The seizure is part of broader concerns about the potential confirmation of Russell Vought to the Office of Management and Budget, who is expected to support such actions if confirmed.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order to End Federal Weaponization — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14147 on January 20, 2025, directing the Attorney General and the Director of National Intelligence to review past federal enforcement and intelligence activities for misconduct. The order aims to address alleged weaponization of federal agencies against political opponents by the previous administration. Reports with recommendations for remedial actions are to be submitted to the President.
• Trump signs executive orders for DOJ investigations — On January 20, 2025, Donald Trump signed two executive orders directing the attorney general to conduct investigations into the Biden administration. These orders aim to address what Trump describes as the "weaponization of the federal government" and "government censorship of speech." The investigations are to be conducted by the Department of Justice, with findings reported to a political appointee at the White House. This move is seen as an effort to use the DOJ's power to pursue Trump's personal grievances against the previous administration.
• Trump issues orders for DOJ and ODNI investigations — President Trump issued two executive orders on January 20, 2025, allowing the Department of Justice and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to conduct broad investigations into alleged "censorship of free speech" and "weaponization of the federal government" by the Biden administration. These orders are seen as politically motivated and could lead to further polarization and misuse of federal resources.
• Trump removes DOJ officials — On January 21, 2025, President Trump removed and reassigned several top career officials in the Justice Department's national security and criminal divisions. This action is part of a broader effort to reshape the department and has raised concerns about the independence and integrity of the DOJ.
• Trump suggests prosecution of Biden — President Trump suggested on January 22, 2025, that former President Biden could face prosecution, stating, "The funny thing, maybe the sad thing, is he didn’t give himself a pardon." This statement has raised concerns about the potential for politically motivated prosecutions and the erosion of norms regarding the treatment of former presidents.

Supporting reports

• Executive Order Restores Accountability in Federal Workforce — President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14171, reinstating Executive Order 13957, which creates Schedule F in the excepted service. This order aims to enhance accountability for policy-influencing positions within the federal workforce by allowing easier removal of employees for poor performance or misconduct. It revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected federal workforce rights, and mandates amendments to civil service regulations to align with the reinstated policies.
• Presidential Memorandum on Accountability for Senior Executives — President issued a memorandum to enhance accountability among Career Senior Executive Service (SES) officials. The directive mandates the Office of Personnel Management and Office of Management and Budget to issue SES Performance Plans. Agency heads are instructed to reassess and realign SES members, reconstitute Executive Resources Boards, and enforce performance evaluations. The memorandum emphasizes the President's authority to remove SES officials who fail to meet performance standards or violate duties.
• Presidential Memorandum on Hiring Freeze — President issued a memorandum ordering a freeze on hiring Federal civilian employees across the executive branch, effective January 20, 2025. The freeze excludes military personnel and positions related to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety. The Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with other agencies, is tasked with developing a plan to reduce the workforce through efficiency improvements and attrition within 90 days. The memorandum remains in effect for the IRS until further notice.
• Trump removes protections for career employees — President Donald Trump initiated a process to remove protections for career employees within the executive branch, aiming to dismiss officials perceived as part of the "deep state" or insufficiently loyal to him. This action is part of a broader effort to reshape the executive branch and consolidate power by eliminating perceived opposition within the federal workforce. The move signals a significant shift in the treatment of civil service employees under Trump's administration.
• Trump issues executive order on federal workforce accountability — On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Restoring Accountability to Policy-Influencing Positions Within the Federal Workforce." This order reinstates and amends Executive Order 13957, originally issued in 2020, which created Schedule F in the excepted service. The order aims to enhance accountability among federal employees in policy-influencing positions by reinstating the prior administration's policy with modifications. It also revokes Executive Order 14003, which protected the federal workforce, and mandates changes to civil service regulations to align with the new order.
• President Trump signed executive order reinstating Schedule F civil service exemption with amendments — President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, 2025, reinstating and amending Executive Order 13957 (Schedule F), which creates a new "Schedule Policy/Career" category in the excepted service for federal employees in policy-influencing positions. The order removes civil service protections and adverse action procedures for these employees, allowing their dismissal without the procedural safeguards that apply to competitive service employees. The order revokes Executive Order 14003 and directs the Office of Personnel Management to rescind regulations protecting civil service merit principles.
• White House issued memorandum on Senior Executive Service accountability and presidential removal authority — The White House issued a presidential memorandum directing executive agencies to restore accountability for career Senior Executive Service (SES) officials. The memorandum asserts that SES officials must serve at the pleasure of the President and directs the Office of Personnel Management to issue new performance plans within 30 days, requires agency heads to reassign SES members to align with the administration's agenda, instructs agencies to reconstitute performance review boards with noncareer officials as majority members, and authorizes immediate removal of SES officials deemed inconsistent with administration priorities.
• Trump reimplements Schedule F — President Trump reimplemented Schedule F on January 20, 2025, allowing him to potentially purge around 50,000 career civil servants from the federal government. This action revives a controversial policy from his first term aimed at increasing political control over the civil service. Critics argue it undermines the independence and effectiveness of federal agencies.
• Trump reclassified federal employees as political hires — On January 20, 2025, Trump signed an executive order reclassifying thousands of federal employees as political hires, making it much easier for them to be fired. The order reinstates "Schedule F," an executive order Trump signed in his first term seeking to reclassify tens of thousands of federal workers. Biden had rescinded the order. Key Trump aides have called for mass government firings as part of an attack on the "administrative" or "deep" state, a core part of Project 2025.
• Trump plans to revive Schedule F executive order — Donald Trump plans to revive his Schedule F executive order from 2020, which would reclassify tens of thousands of federal employees as political appointees, making them easier to dismiss. This move could dramatically reshape the federal workforce and faces likely legal opposition.
• Trump reclassifies federal employees — President Donald Trump signed an executive order reclassifying thousands of federal employees as political hires, making it easier to fire them. This action reinstates "Schedule F," a policy from Trump's first term, and is part of an effort to target the "deep state" by allowing for mass firings of civil servants deemed politically unreliable.
• Trump administration sued over Schedule F executive order — The National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration following the reinstatement of Schedule F, an executive order that reclassifies thousands of federal workers as political hires, making them easier to fire. The lawsuit seeks injunctive relief, arguing that the order deprives federal workers of due process rights and wrongly applies political appointee rules to career staff. The executive order has been criticized by various labor unions as an attack on federal employees and a return to a political spoils system.
• State Department replaces consular affairs leadership with ideological allies on January 21, 2025 — On the morning of January 21, 2025, the White House immediately removed deputy assistant secretaries from the Bureau of Consular Affairs and replaced them with ideological allies, primarily members of the Ben Franklin Fellowship. This rapid replacement of career diplomats with ideologically vetted personnel was designed to prevent the "deep state" from thwarting administration immigration plans. Most senior members now managing visa policy are BFF members committed to border security and immigration restriction.
• Trump sidelines NSC aides — On January 22, 2025, President Trump sidelined about 160 career employee National Security Council aides. This action is part of a broader effort to consolidate control over national security policy and has raised concerns about the loss of experienced personnel and the impact on national security decision-making.