Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Louisiana Supreme Court grants stay in criminal indictment against Attorney General Liz Murrill — Louisiana's Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill was indicted on 16 counts of intimidation and malfeasance by a New Orleans grand jury on Thursday, July 3, 2026, for allegedly intimidating city officials who opposed a Republican-backed law overhauling New Orleans courts. Murrill moved for a stay on Thursday; the Louisiana Supreme Court granted it Friday, finding "compelling argument concerning the disturbing defects in the grand jury proceedings." The court noted the trial court violated state law requiring grand jury returns in open court, and ordered the special prosecutor to recall an arrest warrant.
• New Orleans grand jury indicts Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on 16 counts — A New Orleans grand jury indicted Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill on July 3, 2026, on 16 counts of intimidation and malfeasance for allegedly threatening to remove eight New Orleans officials—including Mayor Helena Moreno and District Attorney Jason Williams—from office because they opposed a Republican-backed law eliminating a court clerk position won by exoneree Calvin Duncan. The indictment arose from a months-long political conflict between state Republicans and New Orleans Democrats over the law.

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• Eight Prairieland detention center protesters sentenced to 30–100 years in prison on terrorism charges — U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor sentenced eight of nine protesters prosecuted following a July 4, 2025, protest against ICE at the Prairieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, to sentences ranging from thirty to one hundred years in prison. The protesters, some of whom did not know each other and one of whom was not present at the protest, were charged as members of an antifa cell engaged in terrorism. All nine were convicted in March 2026 in what observers characterized as a test of the administration's power to use broad antiterrorism laws against protesters.
• Federal judges sentenced anti-ICE protesters to 30–100 years in prison — Federal judges sentenced a group of anti-ICE protesters convicted for their roles in a 2025 Texas demonstration to prison terms ranging from 30 to 100 years. One person received 30 years despite not being present at the protest. Another received 100 years after conviction for attempted murder and other charges following a police officer being shot and injured. The case marks the first to incorporate Trump's presidential declaration labeling "antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization.
• Anti-ICE Protesters Receive Harsh Sentences — Federal judges sentenced anti-ICE protesters in Texas to prison terms ranging from 30 to 100 years. The sentences are based on their involvement in a 2025 protest and are notably harsher than those given to Jan. 6 insurrectionists. The case is the first to apply Trump's declaration labeling "antifa" as a domestic terrorist organization.
• Eight Texas anti-ICE protesters sentenced to 50–100 years; ninth defendant to 30 years for possessing leftist materials — Eight activists who protested at the Prairieland ICE detention facility in Alvarado, Texas, on July 4, 2025, were sentenced on June 24, 2026, to between 50 and 100 years in prison on terrorism and other charges. A ninth defendant, Daniel Sanchez-Estrada, received 30 years for moving boxes of leftist zines and materials after a phone call from his imprisoned wife. Federal judges Mark Pittman (Trump appointee) and George W. Bush appointee Reed O'Connor stacked sentences across multiple convictions. First Amendment advocates and legal experts have condemned the sentences as unusually punitive and a chilling attack on protest and ideological expression.
• Nine Texas anti-ICE protesters sentenced to 50–100 years for terrorism charges following Fourth of July 2025 detention center protest — Nine activists were convicted of terrorism charges and sentenced to 50–100 years in prison following a July 4, 2025 protest at the Prairieland immigrant detention center in Alvarado, Texas. The group arrived to conduct a noise demonstration with fireworks; some vandalized property and slashed tires. When police arrived, activist Benjamin Song fired an AR-15, wounding officer Lt. Thomas Gross in the shoulder. Song received 100 years; five others received 50 years; one received 70 years; one received 30 years. The sentences far exceed those given for January 6 Capitol attackers and were widely characterized as a test of the Trump administration's crackdown on dissent.

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• Man arrested near Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool on obscenity charge — Christian Miles, a Washington DC resident and former Navy submariner, was arrested near the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool on Monday for violating federal obscenity law (Code of Federal Regulations section 2.34(a)(2)) by berating Oklahoma state troopers guarding the site. Miles, who documents police activity around the city, was charged with disorderly conduct for using obscene language while protesting the security crackdown. He told the Guardian he plans to contest the charge. The arrest occurred amid Trump administration claims that vandals, not contractor negligence, caused deterioration of the $14.2 million pool renovation.

Supporting reports

• Trump attacked New York Times and objected to First Amendment — Trump reacted with fury to a New York Times story reporting that analysts did not believe the Iran war had accomplished much. Trump called the paper's reporters "corrupt and unethical cowards" and appeared to object to the First Amendment, writing that the Times' coverage was "TREASONOUS" and announcing he would add their reporting to a multi-billion-dollar lawsuit against them, calling them "Criminals."

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• DOJ civil rights division announces investigation into Brooklyn coffee shop for alleged discrimination — Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon announced that the U.S. Department of Justice's civil rights division is investigating Poetica Coffee in Brooklyn after the cafe posted a social media message criticizing Democratic Representative Dan Goldman over his pro-Israel views and banned him from the establishment. The cafe later deleted the post and refunded Goldman's purchase. Dhillon stated that federal law prohibits public accommodations from discriminating based on race, religion, or national origin, and said the DOJ would consider enforcement action if warranted.

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• Trump proposed renaming ICE to NICE — Trump posted on Truth Social proposing that the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency be renamed from "ICE" to "NICE" (National Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Trump stated the name change would "totally discombobulate" reporters and journalists, making it harder for them to report on the agency. Trump claimed "everyone loves it" but acknowledged that ICE agents do not support the change as much as the general population.

Supporting reports

• Trump falsely claimed vandals damaged reflecting pool — On Friday night and Saturday morning, Trump posted on social media that "Radical Left Lunatics" and "Dumocrats" had vandalized the reflecting pool, claiming vandals used "some form of a knife or blade" to create a "250 foot long gash" and poured "corrosive and destructive chemicals" into the water. He stated multiple people had been arrested for vandalism. However, no evidence of such vandalism was offered, multiple cameras line the mall, and workers were visibly dumping hydrogen peroxide into the pool to kill algae caused by the failed renovation.
• Trump announces immediate repair work on Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool — President Trump announced on Sunday that repair work would begin "immediately" on the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool in Washington DC, which has suffered algae blooms and peeling paint following a $14.2 million renovation. Trump blamed vandals for the damage, claiming five people had been arrested and another five issued federal citations. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that those caught vandalizing would face criminal prosecution. Trump stated the pool would likely need to be drained for repairs.
• Algae bloom returned to Reflecting Pool — The Atlantic reported that after the Interior Department claimed to have "killed the algae" in the Reflecting Pool, a new type of algae—Scenedesmus, a green algae nicknamed "Skinny Dead Mouse" by scientists—began flourishing. The treatments being used (hydrogen peroxide and nanobubble technology) were more effective against blue-green algae and were not discouraging the new green algae growth. Scientists noted that the decision to paint the pool bottom a deep blue shade raised water temperature and accelerated algae growth.
• Reflecting Pool coating peeling and failing — The New York Times reported that the Reflecting Pool's new coating was failing, with large chunks peeling off the basin. The coating was missing at least two large sections, with one gap about the size of a park bench and a sheet several inches long flapping in the waves. The underlying original concrete basin was visible beneath the peeling coating. The pool's appearance was described as "rejecting its makeover."
• Trump blamed vandals for Reflecting Pool damage in third post — Trump posted on Truth Social for the third time about the Reflecting Pool, stating: "Work will begin immediately on fixing the seriously vandalized Reflecting Pool. I just inspected it, and could only say to myself, and those gathered around me, WOW, who would do such a thing? SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE! We will fix it?" Trump blamed unidentified vandals rather than acknowledging responsibility for the failed project.
• Trump described alleged Reflecting Pool vandalism in detail — Trump posted on Truth Social describing alleged vandalism of the Reflecting Pool in detail, claiming vandals had used "some form of knife or blade" to create a 250-foot gash in the pool's facade and had poured "corrosive and destructive chemicals" into the pool. Trump characterized the damage as an affront to the work and money invested in the project.
• Trump announced additional arrests for Reflecting Pool vandalism — Trump posted on Truth Social that many additional people had been arrested for vandalism of the Reflecting Pool. Trump characterized the vandalism as "disgraceful" and "a true affront to George Washington and Abraham Lincoln." Trump stated that contractors would likely be forced to drain much of the water to complete repairs.
• Trump blamed Antifa for Reflecting Pool damage and announced arrests — Trump posted on Truth Social that US Park Police arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing the Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial. Trump blamed the vandalism on Antifa and announced that work would begin immediately on repairs. Trump claimed vandals had created a 250-foot gash in the pool's facade and poured corrosive chemicals into the water.
• Trump blamed Antifa for Reflecting Pool vandalism — Trump posted on Truth Social that the US Park Police arrested multiple individuals for vandalizing the Reflecting Pool and blamed the vandalism on Antifa. Trump claimed vandals had created a 250-foot gash in the pool's facade and poured corrosive chemicals into the water. Trump announced that work would begin immediately on repairs and that those responsible would face years in jail.
• Trump Blames Vandalism for Reflecting Pool Issues — Following the completion of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool renovations, President Trump claimed on June 20, 2026, that "Radical Left Lunatics" were responsible for vandalism at the site, despite no evidence being presented. He suggested that serious crimes had occurred, which he attributed to multiple individuals.
• Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool maintenance escalates amid controversy — The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool situation escalated, with reports of a foul smell and President Trump blaming "vandals" for the pool's condition. The controversy centers on the maintenance and cleanliness of the iconic national monument, with Trump attributing the problem to vandalism rather than administrative failure.
• Trump blamed vandalism for Reflecting Pool damage and threatened 10-year prison sentences — Trump posted on Truth Social claiming the Reflecting Pool's damage—including a 300-foot gash, chemical contamination, and an "86 47" carved into the grass—resulted from vandalism, not construction failure. He threatened 10-year prison sentences for destruction of federal monuments and stated five people were under investigation. Civil engineers and coating specialists disputed this, attributing the damage to improper surface preparation, adhesion failure, and inadequate curing time by Trump's contractor.
• Trump blamed "SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE" for Reflecting Pool damage — Trump doubled down on claims that vandalism by "SICK, DERANGED PEOPLE" caused the Reflecting Pool's problems. Administration officials stationed National Guard personnel around the Reflecting Pool and appeared to be issuing citations to individuals who touched the water. When questioned about the project's cost escalation from one million dollars in April to sixteen and a half million dollars two months later, Trump deflected by attacking former President Obama's prior repairs to the pool.
• Trump announced false claims of vandalism at the Reflecting Pool with escalating damage estimates — Trump claimed vandals had damaged the Reflecting Pool with a "gash" that he described as growing from 250 feet to 350 feet in length, allegedly using sharp implements and chemicals. He threatened 10-year prison sentences for the destruction and claimed to possess photographic evidence. No evidence of sabotage exists, and cameras monitor the pool. The Interior Department subsequently placed fencing around the Reflecting Pool in response to Trump's claims.
• Trump posted false claims about Reflecting Pool vandalism and spending history — Trump posted on Truth Social claiming six people were arrested and seven cited for vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, describing a "350 foot gash" made by knife or razors. He also claimed Obama and Biden spent over $100 million on the pool that "never worked" and that he spent $16 million to make it "come out great." The article notes Obama and Biden did not spend anything close to $100 million on the pool. Trump also announced plans to sue ABC News for $16 million in alleged past bad reporting.
• Trump claims vandalism at DC reflecting pool; acknowledges July 4 repair deadline may not be met — President Trump acknowledged that repairs to the algae-stricken Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool may not be completed before July 4, when he plans a major 250th birthday celebration on the National Mall. Trump claimed without evidence that vandals with knives damaged the pool, stating six people had been arrested and seven cited. National Park Service documents reviewed by the New York Times indicated damage was discovered days after the pool was refilled on June 5, but did not link it to the algae outbreak or the blue coating. The pool's renovation, ordered by the Trump administration at $14.2 million, has become emblematic of broader concerns about wasteful spending.
• Interior Department spokesperson attributes pool damage to "leftist activists" without evidence — Katie Martin, an Interior Department spokesperson, told the Associated Press that fencing erected around the reflecting pool was brought forward due to an "increase in vandalism by leftist activists." She offered no evidence to support this characterization. The fencing had been originally scheduled for installation ahead of the Fourth of July but was accelerated following Trump's initial insistence that vandals were responsible for the pool's deterioration.
• Trump claims sabotage at Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool without substantiating evidence — President Trump alleged that vandals deliberately damaged the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool's lining with a "350-foot gash," claiming it was done "criminally" and "in the dark of night." He posted an image on Truth Social purporting to show the pool before refilling and promised the Department of the Interior would release photographic and video evidence. As of Wednesday afternoon, no such evidence had materialized. The New York Times obtained government documents indicating peeling paint and algae blooms were not intentionally caused. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal requested documents from Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and National Park Service acting director Jessica Bowron, citing "blatant corruption" and "lack of transparency."
• White House issues release on Reflecting Pool vandalism incident — The White House issued a promotional release characterizing vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as a deliberate "targeted sabotage" by "anti-American" actors. The release states that surveillance video captured suspects, at least seven individuals have been arrested, seven others issued federal citations, and 18 police reports filed. It claims the Trump Administration deployed "advanced nanobubble ozone technology" to neutralize algae and repair damage. The release frames the incident as vindication of the President's prior statements and criticizes media coverage.

Supporting reports

• Fifteen anti-ICE protesters indicted for conspiracy in Minneapolis — Fifteen anti-ICE protesters in Minneapolis were indicted on conspiracy charges. Federal investigators infiltrated Signal encrypted chat groups used by the protesters to coordinate their activities, raising concerns about surveillance of protected protest activity and the use of undercover infiltration tactics.

Supporting reports

• Fifteen people charged with conspiracy to impede federal officers over response to Minnesota immigration enforcement — The U.S. Attorney for Minnesota announced charges against 15 people for conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers in response to a controversial immigration enforcement crackdown ("Operation Metro Surge") that killed two civilians. Prosecutors alleged the defendants were part of Minneapolis-based "antifa" groups that coordinated monitoring of ICE agents, set up blockades at federal buildings, and used encrypted communications. Twelve were arrested; one was already in custody; two remain at large. The charges come as the office has dropped 18 of 36 prior cases related to the crackdown.
• U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen charged fifteen people with conspiracy to impede federal immigration officers — U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota Daniel Rosen announced charges against fifteen people with conspiracy to impede or injure federal officers over their behavior during a federal immigration crackdown in Minneapolis the previous year. The crackdown resulted in the deaths of U.S. citizens Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Rosen alleged the defendants are part of two "antifa" groups that "violently oppose immigration law enforcement." At the press conference, prosecutors introduced a Facebook post from one accused person stating "We need to become ungovernable." Rosen stated the people were "charged not for what they said but what they did" but did not answer questions about whether law enforcement officers were injured.

Supporting reports

• Federal government charged six people in Illinois with conspiracy over ICE detention facility protest, later dropped charges — The federal government charged six people in Illinois with conspiracy over a protest at the Broadview detention facility. The government later dropped the charges amid claims of prosecutorial misconduct. One of the defendants, Kat Abughazaleh, noted on social media that the Minneapolis charges mirror the ones she faced, highlighting a pattern of federal conspiracy prosecutions against protesters opposing immigration enforcement.
• Federal prosecutors dropped 18 of 36 cases related to Minnesota immigration crackdown — The U.S. Attorney's office for Minnesota has dropped 18 of 36 cases filed against protesters and others in connection with "Operation Metro Surge." One dropped case involved a judge calling a charging document a "false affidavit." Despite this track record of failed prosecutions, the office announced 15 new conspiracy charges against protesters, with the U.S. Attorney asserting "the evidence will prove it all out."
• Nearly 40 people, including journalists, charged over protest at St. Paul church; local prosecutors declined to charge — Nearly 40 people, including journalists Don Lemon and Georgia Fort, face federal charges over a protest at a church in St. Paul, Minnesota, where a pastor reportedly worked as an ICE official. Local prosecutors declined to charge the protesters, but the federal government proceeded with charges, demonstrating a divergence between local and federal prosecutorial decisions on the same conduct.
• Trump administration categorized "antifa" as domestic terror organization — The Trump administration, in a prior action referenced in the article, categorized "antifa" (antifascist activism) as a "domestic terror organization." The article notes this occurred in fall 2025. The categorization is now being invoked in prosecutions of protesters opposing immigration enforcement, with prosecutors using the label to describe defendants' alleged affiliations without defining what "antifa" constitutes.
• Federal prosecutors dropped or declined to prosecute majority of immigration enforcement assault cases — Federal prosecutors in Minnesota have dropped eighteen of thirty-six cases charging people with assaulting or impeding immigration agents brought in December and January, and have entered nonprosecution agreements in eleven additional cases. Magistrate Judge David Schultz previously called one of the prosecutors' charging documents a "false affidavit" in April. The pattern of dropped and declined prosecutions suggests significant evidentiary or legal problems with the original charges.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration categorized "antifa" as domestic terror organization — The Trump administration, in a prior action referenced in the article, categorized "antifa" (antifascist activism) as a "domestic terror organization." The article notes this occurred in fall 2025. The categorization is now being invoked in prosecutions of protesters opposing immigration enforcement, with prosecutors using the label to describe defendants' alleged affiliations without defining what "antifa" constitutes.

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• FBI raid of Ohio Organizing Collaborative, voting rights group — FBI agents raided the Cleveland office of the Ohio Organizing Collaborative, a grassroots voter registration organization, seizing computers and phones. Agents also visited homes of affiliated individuals throughout Ohio and conducted interviews. The raid appeared to examine accusations related to the 2024 election, though specifics were unclear. The action occurred amid a broader pattern of federal voter fraud investigations and came approximately one month after the acting attorney general's office instructed prosecutors to prioritize voter fraud cases.
• FBI raids voter registration organization office in Ohio — The FBI raided the office of a voter registration promotion group in Ohio and visited the homes of individuals associated with the organization.

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• US Department of Justice approves $111 billion Paramount–Warner Bros Discovery merger — The Trump administration's Department of Justice antitrust division approved the $111 billion merger of Paramount Skydance (controlled by the Ellison family) and Warner Bros Discovery after an eight-month investigation. The DOJ concluded the transaction would not harm competition in streaming, linear television, or theatrical film distribution. The deal still faces scrutiny from UK and European regulators and potential legal challenge from a coalition of US state attorneys general, with concerns raised about job losses, news network consolidation, and editorial independence at CNN.

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• Trump posted images of gilded horse statues being regilded — On June 13, 2026, Trump posted images on social media of horse statues behind the Lincoln Memorial being freshly gilded. Trump wrote that the "Arts of War sculptures, located between The Lincoln Memorial and site of The Triumphal Arch" would be "fully regilded by July 3" and that "The Gilders' Studio has flown in Gilders from around the Country to perform this work."
• Trump posts series of images on social media ahead of 80th birthday — On the eve of his 80th birthday, Trump posted multiple images to his social media account, including a photograph of the Obama Presidential Center depicted as a garbage can surrounded by a homeless encampment; an image from his 2024 Manhattan criminal trial showing him leaving court after a jury found him guilty of 34 felony counts; a 2018 photograph with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un; a 2020 campaign photograph at Air Force One; an AI-generated image of himself as "Commander in Chief" on a ship with military vessels and fighter jets; a December 1986 Fortune magazine cover featuring himself; and a black-and-white photograph of himself from the 1980s with a caption claiming credit for fixing the Wollman Skating Rink and Washington, D.C. crime.

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• Federal indictment unsealed against eight pro-Palestinian activists for alleged intimidation campaign — Federal prosecutors unsealed an indictment against eight pro-Palestinian activists accused of conspiring to run a criminal intimidation campaign against University of Michigan officials to force divestment from Israel-linked companies. The indictment describes vandalism, fake corpses placed on a board member's lawn, spray-painted anti-Israel messages at the president's home, and use of social media to broadcast threats. Six defendants made initial appearances in federal court in Detroit on Wednesday; one was arrested in Wisconsin and one remained at large.

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• Scott Pelley was fired from CBS News after 37 years — Scott Pelley, a longtime CBS News correspondent, was fired last week after 37 years with the network. His dismissal followed his refusal to alter a story about anti-ICE and Border Patrol protests in Minneapolis to match the Trump administration's false narrative about an officer-involved shooting.

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• Scott Pelley criticized Bari Weiss's editorial direction at 60 Minutes — In his first interview since being fired from 60 Minutes, Scott Pelley discussed his departure and criticized Bari Weiss's leadership. Pelley alleged that Weiss sent emails to his boss requesting that protesters be made to "look more violent" and that a shooting victim's car be described as "driving towards the officer," contrary to video evidence. Pelley stated Weiss's characterization matched Trump's account. When asked if Weiss should be removed, Pelley said yes, comparing her appointment to asking someone unfamiliar with aviation to pilot a 747.
• CBS News director Bari Weiss requested changes to story about ICE protests to favor Trump's narrative — Scott Pelley, a 37-year CBS News correspondent fired last week, revealed in a New York Times interview that CBS News director Bari Weiss (appointed after Trump loyalist David Ellison took over the network) sent an email hours before airing asking him to make anti-ICE protesters look more violent and to falsely claim that Renee Good was driving her car toward an officer before he shot her. Video evidence showed Good's wheels were turned away from the officer and he was not in front of the car. Pelley said this represented "a level of political influence that I had never seen in 37 years at CBS News."

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• Trump walked out of Meet the Press interview when challenged on election fraud claims — During a Friday interview with NBC's Kristen Welker aired on Meet the Press, President Trump became visibly angry when repeatedly asked to provide evidence for his claims that the 2020 presidential election and the recent California election were rigged. When Welker continued pressing for evidence, Trump called her "crooked or stupid," pulled off his microphone, and left the interview, saying "Let's call it quits because I've had enough."
• Trump cuts Meet the Press interview short and departs to Bedminster — Trump sat down with NBC's Kristen Welker for a scheduled 90-minute to two-hour Meet the Press interview in Wisconsin but left after approximately 50 minutes. He reportedly departed after the rain became loud on the metal roof and after pushing back on questions about election integrity. Trump then boarded Marine One and flew directly to Bedminster, New Jersey, where his former personal lawyer Alina Habba posted an Instagram welcome.
• Trump stormed off Meet the Press set during interview with Kristen Welker — During a televised interview on NBC's Meet the Press, Trump became angry and walked off the set after Welker fact-checked his claims about January 6 Capitol riot participants, the 2024 campaign promise of "no new wars," gas prices, farmer conditions, Iran nuclear negotiations, California election integrity, and other topics. Trump unclipped his microphone, threw it on the ground, stepped on it, and departed. The interview was conducted in Wisconsin.
• Trump walks off NBC interview over election claims — Trump stormed off the set of NBC's "Meet the Press" on June 7 after host Kristen Welker asked him to provide evidence for claims that the 2020 presidential election and recent California primary were "rigged." Trump accused Welker of being "crooked" or "stupid," called major news networks "one-sided" and "crooked," and removed his microphone before leaving.

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• New Jersey Governor Sherrill deploys state police to suppress Delaney Hall immigration detention protests — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill sent state police in riot gear to "lower the temperature" at protests outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, where 300+ detainees were conducting a hunger and labor strike over poor conditions. State police arrested dozens of protesters, hospitalized some, pulled journalists from vehicles and exposed them to teargas, and arrested other journalists who were held in custody for a full day. Sherrill blamed "outside agitators" and has not met strikers' demands, including a meeting with the governor.

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• Pentagon designated press office as classified facility — The Pentagon designated its press office as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF), a classified space. Journalists, including those who retain press badges, now require appointments to speak with the press secretary. This represents an escalation of Pentagon efforts to control information about military operations that have been ongoing for months.
• Pentagon designates press office as classified facility, bars journalists from entry — The Pentagon's acting press secretary Jose Valdez announced that the Pentagon Press Office has been redesignated as a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) due to speechwriters handling classified material, resulting in a blanket ban on journalist access to the office space. This move follows months of escalating restrictions on press access to the defense department, including a September mandate requiring journalists to pledge not to gather unauthorized information and an October announcement of a curated "next generation" press corps. The New York Times has sued the Pentagon twice over these policies; a federal judge ruled against the Pentagon in March, but an appeals court stay allowed the government to continue enforcement while appealing.
• Pentagon designates press room as classified facility — The Department of Defense announced on June 2, 2026, that the Pentagon press office, the longstanding workspace where journalists seek information from military and defense officials, is now a classified space off-limits to the press. The stated reason is that speechwriters handling sensitive material need the room. The Pentagon designated the press room as a sensitive compartmented information facility (SCIF), which allows reporters to be excluded on classification grounds.

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• Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression documented First Amendment lawsuits over Kirk criticism — The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression reported that at least $2 million in settlements have been agreed to after employees and other critics were fired or penalized for posts about Charlie Kirk following his killing. The foundation is aware of 14 First Amendment lawsuits in federal court brought by workers terminated for their comments about Kirk, not including state court or private sector cases, illustrating the limits employers can have in regulating workers' political rhetoric.

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• CBS 60 Minutes correspondent departs after editorial independence compromised — Sharyn Alfonsi, a correspondent for CBS's 60 Minutes, departed the program this week after her contract was not renewed. In a statement, Alfonsi criticized CBS management for "abandoning" the show's mission of "fearless, independent reporting," stating the network is "choosing access journalism over accountability and protecting power rather than scrutinizing it." She alleged that "the wall between editorial independence and corporate interest at CBS is being methodically torn down."
• Kash Patel's girlfriend sues MSNBC for defamation — Alexis Wilkins, girlfriend of Kash Patel, filed a defamation lawsuit against MSNBC. Her legal team used the phrase "This was hogwash and they knew it" in the filing.
• Scott Pelley confronts new 60 Minutes leadership hire at all-hands meeting — Scott Pelley publicly confronted new 60 Minutes hire Nick Bilton at an all-hands meeting, questioning his qualifications. Pelley also called out Bari Weiss by name, stating she was brought in to kill the show and is doing exactly that, per Puck's Dylan Byers.

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• State police replace ICE officers outside Delaney Hall; violent clashes ensue — On Friday, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that state police would replace ICE officers outside Delaney Hall detention center. State police established roadblocks approximately half a mile on either side of the facility. That night, clashes erupted when state police officers on horseback and in riot gear moved into the crowd of protesters, deploying teargas canisters, aggressively shoving demonstrators, and arresting six people. Advocates criticized the state police response as more aggressive than prior ICE conduct.
• State police deploy teargas and pepper balls against anti-ICE protesters at Newark detention facility — On Friday night, New Jersey state police fired teargas canisters and pepper ball pellets at anti-ICE protesters outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark. State police also deployed on horseback to drive protesters back. This followed Governor Mikie Sherrill's announcement that state officials would take over policing outside the facility from ICE, including attempts to establish a "protected speech zone" with fences. The action occurred amid a nine-day hunger and labor strike by detained immigrants demanding improved conditions and medical care.
• New Jersey state police deploy at Delaney Hall ICE facility; dozens of protesters arrested for curfew violations — On Sunday night, New Jersey state police in riot gear enforced a curfew at Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, resulting in arrests of at least 20–46 protesters who defied dispersal orders. Governor Mikie Sherrill had announced Friday that state law enforcement would take over policing duties from federal ICE officers following eight days of confrontations. The rapid deployment—less than 15 minutes after issuing a dispersal order—drew criticism from protesters, elected officials, and journalists, who alleged excessive force and attacks on press documenting the scene.
• Governor Sherrill establishes "free speech zone" restricting protester access to Delaney Hall — On Friday, Governor Mikie Sherrill enacted a "free speech zone" that kept protesters at least half a mile away from the entrance to Delaney Hall detention center. Protesters reported this restriction prevented them from being visible or heard by detainees inside, effectively nullifying their ability to demonstrate solidarity with those held in the facility during ongoing hunger and labor strikes.
• Newark Mayor imposes indefinite overnight curfew at Delaney Hall area — Newark Mayor Ras Baraka imposed an indefinite overnight curfew from 9pm to 6am in the area surrounding Delaney Hall immigration detention center, effective immediately following Saturday night clashes between state police and protesters. The curfew order threatened arrest or legal action against those who did not disperse during the restricted hours. The curfew was announced after violent confrontations in which state police on horseback and in riot gear used teargas, aggressive shoving, and arrests against demonstrators.
• DHS posts mocking video of protester arrest; launches "zero tolerance" messaging campaign — The U.S. Department of Homeland Security posted a video on its X account showing an unarmed protester being dragged at gunpoint by officers in riot gear, captioned "Don't be this guy." The post was part of a broader DHS messaging campaign on Sunday featuring slogans including "law and order," "ZERO tolerance for rioters," and "if you riot, you will face the consequences." The DHS also dismissed detainee complaints of poor food and lack of medical care as "a hoax."
• Journalist Adriano Kalin reports first direct police attack on press at anti-ICE protests — Photojournalist Adriano Kalin, documenting protests at Delaney Hall, reported that state police directly targeted press for the first time in his coverage of anti-ICE demonstrations nationwide. Kalin posted video footage of a flash-bang grenade thrown directly at his feet as state police in riot gear advanced on the crowd. He noted that while press had previously been in harm's way at other protests, they had never been deliberately targeted until this incident.
• New Jersey Governor Sherrill deploys state police to suppress Delaney Hall immigration detention protests — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill sent state police in riot gear to "lower the temperature" at protests outside Delaney Hall immigration detention center in Newark, where 300+ detainees were conducting a hunger and labor strike over poor conditions. State police arrested dozens of protesters, hospitalized some, pulled journalists from vehicles and exposed them to teargas, and arrested other journalists who were held in custody for a full day. Sherrill blamed "outside agitators" and has not met strikers' demands, including a meeting with the governor.

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• Federal jury convicts three ICE protesters, including army veteran, on felony conspiracy charges — A federal jury in Spokane, Washington, found three protesters—including US Army Sergeant Bajun Mavalwalla—guilty of felony conspiracy charges for their participation in a June 2025 protest against ICE. The defendants face up to six years in prison and $250,000 fines. Legal experts and local officials have characterized the prosecution as a serious escalation in attacks on First Amendment rights. The acting US attorney for eastern Washington resigned rather than sign the indictment, citing lack of injury to officers or protesters.

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• Trump refiles $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal over Epstein letter story — Donald Trump's legal team refiled a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, and reporters Khadeeja Safdar and Joe Palazzolo over a July 2025 article alleging Trump sent a "bawdy" letter to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. A Florida judge had dismissed the original case in April without prejudice, finding Trump's team had not adequately demonstrated actual malice. The amended complaint, seven pages longer, reiterates that no authentic letter exists and claims the Journal published despite knowing the story was false or with serious doubts.
• Trump refiles $10 billion defamation lawsuit against Wall Street Journal — Trump refiled a $10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal over its publication of an article describing a card allegedly from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. Trump claims the article damaged his reputation and that the card is fake, though it originated from Epstein's estate and was later provided by the estate to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. U.S. District Judge Darrin P. Gayles had dismissed the original lawsuit last month, finding Trump came "nowhere close" to establishing actual malice, but permitted amendment and refiling.