Trump Action Archive

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• Trump dismisses U.S. military intelligence reporting on Iran missile capabilities — Trump dismissed U.S. military intelligence reporting on Iran's retained missile launcher capabilities as "fake news" from the New York Times, claiming the launchers were "probably 80% gone." He also stated that retrieving enriched uranium from Iran was unnecessary except "from a public relations standpoint" and characterized critical press coverage of his Iran policy as "treasonous."

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• Trump posted fifty-five times on social media accusing political opponents of treason and demanding indictments — Over three hours on the evening of May 12, the president posted fifty-five times on social media, accusing former president Barack Obama, and others he considers enemies, of treason in connection with investigations of his 2016 campaign's ties to Russian operatives and the 2020 election. He reposted a false quotation attributed to Senator John Kennedy, labeled Obama and others "traitors," and demanded that acting attorney general Todd Blanche indict them. The posts also attacked the New York Times, Democratic leaders, and House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries.
• Trump posted 55 times on Truth Social over three hours in a meltdown containing conspiracy theories and false accusations — Trump posted 55 times between approximately 10:15 PM and 1:13 AM, making numerous false and conspiracy-theory-based accusations including claims that Obama attempted a coup in 2016, worked with the CIA to overthrow him, that Dominion voting systems switched votes in 2020, that Obama made $120 million from Obamacare, and that Obama, Clinton, and Comey committed treason. Posts included reposting fake accounts, fabricated quotes, and demands for arrests of political opponents. CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale noted the posts were "detached from reality" and included a completely fabricated quote falsely attributed to GOP Senator John Kennedy that originated from a satire/fakery website.

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• Trump posted on Truth Social accusing media of "virtual treason" for reporting on Iranian military performance — Trump posted on Truth Social while en route to China: "When the Fake News says that the Iranian enemy is doing well, Militarily, against us, it's virtual TREASON in that it is such a false, and even preposterous, statement. They are aiding and abetting the enemy!" He characterized journalists as "American cowards that are rooting against our Country" and "Losers, Ingrates, and Fools."
• Trump posted AI images of U.S. military destroying Iran and labeled media coverage of Iran as treason — The president posted AI-generated images depicting the U.S. military destroying the Iranian military, then posted that media reports characterizing Iran as doing well militarily against the U.S. constituted "virtual TREASON" because such statements were "aiding and abetting the enemy." He also posted an image of a map with Venezuela overlaid with the U.S. flag captioned "51st State."
• Trump attacked reporter aboard Air Force One — Trump called a reporter "treasonous" for reporting accurately about Iran during the Air Force One press conference, using the accusation as a response to critical questioning.
• Trump accuses New York Times reporter of treason — Trump lashed out at New York Times reporter David Sanger after Sanger pointed out that Trump's military actions have not resulted in political change in Iran. Trump declared that Sanger's reporting was "sort of treasonous," using inflammatory language to attack a journalist for factual criticism. The statement represents an attempt to intimidate the press through accusations of disloyalty.

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• Rep. Jamie Raskin questioned on heated Democratic rhetoric; CNN host suggests Democrats bear responsibility for shooting. — Rep. Jamie Raskin appeared on CNN where host Dana Bash asked: "You and your fellow Democrats have used some heated rhetoric against the president. Do you think twice about that when something like that happens?" When Raskin asked what rhetoric she was referring to, Bash responded: "That he's terrible for this country and so on and so forth." The exchange suggested that Democratic criticism of the President bore responsibility for the shooting.
• Trump administration officials and Republican lawmakers blamed Democrats for political violence — Multiple Trump administration officials and Republican members of Congress made public statements blaming Democrats and Democratic rhetoric for inspiring political violence and assassination attempts against Trump. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that "the entire Democrat Party has made their pitch to voters across the country that Trump poses an existential threat to democracy" and that "the left-wing cult of hatred against the president... has gotten multiple people hurt and killed." Senator Rick Scott claimed "Democrats want Trump and Republicans murdered all across this country." Representative Scott Perry attributed violence to "rhetoric from the left, the Democrat Party in particular, that calls Trump a threat to democracy."

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• Trump attacked multiple media figures and political allies on Truth Social — President Trump posted a lengthy tirade on Truth Social personally attacking Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, Alex Jones, and Marjorie Greene, calling them "stupid," "NUT JOBS," and "LOSERS." He criticized their media presence, questioned their intelligence, and suggested they were disloyal to MAGA. The post came hours after Melania's Epstein statement and Trump's claim he was unaware of it beforehand.
• Trump attacked former allies over Iran war opposition — At 4:28 p.m., President Trump's social media account posted attacks on former allies Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, who do not support Trump's war in Iran. Trump called them "stupid people" and claimed their families and everyone else knows it. He reiterated his false claim of winning in a "LANDSLIDE" and suggested MAGA voters love him, while characterizing those opposing his Iran adventure as "not 'MAGA'" and "losers, just trying to latch on to MAGA."

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• Nine activists convicted on terrorism charges in Texas ICE protest case — Nine activists were convicted in Texas federal court on terrorism and related charges stemming from a March 2025 protest outside an ICE facility near Fort Worth. Eight were convicted of riot, explosives, and material support to terrorists; one (Benjamin Song) was convicted of attempted murder after shooting a police officer; a ninth was convicted for moving zines days after the protest. The Trump administration framed the verdict as vindication of its campaign against "antifa," though legal experts and the trial judge noted the charges had no organizational nexus and the terrorism label was legally irrelevant to the convictions.

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• Nine activists convicted on terrorism charges in Texas ICE protest case — Nine activists were convicted in Texas federal court on terrorism and related charges stemming from a March 2025 protest outside an ICE facility near Fort Worth. Eight were convicted of riot, explosives, and material support to terrorists; one (Benjamin Song) was convicted of attempted murder after shooting a police officer; a ninth was convicted for moving zines days after the protest. The Trump administration framed the verdict as vindication of its campaign against "antifa," though legal experts and the trial judge noted the charges had no organizational nexus and the terrorism label was legally irrelevant to the convictions.

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• FBI Director Kash Patel pressed to release decade-old investigative file on Rep. Eric Swalwell. — FBI Director Kash Patel directed agents in the San Francisco office to quickly redact and prepare for public release a decade-old investigative file involving Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and a suspected Chinese intelligence operative, despite no evidence of wrongdoing by Swalwell. The file concerns Christine Fang (Fang Fang), who courted Swalwell and other California politicians from 2011–2015. When FBI agents conveyed concerns about Fang to Swalwell around 2015, he cut off ties and cooperated with investigators. Swalwell was not accused of wrongdoing in the original investigation, and the Republican-led House Ethics Committee closed a two-year investigation in 2023 with no action. Patel has reassigned multiple agents to work on bringing a criminal case against Swalwell, a vocal Trump critic and leading Democratic candidate for California governor.
• Trump FBI director Kash Patel pushes for release of Eric Swalwell investigative records — FBI Director Kash Patel, under the Trump administration, is reportedly pushing to release records from a decade-old FBI investigation into Eric Swalwell's alleged links to a Chinese agent. Swalwell, a Democratic congressman and California gubernatorial candidate, was found cooperative and not suspected of wrongdoing. The move occurs as Swalwell gains traction in the governor's race. Democrats characterize the effort as weaponized retaliation against a political opponent. Swalwell's attorneys issued a cease-and-desist letter on Monday.

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• Trump suggests Democratic lawmakers' criticism of military orders is seditious and punishable by death — Trump suggested that Democratic lawmakers' comments questioning unlawful military orders constitute "seditious behavior, punishable by death." Ninety-three percent of surveyed scholars rated this statement as a threat to democracy, viewing it as an attempt to criminalize political speech and dissent.

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• Conspiracy charges filed against anti-ICE protesters in multiple jurisdictions — Following the Spokane protest, federal prosecutors filed conspiracy charges against demonstrators in Chicago and investigated Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for the same alleged crime. Journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort were also charged with conspiracy to violate religious freedom stemming from coverage of a protest inside a Minnesota church. Both journalists have pleaded not guilty and await trial. Governor Walz condemned the probe as an "authoritarian tactic."

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• Trump endorses FCC chair's threat to revoke broadcast licenses over Iran war coverage — Donald Trump posted on Truth Social expressing he was "thrilled" that FCC Chair Brendan Carr was "looking at the licenses" of news organizations reporting unfavorably on the Iran war. Carr had stated on X that broadcasters running "hoaxes and news distortions" should "correct course before their license renewals come up" or "lose their licenses." In a Reuters interview, Carr said license revocations were "on the table" and accelerated reviews were possible. Trump claimed news outlets "knowingly" disseminated false information and should face treason charges, while Defense Secretary Hegseth barred press photographers and singled out CNN.
• Trump posted social media attacks on New York Times and Wall Street Journal — President Trump posted on social media that the New York Times and Wall Street Journal "actually want us to lose the War" and that their "terrible reporting is the exact opposite of the actual facts." Trump called the outlets "Lowlife 'Papers' and Media" and characterized journalists as "truly sick and demented people that have no idea the damage they cause the United States of America," citing his 2024 election victory as proof that Americans understand events better than "Fake News Media."
• Trump posted that media outlets should face treason charges for false reporting — President Trump posted on social media that media outlets generating stories he characterized as "FAKE" "should be brought up on Charges for TREASON for the dissemination of false information." Trump reiterated support for FCC Chair Brendan Carr's attack on the media and insisted he won the presidential election "IN A LANDSLIDE."

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• Laura Loomer accused Tucker Carlson of being Iranian asset; created list of alleged foreign agents — Laura Loomer posted that Tucker Carlson is an Iranian asset and should be jailed, questioning why he would oppose the U.S. killing the Ayatollah. Loomer stated she created a list of conservative influencers she believes are taking money from Iran, Russia, and Qatar and provided supporting evidence to the DOJ. Loomer accused all listed individuals of violating FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act) and stated they deserve jail time.

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• Nine anti-ICE protesters convicted on terrorism support charges in Texas — Nine protesters were found guilty of providing material support to terrorists and related charges following a July 4, 2025 demonstration at Prairieland detention center near Fort Worth. Prosecutors alleged the defendants were part of an antifa cell and coordinated an ambush on law enforcement; the defendants maintained they planned a peaceful protest and brought firearms for self-defense. The case marked the first federal prosecution alleging individuals were part of an antifa terrorist cell. Sentencing ranges from 10 to life in prison.

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• Kristi Noem refuses to retract "domestic terrorist" claim about unarmed protesters — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared before Congress on March 3, 2026, and refused to retract her statements labeling two unarmed protesters killed by ICE and CBP officers as "domestic terrorists." Senator Dick Durbin challenged her to withdraw the claim, noting that ICE and CBP officials had testified they did not provide information supporting the terrorism allegation. Noem cited "reports from the ground" but offered no evidence.
• Kristi Noem refuses to retract false statements calling killed Minnesotans "domestic terrorists" at Senate oversight hearing — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on March 3 and refused to retract her characterization of two U.S. citizens killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis as "domestic terrorists." Senator Dick Durbin pressed Noem to acknowledge the false accusation against Renee Good and Alex Pretti, but she deflected, citing "chaotic" reports from agents at the scene. The hearing also addressed concerns about arrest quotas, a $220 million advertising contract awarded to a firm run by Noem's former spokesperson, and inspector general complaints of obstruction.

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• Independent journalist Brixton Hughes arrested in connection with Minnesota church protest — Brixton Hughes, identified as an independent journalist, was arrested on Friday morning in connection with the January 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul. Hughes posted on Facebook "Feds at my door" following the arrest. Hughes was among 25 people arrested as part of the DOJ's expanded prosecution of protest participants. Two other journalists, Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, were previously charged over the same protest, though they maintained they were covering it as reporters rather than participating.

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• Rep. Al Green removed from House chamber for holding protest sign during SOTU — Rep. Al Green of Texas stood and held up a sign reading "Black People Aren't Apes" during the State of the Union address and was escorted out by the Sergeant at Arms. Multiple Republican lawmakers, including Sen. Markwayne Mullin, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, and Rep. Troy Nehls, physically attempted to grab and pull the sign from Green's hands. The sign was a direct response to a video Trump had shared on social media earlier in February depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. This was the second consecutive year Green had been removed during a Trump address to Congress.
• Rep. Al Green ejected from State of the Union for protest sign — During Trump's State of the Union address on February 24, Democratic Rep. Al Green was removed from the chamber for holding a sign reading "BLACK PEOPLE AREN'T APES" in protest of Trump's remarks. The ejection occurred as Trump made false claims about election fraud and border security.
• Al Green ejected from State of the Union for holding protest sign — During President Trump's State of the Union address on February 25, 2026, Texas Democratic Congressman Al Green was removed from the House chamber by Speaker Mike Johnson after holding a sign reading "Black people aren't apes!" — a reference to Trump sharing racist video depictions of Barack and Michelle Obama. Green was escorted out as Republican representatives attempted to block the sign from cameras. This marked the second consecutive year Green has been ejected from the annual event.
• Representative Al Green escorted out of State of the Union for protest sign — Representative Al Green (D-TX) was escorted out of the State of the Union address after holding up a sign reading "BLACK PEOPLE AREN'T APES" in reference to Trump's posting of an image depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as apes. The removal occurred during the address.
• Representative Al Green physically removed from State of the Union after displaying sign — During the State of the Union, Rep. Al Green displayed a sign responding to a video the President had shared depicting the Obamas as primates. Multiple lawmakers attempted to seize the sign from his hands, and Green was physically removed from the chamber. The sign conveyed a message affirming basic human dignity and stating that Black people are not apes.
• Representative Al Green escorted out during State of the Union — Representative Al Green was escorted out of the State of the Union address after holding up a sign that read "BLACK PEOPLE AREN’T APES," referencing President Trump's past derogatory comments about the Obamas. This incident highlighted tensions and protests against Trump's rhetoric during the event.

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• Don Lemon arraigned on federal civil rights charges related to Minnesota church protest coverage — Former CNN host and independent journalist Don Lemon pleaded not guilty in federal court in St. Paul, Minnesota, to charges of conspiracy and interfering with congregants' constitutional rights to freely exercise religion. Lemon was arrested while covering a January 18 anti-ICE protest at a Southern Baptist church. His attorney raised First Amendment issues and requested return of Lemon's phone, seized during arrest. Four other defendants, including civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong, also pleaded not guilty. Nine people total have been charged under the 1994 Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act.

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• Federal agents arrested protesters and journalists; White House mocked arrested protester with digitally altered photo — During the Minnesota ICE surge, federal agents arrested protesters and journalists documenting the operations. Following at least one arrest, the White House created and circulated a digitally altered photograph mocking the arrested protester. The action represents use of government resources to ridicule and intimidate dissent.

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• Three women arrested in Los Angeles for livestreaming ICE agent pursuit and posting address — Federal law enforcement arrested three women in Los Angeles for allegedly livestreaming their pursuit of an ICE agent to his home and posting his address online. The women were charged with publicly disclosing the personal information of a federal agent under a statute requiring prosecutors to prove intent to threaten, intimidate, or incite violence. The women have pleaded not guilty and are expected to argue they were simply identifying a taxpayer-funded state employee.

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• FBI Director Kash Patel launches investigation into Signal group chats used by protesters — FBI Director Kash Patel announced on January 26 that he launched an investigation into Signal group chats used by protesters in Minnesota to share information about federal immigration agents, including their locations and license plate numbers. The move targets legally obtained information and the act of recording law enforcement officials, both protected by the First Amendment.
• Justice Department appeals to Eighth Circuit after judge declines to issue arrest warrants for CNN anchor and protesters — Federal prosecutors sought Chief Judge Schiltz's assistance in arresting former CNN anchor Don Lemon and others linked to an anti-ICE church protest. After Schiltz declined to overturn a magistrate's denial of arrest warrants, the Justice Department appealed directly to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The circuit court rejected the government's request, prompting Schiltz to write letters criticizing the Justice Department's approach and highlighting the flood of "illegal" detention cases overwhelming Minnesota courts.
• FBI director announced investigation of Signal chats of Minneapolis observers — FBI Director Kash Patel told a right-wing podcaster that the FBI will investigate Signal chats of those organized in Minneapolis to observe and record federal agents, to determine if they endangered federal agents. Podcaster Benny Johnson suggested the chats were "coordinated infrastructure" and asked the FBI to "take a crack at trying to get rid of this infrastructure the way they approach the mob or cartels or other terrorist networks."
• TikTok suppresses anti-ICE videos following Oracle acquisition — Following TikTok's acquisition by an Oracle-led consortium in late January 2026, users reported inability to upload videos critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Law professor Stephen Vladeck reported his anti-ICE video remained "under review" for nine hours; comedian Megan Stalter and California State Sen. Scott Wiener also reported suppression. TikTok attributed the issue to a data center outage, but the timing coincided with Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison's known Trump loyalty, raising concerns about state influence over the platform's content moderation.
• Federal agents arrested journalist Don Lemon on FACE Act and civil rights conspiracy charges — More than two dozen federal agents arrested independent journalist Don Lemon late on January 29, charging him with violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act and conspiring to hurt the exercise of rights—a Reconstruction-era law originally used against the Ku Klux Klan. Lemon had filmed protesters disrupting a church service in St. Paul, Minnesota, on January 18 at a white nationalist church with ties to the Trump administration. A magistrate judge and federal judge had both refused to issue warrants; the administration then sought indictment via federal grand jury. Lemon stated he would plead not guilty and continue his journalism.
• Federal agents arrest Don Lemon and three journalists — On January 29, federal agents arrested Don Lemon and three other journalists in relation to their coverage of an anti-ICE protest inside a St. Paul, Minnesota church. Lemon has been charged with conspiring to deprive others of their civil rights and violating the FACE Act by allegedly obstructing access to a house of worship. The arrests come one week after a federal magistrate judge rejected the Justice Department's initial request to bring charges. Lemon's lawyer Abbe Lowell called the move an "unprecedented attack on the First Amendment" and a "transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration."
• Federal magistrate and district judge refused to issue arrest warrants for Don Lemon — A federal magistrate judge refused to issue a warrant for Don Lemon and his producer, stating prosecutors had not shown evidence justifying arrest. When the administration asked a federal judge to overturn that decision, the judge also refused, calling the request "unprecedented." The administration then escalated the case to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, which also refused to intervene.
• DOJ charges Don Lemon and three others with civil rights crimes related to Minnesota church protest — The Department of Justice charged former CNN anchor Don Lemon and three others with federal civil rights crimes, alleging they interfered with religious freedom at a church in Minnesota earlier in January. Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles on Thursday while covering the Grammy Awards and released Friday. The charges also invoked the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act. A federal magistrate judge had previously declined to sign an arrest warrant for Lemon, but the DOJ proceeded with charges anyway. The White House celebrated the arrest on social media.
• Don Lemon arrested on charges connected to Minnesota church protest — Ex-CNN anchor Don Lemon, 59, was arrested on charges related to a Minnesota church protest. Lemon, who was terminated by CNN in 2023 following allegations of problematic behavior toward female colleagues and controversial on-air remarks, has since worked as an independent journalist on YouTube. The arrest marks a significant development in his career trajectory following his departure from mainstream media.
• Federal agents arrest journalist Georgia Fort for covering ICE protest at Minnesota church — Georgia Fort, an independent Minnesota journalist, was arrested at her home on January 30 after covering a January 18 protest at St. Paul's Cities church, where a pastor reportedly works for ICE. Fort was charged alongside Don Lemon under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) and conspiracy statutes—charges experts call unprecedented against journalists. The DOJ pursued the case aggressively after a federal judge and appeals court initially refused to charge the journalists; a grand jury eventually secured an indictment. Fort livestreamed her arrest and has since been unable to cover related stories due to legal and safety concerns.
• Federal agents conduct search of Fort's home and question her children — When federal agents arrested Georgia Fort at her home on January 30, approximately two dozen agents remained outside for hours after her arrest. As Fort's family attempted to leave, agents stopped them in the driveway and questioned her children about whether they possessed her laptop or cellphone. Fort's daughters, aged 17, 8, and 7, were terrified by the encounter. The youngest daughter now discusses ICE daily; the oldest has experienced nightmares. Fort stated agents could have waited until children left for school and questioned why so many agents were needed to arrest a journalist.
• Journalist Don Lemon arrested by Trump administration after covering anti-ICE protest — Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested on January 30, 2026, by federal agents at a Los Angeles hotel while covering the Grammy Awards. The Trump administration obtained a federal grand jury indictment against Lemon, independent journalist Georgia Fort, and others on charges of conspiracy and interfering with worshippers' constitutional rights during an anti-immigration enforcement protest at a Minnesota church on January 18. A federal magistrate judge had previously refused to sign an arrest warrant for Lemon. On February 8, Lemon spoke publicly about the arrest, characterizing it as an attack on press freedom and warning that democracy becomes "hollow" when the First Amendment is threatened.
• Federal agents arrested journalist Georgia Fort and two protest participants — Federal agents arrested independent journalist Georgia Fort of Minnesota, along with two protest participants, Trahern Jeen Crews and Jamael Lydell Lundy, in connection with the January 18 church protest in St. Paul. All four people arrested in the past 24 hours are Black.
• Don Lemon arrested on federal civil rights charges — Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested by federal authorities and charged with federal civil rights crimes in connection with a protest at a Minnesota church service earlier in January. The Department of Homeland Security stated Lemon was charged with conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshipers. His attorney Abbe Lowell stated Lemon's "constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done" and characterized the arrest as "an unprecedented attack on the first amendment." Career DOJ prosecutors in Minnesota and Louisiana refused to be involved in charging Lemon and other journalists who covered the Minneapolis church protests, believing the evidence does not support the charges.

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• FBI Director Kash Patel launches investigation into Signal group chats used by protesters — FBI Director Kash Patel announced on January 26 that he launched an investigation into Signal group chats used by protesters in Minnesota to share information about federal immigration agents, including their locations and license plate numbers. The move targets legally obtained information and the act of recording law enforcement officials, both protected by the First Amendment.
• FBI director announced investigation of Signal chats of Minneapolis observers — FBI Director Kash Patel told a right-wing podcaster that the FBI will investigate Signal chats of those organized in Minneapolis to observe and record federal agents, to determine if they endangered federal agents. Podcaster Benny Johnson suggested the chats were "coordinated infrastructure" and asked the FBI to "take a crack at trying to get rid of this infrastructure the way they approach the mob or cartels or other terrorist networks."

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• Border Patrol commander claimed federal agents were victims of shooting — U.S. Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino appeared on CNN's State of the Union and claimed that the true victims of the previous day's shooting were the federal agents involved, not Alex Pretti. Bovino confirmed that the agents who killed Pretti remain on duty, though reassigned elsewhere.
• FBI director claimed Pretti's weapon proved intent to cause trouble — FBI director Kash Patel appeared on Fox News Channel and claimed that the fact Alex Pretti was carrying a weapon proved he was planning trouble, despite Pretti having a legal permit and carrying the weapon as part of his participation in a community-led first-responder network.
• Border Patrol official claims recording police is violence — Border Patrol leader Greg Bovino was pressed on Sunday morning television about claims that Alex Pretti intended to "massacre law enforcement." When asked directly what evidence supported the accusation, Bovino praised law enforcement for preventing something that video evidence does not show was ever going to happen, and characterized Border Patrol agents as "the victims," implying that recording police constitutes violence justifying lethal response.
• Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared on NBC and characterized Pretti's presence at the scene as "not a peaceful protest" and questioned whether he was disarmed. — Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared on NBC and stated that Pretti "was not protesting peacefully" because "He was screaming in the face of ICE. He had a phone up right in ICE's face." When asked if video shows an officer removing a gun before shots were fired, Blanche stated "I do not know and nobody else knows either, which is why we're doing an investigation." When pressed on whether Pretti brandished a gun, Blanche deflected: "We don't know what ICE saw." Blanche also reframed the issue, stating "Every American should be bothered. But they should be bothered that ICE is going to arrest a criminal and they have zero support from local law enforcement."
• FBI Director Kash Patel stated on Fox News that people "do not get to attack law enforcement officials in this country without any repercussions" and declined to address whether Pretti brandished a weapon. — FBI Director Kash Patel appeared on Maria Bartiromo's Fox News show and stated "You do not get to attack law enforcement officials in this country without any repercussions. We not messing around." When Bartiromo asked how Pretti was threatening Border Patrol or using a gun to threaten, Patel deferred to DHS, saying "That's something I'll let DHS because they are investigating that case." When asked if Pretti brandished a gun, Patel responded "We don't know what ICE saw," avoiding a direct answer despite video evidence showing Pretti holding a phone.
• FBI Director Kash Patel stated that Governor Walz's rhetoric encouraging people to film ICE agents "is exactly what's leading to violence" and should be "examined thoroughly." — FBI Director Kash Patel was asked to respond to a video of Governor Tim Walz telling people to film ICE agents. Patel stated "I think that type of rhetoric is exactly what's leading to violence - it should be examined thoroughly as to anyone who's involved in inciting this type of violence."
• Pete Hegseth posted support for ICE agents and criticism of Minnesota leadership. — Pete Hegseth posted "Thank God for the patriots of ICE - we have your back 100%. You are SAVING the country. Shame on the leadership of Minnesota - and the lunatics in the street. ICE > MN."
• President Trump posted a statement mischaracterizing Pretti's actions and calling for local police to be removed from ICE operations. — President Trump posted on social media hours after the shooting, stating Pretti had a "loaded" gun "with two additional full magazines" and asking "Where are the local Police? Why weren't they allowed to protect ICE Officers?" Trump claimed the Mayor and Governor "called them off" and asserted that "many of these Police were not allowed to do their job." He concluded by urging "LET OUR ICE PATRIOTS DO THEIR JOB!" The post echoed false DHS characterizations and contradicted video evidence showing Pretti holding a phone, not a gun.
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Pretti "brought a semiautomatic weapon to what was supposed to be a peaceful protest" despite no evidence of brandishing. — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on ABC and stated "I'm sorry he is dead, but he did bring a semiautomatic weapon to what was supposed to be a peaceful protest." When the host noted there is no evidence Pretti brandished the gun, Bessent responded "But he brought a gun!" The host countered "We do have a second amendment in this country," highlighting the constitutional right to carry a lawfully permitted firearm.
• Vice President JD Vance posted that the ICE situation in Minneapolis is the result of "far left agitators, working with local authorities" and blamed local leadership for refusing to cooperate with ICE. — Vice President JD Vance posted on social media that "This level of engineered chaos is unique to Minneapolis. It is the direct consequence of far left agitators, working with local authorities." He also stated "When I visited Minnesota, what the ICE agents wanted more than anything was to work with local law enforcement so that situations on the ground didn't get out of hand. The local leadership in MN has so far refused to answer those requests." Vance retweeted a post from Stephen Miller characterizing Pretti as "An assassin tried to murder federal agents."
• Kash Patel declares firearms prohibited at protests — White House official Kash Patel declared on a Sunday morning show that individuals cannot bring loaded firearms with multiple magazines to any protest, effectively redefining the scope of First and Second Amendment protections. He simultaneously claimed the administration protects First Amendment speech while redefining peaceful protest to exclude those who record law enforcement or stand near demonstrations.
• Rep. Scalise redefines lawful firearm possession as crime at protests — Republican Rep. Steve Scalise appeared on a Sunday morning show and attempted to reconcile support for concealed carry with a claim that no one may carry a firearm while committing another crime. He implied that Alex Pretti, who was lawfully armed and filming law enforcement at a protest, had committed a crime, despite video evidence showing no criminal conduct and Minnesota authorities confirming lawful carry.
• Republican Senator Mike Lee called for the National Guard to be sent to Minneapolis. — Republican Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) posted "Send in the National Guard" in response to the Pretti shooting and the broader ICE operations in Minneapolis.
• Secretary Noem misrepresents Minnesota law on concealed carry at protests — Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem appeared on a Sunday morning show and misstated Minnesota concealed carry law, implying that permit holders should leave firearms behind if they intend to protest. When confronted with evidence that Alex Pretti was legally permitted to carry, she defaulted to claims about impeding law enforcement operations and consequences, without addressing the lawfulness of his conduct.
• Treasury Secretary Bessent defends use of lethal force against armed protester — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on a Sunday morning television show and defended the killing of Alex Pretti, a legally armed protester in Minneapolis, by stating that Pretti's lawful possession of a loaded nine-millimeter semi-automatic weapon with two cartridges at a protest justified the use of force. Bessent characterized protesters as "paid agitators" and blamed state leaders while ignoring that lawful concealed carry is constitutionally protected.

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• ICE agent labeled legal observer as domestic terrorist for recording — An ICE agent in Maine photographed a legal observer's car and, when questioned about why he was taking her information, responded that she was being added to a database and "considered a domestic terrorist." The agent appeared to be referencing Trump's September 25, 2025, memo NSPM-7, which describes opposition to the administration's policies—protected by the First Amendment—as "domestic terrorism."

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• Attorney General Bondi announced arrests of church protest organizers — Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of Nekima Levy Armstrong, whom she characterized as having "allegedly played a key role in organizing the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul." Bondi later announced a second arrest of Chauntyll Louisa Allen. Bondi stated the arrests were made "at my direction" and emphasized that the administration does not tolerate "attacks on places of worship."
• DOJ filed criminal complaints against church protest participants — The Department of Justice filed criminal complaints against seven protesters who entered St. Paul's Cities Church in Minnesota and interrupted a service. Arrests were made throughout the day. The DOJ also attempted to charge journalist Don Lemon, but a federal magistrate judge refused to sign the complaint, requiring the DOJ to pursue a grand jury indictment if it wishes to proceed against Lemon.
• Three arrested for anti-ICE protest at Minnesota church — Three people—Nekima Levy Armstrong, Chauntyll Louisa Allen, and William Kelly—were arrested on Thursday in connection with a protest at Cities church in St Paul, Minnesota on Sunday. Demonstrators had alleged that pastor David Easterwood was the acting field director of the St Paul ICE office. Armstrong was charged under a statute criminalizing conspiracy to block someone from exercising civil rights. The White House and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem celebrated the arrest on social media.

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• DOJ Civil Rights Division opened investigation into church protest for potential FACE Act violations. — DOJ Civil Rights Division Chief Harmeet Dhillon announced an investigation into potential violations of the federal FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act) by protesters who disrupted a Sunday service at Cities Church in Minneapolis to protest a pastor they claimed works for ICE. Dhillon stated that houses of worship are protected spaces and that the First Amendment does not protect disrupting a prayer service. She indicated the investigation will determine how many people were involved and how many charges will be brought.
• Harmeet Dhillon announced potential prosecution under Ku Klux Klan Act. — DOJ Civil Rights Division Chief Harmeet Dhillon stated on Benny Johnson's podcast that she is looking at prosecuting Don Lemon and the church protesters under the Ku Klux Klan Act, which makes it illegal to terrorize and violate citizens' civil rights. She warned that "the fullest force of the federal govt is going to come down and prevent this from happening and put people away for a long time." She also characterized protesters as "godless people" unfamiliar with houses of worship.
• DOJ Assistant Attorney General threatens Black journalist with KKK Act prosecution — On MLK Day, Justice Department Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon threatened to invoke the Ku Klux Klan Act to bring conspiracy charges against Black journalist Don Lemon after he covered an anti-ICE protest inside a St. Paul, Minnesota church. Later in the week, a federal magistrate judge rejected the DOJ's initial attempt to bring charges against Lemon.
• Justice Department threatens Black journalist with KKK Act conspiracy charge on MLK Day — Harmeet Dhillon, the Justice Department's Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, threatened to invoke the Ku Klux Klan Act to bring a conspiracy charge against Black journalist Don Lemon after he covered an anti-ICE protest inside a St. Paul church on MLK Day. A federal magistrate judge later rejected the Justice Department's initial attempt to bring charges against Lemon.