Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• White House Press Secretary Leavitt responded dismissively to reporter question — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked who pitched Viktor Orban's Hungary as the meeting place for the next Trump-Putin summit. Leavitt responded to the reporter: "Your mom did." The response was characterized as unprofessional and dismissive.

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• Republican leaders attack "No Kings" protest as un-American and falsely associate it with Hamas, antifa, and paid agitation — House Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, and Senator Roger Marshall publicly attacked the planned "No Kings" protest scheduled for October 18, 2025, characterizing it as a "hate America rally" and falsely claiming attendees would be "pro-Hamas," "antifa people," "paid protesters" funded by George Soros, and prone to violence. The protest, organized by hundreds of groups including the ACLU and Human Rights Campaign, is a peaceful demonstration against Trump administration policies. No evidence supports the claims of paid participation or violent intent; the June 2025 No Kings protest drew 4–6 million largely peaceful participants.
• Administration loyalists characterized No Kings rally as hate rally — Administration loyalists spent the week claiming that the No Kings rally scheduled for Saturday, October 18, is a "hate America rally." The rally, sponsored by Indivisible and scheduled to take place across the country including on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, is an anti-authoritarian protest. Indivisible has an extensive track record emphasizing safety and nonviolence. The characterization represents an official effort to delegitimize peaceful protest and mass organizing.
• House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain echoed Speaker Johnson's "Hate America" characterization — House GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain repeated Speaker Johnson's inflammatory framing, stating "We'll see mobs of radicals at the 'I Hate America' rally." This coordinated messaging from Republican leadership amplified the delegitimization of the planned peaceful protests.
• Rep. Dan Meuser characterized "No Kings" rally as "anti-America protest" — Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA) dismissed the "No Kings" rally as an "anti-America protest," predicting it would draw hundreds of thousands while expressing skepticism about the organizers' claims. This continued the Republican messaging strategy of delegitimizing the planned demonstrations.
• Speaker Johnson labeled "No Kings" rallies "Hate America" rallies, escalating partisan rhetoric — Speaker Mike Johnson repeatedly characterized the nationwide "No Kings" rallies scheduled for October 18 as "Hate America" rallies, describing attendees as "Marxists, socialists, Antifa advocates, anarchists, and the pro-Hamas wing of the far left Democrat Party." Johnson claimed the rallies represent hatred of capitalism, principles, and the rule of law. The rallies, organized by the No Kings coalition, have grown to over 2,600 locations with doubled attendance since Johnson's initial October 10 characterization.

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• Sen. Ted Cruz introduced legislation to prosecute funding sources of No Kings protests using RICO statutes — Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) announced on Fox News that he has introduced legislation authorizing the Department of Justice to use RICO statutes to prosecute entities funding the No Kings rallies, claiming without evidence that George Soros and his network are behind the funding. The statement conflates protest funding with potential riot activity and proposes using organized-crime prosecution tools against political opposition groups.

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• Defense Secretary Hegseth demands media sign press restrictions agreement — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanded that media outlets agree not to publish any material about the Defense Department—even if unclassified—unless explicitly authorized by department officials. He set a deadline of 5:00 p.m. on October 15 for outlets to sign the agreement or surrender their press badges. Every major press outlet, including Fox News Channel, refused, citing the First Amendment guarantee of press freedom.
• Pentagon imposes media credential restrictions on defense reporting — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth demanded that media outlets report only information authorized by Department of Defense officials or lose their press credentials. All but one far-right opinion network refused to comply. The Pentagon Press Association declared October 15, 2025 "a dark day for press freedom" and expressed concern about weakening U.S. commitment to transparency and public accountability.
• Pentagon revokes press badges for journalists refusing new reporting restrictions — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth implemented new Pentagon media guidelines requiring journalists to sign restrictive policies governing information solicitation from defense employees. Reporters who declined to sign—including those from the Washington Post, CNN, the Atlantic, and the Guardian—were required to return their press badges by 5 p.m. Wednesday, ending decades of in-house Pentagon coverage. Major television networks issued a joint statement opposing the guidelines as incompatible with free press principles, but proceeded with badge surrender while pledging to continue coverage from outside the building.

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• Federal agents deploy pepper balls against faith leaders and arrest journalists in Chicago — Federal agents in Chicago used pepper balls against faith leaders and arrested journalists during enforcement operations. Speaker Johnson was asked about the conduct and stated he had not seen federal agents "cross the line yet" in their actions.

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• State Department revoked visas of people who criticized Charlie Kirk — On Twitter, the State Department announced it had revoked the visas of at least six people who criticized Charlie Kirk following his killing, writing, "The United States has no obligation to host foreigners who wish death on Americans."

Supporting reports

• Fox News characterizes No Kings protests as pro-Antifa hate America rallies — Fox News surrogates broadcast propaganda characterizing the No Kings protests planned for October 18th as "pro-Antifa hate America rallies," misrepresenting peaceful demonstrations against tyranny and authoritarianism.

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• Meta removes ICE Sightings-Chicagoland group at DOJ request — In October 2025, Meta removed the Facebook group "ICE Sightings-Chicagoland," which had grown to over 80,000 members and was used to post photos and information about ICE officer locations during an ICE operation in Chicago. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated the DOJ requested the removal, claiming the group was being used to "dox and target" ICE agents. Bondi announced the removal as part of a broader DOJ effort to eliminate platforms where "radicals can incite imminent violence against federal law enforcement."
• Attorney General Bondi announced Meta removed Facebook group targeting ICE agents — On Twitter, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that Meta complied with a Justice Department request to take down a Facebook group page that the agency accused of being utilized to "dox and target" ICE agents in Chicago. A spokesperson for Meta said the page was removed for "violating our policies against coordinated harm."

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• Trump endorsed Pentagon press restrictions — Trump endorsed the Pentagon's new press restrictions, saying that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth "finds the press to be very disruptive in terms of world peace," and adding, "The press is very dishonest." Hegseth, who called the restrictions "common sense stuff," accused reporters of trying to get Defense Department employees to "break the law" by leaking information.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon issues restrictive press credential policy; major news outlets refuse to sign — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a new Pentagon press policy requiring journalists to pledge they will not obtain unauthorized material and restricting access to certain areas without official accompaniment. The policy, presented in September and requiring signature by October 14 at 5pm or loss of credentials within 24 hours, was rejected by the Washington Post, New York Times, CNN, the Atlantic, the Guardian, Reuters, Associated Press, NPR, HuffPost, and Breaking Defense. Hegseth responded with dismissive social media posts; Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell claimed outlets mischaracterized the policy as merely requiring acknowledgment of understanding rather than agreement.
• Major news outlets refuse to comply with Pentagon screening mandate — The Washington Post, New York Times, The Atlantic, CNN, Guardian, Breaking Defense, and Newsmax issued statements refusing to comply with new rules mandated by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requiring that reporting on the Pentagon and military issues be submitted for screening and approval by the Department of Defense. Only OAN has signed the mandate so far. Newsmax stated the requirements are "unnecessary and onerous."
• Major media outlets refused to sign Pentagon press policy — Major media outlets, including the New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal, said they wouldn't sign on to a new Defense Department policy that the Pentagon Press Association warned "gags Pentagon employees and threatens retaliation against reporters who seek out information that has not been pre-approved for release." The move marks a mass exodus of Pentagon reporters, who lost their press badges when outlets refused to sign on to the policy.
• Trump endorsed Pentagon press restrictions — Trump endorsed the Pentagon's new press restrictions, saying that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth "finds the press to be very disruptive in terms of world peace," and adding, "The press is very dishonest." Hegseth, who called the restrictions "common sense stuff," accused reporters of trying to get Defense Department employees to "break the law" by leaking information.

Supporting reports

• Trump dismisses journalist and attacks news outlet — During an interview on Air Force One en route to Israel, Trump dismissed journalist Dasha Burns from Politico, stating "Politico has gone bad. They've been so wrong about everything. Let's get somebody else to ask some questions. Politico is fake news." Burns had previously spoken with Trump by phone four days earlier, but Trump claimed not to know who she was.

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• Trump suggests personnel changes at CBS following merger — Trump stated that Larry Ellison and his son, described as "friends of mine" and "big supporters of mine," will "do the right thing" regarding leadership at CBS following a merger. Trump indicated that current CBS anchor Norah O'Donnell will not be the head anchor, suggesting that Trump expects to influence or control CBS personnel decisions based on personal loyalty.

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• Chicago TV journalist arrested and released during ICE raid — Debbie Brockman, a video editor and US citizen employed by WGN television in Chicago, was forcibly arrested by masked federal agents during an ICE enforcement operation in the Lincoln Square neighborhood on Friday morning. Videos show agents pushing her to the ground and handcuffing her; she was accused of throwing objects at a federal vehicle. She was released by 3 p.m. with no charges filed. The incident occurred amid heightened immigration enforcement in Chicago and sparked public outcry.

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• ICE agents arrest Chicago TV producer Debbie Brockman during immigration enforcement operation — Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Debbie Brockman, a U.S. citizen and WGN television producer, on October 10 in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood during an ICE operation. Agents forced her to the ground, handcuffed her, and detained her for approximately seven hours. A Homeland Security official claimed she threw objects at a Border Patrol vehicle and assaulted a federal officer. Brockman was released without charges. Her attorneys dispute the government account, stating she was violently assaulted while walking to a bus stop and was not acting in any professional capacity at the time.
• Border Patrol agents arrest WGN-TV producer Debbie Brockman while recording detention — Masked Border Patrol agents arrested WGN-TV producer Debbie Brockman in Chicago after she recorded agents detaining a Latino man. Agents claimed she obstructed their work; Homeland Security later accused her of throwing objects and assaulting a federal officer. Brockman was released without charges. The arrest occurred one day after a federal judge issued a restraining order protecting journalists from such federal agent conduct.

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• House Majority Whip Tom Emmer labels Democratic opposition as "terrorist wing" — House Majority Whip Tom Emmer joined Speaker Johnson in attacking political opponents, labeling those opposing Trump's destruction of constitutional checks and balances as "the terrorist wing" of the Democratic Party. Emmer characterized the October 18 rally defending constitutional separation of powers as a "hate America rally."
• House Republican leadership claimed No Kings protests are terrorism — House Republican leadership, including Speaker Mike Johnson and GOP Whip Tom Emmer, claimed that the "No Kings" protests scheduled for October 18 on the National Mall are acts of terrorism and alleged that Democratic leadership wants to keep the government shutdown ongoing to avoid facing the protesters. Johnson stated the protests are "Pro-Hamas, Antifa people" and accused House Democrats of selling merchandise for the event. Emmer called the protests "the terrorist wing of their party."
• House Speaker Johnson labels "No Kings" protest as "Hate America rally" — House Speaker Mike Johnson labeled the planned "No Kings" protest scheduled for October 18—a demonstration against Trump's authoritarian overreach—as a "Hate America rally." Republicans also characterized the peaceful protest as "pro-Hamas" or "anti-America."

Supporting reports

• Rutgers professor blocked from boarding flight to Spain after Trump threats against antifa — Mark Bray, a Rutgers University historian who teaches courses on anti-fascism and authored "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook," was prevented from boarding a flight to Spain at Newark airport on October 9. His family's flight reservation was cancelled at the gate without explanation, one day after Trump promised "very threatening" steps against antifa activists. Bray had announced plans to relocate to Europe after receiving death threats, including one vowing to kill him in front of his students. He successfully reboarded a flight to Spain the following evening.

Supporting reports

• Judge Ellis restricts federal agents' use of force in northern Illinois — US District Judge Sara Ellis issued a preliminary injunction restricting federal agents' use of force against protesters and journalists in northern Illinois who do not pose a serious threat. The order prohibits pepper balls, rubber bullets, and physical force such as pulling, shoving, or tackling. Ellis also required federal agents to wear visible identification such as badges, addressing concerns about masked plainclothes officers conducting immigration enforcement operations.
• U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis issues temporary restraining order protecting journalists from federal agents — U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis granted a two-week temporary restraining order prohibiting federal agents from dispersing, arresting, threatening to arrest, or using physical force against journalists in Chicago, unless the agents have probable cause to believe the individual has committed a crime. The order was issued in response to federal agents targeting journalists in Chicago.
• U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis issues temporary restraining order protecting journalists from federal agents in Chicago — U.S. District Judge Sara L. Ellis granted a two-week temporary restraining order prohibiting federal agents in Chicago from dispersing, arresting, threatening, or using physical force against journalists unless probable cause exists that they have committed a crime. The order followed reports of federal agents targeting journalists in the city.
• Temporary restraining order ruling — Chicago Headline Club v. Noem (N.D. Ill.) 1:25-cv-12173 — District Court Judge Ellis issued a temporary restraining order granting plaintiffs' motion and blocking the Trump administration from using force against journalists or ordering crowd dispersal orders unless justified by exigent circumstances in the Chicago area. The order prohibits federal agents from arresting, threatening, or using force against any person they “reasonably should know is a Journalist” without probable cause, using riot control weapons unless necessary to stop an “immediate and serious threat,” and seizing or arresting any non-violent protester without probable cause. The court's ruling enjoins federal agents from this conduct for 14 days (until Oct. 23, 2025).
• Federal judge issues temporary restraining order on protest suppression tactics — A federal judge in Chicago issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday restricting federal agents from using forceful tactics to suppress protests or impede journalists from covering those protests. The order prohibits federal officials from arresting, threatening arrest, or deploying physical force against journalists unless probable cause exists that they have committed a crime. The order came days after prosecutors dropped charges against anti-ICE protesters accused of assaulting federal agents.

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• Major media outlets promote Amazon Prime Day sales while ignoring fraud allegations — CNN, NBC News, the New York Times, Fox News, USA Today, and Marketwatch published articles promoting Amazon Prime Day and Prime Deal Days sales without covering the federal class-action lawsuit alleging fraudulent pricing practices. The outlets earn affiliate revenue when readers click shopping links in their deal-promotion articles; the New York Times reported $70.5 million in affiliate sales revenue in Q2 2025, primarily from its Wirecutter shopping site's Amazon referrals. This financial incentive structure may create conflicts of interest that suppress critical coverage of Amazon's business practices, even as the company faces documented allegations of consumer deception.

Supporting reports

• Federal ICE agents aimed weapon at resident recording their actions in Chicago — Federal ICE agents aimed a weapon at a Chicago resident who was simply recording the agents' actions during enforcement operations. The administration initially mischaracterized the agents' conduct, but subsequent information indicated the agents were the aggressors.
• Federal ICE agents raided and ransacked an apartment building in Chicago, binding residents outside for hours — Federal ICE agents raided and ransacked an apartment building in Chicago, leaving residents—including U.S. citizens and children—bound outside for hours. The administration characterized the operation as targeting dangerous individuals, but subsequent reporting indicated the agents' conduct was excessive.

Supporting reports

• Trump held antifa roundtable with conspiracy theorists — Trump held an "antifa" roundtable with right-wing commentators, including "Pizzagate" conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec. Talking about his effort to criminalize flag burning, a move protected by the First Amendment through the Supreme Court, Trump said, "We took freedom of speech away." Attorney General Pam Bondi noted that, "just like we did with cartels, we're going to take the same approach with antifa." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem compared "antifa," which has no organized structure or leadership, to Tren de Aragua, MS-13, Hamas, and ISIS, saying they are "just as sophisticated" and "dangerous" as other "terrorist" organizations.
• White House issues release characterizing Portland protests as "Antifa-led" terrorism and promoting federal deployment — The White House published a release titled "PORTLAND: Fake News Ignores Antifa Violence, Residents' Pleas for Help" on October 8, 2025. The document characterizes years of Portland protests as an "Antifa-led hellfire" involving "firebombs, beatings, and brazen attacks," accuses news media of denial about "Radical Left's reign of terror," and frames federal resource mobilization as necessary to "safeguard lives and property." The release includes resident testimonies supporting National Guard deployment and a chronology of Portland incidents dating to 2016, attributing violence to "Antifa terrorists" and "Antifa militants."
• White House held "Antifa Roundtable" with far-right influencers to promote narrative of left-wing violence — Trump held an "Antifa Roundtable" at the White House with far-right influencers to promote the narrative that "antifa" is a real organized threat responsible for violence and destruction. Participants included Jack Posobiec, a proponent of the Pizzagate conspiracy theory. The White House used the event to advance claims about left-wing terrorism despite evidence that federal agents had characterized pre-deployment protests as "low energy."
• White House issued press release falsely characterizing Portland protests as "Antifa-led hellfire" — The White House issued a press release claiming that Portland has been consumed for years by an "Antifa-led hellfire" of firebombs, beatings, and attacks on federal officers and property, and accused the media of "shameful denial" about left-wing violence. The characterization contradicted federal agents' own descriptions of the protests as "low energy" before the administration ordered troops into the city.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon Press Association condemned new Defense Department restrictions — The Pentagon Press Association (PPA) released a statement saying new restrictions by the Defense Department for reporters "appear designed to stifle a free press and potentially expose us to prosecution for simply doing our jobs." It added that the restrictions convey "an unprecedented message of intimidation" to everyone within the department. The PPA noted that the new policy could result in reporters losing their credentials "by seeking information that hasn't been pre-approved for formal release, even when the information is entirely classified."
• Pentagon imposes restrictive media access policies requiring journalist sign-off — The Trump administration's Pentagon released revised media guidelines requiring journalists to sign acknowledgment of policies that restrict solicitation of information from Department employees and limit independent reporting. Major news organizations including The New York Times and The Atlantic expressed opposition, citing concerns the policies will stifle press freedom and expose journalists to prosecution. CNN announced it will not sign. The Pentagon Press Association, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, and PEN America all condemned the policies as incompatible with independent journalism, though the Pentagon defended them as reasonable regulations on access privileges.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge allows Texas National Guard deployment to Chicago to proceed while Illinois lawsuit pending — U.S. District Judge April Perry declined to immediately block the deployment of Texas National Guard troops to Chicago in response to a lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul against the Trump administration. The judge allowed the federal government to continue the deployment while it responds to Illinois's suit, setting a midnight Wednesday deadline for the government's reply. Texas Guard members departed Fort Bliss on Monday evening; Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated the administration had not consulted him and called it "Trump's invasion."
• Federal judge declines to block National Guard deployment to Chicago — U.S. District Judge April Perry declined to immediately block Texas National Guard troops from entering Chicago on October 7, 2025, despite a pending lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the city of Chicago seeking to stop the deployment. The judge's refusal to grant an injunction allowed the Trump administration to proceed with mobilizing troops to the city.
• Federal judge holds hearing on legality of Chicago national guard deployment — U.S. District Judge April Perry held a hearing in downtown Chicago on the constitutionality of the national guard deployment after Illinois and Chicago officials filed to declare it illegal. State and city attorneys argued the deployment violates the Constitution and represents a "constitutional crisis," while a Department of Justice lawyer defended it as necessary due to "tragic lawlessness." The hearing drew heavy public turnout requiring an overflow room.
• Judge Ellis restricts federal agents' use of force in northern Illinois — US District Judge Sara Ellis issued a preliminary injunction restricting federal agents' use of force against protesters and journalists in northern Illinois who do not pose a serious threat. The order prohibits pepper balls, rubber bullets, and physical force such as pulling, shoving, or tackling. Ellis also required federal agents to wear visible identification such as badges, addressing concerns about masked plainclothes officers conducting immigration enforcement operations.
• Judge Perry temporarily blocks Trump's national guard deployment in Chicago — US District Judge April Perry issued a temporary restraining order blocking the Trump administration from federalizing or deploying the national guard in Illinois. The order, effective Thursday and lasting two weeks, came after the state of Illinois sued over Trump's directive to send hundreds of troops to Chicago for immigration enforcement and crime reduction. Perry found no credible evidence of rebellion in Illinois and criticized the Department of Homeland Security's characterization of events as "simply unreliable." The White House stated it would appeal.
• U.S. District Judge April M. Perry blocks federal National Guard deployment in Chicago for two weeks — U.S. District Judge April M. Perry issued a temporary restraining order halting the federal deployment of 200 National Guard troops from Texas and 300 from Illinois in and around Chicago for two weeks. Perry stated: "I have found no credible evidence that there is a danger of rebellion in the state of Illinois." She cited grand jury refusals to indict protesters accused of assaulting law enforcement and questioned the Department of Homeland Security's credibility and assessment of conditions in Chicago.
• Grand juries refuse to indict Chicago protesters accused of assaulting law enforcement — Grand juries in Chicago, including one on Tuesday night, refused to indict protesters accused of assaulting law enforcement. Judge Perry cited these refusals in her decision to block the federal National Guard deployment, stating they cast doubt on the Department of Homeland Security's credibility and assessment of conditions in Chicago. The grand jury refusals suggest local juries do not view the alleged assaults as warranting criminal charges.

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• Kristi Noem tours ICE facility in Portland with partisan influencers; Oregon governor accuses federal officers of antagonizing protesters — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited the Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Portland, Oregon, on October 7, accompanied by conservative influencers Benny Johnson, Nick Sortor, and David Medina. Portland police cleared streets and held back reporters from non-partisan outlets while the influencers filmed from the facility roof. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek accused ICE of using disproportionate teargas and inviting influencers to antagonize protesters. A federal judge had previously blocked Trump's effort to federalize Oregon's National Guard, finding claims that Portland was "burning to the ground" were "untethered to the facts."

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• Journalists and protesters sue Trump administration for pattern of brutality in Chicago — Journalists and protesters in the Chicago area filed a lawsuit on October 6, 2025, against the Trump administration alleging a "pattern of extreme brutality" designed to "silence the press and civilians." The suit targeted federal officers' use of force against journalists, peaceful protesters, and religious leaders. On October 9, U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) restricting federal officers' use of flash-bang grenades, tear gas, pepper spray, and other "less-lethal" weapons and tactics. On October 16, after videos emerged of agents throwing tear gas canisters into crowds and charging protesters, Ellis required officers to wear body cameras.
• Coalition of Chicago journalists and organizations sued Trump administration — A coalition of Chicago journalists, non-profit organizations, and unions sued the Trump administration, arguing that federal agents have engaged in a "pattern of extreme brutality" at local protests to "intimidate and silence the press and civilians." The filing notes, "Never in modern times has the federal government undermined bedrock constitutional protections on this scale or usurped states' police power by directing federal agents to carry out an illegal mission against the people for the government's own benefit."

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• Stephen Miller made false claims about ICE officer combat in Portland — Stephen Miller stated on CNN that ICE officers engage in "street battles" and "hand to hand combat every night" against Antifa to come and go from their building in Portland. When asked if characterizing protesters as terrorists was hyperbolic, Miller stated it was not and claimed he was "understating the severity of the situation," calling it "a textbook example of domestic terrorism."
• Stephen Miller posted about "leftwing terrorism" on day of judge's house fire — On the same day as the arson attack on Judge Goodstein's home, Stephen Miller posted that "There is a large and growing movement of leftwing terrorism in this country. It is well organized and funded. And it is shielded by far-left Democrat judges, prosecutors and attorneys general." This post came after the judge had ruled against the administration and after she received death threats.