Trump Action Archive

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 issues Executive Order 14405 directing federal financial regulators to streamline fintech oversight and expand Federal Reserve payment system access. — President Trump signed Executive Order 14405 on May 19, 2026, directing federal financial regulators to review and update regulations, guidance, and supervisory practices within 90 days to reduce barriers to fintech firms entering partnerships with federally regulated institutions and seeking federal charters and licenses. The order also requests the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate and expand direct access to Reserve Bank payment accounts and services for uninsured depository institutions and non-bank financial companies engaged in digital assets and novel financial activities, with a report due within 120 days and transparent application procedures to be established within 90 days of application.
• Trump issued executive order streamlining fintech regulatory processes and expanding Federal Reserve access — President Trump signed an executive order on May 19, 2026, directing federal financial regulators to review and streamline regulations, guidance, and supervisory practices to reduce barriers to fintech firms entering partnerships with federally regulated institutions and obtaining federal licenses. The order requests the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate and expand direct access to Reserve Bank payment accounts and services for non-bank financial companies and digital asset firms, with a 120-day report deadline and 90-day application processing timelines where legally permissible.
• White House issues fact sheet promoting executive order on fintech regulatory integration — The White House published a fact sheet on May 19, 2026, describing an executive order signed by President Trump directing federal financial regulators to review and streamline regulations to promote financial technology innovation and competition. The order directs the Federal Reserve to evaluate frameworks governing access to Reserve Bank payment accounts by uninsured depositories and non-bank fintech firms, and to report on legal authorities, expansion options, and impediments to such access. The fact sheet frames the order as removing "outdated regulatory burdens" and "regulatory protections for incumbents."
• White House signed Executive Order 14405 directing federal financial regulators to streamline fintech oversight and reduce regulatory barriers. — The White House issued Executive Order 14405 on May 19, 2026, directing federal financial regulators (CFPB, SEC, NCUA, CFTC, FDIC, OCC) to review and update regulations, guidance, and supervisory practices within 90 days to reduce barriers to fintech firms entering partnerships with federally regulated institutions and seeking federal charters and licenses. The order also requests the Federal Reserve Board to evaluate and expand direct access to Reserve Bank payment accounts and services for non-bank financial companies and digital asset firms within 120 days, and to establish transparent application procedures with 90-day decision timelines where legally permissible.

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

• Interior Secretary announced renovation of public golf course with Trump-tied contractor — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum announced plans to renovate East Potomac Golf Links, a public golf course, into a championship facility. The contract was awarded to Fazio Design, a firm with longstanding ties to Trump. The accompanying map contains cartographic errors, including an incorrectly positioned Washington Monument.

Supporting reports

• Boeing and Toyota fund Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's reality television show — Boeing and Toyota each donated $1 million to fund a reality television show called "The Great American Road Trip" starring Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his family traveling across the United States. The show was produced by a nonprofit backed by major companies overseen by Duffy's agency. The companies being regulated by Duffy's department funded content featuring the secretary in a promotional capacity.
• Transportation Secretary Duffy's reality show raised ethics concerns — CNN reported that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy filmed a five-part reality show titled "The Great American Road Trip" with his family over seven months. The show's sponsors include Boeing, Shell, Toyota, United Airlines, and Royal Caribbean—all companies that intersect with the Department of Transportation. Duffy claimed costs were paid by a nonprofit and his family received no salary or royalties. Donald Sherman of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington criticized the arrangement as ethically problematic given high gas prices and airline safety concerns.
• Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy took extended leave to film television series while in office — Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy took a seven-month road trip to film a television series called "The Great American Road Trip" while serving as secretary. He appeared on Fox & Friends on the day the national average gas price reached $4.54 per gallon, stating that "it fits any budget to do a road trip," creating a disconnect between his public messaging and his absence from his official duties.

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

• Senate Republicans included $1 billion for Trump's ballroom in DHS funding bill — Senate Republicans released the text of a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security that included $1 billion in taxpayer money designated for the "East Wing Modernization Project, including above-ground and below-ground security features" at Trump's property. The bill also allocated $3.4 billion for CBP through 2029 and $30 billion for ICE. Senate GOP leaders planned to bring the reconciliation bill to the floor the week of May 18.

Supporting reports

• Senate Republicans advance $72 billion reconciliation package for immigration enforcement and White House security — Senate Republicans released text of a $72 billion reconciliation package on May 4, 2026, that includes $30.7 billion for ICE, $3.5 billion for CBP immigration enforcement, and $32.5 billion for additional DHS programs. The package also includes $1 billion for Secret Service "security adjustments and upgrades" connected to the White House ballroom modernization project. Committee markups are scheduled for the week of May 19. Republicans are using reconciliation to bypass the 60-vote threshold, allowing passage with 51 votes, after Democrats refused to fund ICE and CBP without reforms.
• Senate Republicans released budget reconciliation bill including $1 billion for White House ballroom — Senate Republicans released their funding request for a budget reconciliation bill that includes $1 billion in taxpayer money for a secure ballroom at the White House. Trump had begun demolishing the East Wing on October 20, 2025, initially claiming he and private donors would fund the ballroom entirely. The measure uses budget reconciliation, which cannot be filibustered and requires no Democratic votes to pass the Senate.
• Senate Republicans included $1 billion for Trump's ballroom in DHS funding bill — Senate Republicans released the text of a bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security that included $1 billion in taxpayer money designated for the "East Wing Modernization Project, including above-ground and below-ground security features" at Trump's property. The bill also allocated $3.4 billion for CBP through 2029 and $30 billion for ICE. Senate GOP leaders planned to bring the reconciliation bill to the floor the week of May 18.
• Senate Republicans propose $1bn funding package for White House security tied to Trump ballroom project — Senator Chuck Grassley released a Republican-led immigration enforcement funding bill that includes $1bn in proposed appropriations for "security adjustments and upgrades" within the White House compound perimeter, explicitly tied to the "East Wing Modernization Project"—the Trump administration's plan to rebuild the East Wing as a ballroom. The measure restricts funds to security elements only, though Democrats argue it effectively subsidizes the ballroom construction. The proposal comes after an armed man attempted to storm the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April.
• Senate Republicans propose $1 billion for Trump's ballroom — Senate Republicans released a funding request for a budget reconciliation bill that includes $1 billion for White House security, specifically for a ballroom proposed by former President Donald Trump. This funding is being advanced through budget reconciliation, allowing it to pass without Democratic votes. The proposal follows Trump's earlier claims that he would fund the ballroom himself, raising concerns about the use of taxpayer money for personal projects.
• House and Senate Republicans raised concerns about $1 billion ballroom funding — Multiple House and Senate Republicans privately raised alarms about a $1 billion allocation in the GOP's reconciliation bill designated for ballroom-related construction. Republican members expressed concern about the political vulnerability of the vote, with one House member stating "A first-year political science major would know not to ask members to take this vote" and another declaring "There is no way in hell that this will get 218 votes on the floor." Senate Democrats prepared to use the vote-a-rama process to highlight the funding as an example of GOP priorities misaligned with cost-of-living concerns.

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

• Energy CEOs received substantial pay raises amid customer hardship and service failures — A review by the Energy and Policy Institute found that CEOs at 38 of 51 top US utilities received pay raises averaging 16% to $12.3m in 2025, collectively totaling $82m. This occurred while utility bills rose as much as 40% in some regions since 2021, utilities disconnected customers 13m times in 2025, and many executives received raises despite failing performance standards. Notable increases included Bill Ferhman (AEP) at $23m (176%), Tim Cawley (ConEd) at $4.9m (33%), and Chris Womack (Southern Company) at $4.3m (18%).

Supporting reports

• White House negotiates $500m financing package for Spirit Airlines with potential equity stake — The Trump administration is finalizing a financing package of up to $500m in loans to rescue Spirit Airlines, which has faced repeated bankruptcy filings and financial distress exacerbated by rising fuel costs from the Iran conflict. In exchange for federal funds, the government would receive warrants for a potential equity stake in the airline. Trump publicly stated support for federal aid to preserve the carrier's 14,000 jobs. White House spokesperson Kush Desai blamed the Biden administration for blocking Spirit's 2024 merger with JetBlue on antitrust grounds.
• Trump administration negotiates $500 million Spirit Airlines bailout — The Trump administration is reportedly close to a $500 million loan deal to bail out Spirit Airlines, which faces bankruptcy due to elevated fuel costs from Trump's own military campaign. In return, the government would receive warrants for a significant equity stake in the airline—as much as 90% according to early reports. This follows the administration taking stakes in Intel and various rare earth companies.
• Trump administration entered advanced talks for Spirit Airlines financing package — The Trump administration engaged in advanced negotiations for a financing package to prevent Spirit Airlines from liquidating. The deal could include $500 million in government financing and potentially grant the government an equity stake in the carrier. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, the architect of the deal, argued to Trump it could save jobs and boost GOP prospects in midterms. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy raised concerns that a bailout could be a political nightmare and questioned what the government would gain. Senators Ted Cruz and Tom Cotton publicly opposed the deal as poor use of taxpayer dollars.

Supporting reports

• Ron DeSantis signs bill renaming Palm Beach airport after Donald Trump — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation on March 31, 2026, directing the renaming of Palm Beach International Airport to President Donald J Trump International Airport, effective July 1, 2026, pending Federal Aviation Administration approval. Trump's family business filed a trademark application for the name in February. The airport renaming is part of a broader pattern of naming federal and state institutions, programs, warships, currency, and buildings after Trump.

Supporting reports

• DOJ settled with pardoned Michael Flynn for $1.2 million — The Justice Department reached a settlement with pardoned former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, awarding him $1.2 million in taxpayer funds. Flynn had previously pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's ambassador to the United States and was later pardoned by Trump. The settlement represents a reversal of the government's position against Flynn.
• Justice Department Settles with Michael Flynn — The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a settlement with Michael Flynn, a former national security advisor to Donald Trump. This settlement is part of a series of financial agreements that have resulted in Trump allies receiving substantial sums of taxpayer money. The details of the settlement have not been disclosed, but it continues a pattern of financial dealings involving individuals close to the former president. This development raises questions about the use of public funds and the accountability of government financial settlements.
• Michael Flynn and DOJ settled political targeting lawsuit — Michael Flynn and the Department of Justice agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by Flynn over his claims of political targeting in a 2017 case in which he initially pleaded guilty. A judge had previously tossed Flynn's lawsuit in 2024. His attorneys filed an amended complaint last June after Trump took office. Flynn served as National Security Advisor during Trump's first term before resigning after less than a month.
• DOJ announced settlement with Michael Flynn — The Department of Justice announced a settlement with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor who pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about conversations with Russian operative Sergey Kislyak before Trump took office. Trump later pardoned Flynn, who subsequently worked to overturn the 2020 presidential election results. Flynn had sued the DOJ for $50 million in damages in 2023, claiming wrongful prosecution due to his association with Trump. A federal judge dismissed the lawsuit in 2024, but Flynn's lawyers renewed the case after Trump's reelection, leading to DOJ negotiations. The settlement amount was approximately $1.2 million.
• DOJ announces settlement with Michael Flynn — The Department of Justice announced a settlement with Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security advisor, who had previously pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Flynn's lawsuit against the DOJ for $50 million was dismissed, but negotiations led to a settlement, reportedly amounting to approximately $1.2 million.

Supporting reports

• National Debt Surpasses $39 Trillion — The U.S. national debt has exceeded $39 trillion, increasing by approximately $1 trillion in recent months. This rise is attributed to increased military spending and other fiscal policies under the current administration.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration cut State Department energy diplomacy staff in fall 2025 — The Trump administration laid off all State Department staffers from the Bureau of Energy Resources who maintained diplomatic contacts with foreign energy bureaus and Middle East gas and oil companies. Those terminated included the only expert in tracking sanctioned oil tankers and the person coordinating with the international agency managing oil reserve releases during crises. No formal handover or transition of contacts occurred. Former officials told reporter Anna Kramer that the administration appeared unprepared for a global oil crisis, as previous administrations had planned for exactly the scenario now unfolding.

Supporting reports

• TSA officers work without pay during DHS shutdown — Transportation Security Administration officers have worked without compensation for two months as essential workers during the DHS shutdown. More than 300 TSA agents have resigned, and remaining officers have taken unscheduled time off, resulting in security line delays exceeding two hours at major airports. Officers earning an average of $35,000 annually face financial hardship amid rising fuel costs and uncertainty about when they will receive payment.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration slashes diversity and inclusion funding for nonprofits, including Asian American organizations — The Trump administration in its second term has cut diversity and inclusion programs and funding for nonprofits, including many led by Asian Americans. This defunding has reduced institutional capacity for racial justice work and contributed to the decline of momentum in the Stop Asian Hate movement. The shuttering of media outlets such as NBC Asian America further diminished coverage of anti-Asian Pacific Islander issues and public awareness.

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

• Homeland Security Secretary traveled in $70 million luxury aircraft — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and her affair partner Corey Lewandowski travel in a $70 million luxury Boeing 737 MAX jet equipped with a private cabin, according to Wall Street Journal reporting. The use of such an aircraft for personal travel by a cabinet secretary raises questions about misuse of government resources.
• Department of Homeland Security plans $70 million luxury jet purchase for Kristi Noem — The Department of Homeland Security announced plans to purchase a $70 million luxury jet for Secretary Kristi Noem's travel. The aircraft features a bedroom with queen bed, showers, kitchen, four large flat-screen televisions, and a bar. Officials are attempting to justify the purchase as necessary for deportation operations and cabinet travel.
• DHS began leasing luxury Boeing 737 Max 8 jet for deportations and Cabinet travel — The Department of Homeland Security recently began leasing a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft described as a luxury jet, equipped with a bedroom with queen bed, showers, kitchen, four large flat-screen televisions, and a bar. ICE is now seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget to purchase the aircraft for $70 million, stating it would be used for deportations and Cabinet officials' travel. The aircraft features interior design by renowned New York designer Peter Marino. Secretary Kristi Noem recently flew on the jet for a trip to Tel Aviv. Some ICE officials initially deemed the aircraft too luxurious for use in immigrant deportations.

Supporting reports

• Garcia calls for Commerce Secretary Lutnick investigation — House Oversight ranking member Robert Garcia called on House Oversight Committee chair James Comer to bring in Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for questioning. Garcia stated that Lutnick visited Epstein's island and had extensive communications with Epstein after it was known Epstein was preying on children, and argued Lutnick should not hold office.
• House Oversight demands full Epstein file release — House Oversight ranking member Robert Garcia stated that Trump's DOJ intends to withhold approximately 50% of Epstein files while claiming full compliance with law. Garcia announced the committee will demand release of all files to the committee while protecting survivors, and will investigate the names of Epstein's co-conspirators and men who abused women and girls.
• Rep. Mace challenges DOJ privilege claims on Epstein files — Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) stated that DOJ's invocation of "Work Product Privilege" will not withstand legal challenge for withholding Epstein files. Mace argued that federal agencies have already waived privileges by disclosing redacted and unredacted information, and that privilege claims cannot apply when investigations are concluded and no prosecutions are planned.

Supporting reports

• Texas Governor Greg Abbott stopped public universities and state government from hiring H-1B workers — Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a directive stopping public universities and the state government from hiring H-1B visa workers, most of whom are Indian nationals. The action reflects anti-Indian sentiment among online Trump supporters that has spilled into real-world policy, and is expected to harm the state economy's reliance on Indian doctors and other professionals for essential services.

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.