Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump organized "Freedom 250 Grand Prix" IndyCar race around National Mall — Trump organized the "Freedom 250 Grand Prix," an IndyCar race scheduled for the weekend of August 23 featuring 25 drivers covering 147 laps at speeds up to 150 mph around a 1.7-mile, 7-turn street circuit loop past the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, National Archives, and National Gallery of Art. The event required workers to weld down more than 200 manhole covers, move traffic lights, and install barriers that disrupted traffic. The National Gallery of Art had to protect sculptures from vibrations and airlines rerouted flights.
• Trump waves green flag at Indy car race in DC — Trump attended an Indy car race held in Washington, DC on Saturday and waved the green flag to start the race.

Supporting reports

• Trump's Freedom Grand Prix car race scheduled for Washington D.C. streets — Trump's Freedom Grand Prix car race is scheduled to take place this weekend on the streets of Washington D.C. The event will feature 25 IndyCars traveling at speeds of 180 to 190 miles per hour on city streets. Preparation required welding down 200 manhole covers and removing some street lights. White House Director of Protocol Monica Crowley announced the event.

Supporting reports

• Kennedy Center board votes to renovate building and inscribe Trump's name despite federal court order — The Kennedy Center's board, described as mostly Trump allies, voted to proceed with a $250 million renovation project that would temporarily close the main building and inscribe "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J Trump" on the facade. This directly defies a May federal court order by Judge Christopher Cooper that ruled Trump's name must be removed from the building and blocked the closure plan. The board must present its plan to Cooper by the following week for judicial review.
• Kennedy Center board voted to restore Trump's name despite federal court ruling — The Kennedy Center board voted on Thursday to unveil President Trump's name on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, directly challenging a May federal court ruling by U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper that only Congress could change the venue's name and that Trump's name must be removed. The legal process to remove the name had been completed in June. The administration has appealed the ruling, and the appellate court retains jurisdiction over the matter.
• Kennedy Center board votes to rename building after Trump — Trump's handpicked Kennedy Center board voted to place Trump's name on the Kennedy Center building, designating it as "Restored and Renovated by President Donald J. Trump." Trump serves as chair of the Kennedy Center board, a position his loyalists elected him to hold. The action represents the use of a cultural institution to memorialize the sitting president.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders modifications to White House South Lawn helipad for new Marine One helicopter — The White House confirmed that contractors are redoing a helipad on the South Lawn to accommodate a new, larger Marine One helicopter. President Trump ordered changes to the circular concrete landing pad after reports indicated he was unhappy with its appearance and the lawn's slope. Construction crews are working to complete the project before Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit in late September. The helipad, funded by Sikorsky Aircraft at $5–6 million, will feature a carved granite presidential seal.

Supporting reports

• White House renews effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook — ABC News reported that the Trump administration is renewing its effort to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino sent Cook a letter on Wednesday giving her three weeks to respond to previous allegations of mortgage fraud that she has steadfastly denied. The latest push follows a Supreme Court ruling in June allowing her to continue in her position, which did not prevent Trump from attempting removal again.
• Trump informs Lisa Cook that he is “considering” her removal — Former President Donald Trump has informed Lisa Cook, a member of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, that he is considering her removal from her position. This announcement has raised concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve and the potential implications for monetary policy and economic stability. The Federal Reserve is a critical institution in managing the U.S. economy, and any changes in its leadership can have significant impacts on economic governance.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration guts USAID and consolidates disaster assistance under State Department — The Trump administration dismantled the US Agency for International Development (USAID), laying off thousands of aid workers and transferring disaster assistance functions to the State Department. The restructuring reduced the US foreign assistance unit in Colombia from 144 staff to 14, severed ties with local NGOs and contractors, and eliminated much of the infrastructure for humanitarian aid overseas. This reorganization occurred as the administration tested its new approach during the Venezuelan earthquake crisis.

Supporting reports

• Trump cancels housing bill signing event — President Trump canceled a scheduled signing event for the housing bill, citing the need for Congress to pass the SAVE America Act first. This cancellation reflects his prioritization of voter eligibility legislation over housing reform, which could impact public perception and support for his administration.
• Trump threatens to withhold housing bill signature — President Trump announced he will not sign a bipartisan housing bill into law until Congress passes the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote. This announcement came after the Senate and House passed the housing measure aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability.
• Trump withholds signature on bipartisan housing bill pending passage of voter ID legislation — After the Senate and House overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan housing affordability bill designed to increase housing supply and prevent private equity from purchasing single-family homes, Trump announced he would not sign it into law until Congress passes the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship to vote and mandates states surrender voting rolls to the federal government. Trump cancelled a scheduled housing bill signing ceremony, declaring the voter ID measure a "National Emergency."
• Trump refuses to sign housing bill pending Senate passage of voting restrictions measure — President Trump refused to sign a major housing bill that had passed with bipartisan majorities in Congress, conditioning its approval on the Senate advancing the Save America Act, a voting restrictions measure. This represents a continuation of Trump's linkage of unrelated legislative priorities, previously connecting the housing bill's passage to renewal of a foreign surveillance law. The standoff has created a legislative logjam and prompted House Republican leadership to cancel scheduled votes.
• Trump canceled bipartisan housing bill signing hours before ceremony — Roughly an hour before Trump was scheduled to sign bipartisan housing legislation on Capitol Hill alongside Republican leaders, he canceled the signing via social media post, calling the bill "of minor importance" and demanding Congress pass the SAVE Act first. The presidential seal-emblazoned table sat waiting in Statuary Hall as some top Republicans were mid-speech or press conference touting the bill, unaware the president had canceled.
• White House Press Secretary contradicted housing bill signing announcement — White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted hours before Trump's refusal to sign the housing bill, announcing that "Trump will sign into law the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, one of the most significant pieces of housing affordability legislation in American history," touting it as a bipartisan achievement and "promise made, promise kept." Trump then canceled the signing.
• Interior Department transferred taxpayer funds to Freedom 250 events — The Department of Interior transferred taxpayer money to the National Park Foundation for use in Freedom 250 events, and the National Park Service funded the Fourth of July fireworks display. Michael Scherer of The Atlantic reported this fact-check in response to Alexis Wilkins' claim that the celebration was not taxpayer-funded.
• Trump's construction projects carry over $1 billion in taxpayer costs — A New York Times analysis revealed that Trump's 18 major construction projects undertaken during his second term—including an East Wing ballroom, Kennedy Center renovations, National Garden of American Heroes, Lafayette Park, Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, and others—carry a potential cost exceeding $1 billion, with significant taxpayer expense despite Trump's claims of private funding.
• Trump demanded Senate pass SAVE Act before signing legislation — Trump announced he would not sign any additional legislation until the Senate passed the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act), designed to restrict voting before the 2026 election. This conditional demand effectively halted all legislative activity and prompted House MAGA members to vote against procedural measures, leading Speaker Johnson to adjourn the House.
• Trump refused to sign bipartisan housing bill into law — President Trump declined to sign a landmark bipartisan housing bill after a midday confrontation with senators. The refusal followed Trump's demand that the Senate pass the SAVE Act to restrict voting before the 2026 election. Trump announced he would not sign any additional legislation until this voting-restriction measure advanced, effectively halting legislative activity and prompting Speaker Johnson to adjourn the House.
• House Freedom Caucus voted against procedural measures — Members of the far-right Freedom Caucus voted against procedural measures necessary for the House to conduct business, citing Trump's refusal to sign legislation as justification. Their obstruction rendered the House unable to accomplish any legislative work, prompting Speaker Johnson to adjourn members on Thursday.
• Senate Republicans voted against war powers resolution — Senate Republicans voted to reject advancing a war powers resolution that the Senate had passed the day before. The vote occurred after Trump's refusal to sign the housing bill and his confrontation with senators, appearing as an attempt to mollify the president following their brief assertion of independence.
• Trump canceled housing bill signing to leverage proof-of-citizenship voting requirement — President Trump canceled his scheduled signing of the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act on Wednesday, June 25, stating he would not approve it until Congress passed his SAVE America Act, which includes a proof-of-citizenship voting requirement. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support (85–5 in Senate, 358–32 in House). Under the ten-day pocket-veto rule, the bill becomes law without Trump's signature if Congress remains in session and he does not veto it; Speaker Johnson indicated Trump will ultimately sign.
• Rep. Luna refused to reopen House floor pending Senate return — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) announced she would not vote to reopen the House floor until the Senate returned to Washington to act on the SAVE Act. Luna criticized Senate Majority Leader Thune for obtaining unanimous consent to adjourn, saying "Thune is running and hiding."
• Rep. Luna shut down House floor over SAVE Act demand — Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) shut down the House floor, preventing any legislation from being brought up, because the Senate had not acted on the SAVE Act. Luna froze the House despite the fact that shutting down the floor does not accomplish anything in the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson was unable to pass a rule or bring any legislation to a vote.
• Sen. Murkowski criticized Trump's housing bill obstruction — Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) told CNN's Manu Raju that Trump's decision to hold up his own agenda by demanding action on the SAVE Act was "not helpful to him" and "not helpful to the country." She noted that "If you don't have the votes, sir, you don't have the votes" and said Trump's actions do not help chances of keeping the GOP majority, as people want Congress to focus on issues affecting them at home.
• Sen. Whitehouse warned of Republican dissension and Trump's destructive intent — Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) warned that Thune may be growing fed up with Trump and that dissension in the Republican Caucus may be growing. Whitehouse suggested that "The realization may be dawning that Trump prefers to take them all down with him than fail alone."
• Senate Majority Leader Thune adjourned Senate for 19 days — Senate Majority Leader John Thune obtained unanimous consent to adjourn the Senate for 19 days after Trump's last-minute cancellation of the housing bill signing. Thune declined to comment on Trump's reversal, saying "I guess I would say at this point I don't have any observations."

Supporting reports

• Trump hosts UFC event on White House South Lawn for 80th birthday — President Trump organized and hosted UFC Freedom 250, a professional mixed martial arts event, on the White House South Lawn on June 13, 2026, featuring seven fights including a lightweight championship unification bout. The event drew approximately 4,300 attendees, including 1,200 active-duty military personnel selected under strict fitness criteria. A watchdog group's legal challenge to block the event was denied by a judge. Trump had purchased up to $50,000 in stock in TKO Group Holdings, the UFC's parent company, earlier in 2026.
• Stunt performer performs backflip over UFC octagon on White House South Lawn — Stunt performer Travis Pastrana performed a backflip on a dirt bike over the UFC octagon fight arena positioned on the South Lawn of the White House. Other riders performed additional stunts, with all activities filmed against the facade of the White House building.
• Federal judge permits UFC event at White House despite legal challenge — Attorneys from the Public Integrity Project filed a lawsuit to block a UFC fight scheduled for the White House lawn on Trump's 80th birthday (billed as a 250th anniversary celebration). On Friday, a federal judge ruled the event could proceed. The lawsuit challenged the appropriateness and use of taxpayer funds for the mixed martial arts event, which Dana White said was Trump's idea. Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized the venue but expressed hope the event would be successful.
• Judge Mehta rejected lawsuit challenging UFC White House event — Judge Amit P. Mehta of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejected a lawsuit filed by a political activist and military veteran from Virginia seeking to stop the White House cage fight event. The plaintiff challenged the event as "deeply corrupt," arguing it uses national monuments to promote private businesses in which Trump holds financial interests and that the administration improperly invoked the 250th anniversary to bypass environmental review and congressional approval. Judge Mehta ruled that the plaintiff lacked standing to challenge the event and that the time and money invested in the event outweighed any temporary harm the plaintiff suffered.
• Federal agencies and UFC invested $60 million in White House cage fight event — Federal agencies and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) are investing at least $60 million toward a White House cage fight event scheduled for Trump's 80th birthday on Sunday, June 14, 2026. The funding has paid for a fighting arena on the South Lawn of the White House and approximately 900 workers since May 20, 2026. Trump owns significant stock in TKO Holding Group, the parent company of UFC.
• Trump holds $60 million UFC fight on White House South Lawn funded by corporate entity — Trump marked his 80th birthday by holding a UFC fight on the White House's South Lawn, an event that cost at least $60 million paid for by UFC's parent company TKO and required assistance from more than seven federal agencies. Some fighters received bonuses paid in cryptocurrency from the Trump family's World Liberty Financial. The event blurred the line between private entertainment and official use of federal resources and presidential facilities.
• UFC announces fighter bonuses in Trump family cryptocurrency at White House event — The Ultimate Fighting Championship announced it will pay performance bonuses to fighters in USD1 stablecoins issued by World Liberty Financial, a Trump family cryptocurrency venture co-founded by Donald Trump and his sons in 2024. The event, UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled for June 14 on the White House south lawn on Trump's birthday. World Liberty Financial is listed as the "Presenting Partner" of a $250,000 bonus pool. The arrangement directly connects Trump family financial interests to a high-profile government property event, raising conflict-of-interest concerns despite White House claims that Trump's assets are held in a trust managed by his children.
• White House hosts UFC fight event with corporate sponsors and Trump family business involvement — The White House hosted a professional UFC fight card on Trump's 80th birthday, featuring seven matches on the South Lawn. The event included sponsor logos from crypto platforms (Stake, Polymarket, Crypto.com), a Trump family stablecoin (World Liberty Financial), and other corporate entities. Fighter Josh Hokit made a false conspiracy claim about Michelle Obama during a post-fight interview. A legal challenge to block the event failed on Friday. The broadcast aired on Paramount+, controlled by billionaire Larry Ellison, a Trump ally.
• UFC event held on White House grounds using Bicentennial exemption — Trump held Ultimate Fighting Championship matches on the South Lawn of the White House on June 15, circumventing restrictions on using White House grounds for such events by claiming the event honored the nation's 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, for which Congress had suspended normal regulations. The event was sponsored by World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's cryptocurrency company.
• UFC fighter Josh Hokit makes sexist, racist, transphobic statement about Michelle Obama at White House event; Trump does not condemn — At a UFC event on the White House south lawn on Sunday, June 15, 2026, fighter Josh Hokit shouted a false, sexist, racist conspiracy theory about former first lady Michelle Obama into a microphone in front of President Trump. Trump appeared to half-smile in response while some audience members laughed. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. Despite calls from Trump allies, media figures, and civil society for the president to condemn the statement, Trump remained silent on the matter.
• Allegations of Cheating in White House UFC Fights — President’s son says screenshots that appeared to show him asking analyst Daniel Cormier for information were ‘fake’
• World Liberty Financial became UFC event sponsor and received cash payments — On June 15 at 9:30 p.m., the UFC issued a press release announcing that World Liberty Financial, the Trump family's cryptocurrency company overseen by Zach Witkoff, would be the "Presenting Partner" of a new $250,000 Performance of the Night bonus pool. Under this arrangement, UFC gives cash to World Liberty Financial, which distributes cryptocurrency to fighters and invests the cash in U.S. Treasury bonds while keeping the interest.

Supporting reports

• Trump rescinded off-road vehicle restrictions on federal lands — President Trump issued an executive order rescinding Executive Orders 11644 (1972) and 11989 (1977), which had imposed criteria for designating off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, the Secretary of War, the TVA Board, and other relevant agencies to initiate rulemakings to rescind or revise regulations implementing those prior orders. Trump's order characterizes the prior restrictions as vague, outdated, and barriers to energy production, timber harvesting, utility maintenance, and recreational access.
• Trump signed Executive Order 14408 rescinding off-road vehicle restrictions on federal lands — President Trump signed Executive Order 14408 on May 29, 2026, rescinding Executive Orders 11644 (1972) and 11989 (1977), which had established criteria for off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, the Secretary of War, the TVA Board, and other relevant agencies to initiate rulemakings to rescind or revise regulations implementing those prior orders. The administration characterizes the prior orders as imposing "vague, subjective criteria" that create "barriers to energy and timber production" and "permit delays," and states the rescission will "facilitate" greater access and "multiple use benefits."
• White House issues fact sheet on executive order rescinding federal land access restrictions — The White House published a fact sheet on May 29, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump that rescinds Executive Orders 11644 and 11989, which had imposed restrictions on off-road vehicle use on federal lands. The order directs federal agencies to rescind or revise regulations implementing those prior orders. The fact sheet states the rescission will "restore balanced land management" and increase access to federal lands for recreation, energy development, timber production, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Trump rescinded off-road vehicle restrictions on federal lands via Executive Order 14408 — President Trump signed Executive Order 14408 on May 29, 2026, rescinding Executive Orders 11644 (1972) and 11989 (1977), which had restricted off-road vehicle use on federal lands to minimize environmental and wildlife impacts. The order directs federal agencies to initiate rulemakings to replace the prior regulations with a framework permitting greater access and recreational use. The administration argues the prior orders imposed vague, subjective criteria that created barriers to energy production, timber harvesting, and utility maintenance while limiting public recreation.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration redirected national park entrance fees to White House projects — The Trump administration is using $7 million in entrance fees collected from visitors to national parks across the country to pay for repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. The administration is also using nearly $60 million in national park fees to repair nine ornamental fountains in the capital. The reflecting pool contractor was awarded a no-bid contract and is being paid an inflated and excessive profit margin; the government is paying $13.1 million for the work, seven times Trump's initial stated cost.
• National park entrance fees diverted to Trump D.C. renovation projects — The New York Times reported that the Trump administration has diverted at least $67 million in entrance fees paid by the American people to national parks to fund Trump's renovation projects in Washington, D.C. The diverted funds include a multi-million dollar contract to repaint the Reflecting Pool, awarded to a MAGA-connected contractor. The diversion represents a misappropriation of public funds collected for park maintenance and operations.
• National Park Service diverts $67 million in entrance fees for DC beautification — The National Park Service is using at least $67 million in park entrance fees to fund beautification projects in Washington, D.C., ahead of the nation's 250th anniversary celebration. The projects were directed by Trump and include a $7 million paint job on the Reflecting Pool. The Interior Department is spending at least $95 million in total taxpayer funds on DC beautification projects, all initiated between December 2025 and April 2026. The funds come from entrance fees that would normally support park operations and maintenance nationwide.
• Interior Department contracts $5 million to gild Lincoln Memorial horses — The Interior Department awarded a $5 million contract to a Maryland gilding studio to restore and cover four bronze horse statues surrounding the Lincoln Memorial with 23.75-karat gold leaf in preparation for the nation's 250th anniversary on July 4. The horses, which have retained their original patina since restoration in the 1970s, will be gilded at Trump's direction. The project is part of the broader $95 million DC beautification initiative.

Supporting reports

• White House began construction of UFC stadium on south lawn for Trump's birthday event — Construction commenced on the south lawn of the White House for a stadium to host a UFC fight scheduled for Trump's birthday on June 14. The White House released a photo of the expected event layout.
• UFC arena construction on White House lawn for Trump's 80th birthday celebration — Construction began on the White House lawn for a temporary 5,000-seat UFC arena to host mixed martial arts fights on 14 June, coinciding with Donald Trump's 80th birthday and the US's 250th anniversary. The event will feature two title fights: a lightweight championship between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje, and an interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. Trump announced the plan last year and has scaled back initial expectations from 20-25,000 attendees and eight or nine fights to the current configuration.
• UFC arena constructed on White House grounds for Trump birthday event — Workers are constructing a massive 90-foot-tall structure called "The Claw" on the White House lawn to frame a temporary octagon fighting arena for Ultimate Fighting Championship fights that Trump will host on his birthday, June 14. The structure is designed to frame the White House and Washington Monument for television during the event. This follows Trump's destruction of the East Wing and paving of the Rose Garden to create a patio resembling the one at Mar-a-Lago.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration compensates January 6 defendants with taxpayer funds — The Trump administration approved compensation for individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. Senator Tommy Tuberville stated that the administration would compensate people "wrongly denied access to a lawyer," contradicting earlier statements that no compensation would go to those who assaulted law enforcement. The compensation package reportedly totals approximately $1.5 billion in taxpayer funds.

Supporting reports

• Trump exploits White House shooting to promote $1 billion ballroom project — Following a shooting incident near the White House involving a 21-year-old with documented mental health issues, Trump used the incident to push for his $1 billion taxpayer-funded gold ballroom project. Kevin Hassett appeared on television claiming the ballroom would not cost taxpayers anything because Trump and donors are covering it, but when pressed on the billion-dollar price tag, said that figure was only for "security," not the ballroom itself. Senator Ron Johnson said he "supports the national security component."

Supporting reports

• Trump administration considers settling $10bn IRS lawsuit with $1.7bn compensation fund for allies including January 6 rioters — The Trump administration is reportedly negotiating to settle Trump's $10bn lawsuit against the IRS by establishing a $1.7bn compensation fund using the Treasury Department's Judgment Fund. The fund would compensate individuals Trump claims were wrongfully targeted by the Biden administration, including over 1,500 January 6 rioters. The settlement would also include a public IRS apology and waiver of audits on Trump, his family, and businesses. A federal judge has appointed attorneys to examine whether a genuine legal controversy exists, raising concerns about self-dealing and potential DOJ manipulation.
• Trump withdrew IRS lawsuit; DOJ established $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" from Judgment Fund — Attorneys for President Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization filed notice voluntarily dismissing a $10 billion IRS lawsuit in federal court in Miami with prejudice. In exchange, the Justice Department announced creation of a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" drawn from the federal Judgment Fund to issue apologies and monetary relief to people claiming government "weaponization" or "lawfare." A five-member commission appointed by the Attorney General will decide beneficiaries; the President can remove any member. Quarterly reports go to the Attorney General, not the public. The fund must cease processing claims by December 2028.
• Trump settles IRS lawsuit and establishes $1.8bn anti-weaponization fund — Trump settled his lawsuit against the IRS over the leaking of his tax information by a whistleblower, abandoning his $10bn damages claim in exchange for a financial agreement that allowed him to establish a $1.776bn "anti-weaponization fund." Federal Judge Kathleen Williams approved the settlement on May 18. Critics and Democrats argue the fund functions as a "slush fund" designed to distribute taxpayer dollars to Trump's political allies, including those convicted of violence during the January 6 Capitol riot, whom Trump subsequently pardoned.
• Justice Department announces Anti-Weaponization Fund settlement with Trump entities — The Department of Justice announced establishment of "The Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of a settlement agreement in President Donald J. Trump v. Internal Revenue Service. The fund, capitalized at $1.776 billion from the judgment fund, will process claims from individuals alleging weaponization or lawfare by government. Trump, his sons, and the Trump Organization agreed to drop their lawsuit with prejudice and withdraw administrative claims related to tax-return leaks, the Mar-a-Lago raid, and Russia-collusion investigations in exchange for a formal apology (but no monetary damages to them personally) and creation of the fund. The fund will cease operations by December 1, 2028.
• DOJ establishes $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" for January 6 defendants and MAGA loyalists — The Department of Justice created a $1.776 billion taxpayer-funded "Anti-Weaponization Fund" designated to provide financial support to January 6th insurrectionists and MAGA loyalists. The fund represents a direct allocation of federal resources to individuals convicted or charged in connection with the Capitol attack, effectively using public money to benefit political allies and those involved in the assault on the Capitol.
• DOJ establishes $1.776 billion fund for January 6 defendants and Trump allies — The Department of Justice, under Attorney General Todd Blanche, announced the creation of a $1.776 billion fund designated "for victims of lawfare and weaponization" to provide monetary relief and formal apologies to claimants. The fund will be administered by a five-member Commission appointed by the Attorney General, with one member chosen in consultation with congressional leadership. The President retains authority to remove any Commission member. The fund is expected to provide payouts to individuals convicted or charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol breach and Trump administration officials.
• DOJ announced Anti-Weaponization Fund eligibility may include January 6 defendants — ABC News and TIME reported before the fund announcement that the proposed $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund could include people charged in connection with January 6. Reuters notes that "weaponization" and "lawfare" are terms the President and allies have used to describe criminal cases arising from the Capitol attack. The Hill reports that several convicted January 6 defendants have pending civil suits. DOJ has not publicly released eligibility criteria or named beneficiaries.
• DOJ announces $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as Trump settlement — Trump's Justice Department officially announced the $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of a settlement with Trump in his lawsuit against the Treasury Department and IRS over the leaking of his tax returns. The fund will be overseen by a commission appointed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, whose members Trump can fire without cause, and will be made available in secret to those claiming wrongful government targeting, potentially including those Trump pardoned for January 6 involvement.
• Trump administration dismisses $10bn IRS lawsuit and establishes $1.776bn secretive compensation fund — The Justice Department announced creation of a $1.776bn "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of an agreement in which Trump and his sons dropped a $10bn lawsuit against the IRS. The fund, overseen by five commissioners (four appointed by the attorney general and removable by Trump), will compensate Trump allies with minimal transparency—quarterly reports go only to the attorney general and are confidential. Trump and his sons receive formal apologies but no monetary compensation. Democrats and watchdog groups condemned the arrangement as a slush fund funneling taxpayer dollars to political allies.
• Department of Justice announces $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to compensate Trump and associates — The Department of Justice, under Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, announced the creation of a $1.776 billion fund purportedly to compensate victims of alleged "weaponization" of the Justice Department under former President Biden. The fund was established following Trump's withdrawal of a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS after a contractor leaked his tax information. Judge Kathleen Williams dismissed the suit, noting no legal settlement existed. The fund is controlled by five administrators, four chosen by Blanche and one in consultation with Congress, all removable by Trump without cause. Distributions are confidential and overseen only by the DOJ. Remaining funds after December 2028 revert to Trump's chosen federal account.
• Creation of $1.776 billion compensation fund for Trump allies with minimal oversight — The Department of Justice announced creation of a $1.776 billion compensation fund on May 19–20, 2026, to settle Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS and other government claims. The fund is administered by five officials subject to at-will removal by the president, operates with minimal transparency requirements, and is not obligated to publicly disclose recipients or justifications for awards. Senate Democrats criticized the arrangement as an "outrageous, unprecedented slush fund." Acting attorney general Blanche testified that no limitations exist on who may seek compensation, including those convicted of assaulting police on January 6, though he stated Trump and his sons would not receive direct compensation.
• DOJ announces creation of Anti-Weaponization Fund — The Department of Justice announced the establishment of a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" aimed at compensating individuals it describes as victims of lawfare under former President Joe Biden. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the fund is a lawful process for victims to seek redress. However, the fund is not a legal settlement related to Trump's dropped lawsuit against the IRS, and it grants Trump significant control over the distribution of taxpayer money without oversight.
• Justice Department announced $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund from Trump IRS lawsuit settlement — The Justice Department announced a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" created as part of a settlement of President Trump's lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. Trump, his two adult sons, and the Trump Organization dropped the suit and received a formal apology but no direct monetary payment. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Trump's former personal defense attorney, established the fund and will handpick the five-member commission deciding eligibility and payouts. The process is largely shielded from court review, and eligibility criteria remain undefined, with Blanche stating "anybody can apply."

Supporting reports

• Trump awarded no-bid contract for Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool repairs — Trump awarded a $6.9 million no-bid contract to Atlantic Industrial Coatings to reseal joints, waterproof, and paint the Reflecting Pool in front of the Lincoln Memorial. The company had never won a federal contract before but had worked at one of Trump's golf clubs. Trump bypassed the required competitive bidding and review process by invoking an exemption designed for emergencies, citing the need to complete work before the July 4, 2026 Declaration of Independence anniversary. The contract price is more than triple the $1.8 million Trump initially promised, and officials estimate the repairs will last 7–10 years rather than the 50 years Trump claimed.
• Cost of Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool project increased 88 percent to $13.1 million — According to New York Times reporting, the cost of Trump's plan to repair the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool jumped 88 percent to $13.1 million. Government records showed the price appeared to include a 20 percent profit margin for Trump's handpicked contractor, who received the job via no-bid contract.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration announced plan to take control of East Potomac Golf Links — The Trump administration planned to take control of the East Potomac Golf Links on the Washington, D.C., waterfront, one of three D.C. public golf courses the administration is taking over, with plans to convert it into a championship golf course and establish Trump's National Garden of American Heroes nearby. The sculpture park would feature approximately 250 Americans Trump believes are significant to history. The plans have not been made public, nor have they been approved by Congress or gone through the federal review process. The new golf course would erase the area's public bike paths and open recreational space. The administration planned to shut down the course today for renovation.

Supporting reports

• DHS suspended TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs — During the partial DHS shutdown, the Department of Homeland Security announced a suspension of TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs. After widespread public backlash, the agency reversed course within 12 hours. A TSA spokesperson later confirmed that "TSA PreCheck remains operational with no change for the traveling public."
• TSA suspended PreCheck and Global Entry programs due to DHS shutdown — DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced that TSA was suspending PreCheck and Global Entry programs at airports due to the partial government shutdown. PreCheck allows approved passengers through faster security lanes, while Global Entry expedites customs clearance for international travelers. The suspension was intended to prioritize general traveling populations, though critics noted the programs actually used fewer agents and moved more people through efficiently. DHS reversed the PreCheck suspension the following day but kept Global Entry paused.
• DHS suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry programs amid government shutdown — The Department of Homeland Security suspended TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs on February 23, 2026, citing staffing shortages from a partial government shutdown that began February 14. After industry opposition, DHS partially reversed course, restoring TSA PreCheck operations but keeping Global Entry halted. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the administration was "suspending courtesy and special privilege escorts" to prioritize general travelers. The suspension affected approximately 20 million TSA PreCheck users and 10 million Global Entry users.

Supporting reports

• Russell Vought halts most work at CFPB as Trump administration moves to dismantle agency — Russell Vought, director of the Office of Management and Budget and architect of Project 2025, halted most work at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in February 2025 as part of the Trump administration's effort to dismantle the agency. Vought had previously called for the agency's abolition. The CFPB subsequently deleted nearly 4,000 webpages from its website, including all press releases issued before February 2025.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration floated Grand Prix racetrack around Capitol and UFC stadium near White House — Trump administration officials floated the idea of building a Grand Prix racetrack around the Capitol and constructing a 100,000-seat UFC stadium near the White House. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy celebrated the racetrack idea online. These proposals represent vanity projects funded by taxpayers while Americans struggle with inflation and lack access to affordable healthcare and quality schools.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced closure of Kennedy Center for two-year renovation — After performers and acts canceled on the Kennedy Center for 2026 and beyond, Trump posted that he is shutting down the Kennedy Center's entertainment operations for approximately two years beginning July 4, 2026, to construct a new entertainment complex. Trump stated that financing is "completed, and fully in place" and that the new facility will "rival and surpass anything that has taken place with respect to such a Facility before."
• Trump announced Kennedy Center will close for two-year renovation beginning July 2026 — President Trump announced in February 2026 that the Kennedy Center will close for approximately two years beginning July 4, 2026, for major renovations. The closure announcement came after a wave of artist cancellations and declining ticket sales at the venue, which had experienced significant leadership changes that reshaped its board and programming direction.
• Trump announced two-year closure of Kennedy Center on Truth Social — Trump announced on Truth Social that the Kennedy Center will temporarily close beginning July 4 for two years to undergo "Construction, Revitalization, and Complete Rebuilding." The announcement came after dozens of performers canceled appearances following Trump's takeover of the center and his decision to place his name on the building. The closure requires approval from the Kennedy Center Board, which consists of members Trump handpicked.
• Trump announced closure of Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts — President Trump announced on Sunday night that he is closing the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, claiming it requires two years of renovations. The announcement came after Trump took over the venue and placed his name on it, following reports of plummeting ticket sales and artist boycotts.

Supporting reports

• Interior Department issued default notice to National Links Trust over DC public golf courses — The Interior Department delivered an official default notice to the National Links Trust, a non-profit holding a 50-year lease to operate three public golf courses in Washington, D.C. (East Potomac Golf Links, Rock Creek, and Langston Golf Course). Earlier in 2025, the Trump administration ordered the group to accept dirt from White House East Wing demolition or risk defaulting on its lease. After the group accepted and trucks dumped soil on one course, the Interior Department claimed the group violated its lease terms. Trump stated the courses would fall under administration control if violations were not remedied by year's end. Trump indicated plans to redevelop the courses.
• Trump dumped White House East Wing demolition dirt on public golf course — President Trump arranged for dirt from the demolition of the White House East Wing to be dumped on the East Potomac Golf Links, one of three public golf courses in the Washington, D.C., area that Trump is seeking to renovate. Trump is attempting to push aside the nonprofit group holding a 50-year lease to restore and operate the courses. All three courses—East Potomac, Rock Creek Park Golf, and Langston Golf Course—are on the National Register of Historic Places. Trump claims that if he takes control, D.C. residents will pay lower fees than outside golfers.
• Interior Secretary Doug Burgum discussed D.C. golf course plans with Trump — During a Wall Street Journal interview on Friday with reporter Meridith McGraw about the economy, President Trump took repeated calls from friends and allies, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who joined by speakerphone to discuss the administration's plans for Washington, D.C., golf courses.

Supporting reports

• Trump orders demolition of White House East Wing to build $300 million ballroom — President Trump ordered the demolition of the White House East Wing, which historically served as the office and workspace for first ladies since 1942. The demolition eliminates Melania Trump's official office space, despite her reported private concerns about the project. The East Wing will be replaced with a $300 million ballroom. The action removes institutional infrastructure that previous first ladies used to advance major policy initiatives and public health campaigns.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration demolishes White House East Wing without National Capital Planning Commission approval — The Trump administration completed demolition of the historic White House East Wing to make way for a $300 million privately funded ballroom. The demolition reversed Trump's July promise that no existing infrastructure would be torn down. Construction began without approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency with jurisdiction over such projects. The 90,000-square-foot ballroom, designed to accommodate 999 people, is funded by major tech companies, defense contractors, and other corporations seeking government access.
• Trump plans to bulldoze East Wing of the White House for personal use — Trump reportedly plans to bulldoze the East Wing of the White House to construct a personal ballroom, a decision defended by Bessent as a "judgment call" by the president.
• White House demolishes East Wing to construct ballroom — The Trump administration demolished the East Wing of the White House to construct a ballroom. The action was cited as an example of constitutional violations and institutional degradation occurring during the administration's tenure.

Supporting reports

• President Trump Leaves U.S. During Government Shutdown — President Donald Trump departed the United States for a trip to Asia aboard Air Force One amidst a government shutdown that has left 1.4 million federal employees either furloughed or working without pay. This marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has left the country during an active government shutdown. The shutdown has led to significant economic strain, with food lines forming across the country as millions face a lapse in food assistance programs.
• Trump leaves country during government shutdown — President Donald J. Trump left the United States during the twenty-ninth day of a government shutdown, breaking precedent. During the trip, Trump's behavior drew attention. On October 27, he boasted on Air Force One that he received a perfect score on an "IQ test" requiring identification of "a tiger, an elephant, a giraffe"—a dementia screening test physicians have been administering to Trump since at least 2018. On October 28 in Japan, during a welcome ceremony with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Trump appeared to wander, leaving the prime minister behind.

Supporting reports

• White House demolition of East Wing began without National Capital Planning Commission approval — Demolition of the White House East Wing commenced on October 20, 2025, without formal submission to or approval from the National Capital Planning Commission, the federal agency statutorily required to review major construction and renovation projects on federal property in Washington, D.C. The East Wing, which housed First Lady offices for 48 years and served as a workspace for policy initiatives by multiple First Ladies, is being demolished to make way for a privately funded ballroom estimated at $250–$300 million. President Trump appointed Will Scharf, his White House Staff Secretary, to chair the Commission; Scharf argued the Commission has jurisdiction only over construction, not demolition, creating a procedural loophole.
• National Nuclear Security Administration furloughs 80% of workforce during government shutdown — The National Nuclear Security Administration announced it will furlough approximately 1,400 employees (80% of its workforce) starting Monday, October 20, 2025, due to exhausted carryover funding during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Only 375 essential staff will remain to handle critical safety operations including nuclear material monitoring, equipment maintenance, and reactor safety. The shutdown has now become the longest complete government-wide funding lapse in U.S. history, surpassing the 16-day 2013 shutdown. Most scientific research, stockpile maintenance, and global security programs will be suspended.
• Trump administration begins demolition of White House East Wing for $250 million ballroom construction — Construction crews began demolishing part of the White House East Wing to make way for a $250 million ballroom project announced by Trump in July. Trump announced on Truth Social that "ground has been broken on the White House" and stated the project would be privately funded with zero cost to taxpayers, though it involves unnamed donors and corporate representatives including Amazon, Apple, Meta, Google, Microsoft, Palantir, and Lockheed Martin. The project is expected to be completed by January 2029. Democratic congressman Mark Takano proposed legislation to prohibit federal funds for White House construction during government shutdowns.
• Trump administration begins demolition of White House East Wing without approval — Demolition crews began tearing down the East Wing of the White House to make way for Trump's 90,000-square-foot ballroom. The National Capital Planning Commission, which approves construction of federal buildings, has not signed off on the destruction. In September, the Trump-appointed head of the commission, Will Scharf, claimed the board has no jurisdiction over demolition or site preparation. As of the time of reporting, the White House had not submitted building plans to the National Capital Planning Commission.
• Trump bulldozes East Wing of the White House on October 20 — On Monday, October 20, President Trump began to bulldoze the East Wing of the White House, the People's House. The demolition of a historic structure symbolized the administration's disregard for institutional continuity and public property.
• Trump ordered physical destruction of White House East Wing to construct ballroom — Trump began demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make room for a ballroom styled after his Mar-a-Lago property. The work commenced on the date reported, representing a significant alteration to the historic structure. No congressional authorization or public process was described in the source material.