Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Secret Service and Army Corps of Engineers alter Caesar Creek Lake water level for Vice-President Vance's birthday boating trip — The US Secret Service requested that the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) change the outflow of Caesar Creek Lake in Ohio on 2 August to facilitate Vice-President JD Vance's family boating trip on his birthday. The USACE complied, stating the request met operational criteria and required no deviation from normal procedures. Senator Adam Schiff subsequently demanded answers, alleging misuse of public resources for personal benefit and suggesting standard documentation requirements were waived. The incident raises questions about appropriate use of federal infrastructure and funds.
• Vice President Vance's team requested Army Corps of Engineers alter lake outflow for recreational boating — The Guardian reported that Vice President JD Vance's team requested that the Army Corps of Engineers change the outflow of Caesar Creek Lake in Ohio to accommodate a boating excursion during a family holiday on August 2, Vance's 41st birthday. One source alleged the outflow request was made to create "ideal kayaking conditions." Former White House ethics counsel Norm Eisen stated that such a request would have been denied during the Obama administration, as it creates the appearance of special treatment unavailable to ordinary citizens.
• Former Russian President Medvedev hints at possession of compromising material on Trump — Former Russian President Dmitri Medvedev posted on social media: "Trump should not think that the video archive of his past immoralities is only in the hands of Mossad." The statement suggests that Russia possesses or claims to possess compromising video material on Trump and implies that such material could be used as leverage.
• Secret Service requested Army Corps of Engineers raise Ohio river water level for Vice President Vance's boating trip — The Secret Service requested the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in Louisville, Kentucky, to raise the water level of the Little Miami River ahead of Vice President JD Vance's family boating trip in early August. Vance's office stated he and his staff were unaware of the decision. The Secret Service said the adjustment was operationally necessary to support safe navigation of security details, local law enforcement, and emergency responders, and that a public safety boat had run aground during advance scouting. The USACE confirmed the request met operational criteria and did not require deviation from normal procedures.

Supporting reports

• Federal judge overturns injunction protecting CFPB from Trump administration gutting — Although unions initially won an injunction preventing Trump from gutting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a DC circuit panel judge overturned the injunction in August 2025. The unions are seeking to appeal the decision.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration signs rescissions package into law — President Trump signed into law a rescissions package approved by Republicans in the Senate that permits the administration to cut $9.4 billion in spending from laws previously passed by Congress. This marks the first time in decades that Congress has approved such rescissions. Democrats objected to the measure. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) cautioned against making this a precedent, while OMB director Russell Vought indicated the cuts represent only the beginning of planned reductions.
• Became Law: Rescissions Act of 2025 — Congress enacted the Rescissions Act of 2025 (Public Law 119-28) on July 24, 2025. The bill authorizes the rescission of previously appropriated federal funds. This legislative action grants authority to cancel or redirect budgeted spending, affecting the allocation and availability of federal resources across government programs and agencies.

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• Trump administration awarded $1.26 billion detention facility contract — Bloomberg reported that the Trump administration awarded a $1.26 billion contract to build what would be the largest immigrant detention facility in the country at Fort Bliss, an Army base in Texas.
• Department of Defense awarded $1.26 billion contract for detention facility at Fort Bliss — The U.S. Department of Defense awarded a $1.26 billion contract to Acquisition Logistics to build the largest detention facility in the United States at Fort Bliss, an army base in El Paso, Texas. The facility will be designed to hold 5,000 people in tents and is expected to open in September 2027. The company awarded the contract appears not to have experience running detention centers.

Supporting reports

• Senate considers $9.4 billion spending rescission package — The Senate considered a White House request for Congress to approve $9.4 billion in spending cuts the Trump administration made unilaterally to congressionally appropriated funds. The package includes ending federal support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR, PBS, and local stations. The House had already passed it. Congress must approve by Friday or the funds revert to original appropriations. Senate Republicans expressed frustration that the White House had not specified which programs would be cut.
• Senate Republicans and White House reverse PEPFAR funding cut — Senate Republicans and the White House reached an agreement to reverse a proposed $400 million cut to PEPFAR, the global HIV and AIDS relief program, as part of Trump's $9 billion recissions package. The reversal preserved funding for the international health initiative.
• Trump administration announces plan to defund public broadcasting — The Trump administration included in its rescission package a request to end federal support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which funds NPR, PBS, and local public broadcasting stations. The administration stated that NPR and PBS "fuel…partisanship and left-wing propaganda." The cuts are part of the broader $9.4 billion rescission request before Congress.
• Senate Republicans advance rescissions bill cutting $9bn in public broadcasting and foreign aid — Senate Republicans moved to pass a rescissions package slashing up to $9bn in previously appropriated funds, targeting $1.1bn for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (which funds NPR and PBS) and approximately $8bn in foreign assistance. The GOP is racing to meet a Friday legal deadline. Vice President JD Vance broke a tie on a procedural vote after three Republican senators joined all Democrats in opposition. The Senate began a vote-a-rama on Wednesday afternoon. Senate Majority Leader John Thune announced a compromise to preserve $400m in PEPFAR funding, requiring a second House vote.
• Senate passes Trump rescissions package to claw back $9bn in spending — Congressional Republicans advanced legislation requested by President Trump to rescind $9 billion in previously appropriated federal funding, including $1.1 billion for public broadcasting (NPR/PBS) and approximately $8 billion in foreign aid. The Senate passed the bill 51–48 on July 17, 2025, with Republican senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voting against it. The measure now returns to the House for final approval before the 45-day rescission window expires on July 18.
• US Senate passes Trump-requested rescissions package cutting $9bn in foreign aid and public broadcasting — The Republican-controlled Senate voted 51–48 to approve a rescissions bill that claws back $9 billion in previously appropriated spending, including $1.1 billion for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (which funds NPR and PBS) and approximately $8 billion in foreign assistance. All Democrats and two Republicans (Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins) opposed the measure. Senate Majority Leader John Thune framed it as "fiscal sanity," while Democrats condemned it as an unconstitutional surrender of Congress's spending authority to the executive branch. The bill now proceeds to the House for final approval before a Friday deadline.

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• Noem diverted HHS disaster funds to immigration enforcement and advertising — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spent $200 million on an advertising campaign promoting Trump's agenda and $21 million to transport approximately 400 migrants to Guantanamo Bay, many of whom were subsequently transferred out. Senator Chris Murphy warned in May 2025 that Noem was on track to violate the Anti-Deficiency Act by spending more money than Congress allocated, leaving the agency "broke by July, over two months before the end of the fiscal year." Noem justified the spending as fulfilling a mandate from voters for border security.

Supporting reports

• Homeland Security Secretary Noem imposes centralized approval requirement for FEMA expenditures over $100,000 — Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary, issued a directive requiring that all FEMA expenditures or contracts worth $100,000 or more be submitted to her office for prior approval. Former officials warn this centralization of decision-making will impede rapid disaster response and may result in preventable loss of life by slowing mobilization during emergencies.
• Trump administration imposes grant cuts and spending restrictions on FEMA, degrading disaster-response capacity — The Trump administration has cut FEMA grant programs and imposed new spending restrictions, including a requirement that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem approve all expenditures over $100,000. These actions, combined with a mass staff exodus of approximately 2,000 employees since January 2025, have left the agency dangerously underresourced ahead of hurricane season. Former FEMA officials warn the agency may lack funds by month's end and cannot handle multiple concurrent disasters, potentially resulting in preventable loss of life.
• Noem diverted HHS disaster funds to immigration enforcement and advertising — Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spent $200 million on an advertising campaign promoting Trump's agenda and $21 million to transport approximately 400 migrants to Guantanamo Bay, many of whom were subsequently transferred out. Senator Chris Murphy warned in May 2025 that Noem was on track to violate the Anti-Deficiency Act by spending more money than Congress allocated, leaving the agency "broke by July, over two months before the end of the fiscal year." Noem justified the spending as fulfilling a mandate from voters for border security.

Supporting reports

• American Federation of Teachers accepts $23 million from AI companies — The American Federation of Teachers, one of the nation's largest teachers unions, accepted $23 million in funding from Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic. The funds will establish the National Academy for AI Instruction in New York City to train teachers on using AI tools for tasks like generating lesson plans. The arrangement creates a potential conflict of interest, as the union accepted money from companies with financial stakes in AI adoption while representing educators.

Supporting reports

• White House issued fact sheet on federal hiring freeze and merit-based approval requirements — The White House issued a fact sheet on July 7, 2025, describing a Presidential Memorandum signed by President Trump that day. The memorandum requires most federal civilian hires and new positions to be approved by presidentially appointed agency leadership, effective through October 15, 2025. The fact sheet states the policy aims to end "incompetence and 'equity' over results" and claims exemptions apply to immigration enforcement, national security, and public safety roles. The document frames the action as promoting fiscal responsibility and government efficiency.
• White House issued presidential memorandum imposing federal hiring freeze through October 15, 2025 — The White House issued a presidential memorandum on July 7, 2025, directing a freeze on federal civilian hiring through October 15, 2025. The order prohibits filling vacant positions or creating new positions in executive departments and agencies, except for military personnel, immigration enforcement, national security, public safety roles, and the Executive Office of the President. The memorandum permits exemptions for positions approved by agency heads or presidential appointees and carves out Social Security, Medicare, and veterans' benefits. It references a Merit Hiring Plan issued by the Office of Personnel Management on May 29, 2025.

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• House Budget Committee Chair Jason Smith announced elimination of IRS Direct File Program — House Budget Committee Chair Jason Smith announced that the budget bill eliminates the IRS Direct File Program, which allowed millions of Americans with basic tax returns to file directly with the IRS without using commercial tax preparation services. Polls show the program has 88% public approval. The elimination benefits commercial tax preparation companies that have lost business since the program launched.

Supporting reports

• ICE and CoreCivic Plan to Open California's Largest Immigration Jail — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has partnered with CoreCivic, a private prison contractor, to convert a shuttered 2,500-bed prison in California City into the state's largest immigrant detention center. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to increase detention capacity amid a crackdown on immigration. CoreCivic has received $10 million in initial funding for a six-month contract to transform the facility. The plan has sparked significant opposition from advocacy groups and local residents, who argue it will lead to long-term harm and economic detriment to the community.
• Gavin Newsom sues Fox News for defamation over edited Trump call footage — California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a defamation lawsuit against Fox News on Friday, demanding $787 million in damages. The suit alleges that Fox host Jesse Watters aired a deceptively edited clip of Donald Trump to falsely claim Newsom lied about the timing of a phone call with Trump regarding military deployment to Los Angeles. Records show the call occurred on June 7, not immediately before the June 10 deployment announcement. The lawsuit also invokes California's Unfair Competition Law and mirrors the $787.5 million Dominion settlement Fox paid in 2023.
• Gov. Newsom filed defamation lawsuit against Fox News and Jesse Watters — California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News and host Jesse Watters after Watters aired a deceptively edited clip and made false claims about Newsom's communications with Trump. Newsom's legal team stated they would drop the suit if Fox issues a public retraction and Watters apologizes on air. The damages figure matches Fox's 2023 Dominion settlement.

Supporting reports

• Florida approved Everglades detention facility — A newly approved detention facility deep in the Florida Everglades was designed to house up to 5,000 migrants. Members of the state legislature said they were not consulted about the plan. Florida estimated the new facility will cost about $450 million a year to operate, with the federal government reimbursing that money through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• ICE and CoreCivic Plan to Open California's Largest Immigration Jail — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has partnered with CoreCivic, a private prison contractor, to convert a shuttered 2,500-bed prison in California City into the state's largest immigrant detention center. This move is part of the Trump administration's efforts to increase detention capacity amid a crackdown on immigration. CoreCivic has received $10 million in initial funding for a six-month contract to transform the facility. The plan has sparked significant opposition from advocacy groups and local residents, who argue it will lead to long-term harm and economic detriment to the community.
• Florida Attorney General proposes "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention facility in Everglades — Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier proposed construction of an outdoor migrant detention camp at a disused training airfield in the Everglades, designed to hold up to 5,000 detainees in tents. The state seized the 39-square-mile site from Miami-Dade County under emergency powers. Crews began preparing the facility this week to support the Trump administration's goal of arresting and incarcerating 3,000 undocumented migrants daily. The facility is scheduled to open in early July, with approximately 100 Florida National Guard troops initially providing security.

Supporting reports

• Trump criticized for economic comments on Federal Reserve — President Trump expressed frustration with Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, blaming him for economic issues and rising inflation. He called for cuts to interest rates, arguing that the Fed's actions are detrimental to the economy.
• Trump Renews Attacks on Federal Reserve Chair — President Trump criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, calling him "dumb" and "destructive" after the Fed did not lower interest rates. Trump's comments reflect ongoing tensions with the Federal Reserve.

Supporting reports

• Trump Suggests Withholding Disaster Aid to California — President Trump suggested he may withhold federal disaster aid to California due to Governor Gavin Newsom's response to military deployments in Los Angeles. California requested $40 billion for wildfire relief.

Supporting reports

• Trump Orders ICE Raids on Farms and Hotels — President Donald Trump has ordered the resumption of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids on farms and hotels, reversing a brief pause that lasted only four days. The initial pause was due to concerns that the aggressive raids were negatively impacting these industries. However, under pressure from immigration hardliners, Trump directed ICE to continue the raids, aiming for a target of 3,000 daily arrests, particularly in major cities. This decision highlights the ongoing internal conflicts within the administration regarding immigration policy.

Supporting reports

• ICE raids and detentions in Los Angeles — Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted raids in Los Angeles, targeting areas such as a swap meet in Santa Fe Springs and the suburb of Montebello. During these operations, ICE detained individuals, including US citizens, sparking accusations of racial profiling. The raids are part of a broader escalation of immigration enforcement in Democratic-run cities, as ordered by President Trump. The actions have led to widespread fear and anxiety in affected communities, with reports of people avoiding public spaces and work due to the presence of heavily armed agents.
• ICE Raids on Home Depot Workers in Los Angeles — Federal immigration agents conducted raids at Home Depot parking lots in Los Angeles, targeting undocumented immigrant workers. These raids, which began in January and have intensified over the past week, have led to the arrest and detention of numerous day laborers, causing fear and disruption among the immigrant community. The raids have sparked protests and have been criticized for their aggressive tactics, including the alleged barring of lawyers and congressional representatives from accessing detainees. The raids have significantly impacted the local economy and community dynamics, with many workers and vendors avoiding the area out of fear.
• Federal immigration officers conduct raids in Los Angeles — On June 6, 2025, federal immigration officers began conducting raids in Los Angeles, targeting Latino parishes and other locations. These actions are part of a broader immigration crackdown under the Trump administration, which has led to the arrest of at least 330 immigrants in the area. The raids have sparked protests and mobilization among faith leaders and community members, who are providing support and resources to undocumented immigrants affected by the raids. The Trump administration had previously overturned a policy limiting migrant arrests at sensitive locations, such as churches.
• ICE Raids Detain Migrant Workers in Los Angeles — In a series of raids across Los Angeles, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained over 40 migrant workers at a garment factory, instilling fear among local students and families. The raids have led to heightened anxiety within mixed-status families, prompting educators to become advocates and resource distributors for affected students. The situation has sparked protests and a response from the Trump administration, which has sent the National Guard and Marines to the area.

Supporting reports

• Florida Governor's Statement on Protesters — Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made a controversial statement allowing drivers to legally run over protesters if they felt threatened while surrounded by a crowd. This statement was made in the context of the "No Kings" protests against President Trump's policies. The governor's remarks have been criticized for potentially inciting violence against protesters and undermining the right to peaceful assembly.

Supporting reports

• Deployment of National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles — President Donald Trump deployed National Guard and US Marine troops to Los Angeles to suppress protests against his administration's increased deportation policies. This deployment was a significant show of military force, reminiscent of actions not seen since the civil rights era. The move was part of a broader strategy to manage nationwide protests, which were largely peaceful but faced law enforcement actions in some areas. The deployment has been criticized for defying state and local authorities, raising concerns about federal overreach and the militarization of protest management.
• Trump deploys military units to Los Angeles amid immigration protests — President Donald Trump deployed 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 active marines to Los Angeles in response to confrontations between pro-migrant protesters and military units. This action was taken as part of a broader effort to enforce immigration policies, with Stephen Miller, Trump's deputy chief of staff, playing a significant role in shaping these policies. The deployment has been criticized as an authoritarian move, usurping the powers of California's government, and has sparked accusations of overreach and militarization of domestic issues.
• Trump deploys National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles — Amid protests against immigration policies in Los Angeles, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard and summoned hundreds of Marines without the consent of the California governor. This marked the first time since 1965 that a president has taken such action without state approval. The protests, which began on June 6, were sparked by raids targeting immigrants and have been met with a significant federal response, painting the city as chaotic in some media narratives. The federal clampdown has fueled national outcry and local demonstrations of solidarity.

Supporting reports

• ICE increases arrests of non-criminal immigrants — Since the start of Donald Trump's second term, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly increased the arrest and detention of immigrants without criminal histories. This surge contradicts Trump's claims that ICE is targeting criminals for deportation. Data shows an 807% increase in arrests of immigrants with no criminal record from January to June 2025. The Trump administration has ordered ICE to arrest more immigrants, with a target of 3,000 arrests per day. This has led to overcrowded detention facilities and challenges in providing adequate oversight and care.

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• Texas Capitol Evacuated Due to Credible Threats — The Texas Department of Public Safety issued an alert to state lawmakers and legislative staffers about credible threats to their safety, leading to the evacuation of the Texas Capitol in Austin. This action was taken as a precautionary measure after threats were made against lawmakers planning to attend a "No Kings" anti-Trump rally. The area was temporarily closed, and one person was arrested in connection with the threats. The situation followed the targeting of Minnesota politicians earlier that day.

Supporting reports

• Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman Assassinated — Minnesota state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot and killed at their home by a man dressed as a police officer. The attack, which also injured State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, was described by Governor Tim Walz as a "politically motivated assassination." The incident highlights the increasing political violence in the United States.
• Minnesota Lawmaker Assassinated, Another Wounded in Shooting — In Minnesota, Democratic state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while Democratic state senator John Hoffman and his wife were wounded in a shooting incident. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, is believed to have impersonated a police officer to gain access to the victims. The FBI has named Boelter as the suspect and added him to their most wanted list. The attack is considered politically motivated, and a manhunt is underway. Governor Tim Walz condemned the act as a "politically motivated assassination."
• Gunman shoots Minnesota lawmakers in politically motivated attack — A gunman, Vance Boelter, shot and killed Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, while also injuring state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette. The attack, described by Governor Tim Walz as politically motivated, occurred at the lawmakers' homes. Boelter was apprehended later that evening after fleeing the scene. He had a list of intended targets, primarily Democrats and abortion rights advocates.

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• Trump Holds Military Parade in Washington, D.C. — On Saturday, former President Donald Trump held a military parade in Washington, D.C., marking his 79th birthday. The event, inspired by France's Bastille Day celebrations, featured military vehicles and troops marching through the streets of the U.S. capital. This parade is a rare occurrence in the United States, where such displays of military might in civilian settings are not common. Critics have expressed concerns about the authoritarian undertones of the event, drawing parallels to similar displays in countries like Russia, China, and North Korea.
• Trump Holds Military Parade in DC — President Trump held a military parade in Washington, D.C., reportedly costing $40 million. The event was sponsored by companies like Coinbase, Lockheed Martin, and Palantir. Despite claims of high attendance, reports indicated the turnout was lower than expected. The parade coincided with Trump's birthday and was criticized for its extravagant spending.
• Trump’s military parade fails to attract significant attendance — A military parade organized in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Army and former President Trump's birthday was poorly attended and criticized for its disorganization. The event contrasted sharply with the nationwide protests, highlighting a shift in political culture.
• Trump’s military parade poorly attended and criticized — A military parade in Washington, D.C., intended to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the American Army and Trump’s birthday, was poorly organized and attended. Reports indicated empty bleachers and a lack of enthusiasm among attendees, contrasting sharply with the nationwide protests occurring simultaneously.

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• Planned 'No Kings' Protests Against Trump Administration — On June 13, 2025, millions are expected to participate in the "No Kings" protests across approximately 2,000 sites in the United States. The protests are organized in response to President Trump's military parade and his administration's actions, including defying court orders, mass deportations, and attacks on civil rights. The protests aim to demonstrate widespread opposition to Trump's policies and to advocate for democracy and civil liberties.

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• Smithsonian Institution rebuffs Trump's attempt to fire Kim Sajet — The Smithsonian Institution's governing board rejected former President Donald Trump's attempt to fire Kim Sajet, the director of the National Portrait Gallery. Trump had announced on May 30 that he had fired Sajet, accusing her of being "highly partisan" and a supporter of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), which he deemed inappropriate for her position. The Smithsonian's board asserted its independence, stating that all personnel decisions are made by the secretary with board oversight, thus maintaining its governance structure against political interference.

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• Trump administration proposes funding cuts to the National Park Service — The Trump administration has proposed significant funding cuts to the US National Park Service, which would reduce the agency's stewardship budget from approximately $375 million to $185 million. This budget cut threatens the existence of the Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division (NSNSD), a small office dedicated to reducing noise and light pollution in national parks. The proposed cuts are part of a broader effort to shift the focus of the National Park Service from enhancing and preserving parks to managing visitors. The cuts have been temporarily halted due to ongoing court battles.