Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Sharyn Alfonsi departed 60 Minutes over editorial independence — Sharyn Alfonsi, along with Tanya Simon, Draggan Mihailovich, and Cecilia Vega, departed from 60 Minutes as part of changes implemented by new leadership. Before her departure became official, Alfonsi released a statement refusing to sanitize a factually accurate report on CECOT, stating that network leadership chose to penalize her for maintaining editorial integrity. She stated the wall between editorial independence and corporate interest is being "methodically torn down" and urged colleagues to hold the line.

Supporting reports

• ICE pepper-sprays and tasers protesters outside Delaney Hall immigration detention facility in Newark — On the evening of May 27, 2026, federal ICE officers deployed pepper spray and tasers against protesters gathered outside Delaney Hall in Newark, New Jersey, where detainees were conducting a hunger and labor strike on their fifth day. Officers chased protesters across streets and onto train tracks, tasering at least one individual who was then carried into the facility. At least seven journalists were sprayed. The confrontation followed a day in which ICE had pepper-sprayed U.S. Senator Andy Kim during his attempt to enter the facility. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin denied the strike was occurring and accused Democratic lawmakers of spreading "smears."

Supporting reports

• White House proposes NDAs for federal workers to suppress leaks to journalists — The Office of Personnel Management released a draft nondisclosure agreement for federal agencies to impose on new and existing employees, designed to prevent them from sharing information with journalists. The agreement would allow the administration to pursue civil and criminal penalties against violators and claim "royalties" from any disclosures. Former employees would need written permission from agency officials to speak to journalists about information deemed "confidential." The move is part of a broader Trump administration campaign to control information flow and suppress dissent within the federal workforce.

Supporting reports

• Federal appeals court temporarily blocks re-detention of Mahmoud Khalil — The Third Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary stay blocking the re-detention of Mahmoud Khalil, a 31-year-old Palestinian-American activist and US green card holder, pending supreme court review. Khalil was detained by ICE in March 2025 for 104 days; the government argued his pro-Palestinian activism constituted a threat to US foreign policy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited concerns about antisemitism and Jewish student safety. The temporary block gives Khalil reprieve as his legal team prepares a supreme court petition.

Supporting reports

• New York City press credentialing system issues credentials to Luigi Mangione supporters without traditional journalism credentials — New York City's Mayor's Office for Media and Entertainment (MOME) issued press credentials to three Luigi Mangione supporters—Abril Rios, Ashley Rojas, and Lena Weissbrot—who attended his pre-trial hearings and made inflammatory public statements. The credentials, which grant courthouse access and reserved seating, sparked controversy when the women's comments went viral. City officials announced a review of credentialing standards, with Mayor Zohran Mamdani stating the three individuals "don't fall within" legitimate press criteria, while civil rights experts raised concerns about government authority to define who qualifies as a journalist.

Supporting reports

• Federal subpoenas issued to political influencer and activist over Cuba travel — Federal officials served subpoenas on political influencer Hasan Piker and CodePink cofounder Susan Medea Benjamin as part of an investigation into whether US organizations and leaders violated US laws and sanctions in supporting Cuba's communist regime. The subpoenas seek financial, logistical, and communications information related to trips the two made to Cuba in March 2026 with delegations of the "Nuestra América Convoy," a global network of activists and influencers who brought supplies to Cuba's ruling Communist Party.
• DOJ Subpoenas Hasan Piker and Medea Benjamin Over Cuba Travel — The Trump administration subpoenaed political influencer Hasan Piker and CODEPINK co-founder Medea Benjamin as part of an investigation into whether U.S. organizations and leaders violated sanctions laws in supporting Cuba's communist regime. The subpoenas targeted individuals who had traveled to Cuba, framing humanitarian aid delivery as potential criminal conduct.

Supporting reports

• New York Times files second lawsuit challenging Pentagon press escort requirement — The New York Times filed a lawsuit in US District Court in Washington on May 19, 2026, challenging a Pentagon policy requiring journalists to have official escorts when accessing the building. The policy, adopted in March 2026, requires reporters to schedule appointments, obtain escorts, and exit the building between each source interview—a departure from decades of unescorted corridor access. The Times argues the requirement is unconstitutional, retaliatory, and impedes effective reporting. The Pentagon maintains the policy protects classified information and is lawful.

Supporting reports

• Trump Retaliates Against Republicans Over Epstein Files — Former President Trump is reportedly retaliating against Republican figures, including Thomas Massie, who advocated for the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein. This action suggests internal party conflicts and potential misuse of influence to suppress information.
• Trump posts social media message about Iranian surrender amid collapsed negotiations — President Trump posted a social media message containing what the source characterizes as a "delusional fantasy" about Iranian surrender while actual diplomatic negotiations with Iran were collapsing. The post represents a disconnect between Trump's public rhetoric and the deteriorating state of real diplomatic engagement with Iran.
• Trump posts violent and racist imagery on Truth Social — President Trump posted approximately 35 messages on Truth Social overnight, including AI-generated and manipulated images depicting violence against political opponents and racist stereotypes. The posts included AI-generated videos of Trump directing military action against Iran, images of political figures in violent or degrading scenarios, racist caricatures of House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and other inflammatory content. The posts represent a pattern of using the social media platform to disseminate violent and racist imagery targeting political opponents and Democratic leaders.

Supporting reports

• DHS maintains combative relationship with journalists covering ICE operations — The Department of Homeland Security has been accused of maintaining a combative relationship with journalists attempting to document ICE activities. The agency has accused reporters of "demonizing DHS law enforcement" and has intimidated and arrested members of the media for documenting ICE enforcement operations. This pattern of media obstruction limits public transparency regarding ICE's conduct and operations.

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

• Major media outlets report Pentagon's low-ball Iran War cost estimate without scrutiny or context — Popular Information reviewed coverage of the Pentagon's $29 billion Iran War cost estimate in eleven major news outlets (New York Times, USA Today, NPR, Wall Street Journal, NOTUS, Stars and Stripes, New York Post, CNN, Politico, and Reuters). All eleven publications placed the $29 billion figure in their headlines. Most did not mention that independent estimates place the cost at $40–72 billion. Four articles did not even mention that the estimate excluded damage to U.S. military bases. Only CNN and Politico noted that outside projections were significantly higher, and neither emphasized the discrepancy or questioned the Pentagon's methodology.

Supporting reports

• Major news outlets failed to report Trump's May 14 financial disclosure and stock trading pattern — Multiple major media outlets—including Business Insider, CBS, CNN, Fox News, NPR, PBS, Politico, and Semafor—did not report on Trump's May 14, 2026 financial disclosure or his pattern of stock trades in companies he publicly praised. The disclosure revealed at least $220 million in financial transactions in the first three months of 2026. Popular Information notes that the decision by outlets employing hundreds of journalists to skip coverage of a sitting president trading hundreds of millions of dollars in individual stocks is "inexplicable" and represents a failure of basic newsworthiness judgment.
• Reuters and other outlets published Trump stock trading story without noting absence of blind trust safeguard — Reuters published the most widely distributed article about Trump's stock trades, reporting $220 million in financial transactions and including the Trump Organization's statement that assets are "independently managed" by third-party institutions. However, Reuters and other outlets (Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Hill, Variety) failed to note that Trump did not establish a Qualified Blind Trust—the federal mechanism specifically designed to ensure true independence and prevent conflicts of interest. Forbes published Eric Trump's false claims that assets were "in a blind trust" without noting they were false. By contrast, NOTUS, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and Fortune reported that Trump failed to establish a blind trust.

Supporting reports

• HSI raids homes of immigration activists in Ventura County, California — Federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations executed pre-dawn raids on May 13 at the homes and business of three immigration activists affiliated with VC Defensa, a volunteer-led group that organizes ICE-watch patrols and community support for immigrants in Ventura County. More than 100 agents were deployed across four locations. No arrests were made. The group's lawyer alleges the raids are "fishing expeditions" and constitutional violations; a coalition of lawyers is preparing a civil lawsuit. The raids follow a pattern of federal targeting of VC Defensa members over the past year, including arrests, car rammings, and harassment.
• VC Defensa announces civil lawsuit for constitutional violations — On May 14, the day after the raids, VC Defensa's lawyer Reem Yassin held a press conference at the federal building in Los Angeles announcing that a coalition of lawyers is preparing a civil lawsuit alleging violations of the volunteers' constitutional rights. Yassin characterized the raids as "fishing expeditions" built on "baseless" search warrants and described them as intimidation tactics to suppress free speech. The group vowed to continue organizing and fighting back.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — Demster v. Blanche (W.D. Tenn.) — Four Memphis residents filed a complaint in federal court alleging that agents of the Memphis Safe Task Force — a multi-agency unit established by presidential memorandum in September 2025 to conduct immigration enforcement and crime-reduction operations — systematically retaliated against them for documenting and recording Task Force activity in public. The complaint alleges retaliation including verbal threats, physical intimidation, traffic stops, surveillance, and at least one arrest and 27-hour detention, claiming violations of the First Amendment. Plaintiffs also challenge Tennessee's "Halo Law" as unconstitutionally burdening their right to observe and record government activity. They seek declaratory judgments, a permanent injunction against further retaliation, and expungement of surveillance records.

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

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

Supporting reports

• Federal judge blocks Trump administration sanctions against UN expert Francesca Albanese — US District Judge Richard Leon temporarily blocked sanctions imposed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio against Francesca Albanese, a UN special rapporteur on Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories. Rubio had sanctioned Albanese in July 2025 following a Trump executive order targeting individuals involved with ICC investigations of Israel's Gaza actions. Judge Leon found the Trump administration likely violated Albanese's First Amendment free speech rights by imposing measures in retaliation for her criticism of Israel and her ICC recommendations. The sanctions had barred her from US entry and banking.

Supporting reports

• Trump berated ABC reporter Rachel Scott at Lincoln Memorial — During the Lincoln Memorial inspection, Trump responded to ABC reporter Rachel Scott's question about why he was focusing on construction projects while gas prices were soaring by calling her question "stupid," attacking her personally, and referring to her as "one of the worst reporters" and "a horror show" from "ABC fake news." Trump then pointed at Scott and called her "a bitch" to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who laughed in response.

Supporting reports

• FBI investigates New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson after critical reporting on Patel's girlfriend's security — The FBI investigated New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson after she wrote an article raising concerns about security arrangements surrounding Kash Patel's girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. The investigation represents potential retaliation against a journalist for reporting on matters related to a senior government official.

Supporting reports

• FBI launched criminal leak investigation targeting journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick — The FBI, under Director Kash Patel, launched a criminal "insider threat investigation" into who leaked information to journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick for her article on Patel. Ken Dilanian and Carol Leonnig reported that such investigations typically target government officials suspected of disclosing state secrets or classified documents, but focusing on leaks to a reporter is "highly unusual." The investigation could allow FBI agents to obtain Fitzpatrick's phone records and examine her social media contacts. FBI sources expressed concern that agents felt coerced to proceed despite knowing the investigation was improper.
• FBI executed search warrant at office of Virginia Democratic state senator — Trump's FBI executed a search warrant at the office of Virginia state Senate President Pro Tempore L. Louise Lucas, who was at the center of the state's redistricting efforts. The search targeted a Democratic lawmaker actively involved in protecting voting rights and fair redistricting. No public explanation was provided for the warrant, and the timing coincided with Republican efforts to suppress Democratic electoral gains.
• FBI launched criminal leak investigation targeting Atlantic magazine journalist — The FBI launched a criminal "insider threat" investigation focusing on journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick, who wrote an unflattering account of FBI Director Kash Patel's work habits for The Atlantic magazine last month. The investigation is unusual because it did not stem from classified information disclosure and is focused on leaks to a reporter. Fitzpatrick's story cited two dozen anonymous sources reporting that Patel's alcohol consumption and erratic behavior had caused concern among FBI officials. The investigation could enable FBI agents to obtain her phone records, search her name through FBI databases, and examine her social media contacts.
• FBI launched criminal probe into Atlantic reporter's sources — The FBI launched a highly unusual criminal probe into leaks to a reporter from The Atlantic in relation to an article she wrote about FBI Director Kash Patel's drinking habits and unexplained absences, which Patel sued the outlet over last month. An FBI spokesperson denied the investigation exists and claimed reporting about it was "completely false." The probe targets a journalist's sources and reporting on a federal official.

Supporting reports

• Kash Patel sued The Atlantic and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick for defamation — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick, seeking $250 million in damages over Fitzpatrick's April 17 article detailing Patel's drinking and inability to perform his job. The Atlantic and Fitzpatrick stood by the story, which was sourced from two dozen sources, and Fitzpatrick reported that additional informants came forward after publication to corroborate her findings.
• Kash Patel files $250 million defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick — Kash Patel filed a lawsuit in US District Court for the District of Columbia against the Atlantic magazine and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick, seeking $250 million in damages. Patel's attorneys characterized the Atlantic's reporting on his alleged excessive alcohol consumption and whiskey bottle distribution as "a sweeping, malicious and defamatory hit piece." This lawsuit follows an earlier Atlantic report alleging Patel's excessive drinking and claims that security personnel struggled to wake him on multiple occasions.
• Kash Patel filed defamation suit against The Atlantic and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick — FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick in response to her article reporting that FBI personnel were alarmed by what they said was erratic behavior and excessive drinking by Patel. Fitzpatrick's story included reporting that Patel was known to drink to the point of intoxication and that on occasion his security detail had trouble waking him in the morning. Patel has denied the allegations.

Supporting reports

• Trump's EEOC sued the New York Times over hiring practices — Trump's Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued the New York Times, alleging the publication engaged in "unlawful employment practices" and discriminated against a white man after he was passed over for a promotion, claiming the decision was influenced by the paper's "stated race and sex-based representation goals." A Times spokesperson called the allegations "politically motivated." The litigation follows Trump's $15 billion lawsuit against the Times and its reporters last fall.

Supporting reports

• Complaint filed — Doe v. Mullin (N.D. Cal.) — A Canadian citizen residing outside the United States filed suit in federal court challenging a Department of Homeland Security administrative summons issued February 4, 2026, demanding comprehensive Gmail records, location data, and activity logs from Google LLC. The plaintiff, who posts political commentary critical of the Trump administration pseudonymously online, alleges DHS issued the summons to unmask his identity and suppress protected speech rather than to investigate any customs violation. The complaint asserts the summons exceeds DHS's statutory authority under 19 U.S.C. § 1509 and violates the Stored Communications Act, and seeks a declaration of invalidity and an injunction barring enforcement.

Supporting reports

• Trump ranted about Bill Maher on Fox News. — Trump posted on Truth Social expressing hatred for Fox and other conservative outlets for making Bill Maher "relevant" to the Republican Party. Trump called for Fox to stop putting Maher on air, stating "You look weak, stupid, and ineffective" and "DON'T USE BILL MAHER ANY LONGER AS A REPRESENTATIVE OF YOU!" Trump called Maher a "MORON, though slightly more talented than Jimmy Kimmel."

Supporting reports

• University of Michigan president condemns faculty member's pro-Palestinian remarks at commencement — Derek Peterson, a history professor and outgoing chair of the University of Michigan faculty senate, made brief remarks during the May 2 commencement ceremony acknowledging "pro-Palestinian student activists" for opening hearts to injustice in Gaza. The university president condemned the remarks as "inappropriate and did not align with the purpose of the occasion." Republican politicians called for consequences and federal funding cuts. Peterson stated he had deviated only slightly from prepared remarks approved by administrators and deliberately avoided using the word "genocide" to remain diplomatic. Over 1,400 faculty members, the American Association of University Professors, and the American Federation of Teachers subsequently defended Peterson's academic freedom.