Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

• Wall Street Journal reported Trump wants new CNN ownership and programming changes — The Wall Street Journal reported on December 8 that as part of his efforts to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, Paramount chief executive David Ellison told Trump earlier in December that he would make sweeping changes to CNN. Additionally, Trump has privately said that he wants new ownership of the network and changes to its programming, indicating his intent to reshape media ownership and editorial direction.

Supporting reports

• Trump called for New York Times to cease publication — On December 9, Trump posted an unhinged rant on Truth Social about the New York Times' November article detailing his signs of aging and increasing fatigue, saying, "The best thing that could happen to this Country would be if the New York Times would cease publication because they are a horrible, biased, and untruthful 'source' of information." He also claimed that unfavorable reporting about his health is "seditious" and "perhaps even treasonous."
• Trump posted lengthy social media statement attacking press and claiming superior fitness — At 9:00 p.m. on December 11, 2025, Trump's social media account posted a lengthy statement boasting of his work ethic, economic record, military achievements, and medical and cognitive examination results. The post attacked The New York Times as "Enemies of the People" and "seditious, perhaps even treasonous," called for the newspaper to cease publication, and claimed he had "aced" cognitive examinations on three occasions. The statement was framed as a response to media reports questioning his mental acuity and physical health.

Supporting reports

• Trump denied prior commitment to release Venezuela strike video — On December 3, Trump told a reporter he would have "no problem" releasing video of a September 2 strike on a small boat off Venezuela that killed two survivors. Five days later, when a reporter referenced his prior statement, Trump interrupted and denied making it, calling the reporter "ABC fake news." The exchange occurred as Trump's approval rating stood at 39.7% with 56.1% disapproving.
• Trump denied prior commitment to release boat strike video, attacked Black female reporter — Trump was asked by a Black female reporter about releasing video of a second boat strike, after previously stating he had "no problem" releasing it. Trump denied making that statement, called the reporter "obnoxious" and "a terrible reporter," and attributed the question to "ABC fake news." CNN fact-checker Daniel Dale documented the contradiction between Trump's statements five days apart.
• Trump attacked ABC News reporter Rachel Scott — On December 8, Trump continued his attacks against women journalists, calling ABC News reporter Rachel Scott "the most obnoxious reporter in the whole place" and "actually a terrible reporter" after she pushed back against Trump's denial that he had said five days prior that he would have "no problem" releasing footage of a second boat strike in the Caribbean that killed two survivors on September 2.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked CNN reporter Kaitlin Collins on Truth Social — On December 6, Trump posted on Truth Social attacking CNN reporter Kaitlin Collins, calling her "Stupid and Nasty" over what he claimed was a question about the cost of his new White House ballroom. Collins later clarified that her question was actually about Venezuela. The attack exemplifies Trump's pattern of targeting journalists who challenge him.
• Trump attacked CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins — Trump posted on Truth Social attacking CNN reporter Kaitlan Collins as "Stupid and Nasty," misspelling her first name and adding an apostrophe to her last name. Trump criticized her for asking about cost overruns on a ballroom renovation, claiming the project is now "double the size" with higher quality finishes and increased column span.

Supporting reports

• New York Times sues Pentagon over press restrictions — On Thursday (December 4, 2025), the New York Times filed suit against the Pentagon and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, alleging that the new press policy "seeks to restrict journalists' ability to do what journalists have always done – ask questions of government employees and gather information to report stories that take the public beyond official pronouncements." The lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of the restrictions under the First Amendment.
• Reporter ejected from courtroom during Luigi Mangione hearing — During an evidentiary hearing in the Luigi Mangione murder case on December 4, 2025, a veteran female reporter stood to request being heard on a motion to seal evidence—a routine practice protected by law and court procedure. Court officers forcibly removed her from the courtroom without allowing her to be heard. Judge Gregory Carro did not address the incident when ruling to seal materials, and only partially released evidence after journalist pushback, still without acknowledging the ejection.
• New York Times sued Pentagon over reporter access restrictions — The New York Times announced it is suing the Department of Defense, accusing DOD of engineering an unprecedented purge of traditional reporters in favor of pro-Trump digital influencers. The lawsuit names DOD, Secretary Hegseth, and Sean Parnell as defendants and asks a federal judge to strike down new access rules imposed in October. Beat reporters refused to sign the policy and instead surrendered their passes in a mass act of protest, including journalists from conservative-leaning networks like Fox and Newsmax.

Supporting reports

• Trump called female reporter "stupid person" during press gaggle — During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago, Trump called a female reporter a "stupid person" after she challenged his false claims about the vetting of the Afghan suspect in the D.C. shooting. According to S.V. Date, Trump has a pattern of attacking female reporters with gendered insults, including calling another reporter "piggy" and describing a female New York Times reporter as "ugly" while making no similar comment about her male co-author.
• Trump called female reporters dehumanizing names — President Trump called one female reporter "piggy" and labeled another "ugly on the inside and the outside" in recent interactions. These verbal attacks targeted journalists based on appearance and gender.
• Trump verbally attacked female reporter at press conference — During a press conference, President Trump responded to a female reporter's question about asylum vetting by insulting her, shouting "Are you stupid or are you dumb?" and slamming his hand on the podium. The reporter had referenced publicly available facts regarding Biden-era Afghan evacuations and Trump's own 2025 asylum grant to the D.C. shooter.

Supporting reports

• White House launches website publicly naming and criticizing media organizations and journalists — The White House unveiled a new website section on Friday that publicly catalogs and criticizes media organizations and journalists, labeling them "media offenders of the week" and creating an "Offender Hall of Shame" with a searchable database of articles ranked by outlet. The page names the Boston Globe, CBS News, and the Independent as current offenders, accusing them of misrepresenting Trump's remarks about Democratic lawmakers. A leaderboard ranks the Washington Post as the top offender, followed by MSNBC and CBS News. The site categorizes articles under labels such as "bias," "malpractice," and "left wing lunacy."
• White House launched "Media Bias Tracker" targeting news organizations — The White House added a "Media Bias Tracker" to its website that named the Boston Globe, CBS News, and the Independent as "media offenders of the week" and featured the Washington Post, CBS News, CNN, and MS NOW in its "Offender Hall of Shame." The page includes a database of articles with categories including "bias," "lie," and "left-wing lunacy" to describe coverage.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes — While speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, Trump asked CBS News White House correspondent Nancy Cordes, "Are you a stupid person?" after she questioned his claim that there was "no vetting" of Afghan citizens brought to the US under Biden's "Operation Allies Welcome" program. The attack was part of Trump's pattern of hostile confrontations with women journalists.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacks New York Times over fatigue reporting — Trump posted on Truth Social attacking the New York Times over its reporting on his growing fatigue, fewer public appearances, and shorter workdays. Trump called the article a "hit piece" and the outlet a "RAG" that is "truly an 'ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE.'" He also attacked reporter Katie Rogers, calling her "a third rate reporter who is ugly, both inside and out."
• Trump attacked CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes — While speaking to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, Trump asked CBS News White House correspondent Nancy Cordes, "Are you a stupid person?" after she questioned his claim that there was "no vetting" of Afghan citizens brought to the US under Biden's "Operation Allies Welcome" program. The attack was part of Trump's pattern of hostile confrontations with women journalists.

Supporting reports

• Trump posted demand for Jimmy Kimmel to be fired — Trump posted on social media at 12:49 AM that late-night host Jimmy Kimmel should be fired, 11 minutes after Kimmel's show ended on the East Coast. Kimmel responded on air, noting this was not the first time Trump had made such a demand and stating he would leave office when Trump does.

Supporting reports

• White House officials discussed CNN host removals with Larry Ellison in Warner Bros Discovery acquisition context — Senior White House officials internally discussed preference for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. Larry Ellison, Paramount's largest shareholder, engaged in at least one phone call with a White House official discussing potential removal of CNN hosts including Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar, whom Trump reportedly dislikes. The conversation also covered replacing hosts and programming changes such as running CBS's 60 Minutes on CNN. These discussions occurred as Paramount positioned itself as the preferred bidder ahead of a November 20 deadline for non-binding bids.
• White House officials discussed media acquisitions with Larry Ellison — Senior White House officials discussed internally their preference for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros Discovery. One official discussed potential programming changes at CNN with Larry Ellison, the largest shareholder of Paramount, including the possibility of removing CNN hosts whom Trump dislikes, such as Erin Burnett and Brianna Keilar.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to revoke ABC News license during bilateral meeting with Saudi crown prince — During a bilateral meeting with Mohammed bin Salman on 18 November 2025, President Trump told reporters that ABC News's license should be revoked because its coverage is "fake" and "97% negative to Trump." Trump stated the FCC chairman should examine the matter. This continues a pattern: Trump has made at least 28 license-revocation threats against major networks over eight years, despite the FCC lacking authority to revoke national network licenses—it can only license local stations.
• Trump attacked female reporters during press conference — During a press conference, President Trump verbally attacked two female reporters—Catherine Lucey of Bloomberg and Mary Bruce of ABC News—who asked questions about his connection to Jeffrey Epstein and the appropriateness of his family conducting business with Saudi Arabia. Trump called Bruce a "terrible person and terrible reporter," suggested the FCC should revoke ABC's license, and told Lucey to be "Quiet! Quiet, piggy!" in response to her follow-up question.
• Trump lashed out at ABC reporter and called for FCC action against network — Asked by ABC News reporter Mary Bruce about why the House needs to vote on releasing the Epstein files when he could order the release himself, Trump lashed out and called on Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr to "take a look at" revoking the network's broadcast license. The threat represents an attempt to use regulatory power to punish a journalist for asking a critical question.
• Trump threatens ABC News broadcasting license over Khashoggi question — During the White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, President Trump castigated an ABC News journalist for asking a question about the 2018 murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Trump suggested that ABC should lose its broadcasting license in response to the question, using the moment to attack the press outlet rather than address the substance of the inquiry.
• White House issues statement attacking ABC News as "fake news" and "Democrat spin operation" — The White House published a statement on its official website characterizing ABC News as a "Democrat spin operation masquerading as a broadcast network" rather than journalism. The statement lists allegations of past ABC reporting errors, editorial choices, and coverage decisions spanning 2017–2025, including a 2024 settlement with George Stephanopoulos over defamation claims, and asserts that ABC's coverage of Trump administration actions has been systematically negative and misleading.

Supporting reports

• Trump called Bloomberg reporter "piggy" on Air Force One — A video emerged of President Trump on Air Force One last Friday reacting to a question by Bloomberg's White House Correspondent Catherine Lucey by saying "Quiet. Quiet piggy." The female journalist had asked about the Epstein scandal. The incident represents a demeaning personal attack on a journalist for asking a legitimate question.
• Trump called for NBC to fire Seth Meyers over alleged "Trump Derangement Syndrome" — On Truth Social, Trump demanded that NBC "IMMEDIATELY" fire late-night host Seth Meyers, claiming Meyers suffers from "an incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome." The demand came without specific incident or policy justification, representing an attempt to use presidential influence to pressure a media company into removing a critic from the air.
• Trump attacked NBC late-night host Seth Meyers — Trump posted an attack on NBC late-night host Seth Meyers, calling him a "suffering from an incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome," claiming his show is a "Ratings DISASTER," and calling for NBC to fire him "IMMEDIATELY." Trump's FCC Commissioner Brenden Carr retweeted the post.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces intention to sue BBC for $1–5 billion despite receiving apology — Donald Trump stated on Air Force One that he will sue the BBC for between $1 billion and $5 billion, despite the corporation issuing an apology on Thursday for a misleading edit of his January 6 speech in a Panorama documentary. The edit removed context, making it appear Trump called for violence when the full quote was separated by over 50 minutes. The BBC rejected Trump's initial demand for compensation but apologized and agreed not to rebroadcast the episode. Trump said the lawsuit would proceed "probably sometime next week."

Supporting reports

• British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi released from ICE detention — British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi returned to the UK on November 13 after being released from ICE detention. Hamdi was detained by ICE at an airport two weeks ago. Zeteo reported that Hamdi's legal team said the legal documents in the case only alleged that he overstayed his visa, which was revoked by the Trump administration, and did not include any other criminal conduct or security concerns.
• Detention of UK Commentator Sami Hamdi by US Immigration Authorities — Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator, was detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at San Francisco International Airport while on a speaking tour in the US. His detention followed the release of a video by a pro-Israel group, which purportedly showed him praising the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel. Hamdi was accused of overstaying his visa, which was canceled without his knowledge. He agreed to leave the US voluntarily, with the right to apply for a new visa. The US Department of Homeland Security labeled him a "terrorist sympathizer," though no formal charges were made.

Supporting reports

• Trump demanded it be illegal to mock his speech — Trump posted on social media that it should be illegal for NBC's Seth Meyers to mock Trump's complaints about electric catapults on aircraft carriers. Trump called Meyers "the least talented person" and "the WORST to perform," and stated that Meyers' criticism was "probably illegal." Trump questioned why NBC continues to employ Meyers, characterizing his commentary as deranged.

Supporting reports

• White House banned reporters and cited security concerns — White House Communications Director Steve Cheung announced new bans on reporters' access to the White House, citing security concerns. Cheung claimed that "some reporters have been caught secretly recording video and audio of our offices, along with pictures of sensitive info, without permission" and that "some reporters have wandered into restricted areas." Longtime White House correspondent Brian Karem disputed these claims, stating that it is impossible to wander into restricted areas due to Secret Service presence, and that approaching cabinet secretaries after meetings is standard journalistic practice. Karem characterized Cheung's statements as lies and noted that the administration wants to restrict press access to officials who might provide truthful information.

Supporting reports

• ICE detains British journalist Sami Hamdi for pro-Palestinian speech during US tour — British journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport on Sunday morning while on a speaking tour in the US. The Council on American-Islamic Relations characterized the detention as retaliation for Hamdi's criticism of Israel's military campaign in Gaza. DHS Press Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated Hamdi's visa was revoked and he faces removal. Trump ally Laura Loomer publicly claimed credit for pressuring federal agencies to take action against Hamdi's visa status. A federal judge had ruled days earlier that the administration's policy of detaining and deporting foreign scholars over pro-Palestinian views violates the Constitution.
• ICE detention and deportation of British commentator Sami Hamdi for pro-Palestinian speech — Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator, was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at San Francisco International Airport on 26 October 2025 while on a US speaking tour. The Trump administration justified his detention by labeling him a "terrorist sympathizer" based on an edited video montage released by pro-Israel group Memri, without providing evidence or alleging specific crimes. Hamdi's visa was abruptly cancelled without notification. After three weeks in detention, he agreed to voluntary departure and returned to the UK on 14 November, though he retains the right to apply for a new visa.
• UK commentator Sami Hamdi's visa revoked and detained by ICE; agreed to voluntary departure — British political commentator Sami Hamdi was detained by ICE on 26 October at San Francisco International Airport while on a US speaking tour. The Department of Homeland Security revoked his visa without prior notice, citing alleged support for terrorism. CAIR stated the detention appeared retaliatory for Hamdi's criticism of Israel. On 10 November, Hamdi accepted an offer of voluntary departure. The charging document alleged only visa overstay; CAIR noted the government identified no criminal conduct or security grounds, and the agreement implicitly establishes he poses no danger to national security.
• ICE detained British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi at San Francisco airport — British Muslim journalist Sami Hamdi was detained by ICE agents at San Francisco International Airport, apparently at the urging of pro-Israel, anti-Muslim extremists Laura Loomer and Amy Mekelburg. The detention raised concerns about the use of immigration enforcement for political and religious targeting.
• ICE detention of British commentator Sami Hamdi over pro-Palestinian advocacy — Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator and editor-in-chief of International Interest, was detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport while on a US speaking tour. He was taken to an immigration detention center in McFarland, California, pending deportation proceedings scheduled for November. The detention followed his public remarks about the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks, which the Trump administration characterized as support for terrorism. His wife reported minimal contact since his arrest and stated the family was "being kept in the dark" about his status.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked Fox News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich for tough questioning — Trump posted on Truth Social attacking Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich as "absolutely terrible" and suggesting she should work for CNN instead of Fox. The attack came after Heinrich questioned NSA Mike Waltz about whether Trump was being "played" by Vladimir Putin. Heinrich is known for rarely pulling punches when interviewing the president and his surrogates. The previous month, she criticized the administration's moves to take over the White House Correspondents' Association, which determines press pool selection. Heinrich stated she focuses on being "scrupulous with the facts and the details" and that "people's feelings about it are not really my business."

Supporting reports

• Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell dismissed departing press as "self-righteous" — Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell responded to the mass walkout of Pentagon press corps by stating that the "self-righteous media chose to self-deport from the Pentagon" and that "they will not be missed." Parnell announced that the Department would make an announcement regarding "the next generation of the Pentagon press corps," suggesting a replacement of mainstream media with more compliant outlets.

Supporting reports

• 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.

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.

Supporting reports

• 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.