Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Fox News ceased coverage of Epstein after Trump's directive — After discussing Epstein coverage extensively for days, Fox News shut down all mentions of Epstein following Trump's post demanding the base move on. Media Matters reported that as of noon ET on July 14, Fox News had zero live mentions of Epstein while maintaining 46 mentions of Biden, demonstrating coordinated suppression of coverage aligned with Trump's directive.
• Fox News and Newsmax declined to air Wall Street Journal Epstein story — Fox News host Laura Ingraham announced on air that the network would discuss a new Wall Street Journal story about Trump and Epstein but did not follow through after the commercial break. Newsmax also did not mention the story on air, indicating editorial decisions to suppress coverage of the report.

Supporting reports

• Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara remains in ICE custody despite bond order — AP reported that Spanish-language journalist Mario Guevara is still in ICE custody despite a judge ordering his release on bond last week. Guevara, who was arrested last month while covering the "No Kings" protest, continues to face deportation proceedings.

Supporting reports

• Trump calls for supporters to stop focusing on Epstein files — On July 12, 2025, President Trump posted on Truth Social urging his supporters to stop pursuing the Epstein files, calling the matter a distraction from his administration's accomplishments. Trump wrote that supporters should "not waste Time and Energy on Jeffrey Epstein, somebody that nobody cares about" and criticized "selfish people" trying to hurt the administration over the issue. The post was notably "ratioed" on Truth Social—receiving more comments than likes—suggesting unusual disagreement from his base.
• Trump posts lengthy social media screed defending Bondi and attacking critics — At 5:21 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday, July 12, Trump posted a long, incoherent message on Truth Social defending Attorney General Pam Bondi and attacking "selfish people" trying to hurt his "PERFECT administration" by focusing on Epstein. He suggested the Epstein files were created by Obama, Hillary Clinton, Comey, Brennan, and Biden administration officials, and called for focus on voter fraud and political corruption instead. The post received more comments than likes or shares, indicating disapproval from his own followers.
• Trump posts social media message dismissing Epstein files as Democratic fabrication — Trump posted a lengthy message on social media on July 12, 2025, characterizing the Epstein files as a "Jeffrey Epstein Hoax" created by "Radical Left Democrats" and other supposed enemies. He dismissed the matter as a scam and criticized his own supporters for demanding the administration release the files, calling them "weaklings" and stating he no longer wanted their support.
• Trump posted on Truth Social defending AG Pam Bondi amid MAGA base backlash over Epstein files — Trump posted a lengthy message on Truth Social defending Attorney General Pam Bondi against criticism from his MAGA base, claiming the Epstein files were created by Obama, Hillary Clinton, and other Democratic figures. The post backfired severely; after 24 hours it received over 40,000 replies, 99% negative, all from Trump supporters. The post triggered the largest rift in the MAGA movement since the author began covering it five years ago, with prominent MAGA figures, podcasters, and influencers expressing betrayal and disillusionment.
• Trump posts unhinged Truth Social rant about Epstein files closure — Trump posted a 400-word Truth Social message attacking critics of his administration's decision to close the Epstein file, calling them "selfish people" and claiming "We have a PERFECT Administration." He directed the FBI and Director Kash Patel to focus instead on "Voter Fraud, Political Corruption, ActBlue, The Rigged and Stolen Election of 2020," dismissing the Epstein matter as unimportant.
• Trump posted on Truth Social about Epstein and blamed Obama for cover-up — Trump posted on Truth Social on Saturday night telling followers to move on from Epstein allegations while blaming Obama for covering up "everything." The post received over 46,000 replies, with over 90% negative responses from Trump's base. The post attempted to shift focus away from the Epstein matter while attributing responsibility to the previous administration.
• Trump dismisses Epstein question at cabinet meeting — When a reporter asked Trump about Epstein during a press opportunity at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump responded dismissively, saying "Are you still talking about Jeffrey Epstein? This guy's been talked about for years. Are people still talking about this guy? This creep? That is unbelievable." His attempt to downplay the story drew further attention to it.
• Trump claims Epstein files were "made up" by Comey and Obama — Speaking to reporters, Trump claimed that the Epstein files were "made up" by former FBI Director James Comey, along with former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, comparing the matter to investigations of the 2016 Trump campaign's ties to Russia. The claim contradicts the existence of documented criminal proceedings.
• Trump dismisses Epstein inquiry as "hoax" and attacks supporters demanding transparency — President Trump posted on Truth Social calling supporters who question the administration's handling of Jeffrey Epstein case details "weaklings" and accused them of falling for a "radical left hoax." He told reporters the case was "boring" but said he would release "credible" files without defining the term. The Justice Department and FBI had announced the previous week that Epstein died by suicide and no client list would be released, sparking backlash from Trump's base and calls from House Speaker Mike Johnson for full transparency.
• Trump rants about Epstein backlash on Truth Social — On Truth Social, Trump ranted about the Epstein backlash, which he calls a "Hoax," saying his "PAST supporters have bought into this 'bullshit,' hook, line, and sinker," called them "weaklings," and said he doesn't want their support anymore. The post demonstrates Trump's frustration with criticism of his handling of the Epstein matter.

Supporting reports

• Mahmoud Khalil files $20m damages claim against Trump administration for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution — Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and Palestinian activist detained by the Trump administration for over three months, filed a $20 million damages claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act against the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and the State Department. The claim alleges false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, and defamation as an antisemite in connection with his pro-Palestinian campus activism and deportation proceedings. Khalil was released in June 2025 after months in immigration detention without criminal charges.

Supporting reports

• Justice Department files statement of interest in deplatforming antitrust case — The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division filed a statement of interest in federal court in Children's Health Defense et al. v. Washington Post et al., a case in which plaintiffs allege they were deplatformed for sharing independent COVID-19 commentary. The DOJ statement argues that antitrust law protects viewpoint competition in news markets and that companies abusing market power to suppress independent voices harm competition and the free flow of information. The filing positions the Antitrust Division as defending "free markets, including the marketplace of ideas."

Supporting reports

• Federal prosecutors charge nine protesters with conspiracy for blocking ICE transport — Federal prosecutors brought conspiracy charges against nine demonstrators who protested Joswar Torres's detention in June 2025, including blocking an ICE transport vehicle. The charges mark an escalation in prosecuting First Amendment protest activity. Richard Barker, a career DOJ prosecutor and acting U.S. attorney for eastern Washington, resigned rather than sign the indictments, citing that protesters were exercising free speech rights and witnessing injustice.
• War veteran faces six-year prison sentence for protest participation — Bajun Mavalwalla, an Afghanistan war veteran, was charged with conspiracy for participating in the June 2025 protest against Torres's detention. He faces up to six years in prison if convicted and has pleaded not guilty, intending to take the case to trial. His prosecution exemplifies the federal government's aggressive pursuit of protest participants.

Supporting reports

• White House issues release attributing ICE facility attacks to Democratic rhetoric — The White House published a release on July 9, 2025, attributing a reported 700% surge in assaults on ICE agents to "dangerous, inflammatory rhetoric from Democrat politicians." The release cites three specific incidents: a July 4 ambush at an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas, where one officer was shot in the neck; a July 4 assault on federal agents at an ICE facility in Portland, Oregon; and a July 7 shooting at a Border Patrol facility in McAllen, Texas. The release then catalogs statements by Democratic officials and mayors, characterizing them as incitement.

Supporting reports

• DOJ lawyer argued First Amendment has "nuances" for non-citizens — During a court hearing involving a First Amendment lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's efforts to deport pro-Palestinian academics and student activists, a Justice Department lawyer argued that "there are nuances to the First Amendment" for non-citizens when it comes to "national security, foreign policy, immigration enforcement, and enforcement discretion," 10 minutes after admitting that all people in the US "share the same rights under the First Amendment."

Supporting reports

• Trial begins on Trump administration's deportation policy targeting pro-Palestinian students — A federal lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's effort to deport foreign students based on pro-Palestinian political speech commenced trial in Massachusetts federal court on July 7, 2025. Brought by the American Association of University Professors, university chapters, and the Middle East Studies Association, the case represents the first legal challenge to reach trial on what critics call "ideological deportation." Witnesses testified about a chilling effect on campus speech, with noncitizen scholars self-censoring academic work and declining to teach or publish on Palestine-related topics. The government denies a formal policy exists but claims authority to deport noncitizens whose presence it deems a threat to U.S. foreign policy, even absent criminal conduct.

Supporting reports

• Trump Media launched Truth+ streaming service — Trump Media & Technology Group launched a global streaming service, ironically named Truth+. The streamer includes the right-wing cable channel Newsmax.

Supporting reports

• US Army veteran charged with federal conspiracy for participating in ICE protest — Bajun Mavalwalla, a 36-year-old US Army veteran, was arrested in July 2025 and charged with conspiracy to impede federal officers after participating in a June 2025 protest against ICE in Spokane, Washington. He faces six years in prison, three years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Mavalwalla has pleaded not guilty and refuses to accept a plea deal. The case reflects an escalation in Trump administration prosecutions of anti-ICE protesters, with the DOJ issuing a memo prioritizing such prosecutions.

Supporting reports

• Paramount settled Trump lawsuit for $16 million — Paramount announced it will settle Trump's lawsuit related to the 2024 '60 Minutes' interview with Kamala Harris for $16 million. A portion of the funds will pay for Trump's fees and costs, and the remainder will be donated to his future presidential library. The settlement did not include an apology but included a provision requiring release of future '60 Minutes' interview transcripts. The settlement represents a major payment to Trump from a media company.
• CBS ends Stephen Colbert's late-night show — CBS announced in July that it would end Stephen Colbert's late-night show in May 2026. Colbert is an outspoken Trump critic who had criticized Paramount for settling with Trump days before the announcement, calling it a "big fat bribe." CBS attributed the cancellation to financial reasons and stated it was unrelated to the show's content. Trump celebrated the decision on Truth Social, writing "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired."
• Paramount settles Trump lawsuit; CBS News hires Trump loyalist ombudsman — In July 2025, CBS News' parent company Paramount paid $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Trump, described in the article as "frivolous." In September 2025, CBS News hired a Trump loyalist to serve as ombudsman, tasked with reviewing news coverage for alleged "bias." These moves signal a shift in editorial direction at a historically fact-based news organization.
• Paramount settles Trump defamation lawsuit over CBS News 60 Minutes interview — Paramount agreed to a $16 million settlement with Trump after he sued CBS News over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris that aired in October 2024. Trump claimed the interview was edited to make Harris look better and constituted "election interference," though editing interviews for clarity and length is standard journalistic practice. The settlement occurred as part of Paramount's broader effort to secure Trump administration approval for its merger with Skydance.

Supporting reports

• Border czar encouraged DOJ to investigate CNN over ICEBlock reporting — Border czar Tom Homan encouraged the Department of Justice to investigate CNN over its reporting on the ICEBlock app, which notifies users when ICE agents are nearby. The request represents an attempt to use law enforcement to retaliate against press coverage of government operations.
• Trump administration threatens to prosecute CNN over IceBlock app reporting — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and border czar Tom Homan announced that the Department of Justice is investigating whether to prosecute CNN for reporting on the IceBlock app, which allows users to track ICE agents. Noem stated the reporting "actively encourages people to avoid law enforcement" and constitutes illegal conduct. Trump added that CNN should also be prosecuted for reporting on Iran strikes. CNN defended its coverage as factual reporting on a publicly available app.
• Homeland Security Secretary said DOJ will prosecute CNN for ICEBlock coverage — Speaking at the new immigration detention facility in the Everglades dubbed "Alligator Alcatraz," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her department is working with the DOJ to potentially prosecute CNN for its coverage of the ICEBlock app. Trump added that CNN may also be prosecuted "for false reports on the attack on Iran." The statements represent threats of criminal prosecution against a news organization.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatened to prosecute reporters for leaking intelligence — Trump was asked about his post demanding that Democrats be prosecuted for allegedly leaking an intelligence report showing Trump was lying about Iran. When asked who specifically leaked it and what proof he had it was Democrats, Trump responded: "We can find out. You go up and tell the reporter, 'national security, who gave it to you?' You have to do that. And I suspect we'll be doing things like that." Trump indicated he would threaten to jail reporters citing "national security" if they do not reveal their sources.
• Trump suggested forcing reporters to identify anonymous sources on national security grounds — In a Fox interview, Trump suggested his administration will compel reporters who broke stories about early intelligence assessments on Iran to identify anonymous sources, citing national security. Trump stated, "You go up and tell the reporter: National security. Who gave it? You have to do that, and I suspect we'll be doing things like that." The statement signals intent to use national security claims to suppress press freedom and whistleblowing.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of rural broadband program fees — The Supreme Court decided FCC v Consumers' Research, upholding the constitutionality of fees collected for a rural broadband program. The decision split the conservative bloc, with Gorsuch, Roberts, and Barrett supporting the program's funding mechanism, while Kavanaugh, Alito, and Thomas opposed it as an expansion of administrative state authority.
• Supreme Court upholds Texas age-verification requirement for pornographic websites — The Supreme Court decided Free Speech Coalition Inc v Paxton, upholding Texas's requirement for age verification on pornographic websites. Justice Kagan dissented, noting the law has already driven porn operators out of Texas due to estimated costs of $40,000 per 100,000 verifications. She argued the requirement creates an unconstitutional barrier to adult access to first-amendment-protected content by forcing users to surrender personal information and viewing habits to website operators.
• US Supreme Court upholds Texas age-verification law for pornography websites — The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Texas law HB 1181, requiring pornography websites to verify visitors' ages before accessing adult material, is constitutional and does not violate free speech rights. Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that the statute advances the state's interest in shielding children from sexually explicit content and is appropriately tailored. The Free Speech Coalition, representing adult entertainment companies including Pornhub, had challenged the law. Pornhub has remained unavailable in Texas since March 2024 in protest. The ruling sets precedent for two dozen states with similar age-verification laws.
• Supreme Court releases opinion in Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton (23-1122) — The Supreme Court released an official slip opinion in Free Speech Coalition, Inc. v. Paxton. Docket number(s): 23-1122.

Supporting reports

• Defense Secretary Hegseth held press conference defending Iran strike claims — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held a press conference on June 26, 2025, defending the Trump administration's characterization of recent military strikes against Iran. Hegseth stated that "President Trump directed the most complex and secretive military operation in history, and it was a resounding success resulting in a ceasefire agreement and the end of the 12-day war." He appeared to rebuke media outlets for contradicting the administration's narrative that the strikes had "completely obliterated" Iran's nuclear weapons program.
• Fox News correspondent Jennifer Griffin challenged Hegseth on Iran uranium claims — Fox News chief national security correspondent Jennifer Griffin asked Secretary Hegseth whether he was certain that highly enriched uranium had not been moved prior to the strikes. Hegseth responded angrily, telling Griffin she had been "the worst" and "misrepresents the most, intentionally, what the president says." Griffin defended her reporting record. Fox analyst Brit Hume subsequently defended Griffin on air, stating the attack on her was unfair and praising her professionalism and Pentagon expertise.
• Secretary of Defense Hegseth conducted press conference attacking media over Iran nuclear assessment — Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth held a press conference with Joint Chiefs Chair Dan Caine to defend the Trump administration's claims about the Iran bombing campaign. Hegseth angrily attacked the press for publishing a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report contradicting Trump's assertion that Iran's nuclear program had been "completely obliterated." Hegseth interrupted Caine, ranted about media bias, and accused journalists of cheering against Trump. The briefing appeared designed to pressure the intelligence community into supporting the administration's narrative rather than presenting independent assessment.

Supporting reports

• DOD social media account posted attack on press — Secretary of Defense Hegseth hired a right-wing social media influencer to run the official Department of Defense social media account. The account posted a screenshot of Trump's praise for Hegseth's press conference with the caption: "SecDef just called out the Fake News: 'I mean specifically you, the press core, because you cheer against Trump so hard…'" The post used the official DOD account to amplify attacks on the press and promote partisan messaging.

Supporting reports

• ICE and CoreCivic Plan to Open California's Largest Immigration Jail — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has partnered with CoreCivic, a private prison contractor, to convert a shuttered 2,500-bed prison in California City into the state's largest immigrant detention center. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to increase detention capacity amid a crackdown on immigration. CoreCivic has received $10 million in initial funding for a six-month contract to transform the facility. The plan has sparked significant opposition from advocacy groups and local residents, who argue it will lead to long-term harm and economic detriment to the community.
• Gavin Newsom sues Fox News for defamation over edited Trump call footage — California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News on Friday, demanding $787 million in damages. The suit alleges that Fox host Jesse Watters aired a deceptively edited clip of Donald Trump to falsely claim Newsom lied about the timing of a phone call with Trump regarding military deployment to Los Angeles. Records show the call occurred on June 7, not immediately before the June 10 deployment announcement. The lawsuit also invokes California's Unfair Competition Law and mirrors the $787.5 million Dominion settlement Fox paid in 2023.
• Gov. Newsom filed defamation lawsuit against Fox News and Jesse Watters — California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News and host Jesse Watters after Watters aired a deceptively edited clip and made false claims about Newsom's communications with Trump. Newsom's legal team stated they would drop the suit if Fox issues a public retraction and Watters apologizes on air. The damages figure matches Fox's 2023 Dominion settlement.

Supporting reports

• Kari Lake testified VOA should be eliminated as independent agency — Kari Lake, Trump's appointee to oversee the US Agency for Global Media, testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee that President Trump wants to completely eliminate VOA as an independent agency. Lake argued the agency "does not know how to manage" and is disrespectful to taxpayers. She made unsubstantiated claims about security screening failures and suggested folding VOA's remaining functions into the State Department, referencing the 1940s-1950s as "glory days" when there were "guardrails on what the story of America was being told."

Supporting reports

• Trump baselessly claimed CNN and New York Times coordinated against him — On June 24, Trump baselessly claimed on Truth Social that CNN and the New York Times "TEAMED UP IN AN ATTEMPT TO DEMEAN ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL MILITARY STRIKES IN HISTORY," and continued to say Iran's nuclear sites were "COMPLETELY DESTROYED!"

Supporting reports

• Federal judge chastised Trump administration for Voice of America non-compliance — On June 23, a federal judge chastised the Trump administration for failing to comply with a preliminary injunction related to mass firings of Voice of America employees. The judge required the administration to provide information about its compliance with statutory obligations for running the news organization and the US Agency for Global Media, asking "What would be the point of Voice of America if there is no voice?" and questioning whether a contempt trial should be launched.

Supporting reports

• Denial of entry and deportation of work visa holder "Jonathan" — A man with a US work visa provided an anonymous account of being denied entry to the US after a trip to Australia to scatter his sister's ashes. He was pulled aside on arrival in Houston, Texas, and accused of selling drugs and having improper paperwork. After detention for over a day, he was put on a flight back to Australia despite having worked on the US east coast for five years and living with his girlfriend.
• Denial of entry and detention of UK Subs band members — Members of the punk rock band UK Subs were denied entry and detained in the US on their way to play a gig in Los Angeles after being questioned about visas. Bassist Alvin Gibbs stated he wondered whether his frequent and critical public comments about Trump and his administration played a role. The three band members were kept in harsh conditions for 24 hours then deported back to the UK.
• Denial of entry to French scientist for criticizing Trump administration — A French scientist was denied entry to the US after immigration officers at an airport searched his phone and found messages in which he had expressed criticism of the Trump administration. The researcher was on his way to a conference in Texas. France's minister of higher education and research, Philippe Baptiste, stated that "freedom of opinion, free research, and academic freedom are values that we will continue to proudly uphold."
• Detention and alleged abuse of German green-card holder Fabian Schmidt — Fabian Schmidt, a 34-year-old German national and US green-card holder, was apprehended by border officials as he returned to New Hampshire from a trip to Luxembourg. His family stated he was held for hours at Boston's Logan airport, stripped naked and put in a cold shower, then deprived of food and medicine, and collapsed. His case is being investigated. He was released from ICE detention in Rhode Island in mid-May.
• Detention and deportation of British graphic artist Rebecca Burke — British graphic artist Rebecca Burke was arrested at the border while traveling from Seattle to Canada as a backpacker due to a visa mix-up. She became one of 32,809 people arrested by ICE during the first 50 days of Trump's presidency. After nearly three weeks of grueling detention conditions, she smuggled out poignant drawings of fellow detainees when released.
• Detention and deportation of German tourist Jessica Brösche — German tourist and tattoo artist Jessica Brösche, 29, from Berlin was detained by US immigration authorities and deported back to Germany after more than six weeks in US detention, including eight days in solitary confinement. Her family compared her ordeal to "a horror film."
• Detention and questioning of US citizen attorney Amir Makled at airport — Amir Makled, a Detroit-born attorney, was questioned at the airport upon returning from vacation and flagged to a terrorism response team. He was kept behind and pressured to hand over his phone and some of its contents. Makled represents a pro-Palestinian student protester arrested at the University of Michigan. Experts said the incident was evidence of a weakening of Fourth Amendment constitutional protections at the border against unreasonable search and seizure.
• Detention of Canadian visitor Jasmine Mooney in ICE facilities — Canadian Jasmine Mooney was shackled and detained in ICE facilities for two weeks over an alleged work visa irregularity while visiting California. She spoke out about harsh detention conditions, information blackouts, and her outrage that many other detainees she met remain stranded without access to resources that helped her secure release.

Supporting reports

• White House issued compilation of congressional statements supporting military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — The White House published a compilation of statements from Republican lawmakers in Congress expressing support for military strikes conducted against Iranian nuclear facilities. The document presents statements from Senate and House Republicans characterizing the strikes as necessary action against Iran's nuclear program, with lawmakers framing the operation as "peace through strength" and emphasizing Iran's status as a state sponsor of terrorism. The statements do not constitute new policy announcements but rather curate existing public statements of support.
• White House releases statement on precision strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities — The White House issued a press release compiling statements from Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio from Sunday morning television appearances. The officials stated that the Trump administration conducted precision strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming to have destroyed Iran's nuclear program without civilian casualties. They characterized the strikes as a response to failed diplomacy and stated the administration remains open to negotiated settlement if Iran chooses diplomacy, while warning of "overwhelming force" if Iran retaliates.

Supporting reports

• DHS falsely claims U.S. citizen assaulted border patrol agents after being detained outside car repair shop — Border Patrol agents detained a 29-year-old U.S. citizen outside his car repair shop. In video footage, the man repeatedly stated he was an American citizen while an agent pushed him into a metal gate. He was eventually released. After the Los Angeles Times published a story documenting rising "fears of racial profiling," DHS issued a press release calling the reporting "fake news" and claiming the man "ASSAULTED US Customs and Border Protection Agents," contradicting the video evidence.

Supporting reports

• JD Vance conducts Los Angeles press conference excluding local reporters — Vice-president JD Vance visited Los Angeles on June 21 to tour federal immigration enforcement operations and held a 14-minute press conference. The White House selected only national reporters; local Los Angeles journalists were barred from attending. Vance blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom and LA Mayor Karen Bass for encouraging violent protests against federal immigration raids, claiming sanctuary city policies enabled rioters. He made a joke misidentifying Senator Alex Padilla as "Jose Padilla," conflating him with a 2002 terrorism suspect.